Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Bring A Little Downton Abbey Into Your Wedding

I have quickly become a huge fan of Downton Abbey, although I jumped on the train much later than everyone else.  That seems to be pretty typical for this Idaho girl though in almost all trends.  Since my recent found love I am longing to see that complete vintage inspired wedding and am also in love with the new trend (or perhaps it's old hat to those in So. Cal) of having a lounge area at your Reception.  
Having a lounge area is the perfect way to keep all of your guests entertained.  You could have a game area set up nearby featuring horseshoes, croquet, etc.  Guests could sip on cool drinks as they watch others play.  This is also a great spot for the men to congregate.  Set up a fun cigar bar, or brewing station next to this and you suddenly have an outdoor man-cave. 

A lounge area is also perfect for winter weddings to help break up the space.  Look at these great examples of how Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals and Styling transformed our cottage and Wagon Barn this past winter with gorgeous sitting areas. 

 What I love about this recent find is that it isn't something that is outside the average Brides budget.  You would be amazed at how affordable it can be to have a one-of-a-kind vintage piece at your wedding.  It's a statement piece that guests will be talking about for years to come and it is one more way to make your wedding unique and special.  Every Bride I talk to longs for their guests to have a great time.  What better way to do that than to give them the feel that they are walking into your living room? Yes, it may be a much classier, sophisticated, drop dead gorgeous version, but nonetheless it will help set the tone that you want them to make themselves comfortable and enjoy the night far past sunset! 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

What's A Bridal Social?



We are extremely excited to be hosting our first annual Bridal Social this year on March 2, 2013.  This is an event to ultimately thank, inspire and encourage all of our upcoming Brides as they begin planning their wedding here at Still Water Hollow.  This is an exclusive event for Still Water Brides and will hopefully turn into a grand tradition! There are many wonderful sponsors for this event, so read on and find out how each sponsor will be making this years Bridal Social extra special.

Thanks-
We wanted to create an event that would bless all those who have chosen to say, "I Do" on this beautiful piece of country land.  What better way to do that than to tantalize your taste buds for food, art, decor and more? Raedeans Catering will be serving an absolutely mouth watering array of dishes for Brunch and Dinner.  We will also have our new Bridal Information Packets available for you.  These are going to be your life line as you plan your wedding because all the little details you may need to know about your venue will be in one convenient place!

Inspiration-
In the DIY world of weddings it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how and where to cut costs so that you can have the things you have always dreamed of.  We've compiled some great tips over the past year as well as asked some of Idaho's top wedding professionals to help give you creative ways to save.

Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals and Styling will be transforming our Reception Hall to give every Bride amazing ideas for their wedding decor.  Whether you are wanting to create an atmosphere that exudes a rustic/country, shabby-chic or vintage glam feel; you will find an idea outside of any Pinterest box. Each season will be represented so June and December Bride's alike will find ideas that spark the imagination.

Will, from Flowers at Will, is designing all the arrangements and floral decor for this event.  What we love about his arrangements is his ability to bring the natural beauty of Idaho into any event.  Even if it means cutting down the gorgeous aspen himself!  Will is known for using creativity to create a million dollar look for anyone's budget, so he's sure to have some great tips for your floral flurry!

I don't know about you, but as I saw the invitations for the Bridal Social I became a little giddy.  I hope you had the same feeling as you opened up your envelope.  Abigail from Chapter & Page did a wonderful job designing them and will have even more stylish ideas for using signage at your wedding for a more personal touch! She has some great tips on how to make your stationary look personal without spending a fortune.

Memories-
Our prayer is that Still Water Hollow won't simply be a place where you held your ceremony and reception.  We want you to create many wonderful memories here before and after your wedding day, starting with this Bridal Social.

Nothing captures those memories like photos, so I am so pleased that we will have two photographers at the event to capture all the joy and love that fills the room.  Afterward, you will have the opportunity to view all the images and even choose some for your mantle at home. Two amazing photographers are going to be involved in helping showcase the beauty of this event. Stephanie Mballo Photography and Audrey Choate from Raft Media are incredible photographers from the Treasure Valley.  Their ability to capture the essence of an event is priceless.  I am so thankful that they are blessing us with great images of our first annual Bridal Social!

We will be taking RSVP's until February 25th, but since the event will be held inside our Reception Hall we do have limited space available.  Please respond as quickly as possible to ensure you may attend the event.  All 2013 Still Water Hollow Brides are invited and Still Water Hollow is taking care of their admission.  Each Bride may bring up to two additional guests for $10 each. This would be an incredible event to share with your mom, sister, bridesmaids, or other special women in your life.