West Manor Events

Trendspotting for 2013: Neutral Tones

Stephanie — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:35:42 +0000

In 2013, there have been many brides who have chosen to go with a more neutral color palette using blush tones, pastels, and shades of light gray with an occasional bright pop of color. You can expect to see this trend become even more popular as we approach the summer months. Here are a few weddings that follow this movement by choosing to go the neutral route with their color palettes.

Amy and Tyler, 5/3/13

Stephanie — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:37:25 +0000

We’re full-swing into wedding season here at West Manor, and were so happy to host Amy and Tyler’s fun, preppy wedding on Friday! Though the day was a little cloudy, their bright purple and yellow palette kept everything fun and lively. Here are some of their lovely pictures, from Katelyn James Photography:

Trendspotting for 2013: Vintage-Style Flowers

Stephanie — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:43:16 +0000

If you keep up with wedding blogs like we do here at West Manor, you already know that one of those commonly predicted trends for 2013 is ‘the re-emergence of glamour,’ or ’1920′s elegance,’ and with those fantastic themes follows beautiful, loose, vintage-style flowers! While more modern-style bouquets have stayed at the forefront for the past several years, vintage-style bouquets bring a lush, romantic, and organic feel that simply can’t be rivaled by the tighter, more geometric arrangements of past years. These types of arrangements and bouquets are especially beautiful in the late spring and summer months, when florists can source beautiful local flowers from area growers. Here’s a beautiful picture from Allegra’s Studio from a 1920′s themed styled photo shoot held here at West Manor last year, featuring some truly incredible flowers by The Arrangement Company – it takes this vintage-style theme to the extreme, but turned out so beautifully!

Photo credit: Allegra’s Studio

Here are a few more examples of this style from local floral designers, to get your creative wheels turning:

By: Philosophy Flowers

(We’re especially partial to this one, since it was from a beautiful wedding at West Manor in 2012!)

By: The Arrangement Company

Photo Credit: Nathan Rohrer Photography

Sanders/Copeland Wedding

Stephanie — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:47:40 +0000

In February, we had the joy of seeing Alysson and Patrick tie the knot – they not only had a beautiful day, but also two photographers (one was the very talented mother of the bride) capturing every moment! Here are some of the images, from Yvonne Sanders Photography and Emilee Chambers Photography. Congratulations Alysson and Pat!

Cooter/Wood Wedding

Stephanie — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:55:22 +0000

All the way back in January, we hosted Jessica and Jordan Cooter for their lovely wedding. Here are some of the pictures from JC Creative Works:

Congratulations to both Jessica and Jordan, and happy four month anniversary!

Trendspotting for 2013: ‘Branding’ Your Wedding

Stephanie — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:28:19 +0000

As more and more resources for wedding inspiration become available for brides, many are pushing beyond the boundaries of simply choosing colors or a theme, and instead decide to ‘brand’ their wedding. Although creating a brand for yourself and your fiance may seem daunting, it can often help brides refine their many inspiration sources into one cohesive idea for their special day.

The real question is: What is a brand?

When you think of a brand, you often think of major companies and their slogans – Nike, McDonald’s, or Coca-Cola are all great examples of what a brand can convey: everything from values, to personality and feelings. Coca-cola, for instance, isn’t just something you drink, it’s branding has associated it with summertime, cookouts, and refreshment. To incorporate a personal brand that conveys your own personality into your wedding, there are a few easy steps you can take:

1) Refine your ideas!

Pinterest is an amazing resource, but it can also be an overload for incredible inspiration. If you love the idea of ‘Southern elegance’ for your wedding choose inspiration that fits ONLY within that theme.

(Source)

2) Pick colors and textures

Now that you’ve decided on a specific feel and theme for your wedding, choosing colors and textures (and even sounds!) is simple. Southern elegance, for instance, brings to mind visions of lace, with blush and cream colored flowers, and bluegrass music playing during cocktail hour.

(Source)

3) Choose fonts, make a logo

Once colors and textures have been chosen, an easy way to refine your branding ideas further is to make a wedding logo. A logo can be as simple as a monogram or as complicated as custom graphic design – and once you decide on a logo and fonts within your brand, you can put them on EVERYTHING for your wedding (menu cards, invitations, save the date cards, napkins, etc.)

Isn’t this the cutest save the date? It has a great personal monogram AND a rustic, country theme (Source)

4) Choose your details

This is where all of your wedding vendors come into play! Inform them of your branding ideas, and have them make recommendations for flowers, food, cocktails, tablecloths, cakes (or desserts), and tablescapes that will pull together all of your ideas into one incredibly beautiful day!

Trendspotting for 2013: Breakfast for Dinner

Stephanie — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:43:48 +0000

While everyone in the South loves a good biscuit, serving them at your wedding might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you start brainstorming your wedding menu – but why not?! Here at West Manor, we’ve seen a growing number of girls considering incorporating breakfast foods into their menus for the big day. It’s actually a great idea, and here’s why:

1) It’s economical. You’re already shelling out big bucks for flowers, decor, photographers, the dress, the tux, the list goes on and on. Why not choose a menu that everyone will love, but is also fun and affordable?

2) It’s original. Although breakfast for dinner is a growing ‘trend,’ not a lot of people are willing to sacrifice beef and chicken for frittata and waffles – but all the better for you! Everyone will remember YOUR wedding for the fun and unique food choices.

3) It’s personal (at least, it can be). If you and your beloved’s first date was at a Waffle House, you’d be remiss not to include a waffle bar with tons of toppings for your guests to enjoy (even just as a dessert option!) – bringing in food that’s involved in your love story involves your guests even more on your special day. Also, this waffle cake is just too fun:

So, when you’re planning your wedding day, think outside the box when you’re choosing your menu, and, most of all, have fun doing it!

Spring Tasting

Stephanie — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:36:52 +0000

One of the great services that West Manor provides for it’s brides is a seasonal tasting to help couples decide on the perfect meal for their wedding day. This year, we decided to take it up a few notches and brought in local wedding designers to make ‘inspiration tables’ for the couples, and they turned out so great, we just HAD to share the pictures. Special thanks to Allegra’s Studio for all of the beautiful pictures of the food and tables, as well as R.S. Exclusive, Love is in the Air, Max and Dexter, Perfect Arrangement, The Arrangement Company, Bloom, La Bella Torta and Coffey Cakes for providing beautiful tables, cakes, and treats for the lucky couples!

Seared Flank Steak with Chimichurri and Brown Butter Whipped Potatoes

Barbeque-glazed Salmon with Cucumber & Apple Slaw and Mango Chutney

Arrangement by: Bloom by Doyle’s

Table by: R.S. Exclusive

Table by: Love is in the Air

Table by: Perfect Arrangement

Table by: The Arrangement Company

Table by: Max and Dexter

Dessert table by: Love is in the Air

Winter Inspiration Photoshoot

Stephanie — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 19:19:44 +0000

On the last snowy day we had here at West Manor, we held a photo shoot with some of the best vendors around for a rustic, fur-covered, lush winter wedding. It was featured in Lynchburg Living’s ‘Hitched’ issue, so be sure to check out a few other pictures there, too. Here are some of our favorite images from Sam Stroud, of Sam Stroud Photography:

Photos by: Sam Stroud Photography

Flowers: Philosophy Flowers

Cake: La Bella Torta

Furs: Moore and Giles

Menswear: R. Coffee, Ltd.

Stationary: Sorelle Paper and Print

Set Design: Max and Dexter

Hair: Alison Missiano, Lynchburg-based independent hair stylist

Makeup: Cami Smith, Lynchburg-based independent makeup artist

“Will You Be Having A Bar?” – Wedding Beverage Tips from a Pro

Stephanie — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:30:33 +0000

For the budget-savvy bride, a bar is often the first thing to be cut in order to make your day great – bars are expensive, and can seem unnecessary when you’re a little strapped for cash. However, there are so many great ways to incorporate drinks and beverages to make your special day fun for you and your guests that also adds a personal touch to your wedding without having to shell out a lot of money for a full bar (although those are fun too!) Here are some suggestions from our food and beverage manager at West Manor:

1) Specialty Cocktails

Specialty cocktails are a fun (and often colorful) way to add some fun to your cocktail hour or overall reception. Favorites like gimlets, white peach sangria, or bellini’s are beautiful, fun, light drinks that a whole crowd will enjoy! You can also give your drink a special, personal name, like the ‘Blushing Bride,’ ‘Groom’s Gimlet,’ etc. Get creative! Edible cocktails, aka Jell-o shots are also back in style, and a great way to get the party started after dinner – almost any cocktail can be made into and edible version, and served on a small appetizer spoon, they look simply delightful!

2) Wine with Dinner

Having a glass of wine served to your guests during the dinner hour is a fantastic way to add a restaurant-service feel to your dinner without having to break the bank. Think about it: your guests won’t have to get up and down constantly to make trips to the bar, and you can limit how much they can drink to just one glass, or service during only the dinner hour. It’s a win-win!

3) Champagne Toast

Having a champagne toast for all of your guests is a great way to bring them into the celebration of your new marriage – nothing says ‘special occasion’ like a glass of champagne! To cut back on costs, use an Italian prosecco or Spanish cava, both equally delicious sparkling wines that don’t have the hefty price tag of French champagne.

4) “Mocktails” and Specialty Beverages

If you aren’t a drinker, a specialty “mocktail” like sparkling grape juice with a splash of cranberry juice give you the cocktail feel sans alcohol. Specialty non-alcoholic beverages, like lavender lemonade or minty sweet tea in the summer or (non-alcoholic) eggnog in the winter can add a seasonal feel without hurting your budgetary guidelines.

5) Warm, Wintry Drinks

Outside of cocktail-esque drinks, there are tons of other ways to incorporate unique beverages into your wedding and reception time – think coffee bars with a barista on hand to whip up your favorite drinks, or a hot chocolate bar with tons of toppings (this is especially great for kids, but adults love it too!) – it’s almost like another dessert.

Happy Planning!