Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Sonnet House Southern Wedding Day Dreams

There are so many fabulous wedding venues I have had the pleasure of working with over the years as a wedding planner and so many brides come to me with visions of their wedding days but really no idea of where or how to begin their wedding planning, let alone the location they would like their wedding dreams to unfold.  So I thought I would feature a few venues in blog posts to give brides some ideas when planning their weddings.  The first venue that came to my mind was The Sonnet House located in Leeds Alabama!  Owners Jared Heaton and Corey Hults have created the perfect venue for real Southern hospitality!  The following images feature some of my AK Brides and their weddings at the beautiful Sonnet House!




The front of The Sonnet House showing off it's wrap around porch and high A frame rooftop.  Thank you to Barry Altmark Photography for this gorgeous image.




The beautiful bridal suite is a cozy haven for our brides and her bridesmaids to come in and relax, have their hair and make up done and chit chat about the coming events of the day before getting dressed.  Here is a perfect image of bride Jennifer's wedding gown from Bella Couture Bridal Shop in Mt. Laurel Alabama as it hangs gracefully from the front window of the bridal suite.  Thank you to David Shirk of Unplugged Photography for capturing this gorgeous image.





Bride Jennifer puts on her wedding gown as her bridesmaids look on with excitement!  David Shirk of Unplugged Photography







The courtyard at The Sonnet House has been used for several different purposes including the entrance for your guests to walk through before moving to the ceremony site.  This beautiful tree in the courtyard has been adorned with lanterns, different types of lighting and ribbons holding kissing balls like in this image from David Shirk of Unplugged Photography.  Beautiful florals by Carol Riley of Lillies










Sweet tea and lemonade displayed in the courtyard in front of this rustic green gate and the Southern touch of mason jars waiting to be filled to the rim!  Thank you to David Shirk of Unplugged Photography and also to Chef Bob of Chef Bob.com for this beautiful Southern display








Brides have a choice of several locations for their wedding ceremony.  Among the most popular choice is the gorgeous mantle with it's long walkway and natural green landscape......








The chapel also is a beautiful setting for a wedding ceremony..... so intimate and charming










Bride Kimberly is beaming as she walks with her new husband..  Thank you David Boyd of David Boyd Photography and Carol Riley of Lillies for the beautiful florals this day









Right after the ceremony as guests mingle in the courtyard the fabulous staff at The Sonnet House does a "flip" where they bring out the guest tables, chairs and as the wedding planner, I will place all the centerpieces and candles on the tables to ensure the reception is ready to receive the guests and the party can begin!   The decor from the ceremony site can remain as a beautiful backdrop and as the sun sets, lighting on the mantle area will glow in the distance...  This beautiful image was shot by David Boyd of David Boyd Photography 









A first dance for our bride and groom on a warm Southern Alabama evening...  David Shirk of Unplugged Photography










Guests in the distance as bride and groom Erica and Chad take a minute by themselves to reflect on the day.....  magnificent lighting over the patio area creates our dance floor as guests dance the night away!
Beautiful lighting designed by Andy Tolar of Design Productions LLC.  Thank you David Shirk of Unplugged Photography








A spectacular view from the dance floor of our bride and groom on the steps of The Sonnet House, thank you to David Shirk of Unplugged Photography








Guests dancing the night away to a great band " A Town A List" by Music Garden and our lighting design was created by Andy Tolar of Design Productions LLC







More ideas for wedding receptions at The Sonnet House.  As Marina and Carl's wedding planner, AK Brides, together with the lighting design team at Design Productions LLC created a "tent of lights" with guest seating family style.  This invited guests to feel right at home at long dining tables with a seated meal served family style.  Catering by Kathy G & Company served guests fresh salad, hearty pieces of breads, grilled lamb chops roasted new potatoes and fresh vegetables followed by pastries, fruits and cheeses.  A fabulous mediterranean meal!  Thank you Barry Altmark Photography







An overhead view of our "canopy of lights"





Elegant bride's cake in the front living room of The Sonnet House created by Jan Moon of  Dreamcakes Bakery  Thank you to David Boyd of David Boyd Photography







A gorgeous Southern style cake complete atop a tree stump created by Shannon Pardo of Sweet Spot Confections  -   Unplugged Photography







Once the ceremony site earlier in the day, becomes a beautiful back drop of lush greenery, florals and candles all aglow with some lighting....  Thank you to David Shirk of Unplugged Photography..  Beautiful florals by Carol Riley of Lillies







Absolutely gorgeous image of AK Bride Jennifer and groom Jason right outside the back of The Sonnet House.  This magnificent tree is a favorite as well as the old barn on the right.  So beautiful!  Thank you David Shirk of Unplugged Photography!






Thank you for visiting The Sonnet House with me!  This is a beautiful location for your wedding day filled with Southern comfort and hospitality.  I have been thrilled to plan many weddings at this venue and look forward to helping my AK Brides plan many more weddings in this gorgeous home.  Thank you Jared and Cory for opening your doors to our brides and their families and thank you to all the vendors we get to work with to make wedding day dreams a reality!

Blessings,

Anita













Monday, February 11, 2013

Jennifer and Jason Summer Southern Wedding Day

Jennifer and Jason had the fabulous dream of a Summer wedding in the South at the very charming Sonnet House in Leeds Alabama!  Complete with burlap and lace and hanging from the barn doors is Jennifer's beautiful bridal gown from Bella Couture in Mt. Laurel Alabama.






Groom and Groomsmen were dressed in Sand colored suits with these fabulous boutonnieres made of "Billy Balls" and fresh Alabama greenery.





Natural elements from the surrounding areas, we decorated the mantle at the alter area with tree branches, sunflowers fresh greenery and yellow roses.  Candles atop tree trunks added height and candlelight glow




Added touches of yellows and greens tied with twine welcomed guests into the house from the porch of  The Sonnet House  





Bride Jennifer had a stunning up-do for her wedding day




A sweet love note from her groom





Groom Jason is almost ready to see his bride




Jennifer is calm and relaxed as her bridesmaids secure buttons on her gown










One final look as her bridesmaids look on with excitement!




Her first look at her gorgeous bridal bouquet of gathered southern wildflowers created by Carol Riley of Lillies










About to see her groom for the first time as a bride




So sweet....  one of my very favorite moments




















Standing in the doorway of the barn framed by the burlap draping.....absolutely gorgeous




Time for the girls and the guys to join our bride and groom for some fun




Definitely a fun group!








The girls carried sunny yellow florals against their pale blue dresses...... So Southern..... So Summer




Thank you Carol Riley of Lillies




The Guys.......chillin....



....and looking handsome




LOVE this moment when Daddy sees his little girl as a bride for the first time!!





Our little ring bearer was absolutely adorable!!!!!




A little reflection before the ceremony









A beautiful Alabama Summer sky




A little energy boost before we get things started









Chinese lanterns hang from a gorgeous tree in the courtyard







A beautiful display of our signature drink being prepared for our guests by our caterer Kathy G & Company




An aisle lined with yellow rose petals awaits our guests and bride and groom



The processional begins






A little hesitant about walking down the aisle.....  Momma and Maid of Honor is waiting for him at the alter though....




We are ready!!!  Holding on tight to Daddy's arm

















And forever begins.........










Refreshing lemonade with a slash of lime




Mason jars atop burlap table runners with natural elements and candles




Delicious display of fruits, cheeses and crackers by Kathy G & Company




Southern sweet tea and lemonade









First dance for our bride and groom






A dance with her Daddy






An incredible Alabama sky above The Sonnet House on a hot August evening







A beautiful brides cake of whipped buttercream frosting created by Shannon Pardo of Sweet Spot Confection sits atop a very real piece of tree stump..  very appropriate for this Southern Country themed wedding





....and the Groom's cake for a Georgia Tech Groom







And the party begins!!





Our beautiful lighting design by Andy Tolar of Design Productions LLC
gives decor to our dance floor





Incredible image by our photographer David Shirk of Unplugged Photography
Thank you David!!




Another breath taking image by Mr. David Shirk and gorgeous lighting design by Andy Tolar of Design Productions







Tearful good-byes from Father of the Bride




Ready to say farewell and begin a new life together!









Jennifer and Jason's romantic southern wedding could not have been made possible without the wonderful and talented vendors on this wedding team....  Many many thank you's go out to our fabulous venue The Sonnet House,  Kathy Mezrano and Natalie Andrews of Kathy G & Company,  Carol Riley of Lillies,  Andy Tolar with Design Productions LLC, Shannon Pardo with Sweet Spot Confections, Jackie Robinson on Make up, Lisa Davis with Perfect Events Music for our beautiful ceremony music, Ron Marko with Vintage Auto and of course our fabulous photographer David Shirk and his beautiful wife Arianna of Unplugged Photography.

I do hope you enjoyed these gorgeous images and got a feel for a true southern wedding!

Blessings!

Anita