Occasions by Emily: February 2011

Rachel and Charlie's November wedding closed the 2011 season for us. It was the perfect happy ending. Rachel looked like a princess and Charlie was every bit the prince as he spent the evening adoring his new bride (a key ingredient for a happy marriage!). It was fun getting to know their family and friends a bit as almost all of Rachel and Charlie's family and friends are into racing of some sort whether it's motorcycles, BMX or Nascar. In fact, Charlie is a very winning racer, for more fun information about him, click here. Rachel is ultra-organized and even more creative. I hope you'll enjoy these exceptional images by Sposa Bella of the beautiful couple and all the storybook sweet details.

This is a picture of my staff working... Joann saved the bride from blowing off the top of the mountain on this very windy day! Reason #697 to hire a wedding planner.

Oliver and his adorable flower girl. Oh, and Dan from the Cliffs and I are about to open the door for the bride and her father to enter. Reason #698 for why it's in your best interests to hire a planner--you do NOT want to get stuck outside on a windy day!

While the ladies were getting ready, this debonair pooch jumped off a bed and into my arms. Oh my, I melted! No wonder Rachel and Charlie consider him a member of the family.

Lavender is so pretty and smells so good and does not hurt at all when someone throws it at you. All helpful things when considering a grand exit.

Cliffs at Glassy Chapel -- Breathtaking!

The team at Blossoms at Biltmore Park perfectly captured Rachel's decor vision and brought it to life with shades of purple, log chargers, curly willow and hanging candles.

One of my favorite DIY projects of 2011 was these hand-wrapped chocolate bars used as place cards. Rachel printed each guest's name, then wrapped the paper around a candy bar from her hometown. Who wouldn't be excited to find one of these on a napkin?