Dana and Paul's Wedding

As the days get warmer and we see summer sun--I'm reminded of this beautiful wedding we did at the Biltmore Estate last summer.  Paul and Dana had the perfect destination wedding at the Biltmore Estate.  Many of their guests were from the mid-west and got to enjoy local mountain activities such as mountain biking.  I was VERY concerned about the groom flying over his handlebars the day before the wedding.  Of course, mountain riding was a piece of cake for him and there were no scrapes and bruises present at the wedding.  Enjoy these beautiful photos by Tuesday's Frog.  The amazing florals by Blossoms at Biltmore Park.  

Such a sweet couple!

They all looked like models to me!  These women were so thoughtful and kind, too.

Loved Mom's bouquet of callas contrasted with the leopard print.  

Great invitation by custom designer in Chicago.

A great place for a party!

And one last kiss to end the night.  This couple is truly in love!

Reception music by Premier Sound and Light.  Minister Susie Wright.  Hair and make-up by Natural Impressions in Biltmore Park.

Engagement Photos

Hooray for spring-time engagement sessions!  Paul and Betty's session was in March so there wasn't too much blooming, but they were fortunate that the frigid weather had passed.  They are one of the sweetest couples with whom I have ever worked.  When I mentioned this to Paul and Betty, they jokingly explained that it's because they're Canadian.  Now we're looking forward to meeting the rest of their Canadian family and friends at their wedding--it's going to be a great one!  Thanks to Alisha Silver for these great photos.

Save the Dates - Erika and Lee

Brides are having so much fun with save the dates this year.  Here is a sample that a bride actually created herself.  Erika's computer skills far exceed mine--I was so impressed that I had to share.  If you want to create your own save the date, just give me a call and I'll connect you with people who have mad skills!

Adam and Mim's Wedding

Adam and Mim's wedding ceremony took place at Lake Junaluska Chapel on a very frigid January 2nd this year.  We all absolutely froze, but no one minded (seriously, I'm telling the truth!) because everyone in attendance showed such genuine warmth and regard for Adam and Mim, their families and the other guests.  It was beautiful to me to watch so many people in one place who were truly kind and thoughtful.  I will however admit that we were all very happy to move to the very warm Maggie Valley Club for the reception!

Here are a few of the wonderful images captured by Aaron Morrell and Josh Meduri of Grae Sky Studio.

Because a picture is worth a thousand words...  

The gray box is a space heater.  

The six inches in front of the heater were actually warm!

So beautiful...

Painting of the couple by the groom's brother!

First Dance

Gorgeous (and really yummy) cake by Danielle at Maggie Valley Club.  

Flowers from Four Seasons Florist

This is actually a shot from Mim's bridal portraits.  I love it because it shows her zest, passion and excitement she displays toward all of life.  

Best wishes to a wonderful couple!

Style Me Pretty

Occasions by Emily was recently honored by an invitation to be part of a refreshingly couture wedding resource: Style Me Pretty's, The Little Black Book 

Vendors are chosen to be part of this elite resource based upon the high quality of services provided and expertise  in the following areas:

--exceptional customer care

--superior design style

--the continual honing of one’s craft

--a genuine interest in fostering a relationship with the client

--highly recommended by colleagues and clients

In Style Me Pretty's own words...  (The Little Black Book is a) "thoughtfully edited resource (that) showcases only the most innovative and chic, top quality wedding professionals on the planet."

It is such a privilege to be listed in the Little Black Book.  I hope you will take a minute to read the wonderful blog posts by Style Me Pretty editors and to find other amazing Little Black Book vendors.  You'll be inspired and amazed!

New Website

I am happy to announce that the new Occasions by  Emily website has finally gone live!  I was suprised to find that it took me longer to create a new website than it does to plan most weddings.  Thankfully, Jen Fraser of Point Multimedia Design was there to walk me through the process.  She is an amazingly talented website designer who once again proved that working with a pro is always a good idea!  She took my ideas and design concepts, put them all into web language and created an online version of the pictures in my head.  Hmmm.  Now that I think of it, that's what we do as wedding planners...take the ideas in our clients' heads and turn them into a wedding day! 

I also want to give a big thanks to the fantastic photographers who shared their work for the new site.
Angela Stott
Audrey Goforth
Brian Tropiano
Jeff Blake
Joanna and Mark Bolick
Joshua and Natasha Meduri
Leigh Webber

It is a privilege to work with such amazing professionals.  If you have a moment, let me know what you think of the new site by leaving a comment here, or emailing me at emily@occasionsbyemily.com.  Your feedback is always appreciated.  I look forward to hearing from you!

From my family to yours

Merry Christmas!  May your holiday events be joyous, peaceful and fun!

Special thanks to Cami Calnan Photography