To Elope Or Not To Elope

To Elope Or Not To Elope

Welcome back lovebirds!

Today we are talking about a very hot topic: Micro Weddings and Elopements.

We know we have done a blog on this subject before…BUT today we are talking about the idea and question of whether or not you should elope…

As you know, 2020 was the year of the smaller event thanks to Covid.

Now, 2021 has been more about celebrating and finally getting to WED — BUT — micro weddings and elopements are still happening.

Are you wondering why?

We think this is a trend to stay. There is a lot to be said about the positive points for doing smaller affairs and we are going to run through some reasons on why you still might want to elope or do a micro wedding despite Covid not being the determining factor.

To Elope Or Not To Elope

Reasons TO ELOPE:

Budget Friend

Smaller weddings mean smaller guest counts which means a lot more money to go things you want to spend your budget on: photographer, food, honeymoon, etc.

Intimacy and Meaningful

Sometimes when you have a big day, it can feel a little less special and more like a show. If you have a smaller event then you may feel like you can really connect with the people who are there.

Venue/Vendor Availability

Micro weddings and elopements typically happen during the weekday or in slower seasons for wedding planning. Also, due to their size this may mean that venues and vendors have more flexibility to schedule them!

Destination Wedding Fun

When you think on a smaller scale, this might make traveling to your dream wedding destination more of a possibility! Plus, guests might be able to make it on the trip too!

Less Stress

If you are just focused on getting married and not all the fuss that can surround larger days, the likelihood that your stress level goes down goes way up!

Now, if you are wondering if there are any reasons to possibly not think smaller when it comes to your wedding, here are some reasons we came up:

Reasons to possibly NOT Elope

Inability To Celebrate With Everyone

When you go to a smaller type event, that usually means not being able to invite everyone you know to your big day. This can sometimes risk hurting people’s feelings or even make you sad not to see all the faces you want to see.

Not Getting Your “Dream Wedding”

By doing a more intimate event, some people worry that they are risking the ability to have that wedding they have always dreamt of. They think smaller means losing out on detail or sentiment…

Not as Traditional

With the idea of doing this newer “cooler” type of wedding, it is some people’s opinions that tradition of a “big day” will be lost if you do a micro wedding or elopement.

So, as you can see lovebirds, like with anything in life, there are pro’s and con’s to the idea of eloping..

We are big fans though and as we can see in the Central Texas area, lots of couples are loving this new idea and option for their special day too.

Need help knowing what venues can help you with your micro wedding or elopement?

Let us know and we will connect you with your favorite venues to discuss availability and smaller options 🙂

Until then, we can’t wait to hear about all  your planning adventures! 

Cheers to love and cheers to intimate events!

C+K

Tips for Enjoying Wedding Planning

Tips for Enjoying Wedding Planning

 

Welcome back to the WDW Blog, lovebirds!

 

Today we are talking about a subject you know we are all too passionate about: wedding planning!

 

Since we help you with one of the first steps of wedding planning, it is important to us to help you throughout the rest of the planning journey too.

 

Wedding planning can be so hard. It is a brand new endeavor that you have never tackled before and most likely never will again either. 

 

There are so many details, so many costs, so many questions! It can be completely overwhelming!

 

However, if done correctly, wedding planning can be really exciting and enjoyable too!

Here are some of our favorite tips for making the process a lot more fun and lot less hectic for you and your love!

 

Tips for Enjoying Wedding Planning

 

Hire HELP!

We know we might sound like a broken record, but this is the most important piece of advice we can give you: HIRE A PLANNER/COORDINATOR.

These professionals are incredible and are going to make the wedding planning process so much better for you. They will help you with timeline, details, bookings, etc. Trust us, if you are feeling overwhelmed you are going to feel so much better when you hire someone to help with all the little details you haven’t even thought of yet!

 

Hire Help You Connect With!

Hiring people you bond with is also SO important. If you hire someone you don’t like or don’t trust it is not going to help anything. In fact, it may do the exact opposite and make you feel even more stressed! No fun! Make sure you really vet the people you hire, interview them, see if you can really get along with them before putting them on the job.

 

Take Time Off

You might feel like planning your wedding is a second job. In some ways, it kind of is, especially if you are on a tight timeline. However, just like a normal job, it is ok to take time off! If you need a day (not weeks or months!!) to clear your mind and not think about all things wedding, take the day to have a little break. The break will help immensely and you will be ready to jump back in and tackle more details when you revisit everything.

 

Make it a Team Effort

You don’t have to go through this alone. After all, you are getting married to someone, so let that special someone help you and jump in! They say there is strength in numbers, so let your partner join in on the fun, make decisions and be collaborative with you! It will make the process all the more special too if you work together because come wedding day you can look at the amazing day you created together!

 

Make it Fun

Wedding planning doesn’t mean you have to be on the computer or on the phone all day bored and alone. Especially if you have your partner helping out, make it a fun and relaxing experience. Maybe go on a date and during the date look at all the florists you love on Instagram. Eating and planning can totally go hand in hand. Plus what is more romantic than talking about your upcoming wedding day??

 

Hopefully all these little tips will make your wedding planning process much smoother, lovebirds!

 

It is our hope for you all that you love the journey and enjoy every moment that leads up to your special day.

 

If you are struggling or need more help, let us know! That is why we are here. 

 

Until then, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and watch your beautiful wedding unfold!

 

Cheers,

C+K

 

WDW Venue Showcase: Mae’s Ridge

WDW Venue Showcase: Mae’s Ridge

 

Hello again, lovebirds!

 

Today we are shedding some light on an amazing venue that we love called, Mae’s Ridge.

 

Just outside of Dripping Springs, the chic and modern barn overlooks 28 acres of incredible Hill Country Views.  

The interior is crisp and sophisticated. Like nothing else we see in the area! This venue is one of a kind and we could not recommend it enough if this is the aesthetic you want for your wedding day!

 

Ready to learn more about the amazing Mae’s Ridge?

 

Here is some history:

Joell and Rick Ebbert (the owners) have built and remodeled several homes in California, Colorado and Austin.  Joell has been an Interior Designer for 20 years and has worked on the Property Brothers HGTV series– no detail goes unnoticed!

Known as the ultimate entertainers, Joell and Rick throw parties quite often for 100+ of their closest friends and needed a space to host outside of their home.  This lead to the building of Mae’s Ridge.  Friends and family are what life is all about for the Ebberts and you are assured that they have thought of every detail to make sure your celebration.

And boy did they! From the bridal suite to the sprawling grounds, every single back drop for your wedding day will be absolutely stunning.

 

Pricing:

Monday- Thursday- $4,000 (11:00- 10:00)

Friday- $7,000  (11:00- 11:00)

Saturday- $9,000 (11:00- 11:00)

Sunday- $6,000 (11:00- 10:00)

These hours may be moved up by 2 hours (example 9:00 am to 9:00 pm).

**They allow one extra hour for clean up.

 

Planner needed?

Yes! They require you to have a “Day of” Coordinator or wedding planner so your day runs smoothly.  We can offer a list of our favorites for you to choose from and work directly with.

 

Amenities included:

– A climate controlled, modern farmhouse-style barn for indoor ceremony and/or reception

– 250 folding white ceremony chairs

– 250 rattan and white reception chairs (which are unique to Mae’s Ridge)

– Round tables for 250, cake and buffet tables

– Several gorgeous settings for ceremony spots including The Grove and Sunset Ridge and the Pavilion

– Indoor/outdoor bar and patio including a lush green lawn for lawn games and cocktail hour 

– Gorgeous bridal lounge with private bathroom and shower

– New Groom’s (or extra wedding party) room with lounge, bar, TV, covered patio

-Vendors extra room

– 2 hour photo session

– 1 hour rehearsal (time and date permitting when there is not an event) You may use this as an extra hour for on your wedding day (prior).

– An amazing preferred vendor list to assure you are in best hands

– Several fun photo  spots including: with Rusty (our cute truck that always has a smile on his face), our distressed barn with a turquoise barn door, and 360 degrees of amazing Hill Country Views

 

Have you fallen in love yet, lovebirds? We bet so!

Mae’s Ridge is always offering tours. Go there for yourself and fall in love. You will not be sorry!

If you would like us to connect you with this amazing venue, let us know too! We are here to help!

Until next time, lovebirds!

Cheers to amazing venues and cheers to LOVE,

C+K

 

**All information taken from Mae’s Ridge website**

 

 

 

We Do Weddings Favorite Current Wedding Trends

We Do Weddings Favorite Current Wedding Trends

Well hello there, lovebirds,

Has anyone else realized that somehow August is around the corner? Which officially means that 2021 is halfway over.

With the year being almost done we thought it was about time we talk about some trends that have popped up and that are having a moment right now.

Here are the We Do Weddings Current Favorite Wedding Trends 

The Micro Wedding

Micro weddings and elopements have really taken a front seat in the wedding world since 2020. Smaller, more intimate celebrations and ceremonies really let couples concentrate on the love. Not to mention, these celebrations tend to be more budget friendly and you can have the choice to have a larger celebration later on. Why wait to say I do? Wed your way! If you want to marry now, a smaller celebration may be the perfect thing for you!

Bold Fashion Choices

Lately we have seen both brides and grooms making some exciting choices when it comes to their wedding day wardrobe. From colorful tuxedos to bridal pant suits we are loving these bold looks that really show off the personality of the bride or groom. Not to mention, we are total suckers for statement jewelry pieces or accent shoes that make a real statement! 

Daring Color Palettes

All color palettes are beautiful but in recent months we have seen a big departure from the typical wedding color schemes. Couples are throwing in gorgeous accent tones to their color scheme AND going full throttle on the color spectrum. Every season has beautiful colors to choose from. If you are ready to break out of the creams and greens, think about doing some metallics or textured color options! So unique and fun.

Shopping Local

We are huge supporters of supporting small businesses and shopping local here and everywhere. The idea of using local vendors for all wedding needs is one that we love and hope it is here to stay! If you are looking for help with things like paper goods, invitation suites, etc. think of shopping local. There are great options right in your backyard, we promise!

Flower Power

Ok this is an honorable mention because we love love love florals at a wedding. Florals have always been an important piece to many weddings but lately they are having a real moment! Floral masterpieces are showing up all over weddings. From amazing arches during the ceremony to covering staircases or being a part of the photo booth experience, we are loving this floral boom going on right now! The more florals, the better (if you are into that kind of thing)!

These are just a few examples of some amazing trends that are going on currently and we cannot wait to see the new ones that pop up for 2022.


If you are looking for more tips and inspo, check out this link from Green Wedding Shoes.  

If you want to pick our brains too, we are always here to help!

Until next time y’all… Cheers to You and Cheers to Love,

C+K

Austin Wedding Dress Boutiques

Austin Wedding Dress Boutiques

Hello lovebirds,

 

Today we are talking about one of our favorite wedding topics: WEDDING DRESSES!

 

For both of us, it was one of our favorite parts of the wedding planning process. There is just something so magical about picking your wedding dress. It really makes the wedding feel real and you can start envisioning the day in an even better way.

 

So, today we thought we would talk about some of the amazing Austin area bridal salons so you can know some great places to go shop for yourself come wedding dress time.

Here are some of the great Austin Wedding Dress Boutiques:

 

A&Be — coming SOON!

Belle Saison

Blue Bridal

Blush Bridal Lounge

Lace & Grace

Unbridaled


Now that you know about some of the best shops around town, we thought we would give you a few quick tips too when it comes to buying that dreamy dress.

 

Remember your budget

We’ve seen it time and time again when brides fall in love with dresses that cost as much as a down payment on a house. There are gorgeous wedding dresses for every budget so before going in to try on anything, have a price point in mind and stick with dresses UNDER that price. You will find something exquisite no matter what.

Shop Sooner (at least 9 months out if you can)

Believe it or not, wedding dresses take a long time to be ready! A typical turnaround time for ordering a dress and getting it to you (before alterations) is anywhere from 9-24 months! If you have the time to plan and order before the wedding day, use it. Waiting until the last minute to dress shop will slim your options down significantly and usually result in a dress price tag plus major alteration costs too.

Make a few appointments

Different shops have different dresses. Sure you may find THE dress at your first stop, but be open minded to trying different stores and different dresses. The right dress is out there, don’t be afraid to look!

Call ahead to ask about specific dresses

If you have done your homework or fallen in love with a dress you have seen online or in social media, try figuring out what store has the dress before heading out hoping to find it. If you call ahead of time you can know where it is located and it will be ready for a try on when you’re ready! 

Pick your entourage carefully

Picking out your wedding dress is such a special experience. When deciding who to take with you on these appointments, think about who will make you feel great and who will make you smile. You want to surround yourself with people who will help make the experience a great one. Keep it small if you want to too. This is a day about YOU! Don’t forget it!


Okay lovebirds, we hope you have a wonderful time shopping for your wedding dress! Enjoy every minute and fall in love with something just right for YOU!

 

Until then, sending love and cheers your way!

 

C+K

 

Didi Russell: Wedding Venue Expert

Didi Russell: Wedding Venue Expert

 

Today we are calling all lovebirds AND venue owners!

 

We are really excited to introduce you to an amazing woman who is here to help wedding couples and wedding professionals in all kinds of ways.

 

Let us introduce you to the amazing Didi Russell: Wedding Venue Expert —  of Wedding Nerd and weddingvenueowners.com.

 

This gal is one of a kind and knows about all things weddings.

We are currently working with her and learning all about wedding venues around the country so we can help our lovebirds find and book the best wedding venues in the country!


However, she can do so much more!

Here is a little bit of information about Didi:

 

Didi Russell is a self proclaimed #wedding nerd. She helps wedding venue owners connect with each other for support, information and a sense of community. She also loves helping engaged couples find wedding venues through her website’s wedding venue search map and wedding venue gallery.

 

Learn more about Didi and all her amazing offerings here:

 

Engaged Couples:

If you would like help finding a wedding venue just send Didi a request for help! She will send you a list of venues within 24 hours of your initial inquiry and will help you with any of your questions. Everything she does for couples is FREE! While she is not a planner, her knowledge is invaluable.

 

Wedding Venue Owners & Managers:

Think about joining her amazing Facebook group for wedding venue owners and managers. This is a private group where you can find incredible information on everything you need to know about contracts, daily operations, venue management, advertising – anything you can think of, is talked about in this group. Our sister company, Ma Maison is in the group and has enjoyed the experience and the people immensely! 

 

Are you starting to see why we adore working with her?

 

This woman is so passionate about weddings and can really teach you so very much whether you are a lovebird looking for a wedding venue or a venue manager looking to connect with others and learn more.

 

If you want to learn more, please visit her site here.

 

Have fun with Didi, lovebirds and friends!

 

Until next time, cheers to you and cheers to love!

C+K