Happy Wedding Day! Caroline & Keith

HAPPY WEDDING CAROLINE & KEITH!

Your wedding is finally here!

(well, tomorrow it is but since we're starting at 6:15AM tomorrow morning I thought I better blog today!)

Caroline & Keith: Wish you ALL of the best! Your simplistic and carefree attitudes have made you a delight to work with. You live life to the fullest and truly realize what is important.....your love for each other and life itself. That is so peaceful to watch. We'll see you in just a bit at the rehearsal!

Relax and take in every moment today and tomorrow....it flies by.

We can't wait to show you post wedding pics!

Happy Wedding Weekend Catherine Obleski & Ray Wetherington!

When Cat and I ‘first’ met during the initial consult, we both had the feeling that we had met somewhere before… turns out we worked together back in the day at Marriott City Center. What a small world!

Cat contracted us (CWD) to come in 4 weeks prior to wedding day to execute all the details for their wedding weekend including the rehearsal dinner, wedding day (ceremony at St. Mary’s Chapel & reception at Ballantyne Hotel) and post wedding brunch.

They have put together a three-day wedding weekend designed to give their guests an outstanding, top-notch getaway surrounded by family and friends. Cat and Ray have also chosen some of Charlotte’s best vendors who are ready to execute the plan that will surely be a weekend to remember!

CONGRATULATIONS Cat & Ray! Can’t wait to start the festivities today!!! We will be sure to post pictures from the oh-so talented Richard Israel as soon as we receive them. And, we will be sure to include all the wonderful vendors involved in creating this perfect weekend.

See you in just a bit Cat!!
xoxo~ cort

Wish Upon a Wedding | the Carolinas Chapter

We are extremely humbled and excited to be the Event Planning Co-Chairs of the Carolinas Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding. This is a new non-profit in the Carolinas, and is the world's first non-profit wedding wish granting organization. (full description below)

The first board meeting was yesterday, and it was inspiring to see the energy from the other board members as we are all so ready to 'give back'. I encourage you to check out the site in detail.

Keep in mind, although most of the board members are involved in the wedding industry, this idea is much more broad. ANYONE can be involved. We needs tons of volunteers and donors, as this takes a team to execute. For example, if a terminal wish is granted, the wedding typically occurs within THREE days. You can imagine how much work goes into those 3 days. Just as the AHA, or Komen, or LLS, we will be reaching out to area businessmen and women, hospitals, bankers, and other companies to gain support. If you would like to contribute in ANY way, please email info@carolinaweddingdesign.com and we will align you with the proper committee chair.

The LAUNCH PARTY for this fabulous organization is THURSDAY, JUNE 24TH. Details to be published soon, but mark those calendars!

Here is a brief intro to the organization.

As the World’s first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, Wish Upon a Wedding provides weddings at destinations across the United States for individuals facing life-threatening illness. It is a chance for couples to enjoy a very special day, without any thoughts of existing health issues, while surrounded by their closest family and friends. By celebrating the courage & spirit of these couples, we help create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. It is our hope that others facing similar situations will find hope, strength, and the promise of eternal love. Officially launched in January of 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding currently has 15 chapters to serve Wish Applicants. We service couples residing in or wishing to get married within 300 miles of any one of our chapter locations.

Sex and the City 2 Premiere Party!

Are you ready??

Carrie Samantha Charlotte & Miranda

are BACK!

M A Y 26th at M I D N I G H T

Find those hot heels, that fabulous clutch, your favorite Sex and the City fans & come out to support a great cause! This is a private midnight premiere viewing, with a pre-party covered in music, Manolos, and martinis beforehand! (so yes, go ahead and plan to take off the next day or go in to work late!)

Full details to be officially announced very soon....in the meantime use this Save the Date to mark that cal and get your gang together!

Want a preview to the movie we've all been waiting for? Click here!

Alexander Youth Network

We just attended a lunch at the Westin that was a yearly fundraiser for the Alexander Youth Network. Not knowing much about the organization, we were definitely interested to hear more....and wow...what touching stories. Stories of abuse, neglect and turmoil - whether emotional, mental, or physical, or all of the above. Kids that have been to over a dozen foster homes before they are 10....stories of kids that have lived on their own before they are a teenager, having no one to turn to. Stories of a child being shackled to the bed in a hotel room for hours/days as his parents left to hustle drugs and who knows what else.....stories of how that same child witnessed his mother overdose on drugs and because he was shackled to the bed, could do nothing about it...not even reach the phone to call 911. That same young boy who I just described was able to participate in the Alexander Youth Network system, and recently visited them to show them what he had done with his life.....now, a marine serving and protecting our country. What a story.

I urge you to educate yourself about this organization, and others of the like. I often take for granted the fact that I grew up in a loving and caring home with 2 parents and never wanted for food, clothing or shelter.

Everyone on this planet deserves a chance, especially small children who are under the controls and constraints of parents that are lacking proper parenting skills.

It was our honor to monetarily donate to this life changing cause and we hope to soon volunteer there.

Life is too short to wait to make a difference. Won't you consider giving back today?

Happy Wedding Day! Jessica & Oteil!

We've been looking forward to and planning this day for months and months now and it's finally here!!! (I'm pretty sure we'll be sad tomorrow when it's over!)

Jess and Oteil definitely let us utilize creative juices on this one and it's definitely not your 'cookie cutter' wedding. Lots of sultry deep splashes and reds and purples....hanging floral garlands....TONS of Moroccan lanterns....we are just so thrilled to bring their vision and hopes to actual reality. The oh-so-talented Jeremy Igo will be capturing every detail. We hope to blog her bridal portrait tomorrow - mums the word on her dress but you will DIE!! Again, very unique...and we LOVE it.

Congrats to my little DC....Jess and Oteil you are dear friends and will always be. You guys exemplify love and passion and laughter.....you both have the BEST laugh...You have hearts that are bigger than the world and I thank you for giving me a little place in there.....thank you for sharing your story and life with me. I will never forget you! ~ hgb

BIG Announcement...

Hello Bloggers!

We are chomping at the bit to share some EXCITING news with you, but it must wait until next week. Here's a hint:

Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte & Miranda

Preston Bailey's Blog: Do I really need a planner for my event?

We all know Preston Bailey as wedding and event designer extraordinaire! Bailey was a speaker at a past NACE National Experience Conference which I had the pleasure of attending. He was also the guest of honor and speaker at a past Charlotte NACE/ISES Bridal Luncheon for brides and vendors. In creating this special luncheon, he was absolutely amazing to work with! The planning team took him to dinner and was able to hear incredible stories of some of his favorite designs and lessons that he has learned along the way.

Click here to read Preston Bailey's Blog on "Do I really need a planner for my event?"

Welcome CWD clients Amanda Brown & Thomas Schroder!

CWD welcomes new clients Amanda Brown & Thomas Schroder! They have already secured some of the best vendors for their June 5th wedding including Byron's Southend and photographer Critsey Rowe! We can't wait to get started with all of their wedding details!

CWD & GetFitCharlotte.com 1st ever Bridal Body Boot Camp!

This morning was the first ever Bridal Body Boot Camp as CWD teamed up with Anna Kooiman of GetFitCharlotte.com! You may also recognize her as a co-host on FOX News Rising morning show which we all love.

Even on a holiday weekend, bright and early in the morning, we had a dozen gals come out to exercise in the beautiful Charlotte weather. What better way to prepare for your bridal gown (& swimsuit weather) than to workout in the sunshine with other relatable & energetic females!

We started our workout with a mile run, followed by many rounds of turbo kick, cardio funk, and relay drills. Two hours later we were worn out (yet still laughing and smiling) and ready for some Cracker Barrel......JUST KIDDING Anna! We didn't go!

All participants received a Shakeology goody bag and CWD donated BeachBody items that were given out to the ladies who did the most pushups in 60 seconds...(congrats Natalie in 1st place!) GetFitCharlotte was generous to donate the grand prize (two work out videos) to the client who brought the most guests with her....(congrats Lydia Nims!)

Be sure to check out Anna's site here. She's an amazing trainer (AFAA Group Exercise certified) with lots of patience, energy and smiles. If you've ever taken classes at the Dowd or Harris YMCAs, I'm sure you've seen her around or perhaps even taken one of her classes.

We'll definitely be hosting more Boot Camps...this was the 1st of many...some will even be CO-ED so get ready to grab your groom, new hubby, brother, or father and bring them along!

Here are a few shots from our energetic morning!

this shot was actually after the 2 hour workout - don't these ladies STILL look great!?

Why go with CWD?

Jessica and Oteil Testimony part 1 from Heather Bryson on Vimeo.