BW Theory

tracie + jacobus's wedding has so many special touches. as a wedding planner, it's not often that somebody comes to you for a family-only wedding with less than 50 people. the subject of family, tradition and creating memories to cherish was consistently top of mind when planning this one.

these crackers were so much fun to create. we took a silly little gesture and gave it quite the upgrade. we used a beautiful fabric that was designed by the hotel's designer. we had a family member sew the fabric covers which will be used again at future family gatherings, and we put tchotchkes inside that made everyone smile.

we even had the bride and groom surprise each other by putting special gifts inside their crackers -- this created an extra-special moment for the two of them.

it was perfect.

this bar looks like it was here forever, doesn't it?

well it wasn't. it was a janky, old elevator shaft that Katie (with no social media) completely transformed.

charming, warm, functional - everything you could ever hope for in an installation.

food is just as much part of event design as the aesthetics.

we love to work with our couples and chefs to create really special, edible moments.

check out these "choco-tacos" that chef kevin taylor created for annabeth + mason at

i really love these photos of this couple but i've been struggling with what to post about it.

truth is, if you've ever worked with me or are ever going to (i can't wait to meet you) -- the first place i suggest trimming the budget is at wedding cake.

it's not that i don't like cake, or that i think it's faux-paux..

it's that the money spent on a cake can be spent in much better ways - it could be a custom piece of stationary that people remember forever, it could be a little something from a local artisan that just sets your welcome baskets apart, it could be something thoughtful that a cake just isn't. the cake is a detail that is shoehorned into every wedding for a tradition that has nothing to do with the couple..

every bride and groom i speak to usually have an idea of what they want for dessert (in addition to cake) on our first call.

so, my unpopular advice is as follows:

if you can afford everything that is important you, then by all means - have your cake!

and here's to a beautiful couple having their cake + eating it, too

do you need to do a "first look"? absolutely not -- but we love them!

first looks give the bride and groom a chance to have a quiet, intimate moment before the ceremony. couples are filled with emotions on their big day and it's really sweet to just let the bride and groom soak it all in, together, before the big day gets going.

we know that some brides worry that a first look might take away the big moment when they walk down the aisle, but trust -- one doesn't take away from another.

plus, a "first look" can be a game changer when it comes to your day-of schedule. getting those photos out of the way before the ceremony allows you and your partner to celebrate with family + friends during cocktail hour.

both moments are equally special, it's just about what feels right for you and your partner.