Groomzilla

We all have heard of the infamous Bridezilla but the new wave in planning among couples find us surrounded by Grooms who have added the word Zilla to their title and placed their hands all in the process of planning and design so why wouldn’t we gossip about it . Some Groomzillas have even taken the reins and more than their share of control. We love the idea of the man being involved with the wedding planning process and had the chance to speak with a few local Groomzillas and asked what are you more concerned about and we received answers and statements like – Travis: The in-laws , Jonathan: the overall design , Paul: I hate the dresses for the bridesmaids and Garrett : the flowers- PLEASE NO PINK.

We took time and spoke in depth with Marcus Hubbard engaged to Courtney Willis . They are planning their nuptials for the onset of fall in 2013 . He currently works at Wilmingtons New Convention Center where we finally met while setting up for the Heart Ball. Marcus is comfortable with saying that He is an official Groomzilla

The Happy Couple

ABE: Are you actively involved in your wedding planning activities?
Marcus : Yes. Very much so

ABE: Do you have input on the overall design look, the color of the dresses?
Marcus: Courtney has shown me the ideas for her bridesmaids but not the actual dresses. I think the concept and colors are unique and will create a lasting memory for all

ABE: What are some of the elements you have decided on ?
Marcus: We have made most of our decisions as a couple. She does share ideas with me and asks for my input

ABE: Do you have colors , a theme or concept ?
Marcus: Yes, we going for semi-traditional with emphasis on our favorite atmosphere and environment

ABE: Would you consider yourself a groomzilla ? WHY OR WHY NOT
Marcus: RAWR!!! That’s why

ABE: When is the big day?
Marcus: August 3rd, 2013

ABE: Where will it be ?
Marcus: Ceremony on the beach near The Oceanic. Reception at The Oceanic.

ABE: Any traditions or special customs you guys are planning to add?
Marcus: We’ve toyed around with a few ideas. Writing our own vows for sure. Don’t want to give too much away. (wink wink nudge)

ABE: What one thing would you say to your lovely bride to be ?
Marcus: We’ve always known from the very beginning, this world was created for us to have and hold forever

ABE: Any DIY elements ? Tell us about them we want to know
Marcus: As of yet, we’ve not really detailed those things yet. Something that incorporates our children coming together as a family. That’s very important to us

Although we se a rise in Groomzillas and expect a reality show to follow the trend – We can never disregard that fact of how crazy romantic it is for the groom to want to be involved . So much so, that my right hand and partner in crime who was far from a Groomzilla and wanted nothing to do with the planning process will be hosting an official Groomzilla event in June.

CONTEST ALERT : Help Us Design the Official ABE Groomzilla T-Shirt! Submit designs to info@aboxedevent.com by April 1st , 2013

Help us design an official ABE Groomzilla T-Shirt! Winners design will be available in stores and online

Win it : Dessert pairing for 2 ….Simply like us on facebook and share us with your friends. The most shares win!!

Win a Pairing for 2

If your in agony over the linens, at your bitters end regarding flowers and biting your fingernails because you want to change an element in your wedding you are an official Groomzilla !!!

The Bride and Groom doesnt always see eye to eye when planning

Thank You to everyone who took time to interview with us and a special thank you to Marcus and Courtney we wish them the very best!!!

If its the event grapevine – You’ll find it here ! Event Gossip
xoxo

A Venue made Yummy! Numero dos – The Hot & Hit List

Venues that offer light options or that you can upfit help create a vision of ambience

I want to tell you to stay away from hotels but alot of them offer stunning views and exceptional service with the convenience of overnight stay options for your guests. We’ll talk about that in another post but Check out our favorite picks for Venues in the Wilmywood area :

The River Room – Located on Water Street overlooking the Cape Fear River . This venue provides tables and chairs for 50 people along with the option to use whoever you want for catering and the bring in your own bar option . Its brick face wall and coordinated mini light package and flat screens make it a great option .

128 South – Located on Front Street this charming venue boasts stain glass windows, an outdoor deck for ceremonies and seating that includes Chivari Ballroom Chairs. The balcony provides an interesting component for the bride, groom or special event holder to add a lounge area while overlooking the downstairs. They provide in house catering and bar but also allow you to bring in your own preferred caterer.

The Terraces at Sir Tyler – A contemporary space located directly across from Mayfaire Town Center and minutes away from Wrightsville beach. This venue offers 2 size options and outdoor terraces. Parking is conveniently located in front of the building with vendor parking at back. They have an on site coordinator and tables and chairs for all of your guests .

Checker Cab Gallery at The Dennis Hopper Loft- Located on Wrights alley which is after Front Street but before Water- This urban art loft is perfect for the deco planner or the 1920′s-60′s inspired. You have the option of bringing in your own caterer and bar. But you must bring in your own table and chairs

 

Landfall Country Club located in Landfall offers stunning views, lawn, patio and an inhouse staff who knows exactly what there doing. Tables and chairs are present and the menu offers a vast amount of delicious choices

 

Poplar Grove Plantation – We love this outdoors venue that has a barn for reception offerings and is on site of such a stunning historic preservation. The historian theme of some of the locations can leave you limited in theme but its a great choice for the Vintage , shabby Chic look that has become seemingly popular

 

The Atrium – This urban garden is stunning and is perfect for a dual ceremony and reception outdoors or just a ceremony. Conveniently located downtown in the heart of Wilmington

 

Where are you hosting your special event – Let us know and we’ll let you know our thoughts !!! Did we miss one you love ?

Venues set the stage for your special event – make sure its the right fit for your budget and for your guests. It can truly make a more memorable experience

 

And congratulations Melynda Monteith on winning the Martha Stewart Binder

 

 

 

The main course – A venue made yummy ! Part Uno

The venue naked

One of the most important elements of an event is the venue. It can truly make or break the entire experience. Today we’ll be gossiping on transformation and some of the important elements you need to create or recreate the main course, the venue you’ve chosen for your special event .

1. Location : Your venue and its surroundings should make a statement. Have you chosen a rustic theme, a vintage look, something ultra modern , beach chic or Royal – Classic. Most times we neglect to look at this main course as the opening feeder for the overall event meal – And I’m not talking food either. You should never choose a venue that will be considered rustic for a modern event unless you plan on making an investment in the complete transformation. Parking is important and should come into consideration for your guests. Either a convenient parking lot adjacent to the venue or a parking deck that you can make arrangements with.
   

   Khalilah O. Eco Chic Event Stylist . Setting up chairs in a half curve style for #Innovate Raleigh

   In the event you can’t find either I would notify guests before the day of the event in the invitations so that they understand to pull in wherever they can when they arrive at your destination.

2. The exterior: What does it look like insider – Are there pre installed fixtures that can not be moved, artwork not that becoming or even worst – Is it just ugly? In the event you find yourself in any of these 3 situations the best way to hide , shield or cover is draping. You can choose between the standard pipe and drape which consists of 2 uprights, 1 crossbar and 2 bases which can be rented from a local party rental company  that offers  off white or black options.
   

   Drape install

   If you have a larger budget you can install sheer draping as high as you need it and  it will offset a beautiful feel when your guests arrive so those flags, that statue of the monkey and those terrible walls will be no more.

3. The tables and chairs: If your lucky enough to find a venue that offers table and chairs  1st things 1st – Cover the tables with linen. Floor length which we suggest in a basic cotton start at 14 dollars a piece and the prices increase as the design and material changes . Make sure you get the proper size for the tables your venue offers and that it works with your overall look. White linens require way more work than a colored linen or one with nice details. Chair covers have changed and you no longer have to opt for those shiny mess of a thing . Instead consider a stretched cover for a more modern look, a sag made out of coordinated material on each or every other chair or you can opt in for a band or sequins option similar to the one pictured.
   

   THis DIY project will add lots of umph to your special event if it works with the style your going for

   I understand that tables and chairs can be pricy and so can getting them to look the way you would like them to so make sure when your checking out a space you consider some of these options with your budget.

4. The loo: The bathroom ! Worst than anything I’ve seen is a nice looking event space , transformed and a scary bathroom. You know – sketchy toilets that are rusted , dirty to the point the new color is the new look or its just not welcoming . Remember your guests will be enjoying themselves, celebrating with you and the whoe loo thing can be a deal breaker and cause them well – to talk…..If the loo isnt in good shape- Pay attention in this area . Ask your planner/designer about talking to the venue about an acid wash …It usually cleans everything , add floral, personalized hand towels and tissue, mints and other items you would find in a hotel bathroom . If you have it in the budget – add an attendant to tend to guests while their in.
   

   Florals always add great additions to any room . You can go big for a few a then opt in for some petite table top arrangements

   Your guests will appreciate the extra effort and it is that effort that will detract them from any issues that you may have noticed.

5. The seasoning : Every meal needs to be seasoned to taste good and in that same aspect – A venue can be made yummy with a few bold and beautiful accessories. 

The 1st is the lounge area. Not an everyday addition but definitely one worth the investment . Opt in for one in white or make it your pop of color ..

Lounge furniture in white always setthe stage for a wow factor. You can choose between styles or go commercial with a standard straight line sofa with coordinated florals and tables

The ILM area proudly has 3 companies that offer lounge rentals – all different styles, price range and one perfect for you. The coordinated pillows, tables and whatever else you would like can be added to give your venue  a wow factor . Decide early what your style is – Call them with it and your colors and they will work in providing the perfect piece or pieces for your special event.

The 2nd Game on …Brides these days that are opting for outdoor events are adding fun games – everything from Cornhole, Bocce, Cricket and Giant Checker/Chess games and even Connect four.

The 3rd : An action station : YES interactivity – A live donut machine in operation , a cigar roller , Meat and drink pairing . Your guests will love the excitement of this surprise element and eat it up!

The honest truth is some planners/designers dont want to do events in certain venues because of the look of it and the feel , and well, um the location – Its not portfolio friendly but the reality is that we all have done events in places we would rather not share and the work invested in transformation is sometimes not enough not to critique yourself so before you choose your main course , remember our check list of things to look for .

If your still hungry : Check back in tomorrow for our Hot and Not so Hot list and enjoy the photos of this transformation .

Attendees

You can see complete behind the scenes here: http://www.wedpics.com/album/MTI2MDc=

Until next time if you heard anything through the grapevine about any thing events – TELL US !!! We want to know !!

 

xx

Happy Planning

Its an Event Scandal

The Scandal Cast and Crew

A few weeks back we took the liberty of hosting a small premiere party for Scandal lovers. Stella & Dot was our sponsor . Guests came in their best Pope, Huck and Harrison looks to win some amazing door prizes that included A full Olivia Pope look by the ladies at Camille’s Closet that inlcuded a dress by Adrianne Papell , Necklace from Steller and Dot , A wine and popcorn package and a Thomas Pink Shirt with coordinated tie. ,Before guest dined on Melting Pots delicious awesomeness of fondue, chocolate and anything else we could grab off their menu the first 10 ladies in picked up a POPE TOTE packed with pearl earrings, popcorn & wine, crystalized goblet and a slew of gift cards from area vendors included Drift Mobile, Lula Balou , Bloke and more

Crystal Cunningham poses with some friends

Valerie Lingo owner of Jamaica Comfort Zone with some of ther other attendees

Kellie Marie who provided the scandalous make up looks and Jessica DeVault Hale , one of the fashion look judges

Here are the dirty details: Ladies enjoyed complimentry manicures by Ebony and Scandalous make up looks by Kellie Marie.

Jessica DeVaultt Hale of The Jessica DeVault agency gets a vibrant manicure by Ebony

Kellie Marie getting one of the nights attendees scandalous

Ashley Gaddy was in the building with her Gaddy Girls along with Brandon Big B Hickman from Coasts 97.3

Al Olokunola of AbeL and Randy Aldridge from WWAY Randy to the Rescue show up in their best Harrison look asking to Free Huck

The evening event that was captured by All Angles Magazine Jaimie Hansen was a social initiative to have fun and give back . We gathered some amazing items to donate to Vintage Values that will benefit The Open Gate Domestic Violence Shelter.

Some of the donated items included leather and fur coats, designer 2 piece suits, casual wear and more

Save the date March 15th for our next initiative we’ll be tasting the tropics at Jamaica Comfort Zone . If you own or are a part of a local non profit let us know how we can help! We would love to have fun and build community at the same time . Until next post – Happy Planning

Are you Hot for 2013

This year the trends have turned and returned . Going back to more neutral palettes with a pop of boldness included in the napkins, over the top chair covers, playful DIY backdrops or customized paper products, we see individuals becoming bolder than ever especially with the wild card trend according to Huffington Post that includes a campside wedding. Would you do it? See the shoot in an upcoming blog post.

WIth special events on the rise and calenders booking do you know if your Hot or not? Do your ideas, concept or theme = Trendsetting or do you even care? We’d love to hear some of the elements your adding to your special event to make it yours and whether or not your using any of Pantones colors of the season and moreso the color of the year Emerald Green! We know some brides that have converted after our Oz event!!! Will you follow the yellow brick red to meet what the experts are saying you should use or will you click your heels and do you at home!

BRIDAL MARKET : DRESS DRAMA

• Some of you may or may not know that Bridal Fashion Week happened in he culps of NYC … We had a correspondant on the scene and lots of industry friends that attened to see what designers were putting on the runway of Bridal Heaven and all we saw …..DRESS DRAMA !!! Get ready for a season of BOLD, BEAUTIFUL and where being ver the top is sort of normal . Find detailed shrugs, over coats and hats that compliment the look with a splash of bling anywhere you want ….LOOK for yourself and fall in love with your favorites from :
  • David Tutera for Mon Cheri
  • St. Pucchi
  • Sara Nouri
  • Alfred Angelo
  • Vera Wang
  • Bagdely Miskca
  • Rivini
  • And More

Have you said YES TO THE DRESS YET? What do you think about this seasons latest and what does your one look like, what do you envision for your big day!!! Your comments may be used for a future blog

Hungry for Love ! Hunger Games Revisited

What’s up peeps – Love is still in the air and bows with hearts attached are everywhere! Earlier this year around the time The Hunger Games made it’s way to the big screen we did a Shabby Chic stylized shoot with Royal Blue Photography in the middle of what we considered District 12 and then Capital!

We staged the District 12 look in the heart of brunswick county in an empty tree lot that bore the sign NO TRESSPASSING…..

Our Katniss was played by Kaitlin Ward and our Peeta by Josh Cohen who may know from starring in the film American Battleship

We staged our Capital at 128 South voted by The Knot as best for venues in North Carolina . The stunning stain glass windows, balcony and brick wall made way for the perfect site to capture the vision of the shoot- Hungry for love- The deck looking over the Cape Fear River was the backdrop for the picture below- We Love!

The Lady on Fire

The Mockinjay was a symbol – Do you know what it stood for?

The details – Custom plates with Gold renaissance cutlery wraped in a moss napkin ring – on a gold engraved charger and lace linen

Can you find Capital?

Casting has begun for part deux of The Hungar Games Trilogy – “Catching Fire” and we’re casting for the perfect couple looking for a stylized shoot ! To Win IT- Like the A boxed Event Page , Follow the blog and tell us why you and your hottie should Catch Fire on Camera …..Until then May the Odds be forecer in your favor! xoxoxo

Photography by Royal Blue Photography

Venue : 128 South Events & Catering

MUA/HA: Dya’mon Lashay Snowden

Shoot Styling & Floral: Khalilah O.  A Boxed Event

Custom pieces & furniture : Alafeez O. AbeL Rentals

Clothing: Isabella Grape