Real Wedding: Haire-Griffith

On a warm and beautiful Sunday evening over Memorial Day weekend, we excitedly implemented the months of wedding planning we mapped out for a precious couple in the lush gardens of Marie Gabrielle.

Courtney and Brian had a few special requests for their late spring wedding: outdoor ceremony; same venue for both ceremony and reception; and the color red to figure prominently in the design.

We had an absolute blast working with this couple to make all of this happen, and the result was a beautiful and fun wedding!

Some of our favorite personalized touches from this lovely wedding included:

the red Toms Courtney and her bridesmaids changed into for dancing the night away,

the scrumptious cupcakes in lieu of a traditional wedding cake,

the eclectic mix of floral arrangements on tables throughout the dining area and

the country CD favor the couple sent home with their guests.

Thank you, Courtney and Brian, for entrusting your special day to us. We so enjoyed working with you and wish you a lifetime and love and laughter!

And a big huzzah to our wonderful team of vendors:
Band: ZuZu Peddals
Bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses: Stardust Bridal Salon
Ceremony Music: Guitar, Chris Carrington
Ceremony and Reception site: Marie Gabrielle
Cupcakes: Sugar Queen
Florist: Branching Out, Debby Jewesson
Lighting, Sound and MC: Brian Prescott, Simply Music
Make-up: Elan Makeup Studio, Anita Haar
Officiant: Love Notes, Larry Maughan
Photography: Gary Donihoo, F8
Photo booth: boothBOOTH by F8
Transportation: Blue Diamond Limos; Party Animals for the horse-drawn carriage for send-off
Wedding Planner: Marsha Ballard French, CMWP, StarDust Celebrations

Featured Friends Friday: Marie Gabrielle

Vendor and contact: Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens, Lisa Yarbro, CWP

Services offered: Ceremony and Reception Venue

How did you get started in the wedding industry and when? 10 years ago when I started working at Marie Gabrielle. I was in the corporate world before that in restaurants and hotels.

What sets you apart from other vendors? We have 1.5 acre European Gardens.

What do you do for fun besides weddings? Work out, attend sporting events, golf, travel and spend time with family and friends.

Why do you enjoy working with wedding planners? It takes some of the pressure off me and makes my job easier. I also enjoy seeing other planners’ styles.

What is your favorite thing about working w/ a StarDust Celebrations planner? They are very professional and know what they are doing. That is not always the case when I work with a planner.

What is the best single piece of advice you could give to brides? Enjoy the moment.