The Williamsburg Wedding Blog

Changes at Williamsburg Wedding Design

Not everyone likes change. There is a level of serious discomfort that comes with new things, and a lot of us just can't take it.

I don't mind change. I like the excitement, the new possibilities and the momentum. 

Today I will change my FB profile and it will generate a little buzz. Some have suggested that I'll change my relationship status, and alas, that will have to remain a goal for 2012. Rather, I'll be changing my employer (whose approval I wanted to get before posting, thus the anticipation). 

"Wait", you may be saying to yourself. You own your own business (two in fact)! Yes, I am changing from being a solopreneur to being an employee and part of a talented family. Well, at least in terms of my weddings (for those who know me as a freelance writer, that continues completely unchanged...and was taken into account when I changed directions). 

I am so delighted that after close to 6 years of begging them to take me, my good friends at The Flower Cupboard have agreed to add me to their team. I will be joining a group of people who I truly consider family as their in-house wedding planner.

Same job, more opportunities, and more co-workers (i.e. less lonely). 

So no one panics, here is an  important note:

For my currently signed clients, NOTHING changes at all. If you signed a contract with Williamsburg Wedding Design, you are still clients of Williamsburg Wedding Design and ME. You and I are still working together in the exact same capacity, and I am still THRILLED to be your planner. The Flower Cupboard's owner, Cathy Nester (my "other" mom) was very sensitive in allowing me to continue with my current clients without any kind of disturbance. Your relationship with your florists will be respected just as they have always been.  

Because people panic about change, I repeat - current clients have nothing at all to worry about. Nothing has changed. You just happen to be my "graduating class".

(On the same note, if you're working with The Flower Cupboard and you have a wedding planner, that's awesome! Every bride is a valued individual and when my services are needed, I'll be called on. When they're not, they have PLENTY of flower buckets for me to clean in the back!). :)

I love planning weddings, and have spent more than 7 years in Williamsburg doing just that. What I don't always love is working alone. Of course, I have Debbie Jones, my beloved associate, on wedding days, but she refuses to hang out with me for free the rest of the time. There are a lot of things you can do as part of a team that you can't do on your own. I've kind of exhausted what I wanted to do all by myself in weddings, and am ready to see what being part of a greater whole might bring. 

I can't make the change less awkward for all of you, but I can thank you in advance for being supportive and showing your love. I can also promise that my renewed energy will be spent in large part on coming up with even more ways to make Williamsburg the ultimate destination for weddings. The Flower Cupboard's spirit is contagious, and I am so grateful that they are willing to have me. 

So, to recap:

1. YES, I am still a wedding planner. You can still hire me to perform all of the same services - you will just do so via The Flower Cupboard.

2. YES, I am still a freelance writer. Nothing about that changed at all. No panicking.

2. Yes, I am closing Williamsburg Wedding Design, but with NO disruption to service. For my clients who accept this change gracefully, I'll have to come up with a collectible "graduating class" token of thanks! :)

3. No, I'm not engaged (sorry to disappoint the 2 of you who thought that was my status change).

So there you have it. You're going to ask all kinds of questions about websites, wedding blogs and probably even business cards that I'm not prepared to answer yet. I'll keep you in the loop, and I look forward to seeing you on North Boundary Street soon!

Happy New Year!

Shayna

 

Pink & Green Candy Buffet

Since I'm finally getting caught up with photos and posts this week, I wanted to share this display from earlier this year. I was called in at the last-minute to help with the setup and construction of this immense two-part buffet. The person hosting had done a wonderful job picking out the elements that she thought she'd like included - it just came down to a time thing on the wedding day and I was more than happy to help. It's always fun working with so much candy in such perfect colors! So, here's one of my favorite candy displays to date!

 

Kate & Jerry:: July 7, 2011 W&M Alumni House

I could gush about Kate and Jerry for hours – and in previous drafts of this post, I did. However, their photos, courtesy of photographic superhero Erik Leise, give an accurate portrayal of how special these two are, how much in love they are, and exactly why I adore them so. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Kate & Jerry!

Planning: Williamsburg Wedding Design

Flowers: The Flower Cupboard

Cake: Cindy’s Cakery

Venue: The Alumni House of William & Mary

Catering: Green Leafe Catering

Photo Booth: Boardwalk Photo Booth Co.

Ceremony Music: Tim Olbrych, Classical Guitarist

Reception Entertainment: Smith-Wade Band

Rentals: Williamsburg Event Rentals

Hair & Makeup: European Beauty Concepts   

 

Elizabeth & Joe - Rocking Wedding Video Trailer

Jason Faulkner, Videographer, shared this trailer of a wonderful wedding he filmed for us in May. Elizabeth and Joe had a beautiful day celebrating an even more beautiful relationship, and I know that the many of us who were able to help were so honored to be there.

This trailer isn't your typical wedding video - Jason had an "out-there" vision for it, so put aside your conservative Williamsburg sensibilities and enjoy the fun take on this amazing event.

Elizabeth & Joe's Wedding Trailer from Jason Faulkner on Vimeo. 

Thank you to Carol Hayes Photography (whose photos I promise to feature soon!), The Alumni House, Catering Co., The Wren Chapel, Emily Hudspeth, Williamsburg Field Musick, A Cake to Remember, The Hotcakes Band, FritzPro Music, Jason Faulkner and many others for making this such a special day.

Shayna, Williamsburg Wedding Design

Weddings and the Crim Dell Bridge, College of William & Mary

One of the most iconic images of the Williamsburg wedding scene is the Crim Dell Bridge on the campus of the College of William & Mary. Every freshmen learns the legend on the first day of orientation: kiss your sweetheart on the Crim Dell and someday the two of you will marry.

The bridge dates back to 1966 when it was opened on the first-ever "Parent's Day". It is nestled in a private little dell at the end of the Sunken Gardens and is the result of damming College Creek. Evidently before becoming a romantic destination students used to use it to dispose of their trash (nice). Most visitors wouldn't even know it was there, especially in spring and summer when the foliage has returned and shrouds it in secrecy.

The bridge was funded by the 1964 class gift - that class seems to have endowed half of the college, incidentally. It is named after "distinguished alumnus" John Crim (Class of 1901). The plaque that is mounted near the bridge features a quote from the college president who commissioned the bridge, Davis Paschall: "that one may walk in beauty, discover the serenity of the quiet moment, and dispel the shadows".

It is certainly the beauty (and even the shadows) of the bridge, along with the legend of the kiss that bring to it newlywed and engaged couples alike, with photographer in tow. But there are other rumors about Crim Dell too (that would be as cool in photographs if you ask this alumna): the only cure if you've kissed on the bridge to prevent marriage? You must throw the person you kissed off the bridge (I'm sure campus security loves that one). And another gem: women should not walk alone over the bridge. If they do, they are doomed to a life of spinsterhood.

It's lucky, then, that the bridge doesn't provide convenient access to anything. In fact, if you decide to take the requisite "Crim Dell Bridge Photo" on your wedding day, be prepared for a little offroading. All paths that lead to the site are unpaved and involve weathered steps or steep grading.

Did you, or will you have a Crim Dell photo taken on your wedding day? Why don't you share your photo on the Williamsburg Wedding Design Facebook page and tell your best bridge story!

Resources:

Photo courtesy of Brad Howe Photography: www.bradhowephotography.com

Wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crim_Dell

Website of the College of William & Mary: https://alumni.wm.edu/magazine/spgsum_2006/feature_5.shtml

Top 5 Reasons to Wed in Williamsburg

It occurred to me that it's been awhile since I've reviewed the main reasons that people cite when they first call for holding their weddings in Williamsburg. This region is a unique mixture of accessible, convenient and appealing. These were first featured on our World According to Weddlady blog back in 1997...but they are absolutely timeless Is your reason listed?

1. They visited Williamsburg many moons ago and fell in love - with the 'burg!  It took them a little longer to find Mr. or Ms. Right, but now they're on their way back for the perfect destination wedding.

2. Williamsburg is a popular retirement area - if Mom and Dad live in Williamsburg and are paying, they may just have a say in where the nuptials will be held!

3. They attended the College of William & Mary: whether or not the intention is to marry at the Wren Chapel, something about 4+ years at this venerable institution draws alumni back to wed near their alma mater...or makes them feel entitled to do so!

4. We're right in the middle - of the east coast, that is.  We've hosted many couples who have family from New York to Florida and beyond.  We're near easy transportation, have great historical facilities and excellent access to accommodations and services.  We're ideally situated to help with geopgrahic compromises!

5. They are local - of course, if you were born and raised here, there are dozens of reasons that could compel you to take the plunge in your home territory.  Maybe local parents are paying, maybe your high school football team will be in your bridal party, or maybe your little girl (and little guy, I suppose) dreams of a fairytale wedding involve a fife & drum or horse-drawn carriage on DOG street.  In any case, many true Williamsburg natives stay close to home to wed.

I hope Williamsburg is right for you too!  I'd be delighted to help you decide - start by requesting your complimentary copy of the Where to Wed Guide to Williamsburg, Yorktown, Providence Forge and Newport News, or give me a call at 757-592-3365!

Image Courtesy of Brad Howe Photography

Happy Planning.

Shayna Walker

Owner, Williamsburg Wedding Design

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{Featured Venue} The Settlement at Powhatan Creek

We will be hosting a series of features on local professionals over the next couple of weeks. These are our colleagues from the Where to Wed Guide and we are grateful for their support and for their participation.

The Settlement at Powhatan Creek

 

From grand and elaborate to casual and comfortable, The Settlement at Powhatan Creek’s spacious 15,000 square foot clubhouse has both indoor and outdoor spaces for the wedding, reception or rehearsal dinner of your dreams.

The Settlement at Powhatan Creek is a quality, custom home, active adult community for those 55 and older and is conveniently located in Williamsburg off Monticello Avenue, 1.3 miles west of Monticello Marketplace. You don’t have to be a neighborhood resident or 55 or older to rent the clubhouse.

Our award winning clubhouse is both elegant and affordable. Areas available for private events include a ballroom, catering kitchen, atrium and gallery, arts and crafts/meeting rooms, a game room and outdoor pool area. You can rent as little or as much as you need. There is pricing by the hour (thee hour minimum) or by the day (up to 10 consecutive hours). Onsite tables, chairs, a serving bar, podium, and wireless microphone are included at no extra cost. A dance floor and gorgeous damask tablecloths are available for an additional charge.

The clubhouse is wheelchair accessible. There is plenty of parking with a covered porte-cochere at the entrance, perfect for valet parking or drop-off.  The clubhouse can accommodate events of all sizes from small and intimate up to 300 people. 

You can have exactly the food you want as outside caterers are welcome. An on-site host is present for your entire event from setup through cleanup to make sure that your wedding, reception, or rehearsal dinner is the one of your dreams.

The building has wonderful architectural detail with beautiful moldings, columns, and archways—perfect for those memorable wedding photos. Make your first memory together an unforgettable one. Visit us on the web at www.thesettlement.net or contact Nancy at 645-3000 to schedule a tour or for more information. Call now as we are booking up fast for 2011!

The Settlement at Powhatan Creek

4101 Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23188

757-645-3000 | www.thesettlement.net

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. However, The Settlement at Powhatan is an advertiser in our sister publication, the Where to Wed Bridal Guide.

Candlelight Wedding at the Williamsburg Winery

Videographer Jason Faulkner shared this highlight video with me from a wedding we did together in 2010. The family...from the bride, Sarah, her groom, James, to their parents (especially wonderful Carol and Jay - my planning partners in crime) were absolutely lovely. There was so much love, and so much good nature on this October evening that I feel truly blessed that it was captured so masterfully by Jason and his team.

Congratulations Sarah & Jimmy!

One of my favorite 2010 weddings...enjoy.

 

Sunset Wedding at The Williamsburg Winery from Image 3 Media on Vimeo.

Thank you Jason. If you are looking for a great videographer, please call Jason. He was pure joy to work with, and anyone who knows me knows that I don't say that about more than a handful of pros in his field. Here is Jason's contact info:

Jason Faulkner | jason_d_faulker{at}yahoo{dot}com

Website | YouTube | phone: 804.399.8682

Coordination by: Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design

Ashley & Aaron Got Married {A Real Williamsburg Wedding}

I was so honored to be asked to help Aaron & Ashley with their September 4 wedding. It wasn't a total surprise to me - Aaron's mom is my good friend Cathy Nester, owner of The Flower Cupboard.

This couple is so well-matched, it's kind of scary. They were longtime sweethearts before their Williamsburg Winery wedding. Aaron is techie and Ashley is a dentist (which makes their epic candy buffet really ironic). They are fun-loving, good-natured and positively filled to the brim with perspective.

From the shabby-chic design theme to the polaroid photos hung with clothespins instead of a traditional guest book, Aaron and Ashley wove personal elements through the entire day. The vendors had as much fun s the couple did, and I'm grateful for the efforts of DJ On the Side, Charlie Little, A Catered Affair by 2nd Street and of course, Brad Howe Photography who took the wonderful images below.

To see more of these, visit the Williamsburg Wedding Design Facebook page and Aaron & Ashley's album which I'll put up shortly!

Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design

 

 

 

Williamsburg Weddings Rock - The Williamsburg Wedding Blog's First Ever Giveaway

Alright Williamsburg brides and grooms! We're hosting our first giveaway here on The Williamsburg Wedding Blog! Here are the details:

One lucky couple will win:

·         A 2-hour planning consultation via phone or locally, in-person with expert local planner Shayna Walker

·         A free engagement or bridal portrait session in Williamsburg, Virginia from Brad Howe Photography

·         $100 towards their wedding flower order from The Flower Cupboard

There are two ways to enter (and you can do both to increase your chance of success!):

1. Leave a comment on this blog telling us one cool thing about your Williamsburg Wedding - you can do this once to enter.

2 Or, follow @weddlady on Twitter and include the hashtag #williamsburgweddingsrock in at least one tweet. New and existing followers are eligible as long as they tweet with the hashtag and only one entry per person will be counted per day (NO SPAM). The winner will be chosen randomly and all prizes expire December 31, 2011.

The contest ends at November 5, 2010 at 12:59 PM EST.

This is just the first of many ways we’ll be connecting the regions engaged couples and the professionals who serve them. It’s an exciting time to plan a wedding in Williamsburg!

Please show some love to our participating prize sponsors:

The Flower Cupboard, 205 North Boundary Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185, 757-220-0057, www.flowercupboard.com

Brad Howe Photography, 757-373-1373, www.bradhowephotography.com

Williamsburg Wedding Design, 757-592-3365, www.williamsburgweddingdesign.com

For questions about the contest, please contact Shayna Walker at Shayna{at}williamsburgweddingdesign{dot}com or 757-592-3365. And we're adhering to local legal standards here too - if it's illegal for you to win a prize in  your state, do not enter. The winner will be chosen at random and the judge's (my) selection is final. There is no cash value to any of the prizes. Don't do slimy stuff, and participate for the right reasons - because Williamsburg Weddings Rock!