Catbird Giveaway Winner!

And the winner of the 14 k gold alphabet ring of their choice is...

melindamariejames who wrote the following comment:

"I would choose "E" for my 5 year old daughter's name Ella. She is the flower girl in my September wedding and it is important to me and my future husband (who is not her biological father) that she feels special on this important day."

Congratulations melindamariejames and thank you so much for sharing your comment!

Send an email to editor@weddingsunveiledmagazine.com and we'll hook you up with Catbird to select your beautiful 14k gold alphabet ring!

Sweet Sensations ~ Newnan, GA

It's hard not to instantly fall in love with Sharon Alexander, owner and cake designer of Newnan, Georgia based bake shoppe Sweet Sensations. We certainly did after meeting the adorable cake guru! Her bubbly personality and passion for cake design is infectious and with a background that includes training with some of the top pastry chefs in the world she has become one of the most sought after cake designers in the South. Her work has been featured on Completely Unveiled as well as in the pages of Weddings Unveiled. Read on to learn more about the lovely lady behind Sweet Sensations and don't miss the Sweet Sensations promo video below shot by Anna and Spencer Photography.

Sweet Sensations is based in Newnan, GA. To contact Sweet Sensations, visit their website or call 770.252.9117.

Weddings Unveiled: Tell us a little bit about Sweet Sensations.

Sharon Alexander: Sweet Sensations is a boutique bake shoppe specializing in custom designed cakes. We love the art of the cake.

WU: How did you become a cake designer? When and how did you begin Sweet Sensations?

SA: By default...was trying to learn more techniques for decorating cookies. There weren't any cookie classes, so I took the cake classes. Started in CA, then continued in GA. Had planned to open a cookie shoppe here...

The name and idea actually started in CA for a cookie shoppe I'd planned to open when I moved to GA. Early on I had the great luck to start taking classes with Nicholas Lodge and he was my inspiration for cakes.

WU: Tell us about how you work with engaged couples, whether as a team or individually.

SA: The entire process involves are whole team, but I'm the one who meets with the couples. One meeting is all that is needed for a tasting/design consultation. They're given "homework" to bring so I can get a sense of their style and the reception. The cake needs to be cohesive with the wedding and venue.

WU: Describe your style when it comes to cake design?

SA: Clean, relevant.

WU: What inspires you?

SA: Fabric, fashion, decor...

WU: How do you keep your ideas fresh?

SA: We stay on top of the trends. By custom designing each cake we're pulling from the bride's gown, the invitation, the decor...that keeps it relevant...now.

WU: What makes Sweet Sensations different from other bakeries?

SA: Every cake we create is a custom design made for that particular event.

WU: What would be your dream wedding cake to design?

SA: No particular design...just a couple who completely trust us when we see their vision with a hefty budget in a fabulous venue.

WU: Tell us three things you can't live without.

SA: Sunshine, milk & Twitter! ;p (follow Sharon on Twitter at @SweetSensations)

WU: What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

SA: You can't run the business from behind the baker's bench/decorator's table.

WU: What is the best advice you can give to an engaged couple?

SA: Always go with your gut...that is God knocking on your head!

Image Credits:
(1) Andrea Taylor Studio. (2) Graceology Photography. (3) Project Duo Photography. (5) Andrea Taylor Studio. (8) Nadine Brett Photography. (12) Project Duo Photography. All other images provided by Sweet Sensations.

Sweet Sensations Promo from Anna and Spencer on Vimeo.

Real Wedding ~ Gabi and Capers

Gabi and Caper's backyard Atlanta wedding was sent to us by Erin Ashford Photography. Designed in a palette of slate, white and shades of yellow ranging from pale buttercup to deep mustard, the inspired palette was perfect for the couple's Fall nuptials. Gabi and Caper's wedding was filled to the brim with handcrafted details created by the bride who is also owner of event planning and design company helloHITCHED. From an old typewriter to mason jars and hanging paper garland Gabi created a unique wedding design mixing Southern touches with vintage elements, including the bridesmaids' fabulous vintage frocks from Stefan's Vintage Clothing. Under an open-air tent trimmed with garden lights, long banquet tables were draped in light gray linens and antique lace overlays paired with striking mandarin yellow chiavari chairs for the outdoor reception. The talented Amy Osaba created a gorgeous display of blooms set in a variety of vintage vessels to decorate each tables center, while individual kraft paper wrapped baguettes sat at each place setting adorned with a vibrant yellow place card. Don't miss a single reception detail, including the couple's two tier yellow confection and incredible pig shaped groom's cake from Highland Bakery. Enjoy!

Credits:
Photography: Erin Ashford Photography. Planning and Design: helloHITCHED. Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas. Paper Goods: helloHITCHED. Gown: Lazaro from Bridals by Lori. Bridesmaid Dresses: vintage from Stefan's Vintage Clothing. Headpieces: helloHITCHED. Floral Design: Amy Osaba. Decor: helloHITCHED. Caterer: Avalon Catering. Music: Kingsized. Cake: Highland Bakery. Favors: helloHITCHED.

Courtney Khail Stationery

We recently had the pleasure of meeting Courtney Khail, an Atlanta based stationery designer, at the Weddings Unveiled Summer Soiree at StudioWed this month. She shared her beautiful handmade stationery designs with us and we couldn't wait to share them with you! Made from 100% cotton paper, each piece combines hand drawn illustrations, ink and watercolor resulting in unique hand painted works of art. By hand painting each piece, Courtney Khail Stationery provides each client with something truly individualized, where no two pieces are ever exactly alike. Inspired by her love of nature and background in scientific illustration, Courtney's designs feature beautiful blooms and vegetation. We love her anemone and peony designs, which are included below along with a sampling of her gorgeous designs. See all the designs available or contact Courtney about creating a custom creation on the Courtney Khail Stationery website!

Bridal Extravaganza of Atlanta

Meet Atlanta's most talented and creative wedding professionals at the Bridal Extravaganza of Atlanta on Sunday, August 14th from 1-5pm at Peachtree Special Events & Conference Center. Join the fun and exciting afternoon to help plan your special day. You'll find everything you need in one spot. See the hottest trends of the season that will personalize your celebration and make your wedding unforgettable with the themed wedding galleries designed by Atlanta's best wedding professionals. In addition, brides will see an over-the-top wedding cake gallery. Compare traditional and photojournalistic styles in the photography gallery and see beautiful blooms in the bridal bouquet gallery. See couture fashion shows for the wedding and honeymoon. From finding creative ideas and designs for your reception to planning your honeymoon or destination wedding with the wedding specialists on hand this is one event packed with everything you need for the big day!

VIP tickets are available for $25 for the first 100 brides to register, which will include VIP gift bag, VIP seating and Champagne toast as well as VIP entrance to the show. General admission tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the show. Use promo code "BEA2011" when purchasing advanced tickets online to get $5 tickets. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website or call 678.439.9334.

Real Wedding ~ Beth and Clint

Designed in a palette of soft white, khaki and fresh green M. Elizabeth Events created a beautiful setting for Beth and Clint's classic Southern wedding photographed by Simple Color. A quintessential Southern belle, Beth wore a beautiful lace sweetheart Liancarlo gown with Champagne sash to cinch the waist and accessorized with lace embroidered cathedral veil and gardenia floral fascinator from Midori Designs. Clint and his groomsmen kept it simple with classic black tuxedos and bowties, while the bridesmaids matched in LulaKate black cocktail dresses. With it's towering square columns, black shutters and porch, Lyon Hall was filled with old Southern charm making it the perfect venue for the couple's Southern soiree. Outside round guest tables draped in celadon linens set under a large open-air tent and on the porch of the historic home. Greenery mixed with a variety of fluffy white blooms created by Maison de Fleur decorated the tabletops, while inside gorgeous trailing greenery adorned the railing of the stairway. Guest dined on a Southern inspired menu and satisfied their sweet tooth with Krispy Kreme donuts given away as favors. To see more of Beth and Clint's Alabama wedding, visit the Simple Color blog!

Credits:
Photography: Simple Color. Wedding Planning and Design: M. Elizabeth Events. Stationery: Melissa Hill. Florist: Maison de Fleur. Gown: Liancarlo from Ivory and White. Garter: Rosebud Lips. Hair Pin: Midori Designs. Bridesmaid Dresses: LulaKate from Bella Bridesmaid. Hair and Makeup: Jackie Reeves. Ceremony Venue: Trinity Episcopal Church. Reception Venue: Lyon Hall. Rentals: Special Events. Signage: Our Hobby to Your Home. Banner: Sheri Sew Sweet. Caterer: Joyce's Catering. Photobooth Signs and Props: Sarah Q Happy Booths. Band: Black Jacket. Cake: Barb's Cakes. Cake Topper: Milk Tea. Favors: Krispy Kreme. Transportation: Allen's Limo Service.

Diamonds Direct Crabtree Bridal & Anniversary Spectacular

Don't miss the Diamonds Direct Crabtree's First Annual Bridal & Anniversary Spectacular starting this Friday, July 22nd. The event lasts Friday through Saturday and with more than half a dozen top designers showcasing their exquisite collections with incredible 20% savings! The spectacular will feature engagement ring mountings, wedding bands, anniversary rings, stackable bands, ring re-mounts and much more! Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres by Flemings will be served on Friday evening from 5-7pm to help kick start the spectacular event. For more information visit the Diamonds Direct website or call 919.571.2881.

E Session ~ Sarah and Travis

Sarah and Travis' Texas engagement session was sent to us by Two Pair Photography. Despite the overcast weather, Sarah and Travis spent the afternoon creating a selection of fun and sweet images out and about in Austin. Starting the day off with a picture of them with their super cute dog and ending it with a sweet treat at the Airstream cupcake stand, the couple incorporated a range of venues in their shoot. From the romantic images in the country landscape to some playful images in the city shot in front of some unique architectural details, Sarah and Travis' engagement session had it all! To see more of Sarah and Travis' engagement session, visit the Two Pair Photography blog!

The 2u Collection Winner Revisited!

A couple of month's ago we ran a fabulous giveaway with Amy Morelli, creative director and owner of The 2u Collection. Our giveaway item was 100 free save the dates custom designed by Amy and our lucky winner was Andrea. Amy recently emailed us to share some pictures of the custom creation she designed for Andrea's save the dates and we couldn't wait to share the images. Below is the beautiful design Amy came up with using inspiration from Andrea's wedding day. The layered save the dates feature a custom die cut Champagne pearl paper with ivory ribbon to embellish the gold metallic linen of the background. Below is what Andrea and her groom, Eric had to say about the design:

"The Save The Dates are perfect. You were able to capture the theme and feeling of our wedding. Our guests haven't stopped talking about them and now they are even more excited about what's to come."

To see more of Amy's work, visit The 2u Collection website and check out her blog!