Essence of Events, LLC

The biggest trend this wedding season is modern, chic, and totally bold and beautiful. At Essence of Events, we think that the best way to pull off a look like this is to strip down your wedding to the bare bones, and no, we don’t mean getting rid of all the fabulous décor, but perhaps getting rid of some color.

Black and white weddings are a huge trend right now. It may sound basic, but take a look at these stunning photos to see why having a two-toned wedding is more fabulous than it sounds.

Black and white gowns, like this Vera Wang, were in abundance at the bridal shows in New York this past spring.

Accents of black make this tablescape perfectly simple and elegant.

Glamorous orchids, black goblets, and specialty linens make this table truly memorable.

The utilization of table chandeliers make this table setting feel intimate.

A modern black and white wedding with striped votives.

An oversized monogram makes this cake pop.

Text was hand-piped onto this cake.

Talk about a ruffled cake!

Cute goodie bags for the sweet bar!

A must-have stunning photo-op!

Black and white goes classic with a vintage Ford.

We adore anemones; the perfect black and white flower!

For help creating your black and white wedding, look no further than a preferred vendor, décor, design, and rental partner of Essence of Events; Grand Event Rentals. They just recently added a new line of black goblets, glassware, plates, and more to their already impressive rental selection to help make your black and white wedding pop.

For this vendor referral and more, plus other event inspirations contact Essence of Events today. To schedule your free, initial consultation call 253.292.1482or email contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

With most wedding dresses averaging in price from $1,000 to $10,000 and well beyond, it may have never crossed your mind to wreck or trash your gown. You may be thinking, “that seems crazy!” and “why would anyone ever do that?!”

Well, for one, you’ll never wear it again! And if you do end up remarrying, do you really think you would end up wearing the same dress that you wore to your first wedding? Are you saving it for your daughter or someone else to wear? Do you think that the chances of them wanting your dress or it still being in style are realistic? The answer is probably going to be a no! As I'm sure you figured this is because they will have their own style, and should probably have the opportunity to have as much fun choosing their gown as you did!

So what are you going to do with that dress? Trash it! Wreck it! Glitter it! Mud it up! Soak it in some water and use it as a canvas! Whatever you do, have fun ruining your dress!

Wreck the Dress photoshoots are a huge trend in the wedding and photography industry right now. They essentially involve the bride in her wedding gown (obviously after the wedding) and doing various activities to ruin the dress.

Some brides trash it completely, with scissors, paint, or mud. Others take a more gentle approach and will frolic in a fountain or body of water; thus still allowing the dress to be dry-cleaned and preserved.

Check out some of the more unique Trash the Dress photoshoot pictures below for inspiration for your very own ideas of how to ruin your wedding dress!

Fairy dust gown trashing with glitter

Choose your selection of glitter!

Spraying adhesive glue onto the fabric will make the glitter stick.

She cut the dress to add her own touch and a dramatic flair to her gown.

The finished product!

Trash your gown Alice in Wonderland style

A unique way of incorporating the theme and water into the session.

Tough-mudder style gown trashing

A bit muddier than your average water.

A happy ending after a long day taking photos in the mud.

Use your gown as a canvas

Now her gown is a work of art.

Essence of Events style trash the dress

One of our brides takes a gentle approach to trashing her dress.

Photographers are even including Wreck or Trash the Dress sessions as part of your photography package. For information on photographers who do so, and recommendations on even more Wreck the Dress options, contact us today.

To set up your free, initial consultation call 253.292.1482 or email contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

At Essence of Events, LLC we have had over 20 years of experience in the wedding industry, which means that not only have we planned a lot of weddings, but of course we have been at every reception we have coordinated.

Over the years, although tastes in décor have changed, music still seems to gravitate back to some great classics, and some fun party songs too (Gangnam Style, anyone?). Today we are going to share 25 of the most requested wedding songs of all time, in no particular order.

“Bust a Move” by Young MC

“Celebration” by Kool and the Gang

“Dancing Queen” by ABBA

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

“Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna

“Electric Slide” by Marcia Griffiths

“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins

“Forever” by Chris Brown

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

“Give Me Everything” by Pitbull

“Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith

“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

“Just Dance” by Lady Gaga

“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

“Marry Me” by Train

“Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO

“Shout” by Isley Brothers

“Single Ladies” Beyoncé

“Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson

“Tik Tok” by Ke$ha

“YMCA” by Village People

As you may have noticed, these songs range from genre to generation, and from style to suitability for age ranges, so when you are selecting music for your wedding make sure you play a variety too. Put some slow songs on to give your guests a break, but try not to pick too many so the reception doesn’t get boring.

Make sure to play an assortment of music toward the beginning of the reception to please all the generations in attendance, and then toward the middle and end of the night tailor it to the people who are still there (mostly your friends, so the music can get a little wilder).

For referrals of DJs who can help you create the perfect ambiance for your wedding day, and help you come up with your dream playlist, contact Essence of Events today. And to set up your free, initial consultation call 253.292.1482 or email contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

It has become increasingly popular for couples to take pre-ceremony photos before they say their vows. But this means that you miss the moment of walking down the aisle and your groom seeing you for the very first time. So, how do you capture that feeling or moment of him seeing you on your wedding day?

First look shots are set up by a photographer to capture the special time that you set aside before the ceremony to see each other for the first time on your wedding day. These shots will become your treasured keepsakes and potentially the some of your best photos from your entire wedding.

The love and emotion captured in these photos are amazing. Check out some of these couple’s first look photos to see unique ways to stage your first meeting as husband and wife, and just see the love (and shock on the grooms face!) in the gorgeous photography.

The bride and groom both blindfolded each other, and then at the same moment had a big reveal. How cute! This is such a lovely reaction to have.

This couple also decided to use blindfolds, but the bride chose not to let the groom see her before the vows. They just wanted to take a personal moment away from the busyness of the day to be with each other; she just didn’t want him to see her!

Another surprise which would be an alternative to the blindfold; balloons! How unique, quirky, and different!

I love the grooms face in this shot! He had just been facing away and turned around to see his stunning bride for the first time that day!

This photo is truly priceless. What a memorable keepsake!

Surrounded by your best and closest friends; this is why this is one of my favorite first look shots.

Reading letters to each other on the day of your wedding is a romantic thing to do, especially when you are in such close proximity to the person you love and are about to marry.

Surprising your groom is one of the best ways to get a spontaneous reaction from him and to get some of the best photos of your wedding day.

For more unique ideas for your upcoming wedding or event, and for referrals of photographers who can help you capture stunning first look shots, contact Essence of Events today.

To schedule your free, initial consultation, call 253.292.1482 or email contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae