Another rainy weekend!

Another rainy Sunday in Birmingham! I've been catching up on a little paper work and calming a few brides unsettled nerves! No one rests even on a Sunday!

My week has been so busy but produced some great things! All of my planning for the tabletop shoot finally came together on Thursday. I designed two looks : Southern Chic & Urban Glamour. I couldn't have been more pleased with the end result. Let's hope that Grace Ormonde Wedding Style loves it as much as I did!

I am forever in debt to the vendors that gave their time and talents. I am so lucky to work with such amazing people.

Photographers: Arden Photography

Floral: Hothouse Design Studio

Cakes & Catering: Olexa's

*my newest treasure* Invitations: Sonia Davis Designs for Inviting Company

Lighting: A.G. Lighting

Thank you again to everyone who played a part in this amazing shoot!

Table setting complete with Southern Sweet Tea served right out of a Mason Jar!

You can't get anymore "southern" than that!

Delicious food by Miss Diane Olexa!

Fried Okra with a chipotle sauce

And a heirloom tomato salad topped with a corn & black bean salsa

The Southern Chic photoshoot took place at Jones Valley Urban Farm.

If you haven't been out to see it yet, it is a MUST!

What a sweet treat! Cakes by Diane as well.

Each guest gets their own personal size serving!

Snapshot of Arden Ward capturing the details.

Lighting plays such a key role in all my designs. It totally set the atmosphere!

Then on Friday and Saturday I had new bridal appointments at Engaged Wedding Library. Just as always the lovely Stephanie Whitaker was there and made us feel so welcome!

One of Confero's new brides brings a new experience to the table. Not only will this wedding be a challenge to design, but I am so excited to plan my first Greek Wedding! It's such an honor when I have a family who wants to incorporate their heritage. I can't wait to see what all we come up with!

Last note... be sure to pick up the newest issue of Birmingham Home & Garden. Cover feature home styled by Christopher Reed! Such a beautiful home.

I have a full week ahead of me. More brides, photoshoots, and who knows.. Maybe I will fit some fun in this week! Check back soon for more!

Best!

Wedding Planners Can Save You Money!

It might seem like a waste of your available funds to hire someone to help you plan your wedding. Hiring a wedding coordinator can turn out to save you a fortune in your valuable time, plus additional savings this in-the-know expert can find out there in the wedding world. Consider the following perks as you think about whether or not to bring in professional guidance.

1. Perhaps the biggest perk is that a wedding planner has a lot of contacts in the wedding industry. So they will be able to guide you toward the best-priced, best-quality professionals out there that you might not have found through your own personal contacts and research.

2. wedding planners know the best places as well – those out-of-the –way gems of locations that you might not have found on your own. Extra points is they can find you great package deals and all-inclusive plans that save you money in the long run.

3. When you go to a wedding planner and explain that you want a big wedding on a small budget, they have a mountain of money-saving ideas and resources at their disposal. They are a great generator of additional money-saving ideas that fit with your location and your theme.

4. The help of a wedding planner can save you a fortune in pain relief or anti-anxiety medication! With them handling the many, many details - and also perhaps running interference between you and your meddling mother-in-law-to-be, their assistance is invaluable in terms of removing your stress and giving you more of your town time back to devote to your career or other obligations.

5. A good wedding planner is an expert when it comes to the many contracts you’ll have to sign with the various professionals you’ll hire. Your planner can go through the contracts, read the fine print, negotiate to eliminate extra wasteful charges, perhaps get things for free and save you from throwing money away on unnecessary choices.

6. A good wedding planner is hands-on. They may be able to help you make the favors instead of you having to buy expensive ones.

7. Here’s a budget saving option if you do want the help of a wedding planner, but don’t want to spring for the full service package: you can have a coordinator for partial help. That means you just hire them to help you find those inexpensive locations or professionals. You can also hire a planner for the wedding day only, as the person who will organize the set up or the sites, show the caterer where to work, assist in the décor placement, and direct everything from the florist to the guests, keeping the show running on time, which also saves you money. Having a pro on hand can help in case bad weather or a location problem requires you to move sites.

They are the calm in the storm and a good investment for the many things that can cost you on the wedding day itself.Consider it an investment in your peace of mind, to make the most of the budget you have spent on the day.

Busy in Birmingham

Hey everyone! Here it is, my weekly wrap of what's been going on in my world. Let me know what's been going on in yours!

I got lots of play time with friends last week! Tuesday night was so 80's! My great friend Angela Karen's sister, Ashleigh, had her birthday party at Skate's 280! Can you imagine how much fun that was?!

A few snap shots of my buddies Angela & Heidi.

Heidi rolling around with Mr. Rob Ingram. Great new photographer friend!

And everyone has been waiting for the new season of Project Runway! Thursday was the "See & Be Seen" viewing party at Blackwell's Pub hosted by Heidi Elnora. My neighbor and great friend, Mandy Majerik, escorted me to this little gathering. Another fun night! This will be a every other Thursday night event, so keep checking Facebook or Twitter to find out details!

And then as if I hadn't partied enough.. Saturday evening was "Red Hot for a Cure" at Workplay. And we all know Confero is well versed with that venue! It's always good to have fun and raise money for a great cause!

It seems though as most of my time has spent playing and not working! Not so! I assure you every day I take care of my brides and my business. Even today I did some beautiful natural decor at a fundraiser meet and greet for a candidate running for Birmingham City Council. There is never a day that goes by that I'm not hard pushing and growing Confero! I just always get a little play time in as well! So cheers everyone!

Make the most of everyday that we are given!

Best!

Confero's Birmingham News Feature

Birmingham News - Lifestyle Section - Sunday August 16, 2009

Outfitting the Well-Polished Groom :

The ring is not the only must-have accessory for a bride on her wedding day. She'll also need a well-dressed groom looking his best.

Christopher Reed, the wedding and event designer of Confero Productions in Birmingham, offers tips on how grooms can stay polished, especially when a tuxedo is not always an option.

• Wear a folded pocket square instead of a boutonniere. The square should match the color of the tie or could be a different pattern. Don't wear a boutonniere, tie and pocket square at the same time, it's visually over-whelming.
• Consider wearing a gray suit, which can be an equal to a black suit. Plus, it fits any color scheme.

• Keep cool in a blue or tan seersucker suit, which is not only acceptable for outdoor summer weddings but also adds a great sporty look. "They look very beach chic," he said.
• Be proud of your heritage. Depending on your culture, you may want to don a kilt or sherwani. "Most guys would be more reluctant to wear something unusual. But if you have that guy who is super proud of being Scottish, why not wear a kilt. You can easily get online and find your family colors and tartan patterns," Reed said.
• Dress for the season. Linen and cotton are better options for spring and summer weddings. Fall and winter nuptials usually call for wool, tweed or cashmere.
• Go for a spa say and be sure to get a manicure, it's not just for women anymore. "Every bride wants a polished groom beside her at the altar," Reed said.
• Do not wear a tuxedo for a daytime wedding. A tuxedo is better for a late afternoon or evening ceremony.
• Look in the mirror before you walk out of the store. Cummberbunds are not the best option for men who are a bit round in the middle. Vests are slimming and don't draw much attention to that area.
• Be sure the groom doesn't look like one of the groomsmen; he should stand out at the altar. For example, his boutonniere could be different or a little nicer than the groomsmen. But make sure the boutonniere is not so big and heavy it weighs down the lapel.

• Keep formal wear formal. If you wear a tuxedo, it's not the time to show your love for a certain sports team or pastime with quirky adornments. Keep the attire tasteful and classic. "You don't want to have a beach wedding and have on a tuxedo, or be barefoot walking down the aisle at St. Patrick's Cathedral," he said. The groom's cake is a better place to show your personality.

Quick snapshot of me in my silver suit. Handsome?

Weekend Update...

It's Sunday night, I'm beat but I absolutely can’t let myself get some much needed sleep before taking a breath to sit down and blog! I am winding down with my dear friend and floral designer extraordinaire Matthew Bees, visiting all the way from Charleston. It was wonderful to catch up over dinner. Mandy Majerik, Tara Hill, Matthew & myself went out on a rainy night to Surin West. YUM! Time spent with friends is priceless!

Moving along.. It’s actually been an almost low-key weekend for me – more time with friends mixed with a little work. The past few months have been so crazy with my professional life that it was nice to have a couple days more devoted to the personal. However, you know it wouldn’t be natural for me to not take care of some business as well. I had a terrific meeting with a bride at Avon Theatre in the Lakeview District. I was able to visually walk her through her “reception-to-be” and transform the space with words and our imaginations. Of course, I believe the reception will speak for itself when it comes that time.

Saturday evening I was invited to accompany my good friends from Fetch! Pet Care to Hand-in-Paw’s biggest yearly fundraiser, Picasso Pets, that was held at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. I got a chance to scope out the space for an event I’m working with next month, the Equality Alabama Dinner Gala. Just walking in the front doors, I was in absolute awe of this origami floral art that blanketed the staircase. There is NO telling how long it took to put that all together, but it was gorgeous! And talk about all the cute pups! I had an extra friendly one nuzzle right up to me at the table.

I couldn’t help but think of my own pup, Crew, who has somehow learned to play fetch. Not sure where he got it from, but now we’ve been using this huge loft to get some good play time! I thought you'd like to see a few candids of the pup and some of my best friends! On left, Mr. Blaine Johnson & right Mr. David Haugen... who was also Confero's handsome groom in the Signature Style Shoot!

Last but certainly not least a BIG thank you to Bill & Alisa at SunDolphin Productions! I’ve got a special glimpse of what to expect in my Retro "Pretty in Pink" Signature Style Series to be featured in Alabama Weddings Magazine 2010! Click to view below!

Behind the Scenes - "Retro Pretty in Pink" Alabama Wedding Signature Style Series photo shoot by Confero Productions.

Sweet Sneak Peak!

Just a random note... If you haven't tried Dianne's "Cloud 9"... it is a MUST!! I finished my lunch today with this little piece of heaven, and it was super!

and not to give lots of secrets away, but since I am giving praise to Olexa's, I thought I would show you a SNEAK PEAK from my Signature Style shoot. It was a candid shot of all of us taking a sweet bite of Dianne's cake! Enjoy!

What a whirlwind!

Well, it’s been done! I promised an amazing photo shoot last time and it was everything I imagined and more. Confero’s Signature Style shoot to be featured in Alabama Weddings 2010 was such a success thanks to some of Birmingham’s incredible vendors, photo/videographers, and, of course, Michelle Tubbs of Alabama Weddings. I feel so blessed to have worked with such great people. Not only did they bring my vision alive in an extraordinary way, but we also had a blast doing it!

Just a quick run-through of my all-star team:
Lighting – AG Lighting
Florals – HotHouse Design Studio
Cakes & Catering – Olexa’s Cakes & Catering
Bridal Attire - Heidi Elnora

Guys Attire - Mr. Burch
Venue - Workplay
Photography – Mark Broadway Photography
Videographer – SunDolphin Productions

Invitations - Weddings Etc.

BBJ Linens & We Rent Atlanta Provided great items as well! Couldn't have done it without them!!

SunDolphin Productions was by our side all day to capture a “behind-the-scenes” look at what it takes to put together this photo shoot which will be featured on the Alabama Weddings website. I’ll be sure to link you to it as soon as I know it’s there! Now I’m sure you’d LOVE for me to give you a few of my trusty snapshots from the shoot, but that would be just too easy. This time, some patience is key!

Did you notice anything different about the blog? It definitely got a face-lift, and has never looked better. Be sure to check out “Confero’s Confidant’s” on the sidebar to the left to see what some of Birmingham’s other vendors are blogging about.

After all of the hard work through the week, my weekend was a mix of work, fun, and relaxation. RJK Photography stopped by the loft for a photo shoot on Saturday evening. It was so great spending time with Jolei Higgins, and what a true talent she is!! I snapped a quick shot with my phone! What do ya think? Could I be a photographer? ha!

I have been on the edge of my seat waiting to see Julie & Julia and finally got my chance Sunday afternoon. Loved it! Made me want to use my gandma’s iron skillet; thank you Meryl Streep.

Now I’m REALLY excited for FAME! You’ll see me in line at midnight for that one.

Time to jet for now though! Best!

Where does the time go?!

Hi guys and gals! I finally found the time this week to sit down, breathe, and blog. I've been one busy boy and busy is an understatement. So much of what I have been planning and processing this summer all came down to these last few weeks of summer.

Last Thursday, we had an absolute blast on top of the Redmont again at “A Picture of Health,” an ovarian cancer research benefit presented by Angela Karen’s Birmingham Bombshells. We had a few cocktails and rocked out with “The Secret Dangers” through the night with some of our favorite bombshells. With all the rain that came our way this weekend, we lucked up with a dry event. We like our rain to water flowers, not pour down on party guests!

"Our 'Picture of Health' event looked fantabulous thanks to you! We could not have picked a better man to make the event so beautiful. We never even had to worry about one thing, which is so refreshing and made my life so much easier. "

Angela Karen, Birmingham Bombshells

You know Confero loves a few good sprays of ivy and a can of metallic silver paint! And if you didn’t, well you learn something new everyday. Sunday was all about the Perfect Wedding Guide SoHo Bridal Show. Set up in the “Funky” room with two Christopher-sized urns with silver ivy spilling out the top, I met some great soon-to-be brides. Mandy Majerick of Hothouse Design Studio designed the beautiful floral pieces in the room in cool shades of blues, lavenders, and whites.

And I'll point out my new silver suit! I always try to be posh right down to the clothes on my back! Silver Ivy...Silver Suit... It was quite handsome. :-)

And prepare yourself! Confero’s Signature Style photo shoot to be featured in Alabama Weddings is Tuesday! With the bridal show wrapped up, I am in lockdown mode. I am so excited! It’s going to be in true Confero fashion – A "Retro Pretty in Pink!" It’s going to be an amazing shoot. It will wrap a crazy last few days for me, but then it’s just on to the next crazy string of events. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s great to see what I can accomplish when the pressure is on and to use my talents to make an ordinary day into a fabulous event my clients will never forget.

By the way, great new things are in the works for Confero. Details are still to come! So be on the lookout.