Whimsical Winter Forest Wedding

I need to start by confessing something...I HATE snow. Well I suppose that isn't fair. Let me rephrase that. I HATE the cold. I can tolerate it for about 30 seconds. But I must admit that there is a certain beauty about the freshly fallen powder. If it weren't for actually having to be outside in the frigid upstate weather, I would have loved to marry my husband in the wintery woods behind my family's countryside home. So instead of grimacing about the truckloads of snow piling up outside right now, I'm going to embrace it and share a few ideas for a whimsical winter forest wedding.

 I think this idea is certainly best for those planning on inviting a minimal amount of people to their actual ceremony. I say this because Grandma might not be too keen on trekking through the snow and into the woods. An intimate moment in the silent white woods truly sounds dreamy to me, but its definitely not for everyone. So a few ideas for those who prefer a bigger crowd- bring the forest indoors! A rustic barn or perhaps a clear tent where your guests could watch the snow fall. For a ceremony space, hang strands of pine cones between an alter made from sticks and moss. Your guests could sit on modern white chairs, or for a unique twist, tree stumps.


If you live in the Northeast like I do, evergreen trimmings in the winter are exceptionally abundant and affordable. I feel sad inside for discarded Christmas trees and I think it would be awesome to re-purpose them to create wintery garland to hang in a reception space. If the idea of heisting trees off your neighbors curbside isn't as appealing as it is for me, then you can buy evergreens like a normal sane person would.  If you are lucky enough to have a woodsy property of your own, salvage pine cones and wood pieces or create a natural centerpiece and cute displays for escort cards. Again, these are always plentiful at your local craft store as well!

 Warm your guests up with a hot chocolate bar. Stock it full of different types of marshmallows and chocolate to drizzle. When I was married, I insisted on giving my guests a favor they would actually appreciate. So you could say it means a lot to me to find unique, useable gifts for couples to thank their guests. For your whimsical winter forest wedding, you could give chocolate spoons, personalized mugs, or s'mores kits. Each idea is affordable and functional.

Hope these ideas make you like the snow at least a teeny bit more! Check into my Etsy shop for some pine cone themed purchasable decor coming soon (I just need to shovel my way out first). For more ideas and sources to the photos above, check out the Pinterest Inspiration board.

1920's Gatsby Style New Year's Eve Wedding

I can't think of a better way to ring on the new year than throwing a New Year's Eve wedding bash. Think about it, a fresh year and a brand new chapter in a couple's life, surrounded by those that matter the most. It's about tossing aside the hard times from the previous year and celebrating health and prosperity for the following. I centered this theme around a 1920's style inspiration because "nobody throws a party like Gatsby"!

This theme is certainly all about glitz and glamour. Place your bridesmaids in a shimmering gold floor length ballgown and your groomsmen in complimentary vintage style black ties, or better yet, bow ties. Top it off by decorating yourself in a flapper style headpiece and jewelry to make a 'fab' statement.

Consider renting a large ballroom style venue for your reception and decorate it with plenty of shimmering lights. I love the idea of centerpieces featuring clocks. You could either set each clock to indicate your table numbers or sync them all so your guests can count down to midnight with you. Drape large gold chandeliers or fill clear vases with pearl necklaces.

For favors, small personalized champagne bottles are a nice thematic touch. For a new spin, try mints or gum featuring the year for your guests to freshen up for their midnight kisses.

Ask your venue if gold confetti or sparklers are allowed for your guests to celebrate the clock striking twelve. If they don't try noise makers and a classic champagne toast.

For gold new year's style photo booth props, visit our Etsy shop!

With a New Year's Eve wedding there are a few things to consider. People tend to make their New Year's Eve plans months in advance, so make sure you send out Save The Dates as early as possible. Assure your guests have plenty of options for lodging or arrange for a shuttling service to take them home after a long night of partying.

For additional New Year's Eve wedding inspirations, visit our Pinterest inspiration board. 

Hope everyone has a safe new year's eve and a happy and healthy 2014!

Hey There!

First things first, let me introduce myself. My name is Brittany Lawrence and I'm the owner of Heart of Gold Design, a newly established event planning company based out of Albany, NY.

I am beyond ecstatic to announce our freshly launched blog!

This space serves not only as an informational go-to regarding Heart of Gold Design's services , but also as a creative outlet for my craftaholic personality. Finding unique ideas for weddings, showers, and parties is my passion and hopefully what you find here inspires you to do the same. I love to hear what you have to say and encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas. 

To learn more about Heart of Gold Design's service packages, please visit the 'ABOUT' section of this blog 

Much love...

Brittany