Southern Wedding Venues: The Fairview Inn

Looking for a truly “traditional southern feel” to your wedding or wedding reception?  Well you might want to check out the Fairview Inn in historic Jackson, Mississippi.

Located in the Belhaven historic neighborhood and adjacent to the Fondren District (which was recently made famous during the filming of the movie The Help), the Fairview Inn is one of the south’s more scenic wedding venues.  The Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and you can feel an era gone by from the moment you set foot on the grounds. There are 18 unique guest rooms, an on-site spa, and dining facilities that can accommodate from 10 – 650 guests. And with over an acre of scenic grounds, it is the perfect location for wedding party photos.

If you’re looking for a location to host your Mississippi wedding or reception, the Fairview Inn in Jackson, MS is certainly worth considering.  Check out our gallery of photos:

Southern Wedding Venues: Castle Hill Resort

Looking for a picturesque location for your wedding in Oxford, Mississippi?  Castle Hill Resort, formerly known as Colonel’s Quarters, is an ideal venue to host your ceremony, reception and honey moon.  Located just 5 miles outside of Oxford MS, this exclusive inn is set on a beautiful scenic landscape.

The Rebel Room honey moon suite is just one of the seven rooms each with it’s own name and unique decor. All bedrooms have direct access to a wraparound porch to enjoy the view and have easy access to the courtyard and pool.  A fireplace, pool side gazebo, breakfast, common living area and kitchen are a few of the luxuries available to guests at the inn.

The restaurant menu includes only the best southern cuisine you would expect in such an elegant atmosphere.  Shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, eggs benedict and filet mignon are just some of the specialties.

The Castle Hill Resort and Inn offers a wonderful chance to experience true southern hospitality in one of the south’s favorite college towns… Oxford, MS.  Take a look at the gallery of images below to check out this beautiful southern wedding venue.

And you can also check out this other great wedding venue in Mississippi: Fairview Inn

Platinum Bridal Jewelry Trend-Spotting at the 2012 AGTA Spectrum Awards

By Adam Graham from AGTA

The Platinum Honors™ category at the annual American Gem Trade Association
(AGTA) Spectrum Awards™ competition provides magazine editors and wardrobe
stylists with an opportunity to see the newest trends in bridal jewelry design using color
set in platinum. This competition is the premier jewelry design contest in the world and
attracts hundreds of entrants each year. Each of the participating designers has their
own motivation and inspiration when it comes to the pieces they submit. When
analyzed together, they reveal that platinum was a very popular setting, accounting for
almost 40% of the winning selections. From blue sapphires, to red rubies, purple
tanzanites, black diamonds, green zultanites, and clean moonstones, designers chose
to set their colorful gemstones in platinum. Why? Because platinum is a naturally white
metal that never changes color, it always makes colored gemstones sparkle brighter.

Here are a few of the winning platinum bridal rings, and wedding day jewelry designs:

Mark Schneider Mark Schneider Design Long Beach, CA
Platinum earrings featuring 12mm black Tahitian Pearls and 8mm cultured
freshwater Pearls accented with white Diamonds (.99 ctw.) and black Diamonds (.53
ctw.). Winner in AGTA Spectrum Awards Bridal category for Manufacturing Honors.

Maria Canale Richard Krementz Gemstones Springfield, NJ
Platinum “Lace” ring featuring a 4.10 ct. blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.77
ctw.). 1st place in AGTA Spectrum Awards Bridal category.

Leonard A. McCue L.A.M. Goldsmiths S. Dennis, MA
Platinum “Hearts and Arrows” ring featuring a 19.0 ct. pear-shaped Moonstone
accented with Diamonds (2.37ctw.). Honorable Mention winner in AGTA Spectrum
Awards Bridal category.

Photo credit: Robert & Orasa Weldon for AGTA

To view more award winning platinum designs from the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ visit
www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery

Caring for Wedding Rings…and Your Engagement Ring

By Bridal Expert Alison Rowe

Your wedding and engagement rings are important symbols. Outwardly, they signify your commitment to your relationship. To each other, they are timeless symbols of your love. No other jewelry you buy will have greater sentimental value, so it’s only natural that you want to take care the greatest care of them.

The general caveat with all jewelry–especially pieces containing diamonds or gemstones–is to remove them before any heavy work, or when you are using harsh bleach or chemicals. Despitebeing incredibly strong, even diamonds can chip or crack if they are struck hard.

Be aware that all precious metals will get scratched over time, and this means different things for different metals. Platinum’s durability means that any scratches it sustains will just displace the metal, so you can polish it back to its original condition. However, when white gold gets scratched, the metal is lost. Your jeweler can buff out the scratches but you won’t get the metal back. They will probably suggest re-plating it then, too. As white gold is an alloy with a yellow gold base, it gets its white color from being plated in rhodium. As the metal is lost, so, too is the rhodium plating, so the ring will eventually return to its natural gold color. Platinum is naturally white, so no upkeep is needed to retain its luster.

Have your jeweler inspect her engagement ring each year to make sure the stones are firmly in place as they can come loose with everyday wear and tear. Depending on the setting, this might need to happen more–or less–frequently. Because of its density, a platinum setting will hold stones more securely than any other precious metal so you’ll have more peace of mind.

Be sure to keep your ring clean by removing natural buildup like dirt and grime. (This also ensures the maximum brilliance from her diamonds.) Do this easily at home by soaking the ring in a mild solution of soap and warm water, or jewelry cleaning solution, and gently rub it dry with a soft cloth. It’s best not to do this over the sink as soapy hands can be slippery hands and you don’t want to lose it down the drain! For a more thorough clean take it to your jeweler.

Visit www.PreciousPlatinum.com to view more tips on caring for your rings.

Couple Gets Married at Whole Foods

This story happened over a year ago, but it is so great we thought we’d tell it again for those that didn’t hear about it when it happened.  What a great story! And it goes like this:

Jack Frankel (75) and Fina Nikolos (67) first met at a Whole Foods in Coral Springs, FL this May. It was raining that day and Nikolos offered to walk Jack to his car with an umbrella of course (what a smooth move). He thanked her by taking her to lunch the following week. This past Saturday, the couple got married in the one place they’ll never forget — the Whole Foods in which they first fell in love. You can read more about the couple here…

Read More

How to Buy the Engagement Ring of Her Dreams…Online

Contributed by: Jim Allen, JamesAllen.com

To a woman, an engagement ring is a symbol of love, devotion and enduring commitment. She has secretly been thinking about the ring for years, so making the proper choice is key – but don’t panic just yet. Shopping online offers the ability to get what she wants, or more, for a fraction of what you would pay at retail. There are plenty of sites out there that will give you all the information you need to select the perfect diamond and setting, but let’s review the basics for now.

The diamond is the ring’s centerpiece, its focal point, making it the most important part of the ring. Cut is the most significant factor, as a well-cut diamond will offer the most brilliance. Color and clarity are personal preference, but remember: all she, and you, will be asked about is the carat weight and how much it sparkles. Putting more emphasis on cut and size and less on color and clarity (while still making sure the diamond looks white and is clear of visible inclusions) will make for a happier bride-to-be!

If you’re undecided about what setting to select to hold the diamond you just spent two weeks (or months) picking out, consider this: 81% of women surveyed said they wanted platinum. Gambling men everywhere are jumping on the platinum bandwagon with odds like that! With all of platinum’s benefits working in your favor, what’s not to love: platinum’s a stronger metal that holds its value longer and requires less maintenance. Gentlemen, we have a winner! She shouldn’t be the only lucky one, though – you deserve platinum as well! You work hard and play harder, so you need a ring that will stand up to your active lifestyle.

JamesAllen.com guides you through the purchase process before, during and after the sale: real magnified images, stunning 3HD renderings of over 1,000 platinum settings and wedding bands, a 60-day return period, along with one free resize and one free FedEx label within that same timeframe. Their knowledgeable customer service staff is also available to answer questions 24/7, so they can talk when you can – when she’s not around!

From here, your lives are going to be full of compromises – don’t compromise on your rings. They are all that will remain when the wedding is over, and will be a constant reminder of your love. Start your lives together right: make the platinum choice.

To view platinum engagement rings to fit your budget, visit www.preciousplatinum.com and www.JamesAllen.com

The Most Creative Wedding Invitation You’ll See All Day

We’ve highlighted some creative wedding invitations before, but never anything quite as unique as this. These were the invitations sent by Amy and Casey whom you may remember from their secret marriage proposal video we featured last year. I love these invitations. The couple are both artists and put their own flair on all aspects of their wedding.

They collected scores of old books and screen printed the “Casey & Amy” design on each one and used the library theme for their RSVP cards on the reverse side. Did I say that I loved these yet? I love ‘em.

Read More

Why You Might Want to Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding can be a stressful time. The last thing many couples want to do is obsess over the particulars and manage details. Thus, more and more couples are hiring a wedding planner to handle their special day.

It’s true. Wedding planners are no longer just employees of the rich and famous. With affordable pricing and many industry connections, a wedding planner could actually end up saving you money.

photo by Jonathan Timmes via Northern Virginia Magazine

So, what are some of the benefits of hiring a wedding planner?

Read More

Q&A With Jewelry Designer Simon G.

Simon G. Jewelry is a family operated company established in 1980 with the promise of combining old-world tradition and the pursuit of perfection. Simon G.’s modern workshop produces some of the world’s most innovative platinum jewelry.

We asked President and Head Designer Simon Ghanimian (aka. Simon G.) about his wedding jewelry collection.

Q: What is your biggest inspiration when designing a new engagement or wedding ring style?
A: My biggest inspiration is feedback from my customers. I want them to smile every time they look at their engagement and wedding ring. I spend a lot of time reading emails from customers and meeting them at our trunk shows around the country.

Q: How do you get inspiration when designing platinum engagement rings?
A: One of my most favorite activities is designing platinum engagement rings because of the metal’s durability and brilliant white color. I’m inspired when I meet couples that share their love story and want to express their relationship with an enduring platinum ring.

Q: Out of your collections, which piece is the most significant to you?
A: Out of all of my bridal collections, my most favorite piece would definitely have to be the platinum and cushion cut diamond engagement ring. This ring is so simple yet has such captivating elegance that is almost inescapable. And the fine detailing would only work on platinum.

Q: In all your years of experience, what would you say is the most important element in buying an engagement ring/wedding band and why?
A: Forget about what’s “trendy” and focus on the style that best represents you. I want you to wear your ring every day for the rest of your life, so pick a design that suits your personality.

Q: Do you have any tips for men who are looking to purchase an engagement ring? Or couples purchasing wedding bands?
A: Get your soon to be bride the ring that that she wants, not necessarily your style preference. She will most likely prefer a platinum setting since it makes the diamond sparkle brighter. Don’t be afraid to ask her for style hints, if she hasn’t already provided them. For example, does she prefer a modern or vintage style? Ask her what celebrity engagement ring she loves. You can still surprise your girlfriend with a special engraving inside the ring to commemorate the moment. For wedding bands, I urge brides to select a ring that feels comfortable, especially if she’s wearing the band with her engagement ring. Grooms typically prefer the heavy weight and patina of platinum bands. Most importantly, don’t leave ring shopping until the last minute!

To view platinum engagement rings and wedding bands from Simon G. Jewelry, visit www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery

5 Wedding Planning Tips to Keep You Organized (and Sane)

Now that you’ve said “YES,” your post-proposal glow is probably beginning to fade as you flip through that overwhelming, 500-page wedding idea guide. It’s true that planning a wedding is no small task but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. So, take a deep breath and read on for some simple tips on planning the most important (wink, wink) day of your life.

photo via Southern Event Planners

1. Have a Vision

If you have a clear picture of what you want your wedding to look like, it’ll be that much easier to make it a reality. Do you envision getting married in an intimate garden setting or in a grand ballroom? Is your dream reception made up of close family and friends or is it a 500-plus event? Before you make any appointments or pay a single deposit, get your creative juices flowing. Scan bridal magazines and then jot down details of what your perfect day would look like. Knowing the big picture of what you want will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by details during the planning process.

Read More