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Art by Michelle Giddens Art<br />
GUEST EXPERIENCE<br />
Simple receptions with cake and music<br />
are elevated in <strong>2024</strong> as couples strive to<br />
engage their guests. Live painting is a<br />
trend we see which honors the guests<br />
upon arrival and as they depart. We have<br />
seen artists live painting the couple during<br />
the ceremony or capturing their first<br />
dance. Now the guest is involved in the<br />
action. Artists take snapshots of guests<br />
upon arrival and paint their silhouettes<br />
during the reception. As guests leave, they<br />
are given an original piece of art commemorating<br />
their attendance of the couple’s<br />
special day. Local artist, Michelle Giddens<br />
of Michelle Giddens Art says, “Live painting<br />
provides a dimension of energy which<br />
makes each guest feel special. I enjoy seeing<br />
the guest light up when they pick up<br />
their piece at the end of the night.”<br />
Other elements making an appearance<br />
at receptions include audio guest<br />
books complete with a retro dial phone<br />
for guests to impart wisdom to the couple;<br />
disposable cameras to capture candid<br />
moments not caught by the professionals<br />
(makes this editor smile since I had<br />
disposable cameras at my reception); and<br />
ice sculptures which serve as risers for the<br />
wedding cake.<br />
INDUSTRY EXPERTS:<br />
Jess Margeson,<br />
Frou Frou @_frou_frou<br />
Michelle Giddens Art<br />
@michellegiddensart<br />
Tara Wardrup<br />
Travels with Tara Facebook or<br />
4travelswithtara@gmail.com<br />
MINI MOONS AND DELAYED HONEYMOONS<br />
Instead of whisking straight away to a full<br />
fledge honeymoon post ceremony, couples<br />
are now hanging out with their friends and<br />
family and opting for a mini moon. A mini<br />
moon is a small, quick, and generally local<br />
vacation taken by the couple. Mini moons<br />
allow couples to exhale without the stress<br />
of planning a big vacation on the heels of<br />
planning a wedding. It may also be kinder<br />
to the wallet.<br />
Trusting a travel agent for your honeymoon<br />
is just as important as hiring a planner<br />
for your wedding. Tara Wardrup, owner<br />
of Travels with Tara states, “I can help<br />
couples plan the trip of a lifetime ensuring<br />
they have an itinerary that fits their<br />
personality along with the correct documentation,<br />
especially if they are going<br />
overseas.”<br />
Depending on the time of year the wedding<br />
takes place, a mini-moon allows for a<br />
more intimate get-a-way while providing<br />
time to go to the destination of a lifetime<br />
better suited to a different month or when<br />
you have extended time to enjoy a true<br />
honeymoon.<br />
Leeatra Vaughn<br />
associate broker, abr, rsps<br />
•AUBURN/OPELIKA<br />
•LAKE MARTIN<br />
& SURROUNDING AREAS<br />
Interested in property<br />
management for your short<br />
term rental in the<br />
auburn/opelika area?<br />
Let’s talk!<br />
leeatravaughn@gmail.com<br />
205.515.9668<br />
EAST ALABAMA WEDDINGS 63
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