Tina Turner's Wedding

Well, this is how you do a second, third or any wedding. I love a bride who is bold, confident and not afraid to break tradition. I know this isn't for every bride but Tina Turner got it right with this bold green taffeta with black silk tulle gown embellished with Swarovski crystals by Giorgio Armani. The couple (Tina and music producer Erwin Bach) have been together for 27 years and decided it was time to tie the knot at their private estate in Switzerland. Of course, you know Oprah and Gayle King were in attendance. Congrats to the couple!

Sheraton Horseshoe Shaped Hotel

Looking for a unique honeymoon location, well check out Starwood - Sheraton's Huzhou Hot Spring Resort horseshoe shaped hotel that will open in August. All I can say is wow! Check out the website for more information.

"With two levels that underground to create a complete oval, and 27 floors above water, the Sheraton Huzhou contains 282 rooms and a host of design features intended to lure China's rapidly growing population of luxury travellers. Jade, a symbol of elegance and pureness in Chinese culture, is found throughout the hotel. The lobby's floor is paved with Afghanistan White Jade and features Tiger's Eye Stone from Brazil, while the porticos and the entire ceiling are laid with Citrine, a jade that symbolizes welath. Additionally, the lobby ceiling is decorated with 20,000 Swarovski and European natural crystal lamps which are suspended in a way intended to resemble a rolling wave."

Children at Weddings

Love them or leave them at home. The topic of children at weddings is always a hot topic. Some couples want adult only receptions and other embrace the kids. It is always important to create a comfortable, inviting environment for children if they will be attending the wedding.

Check out my children's table and some of the fun items I found on the Wisteria's website including fun toys. I started with a white linen (must have) and comfortable folding chairs with vinyl padded seats for easy wipe down. Provide the little ones with cupcakes, I found gorgeous cupcake stands on Horchow's website and let them pick their favorite icing, sprinkles and flavor. The Savage Garden provided flowers and the wood custom cotton candy holder. Photos provided by Jeremy Harwell.

Atlanta Skyview Giant Ferris Wheel

I'm so happy the Skyview Giant Ferris Wheel will open this week near Centennial park. Talk about a great engagement photo session for that special couple. I predict the ferris wheel will be a huge hit for those who aren't afraid of heights. The giant Ferris Wheel is almost 20 stories high with 42 gondolas that will hold up to 6 people. Can't wait to purchase my tickets.

Engaging: Monica & Navid

It is always so much fun to check out engagement pictures of my couples. Monica and Navid look like a cake topper - picture perfect. I can't wait to send them down the aisle in what is shaping up to be a gorgeous wedding. Photos are by Our Labor of Love.

Sugarfina - Oh So Sweet!

I'm always looking for gifts for clients for special occasions - birthday, anniversary, etc.  I came upon Sugarfina's website and these I love these cute Bento boxes. Everything from sugar to spice, you get to mix and match your favorite candies to personalize the gift. And, check out that pretty blue packaging.  Check out their website for more options from Champagne gummy bears to the Martini Olive almonds.

Wedding Planner Magazine & Social Tables

It was truly an honor to interview wedding pro Susan Southerland for Wedding Planner magazine. We discuss her views on the industry, balancing work and family and her secrets to success. I'm looking forward to meeting Susan at the annual Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) conference in November.

Thank you Social Tables for including me in your list of Top 5 Wedding Planners in Atlanta.

Interview by Gail Johnson - The Secrets of Susan Southerland

Social Tables Top 5

Preston Bailey Spotlight Series: Gail Johnson

Wow, I can't tell you what it feels like to pick up the phone and here "Hi, I'm Brenda from Preston Bailey's office and you have been chosen for the next Spotlight Series." I know that it is a very selective process and to be picked is truly an honor. So, make sure you check out my feature!

Dear Readers:

In today’s Spotlight Series I am pleased to profile Gail Johnson, founder of Gail Johnson Weddings, an event design and planning company based in Decatur, GA. Gail has been profiled in Ebony Magazine, The Knot Magazine, Martha Stewart Magazine and others.

My Anniversary - 15 Years

Make sure you pick up the latest issue of Occasions magazine and check out my 15th Anniversary soiree. It seems like yesterday that I was walking down the aisle at Callaway Gardens chapel. The wedding was small, intimate and perfect. We didn't want another year to go by without celebrating another blessed year together.  Check out my amazing vendors, Mark from Classic Cheesecakes & Cakes, Moya Mimms Calligraphy, Paper Daises, Balushka paper flowers, Kelly Monica Hair, Patrice Coleman Makeup, La Tavola Linens and gorgeous images by Harwell photography.

Photos by Harwell Photography