What can we say? Black is neutral? It’s flattering? and it’s the opposite of white…so that we can highlight our brides that much more?
Idk but we all wear it and it’s a vibe.
Everything from this couple, to their family, to the amazing vendor team, to the little old man stranger who gave them $50 to “buy a bond for a wedding present” to this song which perfectly encapsulates their small town wedding weekend.
We can’t say enough good things.
Vendor Team:
Catering || @classiccateringevents
DJ || @repeatable_dj
Florals || @drivebyflowers
Photography || @jstclairphotography
PART 2: Planning your ceremony.
Arguably, the most important part of your wedding day, we think focusing on WHAT is said and being as present as you can will make allllll of the difference.
There is no right way to do things but there are definitely some wrong ways. Stick to the basics:
1. Focus on what is said during your vows. And say them with your chest.
2. Whether you do a private vow reading or a public one (or a combo), make sure you look at each other and not at the officiant
3. Root yourself in the moment as much as possible
As always, thank you to @oneanddoneevents for being the most fun. Hire him ASAP—he’ll make your ceremony and wedding that much better.
This week we have one of our favorite vendors, @mikewiese, who is both DJ and officiant extraordinaire at @oneanddoneevents
In the first part of this two part officiating series, we ask Mike all of your burning questions about legalities, marriage licenses, having a loved one marry you and everything in between.
Share this post or like @oneanddoneevents Instagram to receive 10% off his officiating services. But also you should just do both anyways because you want to support small business and your cool friends.
Stay tuned next week for some chatter on ceremonies, how to write your vows and what people really care about when it comes to a memorable ceremony.
Per usual, like, share, follow and engage. OUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!
LET’S GO, FELLAS!
Take note. There is one way to be on wedding day…and then there’s the right way.
Be helpful.
Be aware.
Be on time.
These are your 3 main responsibilities. Don’t be the guys who sit around and do nothing. Get involved and make wedding day that much more memorable by being a part of it.
(Side note: we love our grooms and groomsmen and they always provide some funny entertainment and MOST have great attitudes and are a huge help).
Also, comment what cartoon character Julie looks like…hint, he’s from an obscure Dreamworks movie.
WHAT A DAY! we just keep leaving so that we can keep having comebacks because everybody loves a comeback.
Anyways, hang out with us while we do a quick round of IN OR OUT where we discuss what wedding staples are in and which are out.
Please note that this is not our preference or a right of wrong way to do things—this is just what we’re seeing as the trends ebb and flow.
1. Guestbook—OUT
2. Favors—OUT
3. Wedding Cake—KINDA OUT
4. Programs—OUT
Again, this does not mean you shouldn’t do these if you want to do them. But if you’re on the fence about any of these, know that you’re not alone.
Please like, share and engage so that we don’t go into hiding again.
A gorgeous day for these two. Complete with a groom’s bouquet toss, homegrown flowers (their friend seriously GREW all of these) and so much love.
Our couples are the best. Congrats you two 🖤🖤
DJ || @oneanddoneevents
HAMU || @thestylistabroad
WEDDING WEDNESDAY ||
HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS WITHIN A 5 HOUR FLIGHT FROM DC
We did the legwork (and layovers) so you don’t have to and we can guarantee that all of these spots are well worth the trip and will leave you saying “wow, Joy and Julie really did the most to make sure we had the best honeymoon”.
It was our pleasure. Anything for the fans.
Including almost drowning trying to surf in a Refinery sweatshirt.
1. Uvita, Costa Rica—4.5 Hours
Quite possibly the favorite on our list. Costa Rica has it all—adventure, rainforest, ocean, mountains, great food and amazing culture. (Fun fact: Joy is 1/2 Costa Rican and a proud dual citizen. But a less proud surfer.)
2. North Caicos—2.5 Hours
If you’re looking for a literal island to yourselves, this is the place to be. The ultimate spot for floating, tanning and reading in total seclusion.
3. Savaneta, Aruba—4 Hours
Amazing snorkeling and one of the best small dining experiences we’ve ever been a part of. Message us for the restaurant names.
4. Nassau, Bahamas—2.5 Hours
A nice, little port town with gorgeous water and everything you could need at your fingertips. If you like vacay to be easy and convenient with a sprinkle of the local culture and that clear blue water, this is the place for you.
5. St. John—3.5 Hours
We’re obsessed with this spot because of the way the mountains just jut out of the ocean. Take a boat ride to really enjoy the experience and try some of the best snorkeling around.
SHARE, COMMENT or TAG someone on this post and be entered to WIN a $50 Chipotle Gift Card for a *wink, wink* private moment with your lover.
Winner announced July 2.
WEDDING WEDNESDAY ||
HOW TO BUILD-IN PRIVATE MOMENTS THROUGHOUT YOUR WEDDING DAY TO HELP YOU STAY ROOTED AND REMEMBER THE DAY
The day goes by so. fast. If you’re not careful, you’ll look back and not remember a single thing.
Do your best to be intentional about setting aside time for you and your spouse throughout the day to just sit and enjoy your newly-wedded bliss.
The best way to do this is to pair it with all of the times you need to eat!
1. As SOON as ceremony is done, walk back down that aisle and lock yourselves into a room, just the two of you. No cameras. No planners. No bridal party. You both just committed your lives to each other and that’s a BIG moment. Take 5 minutes to soak it in and talk about what the ceremony was like. Ask your planner to have apps and drinks waiting in there for you so that you can fuel up for the oncoming photo hour.
2. Plan a private dinner! We cannot emphasize the importance of this enough. When you choose to have dinner with all of your guests, you never actually get to eat because guests are constantly coming up to you for photos or hugs or dinging their champagne glasses in your direction. If you take the time, right after your long photo hour, to tuck away and eat dinner, this allows you to get some sustenance in your body but it also allows you time to be with your spouse again and recharge with just them before you’re whisked away again to smile and wave at the reception.
The bonus: as soon as you get into your reception, you can start mixing and mingling with guests—all with a full stomach. They’ll be happier and so will you.
WEDDING WEDNESDAY || WHAT IT’S LIKE TOURING OTHER VENUES VS. THE REFINERY
We are surrounded by some pretty amazing venues but beyond that…in the Wild, Wild West, we’ve heard tale of some really bizarre things that venues are requiring, charging and even hiding.
We’re not saying it’s all doom and gloom out there but we are saying to make sure that the venue you choose aligns with what you really need your venue to do for you. And that they don’t charge extra for it.
Don’t compromise on your core needs just because a space is pretty. Your whole wedding will feel the effects of it.
Tell us in the comments something funny/weird/alarming that you’ve heard about in a venue tour.
Serve the tea 🫖.
And as always, please share. You guys are what makes our little small business world spin ‘round.
DISCLAIMER : WE LOVE CAMRY DRIVERS
SHARE our GRWM video and be entered in for a chance to WIN a Refinery mug (rendering in stories) and a $50 gift card to the coffee spot of your choice to help you wake up and get ready for the week.
———
Wake up and GET READY WITH US in a very unconventional way.
In our vendor feature spotlight this week, we have our favorite vendor—ourselves.
Our days here at The Refinery are filled with weird and wonderful things prepping for your wedding weekends, private parties and overnight stays. We do everything that we can to make sure your event + stay here is the best and most of the time, it’s Julie doing a lot of this stuff by herself (three cheers for Julie!).
Share this video so that it can go viral and our girl can get a raise.
Winner announced 6/17.
Y’all really hitting the next level with these showers. One of our favorites to date.
