by olivia | Jun 17, 2021 | Wedding
When it comes to your wedding day, it really is just that—your wedding day. And for Eric and Eric, they created an elegant and intimate St. Vrain wedding that was all their own, with help of wedding planner Brindle & Oak. Not only was their ceremony and reception space completely dreamy, with florals by Project Floral, but emotions run high in the images captured of their guests’ participating and blessing their wedding. They literally seated their friends and family in circular seating arrangement to be even more intimate and personal.
And let’s not forget the stunning wedding day style. Both Erics rocked matching floral ties, but one wore a dark blue suit and the other a light grey suit—and colorful suits are one of our favorite trends. To end the night, their reception included spirits, dancing, and a sparkler send-off—so Pinterest-worthy. Keep scrolling to see more of this St Vrain wedding expertly captured by Haley Hawn Photo.
The Couple:
Eric and Eric
The Wedding:
The St Vrain, Longmont, CO
Why A St. Vrain Wedding?
The St Vrain provided us with the perfect location to have a ceremony and reception in a single location. They have an amazing space that is versatile and fit a lot of our needs. Since they have an amazing set of preferred vendors, we were able to work stress-free throughout much of the process. They did an amazing job!
Truly Surrounded By Their Loved Ones
The most memorable part of the day was definitely the ceremony itself. We decided to have a ceremony in-the-round to make it feel more intimate and personal. We involved friends and family throughout the ceremony as they all play a big part in our life. It felt incredibly meaningful to be physically and figuratively surrounded by the people we love most. Our friends who performed the ceremony provided a beautiful and meaningful service that reflected on our relationship. Tears all around!
Wedding Advice For Nearlyweds
Don’t lose sight of the big picture. It’s easy to get consumed with the small details and stressed about things you think are really important. Just continue to remind each other that the purpose of the day is to celebrate your relationship and commitment to one another. Make sure you make decisions that reflect that bigger picture and it will translate into an amazing guest experience. Also, give yourself some grace and slack. It’s a lot to plan and put together!
Close And Personal Ceremony
We set up the wedding ceremony in-the-round so that the two of us stood surrounded by our friends and family. We had family and friends perform the ceremony and provided time for each member of our wedding party to stand up and provide a word of encouragement or blessing before we tied the knot.
Congratulations to Eric and Eric on their gorgeous St. Vrain wedding. Big thanks to Haley Hawn Photo for capturing and sharing this special day with us. If you loved the grooms’ style, check out these unique groom style ideas and our dreamy colorful suit roundup. Don’t blame us if you’re inclined to snag a colorful suit of your own—actually, you can blame us!
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by riley | Jun 16, 2021 | Wedding
Getting married during a pandemic is less than ideal, but Joelle and Tyler made the most of it by hosting their DIY Saskatchewan woods micro wedding at Wicks Retreat. Although the venue started as lodging for Tyler’s family, they transformed it into an entirely new space. They completed the decor with wild flower arrangements from Tisdale Florist, romantic cafe lighting, and DIY touches–including the ceremony arch, signage, and centerpieces.
And to keep up with the DIY theme, Joelle’s mother–who’s a chef–and her two closest friends prepared all of the food for the special day. From charcuterie boards to a roasted pig and homemade cookies, their menu was the epitome of comfort food.
We’re so glad that Junebug member Sarah Meagan Photography was there to capture every personalized touch of the day. So whether you’re looking for DIY inspiration, or you can’t get enough forest nuptials, these woodland “I do’s” are sure to inspire!
The Couple:
Joelle and Tyler
The Wedding:
Wicks Retreat, Saskatchewan, Canada
Why A Saskatchewan Woods Micro Wedding At Wicks Retreat
Looking back on the day, we can honestly say that Wicks Retreat was the perfect venue for us. We tied the knot in the middle of a forest, in front of a beautiful cabin, surrounded by people who love and support us. Our original plan was for 200+ guests in more of a traditional hall. When restrictions were put in place due to COVID-19, the space no longer made sense, and we had to start thinking of other options. We originally had Wicks Retreat booked for Tyler’s family to stay during the wedding, but it quickly became the obvious choice to host the whole event.
Adding Personal Touches To The Day
Our ceremony was full of personal touches. Joelle’s sister led a team of people that consisted of family and friends to decorate the entire space. There was a memorial table in honor of Joelle’s dad that held a candle to acknowledge his presence. Her cousin entertained guests on the piano as they waited, and her aunt Wanda performed the ceremony. We committed our lives to each other in front of a beautiful arch that was made by Tyler’s dad and decorated by a close friend. We also took a moment before the ceremony began to be fully present and to look out at everyone who was there to support us. Joelle’s wedding ring was also extremely personal as it was the ring that her dad had given to her mom as they exchanged their vows.
A Homemade Meal Prepared By The Bride’s Mom
Joelle’s mom is a chef, so–along with two of her closest friends, Heather and Hope–she prepared and served a menu that ensured no guest left hungry. We started with charcuterie boards full of a variety of cheese, meat, homemade pickles and jellies, veggies from the farmers market, and fresh fruit. For our main course, we were incredibly honored to have a family friend–Herman–volunteer to spend the day roasting a pig which was paired with homemade buns, a variety of salads, and baked beans. Lastly, guests enjoyed a table full of snacks that included homemade cookies, caramel popcorn, nuts and bolts, fruit tarts, and cream puffs, as well as our wedding cake made by a local bakery.
Congratulations again to Joelle and Tyler on their Saskatchewan woods micro wedding at Wicks Retreat. We’re so glad that Junebug member Sarah Meagan Photography was there to capture the day. To see more of Sarah’s work, check out her profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!
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by International Associations | Jun 16, 2021 | Social Media
Negative social media comments and reviews are sometimes amusing, but they can pose major problems for businesses. Many studies have explored the impact of online reviews on consumer behavior, and the general consensus is that:
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google are unavoidable parts of running a business today. They increasingly act as the primary connection between your company and its customers, and they also largely shape your online reputation.
While these interactions and your social media marketing efforts can be productive for your business, they’re also highly visible and can hurt you if handled haphazardly.
For instance, when someone posts negative feedback on Google, all of your current and potential customers can see it, as well as your subsequent reaction. Is that reaction calm and empathetic, rash and emotional, or something else entirely
If you’re running your own business and haven’t found a solution for gracefully dealing with your customers online, it’s time to change that.
In this article, we explore several strategies for dealing with negative social media comments, walk you step-by-step through responding to a less-than-ideal customer review, explain what not to do when managing the comment sections of your social media profiles, and finally elaborate on the importance of responding to all comments — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Let’s get to it.
Strategies for handling negative social media comments
Not sure how to respond to negative comments on social media like a pro? These suggestions can help.
Ready? Let’s go.
Related: A beginner’s guide to social media for small business
Respond to the comment quickly
The last thing you want a disgruntled customer to feel is that you’re ignoring their complaint or concern. Not to mention, casual bystanders (i.e. potential customers) will take your silence into consideration before purchasing your products or services.
Even if you need some time to look into their problem, there’s nothing wrong with simply posting an official statement that says you’re investigating the situation and will be in touch as soon as possible. Just make sure you remember to leave a response once you’ve figured it out (or it won’t be a good look either).
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Be sincere and transparent
Believe it or not, most customers understand that you and the individuals working with you are human. Mistakes happen. How you deal with them, however, is where you can really hurt (or boost) your reputation.
If there’s an issue with your products or services, let your customers know that you’re aware of the problem, and are working on a solution.
Leave the script behind and communicate your genuine concern and commitment toward addressing the issue.
Plus, negative comments can humanize your social media profiles. A constant stream of 5-star reviews might seem phony to some users, so engage with them sincerely to de-escalate situations and generate goodwill.
Related: 15 social media tips and best practices for 2020
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Give discounts when necessary
Sometimes people just need to know that you understand their frustration. When you back up a thoughtful response with a discount, you don’t just tell them you understand — you show them.
Think of a small discount as an extra token of your appreciation for their business, and for taking the time to provide feedback.
Just make sure the discount makes sense and is proportionate to the issue they’re facing, or that discount will look insincere.
Discounts can provide a variety of benefits for businesses as well. Although handing out a discount may cost you a little upfront, it often pays off in the form of a loyal customer, or even future business from that customer’s social circle (word of mouth marketing is a powerful thing).
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Interact directly with your customers
It’s not always ideal to handle negative social media comments on public forums. Know when to leave a polite and sincere response, as well as when to step back and directly message customers.
Not only do public forums reduce your control of the situation, but watching a Twitter battle unfold might also annoy your followers, even if you’re being kind and accommodating. And if you’re dealing with negative feedback on Yelp? Also a place where things can escalate quickly.
The bottom line is that almost every popular social media platform has a direct message feature. Use that feature to your advantage.
After you’ve handled the formalities of making a public response, move the conversation to private messages where you can explore the customer’s unhappiness and try to make it right. Just remember to conduct yourself as though everyone is watching, because people will take screenshots if they feel slighted.
Related: 3 steps to managing reviews online
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Make yourself available and visible
Your company website and social media profiles should make it easy for your customers to contact you, and for you to reach out to them.
A social media complaint response doesn’t always have to be incredibly public, either. If a customer complains on your business page, leave a polite reply saying that you’re sorry for their experience and that you’ll be in touch via messenger to rectify the situation.
You can also provide an unhappy customer your customer service phone number or email address to give them direct access to a human being — especially if the issue is ongoing or if you’re trying to troubleshoot their problem.
There’s nothing more disheartening for a customer than having to cut through red tape when they have a problem.
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Keep things in perspective
The best business owners know they have to take the bad with the good, and that bumps — like negative feedback — are part of the game. Strive to resolve negative social media comments responsibly, and stay focused on the good that can come from them. Your customers will appreciate you and your business much more if you do.
Finally, when thinking about your optimal response to negative comments, the most important thing to keep in mind is that your customers are reaching out for help (even if they do so in an angry or exasperated way).
Take care of their needs and, most of the time, they’ll repay you with loyalty and positive comments in the future.
Related: 4 ways to wow with social media customer service
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Considerations for leaving a response to negative comments
So when that negative comment inevitably appears, what steps should you take to make the situation right? We’ve got five steps below to guide you through.
1. Step back and take a deep breath
Some people are naturally laid back in every situation. But for the rest of us, it’s easy to get defensive when someone complains or attacks something we hold close to our hearts, like our business.
Do whatever you need to achieve a stable state of mind before responding to a negative social media comment.
You want your brand voice to be professional and level-headed, even if irreverence is on-brand for your particular business.
When you’ve achieved that mental state (or something close to it), proceed to the next step.
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2. Write out your response on paper
Don’t jump online and push out a hurried response to the negative social media comment. Take your time, and write your thoughts out on paper.
Taking notes and writing a draft like this lets you gather your ideas, consider how to best articulate your response, and determine if you think this customer deserves a discount, refund, etc. It also gives you time to think about what to post publicly, and what to keep private.
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3. Be ready to give something up
As you’re writing out a response to the complaint, also think about what you could potentially give up — discounts, free shipping, free products — in order to turn things around with the customer.
Ultimately, placating an unhappy and vocal customer will save your business money.
However, it’s important to phrase your offer in a way that comes off as sincere, or it may not end up helping at all and may actually make them angrier.
That’s why it’s important to get a second opinion on your response.
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4. Loop in a colleague or trusted individual for writing feedback
It might seem drastic, but a single social media complaint response can end up causing many issues for your business. After you’ve written what you think is the ideal reply for this particular scenario, get a second opinion.
Having someone else assess the tone of your words — whether it’s a colleague, trusted friend, or even spouse — can help ensure your writing comes off as sincere.
Show them the customer’s complaint as well as your potential response, and see what they think. It’s possible they’ll have suggestions on how to better ameliorate the situation, and they can give you an opinion on whether a discount/refund seems like the next logical step.
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5. Comment and track the situation
You’ve put together an on-brand, calm-and-collected response and had its tone approved by someone else — you’re now ready to respond to the negative comment.
After you’ve clicked “reply” or “send,” you’ll want to make sure the situation comes to a satisfactory conclusion for both you and the customer/user, so don’t sweep everything under the rug just yet.
Make sure that any promises you make in your comment come to fruition, follow up in a private message if the customer is unresponsive to your reply, and be ready to wrap everything up with a nice bow once the customer reaches out again.
If you’re able to turn these negative social media comments into a positive (or even just mitigate their impact), your business’s online presence will be a stable, healthy one.
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What NOT to do when responding to negative social media comments
There are several things you shouldn’t do when responding to negative social media comments.
1. Don’t delete comments (usually)
For instance, don’t delete negative comments. There are few situations where deleting a user’s complaint about your product or service is a good idea. If they are slinging profanity or posting off-topic things, it’s fine to hit the delete button, but don’t censor legitimate critiques.
Deleting a negative comment can create bad blood very quickly, particularly because people who take the time to post something on your social media are active users.
They are much more likely to follow up if they feel they have been unfairly silenced, and once other customers hear about it, they’ll all grab pitchforks.
Related: How to flag a Yelp review
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2. Don’t neglect your social media presence
You should also not leave your social media in the hands of untrained employees.
Consistency is key with any business process, and the same applies for your response to negative social media comments. You don’t want to deal with a rogue employee or intern tweeting rude things on your company profiles.
To avoid such issues, have a clear, written outline of your company strategy for responding to negative comments on social media, and put serious effort into training your staff.
Go over your outline with all existing employees, and make that outline part of the onboarding process.
There is no way to plan for every scenario, so your staff will always be expected to use their own creativity and customer service skills. Each employee should be prepared to do so at any time, with any customer.
Take your social accounts seriously, and you’ll be able to achieve a more consistent brand voice across all social media platforms.
Related: How to grow your business’s social media following
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3. Don’t argue
While you might not believe in the sentiment “the customer is always right,” you should abide by it when addressing negative social media comments. Even if you’re certain they’re wrong, don’t argue, and don’t pick a fight with them, because it will backfire.
And if you know they made an obvious user error, send them a private message politely explaining the situation rather than publicly torching them. They most likely will appreciate the tact and should move on from their gripe as well.
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Why responding to all comments is good for your business
Responding to all comments is the best strategy for savvy business owners because getting engagement is a challenge. There are many competing voices out there, and as long as the customer in question is sincere and not a spammer or troll, they are worth your time.
Unhappy customers create a dialogue about the quality of your products and services and may be a little help away from being a long-term customer.
Happy customers boost your reputation, connect your business to their social circles, and end up becoming the ones you rely on to keep your business running. Taking care of both demographics is crucial to your online success.
And with the right management tools and plan in place, negative scenarios don’t have to be detrimental to your business either.
It’s definitely possible to walk away from a negative situation with increased loyalty from a previously upset customer, as well as from the users — new and old — who witnessed the situation play out on your social media profiles.
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Respond well and enjoy the benefits
The level of visibility afforded to social media presents business owners with a unique opportunity when they encounter a disgruntled customer. Your response to negative social media comments, if handled with the proper care and technique, can actually leave your business’s reputation stronger than before.
Whether the feedback you’re getting on your social media accounts is good or bad, engage your customers like never before with GoDaddy Social. Elevate your online presence on the platforms that matter most.
This article includes content originally published on the GoDaddy blog by the following authors: Genevieve Tuenge and Simon Slade.
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by riley | Jun 15, 2021 | Wedding
2020 was a challenging year, to say the least. But if there’s one thing that came from it, it’s the fact that couples didn’t let it stop them from vowing to spend forever together. When Hadley and Andrea’s 150-person wedding was canceled–rather than let it get them down–they opted for a Catskill mountains elopement at the Scandinavian Upstate Barn. And although their special day looked a little different than they envisioned, the two said “I do” in front of their loved ones.
From Andrea’s emerald Bindle & Keep suit to Hadley’s Calvin Klein high-low copper dress that she paired with rainbow glitter boots, the wedding fashion was not only unique, but it also matched the moody color palette perfectly. And that wasn’t the only creative aspect of the day. Andrea wore a pin with a photo of her late father, and the two opted for a broken glass unity ceremony–just to name a few.
We’re so thankful that Junebug member Par La Mer Photography was there to not only capture the beauty of the day but also played a part in planning the whole thing. What can’t our members do?
The Couple:
Hadley and Andrea
The Wedding:
Scandinavian Upstate Barn, Germantown, New York
Wedding Advice From The Couple
If planning a wedding during a pandemic taught us anything, it was to be flexible. We originally planned a large wedding for 150 people, but once it was clear that we couldn’t safely have the ceremony we dreamed of, we had to reassess and figure out what was important to us. Instead of postponing the wedding, we decided to elope, which meant planning a whole new ceremony that looked a lot different from what we initially envisioned. Rarely does anything in life go perfectly according to plan, so be flexible! It’s okay to make changes that might not align completely with your original vision as long as you stay true to who you are as a couple.
Recommended Reading: The Dreamy Unconventional Colorful Suit Roundup
Recommended Reading: 35 Cute Wedding Boots for Fall and Winter Brides
Remembering Late Loved Ones
My father passed away from cancer not long ago, and I was struggling with the fact that he couldn’t be there to see us get married. Hadley–very thoughtfully–bought me a pin with his picture that we pinned to the boutonniere of my suit. He was with me for the entire ceremony, and it was honestly the best gift she could have given me.
Personalizing The Ceremony With Vows And A Unity Ceremony
We chose to do a unity ceremony using broken colored glass. During our ceremony, we blended the glass together to symbolize our union of marriage and two becoming one. We decided to ship the glass out and have an ornament made to commemorate our special day. We also chose to write our own vows. Writing our vows made our ceremony personal to the two of us by allowing us to have a special moment to speak directly to one another and truly celebrate one another.
A Catskill Mountains Elopement Full Of Moody Vibes
We have always been a non-traditional couple, and you can definitely see that in the alternative style of our wedding. We chose a moody color palette, textured florals, and a backdrop that brought our whole vibe together. We both wore darker colors that stood out against the crisp white of the barn and the muted colors of the winter mountains. We wanted our wedding to be bold and dramatic but have some boho elements throughout. We opted for big boho braids and earth tones for our wardrobe while also incorporating more dramatic fun pieces like Hadley’s pair of amazing rainbow glitter boots and leather jacket. We were married outside at sunset, and we decided to incorporate some of the vintage pieces around the barn into our ceremony to help bring the whole vibe together.
Congratulations again to Hadley and Andrea on their intimate Catskill mountains elopement. We’re so thankful that Junebug Par La Mer Photography was there to help plan and photograph the special day. To see more of Tonya’s work, check out her profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!
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by kailey | Jun 14, 2021 | Wedding
Pack your bags and grab your wedding day crew—it’s bachelorette party time. This day, or weekend, is all about celebrating you—the bride. Maybe you’re looking to escape to warmer weather, sitting pool-side, and sipping on a margarita. Maybe you’re looking to beat the heat and cozy up by a fire in the mountains. Whatever your desired bachelorette party vibes are, there is an Airbnb rental waiting for you.
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate you than in a stylish getaway surrounded by your best friends. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or take this celebration on the road—we have compiled a list of top Airbnbs in the U.S. fit for every bride and her wedding day crew.
Location: Austin, Texas
Sleeps: 14
Why we love it: This large Texas home with a fun modern design, fire pit, and rooftop lounge has everything you could ever want for a bachelorette party. The Instagram options are endless and if you’re looking for a good laugh, go read the Airbnb description—you won’t regret it.
Location: Austin, Texas
Sleeps: 4
Why we love it: Smaller groups looking for a relaxing desert getaway without sacrificing the stunning and instagrammable design—this is your winner. The Boho Bungalow is a fully remodeled space designed by The Bachelorette’s JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers. It offers a welcoming atmosphere with a bohemian flair.
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Sleeps: 6
Why we love it: If you’re looking to trade the traditional pool and beach celebrations for a mountain retreat—this one is for you. We don’t think it gets much cozier than an A-frame cabin nestled in the towering trees. Plus, this 1970’s Airbnb is complete with a hot tub. We’re sold on this unique bachelorette activity haven.
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Sleeps: 11
Why we love it: The Sullivan is complete with private porches, a large shared pool deck, and a sleek fully white modern design. This remodeled historic property will bring the southern charm—giving you the boutique hotel-styled retreat feeling but all to yourselves.
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Sleeps: 16
Why we love it: Prime location with easy access to downtown Chicago, luxury design, and a whole lot of bedrooms. This Airbnb is perfect for large bachelorette party groups trying to decide between a secluded getaway and the ability to easily explore the city. This Airbnb is the best of both worlds.
Location: Joshua Tree, California
Sleeps: 6
Why we love it: This Airbnb was featured in films, music videos, fashion shoots—no desert oasis is more glamorous than this private eight-acre residence in the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. It’s the perfect spot for crews looking to hang by the pool or explore local national parks.
Location: Key West, Florida
Sleeps: 8
Why we love it: This Florida Keys Airbnb in the Historic Seaport area of Old Town will fully transport you into a heavenly tropical oasis. A private pool surrounded by towering greenery, a jacuzzi, and a classy beachy design that will make everyone wish they never had to check out.
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Sleeps: 4
Why we love it: From the stunning river view to the prime location—this popular Airbnb is perfect for smaller groups looking to escape the city. It’s complete with a fire pit perfect for colder weather and a rooftop deck—perfect for happy hour, cocktails, or watching the stars.
Location: Agoura Hills, California
Sleeps: 13
Why we love it: Bachelor and Bachelorette lovers, this one is for you. If you had the chance to stay in The Bachelor and Bachelorette mansion, would you take it? If the answer is “yes” we’re here to make your wish come true. This famous seven-bedroom Malibu mansion, nestled on a secluded property in the Santa Monica Mountains, is available for you and your wedding day crew.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Sleeps: 10
Why we love it: The Bohemian VIBE is full of bright colors and fun decor details that are sure to complete your instagrammable getaway surrounded by your best friends. If you ever leave— which after seeing these pictures you won’t want to, trust us—you’re just a short five-minute Uber ride to downtown.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Sleeps: 10
Why we love it: If you’re dreaming of a “Nash Bash” complete with pink, pink, and more pink, this one is perfect for you. From the boho-chic style to the neon sign—no detail is short of amazing. This Airbnb, just a short drive from Broadway Street, was styled to be an Instagram backdrop for you and your friends.
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Sleeps: 14
Why we love it: With just a short distance from the main New Orleans attractions, the location is a top-selling factor. Not to mention the stunning design features that make this Airbnb perfect for both the party-loving and picture-loving wedding crews.
Location: Palm Springs, California
Sleeps: 6
Why we love it: This pink paradise located 25 minutes outside of Palm Springs is the perfect oasis for those looking to grab a drink and relax by the pool. From the pink tiled hot tub to the flamingo wallpaper—it doesn’t get more worthy of a bachelorette crew than this.
Location: Santa Margarita, California
Sleeps: 10
Why we love it: This Whisper Valley Ranch Airbnb takes the cabin life and makes it glamorous. A cabin surrounded by twinkle lights, games made for groups, and a fire pit. If that’s not enough, the modern and cozy design throughout all five bedrooms is sure to sell you.
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Sleeps: 12
Why we love it: You really can’t go wrong with Scottsdale’s bachelorette party vibes—and this house totally has them! If you scroll through the photos, you’ll see the owners have hosted weddings and large gatherings here before—which means they’ll have plenty of recommendations for you.
Soaking up the sun pool-side, cuddling up by the fire in a mountain retreat, or hitting the town for dancing and drinks—there are endless bachelorette party options. Every bride is different, your bachelorette party should be different too.
Now that you’ve picked the destination and secured a stunning Airbnb, check out these nontraditional and unconventional bachelorette party celebration ideas.
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