Perfect Moment

I've always thought that a wedding day is composed of a series of moments and memories. I help to orchestrate the perfect series of moments that make for an unforgettable day. I love seeing a bride's face (and others in the wedding and family!) as the day unfolds.

On some wedding days, I'm busy and miss moments that are so special and I love seeing the photos...
I recently reviewed the photos of Geoff and Leigh-Ann's wedding in June. It was a perfect day and it was great working with them and their families.This picture stuck out to me...

{Morgan Matters Photography}

This was right before they saw each other for the first time, Leigh-Ann was actually walking up behind Geoff. It captures so much. The true excitement and love on her face, the anticipation in his...I love it.

Happy Planning your series of special moments!

Summery Additions to Your Big Day!

{photo from Martha Stewart Weddings}

Even though it hasn't really felt like summer, especially summer in Bloomington here lately (I'm not complaining! Its been wonderful), I love these summery ideas (Summer Good Things) for weddings from Martha Stewart.

From sorbets, to ice creams, cold drinks and other summer inspiration (think sea shell bouquets)...these ideas are great. I think many are actually do-able too which makes them extra-wonderful (her how-to's and recipes...amazing!)!

I think its worth a conversation with your caterer, baker, coordinator or maid of honor about how you can bring the best of the season, and some fun, personalized touches to your big day.

Happy Planning!

Already Behind?

I chuckled a little when I got this e-mail and my heart also went out to this bride-to-be. She captures 100% what so many brides feel...

I have done absolutely nothing wedding related, and I’m starting to freak out a little since it’s already been a month since we got engaged!....I started looking at different things online (colors, centerpieces, announcements, etc.) and got overwhelmed and had to stop. I put a semi-fake date in on theknot.com of 5/15/10 at the beginning of May, and it told me I was already behind on at least 6 things for something that was over a year away. (!!!) I know a lot will depend on the date we choose, and the date we choose will depend on venue availability, and so on. I honestly don’t even know where to start. People tell me I need to by a wedding organizer book, and I haven’t even gotten around to doing that yet. (Can you tell I was never meant to be an event planner?! :-)

~Bride-to-be 2010


She's not alone, right?

I had to post this because so many brides feel this and it's okay. I also wanted to say that it can get overwhelming with the approx. 272,000,000 (that's million) google hits for "wedding" and the mountain of information.

My thoughts....Don't necessarily start with theknot.com and "googling" as it is an uphill climb that can feel like too much. What do you want? What have you dreamt of? What are your gut instincts? Think about those things first and search out specific information on the web in due time...as well as ask for recommendations from friends, vendors and recent brides.

While of course I think perusing many related wedding websites and blogs for a little distraction is fun and necessary :-) ...when you are in the early stages it can be a little much. You are searching out for tid-bits of information in a vast ocean.

My advice to this bride, and others like her...take a breath, remember what matters most, and enjoy this process! It's such a fun and special time!

Happy Planning!

The Night Before the Big Day: The Rehearsal Dinner

{Sarah and her dad walk down the aisle.}

The night of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner can be so fun and meaningful.
Generally those in the bridal party and participating in the service are at the ceremony rehearsal learning about the “geography” (as one local minister puts it) for the next day. I see a lot of brides that suddenly realize at the rehearsal when they are about to “practice” walking down the aisle, that they are in fact getting married the next day. I think the rehearsal is special, and also worth capturing in photos either by your photographer or a friend. And after the "geography lesson" everyone shares a meal together (generally hosted by the groom’s family), a time to get to know each other better, and for the couple to say some words of thanks if they so wish.

More and more, rehearsal dinners are including many out of town family and guests, to welcome them to town and give them time to see the couple and others before the next day. I really love this…it adds to a fun and festive atmosphere to the night before. And, why not think outside the box for the rehearsal? Do something different than the next night…perhaps, a luau or honeymoon theme, a barbecue, an outdoor, pool side venue, or other theme or location that has meaning to the couple.

Consider these options:
Eagle Pointe in the Bloomington area, though it is a short drive, it would be worth it…a great pool-side terrace, fun atmosphere, good drinks and a space that could be quite different than the next night. {Pictured above is the Eagle Pointe Terrace.}

Barbecue in the backyard. Is your fiance from Texas where barbecue is king? Does your family love flavorful, smoked chicken, ribs or pork? Explore options to host a casual barbecue.

{Photo from Style Me Pretty}

A Mexican fiesta…almost anywhere!

FARM Bloomington, for great sophisticated local food in a more casual atmosphere, in the heart of Bloomington. They have the Root Cellar which has several space available for groups of different sizes.

The IMU...if you are not having your reception at the IMU, or even if you are!, why not consider it for the rehearsal dinner? It's in the heart of campus, is beautiful and has many great options and room for personalization.

Grazie, are you honeymooning in Italy, did he fix Italian for your first date? Grazie combines great food and wonderful wine in downtown Bloomington in their private dining space.

Also, if you don’t want to go all out on favors for the next day, why not consider a meaningful small favor for those that are with you the night before? A tree they can plant, a donation in their honor, if sweets are your thing maybe personalized cookies or a small box of chocolates from local favorite Blu, or even a favorite Oliver Winery bottle of wine. My advice is to keep it personal, keep it fun, and think outside of what you are doing the next day.


Happy Planning!

it takes a village...

On Saturday night Derek, Leigh-Ann's father, said, "Things happen...but it's how you handle them that matters." That's very true. Something always happens, and it takes the team to pull through and make the ceremony, reception and all aspects of a wedding perfect, just how the couple had dreamed.

Yesterday I reflected on how it takes a team to pull off a wedding. For example, a few vendors:

the florist--truly bringing a bride's vision to life with the floral

the photographer--capturing every special moment to keep for a lifetime; staying in close touch with me through the day to make sure we're set on timing and they are ready for those important moments {to left, Morgan capturing the cake cutting Saturday)
the venue staff--bringing physical elements of the event together, keeping guests safe and assisting when needed to execute the events of the evening
the caterer--the food! the meal and cake are often times really important to the couple (especially the groom). sometimes the food is never remembered, though sometimes guests walk away remembering the food, the customized menu that reflects the couple and is prepared, plated and served flawlessly. the caterer often times handles linens alongside me and the couple...linens can really transform a room
the music -- the added detail that sets the tone of the event...during the ceremony and the reception. (see my previous post about G and LA's wedding...keeping the party going all night long) alongside food, guests also remember if the dance floor was full and the night was fun

A quick look at Geoff and Leigh-Ann's team from June 6:

Karen, Artful Blooms -- worked very closely with Leigh-Ann, her mom, and me, to take Leigh-Ann and Hilda's breath away when they walked into the room for the first time. Seeing Leigh-Ann smile when she first saw her bouquet was awesome!

Morgan, Morgan Matters Photography -- so fun to work with, able to capture every moment, tear, and laugh.

IU Auditorium Event Staff -- I cannot say enough good things about the professional and student staff at the Auditorium. They are an amazing group of people...

the IMU Catering Staff -- taking the extra time to customize a flavorful and delicious meal for Geoff and Leigh-Ann alongside impeccable service with a smile on their face...also willing to go the extra mile to be part of the team...

Brett, the Dance Machine -- as I said yesterday, Brett can easily gauge the crowd and knows how to keep the party going all night long. Brett pays attention to all the details and works closely alongside me to execute the evening.

And, I am blessed to call these vendors and outstanding professionals colleagues and team members. It takes a team to make it happen and I am lucky enough to coordinate weddings with professionals that are truly amazing, and part of a team. Not only those listed here but so many of the vendors in Bloomington. I often spend a lot of time confirming, communicating, and double-checking with these vendors-- I can be the piece of the puzzle that brings them together. I also handle the problems when things don't go perfectly. But it takes all of us, doing our job, to execute the day as a bride has dreamt since she was 12.

Wedding Planning Binders

Almost every bride has a binder of all of her wedding related information...this is good. A binder helps you stay organized and keeps everything in one place. There are a ton out there. I think you can purchase one that you're comfortable with and has the tools you need. But remember you want something that will be useful to you, so maybe creating one on your own might be the best option. Here are some of my thoughts on purchasing and making your own...

A couple of planners to mention:
*Mindy Weiss's "Ultimate Wedding Organizer", $99.00
The name says it all--it does have everything and is quite cute to carry, but the price tag is also hefty.
*"The Wedding Workbook" by Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, $24.95
Much more affordable, and also designed really well. It includes many helpful features!
*Real Simple's Wedding Planning Guide is also great. I love Real Simple, so I'm a big fan. Has the great look and style that Real Simple has.

But, I still love , love Russel + Hazel's wedding binder (pictured above) for $75.00. Yes, its pricey, but I think you might feel its worth the investment. It includes 12 sections, business card pages, and adhesive notes for adding notes to the pages. They also have over 50 (!) downloadable lists and worksheets to use! These lists include budget worksheets, a "do not play" list for the DJ, stationary worksheet, floor plans, day-of checklist and more. Love Russel + Hazel!
As I mention above putting together your own binder is also great! A cute and functional place for all of your information and its affordable. Some things you'll need to create your binder:

• A sturdy 3-ring binder (you'll use it a lot and carry it with you everywhere for awhile, make sure it will stay together). Russel + Hazel has a wide selection of colors of binders and they're also well-made. There are also quite a few eco-friendly options available and options at your local Target or other store.


• Tab divider sheets you can mark with categories. (Flowers, Stationary, Music, Cake/Baker, Reception, Attire, Rehearsal, Honeymoon, etc). You'll probably need at least 12, if not 20.


• Sheet protectors for you to put clippings and ideas in (and potentially receipts, keep them all together!). A business card page to keep all of your vendors or potential vendors cards together.
  
• Blank sheets of paper for notes, questions, for vendors, etc.


• Downloadable checklists and worksheets from R + H! The budget worksheet is a must! Also the timeline/checklist, day-of checklist, vendor contact list, and others you feel will be helpful to you. (Real Simple also has a few downloadable tools as well if you like their style.
  

These are the basics and should get you started as an organized bride! You can get as crafty and creative or as simple as you want. The possibilities are endless. Happy Planning!

Is a Coordinator Really Necessary?

I’m often asked why couples would need a wedding planner or coordinator. They remind me that reception sites often have venue coordinators, churches sometimes have staff that assist at the ceremony…so why am I needed? I’m needed because someone needs to be there for the bride and ensure everything runs just as she wishes. My hope is that banquet managers at receptions are ensuring the food is hot, the wait staff is being efficient, and the room is set as we had planned. I'm there to ensure the evening flows as the couple planned, needs are taken care of and everyone can have a good time. A wedding coordinator:

1) Has seen many different weddings in many different ways. She can provide insight, thoughts, and answer your questions, as well as provide valuable local information and recommendations.
2) Will understand exactly what you want from when you wake up on your wedding day to when you leave with your new husband and tuxes have to be returned.
3) Will ensure everything runs smoothly and each detail is taken care of so you can enjoy your day.
4) Will be an advocate if anything goes wrong. She can take care of any problems that arise before you even knew they happened.
5) Will bring your ideas to life. She will listen to you and then take her to-do list from you. She’s not planning your day, just executing it so you can enjoy every minute.
6) Will care about you and your day as much as you do!

So take care of yourself and your sanity, and consider hiring a coordinator to take care of details. I think you’ll realize it was a good investment.

Photo: Me going through the flow of reception events at a Nov 2008 wedding. Photo Courtesy She Designs Photography.