It's the last day of the year. The first thing that pops into my head on this day every year is "Happy Birthday Little Sister!" The second thing is usually, "I wish I didn't have to work holidays."
It's the end of another great wedding year for me. As I sit here looking at all of the folders for all of my clients over this year, I realize that I have once again, done more weddings this year than the previous. It's a good thing! But it's also something that I think I may be changing in 2008.
My only resolution this year is to slow down. To spend more time with family and friends rather than strangers. A lot of this will directly apply to weddings. My event planning business is a side business....I truly, truly do it because I love it. It has nothing to do with money (hence, my low rates). However, 2008 needs to be different. I've made a vow to myself to not take as many weddings, no matter how much I want to say yes. I'm not getting younger and before you know it, my 30's will be over. Supposedly these are some of the best years of my life. I'd rather enjoy them healthfully and not in an aftermath of sickness because I don't know how to slow down.
I also have to giggle myself because as one pile of client folders is rather large for 2007, the pile that is already neatly displayed on my desk in it's file for 2008 is growing rather large as well. 15 weddings already booked for 2008. That's half of what I normally do and most Day of Coordination requests come within 3-4 months of the wedding. That leaves a lot of time for 2008 inquiries to be booked. Slowing down also means planning more strategically around the weddings I do take. I've already put big black X's through holiday weekends....no more. Long holiday weekends are meant to be shared with family, laying on beaches, driving up to Door County to see mom, etc. Want to know how many times I went "home" in 2007? Three times. Want to know why? Because I had weddings.
As hard as this is going to be more for me, I'm determined to try. Trying gets me points right? Wish me luck!
Happy New Year to all of you. Feel free to share your resolutions here as well. Brides, what do you resolve to do for your 2008 planning? Vendors, any business-related resolutions for you as well?
Have a safe, happy and celebratory begining to 2008!
Monday, December 31, 2007
One more thing...
After re-reading my less than exciting posts just now (I'm SICK people!) I realized I forgot to include the best detail of Tanya & Steve's wedding.
In Jewish wedding custom, the bride walks out alone and meets her parents halfway down the aisle. This meant that Tanya and I had some time alone behind closed doors as we waited for her parents to complete their long walk.
I smiled at her, grabbed her arms, told her this was it...it's time to get married. Her response? "Holy shit, Holy shit, Holy shit Danica" I mean, ooops, I shouldn't be saying that here. Holy shit."
Ok, so maybe you had to be there, but it was priceless and pretty much adorable. I swear, there are no better memories for me than when I have alone time with brides just before they walk down the aisle.
In Jewish wedding custom, the bride walks out alone and meets her parents halfway down the aisle. This meant that Tanya and I had some time alone behind closed doors as we waited for her parents to complete their long walk.
I smiled at her, grabbed her arms, told her this was it...it's time to get married. Her response? "Holy shit, Holy shit, Holy shit Danica" I mean, ooops, I shouldn't be saying that here. Holy shit."
Ok, so maybe you had to be there, but it was priceless and pretty much adorable. I swear, there are no better memories for me than when I have alone time with brides just before they walk down the aisle.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Shalom!
Or something like that. I'm not Jewish, but every time I get to do a Jewish wedding, I am reminded how much fun they have at both the ceremony and of course, the reception. In Jewish history, it is practically an obligation to have a huge party after a couple weds and boy...do they ever!
Tanya & Steve got married last night in Fox Point. They got married where they both have attended synagogue forever. Where they both celebrated their Bat & Bar Mitzvahs. Where their families are no strangers to the congregation. It really was something. I had a blast with Tanya during the planning stages and she could run circles around Martha Stewart, let me tell ya.
We had several snafus with the florist, who shall remain nameless. I will just say that I will never be working with her again and I'm still shaking my head at what on earth she was thinking with the chuppah floral in all it's bright pink and fern greenery glory while the bouquets were a blend of ivory and burgundy roses. Huh? The bride thought the same thing. Luckily, Unnamed Florist redeemed herself at the reception with gorgeous branch centerpieces that were nearly as tall as me! What the bride doesn't' know about the reception is that I went around plucking more of that ugly green fern stuff away from it all. Shhhh...she doesn't need to know it was there in the first place.
Brynwood Country Club pulls off great events, mainly due to their diligent and happy staff. With an event coordinator and a banquet captain waiting on you hand and foot you can't really go wrong.
All in all...it was beautiful. Tanya glowed. Seriously, she did. And her dress? Oh.My.God. I can't even put it into words actually. I didn't even have time to take pictures so I'm hoping my friends at Expressive Photography will send me a few.
One more wedding to go tomorrow. Then a nap.
Tanya & Steve got married last night in Fox Point. They got married where they both have attended synagogue forever. Where they both celebrated their Bat & Bar Mitzvahs. Where their families are no strangers to the congregation. It really was something. I had a blast with Tanya during the planning stages and she could run circles around Martha Stewart, let me tell ya.
We had several snafus with the florist, who shall remain nameless. I will just say that I will never be working with her again and I'm still shaking my head at what on earth she was thinking with the chuppah floral in all it's bright pink and fern greenery glory while the bouquets were a blend of ivory and burgundy roses. Huh? The bride thought the same thing. Luckily, Unnamed Florist redeemed herself at the reception with gorgeous branch centerpieces that were nearly as tall as me! What the bride doesn't' know about the reception is that I went around plucking more of that ugly green fern stuff away from it all. Shhhh...she doesn't need to know it was there in the first place.
Brynwood Country Club pulls off great events, mainly due to their diligent and happy staff. With an event coordinator and a banquet captain waiting on you hand and foot you can't really go wrong.
All in all...it was beautiful. Tanya glowed. Seriously, she did. And her dress? Oh.My.God. I can't even put it into words actually. I didn't even have time to take pictures so I'm hoping my friends at Expressive Photography will send me a few.
One more wedding to go tomorrow. Then a nap.
Bringing a Little Piece of Japan to WI
I apologize...I have been overrun with weddings since 12/21 and when you couple that with the holidays, traveling, and then an upper respiratory infection...well, it causes great excuses for not blogging. Through SICK and thin though, I'm pulling through and doing weddings all weekend with a final holiday curtain call New Year's Eve with yet another wedding. January? I'm hibernating.
The military couple stationed in Japan had their Burlington, WI wedding on 12/21 and it was so perfect. Really. Ok, besides the Priest not being there for rehearsal and then wondering why no one left him notes about the ceremony details. But other than that it was perfect. I'm begining to think that full planning is easier than Day of Coordination. Simply, because I own it. I OWN their wedding. I KNOW exactly what needs to be done, who needs to be where, who doesn't need to be anywhere, etc. Why? Because I created it all. And executing something that you create is just easy. Well, for me at least.
I have to say this couple was so much more into their marriage than the actual wedding and that of course assisted me in making my job easier. It always does. Sadly, this is most often not the case. There's just too many brides out there that are way more into the color of the flowers, how a bow is tied, does Grandma coordinate, oh my gosh...I can't believe my bridesmaid has pink nails; you get the picture. I hate to say it, but I see a lot more of that than I do of Wow, I can't believe I'm marrying him today, I'm so excited for the ceremony, my family and friends are all here for US. But this couple?....they did it and they did it right.
They included Japanese scrolls that were framed for half of their centerpieces which guests loved. Whenever you tie in anything personal that is a bit different, your guests will go crazy with it. They also included all Japanese items in the bathroom baskets which was a ton of fun to pour through! Their black/white/green motif was pulled off beatuifully if I do say so myself. Even if it meant hours of cutting and gluing green ribbon around 300 votive holders during Packer games the past few weeks.
The end result was a very happy couple who was able to celebrate their life together despite the foggy conditions of a winter wonderland.
Pictures soon to come.
The military couple stationed in Japan had their Burlington, WI wedding on 12/21 and it was so perfect. Really. Ok, besides the Priest not being there for rehearsal and then wondering why no one left him notes about the ceremony details. But other than that it was perfect. I'm begining to think that full planning is easier than Day of Coordination. Simply, because I own it. I OWN their wedding. I KNOW exactly what needs to be done, who needs to be where, who doesn't need to be anywhere, etc. Why? Because I created it all. And executing something that you create is just easy. Well, for me at least.
I have to say this couple was so much more into their marriage than the actual wedding and that of course assisted me in making my job easier. It always does. Sadly, this is most often not the case. There's just too many brides out there that are way more into the color of the flowers, how a bow is tied, does Grandma coordinate, oh my gosh...I can't believe my bridesmaid has pink nails; you get the picture. I hate to say it, but I see a lot more of that than I do of Wow, I can't believe I'm marrying him today, I'm so excited for the ceremony, my family and friends are all here for US. But this couple?....they did it and they did it right.
They included Japanese scrolls that were framed for half of their centerpieces which guests loved. Whenever you tie in anything personal that is a bit different, your guests will go crazy with it. They also included all Japanese items in the bathroom baskets which was a ton of fun to pour through! Their black/white/green motif was pulled off beatuifully if I do say so myself. Even if it meant hours of cutting and gluing green ribbon around 300 votive holders during Packer games the past few weeks.
The end result was a very happy couple who was able to celebrate their life together despite the foggy conditions of a winter wonderland.
Pictures soon to come.
Friday, December 14, 2007
A First Date
Remember the feeling you get in your stomach for a first date with someone? That feeling of excitement coupled with nerves. The "what if's" that run through your mind? --- What if we don't get along? What if he/she isn't what I expected? What if I like him, but he doesn't like me?
I have a date tonight. A first date! With my couple from Japan, that is. :)
They flew into Wisconsin on Tuesday and have been running around like mad trying to pay their vendors, shop for last-minute items, meet with the Priest, get a marriage license, etc.
But tonight...I get to meet them! And they get to meet me! It is going to be fabulous, I already know this. I feel like I know them already, especially the bride. The emails have been countless for the past 15 months as I attempted to plan their wedding with only suggestions, their likes, their dislikes, and that's about it. I'm nervous! I hope they like everything I've come up with.
I'll be sure to report back on my First Date. Wish me luck!
I have a date tonight. A first date! With my couple from Japan, that is. :)
They flew into Wisconsin on Tuesday and have been running around like mad trying to pay their vendors, shop for last-minute items, meet with the Priest, get a marriage license, etc.
But tonight...I get to meet them! And they get to meet me! It is going to be fabulous, I already know this. I feel like I know them already, especially the bride. The emails have been countless for the past 15 months as I attempted to plan their wedding with only suggestions, their likes, their dislikes, and that's about it. I'm nervous! I hope they like everything I've come up with.
I'll be sure to report back on my First Date. Wish me luck!
Monday, December 3, 2007
I've Said it Before...
...and I'll say it again. I love my Brides. MY brides. I claim them, love them, and am always sad when I have to give them up.
Another wonderful bride tonight. A fun and chatty consultation meeting. A wedding date that I was not going to take because June is so busy already. However, she was a referral from one of my September 2007 brides and I just cannot turn down referrals if at all possible. When I do, I feel terrible and literally lose sleep over it. So, I said Yes to this June 28, 2008 bride. So glad I did! She's a sweetheart and not wedding-obsessed and just FUN!
People are always asking me how my brides are and how I can possibly stand working with brides all the time. I really think they question my honesty when I almost always tell them that I have the best brides ever. Hands down, the BEST. Sure, I've had a Bridezilla or two, but with as many weddings as I've done, that's really not that bad. Maybe I attract the sane ones, maybe I'm just smarter than the other Planners and know how to weed out the crazies before they sign on my dotted line. Maybe someone up there is watching out for me. Whatever it is, it seems to be working. The day it stops working is the day Dreams & Designs closes shop.
Another wonderful bride tonight. A fun and chatty consultation meeting. A wedding date that I was not going to take because June is so busy already. However, she was a referral from one of my September 2007 brides and I just cannot turn down referrals if at all possible. When I do, I feel terrible and literally lose sleep over it. So, I said Yes to this June 28, 2008 bride. So glad I did! She's a sweetheart and not wedding-obsessed and just FUN!
People are always asking me how my brides are and how I can possibly stand working with brides all the time. I really think they question my honesty when I almost always tell them that I have the best brides ever. Hands down, the BEST. Sure, I've had a Bridezilla or two, but with as many weddings as I've done, that's really not that bad. Maybe I attract the sane ones, maybe I'm just smarter than the other Planners and know how to weed out the crazies before they sign on my dotted line. Maybe someone up there is watching out for me. Whatever it is, it seems to be working. The day it stops working is the day Dreams & Designs closes shop.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Self-Promotion Post at its Best
One of my loyal readers emailed earlier in the week to say she missed my posts (awww!) and also to lead me in the direction of one of her website's newest articles. In a nutshell, it goes through why a bride and groom should consider hiring a Planner.
Their Top 3 reasons included:
1. To Get a Break
2. To Save Money
3. To Avoid Family Conflict
I can attest to the fact that these really are the top 3 reasons. Those that don't hire a Planner usually reflect back on these exact things after the wedding and wish they had done so. Keep in mind, that although a Planner is an amazing tool to utilize during the entire planning process, I realize it is not in everyone's budget or even in their overall scheme of what they want. However, a Day of Coordinator is in almost everyone's budget. Especially if you find a Coordinator that will work with your budget and your needs.
To elaborate on the above points, Getting a Break is essential in planning any event. Do you really want to have to be the go-to person for every single detail, idea, decision, etc.? Probably not. Especially the day of the wedding. There is no more awful feeling on the day of your wedding than vendors tapping you on your shoulder to ask your opinion on something or to let you know that something is wrong. You, your family, your friends should not have to deal with any of this on your Big Day. For that reason alone, invest in a Coordinator!
Most brides don't realize that if they hire a professional wedding specialist, they will end up saving money. Usually a lot of money. Yes, you are going to have to pay your Planner, however, in the weddings I've done full planning for the bride has ended up saving at least double what she paid me for my services. The reason is due to the fact that I have long-standing relationships with other wedding vendors. Good wedding vendors. Wedding vendors that aren't going to screw me or the bride over. Wedding vendors that value the referrals I send their way and are willing to negotiate with me on pricing for my bride. I also utilize reputable Internet sites that most aren't aware of that give great deals and discounts. I'm able to buy many items wholesale which means my bride just got those deals. So, think of hiring a Planner as an initial investment to save money in the end.
Want or need someone to run interference during the planning process or even on the day of the wedding? That's what your planner is for. You will always have a professional and unbiased approach by a Planner. I'm not going to agree with your mother just because she's mom. I'm not going to go along with Aunt Betty's crazy cake idea just because she swears it will be beautiful. I'm there for the couple, for their wants and needs. I'm there to explain benefits and downfalls to the family so their daughter is not labeled the "Bad Bride."
There are other great reasons to hire a Planner of course. However, I truly believe these are the top reasons. These reasons alone will let you be the Bride on your wedding day and that is it.
Their Top 3 reasons included:
1. To Get a Break
2. To Save Money
3. To Avoid Family Conflict
I can attest to the fact that these really are the top 3 reasons. Those that don't hire a Planner usually reflect back on these exact things after the wedding and wish they had done so. Keep in mind, that although a Planner is an amazing tool to utilize during the entire planning process, I realize it is not in everyone's budget or even in their overall scheme of what they want. However, a Day of Coordinator is in almost everyone's budget. Especially if you find a Coordinator that will work with your budget and your needs.
To elaborate on the above points, Getting a Break is essential in planning any event. Do you really want to have to be the go-to person for every single detail, idea, decision, etc.? Probably not. Especially the day of the wedding. There is no more awful feeling on the day of your wedding than vendors tapping you on your shoulder to ask your opinion on something or to let you know that something is wrong. You, your family, your friends should not have to deal with any of this on your Big Day. For that reason alone, invest in a Coordinator!
Most brides don't realize that if they hire a professional wedding specialist, they will end up saving money. Usually a lot of money. Yes, you are going to have to pay your Planner, however, in the weddings I've done full planning for the bride has ended up saving at least double what she paid me for my services. The reason is due to the fact that I have long-standing relationships with other wedding vendors. Good wedding vendors. Wedding vendors that aren't going to screw me or the bride over. Wedding vendors that value the referrals I send their way and are willing to negotiate with me on pricing for my bride. I also utilize reputable Internet sites that most aren't aware of that give great deals and discounts. I'm able to buy many items wholesale which means my bride just got those deals. So, think of hiring a Planner as an initial investment to save money in the end.
Want or need someone to run interference during the planning process or even on the day of the wedding? That's what your planner is for. You will always have a professional and unbiased approach by a Planner. I'm not going to agree with your mother just because she's mom. I'm not going to go along with Aunt Betty's crazy cake idea just because she swears it will be beautiful. I'm there for the couple, for their wants and needs. I'm there to explain benefits and downfalls to the family so their daughter is not labeled the "Bad Bride."
There are other great reasons to hire a Planner of course. However, I truly believe these are the top reasons. These reasons alone will let you be the Bride on your wedding day and that is it.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
I'm Back
It's a been a month. I realize this. However, it's been a BUSY month with things other than weddings. Gasp! Can you believe it? I had the month of November off from all things weddings, well almost. My December weddings are all crammed into a matter of two weekends and all right before and right after the holidays. Not sure what I was thinking except that all my brides for those weddings are so darn nice that there is no way I could say 'no' without feeling bad about it.
Winter is here. As I look at my window right now the start of the blizzard is upon us and it's coming down forcefully. The selfish side of me is so happy that I didn't take a wedding for this weekend, the nice side of me feels so bad for all those women in their dresses today...but they'll get FABULOUS winter pictures if they can bare the cold for just a few minutes of their photographer's time. Winter pics are my favorite by far. There is just something magical about them. Almost mystical.
I'm in the final stages of getting everything done for my 12/21 couple that I'm doing full planning for. I cannot wait to meet them! I'm nearly giddy already. You see, this is the couple that is stationed in the Navy in Japan....so all I have had with them is emails. A lot of emails. And that's it. Funny though how I have managed to get to know them, their styles, their personalities through a bunch of words. The next few weeks will be filled with my last-minute running around picking up some picture frames for some of their centerpieces, givin them their final checklist, finalizing church music, making sure the vendors are paid, prepping the decor that is taking up the back half of my living room, making list after list after list for myself and whatever else gets tossed my way. Yup, I'm going to be busy this month. Throw the holidays in there and 3 other weddings and I expect January will be here way quicker than I would like.
Oh, and if anyone you know is getting married 4.19.08 and is looking for a Day of Coordinator, I have an opening. Kind of. My bride that hired me for that day no longer needs my services and I really like her so I'd love to be able to fill the date and give her the deposit back. I've tried to talk with her mother to let her know that even though their venue promises them that they can do all the set-up on the wedding day, that's not the only reason I'm there. What about making sure all the vendors show up on time and are doing their job? What about keeping everyone to the timeline? What about ensuring that all of their decor is set up correctly? Venues and vendors may promise you that they'll do everything, but will they do it to your satisfaction? Too many times I've walked into a venue and table numbers are sitting on the tables facing away from the entrance, in different spots on all the tables, tipped over. It's the details. I do details. It's why people hire me. And at the end of the day it's a small $350 price to pay to know that you had a go-to person to take care of anything and everything that happens pre-ceremony to the time your guests sit down for dinner. On the other hand....$350 is money saved if you trust your vendors completely and don't need me.
Happy Birthday Dad!
Winter is here. As I look at my window right now the start of the blizzard is upon us and it's coming down forcefully. The selfish side of me is so happy that I didn't take a wedding for this weekend, the nice side of me feels so bad for all those women in their dresses today...but they'll get FABULOUS winter pictures if they can bare the cold for just a few minutes of their photographer's time. Winter pics are my favorite by far. There is just something magical about them. Almost mystical.
I'm in the final stages of getting everything done for my 12/21 couple that I'm doing full planning for. I cannot wait to meet them! I'm nearly giddy already. You see, this is the couple that is stationed in the Navy in Japan....so all I have had with them is emails. A lot of emails. And that's it. Funny though how I have managed to get to know them, their styles, their personalities through a bunch of words. The next few weeks will be filled with my last-minute running around picking up some picture frames for some of their centerpieces, givin them their final checklist, finalizing church music, making sure the vendors are paid, prepping the decor that is taking up the back half of my living room, making list after list after list for myself and whatever else gets tossed my way. Yup, I'm going to be busy this month. Throw the holidays in there and 3 other weddings and I expect January will be here way quicker than I would like.
Oh, and if anyone you know is getting married 4.19.08 and is looking for a Day of Coordinator, I have an opening. Kind of. My bride that hired me for that day no longer needs my services and I really like her so I'd love to be able to fill the date and give her the deposit back. I've tried to talk with her mother to let her know that even though their venue promises them that they can do all the set-up on the wedding day, that's not the only reason I'm there. What about making sure all the vendors show up on time and are doing their job? What about keeping everyone to the timeline? What about ensuring that all of their decor is set up correctly? Venues and vendors may promise you that they'll do everything, but will they do it to your satisfaction? Too many times I've walked into a venue and table numbers are sitting on the tables facing away from the entrance, in different spots on all the tables, tipped over. It's the details. I do details. It's why people hire me. And at the end of the day it's a small $350 price to pay to know that you had a go-to person to take care of anything and everything that happens pre-ceremony to the time your guests sit down for dinner. On the other hand....$350 is money saved if you trust your vendors completely and don't need me.
Happy Birthday Dad!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Why It's All Worth It
It is because of notes like the one I'll share at the end, that working every weekend, meeting with brides several nights out of the week, putting in anywhere from 10-30 hours/week on wedding stuff is all worth it.
Some people don't understand why I have my wedding planning business. I mean, I have a fabulous "real" career that I worked my ass off to get to, I make decent money, I'd have my weekends free...why do I do this? Because I love it. Even on those Saturday mornings when I roll out of bed and think "Another wedding ((Sigh))," I still love it when I get there and am thrown into the thick of it. And I love that I can be an affordable option for a couple. If I didn't do this on the side, I'd have to raise my prices. I like that almost everyone's budget can squeeze in a Coordinator with my pricing. That's why I started this....I knew how badly everyone should at least have a Day of Coordinator, but I didn't like the prices I saw out there for it. The light bulb went off and I thought "I can do this for people!"
Of course loving it is also the reason I refuse to make this company bigger than what it is. Well, that and the fact that I have no desire to walk in my parents footsteps of self-employment for the rest of my life. Having a great year and then a not so great year, always high-priced crappy insurance, paying and dealing with multiple employees...yeah, not so much fun to me. So I will keep it small in order to love it big.
I'll keep the note anonymous, but this is the portion I'm going to brag on a little. She is the most awesome, amazing, coolest damn girl ever. She's the kind of gal you KNOW you could just be friends with after a beer together. It's notes like these that make it all worthwhile and that make it even more fun. It's also women like this, the ones that take the extra time to actually write a thank you, that make it special.
I couldn't do this without the brides (and grooms!) that I have. I always wonder if someone is watching over me and only letting the "good" brides through.
And the letter.........that brought tears on way too early this morning:
I just want you to know that I appreciate you so much, and that I THANK YOU for everything that you did for (Name Withheld) and I on our wedding day- For the rest of my life, you will be in my memory as letting me swear in church and keeping me calm before I had to take on those stairs!! I am so glad that you were there with me at such a happy time, and good lord, helping me find some lip gloss!! what the heck was I thinking not having julie come to the church I will never know, I didn't want to inconvenience her! Knowing that I could count on you meant a lot to me, and I never would have been able to have the day that I did without you! It was a calm stress free day, and I know I owe a lot of that to you.. I have stood up in a couple weddings, and been the one to set things up and all the while knowing I have to get ready too, so having you there and having the time to hang out and enjoy everyone and everything meant a lot to me~
Sorry this took so long to get to you- I am so excited that you are going to be working with (Name Withheld) for her wedding next August- I can't wait to see you in action again! I told (Name Withheld) she would regret NOT having you, and I am glad that you were available- some things are just meant to be I think...
Well take care Danica, I am going to keep up with you via your blog.. I hope you enjoy your much deserved time off, and THANK YOU again. I love that you will be one of my most favortist memories from our day!
Some people don't understand why I have my wedding planning business. I mean, I have a fabulous "real" career that I worked my ass off to get to, I make decent money, I'd have my weekends free...why do I do this? Because I love it. Even on those Saturday mornings when I roll out of bed and think "Another wedding ((Sigh))," I still love it when I get there and am thrown into the thick of it. And I love that I can be an affordable option for a couple. If I didn't do this on the side, I'd have to raise my prices. I like that almost everyone's budget can squeeze in a Coordinator with my pricing. That's why I started this....I knew how badly everyone should at least have a Day of Coordinator, but I didn't like the prices I saw out there for it. The light bulb went off and I thought "I can do this for people!"
Of course loving it is also the reason I refuse to make this company bigger than what it is. Well, that and the fact that I have no desire to walk in my parents footsteps of self-employment for the rest of my life. Having a great year and then a not so great year, always high-priced crappy insurance, paying and dealing with multiple employees...yeah, not so much fun to me. So I will keep it small in order to love it big.
I'll keep the note anonymous, but this is the portion I'm going to brag on a little. She is the most awesome, amazing, coolest damn girl ever. She's the kind of gal you KNOW you could just be friends with after a beer together. It's notes like these that make it all worthwhile and that make it even more fun. It's also women like this, the ones that take the extra time to actually write a thank you, that make it special.
I couldn't do this without the brides (and grooms!) that I have. I always wonder if someone is watching over me and only letting the "good" brides through.
And the letter.........that brought tears on way too early this morning:
I just want you to know that I appreciate you so much, and that I THANK YOU for everything that you did for (Name Withheld) and I on our wedding day- For the rest of my life, you will be in my memory as letting me swear in church and keeping me calm before I had to take on those stairs!! I am so glad that you were there with me at such a happy time, and good lord, helping me find some lip gloss!! what the heck was I thinking not having julie come to the church I will never know, I didn't want to inconvenience her! Knowing that I could count on you meant a lot to me, and I never would have been able to have the day that I did without you! It was a calm stress free day, and I know I owe a lot of that to you.. I have stood up in a couple weddings, and been the one to set things up and all the while knowing I have to get ready too, so having you there and having the time to hang out and enjoy everyone and everything meant a lot to me~
Sorry this took so long to get to you- I am so excited that you are going to be working with (Name Withheld) for her wedding next August- I can't wait to see you in action again! I told (Name Withheld) she would regret NOT having you, and I am glad that you were available- some things are just meant to be I think...
Well take care Danica, I am going to keep up with you via your blog.. I hope you enjoy your much deserved time off, and THANK YOU again. I love that you will be one of my most favortist memories from our day!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
People Want Me To Be Helpful
I received a few emails from readers that weren't too thrilled with my blog entry about BROWN. One even went on to say I should prepare to lose business if I'm going to start telling everyone what I hate about weddings. Um...probably not. And for the record, I never said I hated brown weddings. I'm just sick of them right now. If you planned weddings and attended up to two weddings per weekend year-round, you just might tire of some trends also. Walk in my shoes before you pass judgement please.
Another reader said she (or is it a he? I probably shouldn't assume things) would appreciate some helpful blogging once in a while instead of my "typical recaps of weddings." It's funny how this is MY blog that I write in MY spare time, yet I'm supposed to do for others first. However, I will. I'm on wedding hiatus until December 21 so expect to see some wedding-related tips, advice, possible guest bloggers, any maybe other helpful little items from yours truly.
Today's helpfulness will be about saving money. We all want to save money on wedding-planning no matter what our financial state or background is. Hopefully this will assist those of you that are in planning mode.
1. Your guest list will determine your budget in most cases. 100 guests is more cost-friendly than 350 guests. The more guests you have, the more you will spend on invitations, postage, meals, favors, cake, centerpieces, linens, rentals, and on and on and on.
2. Research your vendors. If this means calling 15 different florists to gather quotes and get a feel for what they do, then that's how you're going to save money. No, you will not save time doing this. Saving money on anything usually means adding more time to your wedding planning.
3. It's perfectly fine to have one DJ at your wedding. While two DJ's is great and can make things flow even smoother, it is certainly not necessary. One outstanding DJ will make your reception the party you envisioned.
4. Sheet cakes are less expensive, as we all know. However, numerous bakers are catching on to this new trend of having a small display cake and two or more sheet cakes to cut from in the back. You can still order a smaller display cake from the baker of your choice, but you can also order a much more reasonable sheet cake or two from your local bakery or grocery store. Even Sam's makes sheet cakes that are to die for. As long as the taste is there....no one else will know their cake was cut in the back from a sheet cake.
5. DIY. Do.It.Yourself. The more you can do yourself (invitations, addressing envelopes, non-floral centerpieces, searching out Ebay for deals, etc.) the more cost effective it will be. Again, this means having the time in your life to do these things. There are also several DIY projects that may mean being crafty; be sure you have that crafty gene before attempting to bring together all the pieces of your decor vision.
6. Hire a wedding planner. I know, I know....I have to say this, right? No, I don't. I only say it because I've seen it work for couples. I've seen the money I've saved couples. Wedding Planners have relationships with numerous vendors and can often negotiate a much better price than the couple can. Planners are also able to cut time in half because we KNOW the good, bad, and ugly out there where vendors are concerned. We KNOW which vendors are going to be a good fit for our couple based on what their needs are. We KNOW which vendors have the personality to get along well with a couple that may have a difficult personality or a challenging timeline to pull off. All in all...the money you invest in a Wedding Planner will almost always end up saving you at least double the cost of that Planner.
7. Skip the chair covers. Rent chairs instead. Usually an actual chair rental will be less expensive than renting covers and ties. You can rent white wooden chairs, an array of colors of chivari chairs, black or natural colored wooden chairs, etc. They can make even more of an impact on the room than chair covers.
8. Skip the stretch limo, stretch hummer, trolley, 32-passenger bus, or whatever other transportation you're seeking for the bridal party. Instead, rent a few classy cars (Cadillac, the new fancy schmancy Chrysler's that are out there, Mustang, etc.) and designate a couple drivers either in the bridal party or even uncles or cousins that would have fun chauffeuring everyone from church to picture site to reception site.
9. Re-use what you can from your ceremony site at your reception site. There are so many brides that are in awe when I suggest that they take their Unity Candle arrangement and move it to the center of their head table. Move your pew buckets to the placecard or guest book table. Move the altar floral arrangements to flank the head table at the reception.
10. Do what you can afford. Really examine whether it is so important to you to have a big fancy party that you are willing to go thousands of dollars into debt on a credit card for it. Determine your budget early and stick with it. Splurge on a few things that are the most important to you and then go from there. If a cake isn't important to you, do something different. I know brides that have done ice cream sundaes, caramel apple pie, and dessert buffets.
So....there you have it. Some actual honest to goodness wedding tips to help you save money. Even if you do just a couple of these, it has the potential to shave hundreds of dollars off your wedding expenditures. Just remember....pay for the marriage, not for the wedding party. If you think of it that way, it will keep you much more honest on what you're spending and what you're not.
Another reader said she (or is it a he? I probably shouldn't assume things) would appreciate some helpful blogging once in a while instead of my "typical recaps of weddings." It's funny how this is MY blog that I write in MY spare time, yet I'm supposed to do for others first. However, I will. I'm on wedding hiatus until December 21 so expect to see some wedding-related tips, advice, possible guest bloggers, any maybe other helpful little items from yours truly.
Today's helpfulness will be about saving money. We all want to save money on wedding-planning no matter what our financial state or background is. Hopefully this will assist those of you that are in planning mode.
1. Your guest list will determine your budget in most cases. 100 guests is more cost-friendly than 350 guests. The more guests you have, the more you will spend on invitations, postage, meals, favors, cake, centerpieces, linens, rentals, and on and on and on.
2. Research your vendors. If this means calling 15 different florists to gather quotes and get a feel for what they do, then that's how you're going to save money. No, you will not save time doing this. Saving money on anything usually means adding more time to your wedding planning.
3. It's perfectly fine to have one DJ at your wedding. While two DJ's is great and can make things flow even smoother, it is certainly not necessary. One outstanding DJ will make your reception the party you envisioned.
4. Sheet cakes are less expensive, as we all know. However, numerous bakers are catching on to this new trend of having a small display cake and two or more sheet cakes to cut from in the back. You can still order a smaller display cake from the baker of your choice, but you can also order a much more reasonable sheet cake or two from your local bakery or grocery store. Even Sam's makes sheet cakes that are to die for. As long as the taste is there....no one else will know their cake was cut in the back from a sheet cake.
5. DIY. Do.It.Yourself. The more you can do yourself (invitations, addressing envelopes, non-floral centerpieces, searching out Ebay for deals, etc.) the more cost effective it will be. Again, this means having the time in your life to do these things. There are also several DIY projects that may mean being crafty; be sure you have that crafty gene before attempting to bring together all the pieces of your decor vision.
6. Hire a wedding planner. I know, I know....I have to say this, right? No, I don't. I only say it because I've seen it work for couples. I've seen the money I've saved couples. Wedding Planners have relationships with numerous vendors and can often negotiate a much better price than the couple can. Planners are also able to cut time in half because we KNOW the good, bad, and ugly out there where vendors are concerned. We KNOW which vendors are going to be a good fit for our couple based on what their needs are. We KNOW which vendors have the personality to get along well with a couple that may have a difficult personality or a challenging timeline to pull off. All in all...the money you invest in a Wedding Planner will almost always end up saving you at least double the cost of that Planner.
7. Skip the chair covers. Rent chairs instead. Usually an actual chair rental will be less expensive than renting covers and ties. You can rent white wooden chairs, an array of colors of chivari chairs, black or natural colored wooden chairs, etc. They can make even more of an impact on the room than chair covers.
8. Skip the stretch limo, stretch hummer, trolley, 32-passenger bus, or whatever other transportation you're seeking for the bridal party. Instead, rent a few classy cars (Cadillac, the new fancy schmancy Chrysler's that are out there, Mustang, etc.) and designate a couple drivers either in the bridal party or even uncles or cousins that would have fun chauffeuring everyone from church to picture site to reception site.
9. Re-use what you can from your ceremony site at your reception site. There are so many brides that are in awe when I suggest that they take their Unity Candle arrangement and move it to the center of their head table. Move your pew buckets to the placecard or guest book table. Move the altar floral arrangements to flank the head table at the reception.
10. Do what you can afford. Really examine whether it is so important to you to have a big fancy party that you are willing to go thousands of dollars into debt on a credit card for it. Determine your budget early and stick with it. Splurge on a few things that are the most important to you and then go from there. If a cake isn't important to you, do something different. I know brides that have done ice cream sundaes, caramel apple pie, and dessert buffets.
So....there you have it. Some actual honest to goodness wedding tips to help you save money. Even if you do just a couple of these, it has the potential to shave hundreds of dollars off your wedding expenditures. Just remember....pay for the marriage, not for the wedding party. If you think of it that way, it will keep you much more honest on what you're spending and what you're not.
Monday, October 22, 2007
No More Brown Please
I love the color brown. Even when it wasn't popular, I always liked it. If my staple of basic black suddenly didn't exist anymore, brown it would be!
However....in the last 8 weekends, I believe only two of those weddings were accented by a color other than brown. Wait...I think it might have only been one wedding! I tried and tried two years ago to throw brown down the throats of so many brides lost in their pursuit of finding the perfect color palette for their big day. Nobody listened to me then. But now?....brown is everywhere.
I'll be honest....I'm looking forward to my nice Fall break that includes no weddings. No weddings means I don't have to see another brown dress for quite some time. :)
When you see weddings every single weekend, you tend to get sick and tired of the same things all the time. Granted, only the vendors are the ones that see the same thing every weekend; your guests, more than likely, don't attend a wedding every weekend. That's why I still encourage brides to do candy buffets, late night pizza/snacks, and other unique elements on their wedding day. Some brides tell me they hear that everyone does those things, but I always have to remind them that their guests are not traveling the Internet looking for wedding ideas, their guests are not a part of the bride-to-be message board craze, their guests are not reading issue after issue of wedding magazines.
It'll be fun to see what color makes a big hit in 2008. I have a lot of black/white weddings lined up so far for 2008 and for some reason, I never get tired of those.
However....in the last 8 weekends, I believe only two of those weddings were accented by a color other than brown. Wait...I think it might have only been one wedding! I tried and tried two years ago to throw brown down the throats of so many brides lost in their pursuit of finding the perfect color palette for their big day. Nobody listened to me then. But now?....brown is everywhere.
I'll be honest....I'm looking forward to my nice Fall break that includes no weddings. No weddings means I don't have to see another brown dress for quite some time. :)
When you see weddings every single weekend, you tend to get sick and tired of the same things all the time. Granted, only the vendors are the ones that see the same thing every weekend; your guests, more than likely, don't attend a wedding every weekend. That's why I still encourage brides to do candy buffets, late night pizza/snacks, and other unique elements on their wedding day. Some brides tell me they hear that everyone does those things, but I always have to remind them that their guests are not traveling the Internet looking for wedding ideas, their guests are not a part of the bride-to-be message board craze, their guests are not reading issue after issue of wedding magazines.
It'll be fun to see what color makes a big hit in 2008. I have a lot of black/white weddings lined up so far for 2008 and for some reason, I never get tired of those.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
I Hate This
I need a picture. Of myself. A nice one. Not a drunk one. Not a family one. Not a lounging in my Packer sweats one. An honest to God professional quality, professionally attired, professional looking photo of ME.
My website has been sans the obligatory owner photo since it went up over two years ago. Or has it been longer? I don't even know anymore, that's how long it's been.
My website has been sans the obligatory owner photo since it went up over two years ago. Or has it been longer? I don't even know anymore, that's how long it's been.
I'm pretty sure the pictures you see here wouldn't cut it (Wherever those pictures ended up since Blogger is being oh-so-not-picture-friendly today). Bonjour Badger has inspired me...she's going through the same thing for her upcoming website.
I keep thinking I'll do the photo once I've lost more weight. Or maybe once I find the person to take the photo. Or once I acquire the perfect black outfit to wear (those of you that know me can stop laughing now...just because my closet is full of black clothes does not simply mean that the perfect "website photo of me outfit" is in there!). Or once I find out just how much money I'm going to have to drop to get a decent picture taken. Or this or that. I'm full of excuses.
Someone pass me a black outfit, a credit card, a location, and I guess a photographer. I really need to get this show on the road.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Happiness in K-Town
That's Kenosha for all you non-Milwaukee area readers. Today's wedded bliss took place about 50 miles South of Milwaukee. Which meant on the road at 10:30am with my trusty Mapquest in hand. Thankfully I found UW-Parkside without any problems and navigated my way through the small campus to find Wyllie Hall.
I had a good hour to do some set-up at the reception site first and then had to bust over to the church, about 15 miles away to do the ceremony set-up. The day was surprisingly flawless for the most part, considering there was a lot to do at both sites. The church, although it didn't appear as a lot on paper turned out to be a little time-consuming and with early arriving guests; it was pedal to the floor, that's for sure. But of course it all came together and was done in time to open the doors.
Stacey was so beautiful. Her dress rocked, her hair was sassy and fun, and she was so collected. I had no idea how Stacey was going to handle her wedding day. While it is one of the most precious days of any woman's life, there are sometimes circumstances that can make it a bit sad as well. Stacey's Dad passed away unexpectedly not too long ago so there was no Daddy to walk her down the aisle. Big Brother filled the role very nicely I must say, even getting a big brother/little sister jab in at the last second. :) But Stacey didn't shed a tear as she waited to walk down the aisle and I'm so glad because I knew if she did, the emotional side of me would melt along with her. I have a feeling Dad was walking beside her anyway.
Once Stacey was down the aisle, I zipped back over to UWP to continue with set-up. Thankfully, the person in charge put her staff to work helping me also. There was just so much to do and of course not enough time. Stacey put a ton of work into several projects. She made so many things herself including silver branch centerpieces that also had an electric tealight in them so they glowed, mint boxes on each table, head table decor, you name it...Stacey did it! So, it was a day of running around and praying that guests didn't come early. My prayer request must have gone through on that one, because we had no early guests!
A wedding day is hardly ever complete without a couple snafus though. The worst was that something broke. This is the first time that I've ever had something actually shatter just minutes before the reception is to begin. Stacey had a candelabra in the center of the head table that had glass votive jars in it. It fell. The entire thing came sliding off the front of the head table when I adjusted the monogram in front. Lovely. I found a broom in the blink of an eye and substituted the glass votive holders with tea lights. Sorry Stacey! The 'I DO' letters for the cake table were great and once again, made by the bride; however it clashed with the linen that was on the cake table. So...I reinvented the use of a chair cover to fluff it up a bit and display the letters on this accent piece of fabric instead. Not the best looking, but it got the job done and she still had her letters! A few guests didn't RSVP, but they seemed to have solved the seating arrangement themselves by the time I found out so that was good. A bartender failed to show up, so the Manager had to bartend and direct waitstaff, but she pulled it off. Just little stuff here and there, but as always....it comes together in the end.
UW-Parkside's hall is very nice once it's all done up. Chair covers and lit lanterns hanging from the ceiling certainly put the class into the place. The room transformation was quite unbelievable actually. It's a great setting for those looking for something unique and very affordable. The light (and the hot sun today! Yikes!) that streams through the picture windows is a beautiful backdrop. It's a tri-level area so upstairs is dinner, then down a few stairs is where the cocktail hour and later the dancing is held (oh, and the yummy candy buffet that I'm hoping was created to Stacey's liking!), and then a few steps below that is an area with games, pool, etc. The lower area probably doesn't get used that much for weddings, but it's nice to have there if you have a bunch of kids or teens attending.
Oh....and my new camera is great! Unfortunately, the mass amounts of light coming through made for some difficult picture taking on my part, but you get the idea. It was nearly a 10 hour day, but well worth it. Stacey & Jeff were so happy and gracious and I hope they're dancing up a storm right now!
I had a good hour to do some set-up at the reception site first and then had to bust over to the church, about 15 miles away to do the ceremony set-up. The day was surprisingly flawless for the most part, considering there was a lot to do at both sites. The church, although it didn't appear as a lot on paper turned out to be a little time-consuming and with early arriving guests; it was pedal to the floor, that's for sure. But of course it all came together and was done in time to open the doors.
Stacey was so beautiful. Her dress rocked, her hair was sassy and fun, and she was so collected. I had no idea how Stacey was going to handle her wedding day. While it is one of the most precious days of any woman's life, there are sometimes circumstances that can make it a bit sad as well. Stacey's Dad passed away unexpectedly not too long ago so there was no Daddy to walk her down the aisle. Big Brother filled the role very nicely I must say, even getting a big brother/little sister jab in at the last second. :) But Stacey didn't shed a tear as she waited to walk down the aisle and I'm so glad because I knew if she did, the emotional side of me would melt along with her. I have a feeling Dad was walking beside her anyway.
Once Stacey was down the aisle, I zipped back over to UWP to continue with set-up. Thankfully, the person in charge put her staff to work helping me also. There was just so much to do and of course not enough time. Stacey put a ton of work into several projects. She made so many things herself including silver branch centerpieces that also had an electric tealight in them so they glowed, mint boxes on each table, head table decor, you name it...Stacey did it! So, it was a day of running around and praying that guests didn't come early. My prayer request must have gone through on that one, because we had no early guests!
A wedding day is hardly ever complete without a couple snafus though. The worst was that something broke. This is the first time that I've ever had something actually shatter just minutes before the reception is to begin. Stacey had a candelabra in the center of the head table that had glass votive jars in it. It fell. The entire thing came sliding off the front of the head table when I adjusted the monogram in front. Lovely. I found a broom in the blink of an eye and substituted the glass votive holders with tea lights. Sorry Stacey! The 'I DO' letters for the cake table were great and once again, made by the bride; however it clashed with the linen that was on the cake table. So...I reinvented the use of a chair cover to fluff it up a bit and display the letters on this accent piece of fabric instead. Not the best looking, but it got the job done and she still had her letters! A few guests didn't RSVP, but they seemed to have solved the seating arrangement themselves by the time I found out so that was good. A bartender failed to show up, so the Manager had to bartend and direct waitstaff, but she pulled it off. Just little stuff here and there, but as always....it comes together in the end.
UW-Parkside's hall is very nice once it's all done up. Chair covers and lit lanterns hanging from the ceiling certainly put the class into the place. The room transformation was quite unbelievable actually. It's a great setting for those looking for something unique and very affordable. The light (and the hot sun today! Yikes!) that streams through the picture windows is a beautiful backdrop. It's a tri-level area so upstairs is dinner, then down a few stairs is where the cocktail hour and later the dancing is held (oh, and the yummy candy buffet that I'm hoping was created to Stacey's liking!), and then a few steps below that is an area with games, pool, etc. The lower area probably doesn't get used that much for weddings, but it's nice to have there if you have a bunch of kids or teens attending.
Oh....and my new camera is great! Unfortunately, the mass amounts of light coming through made for some difficult picture taking on my part, but you get the idea. It was nearly a 10 hour day, but well worth it. Stacey & Jeff were so happy and gracious and I hope they're dancing up a storm right now!
Ok....blogger is unable to upload pictures at the moment. You've got to be kidding me! I'll come back and edit with pictures later I guess.
(Edit: Well, Blogger let me put pictures in now, but not where I want them, so I apologize for the mess at the top of the page.)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Corinne's Day
Yesterday was Corinne's Day. Wedding Day that is. Oh, and it was Dan's too, but we all know this is mostly about the bride anyway. :)
I have a huge regret about yesterday though. I did not get to spend any time with her at all. Not that I'm hanging onto my brides every weekend because there obviously is just not time for that, but I usually get to spend some time with them while they get ready, while they wait for the ceremony to begin, and my favorite part...waiting with them once their bridesmaids have left to go down the aisle and helping with last minute veil & train adjustments and passing them off to Dad or whoever is walking them down the aisle. I got none of that yesterday!
St. John's Cathedral in downtown Milwaukee was the gorgeous backdrop to this marriage. It is one of the few church's where I have encountered a cool church coordinator. However, as cool as he is (and he is FABULOUS! He even danced with me in the church. Um, long story) it's his show and that's the way he likes it. He insisted on calling me Nice Lady because he said he never gets to work with nice wedding planners. Aww! But it made my time at the church just very laid back. I assisted the florist and pinned all the corsages and boutonnieres so that the florist could take her daughter to a Halloween party. So, yes, I did have some kind of role. But the part I missed the most was being able to usher Corinne into the church foyer, place her flowers in her hands, drape her arm through her Dad's, straighten her train/veil and whisper "Congrats, have fun!" as she took off down the aisle. I was actually sad as I left the church to bolt over to the War Memorial.
But...I had to slap the sadness out of me once I got to the reception venue. The reception started at 5pm with cocktail hour in the main room so everything had to be set up in 90 minutes. Of course I get there and there are no linens on the tables, the tables are set up incorrectly, the cocktail area looks atrocious, etc. This is what happens when there are 16 yr old boys setting the room up with no War Memorial Salesperson supervision. On top of all that, I have all the vendors there early (yippee!) with nothing to do, but wait and get antsy. Fast forward and of course it all gets set up while I run around feeling like I am now part of the catering staff in order to get this all done in time.
Corinne & Dan used a green and brown motif to lay the designwork of the room. They intertwined alternating centerpieces with a lot of candlelight all set on beautiful table runners. Their guest book table was hands down the best one I've ever put together. It displayed engagement pictures of the couple in the center of the table with the guest book directly at the front edge of the table (with very classy pens in a tray---very cool idea!). Flanking this was wedding pictures of both the bride and groom's parents and grandparents. All with varying sizes of candles in between. Beautiful and so well done.
I bought a new digital camera today. My uploaded pictures of this wedding are not even close to being something that I can post here. Apparently, my camera had been dying for a while, but I now have proof that it went to photo hell yesterday. Too bad because the shots would have been great! So...this new camera should yield pics from now on!
One more wedding next weekend for the Fall and then I have a nice long break until Dec 21st. I plan it this way every year just so that I can enjoy my favorite time of year and not get so wrapped up into wedding work that I miss the fun of the holidays and everything else that goes on at this time of year.
Stacey is up next and I can't wait to meet with her tomorrow night to go over her final details! I haven't seen her in a long time so it'll be fun to see what ideas made it to the final stages and what's in store for me on Saturday.
I have a huge regret about yesterday though. I did not get to spend any time with her at all. Not that I'm hanging onto my brides every weekend because there obviously is just not time for that, but I usually get to spend some time with them while they get ready, while they wait for the ceremony to begin, and my favorite part...waiting with them once their bridesmaids have left to go down the aisle and helping with last minute veil & train adjustments and passing them off to Dad or whoever is walking them down the aisle. I got none of that yesterday!
St. John's Cathedral in downtown Milwaukee was the gorgeous backdrop to this marriage. It is one of the few church's where I have encountered a cool church coordinator. However, as cool as he is (and he is FABULOUS! He even danced with me in the church. Um, long story) it's his show and that's the way he likes it. He insisted on calling me Nice Lady because he said he never gets to work with nice wedding planners. Aww! But it made my time at the church just very laid back. I assisted the florist and pinned all the corsages and boutonnieres so that the florist could take her daughter to a Halloween party. So, yes, I did have some kind of role. But the part I missed the most was being able to usher Corinne into the church foyer, place her flowers in her hands, drape her arm through her Dad's, straighten her train/veil and whisper "Congrats, have fun!" as she took off down the aisle. I was actually sad as I left the church to bolt over to the War Memorial.
But...I had to slap the sadness out of me once I got to the reception venue. The reception started at 5pm with cocktail hour in the main room so everything had to be set up in 90 minutes. Of course I get there and there are no linens on the tables, the tables are set up incorrectly, the cocktail area looks atrocious, etc. This is what happens when there are 16 yr old boys setting the room up with no War Memorial Salesperson supervision. On top of all that, I have all the vendors there early (yippee!) with nothing to do, but wait and get antsy. Fast forward and of course it all gets set up while I run around feeling like I am now part of the catering staff in order to get this all done in time.
Corinne & Dan used a green and brown motif to lay the designwork of the room. They intertwined alternating centerpieces with a lot of candlelight all set on beautiful table runners. Their guest book table was hands down the best one I've ever put together. It displayed engagement pictures of the couple in the center of the table with the guest book directly at the front edge of the table (with very classy pens in a tray---very cool idea!). Flanking this was wedding pictures of both the bride and groom's parents and grandparents. All with varying sizes of candles in between. Beautiful and so well done.
I bought a new digital camera today. My uploaded pictures of this wedding are not even close to being something that I can post here. Apparently, my camera had been dying for a while, but I now have proof that it went to photo hell yesterday. Too bad because the shots would have been great! So...this new camera should yield pics from now on!
One more wedding next weekend for the Fall and then I have a nice long break until Dec 21st. I plan it this way every year just so that I can enjoy my favorite time of year and not get so wrapped up into wedding work that I miss the fun of the holidays and everything else that goes on at this time of year.
Stacey is up next and I can't wait to meet with her tomorrow night to go over her final details! I haven't seen her in a long time so it'll be fun to see what ideas made it to the final stages and what's in store for me on Saturday.
A-List I am Not
Whatever. I knew that the WISN's 2007 A-List would have the same winner in the Wedding Planner category as last year and the year before that and the year before.... :)
But hey! I came in 4th place! Not too shabby for my first year being nominated. And...that 4th place ranking came in without a mass email to my client list urging them to vote, vote, vote. Trust me, I wanted to, but at the end of the day I figured it wasn't a very "nicey nice" thing to do. So, 4 out of the over 13 companies that were nominated isn't too shabby I guess.
Maybe next year will be the year of Dreams & Designs.
So, to all those who voted and said the kindest things ever....I thank you. To the person(s) that nominated my business, thank you also. I guess by now you want to remain anonymous, but I sure am curious!
But hey! I came in 4th place! Not too shabby for my first year being nominated. And...that 4th place ranking came in without a mass email to my client list urging them to vote, vote, vote. Trust me, I wanted to, but at the end of the day I figured it wasn't a very "nicey nice" thing to do. So, 4 out of the over 13 companies that were nominated isn't too shabby I guess.
Maybe next year will be the year of Dreams & Designs.
So, to all those who voted and said the kindest things ever....I thank you. To the person(s) that nominated my business, thank you also. I guess by now you want to remain anonymous, but I sure am curious!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Bride Blog
One of my "new" brides, Darci, has a blog. It's a fabulous blog and I'm already checking it constantly for her new updates. She's a fun writer so it's an easy read and well, it's all about wedding planning so it's obvious in my inner circle of things I tend to love. Better yet, it's about HER wedding planning.
Darci gets married next September and just recently hired me to be her Day of Coordinator. I simply call it fate now that I've gotten to know her through blogs and emails. It was the only date I had available for next September and I actually was going to mark "Don't Book" in my calendar for that date, but when Darci emailed, something inside of me said "Take this bride." So I did. I gave up my only free weekend in September 2008 so that I can head to Fontana to the Abbey Resort to help this lovely lady perfect her day.
Her blog is great and details the steps of her planning, the things she's considering, some vendors she's hired, some minor freak-out moments (Darci...there will be more to come and they are completely normal!), and just an overall account of what she's doing. It keeps her family and friends up to date and I imagine it's a great reference place to go to and keep track of the many ideas and pictures a bride-to-be accumulates during the planning process.
As a wedding planner, it's so great to go into this blog and see the vision unfold! No guessing what she's thinking or what she might mean by "green"...it's all right there. Can I mandate that all my brides blog about their wedding planning? Probably not, but that sure would be nice. hint, hint. :)
So, check out her blog if you wish. Have fun planning along with Darci!
Darci gets married next September and just recently hired me to be her Day of Coordinator. I simply call it fate now that I've gotten to know her through blogs and emails. It was the only date I had available for next September and I actually was going to mark "Don't Book" in my calendar for that date, but when Darci emailed, something inside of me said "Take this bride." So I did. I gave up my only free weekend in September 2008 so that I can head to Fontana to the Abbey Resort to help this lovely lady perfect her day.
Her blog is great and details the steps of her planning, the things she's considering, some vendors she's hired, some minor freak-out moments (Darci...there will be more to come and they are completely normal!), and just an overall account of what she's doing. It keeps her family and friends up to date and I imagine it's a great reference place to go to and keep track of the many ideas and pictures a bride-to-be accumulates during the planning process.
As a wedding planner, it's so great to go into this blog and see the vision unfold! No guessing what she's thinking or what she might mean by "green"...it's all right there. Can I mandate that all my brides blog about their wedding planning? Probably not, but that sure would be nice. hint, hint. :)
So, check out her blog if you wish. Have fun planning along with Darci!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Nothing to do with Weddings
Or at least not really.
I haven't had a wedding-related appointment all week. I don't remember the last time this happened. Months and months and months I bet. I've done wedding work, but even that has been limited. That's usually what Fall is like for me. Things start to wind down for a few months and I plan to thoroughly enjoy it this year!
This means I'll actually get my ass back into the gym on a regular basis. In fact, as soon as I'm done writing this and finishing up some work stuff....I'm off to the gym. I'm one of those people that actually enjoys the gym. Actually, no, that's not right. I bitch about it before going, but once I get there, I have this huge weight taken off my shoulders. I feel this sense of relief as I do my cardio routine and head to the weights. It's calming for me. And best of all, it gets me in shape. Somehow, in the last year, I managed to go down quite a few dress sizes...however, with a new job in the last 9 weeks, I'm pretty damn certain that either I gained everything back or the body-shifting movements have really played a cruel trick on me. I'm 30 now you know and what they say is true. Things change. Things move. Weird.
So...off to the gym it is! And I will like it and I will be more religious about getting back into my gymrat routine.
See? Now I have to....because everyone now knows about it.
I haven't had a wedding-related appointment all week. I don't remember the last time this happened. Months and months and months I bet. I've done wedding work, but even that has been limited. That's usually what Fall is like for me. Things start to wind down for a few months and I plan to thoroughly enjoy it this year!
This means I'll actually get my ass back into the gym on a regular basis. In fact, as soon as I'm done writing this and finishing up some work stuff....I'm off to the gym. I'm one of those people that actually enjoys the gym. Actually, no, that's not right. I bitch about it before going, but once I get there, I have this huge weight taken off my shoulders. I feel this sense of relief as I do my cardio routine and head to the weights. It's calming for me. And best of all, it gets me in shape. Somehow, in the last year, I managed to go down quite a few dress sizes...however, with a new job in the last 9 weeks, I'm pretty damn certain that either I gained everything back or the body-shifting movements have really played a cruel trick on me. I'm 30 now you know and what they say is true. Things change. Things move. Weird.
So...off to the gym it is! And I will like it and I will be more religious about getting back into my gymrat routine.
See? Now I have to....because everyone now knows about it.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Organization = Perfection
I'm nearly giddy over my upcoming Saturday bride. She's organized and detailed and I am sitting here at my desk just smiling at it all.
With all my brides that I'm doing Day of Coordination for, I ask for some basics. That includes a timeline of the day, floor plan of the reception site, vendor contact info including times they are to arrive and a To-Do List for me for set-up. Some brides are great and get me everything I request in order to fully complete the vision that they have more than likely spent over a year planning. Other brides just have me wing it, which can be scary and freeing all at the same time. Then there's brides who are somewhere in the middle that provide me with a little of this and a little of that. Then there are brides like Corinne. Brides that I want to be my bride every weekend. Brides that ALL brides should model themselves after.
I opened my email tonight to find an email from Corinne verifying all the vendor info and then attaching the floorplan, timeline and best of all.....actual diagrams done in power point of how each table is to be set up. No, I'm not kidding. And if you're laughing right now it is only because you are NOT a Wedding Planner! I always tell my brides to be as detailed as possible with their set-up/To-Do List for me; remember, THEY have planned it all and it is now up to ME to execute it and make it come together. So, the more details I have the better. Corinne may have set the bar. I have diagrams for guest tables, cocktail tables, guest book table, cake table...you name it. All neatly labeled with enough direction. Seriously, if I get hit by a Mack Truck tomorrow and one of my assistants or friends/family has to do this wedding on Saturday....it will be perfect. Because it's idiot-proof. And I like idiot-proof.
Oh, and I found out one of my blog readers is getting married at Corinne's venue on Saturday and she wants to stop by to see what it looks like all set up. I guess this blogging thing is actually helping people! Kinda cool.
I am going to have a great week with NO stress over this wedding. Thanks Corinne!
With all my brides that I'm doing Day of Coordination for, I ask for some basics. That includes a timeline of the day, floor plan of the reception site, vendor contact info including times they are to arrive and a To-Do List for me for set-up. Some brides are great and get me everything I request in order to fully complete the vision that they have more than likely spent over a year planning. Other brides just have me wing it, which can be scary and freeing all at the same time. Then there's brides who are somewhere in the middle that provide me with a little of this and a little of that. Then there are brides like Corinne. Brides that I want to be my bride every weekend. Brides that ALL brides should model themselves after.
I opened my email tonight to find an email from Corinne verifying all the vendor info and then attaching the floorplan, timeline and best of all.....actual diagrams done in power point of how each table is to be set up. No, I'm not kidding. And if you're laughing right now it is only because you are NOT a Wedding Planner! I always tell my brides to be as detailed as possible with their set-up/To-Do List for me; remember, THEY have planned it all and it is now up to ME to execute it and make it come together. So, the more details I have the better. Corinne may have set the bar. I have diagrams for guest tables, cocktail tables, guest book table, cake table...you name it. All neatly labeled with enough direction. Seriously, if I get hit by a Mack Truck tomorrow and one of my assistants or friends/family has to do this wedding on Saturday....it will be perfect. Because it's idiot-proof. And I like idiot-proof.
Oh, and I found out one of my blog readers is getting married at Corinne's venue on Saturday and she wants to stop by to see what it looks like all set up. I guess this blogging thing is actually helping people! Kinda cool.
I am going to have a great week with NO stress over this wedding. Thanks Corinne!
It's Over
The Wedding Weekend is officially over. I think I'm too tired to even post anything about yesterday's wedding, but I'll give it a try.
First, let me say that I did have to miss my friend's reception last night. I kind of figured I would and had given her a head's up, but I was still bummed about it. I could have gone very late, but my other friends were all gone by then. The upside to this meant that I got to watch the Packer game, loss and all. :(
Sunday's wedding was a blistering nearly 90 degrees. Not exactly what you would think an October weekend would be like. To top it off, the ceremony was held outdoors at the Botanical Gardens. Hot weather at the Gardens = bees. Lots of bees. Keep in mind that the Garden doesn't do anything about bees so guests had to swat at themselves through the entire ceremony and cocktail hour. Overall though, it was a beautiful ceremony.
I had to keep laughing at the groom through the day though because he just couldn't relax or get the nerves out of him. So, he kept finding projects to do with the setup. It was cute, and hey...it helped speed up the process so whatever works! There was less than 90 minutes to do complete setup of everything. The Gardens has Sunday brunch and this week it, of course, ran over the 3pm mark. Mind you, we had a 5:30 ceremony with everything immediately following. Time crunch? Just a bit. Thank goodness Bartolotta's staff is over accommodating and helped me set up a ton of stuff. They were great! This meant that everything went off without a hitch (or at least that's what it looked like to everyone else). :)
The bride was beautiful. Just a touch of makeup, hair pulled back, a long flowing veil, and this amazing lace sheath gown with just a little sweep train. It was pretty much perfection. She glowed and was so calm....I loved it!
One unique element that seems to be gaining popularity was the groom's attendants included two females. Both sisters, I believe. I love this concept. I love that they strayed away from all females on one side and all males on the other. It looked cool and I heard a couple guests comment how nice that was. Now, the next thing that I hope comes around to buck tradition is no silly lineup at all....just a nice arc of attendants in the background.
At any rate, this wedding came together beautifully. They had fabulous vendors (ahem, I may have had something to do with that) including my favorite florist, Petals, my all-time FAVE band, the 5 Card Studs, Brookfield Wedding Cakes, Expressive Photography, and of course Bartolotta's. You put all those people together and you're nearly guaranteed a flawless event. Which I, of course, am all about.
Corinne's wedding is on Saturday. More great vendors at the War Memorial and a bride who just may be the sweetest, kindest, most gentle gal ever. Can't wait!
First, let me say that I did have to miss my friend's reception last night. I kind of figured I would and had given her a head's up, but I was still bummed about it. I could have gone very late, but my other friends were all gone by then. The upside to this meant that I got to watch the Packer game, loss and all. :(
Sunday's wedding was a blistering nearly 90 degrees. Not exactly what you would think an October weekend would be like. To top it off, the ceremony was held outdoors at the Botanical Gardens. Hot weather at the Gardens = bees. Lots of bees. Keep in mind that the Garden doesn't do anything about bees so guests had to swat at themselves through the entire ceremony and cocktail hour. Overall though, it was a beautiful ceremony.
I had to keep laughing at the groom through the day though because he just couldn't relax or get the nerves out of him. So, he kept finding projects to do with the setup. It was cute, and hey...it helped speed up the process so whatever works! There was less than 90 minutes to do complete setup of everything. The Gardens has Sunday brunch and this week it, of course, ran over the 3pm mark. Mind you, we had a 5:30 ceremony with everything immediately following. Time crunch? Just a bit. Thank goodness Bartolotta's staff is over accommodating and helped me set up a ton of stuff. They were great! This meant that everything went off without a hitch (or at least that's what it looked like to everyone else). :)
The bride was beautiful. Just a touch of makeup, hair pulled back, a long flowing veil, and this amazing lace sheath gown with just a little sweep train. It was pretty much perfection. She glowed and was so calm....I loved it!
One unique element that seems to be gaining popularity was the groom's attendants included two females. Both sisters, I believe. I love this concept. I love that they strayed away from all females on one side and all males on the other. It looked cool and I heard a couple guests comment how nice that was. Now, the next thing that I hope comes around to buck tradition is no silly lineup at all....just a nice arc of attendants in the background.
At any rate, this wedding came together beautifully. They had fabulous vendors (ahem, I may have had something to do with that) including my favorite florist, Petals, my all-time FAVE band, the 5 Card Studs, Brookfield Wedding Cakes, Expressive Photography, and of course Bartolotta's. You put all those people together and you're nearly guaranteed a flawless event. Which I, of course, am all about.
Corinne's wedding is on Saturday. More great vendors at the War Memorial and a bride who just may be the sweetest, kindest, most gentle gal ever. Can't wait!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
One Down....
Saturday's wedding is over. Is it bad that it makes me completely too happy?
Everything was fine. Except for Mom. Mom of the Bride that is. I'm sure she's a nice lady in "real life", however, on her daughter's wedding day, this was not the case. She barked orders at everyone, wouldn't let me do anything at all (what a waste of their money to pay me to do nothing), and told every single vendor how they should be doing their job. This included taking the camera out of the photographer's hands to look through it at the shot he was getting ready to take and telling him "that'll do." Seriously. Like I said, all around a nice woman....but there was no doubt that she either was over the top control-freak or thought this was her day.
My bride was beautiful. I know I say that all the time, but she was downright model-like. Her dress was just classic with a touch of sexiness to it. I gasped when I saw her and that doesn't happen to me much anymore. I wish she could have calmed down a little too, but she was adamant about knowing what was going on, what the vendors were doing, the timeline, etc. By the time they got to the reception she was finally at ease.
This couple has a baby daughter and she nearly stole the show! A young family member pulled her down the aisle in this old-fashioned wagon. It was the best baby/child entrance I've ever seen. So precious.
The Marriott Milwaukee West pulled off yet another flawless event. I'm not a huge fan of hotel wedding receptions, but I really do like this one. The ballroom is gorgeous, their staff is fabulous, you get white glove service. Ok, maybe I'm a little bias since I worked for Marriott for nearly 12 years, but these people have their shit together and that's what I like.
Once again, no pictures. Not because I forgot my camera...because I had it! But the batteries were dead. I swear, my mother passed on her bad luck with cameras to me.
Now I'm off to the next wedding. I pray it all goes well. It's an outdoor ceremony in this horrible heat and all of us vendors have two hours tops to get everything done at the ceremony site and the cocktail hour/reception rooms. I think I'll be ditching the high heels today.
Everything was fine. Except for Mom. Mom of the Bride that is. I'm sure she's a nice lady in "real life", however, on her daughter's wedding day, this was not the case. She barked orders at everyone, wouldn't let me do anything at all (what a waste of their money to pay me to do nothing), and told every single vendor how they should be doing their job. This included taking the camera out of the photographer's hands to look through it at the shot he was getting ready to take and telling him "that'll do." Seriously. Like I said, all around a nice woman....but there was no doubt that she either was over the top control-freak or thought this was her day.
My bride was beautiful. I know I say that all the time, but she was downright model-like. Her dress was just classic with a touch of sexiness to it. I gasped when I saw her and that doesn't happen to me much anymore. I wish she could have calmed down a little too, but she was adamant about knowing what was going on, what the vendors were doing, the timeline, etc. By the time they got to the reception she was finally at ease.
This couple has a baby daughter and she nearly stole the show! A young family member pulled her down the aisle in this old-fashioned wagon. It was the best baby/child entrance I've ever seen. So precious.
The Marriott Milwaukee West pulled off yet another flawless event. I'm not a huge fan of hotel wedding receptions, but I really do like this one. The ballroom is gorgeous, their staff is fabulous, you get white glove service. Ok, maybe I'm a little bias since I worked for Marriott for nearly 12 years, but these people have their shit together and that's what I like.
Once again, no pictures. Not because I forgot my camera...because I had it! But the batteries were dead. I swear, my mother passed on her bad luck with cameras to me.
Now I'm off to the next wedding. I pray it all goes well. It's an outdoor ceremony in this horrible heat and all of us vendors have two hours tops to get everything done at the ceremony site and the cocktail hour/reception rooms. I think I'll be ditching the high heels today.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Catholics Need Not Apply
Let me say right now...I'm Catholic. Therefore, I can say all of this.
Tonight was Rehearsal #1 for the weekend. In a Catholic church, which to me, the Wedding Planner, means sitting there for a good 90 minutes while the church coordinator goes through everything. I must say, the guy tonight was nice and didn't act like a total snot towards me when I introduced myself, but the intro was about as much as he wanted to talk about. From there, I was told exactly what my role would be on Saturday. Nothing. Except clean up. They love wedding planners only because it means they get to tell us to clean up. When I told him I would be leaving immediately after Tricia gets down the aisle to head to the reception site, he was almost in panic mode. I informed him the family was in charge of clean up. Ha!
From there...rehearsal was typical. But I felt bad for nearly everyone since not too many were Catholic and had no idea what they were in for. The Coordinator made them practice standing, sitting, bowing, the sign of peace, what to do during communion, what to do when the readers were doing their thing, and on and on. I swear, it's the only religion that ends up taking this long to figure out a wedding rehearsal. And go figure...yet another Priest that refuses to pronounce the first kiss. It's all just odd, this Catholic marriage thing. Although, not ALL of them are like this, most are.
I'm Catholic. Born & raised and very grateful for that upbringing. I wouldn't change it for anything despite the drama surrounding our particular religion these days. But seriously...do weddings really have to be so strict and long and full of readings that no one understands? Give me a Lutheran wedding any day. Now those people know how to do this the right way!
Tonight was Rehearsal #1 for the weekend. In a Catholic church, which to me, the Wedding Planner, means sitting there for a good 90 minutes while the church coordinator goes through everything. I must say, the guy tonight was nice and didn't act like a total snot towards me when I introduced myself, but the intro was about as much as he wanted to talk about. From there, I was told exactly what my role would be on Saturday. Nothing. Except clean up. They love wedding planners only because it means they get to tell us to clean up. When I told him I would be leaving immediately after Tricia gets down the aisle to head to the reception site, he was almost in panic mode. I informed him the family was in charge of clean up. Ha!
From there...rehearsal was typical. But I felt bad for nearly everyone since not too many were Catholic and had no idea what they were in for. The Coordinator made them practice standing, sitting, bowing, the sign of peace, what to do during communion, what to do when the readers were doing their thing, and on and on. I swear, it's the only religion that ends up taking this long to figure out a wedding rehearsal. And go figure...yet another Priest that refuses to pronounce the first kiss. It's all just odd, this Catholic marriage thing. Although, not ALL of them are like this, most are.
I'm Catholic. Born & raised and very grateful for that upbringing. I wouldn't change it for anything despite the drama surrounding our particular religion these days. But seriously...do weddings really have to be so strict and long and full of readings that no one understands? Give me a Lutheran wedding any day. Now those people know how to do this the right way!
3 Wedding Weekend
I might die. Well, probably not, but come midnight on Sunday I am going to pass out. I have three weddings this weekend and the festivities start tonight. My Saturday wedding is having their rehearsal tonight, so there's that. Then it's the wedding on Saturday. Then there's a wedding on Sunday. And then whenever I'm finished with my Sunday wedding, I'll be hightailing it over to Lakefront Brewery to attend the reception of a friend, who was married in Tahoe earlier this summer. Fun? Yes! Exhausting? Hell yes! I also fear that I won't be able to make it to my friend's reception because I have this sneaky suspicion that I will be "stuck" at the Sunday wedding all night.
I was crazy enough to do this to myself this weekend, so I really have no right to complain about it. My Saturday couple just had a baby a few months ago and asked me to do Month of Coordination, which entails creating and keeping up with the ever-changing timeline, being the main point of contact for ALL their vendors, and basically just being their go-to person the month before. With a new baby, she knew she'd have her hands full. But my hands are so full it's not even funny.
Enter Sunday Wedding couple. I was completely on board to do Day of Coordination for them, but then we met and as we talked and talked, they realized they may not have the time or ability to do everything that has to be done the month before. They live on the East Coast and planning from afar is manageable, but it can get a little frustrating the closer you get to the date. So....I said yes. Because I liked them. Because I felt bad for them. Because I thought I could totally handle TWO month of coordinations one day apart. Um, yeah. I've handled it, it's what I do. But this past month has been controlled chaos.
I can't say either couple has been high-maintenance, there has just been a lot of details for each wedding. One wedding has fabulous vendors but they're so busy contact with them has been difficult. The other wedding has so-so vendors so working with them has been an ongoing challenge.
I never thought I'd ever say this....but I can't wait for Monday to get here just so the weekend is over. And I sure do hope I don't have to miss Laura & Mark's reception on Sunday night!
Wish me luck. Or sanity. I probably need the sanity more.
I was crazy enough to do this to myself this weekend, so I really have no right to complain about it. My Saturday couple just had a baby a few months ago and asked me to do Month of Coordination, which entails creating and keeping up with the ever-changing timeline, being the main point of contact for ALL their vendors, and basically just being their go-to person the month before. With a new baby, she knew she'd have her hands full. But my hands are so full it's not even funny.
Enter Sunday Wedding couple. I was completely on board to do Day of Coordination for them, but then we met and as we talked and talked, they realized they may not have the time or ability to do everything that has to be done the month before. They live on the East Coast and planning from afar is manageable, but it can get a little frustrating the closer you get to the date. So....I said yes. Because I liked them. Because I felt bad for them. Because I thought I could totally handle TWO month of coordinations one day apart. Um, yeah. I've handled it, it's what I do. But this past month has been controlled chaos.
I can't say either couple has been high-maintenance, there has just been a lot of details for each wedding. One wedding has fabulous vendors but they're so busy contact with them has been difficult. The other wedding has so-so vendors so working with them has been an ongoing challenge.
I never thought I'd ever say this....but I can't wait for Monday to get here just so the weekend is over. And I sure do hope I don't have to miss Laura & Mark's reception on Sunday night!
Wish me luck. Or sanity. I probably need the sanity more.
Help Krista Help Amelia
This is more important than any wedding post that will ever be on here. That's right. Krista is running a marathon in honor and support of Amelia, a little girl with leukemia who is fighting to live. But Krista's not just running a marathon, she's collecting money also. Money that will help this little girl. You can visit Krista's blog for the entire story (and it's a tear-jerker, let me warn you) and you can also visit here for Team In Training's website to donate, donate, donate!! Skip your Starbucks this week and donate that $5 to Amelia. Please!
Monday, October 1, 2007
I Was Tagged
Aw man Molly! I swear, I learn something new about blogging every day. Molly tagged me and well, see below.
THE RULES:
1. Post these rules before you give you the facts.
2. List eight (8) random facts about yourself.
3. At the end of your post, choose (tag) someone and list their name (linking to their page).
4. Leave them a comment on their blog letting them know they’ve been tagged!
8 Random Facts about Danica:
1. I was in a commercial for the restaurant I worked at in high school. The commercial that I (and other girls) were promised would only air on the local access channel. It aired on ESPN in our market along with the major news channels. We were given shit for that my entire Senior year.
2. I can still do the splits.
3. I get antsy very easily. Meaning, I very seldom even sit through commercials of my favorite tv shows. I get up and do something else.
4. I love football. I always thought I'd be the first female NFL referee. To this day, my Dad says I should have gone after that. He's probably right.
5. My siblings are my best friends. I mean, I have a couple "real" best friends, but my brother and sister and I have a pact: We will always be there for each other even if others aren't.
6. I miss both of my Grandmas. A lot. A whole lot.
7. I went to Ireland with my mom. That's right, with my MOM. And damn it, we had a blast! I think Italy is next.
8. I love my SUV. Sometimes I justify having it to others by blaming it on my business and that I need it. But really? I don't care what people say about it, I love it and will probably always own one. Wedding business or not.
These people have been tagged: Ginesa, Jess, Tracey
THE RULES:
1. Post these rules before you give you the facts.
2. List eight (8) random facts about yourself.
3. At the end of your post, choose (tag) someone and list their name (linking to their page).
4. Leave them a comment on their blog letting them know they’ve been tagged!
8 Random Facts about Danica:
1. I was in a commercial for the restaurant I worked at in high school. The commercial that I (and other girls) were promised would only air on the local access channel. It aired on ESPN in our market along with the major news channels. We were given shit for that my entire Senior year.
2. I can still do the splits.
3. I get antsy very easily. Meaning, I very seldom even sit through commercials of my favorite tv shows. I get up and do something else.
4. I love football. I always thought I'd be the first female NFL referee. To this day, my Dad says I should have gone after that. He's probably right.
5. My siblings are my best friends. I mean, I have a couple "real" best friends, but my brother and sister and I have a pact: We will always be there for each other even if others aren't.
6. I miss both of my Grandmas. A lot. A whole lot.
7. I went to Ireland with my mom. That's right, with my MOM. And damn it, we had a blast! I think Italy is next.
8. I love my SUV. Sometimes I justify having it to others by blaming it on my business and that I need it. But really? I don't care what people say about it, I love it and will probably always own one. Wedding business or not.
These people have been tagged: Ginesa, Jess, Tracey
Almost Perfect
Liz & Matt got married on Saturday. They had to get married at their church using the required Wedding Coordinator who they had to PAY additional for. That's right...they HAD to use her and they HAD to pay extra. Apparently, it was not a good situation with little miss church wedding coordinator either. The couple had made the decision not to have me there and to instead put all my efforts into picking up their wedding day items and setting up their reception at The Miller Room. Very smart on their part, but I sure did feel bad for everyone when they told me how horrible this girl was to work with before the ceremony.
Setting up at The Miller Room or The Harbor Lights Room is always a challenge. Mainly, because you are not allowed in until 3pm and even then the crew is just starting to put out the tables, chairs and linen everything. I use that time to unload my truck and haul it all into the room. These venues also do not allow you to drop anything off prior to 3pm so I make sure I wear sensible shoes on these days because there is A LOT of walking and lifting going on! Despite all this, it really is one of my favorite venues to work with. The staff is always great and by this time, we know each other so well and work in tandem to pull it all off flawlessly. Their staff truly lets me make judgement calls if need be which is rare, but very nice and helpful. They know that I know the couple and their vision better than they do and they trust that I'll make the right decisions.
It really was a perfect day for the most part. With only 2 hours to set everything up and the vendors included a 15-piece jazz band that meant a ton of people running around, at 5:30 we opened the doors and the guests were greeted with a room that was FULL of candlelight. It simply glowed and I must say...I did one hell of a gorgeous job. Their vision was candles, candles, a little floral here and there, and more candles. I must have set up more than 500 candles total and while it sounds like overkill, it truly was spectacular.
They did food stations for their dinner, which is such a great concept that no one ever does. I love it. It gives wedding guests something different than the same sit-down dinner that every other wedding does. It provides the opportunity for more guest interaction and mingling. It looks classy and high-end while still being affordable. Nice job Liz & Matt! The other unique concept to this wedding? A cigar bar. They did it themselves with a beautiful humidor, top notch cigars, cutters, matches, modern ashtrays, etc. All just set up nicely on a cabaret table for guests to enjoy and help themselves to. It was a hit!
Did I mentioned they looked gorgeous? They did. Her dress was to die for. Her chocolate brown color complimented the few floral centerpieces she had and by sheer coincidence went so well with the recently renovated Miller Room. Another unique twist? She had a male attendant alongside her two bridesmaids and he had two female attendants alongside his best man. This couple bucked tradition on so many things and it was such a fabulous event that I'm sure their guests will be talking about for months to come.
Oh, and one of these days I'm going to actually remember my camera so I can share pictures! I was so bummed I didn't have it for this one. I'm hoping Front Room, their photographers, will let me steal some pics from them.
Setting up at The Miller Room or The Harbor Lights Room is always a challenge. Mainly, because you are not allowed in until 3pm and even then the crew is just starting to put out the tables, chairs and linen everything. I use that time to unload my truck and haul it all into the room. These venues also do not allow you to drop anything off prior to 3pm so I make sure I wear sensible shoes on these days because there is A LOT of walking and lifting going on! Despite all this, it really is one of my favorite venues to work with. The staff is always great and by this time, we know each other so well and work in tandem to pull it all off flawlessly. Their staff truly lets me make judgement calls if need be which is rare, but very nice and helpful. They know that I know the couple and their vision better than they do and they trust that I'll make the right decisions.
It really was a perfect day for the most part. With only 2 hours to set everything up and the vendors included a 15-piece jazz band that meant a ton of people running around, at 5:30 we opened the doors and the guests were greeted with a room that was FULL of candlelight. It simply glowed and I must say...I did one hell of a gorgeous job. Their vision was candles, candles, a little floral here and there, and more candles. I must have set up more than 500 candles total and while it sounds like overkill, it truly was spectacular.
They did food stations for their dinner, which is such a great concept that no one ever does. I love it. It gives wedding guests something different than the same sit-down dinner that every other wedding does. It provides the opportunity for more guest interaction and mingling. It looks classy and high-end while still being affordable. Nice job Liz & Matt! The other unique concept to this wedding? A cigar bar. They did it themselves with a beautiful humidor, top notch cigars, cutters, matches, modern ashtrays, etc. All just set up nicely on a cabaret table for guests to enjoy and help themselves to. It was a hit!
Did I mentioned they looked gorgeous? They did. Her dress was to die for. Her chocolate brown color complimented the few floral centerpieces she had and by sheer coincidence went so well with the recently renovated Miller Room. Another unique twist? She had a male attendant alongside her two bridesmaids and he had two female attendants alongside his best man. This couple bucked tradition on so many things and it was such a fabulous event that I'm sure their guests will be talking about for months to come.
Oh, and one of these days I'm going to actually remember my camera so I can share pictures! I was so bummed I didn't have it for this one. I'm hoping Front Room, their photographers, will let me steal some pics from them.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
My Favorite Bride of the Week
Well, ok...she's my only bride of the week, but she really did rock.
Yesterday was Saturday. Saturdays mean weddings to me. This Saturday was Jim & Jenn. I knew Jenn was going to be a dream to work with the minute we sat down at Starbucks 9 months ago for our initial meeting. The girl is just laid back, cool, calm, collected, and WAY more into her marriage than she was the wedding itself. Exactly what it's supposed to be about.
Her big day was yesterday and she did so much work herself that turned out so beautiful. I'll be honest with you, not every bride can pull off doing things herself. You have to be organized, dedicated to the projects, and have a bit of a creative/crafty side if you want it all to turn out. Jenn hit it right on. With a color palate of pinks and green, everything complimented each other to true perfection.
I think one of the highlights for me was walking into the bride's room at the church before the ceremony was supposed to start, ushering her bridesmaids out to take their places and standing behind Jenn as she looked in the mirror to take one final glimpse of her single self. She looked at me in the mirror and said "Holy shit Danica, I'm getting married today!" and then displayed the biggest smile ever. You sure are hon, you sure are.
While there was a pesky church coordinator (who also doubled as the soloist) who was training a new church coordinator, all was well. I think I was only snipped at twice. Not too bad.
Once Jenn & Jim were hitched, I took everything from the church to the reception venue, Sheraton 4 Points - Milwaukee Airport (soon to be the Wyndham). This is where everything gets sticky. As great as Jenn is, she just didn't have time the final week to to get me the things I needed, including a floor plan with table assignments, a revised To-Do List for set-up, etc. But I had complete faith in myself that I could pull this off and that Jenn would be fine with however it turned out. She had even indicated on her first To-Do List to use my judgement on a few things so I figured we were on the same page.
However, the info that the Sheraton had and the info that I had were very different. My head table indicated two tiers of 6, their's indicated two tiers; 1 of 4, 1 of 8. Uh-oh. While I showed the Sheraton the notes provided by our client, they refused to change anything because Jenn had signed off on their copy. I totally understand this because at the end of the day the set-up falls on the Sheraton, not me. Signatures are signatures. While I tried to fight for my bride, it was a losing battle. On top of all this, I get to witness a manager downright belittle an employee for not setting up a few tables correctly. Granted, he was right and I was the one that pointed it out to him, but I never expected him to call his set-up guy an IDIOT over it. Good lord. I had some choice words with this manager and plan on writing a letter to the General Manager of that hotel, someone that I happen to know very well. This is why you should always be on your best behavior in front of strangers...you never know who's watching and what they know.
The rest of set-up went well, Le Cakery did an amazing job and were so detailed with their beautiful cake set-up. Very impressive. I finally got to meet Eric, the owner of DJ's Unlimited and catch up with him. I had to make a few executive decisions on my portion of set-up including not using the rose petals around the centerpieces because they would have just been overkill and taken away from her beautiful tables. There weren't enough lotto scratch-off favors for every seat because the Sheraton had to overset since they weren't provided with how many people would be at each table...again, I improvised. All in all, it was a great day and though I have to detail out some things for Jenn in an email today as a follow-up, I think she was pleased. I know both Mom's were and that's usually the hard part!
Oh, there were also floral snafu's, namely that the lovely florist refused to drop anything off at the Sheraton, meaning I had to transport everything, which is not a big deal at all...it's just strange. The other part was that she completely mixed up the colors of the flowers. They looked amazing and no one would ever know except for Jenn and I, but it was a big mistake. Did I mention the boutineers and corsages ALL had brown edges on some of the petals? I was plucking petals like mad in order to make them look good. Really a shame and definitely something I need to let the bride know about since it's probably worth looking into receiving some type of compensation for.
Bring on Liz's wedding next! :)
Yesterday was Saturday. Saturdays mean weddings to me. This Saturday was Jim & Jenn. I knew Jenn was going to be a dream to work with the minute we sat down at Starbucks 9 months ago for our initial meeting. The girl is just laid back, cool, calm, collected, and WAY more into her marriage than she was the wedding itself. Exactly what it's supposed to be about.
Her big day was yesterday and she did so much work herself that turned out so beautiful. I'll be honest with you, not every bride can pull off doing things herself. You have to be organized, dedicated to the projects, and have a bit of a creative/crafty side if you want it all to turn out. Jenn hit it right on. With a color palate of pinks and green, everything complimented each other to true perfection.
I think one of the highlights for me was walking into the bride's room at the church before the ceremony was supposed to start, ushering her bridesmaids out to take their places and standing behind Jenn as she looked in the mirror to take one final glimpse of her single self. She looked at me in the mirror and said "Holy shit Danica, I'm getting married today!" and then displayed the biggest smile ever. You sure are hon, you sure are.
While there was a pesky church coordinator (who also doubled as the soloist) who was training a new church coordinator, all was well. I think I was only snipped at twice. Not too bad.
Once Jenn & Jim were hitched, I took everything from the church to the reception venue, Sheraton 4 Points - Milwaukee Airport (soon to be the Wyndham). This is where everything gets sticky. As great as Jenn is, she just didn't have time the final week to to get me the things I needed, including a floor plan with table assignments, a revised To-Do List for set-up, etc. But I had complete faith in myself that I could pull this off and that Jenn would be fine with however it turned out. She had even indicated on her first To-Do List to use my judgement on a few things so I figured we were on the same page.
However, the info that the Sheraton had and the info that I had were very different. My head table indicated two tiers of 6, their's indicated two tiers; 1 of 4, 1 of 8. Uh-oh. While I showed the Sheraton the notes provided by our client, they refused to change anything because Jenn had signed off on their copy. I totally understand this because at the end of the day the set-up falls on the Sheraton, not me. Signatures are signatures. While I tried to fight for my bride, it was a losing battle. On top of all this, I get to witness a manager downright belittle an employee for not setting up a few tables correctly. Granted, he was right and I was the one that pointed it out to him, but I never expected him to call his set-up guy an IDIOT over it. Good lord. I had some choice words with this manager and plan on writing a letter to the General Manager of that hotel, someone that I happen to know very well. This is why you should always be on your best behavior in front of strangers...you never know who's watching and what they know.
The rest of set-up went well, Le Cakery did an amazing job and were so detailed with their beautiful cake set-up. Very impressive. I finally got to meet Eric, the owner of DJ's Unlimited and catch up with him. I had to make a few executive decisions on my portion of set-up including not using the rose petals around the centerpieces because they would have just been overkill and taken away from her beautiful tables. There weren't enough lotto scratch-off favors for every seat because the Sheraton had to overset since they weren't provided with how many people would be at each table...again, I improvised. All in all, it was a great day and though I have to detail out some things for Jenn in an email today as a follow-up, I think she was pleased. I know both Mom's were and that's usually the hard part!
Oh, there were also floral snafu's, namely that the lovely florist refused to drop anything off at the Sheraton, meaning I had to transport everything, which is not a big deal at all...it's just strange. The other part was that she completely mixed up the colors of the flowers. They looked amazing and no one would ever know except for Jenn and I, but it was a big mistake. Did I mention the boutineers and corsages ALL had brown edges on some of the petals? I was plucking petals like mad in order to make them look good. Really a shame and definitely something I need to let the bride know about since it's probably worth looking into receiving some type of compensation for.
Bring on Liz's wedding next! :)
Friday, September 21, 2007
New Way of Doing Business?
I was reminded of this little story of mine today by a gal who despises text messaging.
Please tell me it isn't so. Has business etiquette gone the way of texting? If so, I may have to opt out of this immediately. A few weeks ago I had a bride text message me her question. It had something to do with which hotels I would recommend for her to block for her guests. I thought it was a bit odd to text me instead of emailing me, but ok. I'm her hired Coordinator and pride myself on the communication and the timely responses I give my clients. So, I text her back. Then she texts back asking me what the typical procedure is for blocking rooms, etc. I text back my answers. She texts back "Thank You" and I am relieved that this is all the texting that will take place.
But it's not.
A couple days later she texts me another request for assistance with something. I text back letting her know that email or phone may be easier to discuss this. She texts back saying texting is the best way to get ahold of her and apologizes for it. So, I now have a texting relationship with my bride who is not getting married for a few more months. I have a texting plan so I don't think it's going to kill my budget or anything, but for some reason I have this feeling of disdain over it all. However...my brides get pretty much whatever they want from me so I guess I'll just change my title to Texting Wedding Coordinator.
She has a great sense of humor and KNOWS I'm not thrilled with this whole text thing, so if she is reading this I'm sure she's laughing her ass off right now and can't believe she made it into the pages of my blog. Hi L!
Please tell me it isn't so. Has business etiquette gone the way of texting? If so, I may have to opt out of this immediately. A few weeks ago I had a bride text message me her question. It had something to do with which hotels I would recommend for her to block for her guests. I thought it was a bit odd to text me instead of emailing me, but ok. I'm her hired Coordinator and pride myself on the communication and the timely responses I give my clients. So, I text her back. Then she texts back asking me what the typical procedure is for blocking rooms, etc. I text back my answers. She texts back "Thank You" and I am relieved that this is all the texting that will take place.
But it's not.
A couple days later she texts me another request for assistance with something. I text back letting her know that email or phone may be easier to discuss this. She texts back saying texting is the best way to get ahold of her and apologizes for it. So, I now have a texting relationship with my bride who is not getting married for a few more months. I have a texting plan so I don't think it's going to kill my budget or anything, but for some reason I have this feeling of disdain over it all. However...my brides get pretty much whatever they want from me so I guess I'll just change my title to Texting Wedding Coordinator.
She has a great sense of humor and KNOWS I'm not thrilled with this whole text thing, so if she is reading this I'm sure she's laughing her ass off right now and can't believe she made it into the pages of my blog. Hi L!
Monday, September 17, 2007
My Brides Have My Back
I'll have to be as material-sensitive with this one as I can. Sometimes I wish I had started this blog as an anonymous blogger so that I could spew ALL the trials and tribulations and, well...let's face it...the wacky parts of this job that no one would EVER believe! But, I just felt that the personal connection would be lost if I did it that way so this is what you get. A censored blog. A blog that protects the identity of nearly all vendors, brides, grooms, mothers, and everyone else that could possibly be involved.
However...3 of my brides totally had my back this past month and I find it rather humorous to tell the short end of the story.
I was contacted a few months ago by yet another bride planning from afar looking for full-service wedding planning. We hit it off in the first few email exchanges and finally met one-on-one to discuss her visions, needs, etc. We definitely hit it off, although I left the meeting thinking that if I "won" the job, I may have just gotten in a bit too deep. But I passed it off thinking that even if it was a bit deep, I didn't have any full plannings booked yet for 2009 so I could always just do the one if it got to be too much.
A few days later a few of my brides contacted me "warning me" that they had been contacted by this bride with some very detailed, almost off the wall detailed questions about how I planned their weddings. Several brides ask for references and I readily give them a very long list of brides who have previously agreed to be contacted so this wasn't the strange part. In fact, I highly encourage any bride out there to get references on any vendor, but especially a wedding planner who you are entrusting the entire day to. I let my past brides know that yes, I was aware she may be contacting them and thank you. Well, two of them went as far as to forward me the laundry list of questions that were being asked and I must say....it was a bit overboard. Some were personal questions, some questioned my abilities outright, one bride was asked if she was a reference because she was a personal friend or did she really not have a relationship with me besides vendor/bride. WHAT?!?!?
I'm all about detailed information gathering and definitely on board with the bride doing whatever she wants in order to feel that her bases are covered. However, sometimes these are red flags for a planner. It's no secret that Dreams & Designs is a business I do on the side and always will. I knew right away that I would not have the time and attention needed to bring this bride's dream to reality. Well, I would because I make the time when I take things on like this, but I wouldn't have enjoyed it 100% and my stead-fast rule is that if my gut isn't jiving with something...it's a no go. Simple as that.
I'm confident that bride will find the "Perfect Planner" to assist in creating her dream wedding and that's what it's all about at the end of the day. But thank you former brides for watching out for me! You truly do rock my wedding world. :)
However...3 of my brides totally had my back this past month and I find it rather humorous to tell the short end of the story.
I was contacted a few months ago by yet another bride planning from afar looking for full-service wedding planning. We hit it off in the first few email exchanges and finally met one-on-one to discuss her visions, needs, etc. We definitely hit it off, although I left the meeting thinking that if I "won" the job, I may have just gotten in a bit too deep. But I passed it off thinking that even if it was a bit deep, I didn't have any full plannings booked yet for 2009 so I could always just do the one if it got to be too much.
A few days later a few of my brides contacted me "warning me" that they had been contacted by this bride with some very detailed, almost off the wall detailed questions about how I planned their weddings. Several brides ask for references and I readily give them a very long list of brides who have previously agreed to be contacted so this wasn't the strange part. In fact, I highly encourage any bride out there to get references on any vendor, but especially a wedding planner who you are entrusting the entire day to. I let my past brides know that yes, I was aware she may be contacting them and thank you. Well, two of them went as far as to forward me the laundry list of questions that were being asked and I must say....it was a bit overboard. Some were personal questions, some questioned my abilities outright, one bride was asked if she was a reference because she was a personal friend or did she really not have a relationship with me besides vendor/bride. WHAT?!?!?
I'm all about detailed information gathering and definitely on board with the bride doing whatever she wants in order to feel that her bases are covered. However, sometimes these are red flags for a planner. It's no secret that Dreams & Designs is a business I do on the side and always will. I knew right away that I would not have the time and attention needed to bring this bride's dream to reality. Well, I would because I make the time when I take things on like this, but I wouldn't have enjoyed it 100% and my stead-fast rule is that if my gut isn't jiving with something...it's a no go. Simple as that.
I'm confident that bride will find the "Perfect Planner" to assist in creating her dream wedding and that's what it's all about at the end of the day. But thank you former brides for watching out for me! You truly do rock my wedding world. :)
Who Are These People?
I don't check my sitemeter very often, but I can now see how this can become addictive. For those that are not familiar with this whole blogging thing, and trust me I'm not far behind you, the sitemeter tracks the number of hits your blog gets along with information regarding the city/state of each hit, or my favorite..the google results.
But seriously...who are these people reading my blog? I have several "regular" readers from areas around the world where I know I have no personal connection. I just find it nearly fascinating that strangers feel the urge to read about my wedding planning highs and lows. It may confirm my theory that EVERYONE is obsessed with weddings to some extent.
The googles are the best. People end up reading my blog from a google search that I'm sure never had any intention of landing them in some Wisconsin woman's wedding planning blog. For instance....someone once googled 'Danica Bridezilla' which I know was in an effort to find the TV show episode featuring someone with my name. But whoever you are dear reader, you have now become a loyal reader of this blog. There's also an awful lot of people out there googling Milwaukee Weddings and for some reason....they end up linking up here. In all seriousness, this blog has become quite the marketing tool. The funniest google search yet though may be the one titled 'Hate Aunts Uncles' which brought up my post about Guest List Woes. Odd? I think so.
But seriously...who are these people reading my blog? I have several "regular" readers from areas around the world where I know I have no personal connection. I just find it nearly fascinating that strangers feel the urge to read about my wedding planning highs and lows. It may confirm my theory that EVERYONE is obsessed with weddings to some extent.
The googles are the best. People end up reading my blog from a google search that I'm sure never had any intention of landing them in some Wisconsin woman's wedding planning blog. For instance....someone once googled 'Danica Bridezilla' which I know was in an effort to find the TV show episode featuring someone with my name. But whoever you are dear reader, you have now become a loyal reader of this blog. There's also an awful lot of people out there googling Milwaukee Weddings and for some reason....they end up linking up here. In all seriousness, this blog has become quite the marketing tool. The funniest google search yet though may be the one titled 'Hate Aunts Uncles' which brought up my post about Guest List Woes. Odd? I think so.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Mishaps Happen
Yesterday was the day of mishaps. Note, I did not say disasters. They are very different in the wedding world. Disasters constitute me sprinting around like a madwoman cussing under my breath while mishaps are just that; they're easily rectified and I remain sane saving face for the bride. It's what I do.
Yesterday was a day I was not prepared for at all. My sweet, sweet bride had not had communication with me for the past 2 weeks meaning I had no timeline, no To-Do List, no Vendor Contact info, nothing. When we finally connected on Thursday night, I had to feverishly write down things she was saying as she drove. Ultimately, she gave me free reign to do whatever I wanted with the set-up. GASP! What?!? YOU planned this entire thing and now I just have to "hope" that I create it the way you envisioned with no direction at all? Ok, then. :)
After a very LONG drive to Racine (I-43 was closed, detours, all that fun stuff that would only happen when you have to be someplace on time) I arrived to the church ON TIME and before the bridal party. The florists were finishing set-up and it was beautiful. Then....the Church Coordinator appeared. It was clear I was on her turf and taking over her job. I introduced myself and assured her that I was just there to make sure the vendors were in place and that the bride and mom (LOVE her mom!) were taken care of. She then started to point her finger to direct me to do things. I can't even recall what those things were, but I basically just appeased her. The bride and her gals arrived and I met them at the limo bus to let them know how we were going to get the bride into the church without being seen. Ms. Church Lady comes running out as we're halfway up the walk and scoots in front of us to lead us "in the right direction." Good lord. I won't go on anymore about her, but it's amazing how nearly every church coordinator is the same. They hate me, they hate all people like me. And by that I mean, people that are professional Wedding Coordinators. Maybe it was their dream and the church part is all they ever got? I don't know...but my smile is forced with damn near all of them.
Ok, one more church lady story. As I'm hanging outside with the bride and her dad waiting for the big entrance, church lady is YELLING at us to come up the stairs. Um, no. You're supposed to close the doors after the flower girl goes down so no one sees dear bride therefore having the dramatic door-opening entrance like we talked about! Bride is getting flustered. I tell church lady of the plan and she tsks me. That's right...she TSKD me! Bride rolls her eyes and says fine and we walk into the entrance area. As I prepare her train and veil, church lady GRABS the train out of my hand and says "I'll do it, that's what I'm here for." Whoa lady...get a grip. (((Sigh)))
Fast forward to the reception set-up. I arrive at the venue which shall remain nameless; you'll see why later. The room is nearly all set with tables and linen, centerpieces are awesome, the cake is funky and cool, the staff is fun and friendly...but wait---something is definitely not right. I look at my scribbled notes and say "Guys, there are supposed be table runners on these tables." They give me a puzzled look as we review the BEO (Banquet Event Order for all you non-hospitality people, it details the event). The BEO says nothing about table runners. No, they dropped them off Thursday I say. A mad search ensues of every crevice in that place and sure enough...runners are found. This means that the catering staff had to remove 4 place settings and all centerpieces including scattered petals from ALL the tables in order to lay the runners down. A pain in the ass? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. Much to my amazement, the staff did a great job and never once uttered a bad word about it. This put them behind at least 45 minutes, but they did it with professional grace which was awesome. However, THIS IS WHY PEOPLE HIRE ME. Had I not been there, that bride would have walked into a room without runners and the room would not have been what she had imagined. And trust me, they changed the entire look of the room.
As for all the other set-up, it ended up being fun to have complete control over what to do. There was a large box of stuff and I was able to use my creativity to create what I think ended up looking pretty darn nice. And mom thought so too. As I was finishing up Mom & Dad arrived so I was able to go through the set-up with Mom and make sure she approved. She did and I got a hug as well. Hugs are my way of knowing that all is well and everyone is thrilled. Great, time for me to go then.
Enter mishap #52 of the day (that's right, I didn't even bore you with the others). As I'm walking down the hallway to leave I see a mouse run right past my feet. A mouse! In the reception venue! With 30 minutes to go until ALL the guests arrive. I watch the little mouse for a while to see where he's going to go. He's freaked and scurries up the wall to the ceiling. Oh, little mouse please stay there I think. I RUN back to the catering kitchen and say "Can someone catch a mouse? NOW!?!?" Two female servers grab a napkin and a basket while I hear the Banquet Manager say "Shit, again?" Great. The gals and I spend 20 minutes chasing Edna (yup, we named her) around and finally one of the servers cornered her and got her in the napkin. She took her outside to a field far away and let her go. I only hope there were no further surprise rodent appearances in the evening.
While it was a short day, it felt much longer given the circumstances. I was glad it was over and I'm sure they all had a good time. To think that they'll never know there were no runners, there was a mouse hoping to party it up with them, and so many other things that I had to take care of in order for everything to look good. Just another day I guess.
Yesterday was a day I was not prepared for at all. My sweet, sweet bride had not had communication with me for the past 2 weeks meaning I had no timeline, no To-Do List, no Vendor Contact info, nothing. When we finally connected on Thursday night, I had to feverishly write down things she was saying as she drove. Ultimately, she gave me free reign to do whatever I wanted with the set-up. GASP! What?!? YOU planned this entire thing and now I just have to "hope" that I create it the way you envisioned with no direction at all? Ok, then. :)
After a very LONG drive to Racine (I-43 was closed, detours, all that fun stuff that would only happen when you have to be someplace on time) I arrived to the church ON TIME and before the bridal party. The florists were finishing set-up and it was beautiful. Then....the Church Coordinator appeared. It was clear I was on her turf and taking over her job. I introduced myself and assured her that I was just there to make sure the vendors were in place and that the bride and mom (LOVE her mom!) were taken care of. She then started to point her finger to direct me to do things. I can't even recall what those things were, but I basically just appeased her. The bride and her gals arrived and I met them at the limo bus to let them know how we were going to get the bride into the church without being seen. Ms. Church Lady comes running out as we're halfway up the walk and scoots in front of us to lead us "in the right direction." Good lord. I won't go on anymore about her, but it's amazing how nearly every church coordinator is the same. They hate me, they hate all people like me. And by that I mean, people that are professional Wedding Coordinators. Maybe it was their dream and the church part is all they ever got? I don't know...but my smile is forced with damn near all of them.
Ok, one more church lady story. As I'm hanging outside with the bride and her dad waiting for the big entrance, church lady is YELLING at us to come up the stairs. Um, no. You're supposed to close the doors after the flower girl goes down so no one sees dear bride therefore having the dramatic door-opening entrance like we talked about! Bride is getting flustered. I tell church lady of the plan and she tsks me. That's right...she TSKD me! Bride rolls her eyes and says fine and we walk into the entrance area. As I prepare her train and veil, church lady GRABS the train out of my hand and says "I'll do it, that's what I'm here for." Whoa lady...get a grip. (((Sigh)))
Fast forward to the reception set-up. I arrive at the venue which shall remain nameless; you'll see why later. The room is nearly all set with tables and linen, centerpieces are awesome, the cake is funky and cool, the staff is fun and friendly...but wait---something is definitely not right. I look at my scribbled notes and say "Guys, there are supposed be table runners on these tables." They give me a puzzled look as we review the BEO (Banquet Event Order for all you non-hospitality people, it details the event). The BEO says nothing about table runners. No, they dropped them off Thursday I say. A mad search ensues of every crevice in that place and sure enough...runners are found. This means that the catering staff had to remove 4 place settings and all centerpieces including scattered petals from ALL the tables in order to lay the runners down. A pain in the ass? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. Much to my amazement, the staff did a great job and never once uttered a bad word about it. This put them behind at least 45 minutes, but they did it with professional grace which was awesome. However, THIS IS WHY PEOPLE HIRE ME. Had I not been there, that bride would have walked into a room without runners and the room would not have been what she had imagined. And trust me, they changed the entire look of the room.
As for all the other set-up, it ended up being fun to have complete control over what to do. There was a large box of stuff and I was able to use my creativity to create what I think ended up looking pretty darn nice. And mom thought so too. As I was finishing up Mom & Dad arrived so I was able to go through the set-up with Mom and make sure she approved. She did and I got a hug as well. Hugs are my way of knowing that all is well and everyone is thrilled. Great, time for me to go then.
Enter mishap #52 of the day (that's right, I didn't even bore you with the others). As I'm walking down the hallway to leave I see a mouse run right past my feet. A mouse! In the reception venue! With 30 minutes to go until ALL the guests arrive. I watch the little mouse for a while to see where he's going to go. He's freaked and scurries up the wall to the ceiling. Oh, little mouse please stay there I think. I RUN back to the catering kitchen and say "Can someone catch a mouse? NOW!?!?" Two female servers grab a napkin and a basket while I hear the Banquet Manager say "Shit, again?" Great. The gals and I spend 20 minutes chasing Edna (yup, we named her) around and finally one of the servers cornered her and got her in the napkin. She took her outside to a field far away and let her go. I only hope there were no further surprise rodent appearances in the evening.
While it was a short day, it felt much longer given the circumstances. I was glad it was over and I'm sure they all had a good time. To think that they'll never know there were no runners, there was a mouse hoping to party it up with them, and so many other things that I had to take care of in order for everything to look good. Just another day I guess.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
WISN A-List. Me? Really?
After a very long day of work yesterday, I came home to an email from WISN. I almost deleted it thinking it was spam of some sort, then it clicked that this was Milwaukee's WISN, the tv station. I opened it and lo and behold I have been chosen to be listed on the annual WISN A-List of Milwaukee in the Wedding Planners section.
Someone, or a few someones, nominated Dreams & Designs I guess. I'm hoping to find out who this was and can only imagine it was one of my brides. If the mystery nominator is reading...Thank You! I owe you something. Something big.
I'll just cut to the chase. Here's the link to vote for my business. They make it a little work as you have to vote and then they will send you a link via email to confirm your vote. I believe you also have to write a brief little note about why Dreams & Designs is the best. This is the part I have a problem with if you've never actually used my services....but, I'll turn the other cheek as long as the comments are nice. I'm sure they're all very accurate. :) Oh, and you can remain anonymous with the comment, which is a nice feature for at least my family members that I'm sure will vote just because, well, they're family. I think they have to.
So now my dear blog readers, your assistance please with this delicate question. In Milwaukee, the A-List is a big deal. BIG. I'm not sure why it has risen to the heights of almighty glory that it has, but it's something that businesses define themselves with the entire year if selected as the "best of the best" in Miltown. Do I do the same as so many of my favorite businesses have done and send an email to my past clients to have them vote? Or do I let word of mouth work it's magic and let the votes come in as they will? Who am I kidding anyway?....maybe there will be no votes and this is all for naught. Let's face it, Dynamic Events will probably just win again anyway. ((((Sigh))))
For the record...the pictures on that listing for my business are not what I would have chosen, but apparently WISN does all of that. Oh well.
As lame as this all is, I'll admit, I'm kind of excited!
Someone, or a few someones, nominated Dreams & Designs I guess. I'm hoping to find out who this was and can only imagine it was one of my brides. If the mystery nominator is reading...Thank You! I owe you something. Something big.
I'll just cut to the chase. Here's the link to vote for my business. They make it a little work as you have to vote and then they will send you a link via email to confirm your vote. I believe you also have to write a brief little note about why Dreams & Designs is the best. This is the part I have a problem with if you've never actually used my services....but, I'll turn the other cheek as long as the comments are nice. I'm sure they're all very accurate. :) Oh, and you can remain anonymous with the comment, which is a nice feature for at least my family members that I'm sure will vote just because, well, they're family. I think they have to.
So now my dear blog readers, your assistance please with this delicate question. In Milwaukee, the A-List is a big deal. BIG. I'm not sure why it has risen to the heights of almighty glory that it has, but it's something that businesses define themselves with the entire year if selected as the "best of the best" in Miltown. Do I do the same as so many of my favorite businesses have done and send an email to my past clients to have them vote? Or do I let word of mouth work it's magic and let the votes come in as they will? Who am I kidding anyway?....maybe there will be no votes and this is all for naught. Let's face it, Dynamic Events will probably just win again anyway. ((((Sigh))))
For the record...the pictures on that listing for my business are not what I would have chosen, but apparently WISN does all of that. Oh well.
As lame as this all is, I'll admit, I'm kind of excited!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Whirlwind
That's what my life has been lately....a literal whirlwind.
I'll have to keep this short and sweet, but much to my surprise, I've had a couple email requests wondering why I haven't been blogging.
1. I have a new job. Yes, a REAL job. I have one of those. I'm not JUST a wedding planner. :) Trust me, wedding planning in Milwaukee doesn't exactly pay the bills nor do I want it to actually. I have left my world of Marriott hotels where I grew up the past 11 1/2 years and have gone back to my roots of restaurants. I am doing Sales & Marketing for a new upscale fine dining restaurant in downtown Milwaukee. You figure it out from there! My first week has been full of training and I mean intense training. Even though my job entails 85% outside sales and marketing, I still have to learn everything about the restaurant just as any other manager would. I'm overwhelmed and exahusted, that's for sure. But it's sure to be fun once these 4-6 weeks are done!
2. This is the busiest wedding weekend I have all year. I just got back from a rehearsal, then 2 weddings this weekend, one of which is in Madison. I have never even had the pleasure to meet my Madison bride since our schedules were both crazy and we just couldn't make a time work. But we have a pretty solid email and phone relationship so I am just chomping at the bit to see her on Saturday!
3. Summer is almost over so I start cramming everything into a few weeks. Dave Matthews concert this Sunday (hello! I have to be at work at 8am on Monday!), a trip to Denver in a couple weeks, another concert, a rafting/canoe trip. The list goes on and on.
I'm not complaining, I swear. But by the end of September I plan on taking a very LONG nap at some point!
Hang in there with me until life calms down a little. I promise to keep updating on my weddings!
I'll have to keep this short and sweet, but much to my surprise, I've had a couple email requests wondering why I haven't been blogging.
1. I have a new job. Yes, a REAL job. I have one of those. I'm not JUST a wedding planner. :) Trust me, wedding planning in Milwaukee doesn't exactly pay the bills nor do I want it to actually. I have left my world of Marriott hotels where I grew up the past 11 1/2 years and have gone back to my roots of restaurants. I am doing Sales & Marketing for a new upscale fine dining restaurant in downtown Milwaukee. You figure it out from there! My first week has been full of training and I mean intense training. Even though my job entails 85% outside sales and marketing, I still have to learn everything about the restaurant just as any other manager would. I'm overwhelmed and exahusted, that's for sure. But it's sure to be fun once these 4-6 weeks are done!
2. This is the busiest wedding weekend I have all year. I just got back from a rehearsal, then 2 weddings this weekend, one of which is in Madison. I have never even had the pleasure to meet my Madison bride since our schedules were both crazy and we just couldn't make a time work. But we have a pretty solid email and phone relationship so I am just chomping at the bit to see her on Saturday!
3. Summer is almost over so I start cramming everything into a few weeks. Dave Matthews concert this Sunday (hello! I have to be at work at 8am on Monday!), a trip to Denver in a couple weeks, another concert, a rafting/canoe trip. The list goes on and on.
I'm not complaining, I swear. But by the end of September I plan on taking a very LONG nap at some point!
Hang in there with me until life calms down a little. I promise to keep updating on my weddings!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Football vs. Weddings
When you live in Wisconsin, home of the Packers, football has a lot to do with weddings around here. Especially if you plan to get married in Green Bay. But even if you're planning to get married elsewhere in the state, there are a lot of couples who choose not to have Fall weddings because of the Packer schedule. The schedule doesn't come out until April and that's usually a little too late to pick a Fall date so couples opt for the ever popular summer season instead.
It's true....there have been polls and studies done in Wisconsin to practically prove that wedding guests have chosen the Packers over a couple's wedding day, especially if there was travel involved to/from the wedding that would result in missing the game on Sunday. Crazy, but true. I would think if the same polls were taken for the Badgers, we would see the same results.
We're football crazy in this state and it dominates a lot of people's Fall & Winter plans. I'll admit it....while it doesn't dominate my overall plans, it is a huge consideration. I don't take on any Sunday weddings during football season. I love football Sundays and it's yet another reason why doing this wedding planning gig on the side will remain a side business. If it wasn't, I would HAVE to take any and all wedding inquiries that come in. This Fall, I did break my "rule" and took a wedding on a Sunday in October, but the game is a night game and this couple's day, as long as everything goes as planned, will be done in the late afternoon. Yes, I checked the schedule before even meeting with them.
Saturdays in the Fall are a little harder to say "no" to. It means missing the Badger games most Saturdays, but I leave enough weekends open to enjoy the games when I can and hang onto at least a bit of sanity so that weddings do not take over every single piece of social time I may have.
I guess I'm one of those crazed football fans after all. I also know I'm not alone on this since I know of other vendors that plan out their Fall wedding schedules carefully too!
With that said....the first NFL Preseason game was on last night and the Packers play on Saturday evening. This wedding planner doesn't have a wedding to do this weekend so bring on the football!
It's true....there have been polls and studies done in Wisconsin to practically prove that wedding guests have chosen the Packers over a couple's wedding day, especially if there was travel involved to/from the wedding that would result in missing the game on Sunday. Crazy, but true. I would think if the same polls were taken for the Badgers, we would see the same results.
We're football crazy in this state and it dominates a lot of people's Fall & Winter plans. I'll admit it....while it doesn't dominate my overall plans, it is a huge consideration. I don't take on any Sunday weddings during football season. I love football Sundays and it's yet another reason why doing this wedding planning gig on the side will remain a side business. If it wasn't, I would HAVE to take any and all wedding inquiries that come in. This Fall, I did break my "rule" and took a wedding on a Sunday in October, but the game is a night game and this couple's day, as long as everything goes as planned, will be done in the late afternoon. Yes, I checked the schedule before even meeting with them.
Saturdays in the Fall are a little harder to say "no" to. It means missing the Badger games most Saturdays, but I leave enough weekends open to enjoy the games when I can and hang onto at least a bit of sanity so that weddings do not take over every single piece of social time I may have.
I guess I'm one of those crazed football fans after all. I also know I'm not alone on this since I know of other vendors that plan out their Fall wedding schedules carefully too!
With that said....the first NFL Preseason game was on last night and the Packers play on Saturday evening. This wedding planner doesn't have a wedding to do this weekend so bring on the football!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Every Saturday is Wedding Day To Me
Another Saturday, another wedding. Such is the course of life when you're a wedding planner. Someone asked me today how I can possibly enjoy working every single weekend. I laughed and said "I don't!" Yup, I'm about as honest as they come. But it's true...no one actually LIKES to work every weekend! Again, just another reason I will always continue to do this on the side.
Today's wedding was so great. It was almost a wedding planner's dream. For some reason, today was just easy. I like easy days, especially when I had to drive 4 hours round trip for this one. When I first met with this couple way back in Fall of 2006, the bride was adament about hiring me for at least Month of Coordination, if not for even more. The groom, however, is in the wedding industry and promised his blushing bride up and down that he could take care of everything and that they only needed me for Day of Coordination. Fine by me! I like DOC just as much as MOC and ultimately, I like whatever the couple likes. :)
Fast forward to the tension filled week. I'm sure the poor bride was wishing I was the one doing all the final follow-ups and making changes this week and not her. The next little informative piece is exactly why, should you choose to not hire a professional Coordinator, that you MUST confirm every single detail with every single vendor.
12:46pm, I'm at the church getting things ready and reviewing everything with the Priest and the organist. Ring, ring. Uh-oh. When my phone rings on wedding days...it's usually not a good sign, let's just put it that way. Sure enough, the Maid of Honor is on the other end saying the limo hasn't shown up at the hotel to pick up the guys and start the shuttles back and forth from resort to church. Grrrreat. As we're discussing our options, lo and behold limo company calls and says they are lost, but now on their way. LOST!?!? It may be my biggest vendor pet peeve. If you are in charge of professional transportation, you damn well better make sure you have accurate directions. However, let this be a piece of advice for all you soon-to-be-marrieds out there. Be sure to give your drivers directions! Yes, it should be up to them, but had I been in charge of final confirmations for vendors, that is one thing I ensure that the drivers have. All is well that ends well though. We made some transportation changes so that the ceremony would start on time and hey...they stil got married! :)
The Heidel House was in full swing (I can't believe I only had to change ONE thing with their set-up!) and all the other vendors showed up EARLY (even though I had to deal with the snobbiest and meanest florists ever)! Seriously, it was a dream come true. Well, besides the rain that forced cocktail hour into an already very cramped dinner tent. But again...they're married! Who cares!
**Note to anyone considering the Carriage Tent at The Heidel House though...it does not seat 159 people comfortably. At all. I'm sure the bride will have something to say about this later if she noticed. Walking between tables/chairs without guests at them was difficult...I can't imagine how they're doing right now.
And now----this wedding planner has the next 2 weekends off!
Today's wedding was so great. It was almost a wedding planner's dream. For some reason, today was just easy. I like easy days, especially when I had to drive 4 hours round trip for this one. When I first met with this couple way back in Fall of 2006, the bride was adament about hiring me for at least Month of Coordination, if not for even more. The groom, however, is in the wedding industry and promised his blushing bride up and down that he could take care of everything and that they only needed me for Day of Coordination. Fine by me! I like DOC just as much as MOC and ultimately, I like whatever the couple likes. :)
Fast forward to the tension filled week. I'm sure the poor bride was wishing I was the one doing all the final follow-ups and making changes this week and not her. The next little informative piece is exactly why, should you choose to not hire a professional Coordinator, that you MUST confirm every single detail with every single vendor.
12:46pm, I'm at the church getting things ready and reviewing everything with the Priest and the organist. Ring, ring. Uh-oh. When my phone rings on wedding days...it's usually not a good sign, let's just put it that way. Sure enough, the Maid of Honor is on the other end saying the limo hasn't shown up at the hotel to pick up the guys and start the shuttles back and forth from resort to church. Grrrreat. As we're discussing our options, lo and behold limo company calls and says they are lost, but now on their way. LOST!?!? It may be my biggest vendor pet peeve. If you are in charge of professional transportation, you damn well better make sure you have accurate directions. However, let this be a piece of advice for all you soon-to-be-marrieds out there. Be sure to give your drivers directions! Yes, it should be up to them, but had I been in charge of final confirmations for vendors, that is one thing I ensure that the drivers have. All is well that ends well though. We made some transportation changes so that the ceremony would start on time and hey...they stil got married! :)
The Heidel House was in full swing (I can't believe I only had to change ONE thing with their set-up!) and all the other vendors showed up EARLY (even though I had to deal with the snobbiest and meanest florists ever)! Seriously, it was a dream come true. Well, besides the rain that forced cocktail hour into an already very cramped dinner tent. But again...they're married! Who cares!
**Note to anyone considering the Carriage Tent at The Heidel House though...it does not seat 159 people comfortably. At all. I'm sure the bride will have something to say about this later if she noticed. Walking between tables/chairs without guests at them was difficult...I can't imagine how they're doing right now.
And now----this wedding planner has the next 2 weekends off!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
You Want Me To What?!?!
A note from a friend earlier this week prompted this post. She's helping with a wedding and the couple has asked her to do some decorating that involves a ladder being placed in an area that I can only imagine is viewed as far from safe as possible. She said "What would you do?"
My response was....Don't do it. If asked to do any decorating as extensive as that, I write it in my contracts that I don't do that. More times than not, the venue won't let me get on a ladder anyway. If something happens to me while I'm in their venue, chances are they're going to end up at fault. I know, our justice is system is screwy, but it is what it is.
Here's a fun list of things I've been asked to do. I may, or may not have done some or all of these. You be the judge!
My response was....Don't do it. If asked to do any decorating as extensive as that, I write it in my contracts that I don't do that. More times than not, the venue won't let me get on a ladder anyway. If something happens to me while I'm in their venue, chances are they're going to end up at fault. I know, our justice is system is screwy, but it is what it is.
Here's a fun list of things I've been asked to do. I may, or may not have done some or all of these. You be the judge!
- Babysit the Kid's Room during dinner/reception
- Help the Bride go to the bathroom
- Given a picture of someone who is not allowed in and kick them out or call police if they show up
- Return all rented items the following week when I was hired only for the Day
- Run honeymoon errands at Wal-Mart, complete with list and the promise to "reimburse" me
- Take potted plants from ceremony back to the couple's home and put them back in the soil of their flower beds
- Help Grandma eat
- Be the MC for the evening
- The ladder and decorating thing
- Putting over $2,000 in last-minute chair cover rentals on my credit card
- Acting as the Banquet Manager and dismissing tables for the buffet at dinner
- Cleaning cobwebs out of the windows of the reception site
- Rolling out tables and setting them up by myself
- Serving food because not enough wait staff showed up
- Bartending several times
- Picking people up from the airport the day before wedding. Again, I was hired for Day of.
- Planning the entire wedding when I was hired for Day of.
- Ensure that the Maid of Honor does not do anything "crazy"
- Keeping parents away from each other
- Chasing a mother around b/c she's not allowed to see or talk to the bride b/c they haven't spoken in over five years
Married Off
Another bride has come and gone. It's sappy, but I always have this bittersweet feeling when one of my brides goes down the aisle. It means my work was a success and they're on their way to being happily married, but it also means I say goodbye to yet another friend. Sure, there are a few brides who I have remained friends with over the years and keep in touch with, but the majority are promises made to catch up for drinks or go gah-gah over their wedding pictures that never happens. Life gets busy and to be honest, it all comes down to the fact that I was a vendor, hired to perform a job for their wedding day.
I wish I had pictures to show of this wedding, but my camera decided to die right before I started snapping pictures. Wonderful Beth Engel, their photographer, will forward me some pics I'm sure. This wedding was full of great vendors. Their flowers were amazing. I can't even put into words just how amazing. Keep in mind that I see A LOT of weddings, so it takes a lot to blow me away anymore (which is kind of sad actually!). I got all teary-eyed when the florist assistant handed the bride her bouquet. I've never seen anything like it before. And when I walked into the Wisconsin Club, my jaw dropped. The florist assistant actually ran over to me to ask me if everything was ok. "YES! It's perfect!" And then I proceeded to dumbly gush, and I mean GUSH, over the centerpieces. I had also taken their floral pew cones from the church and decided to hang them on the balcony outside and it turned the balcony into this romantic little nook immediately!
The only downside to this wedding was that I really didn't have much to do. She had such great vendors and when you're at the Wisconsin Club, they have their own coordinator, who is great. And to be frank, well, they don't want another coordinator around there. At all. They're super nice about it, but it's made pretty clear. So, after I decorated the balcony, straightened some things up, made sure that all tables had what they needed, and all vendors had shown up, it was my time to exit.
Oh, and did I mention how beautiful the bride looked? This bride had lost 50 lbs on Weight Watchers and holy cow! What a hottie! The best part though was that Julie Carrington from On Location Makeup took such good care of her and made her look herself, just enhanced. This woman does amazing work and is too sweet to boot!
Another wedding, another bride. Time to batter up for my August 4th bride now!
I wish I had pictures to show of this wedding, but my camera decided to die right before I started snapping pictures. Wonderful Beth Engel, their photographer, will forward me some pics I'm sure. This wedding was full of great vendors. Their flowers were amazing. I can't even put into words just how amazing. Keep in mind that I see A LOT of weddings, so it takes a lot to blow me away anymore (which is kind of sad actually!). I got all teary-eyed when the florist assistant handed the bride her bouquet. I've never seen anything like it before. And when I walked into the Wisconsin Club, my jaw dropped. The florist assistant actually ran over to me to ask me if everything was ok. "YES! It's perfect!" And then I proceeded to dumbly gush, and I mean GUSH, over the centerpieces. I had also taken their floral pew cones from the church and decided to hang them on the balcony outside and it turned the balcony into this romantic little nook immediately!
The only downside to this wedding was that I really didn't have much to do. She had such great vendors and when you're at the Wisconsin Club, they have their own coordinator, who is great. And to be frank, well, they don't want another coordinator around there. At all. They're super nice about it, but it's made pretty clear. So, after I decorated the balcony, straightened some things up, made sure that all tables had what they needed, and all vendors had shown up, it was my time to exit.
Oh, and did I mention how beautiful the bride looked? This bride had lost 50 lbs on Weight Watchers and holy cow! What a hottie! The best part though was that Julie Carrington from On Location Makeup took such good care of her and made her look herself, just enhanced. This woman does amazing work and is too sweet to boot!
Another wedding, another bride. Time to batter up for my August 4th bride now!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Love 'em OR Leave 'em?
Yes, that is the question surrounding so many of my brides right now. The dreaded guest list and every single family member's supposed need to chime in with who should be on it. I have a bride getting married this weekend who literally has no aunts and uncles from one side of the family attending the wedding because children were not invited. The only reason children were not invited to this particular wedding was because there would have been over 100 of them and they simply would not have fit into the Wisconsin Club where they had reserved and fallen in love with as their reception venue. Alas....the wedding will go on and she is at the point of planning where all she can do is throw her hands in the air and move forward with their special day. But this family is supposedly not attending out of spite. Babysitters were not the problem, nor was money or anything else that they can think of .
It did get me thinking though....why is this so often the culprit of family feuds, arguements between the couple, and just plain old stress for the bride? WHY!?! I was telling my sales team today at work that I am so fortunate that for my own wedding, even though my parents paid for quite a bit of it, they completely understood when we firmly told both sets of parents that no one was going to be invited unless the bride or groom (you know...the people this day is actually about!) knew them. That meant some random friends of parents were thrown off the list. The best part....they were OK with it! My parents realized this day was not about them, not about showing off to their friends and business associates and clients. This was about the uniting of two people. I seriously loved my mom through the planning process and this was a big reason why.
My sales manager is going through Guest List Hell right now. They are still a good 17 months away from the Big Day, but already the drama has ensued about who to invite, the pros/cons of a child-less wedding reception and on and on. I feel bad for her. It's hard for me to fully understand since I'm kind of a tough cookie and my response was "You and Kris are paying for the majority of this wedding. YOU invite who YOU want to invite." I don't think I'm a very nice person sometimes; perhaps wedding drama has hardened me. So be it.
So the question remains...do you love 'em.......or leave 'em of the guest list? To each their own of course. If it's a budget thing, just keep in mind that your guest list will directly correlate with the amount of money your wedding costs. If it's a space thing and you think you'll be ok if you invite 400 people to your 200 person maximum capacity venue, think again. And if it's a kid thing....well, I better not go there. :)
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Oh, and for those of you that are wondering about the WI Bridezilla I was trying to track down. Thanks to Sara and Molly and their handy detective work, I found her! But don't get too excited because after an email and a MySpace message that nicely invited her to be interviewed for this blog, I haven't heard back. Bummer to say the least.
It did get me thinking though....why is this so often the culprit of family feuds, arguements between the couple, and just plain old stress for the bride? WHY!?! I was telling my sales team today at work that I am so fortunate that for my own wedding, even though my parents paid for quite a bit of it, they completely understood when we firmly told both sets of parents that no one was going to be invited unless the bride or groom (you know...the people this day is actually about!) knew them. That meant some random friends of parents were thrown off the list. The best part....they were OK with it! My parents realized this day was not about them, not about showing off to their friends and business associates and clients. This was about the uniting of two people. I seriously loved my mom through the planning process and this was a big reason why.
My sales manager is going through Guest List Hell right now. They are still a good 17 months away from the Big Day, but already the drama has ensued about who to invite, the pros/cons of a child-less wedding reception and on and on. I feel bad for her. It's hard for me to fully understand since I'm kind of a tough cookie and my response was "You and Kris are paying for the majority of this wedding. YOU invite who YOU want to invite." I don't think I'm a very nice person sometimes; perhaps wedding drama has hardened me. So be it.
So the question remains...do you love 'em.......or leave 'em of the guest list? To each their own of course. If it's a budget thing, just keep in mind that your guest list will directly correlate with the amount of money your wedding costs. If it's a space thing and you think you'll be ok if you invite 400 people to your 200 person maximum capacity venue, think again. And if it's a kid thing....well, I better not go there. :)
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Oh, and for those of you that are wondering about the WI Bridezilla I was trying to track down. Thanks to Sara and Molly and their handy detective work, I found her! But don't get too excited because after an email and a MySpace message that nicely invited her to be interviewed for this blog, I haven't heard back. Bummer to say the least.
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