hot, Hot, HOT Item on TV!

In a previous post on wedding day emergency kits, I told you about a friend of mine and her company that offers them by the name of "With You In Mind".



Well...they are a HOT item right now. How do I know? All my clients...brides and corporate clients...are asking me about it.

How else do I know? Lisa appeared on Get Married today in their "What's Hot" segment.

Congrats, Lisa! I "TIVO'd", so I'll watch at home tonight!!

If you missed it this morning, check it out here!

Toodles!

Shall We Dance?

I remember the dance I had with my dad when I got married in 2004. We danced to Luther Vandross' Dance With My Father. I was a teary eyed MESS! But it is one of the most memorable moments in my life. My dad passed away in September of last year and I am so thankful that he was able to meet my wonderful husband and have peace of mind that I was in good hands!



These shots are of Micaela and her dad dancing in front of 300 family and friends last June. With that many pairs of eyes on him, you would think that he would have been a bit shy. Not this dapper dude! He wasn't shy about it at all and as you can see, he even wowed us by giving Micaela a little twirl. They had so much fun with it. It was a very touching and special moment for them both.

Make sure you honor your dad or favorite father figure with a special song to dance to. That moment will live in your heart forever.

Here are a few favorites so you can choose the tune just right for you and YOUR DAD!

1. Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
2. Daddy's Little Girl - Al Martino
3. Unforgettable - Natalie Cole
4. Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
5. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
6. The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett
7. Daddy's Hands - Holly Dunn
8. What a Wonderful World - Louie Armstrong
9. Through the Years - Kenny Rogers
10. My Girl - Temptations
11. Hero Mariah - Carey
12. Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison
13. Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
14. Daughter of Mine - John McDermott
15. Time of Your Life - Green Day
16. Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
17. A Song for My Daughter - Mikki Viereck
18. You're the Inspiration - Chicago
19. My Special Angel - Bobby Helms
20. You Decorated My Life - Kenny Rogers

When Will I Be Able to Relax?

I got a frantic call from one of my brides today about not being able to find a particular color ribbon to go with her DIY wedding invitations. I gave her the web address for a few online resources, told her that the ribbon didn't have to match EXACTLY in order for it to look nice and sent her on her way. She phoned back about an hour later and said she now has TOO many choices but that she feels better.

A day in the life of a bride and her wedding planner. It's an everyday occurrence, I know, and so worth it because once she walks down that aisle, it's pure bliss!



I love this picture! This is one of my favorite brides from 2007 and one of her best friends, just after the ceremony when the minister had the bride and groom and their witnesses sign the marriage license. She looks so happy and radiant!

The moments after "I Do" are when most brides finally relax and start to enjoy all the wonderful plans they've spent months organizing and stressing over. It's in these moments that all of the bickering over what colors to use for the ribbons on the invitations or the hurt feelings from your maid of honor over who you should or shouldn't invite to your bachelorette weekend don't really matter, do they?



What matters is the smile you see on her face and what she is about to experience. The wonderful reception they've planned with dancing and great food; hugs and kisses from family and friends; and a lifetime of love from a spouse they adore!

That's what it's ALL about! :)

Bride's Planning Behavior

Here are some percentages for you to consider:

48% of brides wish they can take a leave of absence from work to be able to plan their wedding on a full time basis

Answer? Hire a Wedding Planner!

During an average 13 month engagement, eight hours a week is spent planning

Answer? Hire a Wedding Planner for one hour during just half of those weeks, and eliminate LOTS of stress!

53% of brides find that planning interferes with their work or studies

Answer? You guessed it! Hire a Planner

Top worries for brides?

65% - Going over budget
50% - Forgetting a crucial detail
39% - Not having a fun reception
25% - People not showing up

A GOOD wedding planner can eliminate ALL of these worries. And they usually tell you how they will do it for free!

Call one today! You'll see! :)

{Information gathered from Sell the Bride Website}

Beauty Comes to YOU!

Not that you aren't already beautiful :)

But would you rather have your makeup and hair done right at your wedding site or would you rather run all over town on your big day? I say this is a no brainer! I strongly recommend having hair and makeup done on site to all my brides and being that I'm their "fairy god-mother" on that day, I always try to make that happen!

I found a new company to make my life a bit easier!

"Beauty on Call is a full service agency, meeting the individualized needs of private, retail and corporate clients nationally. With a fresh approach to retail freelance staffing and on-location beauty and spa services, Beauty on Call has filled a void in the beauty industry. We have built a successful reputation by providing qualified professionals and pairing them with the highest quality products."

I spoke with the Bridal Director of Beauty on Call, Sarah Trees recently and she is truly excited about the company's expansion into the Phoenix/Scottsdale market.



"Beauty on Call started about four years ago in Chicago and we have since expanded to other cities throughout the country. We launched the Arizona team last June and have been steadily growing ever since. As far as the type of bride that we cater to, we can accommodate the simple/on a budget bride to the over-the-top/ best of the best bride."

So ladies?? This is a non-negotiable in the primp and pamper department!

{Photo courtesy of the Beauty On Call website}

DIY Project - From Preston Bailey!

I was visiting Preston Bailey's blog today and discovered a neat DIY project for those of you who like the look of beeswax. I was pleasantly surprised since most of the creations from Preston are "over the top" and very expensive.






His design team came up with a very clever alternative to beeswax candles for a client getting married in March. In this industry, being clever and crafty is a MUST, no matter what the budget is. I love this look, don't you?

Thanks for sharing, Preston!!

{Photos courtesy of Preston Bailey}

Great Place to Hang

I just visited a new blog by the name of The JQ Lounge. What a GREAT blog! Julie is funny, witty and definitely an "around the way" girl! (For those of you that don't know, that's a GOOD thing!)

I found it via my friend Liene's blog Blue Orchid Designs. (Thanks Liene!)

The newest post is about a woman and her husband. They went to a party...he played a game...she's peeved!...and wants to know how to "get over it".

My advice? I'd give my husband a swift and sure "tune up", diva style!!!

Go check it out!

Claudia is Engaged!!

I'm soooo happy to report that over the weekend my assistant Claudia became engaged to her "sweeter than pie" boyfriend Dan!! Dan and Claudia went to the mountains of Prescott, Arizona for an intimate weekend away. The holiday lights were still up in Prescott and during an evening stroll, Dan got down on one knee and asked Claudia if she wanted to be with him forever.

Claudia had NO idea that Dan was going to do this in fact, SHE planned the weekend away...not him!

Congratulations Claudia! We can't WAIT to see the ring and of course that lovely glow that all brides to be get when the man they love, pops the question!!

YOUR Wedding on Get Married!

As a featured vendor on the Get Married website, I wanted to let you know that they are looking for YOU! Yes YOU! That's right!



Get Married is a great new show that airs Monday-Friday, 7:30am ET/PT on Lifetime. Its hosted by the fabulous, talented, "off the charts" designer David Tutera. The show is looking for couples that want to share their wedding celebration with a national audience. "Let the world see all the over the top and amazing elements that made your wedding day one of a kind."

Want in? Click here for details!

Can't wait to see YOU on TV!!!

The Ceremony...A Celebration of Love

When you said "Yes", you said yes to the rest of your life. That's a wonderful commitment...one that is sacred. It deserves to be celebrated with loving words, sweet music and loads of family and friends who love you.

I'm a BIG fan of personal vows and ceremonies that break slightly from tradition. I don't know about you, but that word "obey" just isn't appropriate anymore. Having someone do what you say do, just because you "said" it, isn't love. Having someone do what you say do because they LOVE you? Now THAT sweetums, is LOVE!

I have a friend who knows a thing or two about love. His name is Larry James and he is a relationship coach AND an ordained minister! He performs the most romantic ceremony I have ever seen in my life!

Hey...Don't just take my word for it...go see for your self!

Get In Shape!

Kelly Adkison of Silhouette Fitness is waiting to help you get into the best shape possible for your wedding and for life! Kelly is a personal friend of mine and is ready to get you healthy and fit!

She's located in the West Valley area and she will come to you! Or you can meet with her one on one in her studio.

Contact Kelly today!

And be sure to tell her Wendy from Sacred Moment Weddings sent you! :)

Bridal Jewelry

Can't find that perfect, sparkly, "bling-bling", ensemble for your wedding day? Rent it!

Adorn Brides will rent their FABULOUS diamonds and pearls to you for your big day. Imagine walking down the aisle in a necklace that is dripping in diamonds...REAL diamonds!

The stars do it so why can't you??

{Photos courtesy of Adorn Brides}

Have You Purchased Your Wedding Emergency Kit Yet?

Things happen...they REALLY do! Things that make you got NUTS on your wedding day. (Unless of course, you've hired "ME" as your wedding planner!) If you don't have hem tape, Tylenol for that headache, or some bobby pins to "re-do" your do, what WILL you do?

With that in mind, I introduce you to Lisa Gehrke, President of With You In Mind. Lisa and I chatted a bit a few months ago and she is a doll! She was very easy to work with and I will definitely do business with her again.

With You In Mind is a company that has put together a set of wedding day essentials for women AND for men. "In the Bag" is a "Premier Wedding Emergency/Bridal Survival Kit" that I adore! I've used it during several of my client's weddings. It comes with a TON of product that outshines any other kit I've seen on the market today!

The biggest advantage? I don't have to shop in several different places for all the ingredients...I just order it online when my supply gets low. This way, I have more time to concentrate on all the other coordinating tasks on my list.

Like making sure you get down the aisle looking as FABULOUS as you are!

Wedding Trends 2008

I was just over at The Knot having a cup of joe when I saw a link for the Top Trends for 2008. My favorite of them all? The Champagne Tasting Bar.



Guests can mix their own signature cocktails from the choices you lay out. They can choose their own type of bubbly...Brut, Dry Brut or Rose, and then add favorite mixers like Chambord, Midori, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice.

Tres Chic!

{photo courtesy of The Knot.}

Cute Little Favors

I found these little lollipops last December when I was looking for something neat to giveaway at the Bridal Fashion Debut - The Biggest Bridal Show in Arizona. We tied a ribbon around the stem and attached our information to it and "Voila!" , we had a little goodie that had show attendees that had not yet been to our booth asking those who had, "Where did you get that cute little lollipop?"



They are from a company called Twinkle Candy and the designs are so CUTE! They would be a GREAT addition to a candy bar or as a sweet treat for the little ones (and the NOT so little ones too!) They were a hit at the show last year and I'm sure they'll be a hit at your wedding!

Willpower...Do you have it?

The New Year usually brings change. We all have good intentions about how we will change our lives for the better. And we DO give it the old college try!

But not surprisingly, many of us revert back to our olds ways within a short period of time. Why? I'm not sure...YET! This year I want to find out why I don't have the willpower to do what I need to do in some areas of my life.

So?? I've been reading LOTS of books and articles on the subject. Today I was reading one in the January 2008 issue of the Oprah Magazine called, "The Willpower Myth". A writer by the name of Stephanie Losee gives us a glimpse into a book by Alan Deutschman where he discusses the framework to successfully change yourself.

Read an excerpt of the book here.

You'll have to buy the magazine to read Stephanie's article...there's no online version of it. The article is a GREAT precursor to the book which I'm on my way to buy right now...

Toodles!

Ok...now you need a laugh...

Go over and visit Saundra at planning forever...events. She will have you in stitches with her Top Ten Signs You Are a Wedding Addict.

I'm still laughing...

Mint Green and Coral

Our first wedding of 2008 is one we've been working on for almost a year! We're helping Sonja and Ely wrap things up in the next few weeks and I wanted to share with you the inspiration board we created for them.



Her flowergirl dress just came in...isn't it cute? Just like the big girls!

Get Started and Get Organized!

We have recently been contacted by many brides who tell us they just don't know where to start when it comes to their wedding planning.

We know the choices you face may be a bit overwhelming. The details can have you stressed out and you may wonder, "where do I start?" Many brides turn to wedding planners like us to help them get their planning done. And then there are other brides that feel a planner is out of their budget requirements. With the recession worries facing our country today (or the threat of one), still others may not feel that they can justify spending money on a planner.

We want to offer you a solution! We have a low cost way to get the help you need!

We've created 2 mini packages of services, designed to get you headed in the right direction. We sit down with you, listen to what it is you would like for your wedding day and then give you the tools you need to pull it all together!

They are called our "Get Started" and "Get Organized" packages.

2 HOUR "GET STARTED" CONSULTATION

For the couple who wants to plan their own wedding, or for those that can only use our services on a limited basis, this two-hour meeting is perfect. The first 30 minutes is done by phone in order to gather information for the next 1 ½ hour appointment. This service gives you the assurance that you are not wasting time narrowing down your vendor choices from the many that are in the valley.

Bring your ideas, your notes and any questions you have with you. By the time we are done, you will have several tangibles to start your wedding planning. They include:

-A list of wedding vendors that best fit your vision, budget and wedding date
-A to do list to use during the course of your planning
-Helpful tips and negotiating skills to use to get the most for your money
-A handsome portfolio to keep track of it all.

Compensation for Services: $350

3 HOUR "GET ORGANIZED" CONSULTATION

This service is for the couple planning their own wedding or who isn't quite sure they'll need a professional planner. It's popular because with it, we help you gather the information and ideas you already have, into an organized planning strategy that is personalized and specific to your vision.

This consultation is broken into 2 sessions and includes the following tangibles:

-Detailed budget list for all facets of your wedding expenses
-A list of wedding vendors in the Phoenix metro area that best fit your vision along with questionnaires for each of type of vendor
-An idea board, created from pictures and brainstorming session with your consultant. It will help you develop and create the wedding vision you’ve dreamed about. It's a great reference tool while shopping for the details of your wedding!
-A basic itinerary for the day before and the day of your wedding
-Attractive portfolio to keep all your details organized

Our discussion topics will include:

-First we’ll talk about guaranteed and proven shortcuts on how to have the wedding you want without breaking your budget.
-What to look for from your wedding vendors and what things to have included in your contracts with each of them.
-Establishing timelines and itineraries for you, your wedding party and wedding vendors.
-We’ll brainstorm about ceremony and reception venues, colors, flowers, bridal attire, wedding favors, and transportation needs…all to create YOUR wedding vision.
-We’ll talk about what the 48 hours before your wedding should look like and how to delegate all of the tasks that need to be accomplished.

This service is the beginning stage of our "Wedding Day" service and our "Complete Coordination" services consultations. If you later decide to use Sacred Moment Weddings for either of these expanded services, we will apply the fee to the cost of whichever service you choose.

Compensation for Services: $500

If you would like to find out if either of these services are for you, send us an email or request via our contact form. Or you can call us at 602-692-6289