Jan 11, 2011
Breathtaking Beauty!
This artwork is amazing! Can anyone tell me who the designer and the photographer are?
Jan 10, 2011
Blog Remix: Honorable Mentions
(Originally posted April 20, 2009)
Have you just been asked to be your sister's/cousin's/friend's maid of honor? If the answer is yes, there are a few things I'd like to say to you...
Be supportive
Your bride is experiencing a wide range of emotions right now. It's your job to keep her grounded...be her voice of reason from time to time. You may find yourself as the deciding vote on many issues throughout the planning. If that isn't something you know how to do, then learn...if it's something you don't feel comfortable doing, then get over it and learn how to swallow your pride. She's asked you to take this ride with her and is counting on you to help her navigate all the madness coming her way.
Be On Time
If you are generally late for all your appointments, get an alarm clock! Get your measurements to the bridal shop before the due date and encourage the bridesmaids to do the same. Beat her to every appointment...show up at her house before she's finished getting ready. Your reassuring face should be there for her each and every time.
Take her out for a Girls Nite Out
The pressure will be difficult to handle every now and then while your bride is planning her wedding...anyone who tells you that they will eliminate ALL the stress is blowing smoke. Be sure to take her out to a favorite hot spot or to her favorite nail place to recharge and rejuvenate her. She will love you for it!
Happy Planning!
Be supportive
Your bride is experiencing a wide range of emotions right now. It's your job to keep her grounded...be her voice of reason from time to time. You may find yourself as the deciding vote on many issues throughout the planning. If that isn't something you know how to do, then learn...if it's something you don't feel comfortable doing, then get over it and learn how to swallow your pride. She's asked you to take this ride with her and is counting on you to help her navigate all the madness coming her way.
Be On Time
If you are generally late for all your appointments, get an alarm clock! Get your measurements to the bridal shop before the due date and encourage the bridesmaids to do the same. Beat her to every appointment...show up at her house before she's finished getting ready. Your reassuring face should be there for her each and every time.
Take her out for a Girls Nite Out
The pressure will be difficult to handle every now and then while your bride is planning her wedding...anyone who tells you that they will eliminate ALL the stress is blowing smoke. Be sure to take her out to a favorite hot spot or to her favorite nail place to recharge and rejuvenate her. She will love you for it!
Happy Planning!
Jan 7, 2011
Blog Remix: When Things Go Wrong On Your Wedding Day
(Originally posted May 1, 2008)
Let's face facts...There are things that are bound to go wrong on your wedding day. No one is perfect and wires get crossed because of how people interpret OR don't interpret things. We are all unique creatures and we don't always see things the same way that others do.
But...
You CAN avoid blips in your wedding day festivities if you follow a few simple steps. Of course hiring a wedding planner like me, ensures that you won't be dealing with those mishaps. I'm not suggesting that things will go wrong if you don't hire a wedding planner; I'm simply saying that having one allows you to enjoy your celebration without dealing with the photographer that didn't show up or the wedding cake that's falling over like the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
That said, here is some advice, courtesy of the folks over at WeddingChannel.com, on how to "Avoid" and "Cope" with disasters that may happen on your wedding day.
How To Deal With Wedding Disasters
Don’t worry – those nightmares you’re having about your wedding going wrong are perfectly normal. While it’s impossible to predict everything that might go awry on your wedding day, you can take steps to prevent some of the most-common major upsets ahead of time. So, check out our tips on avoiding wedding disasters, and dealing with them head-on if they can’t be avoided... and start sleeping better at night.
DISASTER: Somebody spills something on your wedding gown before the ceremony.
AVOID IT: Ban anything colorful like juice, wine, or dark lipstick from any room you’ll be in while wearing the dress.
COPE WITH IT: White out the stain as much as you can with chalk, and remind yourself all eyes will be on you, not your gown.
DISASTER: It’s raining and your ceremony will take place outdoors.
AVOID IT: Have a back-up plan already in place.
COPE WITH IT: If the venue doesn’t have an indoor space available, get your wedding party to start calling tent companies in case a vendor can accommodate you at the last minute. If this doesn’t work, send your groomsmen out to buy dozens of umbrellas (preferably in white).
DISASTER: Your ring bearer or flower girl refuses to march down the aisle.
AVOID IT: Do several walk-throughs at the rehearsal until they’re comfortable with the routine.
COPE WITH IT: Have the child’s mother stand discreetly at the end of the aisle – preferably with candy -- and tell him or her all he has to do is walk straight to her.
DISASTER: The best man forgot the rings.
AVOID IT: Bring the rings yourself and hand them over to him before the ceremony starts.
COPE WITH IT: Do the ring exchange with your parents’ rings; you can have your permanent rings blessed by the officiant later if that’s important to you.
DISASTER: Your guests exceed the final guest count by about 10 people, so you’re short on food and space at the reception.
AVOID IT: Contact people via telephone who haven’t RSVP’d two weeks before the wedding (feel free to pawn this task off on members of the wedding party, your mom, etc.), and then pad your final guest count by five people.
COPE WITH IT: Tell your catering manager and/or venue manager about the problem and ask them to arrange seating either by squeezing extra chairs around existing tables, or slipping extra guests into a cocktail area where they can munch on appetizers (and vow to each other that they’ll never again neglect to RSVP).
DISASTER: Your band or DJ doesn’t show up.
AVOID IT: Confirm all dates and times the week before the wedding with every vendor you’ve hired, and have a list of contact numbers with you.
COPE WITH IT: Hook an iPod or MP3 player up to the stereo system, and let the dancing begin.
DISASTER: The wedding cake melts, falls to the floor, or never shows up.
AVOID IT: Confirm in advance there is a cool place to store a butter cream cake to avoid a meltdown, and go over transportation, set-up, and back-up plans with the cake designer.
COPE WITH IT: Call local bakeries to see if one will let you ‘borrow’ a wedding cake for photos, and then slice up a sheet cake behind closed doors to serve to guests. If you can’t swing that, send someone out for cupcakes, and act like that was the plan all along (cupcakes are nowadays very fashionable at weddings).
Whatever happens, keep in mind that even if the details may not go as planned, if you carry it off well, the guests often don’t know the difference. And above all else, remember what’s really important – if you are married at the end of the day, the wedding was a success!
Happy Planning!
 |
| (Photo from WeddingAce.com) |
Let's face facts...There are things that are bound to go wrong on your wedding day. No one is perfect and wires get crossed because of how people interpret OR don't interpret things. We are all unique creatures and we don't always see things the same way that others do.
But...
You CAN avoid blips in your wedding day festivities if you follow a few simple steps. Of course hiring a wedding planner like me, ensures that you won't be dealing with those mishaps. I'm not suggesting that things will go wrong if you don't hire a wedding planner; I'm simply saying that having one allows you to enjoy your celebration without dealing with the photographer that didn't show up or the wedding cake that's falling over like the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
That said, here is some advice, courtesy of the folks over at WeddingChannel.com, on how to "Avoid" and "Cope" with disasters that may happen on your wedding day.
How To Deal With Wedding Disasters
Don’t worry – those nightmares you’re having about your wedding going wrong are perfectly normal. While it’s impossible to predict everything that might go awry on your wedding day, you can take steps to prevent some of the most-common major upsets ahead of time. So, check out our tips on avoiding wedding disasters, and dealing with them head-on if they can’t be avoided... and start sleeping better at night.
DISASTER: Somebody spills something on your wedding gown before the ceremony.
AVOID IT: Ban anything colorful like juice, wine, or dark lipstick from any room you’ll be in while wearing the dress.
COPE WITH IT: White out the stain as much as you can with chalk, and remind yourself all eyes will be on you, not your gown.
DISASTER: It’s raining and your ceremony will take place outdoors.
AVOID IT: Have a back-up plan already in place.
COPE WITH IT: If the venue doesn’t have an indoor space available, get your wedding party to start calling tent companies in case a vendor can accommodate you at the last minute. If this doesn’t work, send your groomsmen out to buy dozens of umbrellas (preferably in white).
DISASTER: Your ring bearer or flower girl refuses to march down the aisle.
AVOID IT: Do several walk-throughs at the rehearsal until they’re comfortable with the routine.
COPE WITH IT: Have the child’s mother stand discreetly at the end of the aisle – preferably with candy -- and tell him or her all he has to do is walk straight to her.
DISASTER: The best man forgot the rings.
AVOID IT: Bring the rings yourself and hand them over to him before the ceremony starts.
COPE WITH IT: Do the ring exchange with your parents’ rings; you can have your permanent rings blessed by the officiant later if that’s important to you.
DISASTER: Your guests exceed the final guest count by about 10 people, so you’re short on food and space at the reception.
AVOID IT: Contact people via telephone who haven’t RSVP’d two weeks before the wedding (feel free to pawn this task off on members of the wedding party, your mom, etc.), and then pad your final guest count by five people.
COPE WITH IT: Tell your catering manager and/or venue manager about the problem and ask them to arrange seating either by squeezing extra chairs around existing tables, or slipping extra guests into a cocktail area where they can munch on appetizers (and vow to each other that they’ll never again neglect to RSVP).
DISASTER: Your band or DJ doesn’t show up.
AVOID IT: Confirm all dates and times the week before the wedding with every vendor you’ve hired, and have a list of contact numbers with you.
COPE WITH IT: Hook an iPod or MP3 player up to the stereo system, and let the dancing begin.
DISASTER: The wedding cake melts, falls to the floor, or never shows up.
AVOID IT: Confirm in advance there is a cool place to store a butter cream cake to avoid a meltdown, and go over transportation, set-up, and back-up plans with the cake designer.
COPE WITH IT: Call local bakeries to see if one will let you ‘borrow’ a wedding cake for photos, and then slice up a sheet cake behind closed doors to serve to guests. If you can’t swing that, send someone out for cupcakes, and act like that was the plan all along (cupcakes are nowadays very fashionable at weddings).
Whatever happens, keep in mind that even if the details may not go as planned, if you carry it off well, the guests often don’t know the difference. And above all else, remember what’s really important – if you are married at the end of the day, the wedding was a success!
Happy Planning!
Jan 6, 2011
Tips On Choosing Your Wedding Colors
- Use your favorite color paired with your honey's favorite color. If they seem to clash, choose complimenting hues. Believe me...it CAN work!
- Visit this website and play! http://www.colorsontheweb.com/colorwizard.asp
- Visit a fabric store.
- The major hardware stores have LOTS of paint chips.
- Choose a few favorite elements and pull your colors from them. A favorite glass, piece of jewelry or even a bicycle. (I've seen it done!)
- Choose a favorite picture; preferably non wedding related...and pull the colors from there
Consider your venue's color scheme before you make the final decision on colors. Navy blue and gold carpet paired with pink and purple table linens might clash. A good designer can jazz the decor up so that no one notices, however more than likely, it will be hard on the eyes.
How will you choose your colors?
Happy Planning!
Jan 5, 2011
Purple Pumps On Your Wedding Day?
I would! I'd love to get married all over again just so I could wear them and take pictures while letting them peek out from under my dress. (Love that shot!)
What do you think about this trend? It's been around for awhile but I'm just starting to embrace it. I couldn't let go of the perfect white pumps for the wedding day. Now? I think the all white shoe is slowly making its way out.
There are still plenty of chic styles in white to choose from...but a burst of color?
Love.Them!
How about you?
Happy Planning!
Jan 4, 2011
Have you met Kitty Chen yet?
"She combines her Eastern origins with Western demands, incorporating progressive designs with top quality materials, drop waistlines, together, with the sculpted bodices, glamorous necklines,drop waistines, floating skirt with the fantastic look every woman dreams of on her wedding day."
"Kitty also has a passion for creating dress designs for formal and fashion situations. Her dresses have her unique "chic couture" by using innovative intelligence and free flowing style that enable her to create dresses with the "fashion edge".
Happy Planning!
"Kitty also has a passion for creating dress designs for formal and fashion situations. Her dresses have her unique "chic couture" by using innovative intelligence and free flowing style that enable her to create dresses with the "fashion edge".
Ok, this dress is amazing! The detail, the color...it reminds me of summer in Spain!
Trendy? Definitely! Dresses with color were all the rage at Fashion week.
I've been following Kitty's designs for the last year or so and she never disappoints me. My favorite from last years collection was Bella. Romantic and feminine.
Valley brides; if you're interested in trying on some of her designs, call Suzanne at Suzannes' Bridal Boutique in Gilbert. The lovely Kitty Chen collection will be exclusively showcased. Plus, Suzanne and her team are wonderful to work with!
Friday - Sunday, January 14 - 16
Fri..Sat. 10am to 5pm
Sun. 1pm to 4pm
*Purchase a Kitty Chen gown in full during the show to receive a 10% discount. Restrictions apply. Call store for details. 480.926.9106*
I've been following Kitty's designs for the last year or so and she never disappoints me. My favorite from last years collection was Bella. Romantic and feminine.
Valley brides; if you're interested in trying on some of her designs, call Suzanne at Suzannes' Bridal Boutique in Gilbert. The lovely Kitty Chen collection will be exclusively showcased. Plus, Suzanne and her team are wonderful to work with!
Friday - Sunday, January 14 - 16
Fri..Sat. 10am to 5pm
Sun. 1pm to 4pm
*Purchase a Kitty Chen gown in full during the show to receive a 10% discount. Restrictions apply. Call store for details. 480.926.9106*
Happy Planning!
Jan 3, 2011
Enjoy Your Engagement...Period!
You said yes and have been on the phone all day with family and friends telling them all about the awesome proposal and how "GORG" your ring is. And you may be wondering what to do next...
I'll tell you one thing...it's not time for you to go out and buy every wedding magazine you see. Nor is it time to make a decision about who your MOH will be, or which girlfriends to invite into your inner circle as bridesmaids.
Nope, Uh-uh!
Girlfriend? Just BE!
Wrap yourself around the newness of being a bride. Enjoy your man! It's a special time in your life and you need to reflect on the new life ahead of you.
The wedding is just a party to celebrate the decision you just made. And while it's going to be FABULOUS, I'm sure; you really want to take the time to enjoy your engagement.
Let your friends and family fawn over you...
Pamper your fiance...
Let him pamper you...
Talk about what a full life means to each of you and how you can accomplish your goals together...
Then...when you pick a date...
Call me!
Happy New Year!
I'll tell you one thing...it's not time for you to go out and buy every wedding magazine you see. Nor is it time to make a decision about who your MOH will be, or which girlfriends to invite into your inner circle as bridesmaids.
Nope, Uh-uh!
Girlfriend? Just BE!
Wrap yourself around the newness of being a bride. Enjoy your man! It's a special time in your life and you need to reflect on the new life ahead of you.
The wedding is just a party to celebrate the decision you just made. And while it's going to be FABULOUS, I'm sure; you really want to take the time to enjoy your engagement.
Let your friends and family fawn over you...
Pamper your fiance...
Let him pamper you...
Talk about what a full life means to each of you and how you can accomplish your goals together...
Then...when you pick a date...
Call me!
Happy New Year!
Happy Planning!
Jan 2, 2011
Yummy Chocolates!
The holidays always leave me with tons of sweets! I am a chocolate lover; die hard dark chocolate lover to be exact...and this year I stumbled upon a brand new favorite.
Of course there signature Pure Dark flavor is my favorite but they have so many other decadent morsels. I also tried the Earl Grey which reminded me of a warm cup of tea. I think these chocolates would be a great gift basket or favor item for your wedding guests, or a nice addition to some champagne to share with your sweetie on those quiet, intimate nights...don't you?
I stopped at two pieces...must not over do it on the first day of the new year!!
See? Plenty left to share with hubby and daughter!
What other gourmet chocolates have you tried?
Of course there signature Pure Dark flavor is my favorite but they have so many other decadent morsels. I also tried the Earl Grey which reminded me of a warm cup of tea. I think these chocolates would be a great gift basket or favor item for your wedding guests, or a nice addition to some champagne to share with your sweetie on those quiet, intimate nights...don't you?
I stopped at two pieces...must not over do it on the first day of the new year!!
See? Plenty left to share with hubby and daughter!
What other gourmet chocolates have you tried?
Happy Planning!
Dec 31, 2010
Get Married in Times Square
New York City is COLD today! But it warms my heart to hear about all the excitement in Times Square today. The wonderful team at Get Married is making one couple all warm and toasty!
If you don't have any plans tonight, tune in...I'm sure it'll be magical. And if you do have plans, set your DVR...you don't want to miss it!
Happy New Year to all the beautiful brides and smokin hot grooms out there and...
Happy Planning!
Nov 13, 2010
Weddings, Family Style!
These are the types of memories Sacred Moment Weddings loves to create!
Are you planning a family style wedding?
May 11, 2010
Things I Like
I saw these save the dates while visiting Martha the other day and thought I'd share them with you. Great idea for a destination wedding and it fits well for brides that want a more contemporary, modern look and feel to their wedding theme.Send me pics and let me know how you jazzed this project up to make it yours! I'd love to see!
Apr 3, 2010
Do you think it is rude to approach sole trader wedding planners asking to do unpaid work experience with them? It's so very hard to get practical experience but I don't want to offend anyone.
Not at all. It's all about HOW you ask them. Learn about them and how they do business. Some wedding planners have specific instructions on how they handle intern requests. Always adhere to them and be sure to remain professional at all times. Don't stalk them...that's a big turnoff. Try getting to know them by attending networking events in your area first. Remember the "know, like and trust" rule. No one will work with you or recommend you to others unless they know, like and trust you...right?
Mar 22, 2010
Dream Job? (If money, time, experience, benefits, school, ability, etc were not a factor... just purely: what you would love to do every day?)
Easy...helping women who have been abused to create sustainable, prosperous lives for themselves and their families.
I'm a survivor of abused who left a very bad relationship with little more then the clothes on my back, 11 years ago. Today I am happy and at peace with my life and I love sharing with others how I did it. Love of God, self and family!!
do you keep a wedding binder for each wedding you do? what do you put in it?
I sure do! There are three main sections...contracts, planning checklists and production.
Each couple's binder has a checklist (one for me and for them), contracts, mockup pics, timelines, swatches, contact info for all bridal party members, etc., etc., etc., all filed in the appropriate main section. On the wedding day if needed, I have every piece of paper produced throughout the planning. Most of the time, I only need the timeline to run the day of logistics, but its good to know I have my binder, just in case!
What is the best way to track RSVP's for your client's wedding?
RSVP's can be tracked with a system that is as simple or as complexed as you care to handle. Depending on your "techie" tolerance, I recommend using a system that is both efficient and comfortable for YOU! Me? I'm a computer geek so I prefer to do it using a software program that keeps track of all my client's information, including billing, vendor preferences, timelines, etc. It's called iDO and it's owned and distributed by Elm Software.
The software has an invitation utility as well as a way to track RSVP's. The website has a great little tour online...check it out!
http://elmsoftware.com/idowpe/ido_pro_feature_tour/ido_pro_feature_tour.html
Mar 16, 2010
Guidelines on Wedding Gift Giving
Trying to decide what gift to buy for that wedding you've been invited to? Gift registries are great but there's no hard and fast rule saying you must choose a gift from them.
I just ran across this article about affordable gift giving. Logical and practical advice...read on!
Happy Planning!
I just ran across this article about affordable gift giving. Logical and practical advice...read on!
Happy Planning!
Jun 12, 2009
Jun 5, 2009
Inspired to Love
"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.
- Captain Corelli's Mandolin
Happy Planning!
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.
- Captain Corelli's Mandolin
Happy Planning!
May 29, 2009
Inspired to Love
"The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman's heart.
Josiah G. Holland
Happy Planning!
Josiah G. Holland
Happy Planning!
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