Precisely As Planned

Rehearsal Dinner, Just Down the Road...

2012-01-29T13:59:00.000-08:00

If you are in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, that is. La Estacion is the quaint little restaurant just outside the gates of the El Conquistador resort in the "barrio" called Las Croabas. When asking the local people about great food, it came up again and again. Wow, were they right.

The seating is all outdoors, under the beautiful stars, and the smells emanating from their kitchens are other-worldly. It is a mixture of roasted pig and seafood that could send any foodie into a Pavlovian fit. While waiting, lounge in one of the sitting areas on the 2000 sq ft of deck space while enjoying some beverages including their fresh mojito.

Their menu consists of meals of shark, lamb, and tuna, but what was suggested to me by our fabulous wait-staff was the more traditional "mafongo." Mafongo is made from smashed plantains that have been mixed with garlic and butter. They are placed in a container (see the picture) and a cavity is created which will hold your choice of proteins. Mine was filled with mahi-mahi and shrimp. It was a culinary dream!

I am looking forward to my next trip to the island, and thus my next visit to La Estacion.

Delicious Tex-Mex Rehearsal Dinner Spot

2012-01-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

La Familia, located right off West 7^th in downtown, is the perfect Fort Worth location. They have the best Tex-mex I have had in awhile. Because of how busy they were on Saturday night, we seated in a backroom. All I could think about is how great this location would be for a smallrehearsal dinner. The prices were great and the food was excellent. Everythingwas extremely fresh; they even use diced beef instead of ground beef to impart more flavor into the food. Theyhave an awesome flaming margarita! It’s a margarita with sugar cube on fire which adds just the right amount of sweet. Their fajitas are also flaming, they setit on fire at the table. However if you want more of a buffet style for thedinner they do platters of food. It’s the perfect place for a tex-mex rehearsaldinner. But be careful, they are closed on both Sunday and Monday!

Lauren and Frank

2012-01-10T11:12:00.000-08:00

We are unbelievably blessed by our clients. We have the best in the industry, but when it comes to the best of the best, Lauren and Frank are right there at the top. Their personalities and grace throughout the planning process showed us again why it is that we love planning weddings.

Lauren began the day at the hotel with her girls getting ready for the day ahead. Her fabulous photographer, Stacey Pinkney at Simple Moments Photography was there to capture it all.

She is also the perfect combination of complete style and downhome grace.

Once they were all ready, they rode in style over to Robert Carr Chapel to prepare for the ceremony.

The guests were then directed to the City Club of Fort Worth for a cocktail hour, then a breathtaking reception. The decor was provided by Lucy Walling of A Rose in Bloom.

Chad Fitzgerald of the Cake Guys delivered the incredible cakes. The groom's cake (not shown here) was absolutely adorable.

Frank and Lauren were introduced into the reception and spun around the dance floor with style thanks to lessons by Greg Michaels at Dance on the Vine in Grapevine.

The night was filled with energy thanks to Randal Stout of Randal Stout Entertainment. No one was ready for the evening to end.

And, of course, we had to have the obligatory TCU alumnae photo!

Thank you, Lauren and Frank, for allowing us to be part of your special night!

One final, private last dance.

Classic Carriages was waiting to send them on their way.

Kerry and Dave

2011-12-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

Kerry and Dave are TCU Alumnae with very specific tastes. Kerry had a vision of what her wedding day was to look like, and we did everything we could to help her create it.

The day began with the bridesmaids preparing for the wedding at a suite in The Ashton Hotel. They enjoyed spending the time together while each had their makeup done by the fabulous Jennifer Trotter of Lip Service.

Mystical fairytale, or Preciselyas Planned Wedding? It's honestly hard to tell the difference! The rooms of the Maddox Muse building containing the ceremony and reception in Bass Hall, downtown Fort Worth, were changed into elegant areas, perfectly suited for all in attendance!

Kerry was radiant on her wedding day in her gown from Bliss Bridal, and her groom, Dave, could not stop smiling at her.

The flowers and decor provided a perfect back drop against the royal purple bridesmaids dresses thanks to Lucy Walling of A Rose in Bloom.

A first look was followed by Formal Portraits by Peyronet Photography (aren't the photos AMAZING???) to capture the architecture and light found in downtown Fort Worth.

The Ceremony was held in the Van Cliburn Room, and felt completely sacred and intimate.

After a cocktail hour in the Canteen, the Reception was ready to begin in McDavid Studio.

The stage was set for the band, High Definition, who not only played great sets, but also emceed the night with flair! Definitely one of the best bands we have had at our receptions!

The cakes, which were absolutely delicious, were created by Creme de la Creme.

And as the band played toward the end of the evening, our fabulous caterers Tastefully Yours provided the guests with some incredible flat-bread pizzas - the perfect little late night snack. These were even better than they look!

Finally, it was time to call it a night, so after a send off, Kerry and Dave left in true style!

Jenny and Bryan

2011-09-26T04:31:00.001-07:00

Jenny and Bryan's day was characterized by true class and elegance from the first moment they arrived at University Christian Church until they pulled away in their coach. The love they shared was visible, and their family and friends enjoyed wrapping them in love.

They had hired On Locations Portraiture to capture every moment, and we are thankful that Jim shared some of their special moments with us.

After a gorgeous ceremony, the wedding guests traveled the few miles to the Maddox Muse Center at Bass Performance Hall where the reception was held in the McDavid Studio.

Guests were greeted with refreshments followed by an amazing dinner by Reata Catering simply characterized by YUM! After dinner came the delicious cakes created by none other than Creme de la Creme.

The crowd was entertained by the crooning tunes of Trey and the Tritones.

Amazing Vegas Wedding Chapel

2011-09-26T04:31:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip to Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to visit "Forever Grand," a beautiful little chapel with a great deal of elegance. On television, I have seen the drive-thru, gaudy chapels that leave you wondering where the romance could be. But this chapel is quite different.

From the moment you walk in there is an air of sophistication, and you are greeted by Glynnis or one of the other sweet ladies you feel like your event will be special. They go out of their way to make sure that the bride's day is not diminished by the brevity of the event venue.

From the bride's suite to the web-casting capabilities, this is an interesting little gem in a wild and crazy city!

Star Telegram Bridal Show

2011-08-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

Bridal shows are quite the interesting event for vendors and attendees alike. Thankfully, this show (for us) had a number of great things going for it.

1. It was at my favorite place: The Gaylord Texan!
2. I had beautiful furniture provided by: Celebration Event Rentals. I had numerous comments on the look of the booth, and it is due in large part to them. Thank you, oh so very much!!!

3. I had beautiful and interesting floral arrangements created by: Lucy Walling of A Rose in Bloom. Thank you Lucy!!!
4. We had a fabulous flat screen provided by Randy Ro Entertainment for our slide show. It looked perfect!
5. We had a great turn out. A steady stream that continued throughout most of the day.
6. I had awesome assistants. Thank you to Tara and Addi for hanging out with me, and greeting the brides so graciously.

7. I had a really great DOORPRIZE. We gave away an ELEGANCE Package to one very special bride: Brittany McDowell! I cannot wait to get working on your wedding, Brittany!!!

Charla & Chris: Photos by Ficklezeal

2011-08-28T04:53:00.000-07:00

I would be remiss in not posting these pictures as soon as I could unzip them. As our weddings tend to be, this one has quite a unique flavor. Half the guests were from Australia and the other half was from Richardson, Texas. The combination was a delightful group who knew how to be merry!

Hair and Make-up done by the wonderful Christie Lee Mua.

We are celebrating our 40th birthdays in style!

Touches of elegance provided by Le Fleur Couture.

Cakes provided by The Cakery in Southlake

Our theme was beach elegance, and brought in that little bit of the Australian coast to the Yellow Rose Ballroom.

Entertainment and lighting was provided by Randal Stout Entertainment. Thanks for keeping the party going Randal!

Zil and Trent

2011-08-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

Zil is an absolutely beautiful woman from Brazil. She captures fun and elegance with her easy style and relaxed mood. She and Trent have a special relationship that transcends their separate cultures.

They chose the Gaylord Texan as a "destination wedding location" for their families. This would give the Duarte clan a chance to see "all of Texas" in one trip. The perfect combination of lodging, food, and beauty.

Zil loves rich, natural colors. Her palette consists of greens and ivory. She took her palette and her ideas and met with Stacey Murdock of The Wildflower. They came up with the beautiful bouquets and arrangements seen here.

When asking me about how to create the party atmosphere, I sent Zil and Trent directly to Randy Ro Entertainment. The right mixture of fun and class is their unique ability. The party started as the happy coupled entered the ballroom and did not stop until their private last dance.

They also needed a fabulous cake that was also "delicious." Where else would I send them but Delicious Cakes of Addison/Southlake?! Zil decided on a decadent mocha cake with fudge filling.

We were also happy to work with Serenata Strings once again, as well as Dennis from LoveNotes. And cannot wait to see the work produced by photographer Breonny Lee.

Location:The Gaylord Texan Resort

Foodie Friday - Not Your Grandmother's Lemonade

2011-07-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

Upon arriving at Tastefully Yours on any given day, my pulse quickens and my mouth starts salivating like a Pavlovian pup. I quickly remember all the scrumptious morsels I have had the opportunity to taste and ready myself to leave my calorie counting at the door.

Andrew and Lisa Huszar create a little bit of heaven in their diverse menus every day. Whatever the occasion, Andrew can create a menu that not only perfectly fits the theme, but offers clean and refined tastes as well. Their food is beautiful and simply tastes incredible.

My husband considers me a picky eater, but I tell him he is wrong. I just like my food to be of great quality (no spam-sandwiches for me, thank you!). Throughout all the tastings and events I have either attended and/or worked alongside Tastefully Yours, I have not ever had anything that was any less than exceptional.

Beyond the taste (which to me is of utmost importance) is the service. I have witnessed these two and their staff going far beyond what had been requested. They leave clients, venues and this planner very happy.

Oh, and the lemonade, make sure you try their "Peppered Lemonade," it is truly beyond words!

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Location:Southlake, Texas

Kyle and Kayla search for a Venue

2011-07-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

I met Kyle and Kayla while working with my former (favorite) clients, Matt and Katie Foust (photo by J. Wesley Photography)

over 2 years ago. Kyle and Kayla were super sweet and completely fun. And although they said that they were not engaged yet, they assured me that they would call when they were.

So, when the call came in, I could not wait to jump into the planning process. Our first step was to find a venue that could hold the extensive potential guest count. We had almost a year, but looking for an open June weekend was going to be difficult.

Our search was made even more difficult when our dates were limited by the availability of our Ceremony Site, University Christian Church (photo at left from rehearsal). We needed to find a reception location quickly. After a number of venue tours, Kyle and Kayla found their dream location in The Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

Location:The Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Spotlight - Creating a Backdrop: Draping!

2011-07-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

Many times we are asked to create an elegant event space from spaces that could be described as plain at best.

But, as Wedding and Special Event Planners it is up to us to take a blank canvas and CREATE.

This is done best with the help of professional Draping and Lighting artists such as Noel Pearce of Dallas Drape and Lighting. He can take any space and add that wow factor! Thanks Noel!!!

An Amazing Sweet Sixteen

2011-07-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Addi Baker has turned sixteen in style!

A spectacular "Vintage Hollywood" style event was held in the Fort Worth Ballroom of the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

Preparations began just as the school day was ending for the teenagers. Jennifer Trotter (Lip Service) did a beautiful job with Addi's make-up.

Then it was time for Monica Puckett (Memorable Occasions and Hair Design) to give Addi a dramatic up-do.

Time to get dressed.

Addi's "Betsy Johnson" jewelry gave her the customized creative look she desired.

A special bouquet was created for her day by Kelly Norvell (Bridal Blooms).

The the fabulous Michelle Peyronet Porter Jones (Peyronet Photography) took Addi on a "photo shoot". Big Kudos go to Noel Pearce (Dallas Drape and Lighting) for creating the beautiful entrance into our party space.

Time for the party to get started.

Mock-tails greeted the guests as they entered the space, along with a variety of other hors d'oeuvres.

Decor elements were provided by Elegant Affairs and BBJ Linens.

Along with lighting and entertainment (including a really cool photo lounge) by Randal Stout ( Randal Stout Entertainment ).

The cake, provided by Jamie Holder (Creme de la Creme ) was even better tasting than it looked (if that was possible). The guests, who were awed by the display, heartily dove into the yummy goodness inside.

A display of photos displaying the sixteen years of Addi's life were lined up behind the cake to create a poignant back drop.

Location:The Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Robert & Claudia, a vow renewal

2011-01-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

I love my couples. I have the best in the industry. They are mature, reasonable, and IN LOVE. But, never have I had the opportunity to share in the excitement of such a heart-felt event.

Robert and Claudia were celebrating 34 years of marriage at a vow renewal in front of their family and closest friends at the Gaylord Texan Resort. The two (who by their appearance must have been married as pre-teens) were clearly and entirely devoted to each other. They are the standard to show what marriage should look like.

They arrived at the Texan a few days before the event to just take in the sites and sounds of everything the Gaylord had to offer. They are frequent guests, and could think of no place better to spend this special week.

Allison Welch of The Elegant Petal created beautiful arrangments for the evenings festivities. Randy Roberson of Randy Ro Entertainment created an amazing backdrop with specialty lighting, then set the mood with selections of jazz and classic rock. Ruthie Stivers and crew of Delicious Cakes sent over an amazing tradition-inspired cake.

And, all of this was captured by the fabulous photography of Michele Davis of Hannah Michele Photography. Although young, Michele has an eye for capturing the heart and soul of her subjects. Truly, just look at the work shown here. I look forward to a beautiful career for her!

Liz & Chris

2011-01-15T22:39:00.000-08:00

Liz and Chris had been together (on and off) since middle school when they met on a soccer field. They are very much at home in business or play. They also have the support of their wonderful families who put much into the entire wedding weekend.

The ceremony was held at the First United Methodist Church of Kennedale. A beautiful little gem just a bit south of I-20.

The decor was designed by Kelly Norvell of Bridal Blooms (a personal favorite of mine). They wanted a more traditional, yet free-flowing design. Kelly was able to help secure not only the traditional candelabra at the altar, but the pew candle-holders as well.

After the ceremony and formal pictures, guests were shuttled to the Ashton Hotel for an elaborate yet intimate reception.

Liz and Chris decided to have a sweetheart table to spend the mealtime alone as husband and wife.

Kelly and her team made use of the ceremony flowers in the recepion, and ave them a whole new look.

And, a sweet ending to the evening...The Wedding Cake (designed and created by Delicious Cakes).

Jo and Art

2011-01-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

Two Beautiful Souls...

Jo and Art are such beautiful people inside and out. They decided to have an intimate wedding at the Gaylord Texan Resort with all the most important people in their lives.

Jo spent the day in her bridal suite with her sister and mother preparing for the evening's activities. Art, and his groomsmen, could be found throughout the property preparing surprises while having the time of their lives.

Mission Plaza was set up to be the ceremony area for the group of less than 50. The chairs were embellished with the names of the VIP guests. Florals arrived thanks to the creative artists at leFleur Couture.

The rich colors chosen by the bride groom evoked a feeling of the Caribbean. The deap jades that were seen in the bridemaids dresses and the linens were in deep contrast to the shades of tangerine found in the flowers. To enjoy gorgeous decor, but be economical at the same time the reception centerpieces were used as altar decor.

After the reception, the guests moved over the the Texas Ballroom Lobby, where guests enjoyed refreshments while the wedding party finished their formal photos. Just at the right time, the guests were ushered into the ballroom that awaited them. With a seafood bar, the guests enjoyed eating, drinking, and dancing for many hours thanks to the musical styling of Michael from Complete Music Dallas.

Rachael and Chris

2011-01-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

Rachael and Chris met while attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. It was only a matter of time before Chris fell in love with Rachael's wonderful and fun spirit. When it was time to get married, they could think of only their home church, Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth.

With both bride (Rachael from Indonesia) and groom (Chris from Indiana) having relatives arrive from other parts of the country/world, it was decided they wanted to do a large rehearsal dinner to include all who had flown in for the occasion.

Rhonda created the centerpieces, as well as the tablescapes. The wonderful barbecue dinner was catered by Cousins Barbecue and showed all what real Texas barbecue is.

Mary Catherine & Reed, The Cotton Mill

2010-11-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

The Old Cotton Mill in McKinney, Texas, is a wonderfully old, charming place full of history. It provides a blank slate for all kinds of events. It certainly was the perfect place for two very wonderful and deserving people, such as Mary Catherine and Reed to commit their lives to one another.

The rehearsal on Thursday (for their Friday wedding) allowed for a full day of set up. Something quite special for a venue to provide. Mary Catherine and Reed had chosen truffle and cream with a hint of green in the flowers for their colors. The room was filled with candles for the special night to come.

The ceremony overlooked a beautiful courtyard with a fountain in the background. The area was perfect off to the side and anchored by the two sheer draperies which were hung with twinkle lights. The bride, Mary Catherine, looked radiant as she walked down the aisle on her father's arm toward the man she had loved since junior high school.

During the cocktail hour the guests mingled and noshed on hors d’euvres provided by Chef Pete Catering while the event space was flipped from ceremony area to reception venue.

The reception was in the main area of the room. It had a specific area marked by tulle draping for the dance floor, which was huge! Apple Tree Florist created the white hydrangea and branch centerpieces. The guests were then invited to find their tables which were named after famous bands and musicians. It was time, the wedding party entered the room, and the party began in earnest. Definite kudos to Randal of Randal Stout Entertainment for the fabulous atmosphere.

The party really got started after dinner with a Grease sing-along and the all-inclusive Cupid Shuffle! It was a truly a beautiful and fun event!

Texan Ranch Venues

2010-08-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

Recently we were asked about venues near Fort Worth which would be perfect for a Texan Style Ranch Wedding. We wanted to share some of these beautiful finds with all of you.

Beaumont Ranch in Grandview, Texas is an incredible example of what a great Texan ranch should be. From the rooms for your guests to the wonderful food, there are so many reasons to have your event there.

La Cantera Ranch in Valley View, Texas is a brand new facility that can accommodate up to 350 guests. Designed with the discerning bride in mind, it is perfect for the Modern Texan.

Whispering Creek Ranch in Acton, Texas has everything a bride could want from a sweet chapel with padded benches to a honeymoon cottage that overlooks a lake. You can even have a carriage ride from the wedding to the reception.

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Location:Just beyond the Metroplex

Leslie & Kevin, The Event

2010-07-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

The vendors all worked together to pull off an amazing event under somewhat extreme conditions. Who knew it would rain 5 inches in a 24 hour period of time?

Kevin and Leslie both had envisioned a beautiful ceremony on the front lawn, but due to the rain that was not going to be possible. So while the rain still came down, my team of 8 set up for a Stephenville Wedding like no other.

Our plan was to create a chic country affair that VIP's and ranch hands alike could enjoy throughout the evening. We created the space with the tent and other rentals provided by Grand Rental Station . They worked hard through many obstacles to get a walled and windowed tent up along with the beautiful Tarleton purple chinese lanterns.

When it was decided that we would need to move the ceremony indoors, Jame Kimbel from Scott's Flower's on the Square created an elegant backdrop on the dance floor. The table arrangements were then able to do double duty as decorating for the ceremony seating as guests sat at the tables.

A special lounge area was created in the back with "Hay Bale Ottomons that created just the right mix of Zany Country Chic. The mood was further enhanced by the lighting and sound of Randy Roberson of Randy Ro Entertainment.Our event was fabulously catered by Sodexho Catering at Tarleton State University. The food was not only wonderful, but beautiful as well. Passed hors d'ouerves and cocktails created a festive mood during the cocktail hour, which was only enhanced by the re-entry into the tent to see the wonderful spread prepared by the TSU staff.

Christina & Pete

2010-07-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Christina and Pete!

Christina and Pete chose Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church for their wedding venue. It was a beautiful Russian/Greek Orthodox service, and after pictures the guests headed over to Colonial Country Club for a cocktail hour in the Westview Room where guests were greeted by our very own Madison and the Escort Cards. After finding their seats they were treated to a fabulous reception in the Ballroom.

Colonial always does such a great job with all the details that make the wedding day special.

More pictures will follow when I have the professional photos from Goff Photography.Having grown up in Illinois, both couples wanted to share their history with the Wedding Guests by using table names that represented much of their Illinois upbringing such as seen here next to one of the beautiful arrangments created by Allison Welch of The Elegant Petal.Cakes were created by Colleen of Colleen's Cakes. And finally, Scott Shirly of Party Machine created the mood with lighting and sound.

Hatchett - McGlothlin

2010-07-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jody & Brett McGlothlin who were married at Canyon West Golf Club in Weatherford, Texas! A place where magnificent views are complimented by smiling service. Canyon West offers a variety of locations for both wedding and reception depending on the size of your party. Jody and Brett had decided to have their wedding on the course and their reception in the Clubhouse.

The wedding took place on the green of the 5th hole. Guests drove themselves from the clubhouse on golf carts to a beautiful setting. An arch had been created by friends, and gave a magnificent display to the gorgeous backdrop. A nice breeze kept the sunny day from feeling too hot, as the guests cooled themselves with the programs that doubled as fans.

Jody & Brett enjoyed their first dinner alone before entering the great room where the enjoyed their guests throughout the evening hours.

The Floral artistry in shdes of cream and coral was supplied by Elaine at Weatherford Florist.

The theme of rustic elegance was seen throughout the space with the word finishes and the additional lighting. The cakes were a perfect addition thanks to Lauri at McCulloughs Sweet Creations in Weatherford as well.

Leslie & Kevin; The planning process...

2010-05-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

I was shopping (at Wal-mart, unfortunately) when my phone rang and I heard this great Bostonian accent on the line. My first contact was with Kevin Rocha. He asked me a number of questions, and then told me that Leslie would be calling soon. They lived in Massachusettes, but would be getting married on a ranch in Stephenville and would need a fairly comprehensive planner to lead them through the process.

Leslie called a few days later as I was shopping again (alas, this time at Dollar Tree), and I had the chance to talk to this wonderful, straight talking, transplanted Texan. We chatted some more about her wedding plans and the package I had proposed, but she said there was one more person in this equation: her dad.

I drove out to the Stephenville ranch quite early one Saturday morning (I was there by 8 a.m.) to look over what would be the ceremony and reception sites. It was a beautifully planned area (laid out by the late Susie Coan, the bride's mother, specifically for this event) that had great potential. We shook hands and the planning went into full swing.

The website went up, the appointments were made, and the emails began to flow back and forth. It is such a joy to plan across the miles when technology is at our disposal. I had been given two days near Thanksgiving that Kevin & Leslie would be in town, so we booked up those days from sun-up to sun-down with meetings of mostly local vendors. The Coan's are prominent members of the community, and they enjoy suppporting the community that has be supportive to them.

Chris & Charla: Aussie's take the Gaylord!

2010-04-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Though Charla is from Richardson, she was living in Australia to be near Chris and his family. When it came time to decide where to have their wedding, they decide the Gaylord Texan would be the perfect destination.

We had just a couple days over Christmas to plan the bulk of the wedding, but between those days and dealing with the 17 hour time difference, we crafted an incredibly elegant yet fun event. It was indicative of both Charla & Chris.

Linens were provided by Celebration Event Rentals. They brought in brand new chair ties and tablecloths that were reminiscent of the waves found at the beaches the wedding couple loved.

The floral decor was designed and created by the fabulous Tami Winn of Le Fleur Couture. Each arrangement was painstakingly made to look elegant and whimsical at the same time. The punches of orange (brought in through orchids and gerber daisy) gave a vibrant charge to the Aqua, Truffle, and Cream.

The lighting provided by Randal Stout Entertainment added volumes to the room throughout the evening, changing the mood of the crowd.

More pictures to come. Can't wait to post the photos taken by Ficklezeal Photography, one of my new favorite photographers!

The Havens Spa...AAAaaaahhhhhh!

2010-04-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of spending the day at The Haven's in Weatherford, Texas. It is conveniently located close to my home (less than a mile as the crow flies), and the experience was a birthday present from my husband. What a welcome surprise!

I was given world-class treatment from the moment I stepped in the door. I had arrived early, so after I changed into my luxurious robe they took me back to their "Water Room." This room is equipped with the most fantastic chairs I have ever sat in. They not only were plush and reclined, but they rocked smoothly from front to back. It was heavenly.

My massage was fabulous, and I could feel the tension slipping away from my body. While headed back downstairs for my facial, I spied the most wonderful tub in the world. I will have to come back and have a treatment in there.

Finally, the mani-pedi was a joy. My technician was friendly and sweet, but soothing at the same time. She made me feel very comfortable and pampered at the same time. I will definitely venture back through their gates, and hopefully soon.

Haley Cowsert

2010-03-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

Ceremony - Marty Leonard Chapel

Allison and Robert are very busy, really fun TCU grads. They had been given a budget, and were determined to not go over. After calling in a few favors, we were able to come very close. They wanted a ceremony that was a mix of tradition with the mid-century modern architecture.

Allison loves the rectangular look of the windows, so we echoed that throughout. Kelly Norvell of Bridal Blooms (www.norvelldesigns.com) designed a backdrop for the ceremony that shimmered with the candle light. No flowers were needed here. The bouquets were all incredible. I cannot wait to get pictures of Allison's bouquet from photographer Sara Donaldson (www.saradonaldson.com)! Beautiful shades of purple with just a few feathers to mimic the look of the ruffled layering on Allison's dress.

Reception - McDavid Studios, Bass Hall

Again, the architecture had the large angular windows and followed the same theme. Although not nearly as old a structure, McDavid was built to look as though it is truly timeless. Kelly did a mixture of three different types of arrangments at different heights to give the large room some depth and interest. This coupled with the deep purple tablecloths and the bright green napkins (to add some POP!), created an inviting dining/dancing space.

The lighting, as well as the DJ & MC were all provided by Randy Ro Entertainment (http://www.randyro.com/). A beautiful job! The night was seemless, and all guests had a wonderful time. The dance floor remained extremely busy.

Belinda & Robert, Gaylord Texan Resort

2010-03-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

Belinda & Robert married in September at the Gaylord Texan Resort. The wedding took place in Mission Plaza in the most unique fashion. Belinda and Gaylord LCM Jeff Worthington came up with the idea of placing the wedding party on the balcony for a regal wedding feel. I was intrigued and exctied by the notion, and came up with the framework of what would be their "Regal Elegance" wedding and their "Chic Fiesta" reception.

Both Bride and Groom are extremely busy people as business owners. Dr. Peretti is one of the finest Chiropractors in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, and Belinda was the office manager who kept everything running smoothly. They wanted someone who could take their vision, and run with it. That is just what we did. We created each detail with their traditional-modern-fun style in mind.

From helping her choose custom-designed jewelry to looking at shoes to the bridal gown alterations (Weddings on the Boulevard)and fittings, we were there.

We were fortunate to be able to help find the vendors that best fit the budget and style of this unique wedding. Stacey Pinkney from Simple Moment Photography shows her artistry in the photos displayed in this blog!

The Floral Artistry was created by Gloria Parker of Blooming Accents.

We even enjoyed putting the finishing touches on the programs and the menus.

Belinda was a beautiful bride inside and out and we are so thankful that we were able to make her day the joy filled day she had never even imagined.

Balloons!!!

2010-02-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

I have always tried to downplay balloon use at events other than childrens' parties, but as the carnation has, they are seeing a comeback. They are wonderful for many reasons, but here are some of the top reasons to use balloons.

They are cost effective - they are much less expensive than flowers of the same size.
They come in all sizes and colors - you can find some really cool creations, and they can be made very large!
They are disposable - how many times do you begin tear-down and not know exactly what to do with the decorations that are left? Not with balloons. These are treated so that they may "fly" for a few days, but you can just deflate them and throw them away.

Some of the designs are really taking interesting twists...

And the potential is limitless...

Check out

Affairs-A-Float,

a great local company with fabulous ideas on decorating.

Kelli & Cash, Colonial Country Club

2010-02-18T21:24:00.000-08:00

had the great pleasure to help Kelli and Cash finalize plans for their perfect wedding day. These wonderful clients were well educated and knew what they wanted out of every part of the event weekend. In fact, the schedule that Kelli made up for her wedding party was a thing of beauty (well, to a planner).

They had their rehearal at Colonial Country Club (CCC) on Friday evening followed by a rehearsal dinner at La Familia Restaurant where they had fabulous Tex-Mex and I am certain at least one "flaming" margarita.

Saturday morning began with hair then makeup inside the well appointed ladies locker room at CCC. Once all wedding participants were on location, pictures began with a "First Look" facilitated by Michelle Peyronet Jones of Peyronet Photography. One of my favorite wedding traditions. Almost all family and wedding photography was completed prior to the arrival of the first guest.

Wedding flowers in mostly winter white with touches of green in modern arrangements were beautifully crafted by Kelly Norvell of Bridal Blooms, while lighting was handled by Lumen Lighting, a divistion of Randal Stout Entertainment. Randal was also on hand as the Master of Ceremonies. What a great evening of fun!

Dinner was a wonderful feast created by the Chef of CCC, followed by a cake that was every bit as good to eat as it was beautiful to look at. It may be the best cake I have ever eaten, and that is saying something huge. The Cake Guys were responsible for the amazing work of art.

Hannah & Jason

2009-12-21T22:28:00.000-08:00

Mission Plaza, Gaylord Texan

Hannah and Jason are such a lovely couple. I met Hannah last summer when she came to the point in her planning that she felt she could not do it alone any longer. Jason was working overseas in a dangerous location and was physically unable to help in the planning process. Hannah was far from home and friends as she had moved to the area to be closer to Jason and his family.

We began the process finding vendors that would perfectly fit their style and budget. Stacey Pinkney (Simple Moments Photography) was one of our first picks. Note that the first picture above is not one of Stacey's. However, all the rest is the beautiful artwork is all done by SMP.

We were asked to do the decorating for this event with the supplies Hannah's mom had shipped to us, so we draped, be-decked, and be-bowed the surfaces to create a wonderland for Hannah & Jason's ceremony.

The flowers were arranged by the mother of the best man, Engi May Stevens. They were a vibrant mixture of reds and pinks to add to the blacks and the golds found throughout the ceremony area. Luminaries added light along the aisle to light the way to the altar. A small nod to the Christmas Season.

The entire ceremony was "flipped" during the cocktail hour into a fun and festive cocktails and hors d'oeuvres reception area. The PasP staff worked with the banquet staff of the Gaylord Texan and finished the flip in record time. Enough for the mother to have a chance to come through and put her stamp of approval on the decor.

We also had incredible cakes from Frosted Art Bakery of Dallas. Jason has always been a fan of Superman, so his cake was a representation of what would be "under Jason's Tux".
Reception entertainment was provided by a DJ from Complete Music of Dallas . They provided the videographer as well.

They celebrated their honeymoon with a week long trip to Jamaica. Congratulations!

"Non-Traditional" Classical Music for Ceremonies

2009-12-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

There are many classical selections to use for entrances and exits of both the bride and bridal party if you would prefer not to use the standard "Wedding March" (a.k.a. "Here Comes the Bride") or “Canon in D." Below is a list of several beautiful common wedding selections that are available in multiple instrumentations. Check youtube.com or iTunes for samples of each.

“Romanze” from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart

“Meditation” by Massenet

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J.S. Bach

“Air on the G String” by J.S. Bach

“Ave Maria” by Schubert

“Trumpet Voluntary” by Clark

“Trumpet Tune” by Purcell
(Note: the trumpet songs are available for other instruments)

“Clair De Lune” by Debussy

“Morning” by Greig

“The Swan” by Saint Saens

“Winter” from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi

“Rondeau” from the Premiere Suite by Mouret

“Hornpipe” by Handel

“Brandenburg Concertos” by J.S. Bach (There are six concertos total)

"Lullabye" by William Hofeldt

"The Gift" by William Hofeldt

New Must See Fort Worth Dress Shop

2009-11-13T18:47:00.000-08:00

Check out the new Fort Worth dress shop that is small and personal in Fort Worth. Meghann Hewitt (owner), who is former event planner and graduate of TCU, just moved back down to Fort Worth from Colorado and opened her award-winning dress shop. De ma fille: A bridal boutique, is found on Park Hill Drive in Fort Worth, TX. She has two lines of bridesmaid dresses and 5 lines of wedding gowns ranging in price anywhere from $2000 to $5000 dollars. For the bride on a budget, she carries sample dresses that are very reasonably priced (and just as beautiful) starting at $900.

Beyond dresses, Meghann has:

Shoes including dyeables which are sometimes up to 50% off
Party favors that include monogrammed candles, monogrammed robes, and jewelry.
Sequined tanks that can be custom made to say “bride”, “bridesmaid”, “military bride”, “maid of honor”, etc.
Books on wedding topics such as how to get in shape for your wedding.

Meghann has a preferred tailor with whom she typically works but she will use whichever tailor the bride selects. She will even transport your dress to the bride's tailor (within reason) for alterations. It’s worth stopping in to see the dresses and meet Meghann.

Find them at 2964 Park Hill Drive, Fort Worth, TX, 76109 817-921-2964 817-921-2964 817-921-2964
http://www.demafille.com/default.asp

Live Ceremony Music-III

2009-11-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Now, if you aren’t sure which group to hire or you are looking for quality music at a lower price, call the local high school or college music directors in your area and ask what student groups are available. You’ll be able to hire string quartets, trios, duets, or soloists; brass ensembles or soloists; pianists, organists, singers, etc. at a reasonable rate while helping these students with their education and future professional careers.

Some notes about the rehearsal and wedding days:

- Some musicians will come to the rehearsal for an extra fee. Ask them about their rates.

- Have the payment ready for them at the rehearsal if possible so musicians don’t have to track you down on the day of your wedding for money.

- If the performers don’t come to the rehearsal, assign your wedding planner or a trusted friend or relative the job of paying the performers after the ceremony (with your money, of course). Ushers and moms work really well too. This way, it’s taken care of and neither party (bride or musicians) has to worry about it!!!

- Finally, if you were pleased with the performance, ask the musician(s) for a business card or if you can pass on their name and number to people you know who may be looking to hire musicians for their event. Word of mouth is how many musicians get gigs in the first place and your friends will trust your judgment!

Thoughts on Live Ceremony Music (Part II)

2009-11-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

Recently, more and more couples are staying away from the “traditional wedding music” and going for something more modern, which is great but harder on the performers. Couples need to keep in mind that most popular music isn’t written for instruments like string quartet or harp. Most likely, you will only be able to find an arrangement for piano. Be prepared to purchase the sheet music for the performer if they don’t own it, unless they say they might be able to use it in other performances. Some musicians have the capability to personally arrange the song you want for their instrument but again, be prepared to pay extra for their original work. Bottom line; keep these three things in mind when choosing music:

1) What song(s) do I want?

2) Is this written for the instrument(s) or singer(s) I want to hire?

3) Am I willing to pay extra to have this song at my wedding?

If you can’t answer these on your own, your wedding planner and/or hired musicians can definitely help provide answers. And if you just can’t decide altogether, ask your planner or the performers what other couples have had at their weddings or ask for a list of popular wedding songs that are in their repertoire. Additionally, if you want to know if a song is written for a certain instrument, search for it online. Start with http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/ or http://www.sharmusic.com/. These are great sites on which to find music for ensembles.

Thoughts on Live Ceremony Music (Part I)

2009-11-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

I think there is nothing better than live music at a wedding ceremony. Speaking as a musician, there is something about the way the sound encounters the crowd that puts everyone in the right frame of mind. Music at the ceremony is yet another important decision that must be made in order to set the ambiance for your wedding. First you need to ask yourself what kind of music you envision hearing at the ceremony? Traditional? Or maybe something more contemporary? Secondly, you need to ask yourself what type of instrument(s) or singer(s) you want to perform? Traditional or classical wedding music is the easiest to find for any and all instrumentation (piano, organ, string ensembles, brass ensembles, soloists, etc.) Most likely, the performers will already have this music in their repertoire for gigs. However, if you envisioned something more contemporary or popular, like something by The Beatles, Michael Buble, or maybe you and your partner’s “song”, it gets a bit trickier. Check back for more blogs on choosing live music for your wedding coming soon!!!

Bridal Blooms by Kelly Norvell

2009-10-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

Kelly Norvell is the queen of wedding floral design. She has a warehouse of items to fit just about any occassion or location. I could live in there (as I say each time I step into it). In her own words..

Full line of rental equipment including columns, urns, pew cones and aisle decor
Wrought Iron candelabrum
Table centerpiece rental items including wrought iron compotes and candle stands, silver bowls and vases
Traditional and contemporary glass ware including trumpet vases, square and cylinder vases, pedestal bowls and bubble bowls

And the creations she puts into them are innovative and gorgeous. But, her personality has got to put her business over the top. She is fun and sincere - working with her is a true pleasure. Check her out at http://www.norvelldesigns.com/ !

Rehearsal Dinner Spots in the Metroplex

2009-10-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Gloria’s

Gloria’s Restaurant, with various locations throughout the Metroplex, one located in Montgomery Plaza at 2600 W. 7^th Street, Fort Worth, TX, is an excellent choice for your rehearsal dinner. With a private room that can hold up to 40 people or the whole restaurant to yourself, Gloria’s can provide an intimate setting for your family and friends. And with low lighting and a dress code observed, it exudes elegance. They have extremely reasonably priced drinks during their Happy Hour at various times Monday through Friday and live music and salsa dancing on Saturday nights. Gloria’s offers a variety of Latin cuisine from Tex-Mex to rich flavors from South America. Gloria’s charges per person and there is no minimum tab on food or alcohol. To view their menu or other locations, visit their website at: https://gloriasrestaurants.com/home.php or call to reserve your room at: (817) 332-8800.

Campisi’s

Campisi’s Italian Restaurant is another quaint place for your rehearsal dinner. There is one in Dallas (very close to SMU) at 5665 Mockingbird Lane, along with many other locations in the Metroplex. Famous for their meatballs, Campisi’s offers a romantic candlelit ambiance and a quality staff. They also cater. There is a $2500 minimum fee on food and alcohol plus tax and gratuity. Visit their website to view their menu or other locations at: http://www.campisis.us/ or call Katie to book your date at (214) 616-9243.

Location, Location, Location - Just because it is more "expensive" does not mean it is more "expensive".

2009-10-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

As a preferred vendor at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, I am quite often asked how “massive” the Gaylord wedding budgets are. My reply is shocking to most people. The budgets reflect very closely those of any of my other weddings when matched both in style and the number of guests in attendance. And, there are so many benefits to having a wedding at such a beautiful location. You can obviously budget less money for décor in such a venue.

When you have a blank-canvas-type-venue, such as a banquet hall, you may have to bring in tables, chairs, linens, china, silver, etc. The total for these items can become very pricey. It may be worth it if you have always wanted to get married on your family’s ranch in Stephenville, but it is quite often more expensive to have a wedding “at-home” than at one of these incredible venues. And, you have to do so much more of the work yourself or hire more worker-bees to get the job done.

There are so many of these great locations in the Fort Worth area. The Ashton Depot is another location that provides beautiful atmosphere and great food. Both the Omni and the Worthington also have much to offer.

There are also a number of “All-Inclusive” venues popping up around the Metroplex such as Aristide in Mansfield and The Piazza in Colleyville offer so much to brides looking to create maximum effect with minimum stress.

Why Hire a Planner #2: Your Planner can save your sanity while saving you money!

2009-10-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

It is no surprise that weddings can be so stressful. There are a million details, and each one can have a multitude of options. What is going to be best for your wedding, and where are you going to find the best deal? How do you find a moderately priced baker to fit into the budget that has to include your extravagantly priced photographer (who in most cases is worth every penny)? How many caterers do you have to meet with before you can find the one that has everything you need while fitting into that same budget?

These are all items that the professional Wedding Planner does on a daily basis. It is our job to find you the best vendors for your specific event and budget. This sometimes means calling in favors to fit that perfect DJ into your wedding budget (gratitude to both Randal Stout and Randy Roberson!!!). We meet with these vendors on a monthly basis and keep in touch to find ways to make your wedding dollars work magic for your event. And, you have not even had to break a sweat.

Music City Weddings are Grand!

2009-10-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

When planning a wedding in the nation's country music capitol, there is no better place than the Gaylord Opryland Resort! It is a venue like no other. It has everything under one roof, and yet it feels open and airy. The atriums make you feel as though you are outside, and the ballrooms and nicely appointed and spacious. Guests may stay the weekend in comfort, and can eat, shop, relax, and celebrate with you without ever leaving the facility.

Give Laura Dalton a call to find out about reception packages starting at under $60 pp.

Why Hire a Wedding Planner #1

2009-06-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Your Planner is On Your Side - I have avoided blogging on this subject because to me the reasons are numerous and obvious. When I was married nearly 20 years ago, my coordinator was my big splurge (in a $2000 wedding, believe me she was a splurge). I knew that I needed someone on my side.

I dearly love my family, more ever day. However, as the baby of the family, I was always told how I should do EVERYTHING. This went from how to brush my teeth and fix my hair to how to set tables and walk down the aisle. I am not an expert in every field, but I certainly am an expert in WEDDINGS. I knew how I wanted everything to turn out, and I did not want my family trying to change it or upsetting me by trying to force me into a decision I would not be happy making. So, dear Christy stepped in and took the weight off my shoulders. She was WORTH EVERY PENNY!

As a planner, it is my job #1 to make sure the bride is getting the day of her dreams and that no one is steam rolling her into decisions that will inevitably make her unhappy. We find the elements that will be joy to both her and her fiance while eliminating the stress that may ensnare them when families are "over-involved".

Our Newest Venue - Omni Fort Worth

2009-06-30T12:05:00.001-07:00

Fort Worth has a beautiful new addition to the downtown scene. The Omni Fort Worth is a beautiful venue both inside and out. The attention to detail is incredible, and we are fortunate to have the added to the list of wonderful sites that Fort Worth offers.

We toured there on Saturday, and they were beyond courteous. Even though they had 3 weddings in various stages of progression, they took the time out to show us rooms that were beyond our expections. Monday, our tour guide, was an extremely gracious host. We were sad when it came time to leave to head back out into the heat.

Beyond the ballrooms and meeting spaces, staterooms and suites, the Omni offers quite a lot to their guests. Multiple eating establishments make this a location from which a guest may not need or want to venture. The spa and pool area are not only beautiful, but peaceful as well. I cannot wait to stay there!

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/FortWorth.aspx

Celebrity Weddings

2009-06-18T00:50:00.000-07:00

Precisely as Planned serves to create the perfect day for the clientele. That is not to say we have not made a mistake or two, but we are always striving to make each event as perfect as humanly possible. Further, I am constantly watching wedding shows to get new ideas, learn from others' mistakes, and just for the pure enjoyment it brings me (I truly love weddings), but I am amazed at the mistakes that are made. Here are some thingswe have learned to avoid when planning events for our "Celebrity" or "Platinum" weddings...

1. Invitations - Do not order your invitations from a standard outlet. This happened recently to one celebrity who now is sueing the stationer, but it is too late. The date, time, and location were already leaked to the rabid media. We quite often do unique invitations for our clientele, so creating a special invitation with only need to know staff is part of the package.

2. Venue issues - Such as sound, lights, etc. These items should be seen to prior to the wedding date. There was one headliner who was worried he wouldn't have sound for the ceremony because he hadn't worried about it until 30 minutes before the event. These may not be set up for the rehearsal, but sound checks should be performed early enough before the event that no scrambling need be done. ( Note: I do admit that due to one PasP client refusing to hire a DJ, we had sound issues just prior to the event, but we had tried rectify this earlier in the planning process...many times)

3. Transportation issues - All transportation of guests should be tracked on graphed. A staff member should be assigned the task of making sure all guests are secured from the airport and make it to the venue. Especially when discussing destination weddings, it is important for all guests to know that they will not just be left at the airport.

4. Wildlife - Just because you a a limitless budget does not mean that the "wildlife" will play the way you want it to. Butterfly release can be absolutely beautiful! There are very specific conditions for this to occur. There should be a staff member assigned to this task.

Winstead - Elliott

2009-06-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

Steph & Wes

What a beautiful day at the Gaylord Texan Resort. The sun was shining on a 90 degree day outside, but it was a cool 72 inside. Stephanie and Wes both looked stunning; what a beautiful couple. The day began early as all vendors converged on the Yellow Rose Ballroom.

BBJ Linens provided the overlays for the tables. They were a perfect soft gold lamour that added a touch of color without being too bold. Definitely a good choice.

City Florist of Grapevine handled all the floral decorations as well as personal flowers. A beautiful, traditional touch. They also added the florals to the cakes.

We began setting out menus and seating cards and ceremony seat signs, all the little touches that would make Steph and Wes' big day a smooth success. These items also make the guests feel warm and welcomed as they enter either the ceremony or reception area. Our staff is on hand to help locate seating cards and tables.

The cakes, provided by Candy Haven, were absolutely delicious. I will definitely be sending more clients their way. They were delivered on time and were set up with ease.

The wedding party was split into bridesmaids and groomsmen in their respective rooms which just happened to be separated only by one floor (ladies above the gentlemen). A sweet note passed from groom to bride told her of the dear place she held in his heart. And finally, with everyone ready, it was time.

The ceremony, short and traditional, went off without a hitch. Everyone took their places and said their parts. Kevin, the bride's son, had practiced his line perfectly and gave his mother "away" with a poignant, "Her family and I do." The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour held in Mission Plaza while formal pictures were taken in the Pavillion.

As the guests were ushered in to the Yellow Rose, the bride and groom were pulled aside for some last intimate photos. Steph and Wes were then announced into the Ballroom and the dances had begun. Lunch was then served. The afternoon reception ran like clock-work from that point.

The final touch was a send off under a shower of rose petals (from our unique "rose cones"), and all guests went their merry way.

Save the Date Cards

2009-04-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

These are the link to having a solid guest list and an accurate number of invitees for your wedding reception. This directly translates to you knowing how many people you will have to pay for (at $150 a head, that is a pretty important number). Why?

First, it helps you put the guest list in place. Every wedding turns out to be the same. The couple works and works on the guest list, but it is not until names have to go on the envelopes that they truly decide who they want to invite.

Second, it gives those a chance who have a prior commitment on your sacred day to let you know in advance. This can save you money on the invitation front as well. Additionally, it gives those who desire to come a chance to interact on your wedding website and stay current with all necessary information (as in, who their +1 will be).

As important as this notification is, it needs to be your first order of business after you set your location, date, and time. These don’t have to be the raised ink, ultra-expensive type of stationery however. You can design your own funky, modern, stylish note and have it printed by an online printer such as www.VistaPrint.com. They have some specials that allow you to print up to 100 “postcards” for free (uploading your design only costs a few dollars more). With a bit of embellishment, these babies can look gorgeous.

Saving $$ on Invitations

2009-04-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

Finding a bargain is not a new concept in my business. I see it as my job to find the best use of the money in any wedding budget. When we want to spend more in one area, we naturally cut back in another. The first place I trim is in the Invitations and Stationery. Certainly, this is the one place you can really scrimp on without anyone (well maybe Aunt Gertie will notice, but did you ever really like her anyway???) being able to tell the difference.

You may think the first step is to go out and buy the invitations from the craft or discount store and print them up yourself. I would STRONGLY caution you against this unless you are doing less than 50 invitations altogether (don’t forget your Dad’s crazy uncle’s side of the family in your numbers). It is neither cost nor time effective. I do, however, buy some of this type of stationery when it is on clearance and use it for print-necessary items such as table and place cards.

My first step is to bring my client to one of those upscale establishments and find the invitation of her dreams. Or, if she is too busy, I carry all my invitation books to her location (I do it all for my brides, they do not have to lift a finger if they do not want to). Check out www.CarlsonCraft.com or www.ForeverDreams.net for ideas.

Once we have selected her dream invitation that has all kinds of embellishments, I then find a plain one that looks similar but that fits into the “budget” category. These still have many bells and whistles (i.e. raised printing, double envelopes, printed return address, etc.), they just tend to be on different papers or have less embellishment. They also generally fit in a regular mailing envelope (which can be a problem with the more expensive invitations…the postage alone can run over $1 per invitation).

We take these “plain” invitations and add the embellishments to them. With a very careful eye we add just a touch of whimsy or bling, whatever the client had fallen in love with on the expensive invite. This same idea can be used with the Save The Date cards (which I truly believe in). See that item in another blog.

Happy Planning

Sweethearts

2009-02-26T13:10:00.000-08:00

Too many engaged couples (married couple too) forget what made them fall in love with each other while they are enduring the stress of wedding planning. Remember to take time out for each other and make dates to talk about anything but the wedding. Be romantic, spontaneous, and fun together so that when you need to be task and detail oriented, the time goes smoothly. Go bowling, gaming, wine-tasting, house-wrapping…whatever you “used” to do when you were dating.

My sweetheart took me on a wonderful overnight to the Gaylord Texan. We had a 24 hour vacation from our lives, and it put focus back into both of our minds. We were ready to face our stressful lives joyfully and with revived vigor.

Favorite Places to Stay

2009-02-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

My husband and I travel a lot for both business and pleasure. I have become very discriminating because I believe I have stayed in some of the most luxurious hotels on the planet. Here are just a few of them…

The Gaylord Texan(Grapevine) – Of course they would head the top of my list. I consider this my home away from home, and since I stay there approximately once a month that would be an accurate statement. They have everything there, and the service is second to none. They have a button on their phones that has a smiley face on it. I am working on having it put on my phone at home. No luck yet. I will eventually do a whole blog on the Texan, but I cannot say enough good things about them. http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-texan/meetings/index.html

The Ashton Hotel (Downtown Fort Worth) –
They have a beautiful, old-style hotel with first class service. Everything in our room was shimmery, soft, and beautiful. They even brought us coffee (on a silver tray, no less) in the morning. It was a real treat!
http://www.theashtonhotel.com/index.cfm

The “W” Hotel (Downtown Dallas) – It is modern and beautiful, a feast for the eyes.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/index.html

Great Wolf Lodge (Grapevine) – Okay, so it is not the first place you think of as luxurious, but there is no more family friendly place on the planet. Our entire family (and that is a lot of kids at various ages) loves it. Go on a low weekday, and you could not have any more fun anywhere else.
http://www.greatwolf.com/grapevine/waterpark

Regal Elegance at the Gaylord

2008-09-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

I will have to wait for photos of this weekend's wedding at the Gaylord Texan to be able to give you readers some clue of the gorgeous location and unique format. My client, along with Gaylord Coordinator Jeff Worthington (absolutely fabulous!), came up with the idea to get married in the balcony overlooking Mission Plaza. We had to do some construction (thank you's go out to Greg Zirbas, our trusty engineer), but the final result was breathtaking. It resembled something out of a fairy tale.

We had onlookers, many people sitting on their balconies watching the hour long event. It was a sight to behold. And, the service itself was one that brought tears and laughter to each guest. The minister, Rev. Ron Johns, Jr. wove an interesting and personal homily into the service that was the most meaningful of my career.

Check back for the pictures. Our fabulous photographer, Stacey Pinkney (Simple Moments Photography) will likely send them soon. I love her work, and I am certain you will as well.

Going Natural

2008-09-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

Many people are looking for natural elements to use at their weddings. Our newest discovery is the use of coffee beans in new and unconventional ways. These bring the brown color that is so in fashion, give off a subtle pleasing smell, and can be recycled or used as garden filler when finished.

Church Weddings

2008-08-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

I love church weddings as that is where I started my career. I worked as an apprentice under a church wedding coordinator who had been doing the job for a quarter of a century. She was so knowledgeable and gave me so much great advice.

There are many more rules, in general, when doing one of these weddings. Some churches will not clear the stage, leaving any instrument (including the piano) right where it sits. I would caution churches against this, and remind them that this is one of the great purposes of the church. We are giving the opportunity to bind two people together not just in the eyes of the state, but in the eyes of God.

Welcome to the Consultants Blog

2008-05-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

We look forward to sharing our experience, expertise, and events with you. Please let us know of any questions or comments you might have.