A Photo Worth More Than 1000 Words

Photo by Jenny Frazee Photography

By this picture, 

I'm Captivated.

I'm Moved. 

and I'm Humbled.

This photo was captured in a mere second of what was a twelve hour wedding day. And while there were hundreds of other photos that were better staged, this is my favorite.

I remember the feeling as a young girl looking up to a bride on her wedding day. The first moment I would see her coming down the isle, it was as if she had transformed into a princess. Her glowing face radiated similar to those I had only seen in movies. Her gown flowing from side to side as she moved and everyone smiling around her, filled with joy. I not only wanted to be by her, but someday wanted to be her. She had found her prince and I was lucky enough to be in the presence of their wedding.

When I look at this picture, the admiration the little girl has for my bride is inspiring.  It moves me to believe in child-like wonder, an innocent and humble appreciation to experience the best gift on Earth.... LOVE.

I'm a believer that the little moments can mean the most and I could not be more grateful to Jenny Frazee for capturing this photo.

I hope you take a moment to enjoy the true beauty of this photo.

Real Life Insights: EA Bride Fall 2012

I have recently started working on a new article for EA Bride, Real Life Insights. The purpose of this article is to provide tips and updates on the wedding market. There is a Going Green Tip, Current Trend Alert, A Budget Buster, and advice from couples that have been married for quite some time.
This article is great to catch a tidbit of information that is useful to your planning, decorations, and marriage.

Wedding Trends What's Hot vs. What's Not: Fall 2012

Looking for the latest trends in the wedding world? Here I have highlighted what is hot and what is not within the wedding industry. The article was originally published in the Fall 2012 issue of EA Bride Magazine.

Words of the Wedding Wise: Fall 2012

Within each issue of EA Bride, I share a tidbit of information from the inside of the industry. A little advice from me to you. The section of the magazine is called "Words of the Wedding Wise". My advise for the Fall 2012 issue is this:

Green Candle Options for Your Reception

Wedding Bloopers: Butterfly Release

Real Life Insights- Summer 2012

I have recently started working on a new article for EA Bride, Real Life Insights. The purpose of this article is to provide tips and updates on the wedding market. There is a Going Green Tip, Current Trend Alert, A Budget Buster, and advice from couples that have been married for quite some time.
This article is great to catch a tidbit of information that is useful to your planning, decorations, and marriage.

DIY: Cork Place Cards

Country Inspiration Shoot: Featuring.. My Horse

So proud of Troy, he looks great in the photos!

Cabo: Vacation Review

I recently went on vacation (finally) and came back with the most amazing advice for brides on this particular resort in Cabo. Read more below!

I'm Now the EXECUTIVE EDITOR for EA Bride!

Words of the Wedding Wise- Summer 2012

Within each issue of EA Bride, I share a tidbit of information from the inside of the industry. A little advice from me to you. The section of the magazine is called "Words of the Wedding Wise". My advise for the Summer 2012 issue is this:

Real Life Wedding Insights- Spring 2012

I have recently started working on a new article for EA Bride, Real Life Insights. The purpose of this article is to provide tips and updates on the wedding market. There is a Going Green Tip, Current Trend Alert, A Budget Buster, and advice from couples that have been married for quite some time.
This article is great to catch a tidbit of information that is useful to your planning, decorations, and marriage.

I had the honor of including my grandparents, June & Jerry Beach in this particular issue.Yea for family!

Like a Princess: Modeling for EA Bride

I got another amazing opportunity to pose for EA Bride! I loved and enjoyed it as much as the first time! Look below to see the amazing professionals that made this possible!

Wedding Trends: What's Hot vs. What's Not Spring 2012

Looking for the latest trends in the wedding world? Here I have highlighted what is hot and what is not within the wedding industry. The article was originally published in the Springs 2012 issue of EA Bride Magazine. To view more wedding awesomeness, view the full issue here.

What's HOT:                                                                       What's NOT:
Personal Touches during the Ceremony                                 Courthouse Marriages
Shades of Purple and Gray                                                   Red and White Color Schemes
Lantern Centerpieces                                                           Floating Candle Centerpieces
Jeweled Headbands                                                             Tiaras
Hiring a Wedding Band or DJ                                                Plugging in an MP3 Player
Custom Gobos and Event Lighting                                        Christmas Lights

Cotillion Wedding featured in EA Bride Magazine!

Hugh and Kirby have been selected to be featured in EA Bride! The Cotillion is so thrilled to see this wedding selected, their love story and photos are so fun! Look below to find all of the amazing wedding professionals that made their day so delightful.

Words of the Wedding Wise: Winter 2011

Within each issue of EA Bride, I share a tidbit of information from the inside of the industry. A little advice from me to you. The section of the magazine is called "Words of the Wedding Wise". My advise for the Winter 2011 issue is this:

Playing Dress Up: Modeling Wedding Dresses

"Those that don't wed, plan"- Jennifer Lopez in Wedding Planner

Sometimes, my job has some extremely high perks for a single girl. For example, being able to play dress up in Emily Hart Bridal's gowns for a photo shoot, while getting my hair and makeup done to perfection by The Last Tangle Salon. And the cherry on top, being able to wear a 3 carat diamond ring by Tivol! These amazing photos were taken by Photos Edge, a leading photographer in Kansas City!

Thank you to everyone for allowing me to have so much fun!

Wedding Trends: What's Hot vs. What's Not Winter 2011

Looking for the latest trends in the wedding world? Here I have highlighted what is hot and what is not within the wedding industry. The article was originally published in the Winter 2011 issue of EA Bride Magazine. To view more wedding awesomeness, view the full issue here.

 What's HOT:                                                                       What's NOT:
Unique Neckline Gowns                                                         Shoulder Pad with Full Sleeve Gown
Outdoor Venues                                                                    Church Basement
Satin                                                                                    Tulle
Feather, Fabric, & Wood Centerpieces                                    Basic Floral Arrangement
Color Tinted Wedding Cake                                                    Lighten Fountain Cake
Unique Card Box                                                                   Bird Cage Card Box

Words of the Wedding Wise: Fall 2011

 
Within each issue of EA Bride, I share a tidbit of information from the inside of the industry. A little advice from me to you. The section of the magazine is called "Words of the Wedding Wise". My advise for the Fall 2011 issue is this:

"Do you have a lot of out-of-town guests fly in to Kansas City for your wedding? Chat with your venue manager to see if it would be possible to negotiate rates with nearby hotels. Pass this discount on to your guests along with a map from their hotel to all wedding activities. Make your guests fell even more special by having your caterer prepare and place Welcome Baskets in each hotel room before arrival."

Wedding Trends: What's Hot vs. What's Not Fall 2011

Looking for the latest trends in the wedding world? Here I have highlighted what is hot and what is not within the wedding industry. The article was originally published in the Summer 2011 issue of EA Bride Magazine. To view more wedding awesomeness, view the full issue here.

What's HOT:                                                                       What's NOT:
Wedding Dress Change After First Dance                            Trashing the Dress
Wedding Website                                                              Overage Charges from Cell Phone Carrier
Unique Groom's Cake                                                        Grandma's Mystery Chocolate Cake Creation
Stocked Cookie & Candy Bar                                             Screen-printed Couples Photo M&M's
Organized Children Activities with Childcare Provider            Adult Guests Chasing After Their Children
Surprise Choreographed Dance                                           Skipping Dance Lessons
Photo Thank You Cards                                                      Lifeless Wedding Stationary

Plush Prodcutions Wedding Featured in EA Bride Magazine

Hello Friends!

I am so excited to announce that one of my Plush weddings has been chosen to be featured in EA Bride Magazine in the Fall 2011 Issue.

Sean and Ali were married in downtown Kansas City at 909 Walnut Condominiums. They were the first to host their event in the newly remodeled event space exclusive to residents.

View their wedding and love story below! To see the weddings of more local couples from this issue, visit EA Bride!

Words of the Wedding Wise: Summer 2011

Within each issue of EA Bride, I share a tidbit of information from the inside of the industry. A little advice from me to you. The section of the magazine is called "Words of the Wedding Wise". My advise for the Summer 2011 issue is this:

It is crucial to develop a floor plan for your event. Leaving the layout to chance can inhibit the true potential of your reception. Ask your venue if they have sample floor plans and if they will allow you to customize the layout for your event. There are a few key point to remember before checking this task off your list:

1. Seat yourself first- and as the main focal point of the room
2. Allow for extra space around the head table
3. Allow extra space for lines around the buffet and bar
4. Don't seat guests right next to the restroom
5. Develop a plan for guest flow from the buffet, table, dance floor and bar to their tables.

To read more amazing tips from wedding professional, view the full issue here.

Wedding Trends: What's Hot vs. What's Not Summer 2011

Looking for the latest trends in the wedding world? Here I have highlighted what is hot and what is not within the wedding industry. The article was originally published in the Summer 2011 issue of EA Bride Magazine. To view more wedding awesomeness, view the full issue here.

Page Exerpt from Summer 2011 EA Bride Magazine

What's HOT:                                                                       What's NOT:
Mobb Proposals                                                               "You swallowed the ring?" Proposals
Wedding Dress made by a Local Designer                           Wedding Dress mad by Costco
Personalized Guest Book                                                   Non-Picture, Info Only Guest Book
The Time of My Life- Black Eyed Peas                                 Let's Get This Party Started- Pink
Cotton Candy Martinis                                                       Jungle Juice out of a Gatorade Cooler
Candy Bar featuring the Favorites                                        Homemade Mints
Firework Sparkler Departure                                                Silly String Departure

Tips to Selecting Wedding Professionals that Plan for Your Vision

Eric & Rachel: my fun & funky couple

Before I begin planning a wedding, I get to know my couple. Their likes, dislikes, personal style, and interests. I strive to build their wedding around these distinct areas of their personalities; to make the wedding a true reflection of their love. 

While this seems logical and easy enough, there are several different "lazy" tactics that have been seen floating around the industry lately. Without going into great detail, it can be summed up that professionals get into a routine, instead of stepping outside the box to ensure that each and every wedding they are a part of is one-of-a-kind.

The engagement period can be very overwhelming. Planning can take it's toll very quickly, so in an effort to help you feel confident in your efforts, here are a few tips in hiring professionals that have YOUR vision in mind. 

Well Wishes Tree

1. Hiring a Planner- I'm not going to toot my own horn, but... having a coordinator assist throughout the planning process will undoubtedly lower your stress level. When you meet to interview a potential planner, make sure to look at their previous weddings. Do the photos all have the same look or all they different? A difference in style shows their flexibility and creativity in creating events unlike those that they have coordinated before. Photos that are all the same, illustrate the opposite. Make sure to explain your vision for your wedding, including all of the small details that will make it unique to you. 
2. Booking Wedding Professionals- You know them as the Florist, DJ, Cake Decorator, Caterer, etc. After booking one professional for your wedding, they will commonly recommend their "friends" to you to as well. Undoubtedly, vendors that know each other and have worked together before will communicate better in regards to your event; however, that does not mean that booking "vendor friends" will make your event BETTER. There are many different levels of expertise and creativity within each professional genre. If you find one that compliments your vision, reserve them for your wedding. You can accept their referrals and further look into their work, but if their vision is not coherent with your own, look elsewhere.
3. It's a Wedding World- Wherever you look, you are likely going to see something about weddings. It could be TV covering celebrity nuptials, Facebook announcing an engagement, or Pinterest putting wedding creativity at each persons' fingertips. As you gravitate towards inspiring ideas that you would like reflected in your own celebration, remember that it was the professionals that came up with the ideas your are adoring. Pick out a few that you would like to incorporate, but then back away and allow your hired professionals to create new, unique, and personal touches based on the knowledge of your personalities and love. The moments you see displayed in media have always been happening, they are just closer to your fingertips than  before. Harbor the creativity of your wedding professionals to create your own breathtaking moments.

Living for Tears of Appreciation

There are very few things that I am addicted to. I don't smoke, get obsessed in the gym, and can even drive by a Starbucks without getting the urge for a cup of coffee. However, I am obsessed with weddings.

I like every element of the planning, design, and coordination aspect that virtually becomes the pivotal moment in my couples' life. In a sense, I become their best friend for twelve (or however many) months; someone they look to for advice, knowledge and commitment to making their big day bigger and better than even their own imagination. And I humbly say, there is no greater level of satisfaction than knowing that you made someone's dreams come true, if only for a day.

There are two types of tears on a wedding day; those of love and those of appreciation. Tears of love come from deep within; a bride as she conveys her hand-written vows to her groom, a dad as he embraces his daughter during a dance, or a friend as they toast to friendship and happiness. Life's true embrace is love; and a wedding serves as a symbol of the joining of lives and all of the love attached to them.

Tears of appreciation are moments that guests rarely see; but that I am lucky to have as a part of my life. I see them as I pin a boutonniere on a groom that is about to get a first glance at his bride, I see them from a mother as she waits in line to be seated for the ceremony, and most importantly, I see them in my bride's eyes as she walks into her wedding, at ease, seeing her perfect vision come to life and knowing that the evening is in good hands, my hands. I have dedicated my life and career to these tears. 

I realize that I can simply be categorized as a wedding planner, someone with organization skills that cuts the cake. And don't get me wrong, I'm a really good cake cutter. However, I strive to be so much more. As years pass and my couples look back, their wedding day will only be but a memory mingled in with the other milestones in life. It is my dedication to making sure that those memories bring smiles, laughter, and happiness.

Have Some Cake!

I have seen very immaculate fondant cakes, but in my opinion, butter-cream frosting is always a little yummier! Here are some delectable butter-cream cakes from the past few years.

 

 

Looking for a Love Song: Try These

Credit: vowtodance.com

If you are looking for a new and unrecognizable song to capture a moment during your reception, check out these new singles. Any of these could be used for your first dance, cake cutting song, or music to be played behind your wedding photo montage or video.

Christina Perri: A Thousand Years

 

Colbie Colliat: I Do

Francesca Battistelli: 100 More Years

Runner Runner: I Can’t Wait

 

Tyler Ward: Falling with You

Planning Your Ceremony

Credit: wedding-s.com

I have never coordinated two weddings that are the same. There are several different components that can be included in your wedding to make it personal to the relationship you have with your fiance. I have put together the traditional order of events for a Christian or non-denominational wedding. By no means do you need to stick with this order, feel free to switch it up and add little touches here and there to make it even more special.

Prelude music- plays while honored guests are seated

• Officiant enters
• Groom’s grandparents are seated
• Bride’s grandparents are seated
• Groom’s parents are seated
• Bride’s mother is seated

Processional music- plays while attendants are walking down the aisle

• Best man enters from the side
• Grooms enters from the side
• Groomsmen and bridesmaids come down the aisle
• Maid of honor comes down the aisle
• Ring bearer comes down the aisle, then takes a seat or stands by best man
• Flower girl comes down the aisle, then takes a seat or stand by maid of honor

Bridal Processional

• Bride and her father come down the aisle (Father can be substituted by brother, family member, or friend)

Officiant’s Opening Remarks

Vows

Exchange of Rings

Other Unity Customs

Pronouncement

The Kiss
Recessional

• Bride and Groom exit first
• Flower girl and ring bearer exit together
• Maid of honor and best man exit together
• Remaining attendants pair up and exit together
• Guests file out, starting with the front row