I have been privy to a ton of weddings at my young age but have only been a bridesmaid in 1 wedding. There, I held the elected position of Maid of Honor in my sister Katie's wedding. It was thought provoking and challenging (just what I like), helping her decide between cake and dresses and colors and flowers. But boy did we ever enjoy ourselves while planning and I found that she was truly happy with her choosen selections, and her husband turned out to be just as expected, absolutely wonderful!
Why do I share this tid-bit of information you ask? I find in the whole sceme of things that many people get so wrapped up in the wedding planning process that they forget about afterwards. The marriage. Its certainly challenging at times, having to think of someone else's needs all the time and having to keep the house clean, do laundry and go to work. But in the end, I (and my sister and her husband) have found all that is worth it. I wouldn't want to be alone and I like having my best friend listen to me when I am tired and having one of those "moments". Think about what you enjoy doing with each other and DO IT. Its about creating a partnership and loving one another even if you are tired.
Bill and I are off to sail this weekend (something we both enjoy so much). Wish us luck!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
I'm engaged, I'm engaged. Now what's next?
First of all CONGRATULTIONS! How Exciting. Now you can begin the planning process. How fun! But where do you begin?
Before we even got engaged, Bill and I had talked about what type of wedding we both wanted and what was important to us. A small, intimate church wedding with close family and friends. So, with all that in mind, I set out upon a search for the perfect place for the reception...Oh boy, I was totally overwhelmed with options and ideas. In keeping an open mind, I went with my Mom to a few places that I hoped would turn out to the just what I was looking for. I figured if I narrowed some places down, Bill and I could make the final decision together.
Banquet room - check. Golf course - check. House on Lake Michigan - check. Fancy resort in Northern Michigan - check. Private restaurant - check. Victorian Hotel - check.
After day 1 of serious looking, I was exhausted and thought, okay lets just run off and elope. At the end of a long day, Mom and I went to dinner with my Dad. Tired and hungry, I asked him to pull over please, I wanted to check out Stafford's Perry Hotel, where we had an appointment the next morning. I walked inside and immediately thought, WOW, this is beautiful. Very elegent, very classy, just my style. I looked around a bit and almost forgot that they were still outside waiting for me! They decided to come in after me and we looked around a bit more and I knew we'd be coming back the next day to meet with the Sales and Event Coordinator.
The next morning we got up bright and early and headed back to Stafford's Perry Hotel to meet with Kristina. She has been wonderful to work with and I promptly decided this was the location for us. She has been nothing but professional in answering ALL my questions.
Before we even got engaged, Bill and I had talked about what type of wedding we both wanted and what was important to us. A small, intimate church wedding with close family and friends. So, with all that in mind, I set out upon a search for the perfect place for the reception...Oh boy, I was totally overwhelmed with options and ideas. In keeping an open mind, I went with my Mom to a few places that I hoped would turn out to the just what I was looking for. I figured if I narrowed some places down, Bill and I could make the final decision together.
Banquet room - check. Golf course - check. House on Lake Michigan - check. Fancy resort in Northern Michigan - check. Private restaurant - check. Victorian Hotel - check.
After day 1 of serious looking, I was exhausted and thought, okay lets just run off and elope. At the end of a long day, Mom and I went to dinner with my Dad. Tired and hungry, I asked him to pull over please, I wanted to check out Stafford's Perry Hotel, where we had an appointment the next morning. I walked inside and immediately thought, WOW, this is beautiful. Very elegent, very classy, just my style. I looked around a bit and almost forgot that they were still outside waiting for me! They decided to come in after me and we looked around a bit more and I knew we'd be coming back the next day to meet with the Sales and Event Coordinator.
The next morning we got up bright and early and headed back to Stafford's Perry Hotel to meet with Kristina. She has been wonderful to work with and I promptly decided this was the location for us. She has been nothing but professional in answering ALL my questions.
Courtesy of Stafford's Perry Hotel
Veranda at Stafford's Perry Hotel
Okay, the point of all this is to say - its all about you and what you invision for your perfect day. Let a creative thinker help with the details. After talking it over with Bill and my parents, I realized it wasn't so overwhelming, I just needed to refocus on what was important and forge ahead. If you happen to feel this way, contact me and know that I would be happy to help you in anyway I can. That's what I am here for. I help coordinate all the details no matter how overwhelming it seems.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What's in a Name?
After much thought and consideration, I have determined I need another challenge. I am happy and content with my life with Bill, the boys and our fur children but I need something mentally stimulating. Something to challenge me, allow me to grow professionally and as a person.
So, I have begun the mission of starting a wedding event planning business. My dad and Bill both thought it was right up my alley (thanks Bill, for the kind encouragement). With all my years in banking and managing a sales team, I figure its time to take advantage of my skills. I love the details of planning, being organized and entertaining friends and family. I have already begun the process of writing the business plan, completed the financial projections, established the blog and now I need to talk to my partners. Photographers, florists, caterers, here I come!
But before I am knee deep in clients and vendor relationships, I need to establish a name for myself. Friends and family, put your thinking caps on. Your feedback is warmly welcomed.
My goal for this is all focused on the client. Allowing them to celebrate a wonderful day that's truly personal to them. It's a start of a marriage, that in my opinion, one that is blessed by God as He is the one that brought them together. But for me, its all in the details. Now, let the thinking begin!
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