Alred Wedding Consultants

Mona and Milan

2012-01-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

Mona and Milan came to me with their wedding. They had already booked Moulin Meetings and Events, which was the perfect place for their Egyptian/ American reception. With the love and support of their families, we planned an absolutely amazing three days for them. We started off on Thursday with a ceremony at the Worlds Fair Pavilion. Mona wore traditional Indian attire that her mother-in-law to be picked out for her directly from India. Having a ceremony at the Worlds Fair Pavilion is easy! It is such a beautiful landmark in St. Louis. We created a large square in the center for a fabulous lunch that was provided by Westwood Catering.

Friday was the Indian reception that took place at the Contemporary Art Museum. This event was a little harder because we had to find a caterer that could make fresh Bombay street fair food. We had Exclusive Events completely transform the CAM. The walls were washed in colored lights, overlapping gobos, sari's hanging from the ceiling along with Moroccan lanterns. We did long family style seating to maximize the space. The tables were draped with colored linens from BBJ and the florals were provided by Artistry Florist. They had flown in a sitar player that has played Carnegie Hall and dancers entertained the guests as they ate.

Saturday night was to pay tribute to Mona's Egyptian heritage. The reception took place at Moulin Meetings and Events. Exclusive Events created a grand entrance for the bride and groom. The entrance was draped with a lush orange crushed fabric and dry ice smoke was blown in to create a dramatic entrance. A traditional Egyptian band came in from out of state to parade Mona and Milan in as a part of the zeffa. Their wedding cake was provided by The Cakery Bakery, flowers again from Artistry, CJ's DJ's provided dance music, and of course, the design and wedding day coordination from Alred Wedding Consultants

Mona and Milan are the proud owners of the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast in Denver, CO. If you ever find yourself in Denver, please check them out!

Elope in your own hometown...St. Louis!

2012-01-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

What could be more romantic that an elopement in a historic house, a place that is special to the two of you or eloping in a park? We can help! With our 'Elope In St. Louis' package, you can still have the wedding of your dreams on a smaller scale. This package includes all of the details of a large wedding but the intimacy of the two of you or 25 of your closest family and friends.

You will get a photographer and wedding album, a bouquet and boutonniere, an officiant, a town car, cake and an overnight stay in one of St. Louis' most luxurious hotels. After the wedding has ended, you will also be given wedding announcements to send to those who are nearest and dearest.

Give us a call for more details.

2011-04-27T12:22:00.001-07:00

We have our very own QR Code!

Real Wedding of Bridget and Chris

2011-01-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

So there are times when I meet a bride and groom and I can tell what kind of couple they are going to be by the way they interact. THIS couple was/is AMAZING! When Bridget came to meet me, almost an hour late, I knew that I would like her right away. She had the venue booked, the photographer booked and not much else. She just didn't care about the rest and was sure that it would all fall into place...and boy did it! She gave me full control of all the details. She loved everything that we showed her, she all of the vendors that we sent her to and as a team, we made their wedding dream come true. That wedding is featured in the latest edition of St. Louis Bride Magazine that arrived at my doorstep today.

Details: Burlap table runner that I made and painted
Candy Buffet that I put together for them and M Haley Design made the labels
Kids table gifts
Lolli and floral centerpieces for the kids table by Artistry
A custom chalk board that we made for her in lieu of a program
Cupcakes for all of the kids
An awesome grooms cake that looked just like an iPad
Photos by Michell with Under Grace, who quite possibly one of the nicest people!

There are too many details to list, but the most important detail of the day, a very happy and in love couple!

St. Louis Bride Magazine

2011-01-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

We were honored to be asked to design a table for this issue of St. Louis Bride Magazine. We were asked to design a table with the theme of Make It Personal. I chose to make it personal by designing a table after my grandpa. He was a man of many trades, one being a bee keeper. While I could have gone so many directions on this table, I wanted to make it fun, light hearted and bright! I think I accomplished what I set out for. I hope you all pick up the newest issue of St. Louis Bride Magazine that is set to hit the stands very very soon!

To text or not to text...

2011-01-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

That is the question! Is texting the new e-mail? I have quite a few of my clients and vendors that text me on a regular basis and I want to hear from all of you, do you think it is okay? I have an opinion on this subject, but I will keep it to myself for now.

Just a few suggestions IF you are a texter!

1. IMO, you shouldn't shorthand your texts. A lot of clients/ vendors are not of the generation to send or receive texts so saying IMO, LOL, BRB is a foreign language.

2. If you are going to send a text, you should first introduce yourself. I can't tell you how many times I have received texts and I have no idea who you are.

3. As a vendor, don't return a call with a text. If they wanted a text, they would have sent you one first.

4. Ask before you text. For some, texts are an additional fee.

Now, I want to hear from all of you.

2010-08-26T09:09:00.001-07:00

I know there are still some people out there that don't see the value of a wedding consultant, so let me give you a few reasons that may change your mind. We had a wedding last weekend where there was an unfortunate event that took place during the ceremony. We were there to keep things going...at a faster pace so the ceremony wasn’t a disaster. We were there to give directions to 911, keep people calm and make sure that most of the guests didn’t even know what was going on. I even escorted the grandmother down the aisle because the usher was taking care of the “situation”.

Once we arrived at the reception, there was a mix up with some of the décor and we were on site to have things arranged in a manner that once the bride arrived, she had NO idea. She still hasn’t noticed and she won’t ever know because we asked the photographer to photograph around the mix up.

I saw on Facebook that there was a wedding last weekend where the florist left their shop to deliver the flowers at the same time the ceremony was supposed to start! If they had hired a wedding consultant, we would have called the vendors to verify times and followed up with an itinerary of times and events.

We are experienced to handle situations so you won’t need to be bothered with any little detail. It is a bride’s job to be happy, greet guests and not have a care in the world!

Color Scheme: Peach and Robin Egg

2010-04-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

We love this unique color combination. There's something so electic-vintage about it, while still being clean, fresh and perfect for the season. Beautiful!

AWC Special Features!

2010-04-08T18:05:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy spring already, setting a strong pace for the rest of wedding season. We're thrilled this week to have had two special honors given to us.

We're thrilled and thankful that our clients and fellow vendors helped vote us into the TOP FIVE WEDDING PLANNERS in St. Louis, according to KTVI Fox 2's Hot List. Thank you to everyone who voted!

There were 19 wedding consultants in St. Louis added to the nominees list, and it was an honor to be placed among these amazing companies. We strive to to give our clients award-winning service, so it's great to have been recognized. We're looking forward to the coming season and will be working our hardest to move up to the #1 spot!

We're also exciting to be a featured blog on the Saint Louis Bride Magazine Blog. Check out what Erin had to say about hiring a wedding consultant here.

Thank you so much to Saint Louis Bride for the opportunity, and for continuing to provide brides with the best, most up-to-date, information and trends in weddings!

Ask AWC: In A Peculiar Position

2010-04-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dear AWC:

My fiance and I were discussing the ceremony processional and altar lineup for our bridesmaids and groomsmen. I think it would be aesthetically best to arrange everyone in order with the shortest coming in first and starting on the outside and the tallest coming in last and standing closest to us (with the exception of our MOH and BM). However, my fiance is worried that some of his closer friends, who are shorter) may feel like he values them less because of the outer positions.

Which placement style is better and how do we avoid hurting any feelings?

Thanks,
In a Peculiar Position

In a Peculiar Position,

While both processional lineup styles are used in weddings today, entering in order of height is perhaps the most common. Think of it this way, everyone in your wedding is close to you for some reason and therefore does not have to be given a specific distiguished placement. They know you care about them because you have given them the honor of standing with you during one of the most special days of your life.

If you are worried with hurting feelings, using height may be your best option. This is a tangible way to enter your attendants (with, as you noted, the exception of your BM and MOH). Using the other method, someone who believes they are closer to you than where you have placed them may result in an upset attendant. In the end, make sure you let each attendant know just how special they are with a nice, handwritten note attached to their gift during the rehearsal dinner. This will affirm your close relationship with them and show how much they mean to you.

Sincerely,

AWC

Have a question you want answered by a Certified Wedding Consultant? Send your problems to alredweddingconsultants@yahoo.com with "Ask AWC" in the subject line. (Please note that all scenarios are different and advice given may not work for all situations. This is merely a discussion tool and any answer should not be considered the end-all/be-all solution.)

Meet Your Planners!

2010-03-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Question of the Month: What is your favorite school supply?

Shelli:

I don't know why, but I loved having a full pack of brand new
pens... the kind with the erasers! I don't even think they make
those anymore. They were actually terrible pens that left ink

all over my hands, but I really loved having them.

Erin:

Binders! I love how you can personalize something so typical

by putting in colored tabs with a font that reflects your

personality, photo and graphic cover designs and pretty folders.
Organization CAN meet style!

Jenn:

Favorite school supply has to be... MARKERS! With markers
you get lots of different colors and you can make wide lines

if you use them on their sides or fine lines if you use the tip.

LOVE the color wheel. :)

Nicolle:

New textbooks. Any kind, any subject. I just love the way

the pages smell!

Katie:

A new pack of highlighters - perfect for focusing on the

details and important points!

Receptions Trends: Centerpiece Pin Lighting

2010-03-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

During one of last season's weddings, we had one bride with a desire to show off her beautiful centerpeices. Also desiring a romantically lit room, we came up with a solution to have a soft ambiance, while still allowing the centerpieces to truly be the centerpieces of the room. After all, wouldn't you want you guests to be able to see the detail in the florals that you've spent all that money on to create a specific mood within your reception?

The result are the two photos to the left: gorgeous florals each having its own bright white pin light. We love how each table

becomes its own piece of art. If your budget allows, this effect is well worth the money.

Logistically, each set of pin lights was placed out of main walkways and away from key events in the room (i.e. cake, dance floor, etc.) The posts were draped in fabric to coordinate with the decor and to help hide them from immediate guest view.

Lighting courtesty of Exclusive Events and reception location courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis.

Going Organic

2010-03-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

Going organic for a wedding these days can be quite the challenge. However, finding small ways to help make your special day a little more Earth - Friendly has never been so beautiful!

We LOVE this dress made by ThreadHead Creations (style Jane). With it's romantic style and classic appeal (and, honestly the reasonable $800 price tag), this wedding dress is perfect.

Can't you just picture a perfect spring Garden wedding with a beautiful bride walking down the aisle in this ensemble?

Remember, brides, going green doesn't mean sacrificing style, beauty or elegance. With dresses like this, it's possible to be eco-friendly and fashion forward at the same time!

Here's a view of the back:

DIY: Wrapped Votive Centerpieces

2010-03-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

For brides on a budget, candle centerpieces are a great alternative. However, affording a custom look often puts a large dent into a small budget. Here's a great way to get a custom look for your wedding, without spending a lot of money! (This makes eight sets for approximately $60).

Step One: Purchase a cylinder shaped 16 piece glassware set from your local discount store (try to find the most round set possible. A set like this works great). A set with 8 low and 8 tall glasses is ideal. You'll also need to purchase 8 - 12" candle cylinders and 8 glass votive cups. We found all the supplies at Wal-Mart, between the Dinnerware and Craft aisles.

Step Two: Purchase a variety of coordinating papers and satin ribbons. Get at least 3 sheets of 4 types of papers and 3 rolls of 3 types of ribbon. Avoid card stock papers. Lightly colored pattern papers and translucent papers work best. You'll also need to purchase a few rolls of double sided tape.

Step Three: Wrap the 12" cylinders, tall and short glasses in your papers. The paper should be cut almost the same height as each piece, allowing a little room at the top and bottom (You need to be sure that no piece of embellishment is near or in the direct path of any flame. As always, use common sense and exercise extreme caution when working with open flames. Never leave any candle unattended.) Adhere the first edge with double sided tape, wrap and finish the second edge with another piece of double sided tape.

Step Four: Wrap each piece of glassware with ribbon. On the taller pieces, allow a few inches to hang down for a more romantic look. Again, be sure that any embellishment is clear from the path of any lit votive.

Step Five: Group each set and number on the bottom with a sticker. You will have eight total sets, comprised of one votive, one short glass, one tall glass and one 12" cylinder. Be sure to mix and match the paper and ribbon types.

Your finished votive will look something like this in one big group (you can see how we grouped each set):

Good Luck and Happy Crafting!

Spring into Color!

2010-03-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

Now that the warmer weather is starting to finally arrive, it's hard not to be inspired by the coming spring! One of our favorite spring color combos is blue and yellow. It's fresh, clean, chic and perfect for one of the first outdoor weddings of the year.

Check out this country chic garden bouquet:

This outfit found at a local children's store would be perfect for any flowergirl! We love that it's different from your standard flower girl dress, more casual (fitting for a garden wedding!) but still absolutely adorable:

And how cute is this cake? The double increased size on the bottom layer paired with the white ceramic cake stand makes for such a unique look:

And finally - bridal style! Spring is the PERFECT time to rock that vintage, tea length wedding gown with a cute pair of colored heals. This dress seems fitting for the occasion!

Wedding of the Year!

2010-02-28T16:41:00.001-08:00

We enjoy working with our brides and love knowing that we've created a truly unique event for their special day. We are honored each time we get thank you notes from past clients, and even more honored when our peers are just as enthusiastic about our work as we are .

That's why we are excited to announce that we've won "Wedding of the Year" from the 2009 Saint Louis Wedding Awards Show. Thank you to Saint Louis Bride Magazine for hosting this beautiful event and just as many thanks to the vendors who helped make the Breheny-Bennnett Wedding as magical as it was!

-Artistry Florist

-The Chase Park Plaza

-Two Blue Doors

-Exclusive Events

Don't forget to VOTE!

2010-02-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

We are honored to be nominated for the FOX St. Louis Hot List! Please follow the link if you would like to vote for us.

Win a Design and Photography Package!

2010-01-19T20:06:00.000-08:00

We're teaming up with St. Louis photographer Charity Craig, of Charity Lynn Photography to help make one couple's dream wedding come true! This includes one photography package from Charity Lynn Photo and a Design Package from AWC. Contest begins March 15 and the winners will be announced March 29, so be sure to check Charity Lynn Photo's Blog to see the couples, vote and the winner's announced!

For rules and ways to submit your entry, please check out the rules page. Good Luck!

We have been nominated for...

2010-01-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

We have been nominated for Best Wedding Planner in St. Louis. Please take a minute to vote for us!

Just click here: http://ktvi.cityvoter.com/alred-wedding-consultants/biz/525680

From Weddings and Beyond!

2009-12-17T11:29:00.001-08:00

We love catching up with our past brides, so Aaryn was thrilled to get to help design a baby shower for one of our brides turned mommy-to-be! Check out the photos and remember to contact us if you have any questions regarding our Special Event Design and Planning packages!

This bride loves tea, so the shower was held at a coffee house. Since she won't be finding out the sex of the baby, we kept it gender neutral in browns and greens. The favors were clear boxes filled with tea bags, tag reading "Baby is brewing!". Favors and Diaper Cake made by Alred Wedding Consultants, Cake by Dierbergs, Invites by Pear Tree Greetings.

Julie and Matt

2009-12-15T11:52:00.001-08:00

Have you ever met a couple and just think "they are in love". Well, Julie and Matt are them! Julie came to us with the idea of getting married in December but didn't want an overly "Christmas" wedding. After having them fill out our questionnaire, we came up with a theme for her of polka dots. We kept the holiday season in mind and incorporated reds but with gold and browns so that her guests didn't think holiday when they walked in. The tall vases were filled with cranberries topped with red roses and carnations (the most under appreciated flower ever!). The linens from BBj were perfect and served as our inspiration. We took the linen to our stationer, M Haley Design, and she made invitations, programs and place setting cards with the same design. We really enjoyed working with Julie and Matt and hope they are enjoying the cold Chicago weather!

Ceremony: First United Methodist Church St. Charles

Reception: Foundry Art Centre (http://www.foundryartcentre.org/)

Florist: Artistry Florist (www.artistryflorist.com)

Photographer: L'Photographie (http://www.lphotographie.com/)

Linens: BBj Linens (http://www.bbjlinen.com/)

Lighting/ Decor: Exclusive Events (http://www.exclusiveeventsinc.com/)

Band: Galaxy Band (http://www.galaxyband.com/)

Transportation: Best Transportation (http://www.besttransportation.com/)

Courtney and Eric

2009-11-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

This wedding was beyond a blast to plan. Courtney and Eric had Platinum coverage and then some! They had a very specific design in mind...none of which we could actually get in St. Louis (very easily) so we had to put a lot of elbow grease into this wedding.

Linens: Had to special order,

Food: Had to have staff from the catering company to send in people of California to help (everything was passed tapas style)

Music: Had a club DJ spin records

Dress: I designed and made it for her!

Invites/ Stationary: Was all hand stamped by M Haley Design

Flowers: Courtney and Eric had to spray paint all of their containers to get them just how they wanted them and Luluthia Floral Design did a awesome job of making their sleek look come to life

Photography: Greg Lappin had to design an new style of album for the couple that only wanted it to look like a magazine

Reception/ Ceremony Site: Perfection! Contemporary Art Museum

Holly and Matt Platinum Wedding

2009-11-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Holly and Matt were married this past summer. Here are a list of the wonderful vedors that we worked with.

Ceremony: Cathedral Basilica

Reception: Chase Park Plaza

Photographer: L'Photographie

Flowers: Luluthia Floral Design

Invites/ Stationary: M Haley Design

Linens: Weck Events

Hair/ Make-up: Chase Spa and Salon

Dress: Saks

Head Table

2009-07-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

The best part about planning your wedding is that is allows you to incorporate your style and personality into all aspects of the design. One of the apects to consider when designing your reception is your head table. There are many ways to display your style and creativity-- starting with the shape of your head table!

There are many shapes for a head table to choose from. From the traditional head table with the wedding party seated on one side to a sweet heart table which allows the husband and wife to share their meal alone. You can raise your head table for a better view of your guests or be seated in the center of all-- the possibilities are endless. So why settle for similarity when you can set your head table apart from the others?

Try a "Captain's Table", which is a rectagular table with the wedding party seated on both sides. That way you and your groom can comfortably share a meal and conversation with your wedding party. It's different and claims distinction.

Don't know what to do for a favor? Take a look around your house. Little ideas such as magnets on a refigorator can be transformed into a fun favor for your guests to enjoy. Magnetic poetry is a creative gift that allows your guests to excersie their own creativity!

Check out this artichoke napkin! It adds a little pizazz to your table and the raised look provides more demension to your look. This style also allows numeours options-- such as a flower in the center to hold the place card (as seen in picture) or by placing tea lights within each fold to brighten this arrangement!

Not a bow or shash person? Try a rosette on the back of your chairs! It's simple, yet elegant. Classy and creative! This style attracts the eye and ties your headtable look all togther (no pun intended).

Whatever style you choose for your head table be sure that it reflects you and your personality!

To view more photos from this photoshoot get the latest issue of St. Louis Bride Magazine.

Photos: L'Photographie (www.lphotographie.com)

All paper goods and favors: M Haley Design (www.mhaleydesign.com)

Linens: BBJ Linen (www.bbjlinen.com)

And the Louie goes to...

2009-03-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

ALRED WEDDING CONSULTANTS!!!!! We are so excited to announce that Alred Wedding Consultants is the winner for not 1 but 2 Louie Awards! We are the very honored and proud winners for Best Wedding Budget Under $200 per person and Best Wedding Budget $200 and Over. We were nominated along with several other St. Louis talented wedding consultants in the St. Louis ISES Chapter. We have been an ISES member since 2004 and have won the Best Wedding Budget Under $200 per person category for the past 4 years. Thank you to all the vendors that worked so hard with us to make the weddings Louie perfect!

Moulin Bridal Event, February 27, 2009

2009-03-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

Heavy Metal Wedding

2009-02-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, so not head banging heavy metal of Metallica more like the literal version...heavy metal! Kari and Brad are getting married this month and we are so excited that the theme of their wedding is metal! We have designed several weddings based around the color of metal, but have never used actual metal.

Brad is a machinist and has access to all kinds of metal, so of course we ran with it! We started setting the theme of the wedding by adding metal to the invitations. M Haley Design (www.mhaleydesign.com) did a great job in adding touches of metal to carry our theme through. Brad made a metal board where we will house all of the place setting cards as well as the table numbers and menu stands that will be on each table. To add a splash of color, we are using purple and white to accent the steel metal grey.

It is known by most of our brides that I think that carnations are the most under used flowers in the wedding industry and I love them! Why would you not love a carnation? They come in almost every color of the rainbow, they are inexpensive, and when used in the right application, they are gorgeous! Kari thinks so too! We are so excited that she has decided to use bouquets of monochromatic carnations wrapped with a wire treatment and will be placed in tall rectangular containers to line the tables.

I am really excited to see this wedding come to reality. Just 18 more days and we will have pictures to post. Here are a few inspiration pics for you to take a peek at.

Those Who Can't Wed, Plan - Or So I Thought

2009-01-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

I thought Jennifer Lopez was onto something 3 1/2 years ago when I saw her in the movie "The Wedding Planner." That's when I started my wedding planning career with not a boyfriend (much less a date) in sight. Now, almost four years later, I have a wonderful fiance and I'm so excited to begin our lives together. How difficult could planning a wedding be? I mean, I do this for a living people.

OMG. Working full-time and planning my own wedding as well!? Not to mention family obligations, spending time with friends and my fiance...or even time for myself! The days of watching "Friends" reruns and meeting my girlfriends for a drink is gone. Poof. How do brides do this without a wedding consultant?

I have so much fun helping couples plan their dream day. I can easily coordinate logistics and envision the atmosphere to make their day as close to perfect as possible. But nooooo, when it comes to my own wedding, I can't make a single darn decision. "What about silver shoes for the bridesmaids? Wait, do people even OWN silver shoes anymore? Gold is the new silver. No, you may not add straps to your bridesmaid dress...black dresses? In my spring wedding? Girl, you crazy." OMG. I am turning into a BRIDEZILLA. When did this happen!? SOMEONE GET ME A BEN AND JERRY'S!!!

Now I truly understand why people use our services so much. Let us be the bridezillas. You just enjoy your rock and looking pretty. We'll take care of the rest.

Attention All Brides

2009-01-23T06:57:00.001-08:00

Hello Brides!

I wanted to invite you all to a really unique event that we are participating in at Moulin Meetings and Events in February.

Hope to see you there!

Has going "green" lost it's meaning?

2009-01-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

I just read an article in a local magazine and it got me wondering...Has going green lost it's meaning? Don't get me wrong, I am not up on all aspects of being green, but I do make an effort in my everyday life. I keep reading articles in magazines on how to host a green wedding. It seems that the main thing the authors dwell on is using local growers (good start), using "freindly" ink on stationary, and using bamboo utensils. Wouldn't using the stainless that a caterer has be the most friendly thing to do? I think that green is losing it's meaning in so many ways. Most weddings are already green by the fact that we use washable flatwear, washable linens, washable china, and washable glasses. I can't tell you the last time I had a wedding that disposable ANYTHING! We have even gone to washable cocktail napkins. I just wonder if some vedors are advertising themselves as "green" vendors and really mean it. I fully beleive in your enviromenatal footprint, I just hope that it goes on past your wedding day.

Elope In St. Louis

2009-01-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

Well, you don't have to live out of St. Louis to elope in St. Louis. That is our thought anyway. Are you the type of person that just wants to be married and isn't so in love with the idea of having a huge elaborate wedding? Why not have a smaller wedding in St. Louis in a place that you normally wouldn't go? We have created a package for the couple that wants to have maybe a backyard wedding or a ceremony at the courthouse with a few extras?

We have put together a wonderful team of wedding professionals that are CRAZY about this idea too! Included in this package is:

3 hours of photography coverage and a wedding album by Burns Photography
1 Bridal bouquet, 1 bridesmaid bouquet, 1 groom boutonniere, 1 groomsman boutonniere provided by Artistry Florist
Limo service provided by Best Transportation
25 wedding announcements provided by M Haley Design
2 tiered wedding cake provided by The Cakery Bakery
Wedding coordination services, 4 champagne flutes, 1 bottle of champagne or sparkling juice provided by Alred Wedding Consultants, of course!

You can't go wrong with this package. Please call us for a no obligation consultation.

Hints to the Fella's!

2009-01-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about the night I got engaged and I got a tear in my eye...not because it was romantic, because let me assure you, it was NOT! I got a tear in my eye about what that night could have been, which has led me to this post. After years of listening to engagement stories, we think we have just the service for the guys who wants to give his girl the night she will never forget. We have a new package called "On Bended Knee". We will meet up about a month or two before the "big" night to go over a plan. We have a questionnaire that we will want you to fill out so we can get to know you both. From there we will design a plan to help execute the night of your life! Included in this package will be flowers based on need, a night at the Ritz Carlton, a day that you will never forget AND an under cover photographer to cover the events of the day. Our photographer will be in hiding following you around to document the actual proposal!

I just want all you girls to get the proposal of a lifetime, that is why we are here to help. No matter how simple or elaborate, we are here to make your proposal as romanitic and memorable as possible.

Our New Ad is finally here!

2009-01-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Well, after 5 years I think it is high time to give our company logo a fresh new look. Since our job is to keep up with trends and styles, I think our company logo needs to reflect it. With the help Liz from L'Photographie (www.lphotographie.com), I think our new ad is great! Let us know your thoughts! To check out our new ad, pick up a copy of St. Louis Bride Magazine. Also, if you turn to page 52, you will see one of our featured weddings.

2008-12-11T06:44:00.001-08:00

I think I am very fortunate to work with such great people, creative people, people who aren't afraid to do something different. Most of my brides come to me and want a "theme". So as I am typing this, I have a bride that is afraid of the word "theme". As much as I try to tell her that a theme doesn't have to be something, it can be anything. It can be a color, a fabric, a style, or a pattern. All of the weddings that I design have a very subtle theme. Here are a few pics of some of my '08 weddings.

Last wedding of the year

2008-12-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it is finally that time...the last wedding of the season/year. I am so glad that we ended this year off on a good note. We worked with the best vendors and the best couple. Matt and Julie are one of those couples who you know will be together until the end of time. They have managed to stay together for 8 1/2 years inspite of distance. This will be the first time in their relationship that they will FINALLY get to spend some quality time together without one of them going away to school or to work.

Good luck Matt and Julie and enjoy your honeymoon.

Vendors:
Ceremony: First United Methodist Church St. Charles
Reception: Foundry Art Centre
Band: Galaxy
Florist: Artisrty
Stationary: M Haley Design
Transportation (including the Rolls at the end of the night): Best Transportation
Make-up: Debbie Watston from Tony Russo's
Photography: Liz from L'Photographie

Thanks to you all!

Creative Weddings

2008-08-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I am really loving my job. It seems that more and more brides are coming to me wanting a wedding that is "different" Now, I know what you are thinking...every bride says that. But just listen to what Katherine and Christian did. Last August, I received a call from a potential bride that wanted to meet with me. When I got to her house, she and her fiancee told me that they wanted to have a wedding that really reflected their personality. After I threw out a few ideas, they pretty much hired me on the spot.

We began the process as usual talking about venues, the look, the feel and the overall ambiance they had in mind. What we came up with was OUTSTANDING! Katherine and Christian were in town for about 4 days and fell in love with the Fabulous Fox Theatre. From there, we went all out. We hired a gospel choir, we hired Gumbohead, we got a photobooth, we hired Koch Photography (of course), and last but not least, all of the weekend activities were set in place.

Picture this...you arrive to your hotel were you are greeted with an outstanding gift bag where you pick up your baseball tickets for Friday night. You are with 100 other guests of the wedding and everything paid for! On Saturday, you are picked up from your hotel where you are shuttled to an Anheiser Bush Brewery tour. After you are dropped back off at your hotel, you get ready where the shuttle comes back to deliver you to the Fabulous Fox Theatre. (that alone is amazing if you have never been there). As you walk in the door of the Fox, you are greeted with champagne. As you are standing there, you hear music and when you turn around to see what is going on, you see a gospel choir walking out to take place on the side of the grand staircase. All of a sudden, you see the grandparents walking down the stairs, followed by the parents, followed by the groom carrying their 1 year old son. Song changes and Katherine comes down the staircase to greet her groom and son where they will finally be married.

Cocktail hour takes place right in the lobby, where you just watched a very moving ceremony. From cocktail hour, the gospel choir sings a blessing and escorts you up to dinner where you find AMAZING food stations. All of the stations were in honor of where the bride and groom have lived. We had a New England station, a St. Louis station, and a New Orleans station. As soon as dinner was nearing an end, SURPRISE, a Dixieland marching band came through where EVERYONE danced their way back downstairs to the dance floor to watch the ceremonial first dance. Once the first dance took place, the dance floor was packed! Gumbohead was a hit.

This was by far the most creative wedding I have ever had the pleasure of designing. Katherine and Christian were so much fun to work with. They didn't know what they wanted, but they sure knew what they didn't want, and average wedding.

I can't end this post without saying thank you to the WONDERFUL vendors that made the wedding what it was. Monica with the Fabulous Fox Theatre...I LOVE YOU! I am your newest best friend. You are the BEST EVA! Melissa Haley with M Haley Design...HOLY COW! These invites are about the coolest things that I have ever seen. You nailed the design to reflect the feel of the night like no one ever could. Not to mention all of the other details that you came up with; the itinerary board, the itineraries for the out of town gift bags, the menu's, the thank you notes, the labels for the water bottles, WOW! Koch Photography, what can I say. Jon, you are the most patient person I have ever met. Thank you for being so detailed and such a perfectionist. Best Transportation is the BEST, thus the name. Exclusive Events...you ROCK! The lounge furniture, the custom made pillows with the invitation design, and the lighting was amazing! I love working with Erin and Bryan, they are so creative and willing to try new things at the drop of a hat! And to Aaryn and Jenn. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being there. I would have been lost (and lost it) if it weren't for the both of you.