Thursday, November 24, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Meta & Edmund
Meta & Edmund were married one year ago today at PebbleCreek Golf Club in Goodyear.
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was the way in which they celebrated. Meta & Edmund's rich African culture was evident among all the guests. They rejoiced over every single move this couple made like I have never seen before! As they left the ceremony, there was dancing and shouting. As they entered the reception, their was more dancing, shouting and a paparazzi-esque barrage of photos. The joy was contagious! I wish I could have bottled the love shared by all.
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was the way in which they celebrated. Meta & Edmund's rich African culture was evident among all the guests. They rejoiced over every single move this couple made like I have never seen before! As they left the ceremony, there was dancing and shouting. As they entered the reception, their was more dancing, shouting and a paparazzi-esque barrage of photos. The joy was contagious! I wish I could have bottled the love shared by all.
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Stephanie & Dustin
Stephanie & Dustin were married one year ago today at JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix.
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing was the draping combined with the lighting. We had floor-to-ceiling white draping with soft blue uplights. It felt like walking on a cloud in a fairytale! Which was exactly the look that the couple wanted since they are big Disney fans. This was also evident in their Mickey & Minnie cake topper and a last dance song set to 'When You Wish Upon a Star'. It was definitely the perfect start to their happily ever after!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing was the draping combined with the lighting. We had floor-to-ceiling white draping with soft blue uplights. It felt like walking on a cloud in a fairytale! Which was exactly the look that the couple wanted since they are big Disney fans. This was also evident in their Mickey & Minnie cake topper and a last dance song set to 'When You Wish Upon a Star'. It was definitely the perfect start to their happily ever after!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Amber & Steven
Amber & Steven were married one year ago today at The Mormon Temple and their reception was held at a private residence in Glendale.
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing was the canopy of twinkle lights we hung to cover their backyard reception. It created such a romantic ambiance for the entire evening, especially during the first dance. Amber & Steven and their families were an absolute joy in every way!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing was the canopy of twinkle lights we hung to cover their backyard reception. It created such a romantic ambiance for the entire evening, especially during the first dance. Amber & Steven and their families were an absolute joy in every way!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Ashley & Rodney
Ashley & Rodney were married one year ago today at the Phoenician Resort in Phoenix.
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing was the long feasting table we created for all 30 of their guests. Ashley & Rodney wanted to create an intimate feeling by including all their guests at one table. We had an array of centerpieces ranging from soft pink to bright raspberry that filled the center of the entire 40-foot length of the table. It was cool and modern, but still very warm and intimate: Which is Ashley & Rodney to a tee!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing was the long feasting table we created for all 30 of their guests. Ashley & Rodney wanted to create an intimate feeling by including all their guests at one table. We had an array of centerpieces ranging from soft pink to bright raspberry that filled the center of the entire 40-foot length of the table. It was cool and modern, but still very warm and intimate: Which is Ashley & Rodney to a tee!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Amanda & Dan
Amanda & Dan were married one year ago today at their private residence in Scottsdale.
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was the amazing 6-course gourmet meal we served to their 12 closest family and friends. I had the best seat in the house: The Kitchen. I watched as the 2010 James Beard Award Nominee, Chef Kevin Binkley prepared dish after delectable dish. It was one of the most incredible experiences to watch him and his team in action right up close. Amanda and Dan have impeccable taste and it was a pleasure working alongside them on all the details!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was the amazing 6-course gourmet meal we served to their 12 closest family and friends. I had the best seat in the house: The Kitchen. I watched as the 2010 James Beard Award Nominee, Chef Kevin Binkley prepared dish after delectable dish. It was one of the most incredible experiences to watch him and his team in action right up close. Amanda and Dan have impeccable taste and it was a pleasure working alongside them on all the details!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Arathi & Madhu
Arathi & Madhu were married one year ago today at the Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale.
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was the ceremony. It was a traditional Hindu ceremony, rich in culture. Many of the guests wore traditional Indian attire, including beautiful, brightly-colored saris and the floral and decor were over the top! Everywhere you looked, it was feast for your eyes!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was the ceremony. It was a traditional Hindu ceremony, rich in culture. Many of the guests wore traditional Indian attire, including beautiful, brightly-colored saris and the floral and decor were over the top! Everywhere you looked, it was feast for your eyes!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Ashley & Zach
Ashley & Zach were married one year ago today at the Wrigley Mansion Club in Phoenix.
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing was the custom designed logo. It was carried through on the inviations, the menus and we even made a GOBO which projected it onto the center of the dance floor to be enjoyed all evening.
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing was the custom designed logo. It was carried through on the inviations, the menus and we even made a GOBO which projected it onto the center of the dance floor to be enjoyed all evening.
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wedding Flashback: Vanessa & Scott Miller
For my first Wedding Flashback, I would like to introduce Vanessa and Scott Miller. They were married on March 22, 2008 at Villa Siena.Vanessa is my kind of girl - she likes to plan ahead! She hired me almost 15 months before her wedding. My other favorite thing about her is that she knows what she wants! That is always fantastic and so much fun! She told me in our initial meeting that she wanted the color theme to be hot pink and brown with accents of green... and we started with that concept and this is what we created:
The day started out with the girls getting ready in the comfortable bridal suite at Villa Siena.
Here is a shot of the ceremony site. The flowers were provided by Tyler's Custom Design. She dressed up the fireplace with lots of hanging amaranthus... my favorite!
Here are some more detail shots of the ceremony.
This shot is of the Best Man. He was so funny... He told me he was a "professional groomsman" so he could be trusted to walk more than one bridesmaid down the aisle at once. He had been in something like 7 weddings... He was cracking me up all night long!
And this shot is so adorable... I think this might be the cutest flower girl of all time. I mean, is it just me or is this a bridal magazine cover waiting to happen?:
Here are a handful of detail shots from the reception. The cake was provided by Bamboo Bakery and the linens were provided by Elegant Presentations.
All of the guests enjoyed the create-your-own pasta station. It was such a treat and the aroma in the room was amazing! The occasional flames from the saute pan created a really fun buzz in the room as well.
Vanessa was so excited about her pink and brown candy buffet table! The containers were purchased at TJ Maxx and the galvanized scoops were from CostPlus World Market. We had personalized pink paper bags for the guests to fill up and take home... and at the end of the night there was hardly a piece of candy in sight!
Vanessa & Scott - It was such a pleasure working with you and your family! I hope that you are enjoying life as newlyweds! I wish you all the best for your future!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Etiquette
I was raised with a heavy emphasis on Etiquette and Manners: Don't chew with your mouth open; Send thank you notes when you receive a gift; Wait until everyone at the table has gotten their food before you begin eating; etc. etc.Well, as a kid this translated into rules, rules, rules... and I was not exactly a rule-oriented little girl. In fact, I liked to break the rules any chance I got, just for the sake of going against the grain. In fact, my favorite phrase was, "You're not the boss of me!"
But one of my moms taught me that Etiquette was not just in place to "tell us what to do." Rather, it was just an agreed upon way of doing things so that everyone (i.e. society) knows what to expect and there is not chaos and confusion.
A good example of this is traffic laws. Could you imagine if everyone was just doing their own thing on the roads and not following the agreed upon driving etiquette? I know some of you are saying, "As a matter of fact, yes I can! There are a ton of rude drivers out there." And that is exactly the point.
If people are going through an intersection on a red light, changing lanes without signaling, or double parking... what does that cause? Chaos. Confusion. And sometimes disaster.
Well, the same is true with Etiquette. I know that Etiquette has been shifting and changing to accommodate our modern world and times, but the problem is that with everyone putting their own modern twist on Etiquette, it is losing the consistency of knowing what to expect... the very essence of why we need Etiquette in the first place.
For example, many people have started treating the acronym, R.S.V.P. as what you do if you are coming to an event. Some even make the mistake that it means, "Regrets Only." They have forgotten or disregarded that R.S.V.P. is French for "Repondez, S'il Vous Plait" which means, "Respond, Please." Respond if you are attending. Respond if you are NOT attending. RESPOND. This can have a huge impact on the host/hostess when planning an event. Especially one as large and typically formal as a wedding.
Since, as a Wedding Consultant, not following Etiquette has become one of my biggest pet peeves, I will spare you of me getting on my soapbox about the topic. But let me just say this: Following Etiquette is important. It may not be as dire as a traffic accident, I know. But please, Brides, Grooms and Guests alike, take the time to do your research and make sure you are following the proper Etiquette. It does not exist to boss you around, it is just common courtesy.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Joanna & Dan
Joanna & Dan were married one year ago today at Villa Siena in Gilbert.
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing were the favors/escort cards. Joanna and Dan spent weeks creating custom CDs for all their guests and we put them in custom-designed pockets and lined them up on a table. During cocktail hour, guests came by and took their favor which also led them to where they would be seated for the evening. I absolutely love things that are both pretty AND functional!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite thing were the favors/escort cards. Joanna and Dan spent weeks creating custom CDs for all their guests and we put them in custom-designed pockets and lined them up on a table. During cocktail hour, guests came by and took their favor which also led them to where they would be seated for the evening. I absolutely love things that are both pretty AND functional!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Jessica & Spencer
Jessica & Spencer were married one year ago today at the Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens in Phoenix.
In looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was the dancing! At the time, Jessica was a Cardinal's Cheerleader and many of her teammates were there. It was fun to watch the whole crowd show off their moves on the dance floor and it made for a really fun party!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
In looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was the dancing! At the time, Jessica was a Cardinal's Cheerleader and many of her teammates were there. It was fun to watch the whole crowd show off their moves on the dance floor and it made for a really fun party!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Honoring Lost Loved Ones
When you think about it, one of the most important parts of your wedding is sharing it with the people that mean the most to you. For many couples, some of the most important people in their lives are no longer with us, and not having them present, leaves an inevitable void.
Although we can not change the fact that they cannot be there with us in body, we can certainly honor that they are there with us in spirit.
Here are a few of my favorite ways of recognizing lost loved ones on your wedding day:
~ Reserve an empty chair in the front row of the ceremony, by placing a single white rose on it. You can even tie a little tag to it that says, "In memory of (your loved one's name). He/She is with us today in spirit."
~ Have your officiant take a moment of silence after reading the name of your loved one(s). It is amazing the impact that silence can have.
~ As a part of the ceremony, have your officiant read some words about the departed, and then release a single white dove. I recently did this for a bride who had just lost her father and the sound of the dove's wings in the silence of the crowd was incredibly moving.
~ Have a special memorial table. Place a framed picture of your loved one with a single candle burning in their honor. You may even choose to add a note on the table recognizing the person and how much they meant to you.
~ Make a donation in honor of the deceased in lieu of a favor. At a wedding a couple years ago, my clients had little scrolls made up to put at each place setting that told the guests that they made a donation to the American Cancer Society, in honor of the bride's mother who lost her battle with cancer.
A wedding is such a joyous occasion, and it is unfortunate that sometimes there is an underlying sadness. But the common thread between your wedding and your loss, is love. And love never fails.
Although we can not change the fact that they cannot be there with us in body, we can certainly honor that they are there with us in spirit.
Here are a few of my favorite ways of recognizing lost loved ones on your wedding day:
~ Reserve an empty chair in the front row of the ceremony, by placing a single white rose on it. You can even tie a little tag to it that says, "In memory of (your loved one's name). He/She is with us today in spirit."
~ Have your officiant take a moment of silence after reading the name of your loved one(s). It is amazing the impact that silence can have.~ As a part of the ceremony, have your officiant read some words about the departed, and then release a single white dove. I recently did this for a bride who had just lost her father and the sound of the dove's wings in the silence of the crowd was incredibly moving.
~ Have a special memorial table. Place a framed picture of your loved one with a single candle burning in their honor. You may even choose to add a note on the table recognizing the person and how much they meant to you.
~ Make a donation in honor of the deceased in lieu of a favor. At a wedding a couple years ago, my clients had little scrolls made up to put at each place setting that told the guests that they made a donation to the American Cancer Society, in honor of the bride's mother who lost her battle with cancer.A wedding is such a joyous occasion, and it is unfortunate that sometimes there is an underlying sadness. But the common thread between your wedding and your loss, is love. And love never fails.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Happy Anniversary: Megan & Chris
Megan & Chris were married one year ago today at SunRidge Canyon in Fountain Hills.
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was actually a bittersweet one. The bride's mother (of whom I met and adored after doing her other daughter's wedding in April 2008) had passed away about 2-weeks before the wedding, so all the guests were still feeling very tender. It was the first thing on everyones mind (including mine) but in order to hold our composure, no one said anything about it. Until the father of the bride gave his toast.
He made light-hearted jokes at first and everyone laughed. Then in a choked up voice he said, "I believe that there is one person in this world that you are meant to be with..." There was a long silent pause as he gathered his emotions, and he continued. "And I know that Megan and Chris have found that in each other."
There was not a dry eye in the house and as it turns out, it was just the release that we all needed. It was by far one of the most emotional wedding days I have been to, to date. I absolutely love this family with all my heart!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Looking back on their wedding day, my favorite memory was actually a bittersweet one. The bride's mother (of whom I met and adored after doing her other daughter's wedding in April 2008) had passed away about 2-weeks before the wedding, so all the guests were still feeling very tender. It was the first thing on everyones mind (including mine) but in order to hold our composure, no one said anything about it. Until the father of the bride gave his toast.
He made light-hearted jokes at first and everyone laughed. Then in a choked up voice he said, "I believe that there is one person in this world that you are meant to be with..." There was a long silent pause as he gathered his emotions, and he continued. "And I know that Megan and Chris have found that in each other."
There was not a dry eye in the house and as it turns out, it was just the release that we all needed. It was by far one of the most emotional wedding days I have been to, to date. I absolutely love this family with all my heart!
Here's wishing them many more years of happiness and all that their hearts desire!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
I hope you all had a safe and happy New Year celebration! I am really excited about what 2011 holds for my family and my business!I hope that you are feeling excited and encouraged today too!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wedding Flashback: Austin & Charlie Fairbourn
Austin and Charlie Fairbourn were married on March 14, 2009 in a beautiful and intimate ceremony at Brophy Chapel and their reception was held at the very hip, very urban Bentley Projects downtown.This was one of those occasions where in the first phone call with Austin, we just clicked. Austin's best friend and Maid of Honor, Bailey and I met at the January Bridal Fashion Debut. Bailey was doing some reconnaissance on Austin's behalf since Austin currently lives in Denver. Bailey told me she would pass my information onto Austin and sure enough I received a call from Austin the following week.
As I mentioned, Austin and I had an immediate connection and within days she made her decision to hire me as her day-of coordinator. At that point we began working very closely together for the next few months, pulling together the final details of her wedding day.
Austin has impeccable taste and the vendors she had selected were all top-notch! It was a pleasure to meet some new vendors, and a delight to work with the ones I already know.
Below are a handful of my favorite pictures taken by one my new favorite photographers, Kirsty Edwards of Kirsty Edwards Photography in San Francisco. We found that we not only share the same last name, but also the same exact birthday! We dubbed ourselves "Team Edwards" and I cannot wait for another opportunity to work with my new found friend!
Below are some of the details of the day. The flowers were designed by Tamara at Petal Pushers and I could not have been more impressed. She is not only a talented designer, but one of the hardest working people I have ever met. It is obvious that her heart and soul goes into everything that she does. Just take a look at her handiwork:
I love this shot of Austin. So elegant, so chic, so glamorous:
Here are a few shots from the ceremony. I just love Brophy Chapel!
Isn't this a cute shot of the girls?:
And I love this shot of the guys:
The reception details came together beautifully. Austin and Charlie had a theme that was centered around bridges and the symbolism of what they stand for. I loved the way that the natural elements in the centerpieces and the earthy colors of brown and green were a really warm balance for the modern, urban art gallery.
The amazing menu provided by Santa Barbara Catering (led by the invaluable Melissan Falcone) was made up of down-home comfort food including Pulled Pork, Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Fried Green Tomatoes and Cornbread. And to top it off: Pie ala mode. Mmmmm!
The guests enjoyed a fun evening filled with music provided by Nick Kraintz of NDK and an Old Fashioned Photobooth provided by A2Z Photobooth. It was truly a magical evening!
Congratulations Austin & Charlie! You were a delight to work for and it was a pleasure to get to know you. I wish you all the best that life has to offer - you deserve it!
For more photos from this wedding, please visit Shoot Retouch Design's Photography Blog!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Featured Couple: Engagement Session
Hello again! Just wanted to share another update on our Featured Couple: Madeline & Christian.
They found an amazing photographer in Christian's hometown in Minnesota by the name of Laura Clawson. So they decided to do their engagement session with her at the Munsinger Flower Gardens in St. Cloud.
Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot:
I will be in touch with more news on this sweet couple...
~Emily
They found an amazing photographer in Christian's hometown in Minnesota by the name of Laura Clawson. So they decided to do their engagement session with her at the Munsinger Flower Gardens in St. Cloud.
Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot:
I will be in touch with more news on this sweet couple...
~Emily
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Marriage License
You would be surprised to know how many couples put this task off. After all, it is no where near as fun as a cake tasting or picking the perfect linen. But I recommend to all my clients that they go ahead and get this taken care of right away. The license is good for one year from the date it is issued, so if you are less than a year away, go get that bad boy!
It is surprisingly easy to get a Marriage License here in the state of Arizona... not that I'm complaining.
Basically, you each have to have a picture I.D., a total of $72, and raise your hands and swear you're not cousins. Done. No waiting period. No blood tests. You're outta there!
The only thing that can make it logistically difficult is that you and your fiancee both have to be present, and you have to go during standard business hours (8:00 - 5:00, M-F). Since the majority of people are working during this time, it can sometimes be a challenge, hence why so many couples put it off.
But the last thing you need is the stress of waiting to the last minute to go get this significant little document. So, click here for more information and the various locations in Maricopa County that you can go to get one.
~Emily
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