Here Comes the Rain Again.....

I was going to blog about something else entirely, but the weather here today has led me to another topic altogether! Living in the Midwest, we are accustomed to the sudden changes that the weather can bring. Today, we have tornado warnings in effect until early this evening, last night we had straight line wind whip through the area, uprooting trees, and the skies have that threatening look, like just about anything could happen. It reminds me of what happened a couple of years ago, when an F3 tornado ripped through an event I had in production, tossing a 120 x 60' tent into the lake, along with the lighting, staging, chivari chairs and everything else! With less than 48 hours left to put everything back together, we had our work cut out for us! We made it happen, and you can see the result in our Featured Weddings gallery under Laura & Christopher's Aug. 18, 2007 wedding.

All of this brings me to the point of my blog. If you are planning on having any part of your wedding outside (ceremony, cocktail hour, etc. ) , you absolutely must have an indoor plan in case of bad weather. Its imperative that you have things in place, so that if need be, you can easily transition from outside to inside. Its not ideal and its not at all what you've envisioned, BUT you've also not envisioned yourself stuck in a downpour in your duchess satin wedding gown either.

When do you make the call to move things inside? That can be tricky! I think you have to evaluate the weather forecast and make the call based on that information, as well as your comfort level. You also have to take into consideration, how long it will take to relocate everything. Its a call no one wants to have to make on their wedding day, but, why chance having everything ruined that you've paid for by wind, rain or hail? Not to mention the comfort and safety of everyone in attendance.

I never ever recommend having your entire reception outside, ever. Your guest tables will be so beautifully appointed with linens, china and floral, why risk that (and again, your guests) to the elements? Even if you have a beautiful sunny day, no one will want to sit in the hot sun while having their meal. Having a tent will ensure that everyone will be out of the weather, they will be shaded from the sun, or protected from the rain. Most musicians, bands and DJ's also require some type of shelter overhead, to again, protect their equipment and instruments.

Having a contingency plan just makes good planning sense. If you need to implement it, you can rest easy, knowing you have made plans to make the transition. It will help avoid chaos, frustration and panic on what should be, the happiest day of you life.

Wedding Day Survival Tips

Now that we are firmly entrenched in the wedding season, its a bit harder to blog on a regular basis! So, I'm going to try and share with you some things that I consider to be indispensable once the wedding day arrives. The first item that comes to mind, and that I end up using at almost every wedding is Hollywood Fashion Tape! This stuff is a lifesaver! Hollywood Fashion Tape is double-stick, hypo-allergenic tape. Its completely comfortable on skin and is safe to use on all fabrics. The original comes in 3 inch strips, and they now have the 'Red Carpet Assortment' which includes five different shapes that will fix any potential wardrobe malfunction. AND - if none of these shapes fits your situation, just use scissors and cut your own!

Okay, here are the various ways I've used this tape to solve a wedding day snafu:

- securing dress necklines (strapless, plunging, etc.) so you don't reveal too much
- keep dress from gaping open under arms, near arm pit
- fix a hem that has fallen out (groomsmen pants, mother of the bride dress, etc.)
- secure spaghetti straps that keep falling off the shoulder
- anchor shoe straps that keep slipping
- keep bra and slip straps undercover and in place
- close shirt if a button is lost
- keep elbow length and opera length bridal gloves in place
- keep thigh high hosiery from slipping
- keep sashes on flower girl & bridesmaid dresses from slipping out of place

I've even used it to re-tack down an aisle runner that had come loose! I'm sure I'm forgetting some other uses, but I never leave to do a wedding without it!! We stock it in our boutique, Girly Girl Gifts & Accessories - come by and get a few samples to try for yourself. There is nothing more unattractive than the bride tugging on her strapless dress all day and night, slap some Hollywood Fashion Tape on and that dress won't move at all! Trust me.

Association of Bridal Consultants Meeting, IN Chapter, Chesterton, IN

I spoke at an Association of Bridal Consultants state chapter meeting this past Sunday, which was held at the beautiful Sand Creek Country Club, in Chesterton, IN. It was so good to see some of my old friends (Kay, Gloria and Dena!) as well as meet a few new! Christina Page of Christina's Creative Planning, LLC, did a great job of arranging the entire day - thanks Christina! I was introduced to an idea that I think is just great, CineMagic, Personal Movie Posters. In a nutshell, its a movie style poster, featuring the bride and groom! You can choose your own 'title' or pick from a few suggestions. They look like the real deal, and would be an amazing keepsake after the wedding is over. You can use one of your own images, (with your photographers release) perhaps from your engagement session, or, they can do the photography for you. I hope to be offering this to my clients soon!

Guest Favor Idea

One of our Celebrated Events brides, Casey Korecki, along with her Mom, has been in town this week to work on her July '09 wedding. While we are busy putting all the pieces together, I just had to share her idea for their guest favor. She, and her fiance Tom, are planning on naming their guest tables after cities/states they have visited together, and the favor will be something from that place! For instance, they both attended Notre Dame, so of course, they spent four years in South Bend. They are planning on having something from the South Bend Chocolate Company on the 'South Bend' table. Maybe maple syrup on the 'Vermont' table, cheese on the 'Wisconsin' table, etc., etc. You get the idea! I can't wait to see what they come up with! We are planning on packaging the favors in some consistent way, to be compatible with the tablescape we are creating. We aren't sure yet, but it might be something as simple as a ribbon. We're still in the brainstorming phase, so we'll see what we come up with, stay tuned!

The Pond at Wood Meadow - Zedan/Bossung Wedding, August 23, '08

Here are a few images from the wedding of Carrie Zedan and Kyle Bossung. We will have many more images to share from this event on our Featured Weddings pages, so check back soon!
This wedding took place at the groom's parent's home - the ceremony was on the edge of a pond that was tucked away in a wooded area, and the reception took place in a grassy pasture. A horse drawn wagon took guests from their cars to the ceremony, where guests enjoyed a cool glass of lemonade while waiting for the big moment to arrive. Immediately following, guests were led to the cocktail area, where guests could enjoy a game of cornhole, a favorite of the bride and groom. Dinner and dancing followed inside the tent!

Christine Denison and Brian Diss, March 21, 2009

These are early images from the Denison/Diss wedding we did on 3/21/09. I'll have more to show later, but thought I'd post these as a little preview. The client wanted to create a feeling of drama and sophistication, which I think we were able to achieve through lighting, fabric treatments and outstanding elevated floral pieces. The reception took place at the Hilton Garden Inn with cocktails beginning in their pre-function area, then progressing into the ballroom for dinner and dancing. More to come!!

This is a view of the fabric treatment that was over the dance floor, looking straight up. Floral, fabric treatment and lighting were done by my associates, the amazing team at MichaelAngelos!

Franks Favorite Things - Drake Hotel - March 10, 2009

On March 10, 2009, the Illinois chapter of the Association of Bridal Consultants held a very special meeting at the Drake Hotel. My longtime colleague, Frank Andonoplas presented 'Franks Favorite Things.' It was a beautiful showcase of his undeniable talent for decor and design! Every table (14 in all) was beautifully appointed, with coordinating china, glassware, flatware, linens, menu cards and gorgeous centerpieces. I didn't get images of all of the tables, but what I did get is shown below. I came away inspired and with more than a few new ideas!

This table was all done in whites and crystals. I loved the napkin treatment - a 'chandelier' crystal!



The linen on the table below was made from 100% recycled materials!


I loved the spring/whimsical linen on this table, as well as the petals filling the centerpiece to hide the floral stems of this biedermeier styled piece.







Cute twist on the traditional pocket napkin fold!

Cool manzanita branches formed the base of this centerpiece.


Oh my goodness this centerpiece was phenomenal in person! The ostrich and pheasant feathers, the cala lily's, I LOVED it! You would have too.



This look was very elegant and traditional, but not stuffy looking!





I think this one may have been my favorite- it suprised me and inspired me to not be afraid to mix colors and textures. Be bold! Love the cool shape of the bread/butter dish!




I love the way these individual floral pieces are loosely connected with the bears grass.

It was so great to be with my friends, old as well as new, in the event industry! The energy in the room was contagious, I couldn't help but catch the fever!