Vendors Uncorked! Wedding Photographer, Cincinnati, OH

It’s time…. I would have loved to post this earlier today but work and appointments got in the way. So I’m posting now… hoping all of you awesome readers will still click over to the blog tonight!

One of the greatest parts about this Vendor’s Uncorked series is not only that I get to introduce to you great vendors… but… you also get to meet some of the coolest, awesomest people I know! Yes, I just made up the word awesomest!

Today is no exception. Meet Jacalyn… btw… I don’t think there’s a single person that’s met her that doesn’t love her…

She just exudes cool, classy, and dramatic…. you know like if you looked up the definition of jazz hands in the dictionary… you might just find this picture! lol!

Jacalyn is the owner of JMM Photography and one of Cincinnati’s top photographers. She is fantabulous at what she does and honestly…. it’s because she loves what she does so freakin’ much!

Here’s a little of her work… but seriously this is just the tip of the awesomeberg. Yes… I made that word up too.  Check it…

So yeah… here’s what she has to say….

· Hi Kellie!  Here is my snippet on the “Vendors Uncorked”   Love the idea behind this Kell and am so honored you asked me to partake!

o Let's try this.... start here.
* What is your job/business?

o I am Jacalyn Mains- sole owner of JMM Photography.  I am a wedding and boudoir photographer.  What I am not is a photographer that will jump at the chance to photograph absolutely anything.  I’d rather be excellent at one thing than mediocre at many.  I find that I am inspired by the energy surrounding a wedding as well as the essence of a woman celebrating her beauty and thrive on woman power- so I’ve chosen to hone my skills and focus on those two types of photography, wedding and boudoir, because they stimulate my creative juices and keep my job fun!  I have a studio/consult space in Newport, KY that I share with four other wedding vendors (all women and all pure awesome.)

o
* What drives you to do what you do every day?

o When I first got into photography and decided to turn it into a career instead of a side gig, I said one thing to myself that remains true today.  If I am going to be away from my family, my children, and the ones I love most by working, then it will only be at a “job” that I love, plain and simple.  It isn’t worth it to be absent from what matters most to me to do something that I hate.  So, for me, that is photography.  I know not everybody has that luxury and I thank my lucky stars every day that I do.   I am an artist- you know, one of those creative types that marches to the beat of their own drum.  I am proud of that and think that that is what makes me a unique person and unique artist.  The only way to be fulfilled in my life, as a person who positively contributes as a member of society, is to express my creative nature through the lens.  It is what makes sense to me, it is how I see the world, it is how I capture others. 

o
* What is a common misunderstanding from couples in your line of work?

o I think that many potential clients don’t realize that when we are meeting, I am interviewing them as much as they are interviewing me.  I don’t want to work with just anybody.  For the wedding day to be “the perfect storm” our personalities need to mesh and our thoughts on the day need to be in sync.  For example, if you are a super control freak bride who wants to dictate my every move- you are absolutely not the bride for me.  I want to be trusted in the craft that I do.  I need that trust and I work hard to earn it.  I tell my clients that I am with them all day and, in fact, I usually see the bride more so than she’ll see her own fiancé on her wedding day.  It sounds crazy, but it is true!  So, we need to get along and, in my eyes, we need to be friends.  I am looking for clients that I simply click with and know that in the end, our relationship will extend beyond their wedding day.  Some people think this is strictly business, but for me, it isn’t. It’s personal.

o
* What is a common complaint you hear from couples about something that you do… and what is the reason why you do it this way?

o Ok Kell- I really don’t have a response for this one.  I’m not saying I’ve NEVER gotten a complaint, but when I have, it is something specific to the couple and not to my work (not tooting my own horn here, but just stating the facts).  If I had had a reoccurring complaint, then I would have changed the way I did said offense.

o
* What are some of the things you do that contribute to your bottom line?

o Lenses to me are like- I don’t know, say shoes, to the average woman!  You simply can’t have too many!!!  I believe having a variety of lenses to choose from helps keep the way I shoot fresh and ever evolving.  But the list goes on and I’m only going to mention a few things here as I don’t want to bore you but…..I attend a photography conference once a year to keep apprise to new products and to further educate myself.  Not to mention the hard cost of the albums I offer!  I want the best and have expensive taste- what can I say?  I work hard to present my clients with albums that they maybe have never seen before, or that has a unique quality to it.  It is something I am attracted to and feel that my idea client is as well.  Oh, and I gotta give some love to Rachel, my assistant and second photographer.  I have to pay her too!  She works hard!

o
* What are some little known facts about your particular industry that brides really should know?

o Despite what you may think, a lot of the photographers in this industry (especially the woman) are friends!  I meet with 3 other female photographers once a month for breakfast or lunch and we talk shop (and about our personal lives too).   We might be in direct competition with each other, but that totally doesn’t matter.  All four of us realize that there are enough brides to go around and that not every bride is for me!  I love knowing other ladies in the industry well enough on a personal and professional level to be able to confidently refer them to brides that have contacted me and their date is already booked.

o
* If you lived in a perfect world… engaged couples would…. __________________________?

o Absolutely, completely, and blindly trust and have faith in me.  Simply put- just let me do my job.  I know that seems like a lot to ask when there are people out there who aren’t trustworthy.  However, know that there are good people out there, good vendors who have a lot invested in their integrity and in the relationships they build with their clients.  My very favorite thing to hear from my clients is, “Jacalyn, just do what you do!”  Then I am like, “Hell yeah!  It is on!”

So there you have it. Here’s a few more shots to wet your picture palette before we go… I always tease her that she can make cheese look good!

Thanks so much Jac! Love ya girl!

Go check her out at www.jmmphotography.us

Or just call her up here….

Jacalyn M. Mains

Photographic Artist & Owner

JMM PHOTOGRAPHY

www.jmmphotography.us

(859) 803-8902

Au Revoir for now!

Sharing is Caring! Wedding Planner, Dayton, Ohio

I remember one of the very first weddings I assisted with another local wedding planner.

The tables were filled with tons of beautiful produce, greens, and flowers. It was stunning to say the least.

The night ended and the florist returned to take down the glass and clear off the tables. He came around the corner with a gigantic trash bag and just started tossing it all in the TRASH! I remember being totally shocked! All of that beauty and cash in the trash. That might we hauled out 4 large bags of centerpiece parts etc… all to the dumpster.

I have to admit, since then I have occasionally been known to trash a centerpiece or two. With the c0uples approval we tend to set them out on a table for guest to grab on their way out. Sometimes this works… sometimes we have to preserve the vessel so we can’t do this.

I ran across this website today and it made me so excited! Check this out! Reduce, reuse, recycle… even your wedding flowers.

ReBloom is a Cincinnati based charity organization that takes floral arrangements left over from lifetime celebrations and re-designs and distributes them to patients in local hospitals.

Here’s the info right from their site.

Repurpose

ReBloom is a new volunteer organization that creates repurposed floral arrangements from donated flowers in the Cincinnati Ohio area

Revitalize

Rather than your flowers being disposed after the event, let them revitalize someone's day. Deliveries of these free arrangements to patients in local hospitals and charities send a message of care and compassion

Recycle

ReBloom provides an eco-friendly way to share the joy and beauty of your flowers

Donations are tax deductible; consult your tax advisor

 

Look at what the patients are saying. Just such a simple way to touch someone’s heart.

I wanted to send you a great big Thank YOU! I was the recipient of one of your repurposed flowers yesterday! I was in the hospital to receive a chemo treatment and in comes one of the nurses with a vase of flowers! I really can not tell you how much it lifted my spirits. They were just so unexpected since I'm only in the hospital for 2 days each time. Most of my friends and family lose track of my treatments and hospital visits. What made me even happier was that I am all about recyling and repurposing! I Love the entire concept! I plan to spread the word to everyone I know. Keep up the good work ... I really appreciate what you are doing! Thanks again.

I am so excited about this great new organization. I’ll definitely be talking with my brides about donating their flowers to this wonderful organization!

Au Revoir for now!

Vendors Uncorked, Wedding Invitations, Covington, KY

Today we’re hearing from another super fab lady and  business owner. She’s the owner of Five Dot Design. You might have heard us talk about her and her awesomeness in several previous posts when she worked with us on our Prime Time Party Rental tabletop and the A Night With The Pros Event. She always goes above and beyond for our clients… even with our crazy requests!

Before we let her chat with you… let’s take a look at some of the gorgeousness that comes out of her paper genius!

 

But don’t just take my word… here’s hers!

* What is your job/business?

I'm the paper girl- I create custom wedding invitations. We'll sit down in my studio in Newport and work together to design your wedding stationery- it's a very hands-on process for you.

* What drives you to do what you do every day?

I'll never get tired of hearing the little gasp that a client lets out when they see their invitations for the first time. Invitations are the first visual introduction to your wedding your guests receive and I don't believe that introduction should look like another bride's across town or even across the state. You put a lot of hard work into planning your wedding and adding so many personal touches and for me, those personal touches shouldn't stop with paper.

* What is a common misunderstanding from couples in your line of work?

Many think I'm a girl with a computer that happens to like paper. This isn't something I just dabble in- it's extremely fun work for me, but I take it very seriously. I realize my service is an investment and I would never be able to justify that investment if I didn't feel like I couldn't speak to my trade confidently and intelligently. I've put a lot of time and effort into finding the best resources and materials I can find, so that when we meet, you have options that work best with your budget.

Many girls think they'll save money creating their invitations or other wedding stationery on their own. It doesn't always end up costing less, however. For some, creating them on their own works out and for others, they aren't so lucky. What you mostly end up saving money on is in time.

When you hire me to create your wedding invitations, you're not just hiring me- you're hiring my experience in both graphic design and in wedding stationery. I invest multiple hours beyond that initial hour consult with you. You're also hiring me to attend to the details and communication that go into producing your stationery: sourcing paper compatible with your printing choice, working with the printer to ensure your files are ready to go and making sure the sizes of your printed pieces will go thru the mail without any problems.

* What is a common complaint you hear from couples about something that you do… and what is the reason why you do it this way?

The most common complaint I get is that I'm more expensive than what the budget allows. And honestly, that's okay. Every bride has different priorities when it comes to hiring her wedding vendors and paper isn't always towards the top of the list. There's a trade off to every choice a bride has to make. If you choose me, you might pay more, but you're also given the opportunity to create something that's just for you and the design is dictated by what you want. If you choose to order out of a catalog or online, you might not pay as much, but you may not have as the opportunity to get exactly what you want. In most cases, I might not be able to work with a client on her wedding invitations, but I can help her with her ceremony and reception pieces like programs, menus, escort cards and table numbers.

* What are some of the things you do that contribute to your bottom line?

I'm a one person operation right now, but I use freelancers from time to time which allows me to give my clients more style options. I make sure to attend design conferences to keep visually inspired and I browse wedding magazines and blogs to keep up with new trends and styles. I share an awesome studio space in Newport with four other wedding professionals, so if we're itching to work together and haven't done so in awhile, we'll come up with a fun concept and create a photoshoot or window display around that idea. It keeps us thinking creatively and keeps us trying new things without making our clients guinea pigs.

* What are some little known facts about your particular industry that brides really should know?

I can really only speak to me, but I'm a visual thinker so the more images you can provide to me, the better- of both what you do like and what you don't. What you don't like is sometimes more important than what you do like. I use sites like pinterest.com (http://pinterest.com/fivedotdesign/pins/) to share concept visuals with my clients and that allows us to be in constant contact with the vision of the event without sending countless emails or having multiple meetings. Any of your vendors can see the images you pin and add their own images to boards, making sure everyone involved in your wedding is on the same page visually. I also like to be in contact with a client's florist and/or event designer when I can to make sure what I provide paper-wise on the table will be cohesive with the other floral pieces and linens on the table.

* If you lived in a perfect world… engaged couples would….

Stay true to YOUR vision for YOUR wedding. Some of my most successful pieces design-wise are with clients where her vision and my vision were practically identical because I understood what she wanted. This allowed us to truly work together to create her wedding stationery. It's going to feel like you have to please everyone, and there might be a few things you have to compromise on when it comes to family, but in the end, it's YOUR wedding and be sure to hire wedding professionals that understand your vision, needs, wants and wishes.

Thanks so much Kristen. I just heart her! Not only is she a fantastic designer but she’s a darn fun person too!

Before we go I just had to share this photo shoot Kristen took part in. I ADORE ADORE ADORE this tree hanging… gasp!

 

Check her and Five Dot Design out! You won’t regret it!

Au Revoir!

Shoe Appeal Wednesday, Wedding Planner, Dayton, Ohio

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

This is Sarah writing to you today. I have been so excited to share these two pairs of Charlotte Olympia’s with you! I was immediately drawn to the detail on this first pair. BEAUFITUL! These are listed at 935€, which is about $1290! Take a look:

These are named "Orient Express."

While I love shoes that make a statement because of the intricate details, I also love a stunning shoe in which the simplicity speaks just as loud. Take a look at this second pair by Charlotte Olympia, named "Paloma":

Which ones do you like?

A Revoir!
~Sarah

Vendors Uncorked- Makeup Artist, Cincinnati, Ohio

Meet Nancy….

She’s the super cool one on the right. You may or may not have heard of her…. but I know you’ve all heard about her super fab company Brideface. Nancy is an awesome lady both professionally and personally. Her brides RAVE about their services. She’s a can’t go wrong pick for your wedding day makeup.

I mean who wouldn’t DIE to have a face made up like this on your wedding day:

Just wow!! So Nancy took some time to Uncork herself and talk a little about all of the fun stuff brides need to know about her and about what it means to own, operate, hire, and work with a top notch makeup designer. Here’s her take….

* What is your job/business? 

I am the owner of BRIDEface makeup housecalls, which provides professional onsite makeup artistry for special events. We have been in business for six years and have a team of nine makeup artists. We specialize in airbrush makeup and individual lash enhancements, and several of our crew have trained under celebrity makeup artist Laura Mercier. Our studio is located in the Mainstrasse district of Covington Kentucky.

* What drives you to do what you do every day? 

I truly love making people feel beautiful. It is the most photographed day of your life and knowing you look like the very best version of yourself really puts you at ease! It's an honor to be able to spend that rather intimate portion of their day with them, and it's something we take very seriously. Nothing makes my day more than pleas for foundation recommendations on Facebook or texts from Sephora regarding which mascara a client should choose. I'm on call!

* What is a common misunderstanding from couples in your line of work? 

Most brides do not understand the difference between makeup for photography and "everyday" makeup. They say to me. "I know my makeup is supposed to be heavier." It's more about pigmentation and definition than it is about "heavy". You want to still look like you only more amazing!

The type of products you use,for example, can make or break the longevity of your look. Photos can "flatten" your features, and you need a skilled artist to highlight and contour your face to bring out your best features (and diminish others) Most of your wedding day you are viewed at a distance and your eyes need to "pop" from across a room.

* What are some of the things you do that contribute to your bottom line? 

Must to my husband's chagrin,I constantly buy makeup! I always want to stay on top of what is new and fresh, whether it be product launches, learning new techniques in makeup classes out of town, and devouring fashion magazines. The members of my staff also work on commercial shoots, which keeps us up to speed creatively.  

* If you lived in a perfect world… engaged couples would…

only hire true wedding pros. I cannot tell you how many emails I get from panicked brides who were planning to use the Mary Kay lady up the street, or their cousin Sue, only to find out the results at the practice session were not quite what they expected, or they have canceled on them last minute so they can go out of town that weekend. A true professional signs a contract, stays in communication, shows up when they say they will, gets your party done on a timely basis, uses proper hygienic practices, and has professional grade products. Their equipment is insured against loss. They also have the level of experience required to get through unexpected mishaps that could possibly occur. (I was once asked to cover two groomsmen's' black eyes at the last second. Never did get the real story on that one.)

Thanks so much for sharing with us Nancy! It’s so great hear your insight.

* On a side note Nancy not only does makeup for weddings, she does print ad shoots, media appearances, classes, etc. She has a team of super awesome and totally talented gals that carry around Nancy approved makeup and skills!  Gotta check out all of her ongoing events at her website here and check in with her to see if she’s available on your wedding day… good things go fast!

Hope you’re loving hearing from the vendors as much as I am!

Au Revoir for now!!

Trend Alert: Dayton, Ohio Wedding Planner

Ever run into something that just makes you go swoon? Every time I do that I tend to save it in the pictures folder of my computer.

I was scrolling through the tons and tons of pictures in there and noticed a major trend and something I totally LOVE!

Check out these vintage inspired full headpieces. It’s has the feel of the typical birdcage but with an older more timeless feeling… and I seriously believe we’re going to see a lot more of these on heads in the near future.

Like or Love?

We LOVE!

Au Revoir for now!

Vendors Uncorked- Hey Mr. DJ,–DJ Services, Cincinnati, OH

Here it is! Our first installment of vendors uncorked!

Today we’re hearing from the amazing Brandon Lindsey of Cincinnati’s own HEY MR. DJ.

Check out his super insightful, adrenalin filled musings!

From Brandon:

My name is Brandon Lindsey. I own Hey! Mr. DJ Entertainment in Cincinnati Ohio and I’m a DJ and Master Of Ceremonies specializing in wedding receptions. It is now Sunday at 1:45am and I’ve just pulled into my driveway. About two hours ago I stepped to the microphone and congratulated Ryan and Stacy on their marriage. It was the final note of a magical day and night that left many of their guests telling them it was the best wedding reception they have ever been to.

About ten months ago Stacy called me and we spoke for the very first time. Neither of us knew that we would share one of the most important days of her life. In fact her first question was, “What do you charge for 4 hours?” I explained I don’t have a four hour package and for most of my clients I put in about 20 hours of work before I ever arrive at their event. This piqued her interest. We talked a little more and agreed to meet at my office.

Many brides don’t like that I refuse to quote an exact price on the phone. I don’t quote a price for a few reasons. The first reason is I don’t know what they need without talking to them more. I don’t know what will be required of me. So many weddings have so many different variables. The biggest reason however that I don’t want to quote a price is, I’m not cheap! I don’t compete with other DJs on price. I compete on value and I can’t show someone my value on the phone. I want to be able to show brides what I do that is AMAZING and usually they think I’m a great deal after that.

Many brides are like Stacy. When they call a DJ they think they are calling someone to simply play music at their wedding reception. Most are worried that if a DJ says something on the microphone it will be cheesy or overshadow them on their wedding day. Depending on the DJ they call, they may be correct. Most DJs have no training at all. They are self-taught amateurs whose years of experience consist of doing the same thing they have always done year after year. This results in average wedding receptions that are cookie cutter. I’m not like that. I want brides to know that I travel the country training, attending workshops and seminars. I want them to know that I brainstorm online with DJs and wedding professionals on a daily basis developing new creative ways to personalize their wedding day. I want brides to know why saying “Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time I’d like to” over and over again on the microphone, like most DJs do, will negatively impact their wedding day. I want couples to know why I was asked to speak in Las Vegas to DJs from all over the world about what I do. I want couples to know that their wedding can be different and better than they ever imagined. I want couples to know that five years from now their guests will remember, above all other things, moments that I can help them create at their wedding. The moments that stir emotion and make them cry, laugh, sing along and dance will be what their guests remember about their wedding reception. Those moments are what drive me.

I work with select couples and their wedding vendors to create a once in a lifetime event. I charge what I charge because I’m worth it. It amazes me that a couple would trust their event to a DJ who doesn’t charge enough money to even run a legitimate business. A real business has operating expenses like advertising, phone, gas, office supplies, equipment purchases and upkeep, accounting, legal music, training, staff, taxes, office space etc. There are only so many weekends in a year to earn money in this business. Chances are those guys that are cheaper are either hobbyist or not doing things the legal way. I’m just surprised people would trust their event to either group.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining. I’m very busy and forced to turn away events even at my higher rates. I just wish every bride and groom would shop around, and educate themselves on what is out there. Stacy and Ryan did and she actually cried in our first meeting when I showed her an example of something I do. They also laughed in that meeting when I showed them some creative things I had recently done. They left enlightened and super excited. It was a 45 minute meeting that changed the entire outcome of their wedding reception. Over the next few months we got to know each other and we planned, from an entertainment perspective, a reception that was full of amazing moments, lots of fun and plenty of time left for dancing. Two hours ago after an amazing reception filled with tears, laughter and lots of dancing, Stacy walked over to me and hugged me. Ryan looked me in the eye and shook my hand. They both sincerely thanked me. As they turned to walk away, a guest stopped them and I heard her say “This was the best reception I have ever been to.” So as I walked into my house I still had too much adrenaline and emotion in my veins to go to bed. I decided to take the time to write these words. I hope it gives a little deeper look into what I do and will lead a few more couples to make their entertainment a priority.

And that’s all he wrote!!  Check out Hey Mr. DJ! They’ll knock your spanx off! lol… oh come on… we all know you won’t be wearing socks on your wedding day!

Thanks so much Brandon!!

Au Revoir for now!

Vendors Uncorked–Wedding Vendors, Cincinnati, OH

I am SUPER SUPER excited to bring this SUPER exciting.. te he…

series of blog posts to all of you!

I have talked to several of the area’s best of the best of the best wedding vendors. I asked them to give you as the bride/ engages couples some insight from their perspective.

I wanted you to get a good idea of all the things a vendor wishes you could know or might ask.

Hence… VENDORS UNCORKED…. the real life view from your wedding vendors.

I asked them to answer a series of questions in any way they’d like. And I know…. these are things you’ll want to hear.

Here’s a little sampling of the questions….

* What is your job/business?

* What drives you to do what you do every day?

* What is a common misunderstanding from couples in your line of work?

* What is a common complaint you hear from couples about something that you do… and what is the reason why you do it this way?

* What are some of the things you do that contribute to your bottom line?

* What are some little known facts about your particular industry that brides really should know?

* If you lived in a perfect world… engaged couples would…. __________________________?

SOUNDS PRETTY AWESOME>>>>> DON’T IT!!!???

Stay tuned… You’ll be hearing from

Brandon Lindsey of Hey Mr. DJ,

Kristen Little of Five Dot Designs,

Nancy Dawson of Brideface,

Joe Penno at the Contemporary Arts Center,

Jacalyn Mains of JMM Photogpraphy, 

Stacey Sparks of Bella Bridal,

Kristen Frank of Impact Video Productions,

Marti Thompson of Marti’s Floral Designs!!

What a stellar line up!

Hang on folks… This is going to be a wild ride!!!

Au Revoir for now!!!

Shoe Appeal Wednesday- Wedding Planner in Dayton Ohio

OMG>>>> I don’t even remember where I found these but they knocked me off my feet… or couch… whichever.

They’re origami inspired from sir Loubouton (of course)!|

Can you see the origami detail here? Pure genius!! Swoon!

Au Revoir!

Questions, Queries, and Conundrums–Wedding Planner, Cincinnati, OH

Q:  I keep going back and forth on the issue of changing my name after I get married? It’s such a huge decision… what are your thoughts?

In the last year or so name changing has become increasingly controversial and a major topic of discussion among couples… even before they get engaged.

I’ll back up a little to give my honest opinion… I got married to my high school sweetheart almost 10 years ago. One day after getting engaged a good friend from high school stopped in to my work and was appalled by the fact that I was going to change my name when I got married. I suppose appalled is pretty strong… but you could tell that she definitely did not agree with my decision. Oddly I remember thinking how strange it was that she felt so strongly about my decision. I married and went through the whole rig-a-ma-roll of changing my name and really never looked back.

Occasionally I  use my former last name when I know the person I’m speaking to would know my parents. Other than that… I just wish my husband could have had a cooler name that DAAB. Sometimes when people ask about the name I laugh it off and say… I married into that one.

For me, I never thought about changing my name as controversial or as if I was loosing a certain identity.. frankly, I didn’t really think I had a choice… this was just what you did. I will say, I came from a conservative home where my parents and my husbands parent had been married for years, no divorces, no step kids, no spouse deaths, pretty much your all American pastor’s kid. I always knew one day I would change my name… cause that was the way I would show my future husband that I wanted to make a family with him.

The friend I spoke about before was raised primarily by her awesome single mom and her darling grandparents. She never felt connected to her birth name either and halfway through high school changed it to reflect her grandfather (who was the dominate male figure in her life). She had already experienced choosing a name that reflected her. That reflected the ties she felt to her family. She recently married as well… and she kept her grandfathers name.

So what am I getting at here?

Wait for it… it’s a total shocker…. EVERY PERSON IS DIFFERENT!

Every single person in the world experiences a different type of upbringing, a different level of sentimentalism, a heightened feeling of ownership, liberal or conservative parents, a fiancé with a strong opinion, career paths and choices, etc. etc. etc.

It would be nearly impossible for the same solution to be the best solution for everyone. I chose to change my name because I loved my husband and wanted us to start our own family with him as the lead of the home. That was my reason.

When making a decision about changing your name, really sit down and decide why or why not you would make this decision. What is your reason behind changing or not changing. Communicate this clearly with your future spouse and make a decision that feels right for you.

In the end this is what’s going to make you happy and feel like you fit in your name.

Au Revoir for now!

Zac Posen Spring 2012 = Wowza!–Wedding Planner in Dayton, Ohio

Wow, wow, wow! Have you seen Zac Posen’s Spring 2012 line.

His dresses are all amazing. Here a few gems that would be stunning on your wedding day!

I absolutely adore that necklace also! I bet the back of this dress is amazing!

 

The lines on this gown are stunning!

Aside from the wing tips this dress is a huge stunner!

Gorgeous!

I always love seeing the new designs! Hope you enjoyed! Who wants one?

Au Revoir!

Brand Spankin’ New! - Wedding Planner in Dayton, Ohio

Hey everyone. I meant to do this a while ago when we officially launched our brand new website.

So here it is… the before and after.

BEFORE

 

AFTER

So go check it out for yourself! www.handinhandbridal.com

Like or Love?

Au Revoir

Shoe Appeal Wednesday, Wedding Planner, Cincinnati, Ohio

Hello! This is Sarah, the assistant consultant for Kellie at Hand in Hand Bridal. Kellie and I started working together at the beginning of this year and I have already taken on my first wedding, which will be October 1. Not only do Kellie and I work very well together, but we both share a love of beautiful high heels!

I assisted Kellie in coordinating a modern peacock-inspired wedding this past weekend, thus the inspiration for sharing these beauties with you!

(Hand crafted, satin and rare-feather pumps by Maï Lamore; also available in white/ivory feathers)

Would you wear extravagant shoes such as these at your wedding? I know I would!

Au Revoir for now!
--Sarah

Shoe Appeal Wednesday–Wedding Planner in Cincinnati, Ohio

A little something blue for your wedding day!

Gorgeousness from Donna Karen.

I could sleep in these babies!!

Au Revoir!

Bad Bad Blogger Wedding Planner, Cincinnati, Ohio

Someone needs to slap my fingers, yell at me, and put me in the corner… I have been a bad bad blogger!

It has been such a busy last couple of months and today I’m starting to feel as if I’m finding the top of the heaping pile of stuff I have to do.

For the last couple of weeks I have had more inquiries and bookings than I can keep up with… I’m so excited! I suppose August can be the new January (Note: in the wedding industry January usually begins the booking season)!

Since I know all of you have been checking back feverishly to see if I have updated the blog (*wink*) HERE I AM. I have a wham-doosey of a blog post coming so you CAN get excited for that. In the meantime I thought I’d share just a little about what we’ve been working on.

October 1st, our assistant consultant Sarah has taken on her first wedding. She’s been learning the planning ropes of the business and from what I can tell… the vendors she’s worked with are happy and so are the bride and groom. You go Sarah!

They are hosting their wedding at a brand new venue in the area called Magnolia Estates.

The grounds are under construction as of right now but it’s looking like it will provide a nice space for moderate budget weddings.  Photos found on their website. http://magnoliaestate.com

Another wedding in the works for 2012 is proving to be pretty exciting. This wedding will be at the Inn at Oneonta in Kentucky.

I am looking forward to the site tour this coming Monday. They have a beautiful faux chapel in the back and great patio space for tented receptions.  http://celebrationsbydavid.com/index.html

We have several more in the works… and will be sharing more of their springboard inspirations in the very near future!

Please don’t be too upset with my blog absence. In the coming weeks Sarah will also be guest blogging here. That should help to satisfy your wedding planning yearnings! At least a little….

Au Revoir for now!

We Predict! Dayton, Ohio Wedding Planner

In our next installment of We Predict! we’re going to talk a little about something old becoming new again!

We Predict we’ll see an increased number of these beautiful arrangements! The Composite Bouquet!

The concept behind the composite bouquet is to start with one single flower as the center of the bouquet. Then petals are individually wired and layered in around the center flower.

It creates a large and singular looking flower.

Composites are typically made using roses. But can be creating using a variety of gorgeous flowers. Here’s some examples:

 

Composite Bouquets can also be called Glameria. Here’s a little history!

 Almost forgotten, the composite-flower bouquet dates from the early 20th century. Unable to source the wide range of colors and year-round availability found in today’s hybrid roses, florists used this ingenious method of constructing huge ‘roses’ from the petals of gladioli. Then called ‘glameria’, these oversized blooms were worn by themselves on a hat or as a corsage, or several could be fashioned into a bouquet for the bride with an unlimited budget.

And here’s the part you’re all waiting for. What’s out?

TYPEWRITERS!

I gotta give it to the creative person that came up with this cute idea… but it has ran it’s course and it’s time to go back in it’s case!

There are so many creative ways to use pen paper technology stamps etcetcetc…. to create something amazing for a guest book! Dig deep into your creativity and come up with your own unique ideas!

Au Revoir for now!