7 Do's And Don'ts To Planning A Wedding During Covid

This pandemic knocked the world on its butt. Basically overnight everything changed. Tons of stuff was outright cancelled or postponed to a TBD date. This included tons of couples weddings. I personally had 2 weddings cancel, 3 postpone indefinitely and countless others chose not to move forward with planning their weddings. I’ll be honest, it broke my heart. My couples plan for months, years even - saving money, picking out the details and making all the plans - and this all came to a screeching halt.

We’ve adjusted to a during pandemic “normal” and now we have an idea as to what steps we need to take to plan a wedding during Covid (and what we steps we need to not take).

1. Do keep planning

   Things may not look like they once did (for a little while), but you need to keep planning. Vendors will have less time on their schedules for new clients as they navigate through all the rescheduled events. And check out virtual wedding shows in your area. Don’t know what a virtual wedding show is - check out this post “What is a Virtual Wedding Show”?.

2. Do hire a planner

   I know this may not be in your budget, but please look at hiring a coordinator, wedding manager or planner. They are keeping track of all the executive orders, rules and mandates and can advise you the best course of action to take. They also know how to work out a physically distanced ceremony and reception, how to implement the safety measures and can advise you on options to keep your family, friends, guests and vendors safe.

3. Do read your contracts and ask questions about postponement policies

   This one is important. Review each and every contract (especially if you don’t have a planner). Take a super close look at the postponement and cancellation policies. If something is unclear or doesn’t seem to be covered ask questions before you sign.

4. Be flexible

   This one will be hard, because it seems that mandates regarding weddings change from week to week, heck even day to day. But, being flexible will enable you to roll with those changes versus being sidelined by them and unable to proceed with planning.

5. Don’t send out save the dates

   Not knowing what the future holds, don’t send out save the dates. Your family and friends will stress about needing to make a long term decision. You’ll stress because you asked people to come and now have to go back and tell them that you can’t accommodate them. If you still want to let people know about your wedding add it to your wedding website or your social media platforms.

6. Don’t break the local mandates, rules and regulations

   Even if your venue says your wedding is a private event and the rules don’t apply to you, don’t break the rules, orders or mandates for your area. All it takes is one different interpretation of those mandates and your wedding could be closed down, fined or labeled a super-spreader event.

7. Don’t give up on your dream

   While things may look different, don’t give up on your dream - marrying your best friend, with your closest, most important family and friends surrounding you, wearing a killer outfit, having an amazing meal with the most gorgeous pictures and video to look at can still be had. Go after it.

You’ve got this! I have confidence in you and your vendors to make your wedding everything you dreamed and you’ll have an amazing story to share over drinks :)

Venue Spotlight - Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center - Phoenix, AZ

As wedding planners we get the opportunity to work with and know loads of amazing venues in the valley, some you may know and others may be new to you. As part of a new segment, we’re going to talk directly to the venues and bring you some fabulous information about some of the best in the valley.

Venue Story

Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center - Located in a stunning setting in the heart of Phoenix, the Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center is the ideal place to plan your spectacular wedding and reception!  They offer everything to ensure everything is perfect for your wedding day: beautiful settings; meaningful ceremony; lovely reception accommodations; and a coordinator who ensures everything runs smoothly so you enjoy a worry-free day.

They offer the flexibility to ensure your wedding day is perfect, and exactly suited to your personal style and flair. They host weddings and receptions year round, and can accommodate parties of all styles and sizes (up to 300 people).

 They welcome couples of all beliefs and sexual orientations, and have ceremony and reception venues that are ideal for traditional or contemporary settings. They also offer commitment and re-commitment ceremonies.

Venue Details

Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center offers both ceremony and reception spaces. They have a variety of ceremony spaces both indoors and outdoors. Reception space is all outdoors. Guest capacity with reception style seating is 300 guests. The center does offer 2 getting ready spaces.

Venue Guidelines

Vendors

Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center allows you to bring in all of your vendors.

Set up and tear down

All major setup (tables, chairs) is performed by the center. Set up and tear down time is included in your 8-10 hour rental pricing.

Pricing

Pricing does vary depending on a number of factors with a minimum price of $6,000.00. Be sure to call to get a personalized quote.

Included Items and Services

Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center includes tables and chairs in the pricing.

Contact Information

Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center

Address - 1500 E Greenway Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85022

Telephone - 480-282-3556

Website - www.unityphx.org

Facebook - UnityofPhoenix

Instagram - unityofphoenix

5 Tips For Attending A Virtual Wedding Show

Thanks so much Covid for changing the way we plan weddings (insert total sarcasm voice here).

You can’t interview vendors in person. Talking about your wedding with your family and friends after dinner is mostly non-existent. And you can forget about attending a wedding expo or wedding show.

Or can you?!?

Have you heard of a virtual wedding show? No, check out our article on What Is A Virtual Wedding Show??? Interested? We thought you might be! How about some tips on making your experience amazing?

1. Put the date and time on your calendar as soon as you sign up and make it a priority.

   I know stuff happens, but you won’t get any benefit if you don’t actually attend. Besides, most of the discount codes won’t be given out until the end of the show.

2. Download the appropriate app before the show.

   This one seems a little silly, but it will make clicking the link and getting into the show faster and easier day of.

3. Take a peek at the schedule and see who you want to be sure to be present for.

   You may have already booked a vendor or two already and are really interested in others. Look at the schedule to make sure you’re online and in a place to listen and interact when those you are super interested in will be presenting.

4. If you have the time, listen to everyone, even vendor categories you may have already booked.

   You may pick up some tips, tricks and advice to help with those vendors already booked.

5. Open the emails that come before and after the show from the organizers and participating vendors.

   This is where the discount codes, special offers and other goodies will be given to you. You don’t want to miss them.

I know this isn’t ideal. It isn’t normal. It isn’t what you dreamed about. And trust me, my heart is breaking for you. But I do love that I get a more intimate experience with you while you decide which vendors to hire. I love that attending a virtual option keeps you safe. And I love that the vendors that chose to step into this mode of working with you are among the most progressive and professional in our area.

Mark November 15th, 2020 on your calendar and get your ticket to the Arizona Online Wedding Show!

What Is A Virtual Wedding Show???

So there is pre-Covid life which I think most of us are really missing right now. And then there is during Covid life, which unfortunately is our current reality. And I’m going to be honest with you, during Covid life is really, really terrible in so many ways - no parties, no get-togethers, limited travel, limited everything including how you plan for your wedding.

Remember this -

Leads to this (usually) -

But in-between we have a whole lot of this -

Wedding planning involves a ton of research, talking to loads of people and spending tons of money. Pre-Covid, you would talk to your friends over dinner for referrals and to make plans, meet with more than a few professionals as you try to hire just the right person for the job, oh and attend wedding shows/open houses.

All of which YOU CAN’T DO RIGHT NOW!!!!

Does this mean that you’re supposed to wing it? Not plan a wedding? Try and figure things out using Google and praying that you are hiring someone with value, integrity and who has just the right stuff?

Or…

You could attend a virtual wedding show. What’s that you say?? You’ve never heard of a virtual wedding show?!?! Let me tell you all about it!!!

A virtual wedding show has so many perks that I don’t know why we didn’t have them pre-Covid!

• They are typically free or very low cost to attend.

• You don’t have to fight through traffic and pay for parking.

• Crowds are non-existent (unless you have 1,000 of your best friends staying at your house).

• No back breaking bag full of promotional materials that you took just to get someone to leave you alone.

• They are full of curated, professional vendors that are on a schedule so you can pop in and only watch the ones you are interested in.

• You can interact with the vendors on a one-to-one basis and ask all the questions, without feeling over-whelmed.

• Typically you are still offered a discount or some other perk for signing on.

• You can attend in your PJ’s or hanging out by the pool.

• No need to get a babysitter, you can watch on mute while the kiddos are in the other room.

• Need an excuse to get together with your besties but don’t want to expose them to 3,000 other people? Have a watch party with mimosas!

• No masks or social distancing AT ALL!

You’ll still get to meet amazing vendors! You’ll still get to work on planning your wedding! You’ll still get those moments of “OMG, I really am getting married”.

So, you’re hooked and ready to sign on for the next show???

Mark your calendar for November 15th, 2020 at 11:00 am and register for your free ticket to the Arizona Online Wedding Show!

Real Event - Plancation 2019 - Doubletree Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert - Gilbert, Arizona

I typically only plan and coordinate weddings, but this one conference has and always will have a place in my heart and space on my calendar. Plancation is a three day conference for women that use paper (and digital) planners to help make sense out of this thing we call life. Some are in it for the pretty pages, some for the organizational pluses and some for memory keeping (or some combination of all three), but we’re all thankful for a place to go and people that share our same obsession for all things paper.

This was my third year attending, second year planning the conference and let me tell you, the group who put this shindig on pulled out all the stops this year! Being the fourth year we took it back to high school, specifically Sweet Planner High (based on the books/TV show Sweet Valley High). First year attendees were freshmen, second year sophomores, etc. ID badges were mocked up like school ID’s and the tables were all based on cliques from our high school days. Attendees were able to vote on their clique (or choose to belong to none) and when we opened the doors they were able to choose the table that best fit their clique. Friday night included prom and attendees were encouraged to make their prom dress from planner supplies (or just find a fun and fancy prom dress from the thrift store). Saturday included a competition to have a group of people dressed up cosplay style in their favorite high school based movie (this girl was good girl Sandy from Grease). Saturday night was our traditional glow stick pool party. Sunday was our self care day and attendance in pajamas was encouraged (and may or may not have included a few mimosas).

All in all it was yet another amazing conference with loads of new friends and old, lots of memories, tons of encouragement and some goodies as well!

Check out Planner Girl Chatter on your favorite podcast platform for more shenanigans (definitely not suitable for work or kiddos, lol). And if you are interested in joining the next Plancation adventure check out the website Plancation.

Professional Team -

Venue - Doubletree Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert

Coordinator - Sweet I Do’s

Audio/Visual - Divinity Event Lighting

Real Wedding - Enisa and Mike - Starfire Golf Club and Legacy Ballroom - Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ

Arizona can have some amazing weather, but it is slightly unpredictable. Sometimes May has gorgeous weather with just the right amount of sunshine and the temperatures are perfect for an outdoor wedding. And, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate and it’s beyond warm. When the temperature exceeds 100 degrees, air conditioning (among many other things) is a must but to have air conditioning you need electricity. When there is a power grid failure it all goes dark and hot! No air conditioning for the couple, the wedding party, families or guests, no ice for water, no lighting in the getting ready room (or anywhere else), no refrigeration to store flowers, no power to run any of the facilities. What do you do? You let your wedding planner handle it, have a couple of drinks and you get married anyway! And the result is this beautiful wedding!

Enisa and Mike had a very specific look in mind for the ceremony (green, water, non-typical Arizona) & then a very different look for the reception (glamorous, elegant). They also needed a location that would be willing to allow the party to go into the early morning, have a large outdoor area for smoking & distinctly separate areas for cocktail hour & dinner/dancing. Enter the fabulous Starfire Golf Club and Legacy Ballroom! Take a peek at their beautiful wedding day!

Professional Team -

Ceremony Venue - Starfire Golf Club

Reception Venue - Legacy Ballroom

Photographer - Ina Ivanova Photography

Videographer - Saiaf Films

Coordinator - Sweet I Do’s

Floral - Flowers By Jodi

Catering - Magic Touch Catering

Catering (Appetizers/Desserts) - Azoria Foods

DJ - M3

Cake - European Bakery

Hair and Makeup - MBS Bridal Beauty

Bartender- Pour Masters

Ceremony Music - Ocotillo Music

Transportation - Limoz

Rentals (Linens) - Southwick Linens

Rentals (Cocktail Hour) - A-Z Equipment Rentals

Rentals (Columns, Chargers) - You Can’t Beat This Party Rentals

Suit - Men’s Warehouse

Dress - Avancy Bridal

2019 Year In Review

I know that everyone says this, but wow, 2019 seems to have flown by! Going into the 10th year of business, I had the privilege of being part of so many events this last year! 11 weddings, 2 styled events, a handful of personal events and 1 charity event that is dear to my heart. Whew!

First up was our sping styled event. I love this event because I get to chose every single element, from the colors to the style to every tiny detail - navy and gold with geometric touches, yes, please!!

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When your daughter asks for a Wonder Woman party, you give her the absolute best Wonder Woman party ever complete with a super hero obstacle course and you can’t be a super hero without the accessories!

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Caitlin and Colin were married in the spring at the gorgeous Sanctuary Camelback Mountain and happened to be our first wedding off the season. These two missed their own wedding rehearsal to search for their sweet puppy that made a break for it as they were on their way to the resort. Best news ever, just as we were wrapping up, we received a message that the puppy had been found!

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Photo - Laura Segall Photography

It has been a privilege to participate in the annual Tables That Bloom event for the 5th year running. Every year there is a different theme that the best designers in the valley get to try and bring to life. This year it was to “Live Life In Full Bloom”. Put on by the Gamma Delta Foundation to benefit the Foundation for Blind Children, we look forward to creating an amazing design with the always fabulous PJ’s Flowers and Events. This year we were at the gorgeous McCormick Ranch Golf Course in Scottsdale, Arizona with our table - “Moments”.

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Photo - CWLife Photography

Arizona is one of those places that when it’s beautiful it’s beautiful and when it’s hot, well we just don’t go outside. Other than the heat, the weather is usually pretty mild. But then there was that one night, let’s just say that the wind was vicious and the tents went tumbling head over heels. Good thing Jacquelyn and Andrew had Sweet I Do’s on their side!

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Photo - George Street Photo & Video

The day after the wind storm of 2019 (who needs sleep!) we were over at Desert Foothills for the rustic wedding of Kayla and Cameron. The danced the night away and I think drank all the Jack Daniel’s in the valley, plus they had their adorable puppy Ruger with them!

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Photo - Charlotte Francis Photography

We don’t do many candy buffets any more, but when we do, we do them big and fun! Addison was celebrating her 9th birthday Greatest Showman style. What do you think of our circus themed candy and treat table?

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Our last wedding for the first part of the 2019 season was for Enisa and Mike! They got married at Starfire Golf Club and celebrated with friends and family at Legacy Ballroom. The weather was a fickle one this year and the power went out at Starfire a few hours before ceremony start time. No power means no air conditioning. The staff and I went into crisis management mode and the guests were made comfortable, had loads of water and shade and just minutes before we were supposed to walk down the aisle the power came back on.

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Photo - Ina Ivanova Photography

June brought our 2nd styled event of the year. Yellow always makes me feel happy! Thanks again to our fabulous floral partner PJ’s Flowers & Events!

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Summer is usually pretty slow for me in Arizona, partly on purpose so I can spend time with the kiddos when they’re out of school and partly becuase no one wants to get married in Arizona when it’s 115* outside. I do have one conference that I have helped coordinate for a couple of years now. It’s for an amazing group of women that travel from all over to spend a weekend together. We laugh, we cry, we jump in the pool with a gigantic unicorn named Eunice… This year’s theme took us back to high school…

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The first wedding of the fall season was a very intimate wedding reception for Elise and Sean. They were married in San Diego and had a small celebration at Paige Springs Cellars (if you haven’t been there, go! now!!! and thank me later).

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Our second (and last) candy buffet of the year was for Nicole and Tyler on a referral from Anthem Country Club (where we are a preferred vendor (just saying)). They love salty and spicy treats mixed with a little sugar just for fun! The best displays are when couples bring their tastes into it!!!

When your venue sets up a fun new display the day before your wedding, you embrace the fun! Melinda and Matthew were married under the fish installment at the Desert Botanical Gardens. One of my favorite images is the happy couple with the happy bunny installation!

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Photo - Laura Segall Photography

Right after our wedding at DBG was our first double wedding weekend! First, we celebrated the night away with Gabby and Jon at the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort. Our first full flip in 10 years and the staff was amazing and executed the plan flawlessly! And seriously, that desert background is like nothing else in the world!

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Photo - Elyse Hall Photography

The following day we celebrated with Michelle and Ben at The Clayton House! It was a day filled with family and all the drama sisters can bring, as well as all the memories and moments that family can bring as they toasted, danced and celebrated late into the night!

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Photo - Ryanobull Photography

Next weekend brought us to the Shemer Art Center for Hannah and Brian. When you bring together 200 of your closest family and friends at one of the most unique museums in the valley you get one heck of a party!

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Photo - Brooke Magee Photography

While the fabulous Miranda was caring for Hannah and Brian, I was celebrating with Elizabeth and Ryan at the Farm at South Mountain! I adore when couples bring parts of themselves into the wedding and Elizaabeth hand-drew all of the place card posters and created all of the centerpieces and flowers for her and Ryan’s amazing wedding day! It was a great wedding to end the season with!

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Photo - The Pros

All in all it was another amazing year, filled with love, laugher, learning and growing! Will you be on our 2020 Year in Review?

4 Reasons You Should Hire Professionals (and let Uncle Bob attend as a guest)

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Image - George Street Photo & Video

I get it, truly I do. Getting married can be expensive. You will probably experience sticker shock at least once during the planning process. And it may be tempting, especially if you have any well meaning family members or friends that “do (insert product/service you are looking for)” as a hobby or maybe even “professionally”, to save a few dollars and either ask for or take them up on an offer for a hugely discounted or free product/service.

9 times out of 10 THIS WILL BE A MISTAKE. Why? I’m so glad you asked!

You’re Not A Client

I’ll say it again for those in the back. You are not a real client with a contract to protect you and the person providing the service. A contract can be the single most important thing you will receive from your vendor team. It will detail out what they will provide, what you need to provide, when it will be provided and it provides you with protection in case they don’t show up or perform according to the terms of the contract.

You’re Not A Client (Again)

We have a tendency to not have as high of expectations from family and friends as we do a complete stranger. We also tend to not want to be as aggressive and self-serving when it comes time to ask for the things we truly want. And family and friends tend to think that because you are family or friends that it’s okay to not be as on, as complete, as on time, as professional, as honest as they would be with a stranger. After all you still have to sit across the table from each other at Thanksgiving or see each other at work or spend time socially together after the wedding.

Your Venue May Not Allow Non-Professional Vendors

This is a big one, especially anything to do with food, music and flowers. A professional vendor is typically defined as someone with a business license and more importantly general liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000.00 in coverage. Most hobbyists don’t carry insurance and aren’t operating a true “business” (reporting income, paying taxes, registering with the proper agencies, etc.).

They Have No Backup

Have you ever asked someone to house sit and the day before have them say something came up and they can’t help you out? Have you ever asked Cousin Sue to make cookies for a party and have to throw them in the trash because they look (and taste) terrible? Have you every asked someone to help set up tables and chairs at Thanksgiving and have them get there late (with no warning)? No big deal in these situations, but on your wedding day, it could be a disaster. Running late, not showing up, bringing inedible food are all things that (typically) don’t happen with a professional unless it is life or death. And even then, a professional will have a network of other professionals to take care of you.

Reality Check

That picture at the beginning of this article really happened at a wedding I coordinated. I didn’t know until the day before that the client was self-tenting their reception space. I was assured that it would be okay, that additional sandbags would be used to anchor the tent. And I was counting on the weather to be typical Arizona weather and be gorgeous. Between a freak wind storm and a non-professionally staked tent, the picture above was the situation we had on our hands about 2 hours into the reception. The professionals that were on hand helped handle it and we took the entire structure down to ensure that we didn’t have any injuries due to flying tent pieces. But could this whole thing have been avoided by hiring a team to install the tent - you bet!

5 Tough Wedding Day Questions Answered

You’re planning your wedding, minding your own business and then from out of left field you come across something that doesn’t seem quite right. Or even better, you’re asked a question by a well meaning family member or guest and you aren’t sure how to respond. Sweet I Do’s has been doing this wedding thing for almost 10 years and we have the answers to 5 of the toughest wedding day questions, ever!

Can we bring our kids to your wedding (and you don’t want them to be there)?

The answer is simply, no. But nothing is simple in this minefield of a question. You don’t want to be the bad guy and tell everyone, no or get flak from actually daring to say you want an adults only wedding.

It’s okay, just say that due to venue restrictions you just can’t have any children at the reception. No one needs to know that those venue restrictions are coming from your personal preferences.

If you continue to get pressure to allow the kiddos, then state that your event insurance doesn’t allow for children at an event where alcohol will be served (this one only works if your wedding will actually have alcohol served).

If you are having your own kids or immediate family member kids only, then tell inquiring minds just that. The only children at the wedding will be immediate family.

Compromise - If you can swing it in your budget, you can offer to have a licensed and insured sitting service provide on-site care in a different area of the venue.

Is it okay to only serve beer and wine?

The answer is, yes, it is perfectly okay to only serve beer and wine at your wedding. We understand that alcohol can be expensive and having 100+ people drink for a few hours can cost big $$$$. Just don’t try and pull one over on your guests and have a secret stash of a little something for just you and your partner. It tough on the bartenders to have to tell people over and over that that particular thing is only for you.

We want all the money!! Can we just tell guests to bring cold, hard cash for our gift?

No! No, you may not. First, you never get to assume that someone will bring a gift to your wedding (they should, but you know abut that whole assuming thing). Second, while we have changed a lot of traditions with regards to weddings, asking for cash is just rude in any situation. People aren’t stupid. Create a small registry for the die hard gift givers and everyone else will get the idea - no honey fund or cute poem needed.

Plus ones, yay or nay?

This one is really hard for me. I’m of the opinion that no one should get to define another persons relationship status, level of commitment or ability to handle social situations. Trying to draw the line at married or not, number of years in a relationship, playboy or playgirl tendencies or how well they know and will interact with other people at your wedding is stressful and not something I think you should do. Just speaking from the heart here. Plan your guest list to give everyone a plus one. While I know it isn’t ideal to have potential strangers at your wedding, I promise unless it is a super intimate wedding, you won’t have time (or eyes) for anyone but the love of your life.

I’m not really close with my (insert family member here). Do I have to do the traditional wedding “things” with them?

No, you don’t HAVE to do anything. It is your wedding day. If you have talked about it with your partner and you both are on the same page, then do things your way. Having a wedding planner or wedding day manager will help make this situation go smoothly and no one will be the wiser. Our goal is to make sure that your day fits your vision and that you have all the best memories!

Have a question that we missed? Let us know!

What Is In Our Wedding Day Emergency Kit

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Let’s chat about wedding day emergency kits! So, I know that most couples when planning their wedding use Pinterest to help keep track of all the ideas and visions of things they like or want to have for their wedding. Inevitably there are pins on emergency kits that contain things to make sure your wedding day emergencies are covered. I thought it would be fun to talk about what a wedding day manager includes in her kit and the why behind it.

My kit is huge, for real, it is a four case rolling makeup kit plus side bag full of all the things you can think of (and a few I bet you can’t) that have been needed at a wedding or event. Take a peak…

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Huge, right!?!?!

So what’s inside my Mary Poppins bottomless kit of all things wedding?

Typical Stuff

Yes, we have a ton of the typical stuff you’d expect to be in an emergency kit - Tylenol, Advil, Imodium AD, Pepto, Midol, Shout wipes, a Tide pen, tampons, pads, nail glue, eyelash glue, super glue, tape, envelopes, note cards, SO MANY PENS, lighters, scissors and on and on. Probably half of the kit is filled with things that are in your bathroom medicine cabinet and your kitchen junk drawer.

No So Typical Stuff

Then we get into the kinda unusual, but once you think about it it makes sense stuff - zip ties, s-hooks, t-pins, fabric glue, double sided fashion tape, a sewing kit, boutonniere pins, tweezers, hand sanitizer and so many more things. This would be the odds and ends in your laundry room and household repair kits.

Strange and Unusual

Finally we get to those things that just don’t seem to have a rhyme or reason - extra black socks, fake rings, garters, shoelaces, extension cords, umbrellas, bug spray, a cake cutting set, table numbers, batteries (every size imaginable), flashlights, chalk (a wedding dress’ best friend), cash, phone chargers (all brands), bungee cords, a complete tool set, a hatchet, garbage bags, toilet paper and that is just the tip of the kits goodness.

Everything in the kit has been needed at at least one wedding or event. And sometimes the emergencies just keep happening and the kit keeps giving up all its treasures. I can’t remember a time that I was asked for something and was unable to make it happen (thank goodness for over prepared wedding day managers).

If you’re a wedding vendor, what is the most unusual thing in your kit? If you’re getting married, what is the one thing you hope your wedding day manager or wedding planner has in their kit? Just married, what did you need to use from your kit (or your manager or planners kit)

5 Reasons You NEED To Plan On Doing A First Look

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Image - Allison Slater Photography

You’ve met with your photographer for your wedding day and they ask if you want to do a first look (or maybe they don’t ask (sigh), which is another blog post entirely). Before you make up your mind, check out 5 reasons this wedding day manager feels that you NEED a first look.

1. Timing

This is probably the biggest reason I strongly recommend having a first look. If your wedding day manager or planner has worked your timeline to its fullest advantage, you would be done getting ready at virtually the same time regardless if you were planning on a first look or not. Where timing gets a little sticky is after the ceremony. The sunset waits for no wedding and getting a little behind in taking pictures after you get married means you run the risk of pushing the rest of the night into crunch mode. Having a first look means you have more time after the ceremony for whatever you need it for and you know you have amazing images from earlier in the day.

2. Calm those nerves

This is a big one as well. Even if you’ve been with your partner forever, you will still be nervous on your wedding day - nervous to be getting married, nervous being up in front of all those people, nervous seeing the love of your life on the day you pledge to be together forever. Taking those 15 minutes to just see each other, talk to each other, touch each other will make all the difference in the world. And you will still feel all the butterflies when you see each other at the end of the aisle for the first time.

3. Enjoy cocktail hour

You spent all that time picking out fabulous food and drinks for cocktail hour and then you don’t get to enjoy it. Why? Because you spend the entire cocktail hour taking pictures. Having a first look can cut that picture taking time in half (depending on when you ask your family to arrive for pictures before the ceremony). We see this as a win win situation for everyone. You get to enjoy cocktail hour, your photographer has more time to capture your wedding day and your guests can even sneak in a few extra minutes with you.

4. Photographers love the extra time

Sometimes timing just is against us and things happen - people are late, dresses don’t fit quite right, spills happen and the time that the photographer would have been able to use to capture detail images and cocktail candids gets eaten up capturing wedding portraits, wedding party and family images. By having a first look, you free up your photographer to grab all the detail shots and fun candids that happen during cocktail hour. Plus they can get creative with the time that they do have to take you to fun location and try interesting poses.

5. Venue disadvantages

You may have found a venue that only gives you a certain number of hours for your ceremony and reception and there just aren’t enough hours for everything that you want to do. Or it is a pretty place, but doesn’t have that “wow” location that you’ve always dreamed about for wedding pictures. By having a first look, you can get more bang for your buck. I know, how will scheduling a first look that takes time work in your limited time favor? Hear me out. Scheduling a first look allows you to pick the spot and decide how long you want the session to last - first date location, favorite park, water background, desert back drop, the choices are almost endless. Plus, you can take as much or as little time as you’d like (just let your wedding day manager or planner in on it so they can schedule the timeline accordingly).

I know there are a few things that may cause you to question having a first look.

It’s tradition.

You’re right, it was tradition, back when couples were part of arranged marriages and the parents of the bride didn’t want the groom to run away. All joking aside, if you are truly tied to the tradition of not seeing each other until you walk down the aisle, consider a first touch or blindfolded first look.

I won’t have that “wow” moment/feeling.

You will have that moment, promise. If you have a first look, you get to have that moment twice. Nothing will take away that feeling of seeing your beloved walking down the aisle to pledge themselves to you.

I have limited time with my photographer.

Most photographers have a time limit on their package. If you are already having them capture getting ready moments, then they will be there pre-ceremony anyway. If you are not having them there pre-ceremony because you feel you need them through the end of the reception, work with your wedding day manager or planner and shift all the must have moments to the time period before the photographer leaves for the evening. Doing this will allow your time to begin earlier and you can have that first look.

4 Things You Should Expect From Your Wedding Day Manager

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We understand! Planning your wedding is hard. This is probably the first time you have planned something this large, with this many moving pieces and to be frank, this expensive. You want to know that you have made all the right decisions and spent your hard earned money well. So you hire a wedding day manager (day of coordinator, planner, wedding manager, etc.) to help with the stress and to ensure your hard earned money and all your tough decisions play out perfectly. How do you know you’ve put your trust in the right person? Take a look at 4 things you should expect from your wedding day manager.

Involvement

Your wedding day manager should be involved before the week of or day of your wedding. While not a full or partial planner, they are still responsible for knowing your vendors, venue and your vision for your wedding day which they can’t reasonably do if they don’t get involved sometime between 2 and 3 months prior.

We are passively involved from the moment you sign our contract - gathering documents, reviewing contracts, offering referrals and being available to answer questions. We become actively involved 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding - working on your timeline, floorpan, reaching out to your vendors gathering needed day of information and working with you to put all the little details together.

Availability

Like any business your wedding day manager may have office hours and may have even limited communication based on the package that you purchased with them. Totally understandable, we have them too! However, their availability to you should not be completely cut off until a certain date passes. Not being available to you before a certain date means that they have to go into potential crisis management mode and play catch up, plus they can’t advise you on decisions that may have consequences that you are unaware of.

We want to know all about your wedding! Talk to us as much as you would like!! We are available to answer questions during our business hours via email starting the day you sign your contract. We want to know what is going, what you are thinking and how your wedding day vision is evolving. Knowledge is power and we want all the information!

Communicative

This one should go without saying, but your wedding day manager should communicate with you on a semi regular basis, from the time you contract until your wedding day (monthly communication at a minimum) just to check in and make sure everything is still proceeding on schedule. What shouldn’t happen is that you send them some money and then not hear from them until your official “start work date” occurs.

We talk to you about how often you want to hear from us. If you want us to check in every couple of months, we will. If you want monthly check-in’s we’re happy to do that as well. Our open door policy truly encourages you to reach out to us as well!

Friendliness (and TBH controlling, too)

Your wedding day will be one of the most emotional days of your life. You will experience high highs and low lows. You need a friendly face around and you also need to know they are in control of the entire day. Your wedding day manager should be friendly but in control at all times. At no point in the time leading up to your wedding should you feel like a burden, like you aren’t important or that they aren’t in control.

One of the reasons we like to talk face to face before you hire us is so you can get to know who we are as people. What you see is truly what you get. We want to ensure that we click and that you trust us absolutely. On your wedding day we are your cheerleader, your advocate, your director and yes, occasionally your bouncer.

If at any point in your planning process you don’t feel that your wedding day manager is fulfilling your expectations, have a sit down chat with them. You need them to be in your corner every single step of the way.

Haven’t hired someone yet? Reach out and schedule a FREE consultation so we can get to know each other, let’s see if we click!

Wedding Hot Button Topic - Venue Coordinators versus Wedding Day Coordinators - Is there really a difference???

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Image - Allison Slater Photography

We exhibit at a bridal show a couple of times a year. We love meeting all the newly engaged couples that are looking for ideas and of course are looking for vendors like us to help make their wedding day amazing! One of the things that we have noticed lately, more so than other years, is the influx of people commenting that they don’t need a wedding coordinator, their venue has a day of coordinator included in their price. When we ask what specifically is included, the answer is - “They say they do everything you do, so to not waste our money.” This makes me sad on so many levels because 99% of the time it just isn’t true. And by the time the client figures it out (if they ever do) it is way too late to do anything about it. Keep reading to learn more about what they typical venue coordinator does and what we do.

Venue Coordinator

Also known as a venue manager, and can be merged with a maitre d’ or banquet captain, venue coordinators are working for the venue. That is who is signing their paychecks and who they must keep happy in the end. They handle all of the details specific to the venue - tours, bookings, contracts, communicating with set up staff, banquet staff and housekeeping/maintenance.

Some venue coordinators will do some minor set up of client provided items. Some will do a little more. They will more likely than not leave before the end of your wedding reception and hand you over to someone you have never met before and knows nothing about you or your wedding beyond what their BEO states. Venue coordinators have a high turnover rate so the person you starts with may not be the person you finish with. If there is a dispute or issue that concerns the venue, they will focus on the best outcome for the venue and not you.

Wedding Day Management Specialist

Also known as a wedding coordinator or day of/month of coordinator, wedding day management specialists are working for you, the couple. You are the one signing their paycheck and you are who they must keep happy. They handle ALL of the details for ALL of the vendors including the venue - meeting vendors, reviewing contracts, creating and maintaining the timeline, assisting with all aspects of the wedding day from the minute you wake up until you leave the reception.

Most wedding day management specialists will set up client provided items. The majority of them will stay until the end of the night. If they are working multiple events, you will know in advance and will know and have worked with your lead coordinator prior to the day of. If you have a dispute or issue with the venue they will be your advocate and have your best interests at heart. They know you, know your wedding details and your vision. They know all the things that are the most important to you.

Big Picture

There are some AMAZING venue coordinators out there. They work well with all the vendors, they care for their couples and do way more than the average.

We love working with most of the local venue coordinators!!!! But they don’t do everything we do.

The great ones will welcome an outside coordinator with open arms because they know that they can’t focus all of their attention on the client and they can’t handle all of the details, especially if they are trying to handle multiple events at the same time. They know that by working as a team, nothing will be left to chance, that all the bases will be covered and that any issues will be dealt with quickly and with little to no disruption of the wedding.

If your venue coordinator tells you that you don’t need an outside coordinator, please stop and ask them why. Ask them to provide you a list of duties they execute, in writing. Then use our handy guide to compare what they do versus what we (and most coordinators) do.

10 Things You NEED In Your Wedding Day Getting Ready Room

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Image by Graced By Light Photography

It’s time!!!! Grab your wedding dress, your veil and head over to your bridal suite to begin getting ready, it’s time to get married!!

Before you head out, take some tips from this wedding day manager on a few extra things to grab, just in case -

(Oh, and a little heads up - We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. What this means is, if you click one of the links and purchase a product on this page, I receive a small monetary compensation from Amazon. The price you pay is not increased in any way to cover this compensation.)

Now for the good stuff!!!

Reusable StrawS

You’ll want these throughout the day, but especially after you have your lipstick on. Not only do you need to hydrate, you’ll want to keep your lipstick fresh and keep the possibility of spills down to a minimum!

Button-down Shirt

We know that the cute t-shirts that match are all the rage. all over Pinterest and let’s be honest, you want them for the cute pictures! Instead, opt for a cute button-down shirt with embroidery or in fun colors to make it so much easier to get changed into your dress without messing up that expensive hair and makeup.

Snacks and Water

Please, please, please take (and eat) some healthy snacks and loads of water to drink while you’re getting ready. You will be so busy - getting ready, taking pictures and saying those I do’s (YAY!!!) that staying hydrated and having energy will be the last thing on your mind, but will be the first thing you miss (especially if you’re the type that gets hangry).

Needle and Thread

Inevitably someone will pop a button, rip a seam, or tear a dress. Be prepared with a small sewing kit.

Spray Deodorant

While spray deodorant may not be your thing typically, you’ll want some on your wedding day. Trust me, you’ll want to apply one last time after you get into your dress and apply some on your thighs (chafe on your wedding day will not be your friend)!

Shout Wipes and a Tide Pen

Spills happen, especially when you have a lot of people in a small space, with make up and hair products and snacks and drinks and possibly even little ones all in one place at one time. This is another one of those would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it things - trust me!

Note Paper and a Pen

Take a few minutes while your getting your hair and makeup done and write down a few things that you love about your partner and a couple of memories from the day. Send the note to your partner and then keep it to look back on.

Charger Cords

I know this one seems like a no brainer, but I can’t tell you hw many times I’ve been asked for an extra cord for a phone, iPad or Kindle (and I have them all). And make sure you bring the wall adapter.

Fashion Tape

This one isn’t just for you - depending on the dresses your ladies are wearing they may need to keep things more secure - no wedding day wardrobe malfunctions!

Boutonniere Pins

So, this one is for the guys! If your florist doesn’t use magnet backing, they will typically only send one pin with each bout. You will need two - get the black headed ones and make sure they are extra long!

I know that you don’t want one more thing to think about, and if you are a Sweet I Do’s client, these are things we have for you because we want you to be in the moments and making the memories! If you aren’t a client, reach out and see what we can do for you!

First Looks - They Aren't Just For Your Spouse To Be

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Image by Harley Bonham Photographic Artist

Some of my favorite moments of a wedding happen just before the ceremony. I adore watching all the details come together, seeing all of the beautiful people and watching all the moments unfold. As a wedding day manager I encourage a first look - it helps with nerves and it allows you to get a ton of the formal, posed pictures out of the way allowing so much more time for couples portraits.

But first looks aren’t just for couples!

I also strongly encourage (if it is at all possible, I know sometimes it just can’t happen) a first look between a bride and her dad, a groom and his mom, a bride and her mom, a groom and his dad or any other combination. Having those moments when a parent sees their child, all decked out and about to walk down the aisle about to become someone’s amazing spouse, recorded for all time is so very precious. Images evoke memories and these memories can be so emotional that I want to ensure that if it is at all possible to arrange, it happens. Taking those five minutes now will be so worth it in 20 years!

Ask your photographer to help make this happen!

When your photographer reaches out and asks about your must have images, ask to have this moment added in to the mix. It can be done just prior to your first look with your future spouse and won’t add that much time to your timeline. Keep it sweet and simple and have your makeup artist on stand by to do a little touching up before you cast eyes on your fabulous spouse to be!

Did You Really Hire That Vendor? - Why You Need to Double Check and Then Check Again

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You've been busily planning your wedding for months.

You've reached out to a ton of vendors and picked your favorites.

You're fairly certain that everything on your checklist is completed and all the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted.

STOP!!!

If you don't have a planner or coordinator working for you to follow up and ensure that everything is done, contracted, paid for and confirmed, you need to take a step back and look at everything again.

What you need to look for

Starting with your venue and going down the list of all of your vendors and yes, even those small Etsy purchases and Amazon Prime shipments, double check that 

1. Every contract has been fully executed and details out specifically what you are getting and when you will be getting it. If you don't have a contract, double check that the receipt shows paid in full, what you ordered and when you will receive it.

2. That all payments have cleared your account. Regardless if you paid by debit card, check, auto-withdrawal or some other form of payment check to make sure you can prove that you have paid everything in full.

3. Remember that conversation you had with your florist after your consultation about adding an extra corsage to your order and that you wanted flowers for the cake? Check to make sure it got added (and paid for if necessary).

4. Keep track of all online purchases and make sure that you completed the transaction and you know when the items will arrive. Be diligent if your estimated shipping date has passed and reach out to get a revised date. 

5. If you aren't sure that something will be provided, ask the question. It's better to ask and find out you need to get it versus expecting it and having no way to get it on your wedding day.

I have coordinated so many weddings where something was implied or casually discussed and never made it into the actual orders for the wedding - cake stands, extra flowers for the cake, cake toppers, cute favors that never shipped, things that got delayed and couldn't be used at the wedding and couldn't be sold or returned afterwards. Protect yourself from that moment of sadness when you realize that something that meant enough to you to find and order it or ask for won't be happening - track your vendors and purchases and revisit this list frequently to ensure everything is exactly the way you want it and arrives on time!

Bonus!!!

You can use this checklist of purchases when packing everything to take to the venue, then nothing will get left behind!

Real Wedding - Nastaran & Mehran - Chateau Luxe - Phoenix, Arizona

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Every wedding should tell a story, a love story of two people who want nothing more in this world than to share a little bit of their love and happiness with their closest family and friends. Nastaran and Mehran brought together family and friends from all over the globe for their gorgeous Persian wedding aghd (ceremony) and mehmoonee (reception). Every detail reflected their heritage, their love and most importantly to them their family ties. From the ceremony that included traditional Persian wedding songs sung in Farsi by Nastaran’s mom to the presentation of the gifts from the parents to the couple to the private vows presided over by Nastran and Mehran’s church priests every moment was part of a beautiful homage to their Persian culture and family values.

The Ceremony

Their ceremony, held in the beautiful entrance of Chateau Luxe under the gorgeous chandelier, was a mix of western wedding traditions and Persian wedding traditions. There was no wedding party, however Nastaran and Mehran’s sisters acted as ceremony emcee’s and guided the guests through the ceremony elements, read excerpts from the Quran and acted as witnesses to the signing of the marriage certificate. Nastaran’s mom sang traditional wedding songs in Farsi (a hauntingly beautiful language). The aisle was roped off so that Nastaran was the first person to walk down it towards their Sofra Aghd. The Sofra Aghd is a low table that is at the head of the aisle and in Persian weddings takes the place of the traditional arch or other item at the head of the aisle in a western styled wedding.

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Mehran was waiting at the head of the aisle for Nastaran to enter with her mother and father. After a number of readings from the Quran read by their sisters, the couple was asked a number of questions by their priests. Unlike a western wedding, these questions and their vows were private and only the couple and the priests were aware of what they were at the time (they were repeated later for video purposes). After the ceremony, Nastaran graciously shared her vows with guests that asked – “I swear to our love. I swear to our lives. I swear to every single moment together. I swear to your smile. I swear to my life. I will always love you until the end of our every moment together. I love you and everything you are. I will stay your love until the last moment and beyond“ (this is the English translation of her Farsi vows). 

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The Reception

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour with traditional Persian appetizers - kibbeh maklieh (lamb with mince and pine nuts), falafel and puff pastry stuffed with beef. A mixed reception followed the cocktail hour (traditionally Persian weddings separate the genders and only the groom is allowed to be in the same room as the women). This is when the party began! Nastaran and Mehran wanted a western styled grand entrance with their families getting to dance into the reception space, and the dancing didn’t stop for almost 30 minutes! The majority of the guests finally took their seats to enjoy dinner – chicken shish kebabs and beef koobideh on a bed of roasted tomatoes, grilled carrots and saffron rice and were back on the dance floor in what seemed like minutes. There was a small break right after the traditional knife dance (to bless the knife prior to cutting the cake) and then the dancing continued for the remainder of the reception – almost four straight hours! 

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At the end of the night, the couple asked for one large group picture, gathered their gifts and left to enjoy their wedding night and honeymoon. They were still dancing as they left!

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Meet the Fabulous Vendors

Venue/Catering/Cake - Chateau Luxe

Coordinator - Sweet I Do's

Photographer - Rachel Baker Photography

Videographer - Corona Films

Hair & Makeup - Makiaj Beauty

Pianist - Nathan Jude

Dress - Silhouette Bridal

DJ - Reza Ghorbani

Officiant - Mr. Dehghan and Mr. Mostaghim

Waiting to Hire Your Wedding Vendors at the Last Minute? 5 Reasons You May Want to Change Your Mind

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I know there are a TON of articles out there telling you about all the amazing deals you can get if you wait until the last minute to book your wedding vendors. What I found interesting was none of them addressed the things that can go wrong if you wait until the last minute. Always one to remedy a known deficiency in providing information (lol), here are the horrible, bad and just annoying things that can happen if you wait to hire your wedding day team.

1. Limited choice

And by limited choice we mean in both actual vendors that are available and dates that are open. Usually the "best" vendors, venues and dates are booked a year (or more in advance). While you may luck out, that is truly what you are doing, spinning that luck wheel and hoping it lands on what you've been dreaming of. Reality is you will probably be settling on almost all of it. But we still say spin the wheel, reach out to your preferred venue and vendors and ask about your date. 

2. Limited selection

While you may score a great deal with your florist, cake, or caterer, chances are you may end up sacrificing your wants and dreams for what they "can get on short notice". I've had clients ask for a candy or dessert table the week of their wedding. While normally I can accommodate them, they are limited on what I can provide to what is locally available or what I may have on hand. Sometimes they are really disappointed that they can't have their favorite treats in their very specific wedding colors. If you are going to go this route, be super flexible and roll with what can be procured for your fabulous wedding.

3. Potentially booking a weekend warrior, a new vendor lacking in experience or the vendor that no one else wants to book

I hate this one as it implies that ALL weekend warriors or new vendors are bad. They aren't. But there are pitfalls associated with hiring them. They may not have the flexibility to meet with you in your very limited time frame (and it will cause you stress trying to work into their schedule). They may not have the knowledge to quickly and efficiently work their way into your wedding timeline. As for being left with the vendors that no one wants to book, that is a definite possibility if you wait until the absolute last moment to hire a pivotal vendor. In some cases however, something is better than nothing. Don't skip a vendor just because they may be new or only work on the weekends.

4. Being forced to hire someone without being able to do all the research and vetting needed

A condensed time frame to hire means you have little to no time to research and compare vendors. To look and see if they have a license, insurance and are a proper business. To get references or look at reviews. In a nut shell, no time to actually make a thoughtful considered decision. I would think twice before I hired a critical vendor that can't quickly and easily provide at least proof of insurance and a business license.

5. Thinking you're going to get the deal of a lifetime

You may, or you may end up paying rush fees and premiums, or you may pay exactly the same as if you had booked months earlier. There is no guarantee that any vendor or venue will cut you a deal, just because they happen to be available. Some vendors may feel that you don't value their profession because you waited. Some may prefer to work for full price or not work at all. And some may be thrilled to fill a date in on their calendar, even if it means working for a little less than normal. Be prepared to pay full price, but it doesn't hurt to ask the question on if they offer a discount. The answer is always no until you ask the question.

If you're a flexible couple that truly just wants to get married and doesn't want to (or can't wait to) tie the knot, go for it! Look up a fabulous coordinator (like Sweet I Do's) to help with all the details and make everything run as smooth as possible.

3 Things to Consider Before Hiring a "Part-Time" Wedding Vendor

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Let me tell you a story. It is 4:30 in the afternoon of an amazing day.

I have a super cute couple that will be walking down the aisle at 5:00.

My assistant and I are in the reception hall setting up the final details when a friend of the bride asks me

where the flowers for the bride and bridesmaids are.

I’m slightly perplexed as I spoke with the florist and she assured me that everything was set and ready to go. I go over to the bridal suite and look around. I see a cascading orchid bouquet that is falling apart, a few individual calla lilies and not much else.

I text the florist (this is the only way she will communicate as she has a full time job that doesn’t allow her to take phone calls during the day) and ask where the bouquets are at

and I will never forget her response –

“when I went to the wholesaler yesterday, the roses that the client wanted didn’t look right so I just substituted individual calla lilies instead.”

I was floored and the bride is almost in tears.

Communication was rough all along with this vendor, but for her to make the call to just change the order, without prior knowledge or agreement of the client was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

While I took up this huge mistake with the vendor I was driving to the local Trader Joe’s (this was a destination wedding) picked up some gorgeous white roses, created beautiful hand tied bouquets and my couple walked down the aisle on time (this is the main reason I highly recommend you hire a wedding coordinator by the way).

So there is a happy ending and a moral to the story.

Throughout the whole process this vendor was difficult to talk to, she could only meet on certain days, at certain times and would only communicate through text. She would not return phone calls, would not confirm details and was very unprofessional. She was a weekend warrior and didn’t take the commitment she made to clients, that paid her, very seriously. While not all part-time vendors are this egregious when it comes to taking care of clients, it does happen more often than not.

In the end my team was able to save the day, maintain the timeline and stave off tears and stress, but we shouldn’t have had to.

When choosing your vendors, don’t be afraid to ask the question – “Do you do this full time?” and if the answer is no find out what limits their job will place on their ability to do their job properly.

1. Limited availability

Part-time vendors usually can only meet when they are not working or do not have other life commitments. While all vendors will have limits to their availability most full time vendors will have ample options during the day and at night, during the week and on weekends.

2. Unable or unwilling to utilize all forms of communication

Part-time vendors usually cannot take personal phone calls while they are working their “real” job. They may also be limited as to when they can check and respond to emails and text messages. Full-time vendors can answer their phones whenever they are not with another client or working with another client and have fewer limitations as to when they can respond to email and text.

3. Unprofessional business approach

Part-time vendors have a tendency to skip the necessary items to running a business – business licenses, insurance, contracts, back up plans and staff. Full-time vendors know that they are holding your dreams in their hands and they want to ensure that you have every confidence in them and their business.

While my story had a mostly happy ending, the vendor never apologized for the stress and drama she caused. She didn't willingly refund any money. She didn't care and that is probably the hardest lesson that clients that hire part-time vendors may have to learn - some of them just don't care about their clients.

Full disclosure and reality check - I have worked with loads of "part-time" vendors, but you would never know that they were running their business part-time. They are fabulous!! At the beginning of my journey I was a "part-time" vendor, but none of my clients knew it. It has a lot to do with you as a person, how well you can handle multiple tasks and how you structure your business. I won't say that you have to steer clear of "part-time" vendors, but do your due diligence and understand exactly what you will be signing up for. 

Happy Wedding Planning!

Desert Boho and Romantic Desert Wedding Style Shoot at Tercero Weddings by Aldea in Glendale, Arizona

Have you ever had an idea in your head that you just can't seem to forget about, no matter how busy you get or how many other things are going on in your life? When I first heard about this fun and fabulous new wedding venue that was going to be opening on in the west valley of Phoenix, an idea planted itself in my head and wouldn't leave, no matter what. An idea that I, after being in business for almost 9 years, should design a styled shoot, and not just any styled shoot, but one that would showcase some of my favorite vendors, introduce me to a whole new group of "friendors" and allow me to add some gorgeous pictures to my portfolio. The result, a collaborative styled shoot that had 7 photographers, 2 couples, 2 designs and a ton of amazing details!!!

The Vendors

Venue - Tercero Weddings by Aldea

Photographers - Amber Kay Lonski Photography | Graced by Light Photography              Poppyseed Photography | Sandra Patricia Photography | Shea Brie Photography | Sweet Sunday Photography | Twin Lens Studios

Coordinator/Designer - Sweet I Do's

Florists - PJ's Flowers & Events (romantic desert design) | Poppy Design Co (desert boho design)

Cake/Desserts - Amour de Sucre

Rentals - Tremaine Ranch

Stationery - Paige Poppe Art (desert boho design) | Posh Invitations (romantic boho design)

Farmhouse Table/Benches - Elegant Farmhouse Designs

Lighting - Divinity Event Lighting

Menswear - Celebrity Tux & Tails

Bridalwear - Lovely Bride Phoenix

Hair and Makeup Artist - Makeup by Carmen Orduno

Models - Julie & Brian Read (romantic desert design) | Gina Baker & Ryan Warling (desert boho design)

The inspiration

Living in the middle of the desert in Phoenix, AZ you would think that it would be almost impossible to draw any inspiration from our landscape. When people think of the desert they think of scorching sand and loads and loads of brown and tan nothingness. And while typically true, we have some of the most amazing sunsets and right after the rains our desert turns a beautiful variety of succulent and cacti greens with the most vibrant flowers imaginable. I drew my inspiration for the desert boho design from those colorful sunsets and cacti blooms pulling in magenta, purple, orange and yellow. For the romantic desert design I looked no farther than our beautiful succulents choosing the soft greens, pale pinks and almost translucent blue/gray.

The result

Having 7 photographers taking pictures of the same designs in the same location may seem like over-kill, but I saw it as an opportunity to see what 7 different styles and perspectives of the same elements would look like. I have to say I was thrilled! Check out some of my favorite images in my galleries for each photographer.

Be sure to follow everyone on IG to see more of their amazing work (links below)!

Amber Kay Lonski Photography

IG - @aklonskiphoto

Gallery Images

Graced by Light Photography

IG - @gracedbylight_photography

Gallery Images

Poppyseed Photography

IG - @poppyseedphotography

Gallery Images

Sandra Patricia Photography

IG - @sandrapatriciaphotography

Gallery Images

Shea Brie Photography

IG - @sheabriephotography

Gallery Images

Sweet Sunday Photography

IG - @sweetsundayphotography

Gallery Images

Twin Lens Studios

IG - @twinlensstudios

Gallery Images