09/02: Illness...
My blog is suffering from a terrible illness.....blog neglect. This disease comes and goes throughout the year, but symptoms are heightened during wedding season when it's caretaker is often distracted. I assure you, the blog will soon recover. It may not be tomorrow, and it may not be next week, but soon - it will be on the path to good health. And once that good health returns - we have so much to talk about....recaps from Cassie & Lewis, Julie & Scott, Andrea & Joe, Alli & Jake, Kate & Brad, and so many more. Nevermind a pretty fun post re: best man toasts...
So, stay tuned, the blog will soon be feeling better and I look forward to entertaining you with my ramblings.
So, stay tuned, the blog will soon be feeling better and I look forward to entertaining you with my ramblings.
I found this Q&A over on the blog for Divine Events by Helena - she's a fabulous wedding coordinator out in the San Diego area. My friend (and sorority sister) Melissa McClure is an amaaaazing wedding photographer out in the area so I feel like I know a lot of of her vendor friends from afar (only partly due to my obsession with Facebook - ha!) so I often follow their work. If you think I'm obsessed with FB, though, Mel's TOTALLY got me beat.
Anyway, I noticed on Helena's blog that she did a Q&A with Melissa and, no surprise, I LOVED the insight she shared. While Melissa mainly works on the West Coast she will GLADLY come back to Chicago and Peoria to shoot - so you should considering looking her up. Even if you won't be working with her - I loved the advice she shared and it applies to working with your already chosen photographer, or when you're looking to hire one.
Thanks to Helena for posting this on her blog and thanks to Mel for just being so wonderful! She is so great to work with and makes you feel instantly comfortable in front of the camera! I'm not the biggest fan of being in front of the camera but it's pretty fun when she's the one behind it!
___________________________
You take such beautiful images and really capture the love in each couple you photograph. How do you keep it fresh?
Thank you! I’m such a sap, but I truly love love! Each new couple I meet is a new experience, with new stories to hear! It doesn’t get old hearing about a proposal or a fun ‘how we met’ story! Capturing their emotion while they relive these tales to me creates some amazing images. I also try to suggest new locations to shoot engagement photos because being in new surroundings is very inspirational and I do my best work when something is new and fresh.
What inspires you?
I feel like I have to answer this in two parts. Part one ties in to the question above, meeting new people, being infected with the love they project is what inspires me to do this. On the nerdy/technical aspect of photography, I am giddy when there is amazing light.
If you could give brides one piece of advice, what would it be?
Get to know your photographer and make sure you enjoy being around them! Your photographer is such an integral part of your wedding day, you spend a majority of the day with that person. If you feel like you and your photographer could sit down any day of the week and enjoy a drink or a meal together, then that is probably the right person to shoot your wedding. Once you conclude that you like their images and their pricing works for you, that is really the last step!
Is there anything brides and grooms can do that would make it easier to photograph them?
Tell me about you. Share your story. Tell me about your family. Add me on Facebook. Tell me if you are self-conscious about a body part. When I have a close bond with my couples, I am able to produce images with more feeling and emotion. This is a reason the engagement session is so important…so we aren’t strangers on the day of the wedding!
If you weren’t photographing people what else would you enjoy taking photos of?
I actually have a strong passion for Sports Photography! I was a soccer player for 13 years and have always enjoyed sports. In College my goal was to work for Sports Illustrated and shoot NBA or NFL games. I used to work for my college newspaper and got to travel to a yearly tournament with our basketball team. It was an amazing experience, being on the court, shooting next to these magazine photographers and getting treated as a professional sports photographer!
Anyway, I noticed on Helena's blog that she did a Q&A with Melissa and, no surprise, I LOVED the insight she shared. While Melissa mainly works on the West Coast she will GLADLY come back to Chicago and Peoria to shoot - so you should considering looking her up. Even if you won't be working with her - I loved the advice she shared and it applies to working with your already chosen photographer, or when you're looking to hire one.
Thanks to Helena for posting this on her blog and thanks to Mel for just being so wonderful! She is so great to work with and makes you feel instantly comfortable in front of the camera! I'm not the biggest fan of being in front of the camera but it's pretty fun when she's the one behind it!
___________________________
You take such beautiful images and really capture the love in each couple you photograph. How do you keep it fresh?
Thank you! I’m such a sap, but I truly love love! Each new couple I meet is a new experience, with new stories to hear! It doesn’t get old hearing about a proposal or a fun ‘how we met’ story! Capturing their emotion while they relive these tales to me creates some amazing images. I also try to suggest new locations to shoot engagement photos because being in new surroundings is very inspirational and I do my best work when something is new and fresh.
What inspires you?
I feel like I have to answer this in two parts. Part one ties in to the question above, meeting new people, being infected with the love they project is what inspires me to do this. On the nerdy/technical aspect of photography, I am giddy when there is amazing light.
If you could give brides one piece of advice, what would it be?
Get to know your photographer and make sure you enjoy being around them! Your photographer is such an integral part of your wedding day, you spend a majority of the day with that person. If you feel like you and your photographer could sit down any day of the week and enjoy a drink or a meal together, then that is probably the right person to shoot your wedding. Once you conclude that you like their images and their pricing works for you, that is really the last step!
Is there anything brides and grooms can do that would make it easier to photograph them?
Tell me about you. Share your story. Tell me about your family. Add me on Facebook. Tell me if you are self-conscious about a body part. When I have a close bond with my couples, I am able to produce images with more feeling and emotion. This is a reason the engagement session is so important…so we aren’t strangers on the day of the wedding!
If you weren’t photographing people what else would you enjoy taking photos of?
I actually have a strong passion for Sports Photography! I was a soccer player for 13 years and have always enjoyed sports. In College my goal was to work for Sports Illustrated and shoot NBA or NFL games. I used to work for my college newspaper and got to travel to a yearly tournament with our basketball team. It was an amazing experience, being on the court, shooting next to these magazine photographers and getting treated as a professional sports photographer!
08/08: Goodbye & Good Luck Katy!!!
Oh where do I ever start this post??? I knew this day was coming but I’m still in disbelief it’s arrived. It’s time to say goodbye and good luck to one of my faithful interns and friends, Katy Smithy! Katy has been with me since our very first official So Chic wedding in October 2008. She’s been a partner-in-crime, our comic relief, and our loud singer. Katy graduated from Bradley in May with a degree in Organizational Communications and she starts her first “real” job tomorrow as an Inside Sales Representative with Aetna in downtown Chicago (hope I got that job title right!)
I’ve had entirely too much fun with Katy – from roadtrips to room set-ups to getting Behind Every Bride launched and her excitement when she made her first ad sale – she’s been such a vital part of the team. To say I’m going to miss her would be an understatement but I know she’s moving on to bigger (I can’t bring myself to say better) opportunities! Katy – best wishes to you – thanks for being a part of my “baby.” I’m going to miss hearing you say “that’s GORGEOUS” every two minutes. I’ll miss having to “shush” you right before a ceremony because you’re talking entirely too loud. I’ll miss having you as one of my go-to girls – I knew I could always count on you whether the task was big or small. Aetna is lucky to have you and I know you’re going to accomplish great things. Your co-workers are in for some surprises!!!
Here are some of our best moments in the past two years….
At the Behind Every Bride launch party in January 2010 - this is pretty much how we always are!
Photo from Nellie Photography
One of the many times she got obsessed with the flowers!!!
One of the pictures Katy took at a wedding and she kept screaming, "I'm like a professional! Look at this picture!!!"
After a room set-up...
After our first double-wedding weekend...we were wiped out!
The girls took this picture while they were driving my car and I was up in a hot air baloon at a client's wedding....some of the pictures I found from their drive back to the reception frighten me for the safety of my car! :)
The centerpieces Katy was OBSESSED with! She's been talking about these orchids since October - so we got her one of her very own for her new cubicle!
Photo from Deidre Lynn Photography
Us with the famous binder!
This is how "So Chic and the Kati/y's" got its name
My personal fave in two years of picture taking....love ya!
I’ve had entirely too much fun with Katy – from roadtrips to room set-ups to getting Behind Every Bride launched and her excitement when she made her first ad sale – she’s been such a vital part of the team. To say I’m going to miss her would be an understatement but I know she’s moving on to bigger (I can’t bring myself to say better) opportunities! Katy – best wishes to you – thanks for being a part of my “baby.” I’m going to miss hearing you say “that’s GORGEOUS” every two minutes. I’ll miss having to “shush” you right before a ceremony because you’re talking entirely too loud. I’ll miss having you as one of my go-to girls – I knew I could always count on you whether the task was big or small. Aetna is lucky to have you and I know you’re going to accomplish great things. Your co-workers are in for some surprises!!!
Here are some of our best moments in the past two years….
At the Behind Every Bride launch party in January 2010 - this is pretty much how we always are!
Photo from Nellie Photography
One of the many times she got obsessed with the flowers!!!
One of the pictures Katy took at a wedding and she kept screaming, "I'm like a professional! Look at this picture!!!"
After a room set-up...
After our first double-wedding weekend...we were wiped out!
The girls took this picture while they were driving my car and I was up in a hot air baloon at a client's wedding....some of the pictures I found from their drive back to the reception frighten me for the safety of my car! :)
The centerpieces Katy was OBSESSED with! She's been talking about these orchids since October - so we got her one of her very own for her new cubicle!
Photo from Deidre Lynn Photography
Us with the famous binder!
This is how "So Chic and the Kati/y's" got its name
My personal fave in two years of picture taking....love ya!
08/05: Jamie & Aaron - 7.24.10
I was so excited when Jamie called me a few months ago - a referral from Ashley (one of my Behind Every Bride girls). Jamie had done most of the planning for her big day but was ready to hand over the stress to someone else...and I was happy to step in! I was able to do more than just manage the stress - we even added a few new design elements she hadn't already planned including the fabulous pink lighting that really transformed the room!
The wedding was out in Princeville with a reception down at the Civic Center. I LOVE working at the Civic Center - I adore Beth, Sarah, and Carol down there and we always have entirely too much fun! As always, we had fun and created a fabulous event for Jamie and Aaron to enjoy. Beth even took me on a tour of their Lexus Room and, ever since I saw it, I've been designing an event there...stay tuned for details on that!
Jamie and Aaron are so sweet together and they had a great (yet HUGE) bridal party. The boys were a bit on the surly side...and the more they drank, the surlier they got! :) At one point, when the Civic Center told them they couldn't bring their coolers of alcohol in - they told her "Sara the wedding planner said we could!" Sorry guys, I can do a lot of things for you but I can't trump the Civic Center's alcohol policy. Too funny!
You know I always love to share my favorite moment(s) from the wedding day and my favorite moment of this day, without question, was Jamie and her dad's "Father/Daughter Dance." You could tell that they're incredibly close and it was neat to watch them interact all day - especially as I stood behind Jamie getting ready to fluff her dress before she went down the aisle - they just have that awesome father/daughter bond that always gets me. They did an entire dance medley and it was ADORABLE! Her dad could really groove - especially when he did the Mashed Potato! Too cute - he reminded me a lot of my dad!
All of that being said - I loved being a part of their day, taking the stress and handing back a perfect wedding day. I will say, it was INCREDIBLY hot that day but, we survived!
Here's the vendor team!
Florist: Heaven on Earth
Photographer: Kelly Daree Photography
Lighting: Prospect Sound & TV
Cake: Cake Connection
Linens: I Do Events
DJ: Bub and Chub Productions
Venue, Catering: Centerplate @ Peoria Civic Center
Cute!
The black aisle runner with their initial was one of our "additions" and I LOVED it! So glad Jamie trusted me on the black! :)
The wedding was out in Princeville with a reception down at the Civic Center. I LOVE working at the Civic Center - I adore Beth, Sarah, and Carol down there and we always have entirely too much fun! As always, we had fun and created a fabulous event for Jamie and Aaron to enjoy. Beth even took me on a tour of their Lexus Room and, ever since I saw it, I've been designing an event there...stay tuned for details on that!
Jamie and Aaron are so sweet together and they had a great (yet HUGE) bridal party. The boys were a bit on the surly side...and the more they drank, the surlier they got! :) At one point, when the Civic Center told them they couldn't bring their coolers of alcohol in - they told her "Sara the wedding planner said we could!" Sorry guys, I can do a lot of things for you but I can't trump the Civic Center's alcohol policy. Too funny!
You know I always love to share my favorite moment(s) from the wedding day and my favorite moment of this day, without question, was Jamie and her dad's "Father/Daughter Dance." You could tell that they're incredibly close and it was neat to watch them interact all day - especially as I stood behind Jamie getting ready to fluff her dress before she went down the aisle - they just have that awesome father/daughter bond that always gets me. They did an entire dance medley and it was ADORABLE! Her dad could really groove - especially when he did the Mashed Potato! Too cute - he reminded me a lot of my dad!
All of that being said - I loved being a part of their day, taking the stress and handing back a perfect wedding day. I will say, it was INCREDIBLY hot that day but, we survived!
Here's the vendor team!
Florist: Heaven on Earth
Photographer: Kelly Daree Photography
Lighting: Prospect Sound & TV
Cake: Cake Connection
Linens: I Do Events
DJ: Bub and Chub Productions
Venue, Catering: Centerplate @ Peoria Civic Center
Cute!
The black aisle runner with their initial was one of our "additions" and I LOVED it! So glad Jamie trusted me on the black! :)
07/29: Obama snubbed by Chelsea?
If you've seen the recent headlines, you know Chelsea Clinton's wedding is just around the corner. You probably also know that Obama wasn't invited to the nuptials. Gasp!!
I thought the headline was ridiculous - I'm not entirely sure how that's newsworthy but the media can make people care (or pretend to care) about just about anything. Even though the Obama snub is ridiculous....the bigger issue is the fact that making guest list choices can be tough. Where do you draw the line and how do you make those tough cuts?
A lot of my clients face guest list drama. I'd say creating the guest list is 75% of the stress between a bride, her groom, and the families involved. While there's no hard and fast solution to making everyone happy, I thought I'd offer just a few quick tips as you muddle through your guest list...
1. Start your list without anyone else's input. Who are those people that IMMEDIATELY come to mind that HAVE to be at your wedding day? As in, you can't imagine your day without them. Just write them off - almost stream of consciousness brainstorming. Just write and write until your brain runs out of the must-haves. Have your fiance do the same thing. Chances are, after this loose process, your guest list will be at least 50-60% complete.
2. Then, allow parents to create their list. To set the tone early that perhaps not everyone they want can be invited - ask them to create their A list and their B list. It sounds harsh, but this makes them prioritize right out of the gate and they know that having to make tough cuts might be in their future...but some of the work (and emotion) will be cut down because they've already created their must-have and would-like-to-have lists.
Now, see how all of that stacks up and where your numbers roll in. If you've got room to keep going - then do just that. Take out your address book, your Blackberry, whatever you need to keep brainstorming. If your list (and capacity) has been met from that process, well, mission accomplished.
There are lots of "excuses" you can use if someone (like Obama) got snubbed from the guest list and perhaps family or friends (probably not the media) are talking about it. Budget constraints, limited space - those are pretty easy and non-emotional reasons. If you know someone might be upset that they're not invited - have your mom or mother-in-law broach the topic with them one-on-one so they don't find out in an awkward way or cause a scene at your next family gathering.
Another quick tip - find one, swift way to make a large cut. For my own wedding, I had about 35 second cousins to invites. When we had literally maxed out on how much room we had at the reception - we cut all of the 2nd cousins from the invite list. This made it consistent across the board so one cousin wasn't upset that another one was invited and they weren't.
Making (and cutting) the guest list is tough and there's not a magic solution - just do your best and START early!
I hope Obama gets over the snub but, somehow, I think he's got more on his mind than Chelsea's wedding with the $20,000 port-a-potties.
I thought the headline was ridiculous - I'm not entirely sure how that's newsworthy but the media can make people care (or pretend to care) about just about anything. Even though the Obama snub is ridiculous....the bigger issue is the fact that making guest list choices can be tough. Where do you draw the line and how do you make those tough cuts?
A lot of my clients face guest list drama. I'd say creating the guest list is 75% of the stress between a bride, her groom, and the families involved. While there's no hard and fast solution to making everyone happy, I thought I'd offer just a few quick tips as you muddle through your guest list...
1. Start your list without anyone else's input. Who are those people that IMMEDIATELY come to mind that HAVE to be at your wedding day? As in, you can't imagine your day without them. Just write them off - almost stream of consciousness brainstorming. Just write and write until your brain runs out of the must-haves. Have your fiance do the same thing. Chances are, after this loose process, your guest list will be at least 50-60% complete.
2. Then, allow parents to create their list. To set the tone early that perhaps not everyone they want can be invited - ask them to create their A list and their B list. It sounds harsh, but this makes them prioritize right out of the gate and they know that having to make tough cuts might be in their future...but some of the work (and emotion) will be cut down because they've already created their must-have and would-like-to-have lists.
Now, see how all of that stacks up and where your numbers roll in. If you've got room to keep going - then do just that. Take out your address book, your Blackberry, whatever you need to keep brainstorming. If your list (and capacity) has been met from that process, well, mission accomplished.
There are lots of "excuses" you can use if someone (like Obama) got snubbed from the guest list and perhaps family or friends (probably not the media) are talking about it. Budget constraints, limited space - those are pretty easy and non-emotional reasons. If you know someone might be upset that they're not invited - have your mom or mother-in-law broach the topic with them one-on-one so they don't find out in an awkward way or cause a scene at your next family gathering.
Another quick tip - find one, swift way to make a large cut. For my own wedding, I had about 35 second cousins to invites. When we had literally maxed out on how much room we had at the reception - we cut all of the 2nd cousins from the invite list. This made it consistent across the board so one cousin wasn't upset that another one was invited and they weren't.
Making (and cutting) the guest list is tough and there's not a magic solution - just do your best and START early!
I hope Obama gets over the snub but, somehow, I think he's got more on his mind than Chelsea's wedding with the $20,000 port-a-potties.
07/22: More Awkwardness
Remember my post a few weeks back about the bride and groom holding the mini version of themselves in their hands? (If not - click here and enjoy the weirdness).
Well, now it seems EVERYONE points me in the direction of the most awkward wedding photos. I don't know if it's to surprise, disgust, or appaul me...but it works every time! Some are downright hysterical!
Below are some of the latest findings - compliments of AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com. Seriously, when were these pictures EVER a good idea? Don't even blame the 80's - even the 80's can't be responsible for taste this bad.
Photographers do always say the worst angle is straight on...who knew you had to turn out your feet too?
I'm all for artsy poses...but looking like you're dead on you're wedding day? That does nothing for me.
My new favorite (thanks to Mark & Tory). What's worse - the awkward gazing...or the awkward mullet?
If you run across a ridiculous wedding image - send it my way - seriously hysterical!
Well, now it seems EVERYONE points me in the direction of the most awkward wedding photos. I don't know if it's to surprise, disgust, or appaul me...but it works every time! Some are downright hysterical!
Below are some of the latest findings - compliments of AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com. Seriously, when were these pictures EVER a good idea? Don't even blame the 80's - even the 80's can't be responsible for taste this bad.
Photographers do always say the worst angle is straight on...who knew you had to turn out your feet too?
I'm all for artsy poses...but looking like you're dead on you're wedding day? That does nothing for me.
My new favorite (thanks to Mark & Tory). What's worse - the awkward gazing...or the awkward mullet?
If you run across a ridiculous wedding image - send it my way - seriously hysterical!
07/20: Steff & Austin Are Married!!
Steff and Austin are married!!!! It was a beautiful (okay, mostly beautiful, at times a bit sweltering if I'm being honest) day out at Kickapoo Creek Winery with some incredibly talented vendors on hand to create an amazing experience for Steff, Austin, their super fun bridal party and incredibly loving family!
I met Steff and Austin just about 3 months ago when Steff contacted me to talk about me tying up the loose ends and taking some of the stress off of them for their big day. Steff and Austin are both in pharmacy school down in Florida so, to say they had a lot on their plate, would be an understatement. Add to that, Steff's parents live in the Netherlands so it made it extra hard! We started working together from afar but then I met them in early June. Talk about the sweetest couple! They are truly a perfect balance for each other - Austin being laid-back and calm, Steff being a bundle of energy and excitement. I knew we were in for an eventful wedding day!
Steff had her heart completely set on an outdoor ceremony so we had to battle Mother Nature throughout the day. It kept threatening to storm, the Weather Channel kept changing the time it was going to happen, and we had to make the final call to chance the weather or move under the pavilion. After I gave Mother Nature a stern "talking to" she opted to cooperate and Steff's dream ceremony happened! It was a bit hot with the sun shining down but I swear Steff, Austin, and the bridal party never had a single drop of sweat. Gotta love it when adrenaline kicks in!
Here's the fabulous vendor team:
Venue: Kickapoo Creek Winery
Photographer: Seth Morris Photography
Florals: Floral Designs and Kroger
Linens: I Do Events
DJ & Lighting: Sound & Light Creations
Ceremony Music: Mike & Carrie (LOVE THEM - they saved the day!)
Cake: Le Bakery
Rentals (chairs, centerpieces, arbor): Heaven on Earth and Heeren Signature Rental
I have a few favorite moments from their wedding day that I have to put into words so I can always remember them!
1. Right before the ceremony, Steff and the bridesmaids were in the bridal cottage. Steff said "Let's have a glass of champagne." As everyone hoisted their glasses, Steff said, in all seriousness, "Wait, what should we toast to?" Loveable Steff didn't even think to toast to the fact she was getting married in 5 minutes! It was pretty cute!
2. Steff's step-dad is a bagpiper over in the Netherlands. He called in a few favors from 2 other bagpipers here in the area and, just before Steff and Austin's first dance, her dad and the other 2 bagpipers came in and gave a surprise performance. Steff and Austin had no idea (okay, maybe they had a little bit of an idea - have you ever heard a bagpiper tune up? It's soo loud!)
3. Instead of the traditional father/daughter dance - Steff opted to surprise her mom with a little toast and a dance with her mom. I even knew it was coming and I still cried through the whole thing. It was an amazingly special moment! Steff and Austin are loved by so many and it was so clear in that moment.
4. Basically every moment with the entire bridal party was awesome. Not only were they the world's most stylish, gorgeous wedding party but they were so fun, laid-back, and sweet on top of it! They truly were only there to support Steff and Austin! Wait until I show you pics of the bridesmaid dresses and shoes-they were HOT!
There are so many others but these were some of my highlights! Congratulations Steff & Austin - thanks for letting me be a part of your big day and best wishes for the future! Don't forget your favorite wedding planner when you're big, successful pharmacists! :)
Now, enjoy a few pics from their big day! Their color scheme was black, white, and pops of orange. We were careful to use the orange just for pops as we didn't want it to become too "Halloween-y" but I think we found just the right balance!
These pictures are pretty horrible but I'll post some from the uber-talented and fun Seth Morris Photography as soon as I finish Facebook-stalking them and they post some preview shots!
I met Steff and Austin just about 3 months ago when Steff contacted me to talk about me tying up the loose ends and taking some of the stress off of them for their big day. Steff and Austin are both in pharmacy school down in Florida so, to say they had a lot on their plate, would be an understatement. Add to that, Steff's parents live in the Netherlands so it made it extra hard! We started working together from afar but then I met them in early June. Talk about the sweetest couple! They are truly a perfect balance for each other - Austin being laid-back and calm, Steff being a bundle of energy and excitement. I knew we were in for an eventful wedding day!
Steff had her heart completely set on an outdoor ceremony so we had to battle Mother Nature throughout the day. It kept threatening to storm, the Weather Channel kept changing the time it was going to happen, and we had to make the final call to chance the weather or move under the pavilion. After I gave Mother Nature a stern "talking to" she opted to cooperate and Steff's dream ceremony happened! It was a bit hot with the sun shining down but I swear Steff, Austin, and the bridal party never had a single drop of sweat. Gotta love it when adrenaline kicks in!
Here's the fabulous vendor team:
Venue: Kickapoo Creek Winery
Photographer: Seth Morris Photography
Florals: Floral Designs and Kroger
Linens: I Do Events
DJ & Lighting: Sound & Light Creations
Ceremony Music: Mike & Carrie (LOVE THEM - they saved the day!)
Cake: Le Bakery
Rentals (chairs, centerpieces, arbor): Heaven on Earth and Heeren Signature Rental
I have a few favorite moments from their wedding day that I have to put into words so I can always remember them!
1. Right before the ceremony, Steff and the bridesmaids were in the bridal cottage. Steff said "Let's have a glass of champagne." As everyone hoisted their glasses, Steff said, in all seriousness, "Wait, what should we toast to?" Loveable Steff didn't even think to toast to the fact she was getting married in 5 minutes! It was pretty cute!
2. Steff's step-dad is a bagpiper over in the Netherlands. He called in a few favors from 2 other bagpipers here in the area and, just before Steff and Austin's first dance, her dad and the other 2 bagpipers came in and gave a surprise performance. Steff and Austin had no idea (okay, maybe they had a little bit of an idea - have you ever heard a bagpiper tune up? It's soo loud!)
3. Instead of the traditional father/daughter dance - Steff opted to surprise her mom with a little toast and a dance with her mom. I even knew it was coming and I still cried through the whole thing. It was an amazingly special moment! Steff and Austin are loved by so many and it was so clear in that moment.
4. Basically every moment with the entire bridal party was awesome. Not only were they the world's most stylish, gorgeous wedding party but they were so fun, laid-back, and sweet on top of it! They truly were only there to support Steff and Austin! Wait until I show you pics of the bridesmaid dresses and shoes-they were HOT!
There are so many others but these were some of my highlights! Congratulations Steff & Austin - thanks for letting me be a part of your big day and best wishes for the future! Don't forget your favorite wedding planner when you're big, successful pharmacists! :)
Now, enjoy a few pics from their big day! Their color scheme was black, white, and pops of orange. We were careful to use the orange just for pops as we didn't want it to become too "Halloween-y" but I think we found just the right balance!
These pictures are pretty horrible but I'll post some from the uber-talented and fun Seth Morris Photography as soon as I finish Facebook-stalking them and they post some preview shots!
07/08: Our Team Is Growing!!!
I am BURSTING...no, OOZING....no, OVER THE MOON with excitement for this big announcement! So Chic is growing!!! We've had a wonderful team of ladies as the business has gotten up and going these past two years and, it's growing so fast, it's time to expand! That's where Elizabeth comes in.
You've gotta meet Elizabeth - the newest addition to the So Chic team. I am so excited to have her as a part of the team. Our brides will love her, our vendors will love her, and I KNOW that I'll love her!
Elizabeth is now an Associate Planner with So Chic Events. She'll work with clients when we're double booked and she'll also have clients of her own. She has an incredibly strong background in event planning and has experience in floral design so she's got an amazing eye for style!
I asked her to do a little Q&A to share on the blog until I get her officially added to the website. So, keep reading to get to know her!
Oh, and little does she know that I snagged a picture from Facebook so you could put a face with a name. I just think this picture is adorable and so appropriate to share a picture of her from her own wedding day!
When did you get married and what was your wedding like?
My husband, Nate, and I were married June 28, 2008 at the Kickapoo Creek Winery. What was supposed to be a small intimate affair turned in to a 200+ guest extravaganza. (That is what happens sometimes when parents get a hold of the guest list.) Even though the guest list had more than doubled, Nate and I still wanted our wedding to feel intimate and special. Almost every aspect of our day we designed and created ourselves, from the invitations, to the favors and programs, to the ceremony itself. Our wedding was all about the details. In my opinion it is the details that make an event so special and memorable to both you and your guests. We were married outside by the grapevines in mid-evening. The ceremony was very much about our relationship and the future we were creating together. One of my favorite memories from the ceremony was my brother singing One Hand One Heart. It was beautiful and so very appropriate. The reception was a great party, just the way my mom wanted it! ƒº We ate great food, drank, and danced the night away! I have so many great pictures of friends and family out on the dance floor; Thriller comes to mind right away! Of course there were a few hiccups along the way¡Kit poured down rain in the middle of our pictures and there were gusts of wind during our ceremony that I thought for sure were going to knock decorations over. But, in the end, the day was absolutely perfect because I married the love of my life.
Why'd you get into wedding/event planning?
For the past six years I have been planning events within the public sector. My attention to details, organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and think on the fly all make event planning a great fit for me. I have chosen to concentrate on wedding planning as of recent for a few key reasons. First, in the public sector, I don¡¦t get to form a relationship with the client, get to know their wants and needs and help make those a reality. Also, I miss being creative. That is what I loved most about planning my own wedding, all the personal touches and small details that made it truly one of a kind. Lastly, weddings are so romantic. I love all of the hope and promise that weddings bring. The same can¡¦t always be said for the events I plan within the public sector. For these reasons and many more, I look forward to working closely with my clients, getting to know them on a personal level, and helping them to create their perfect wedding day.
Favorite thing about weddings?
There are so many things I love about weddings that I can¡¦t name just one. I¡¦ll give you my top three.
1. I love to see the father of the bride walk his daughter down the aisle. He always looks so proud, humbled, saddened, and overjoyed all at the same time. It is such a lovely moment.
2. I love, at the reception, the dance when all the married couples come out on the floor and are dismissed by the number of years they have been together. The end of the song when the couple that has been married the longest is dancing along side the newlyweds holds so much promise.
3. Flowers are another favorite part of weddings. I love flowers! I love the scents, colors, textures, shapes, and varieties; everything. I love to see what the bride has chosen and how it all comes together.
Tell us about your floral experience:
Flowers are not only one of my favorite things about weddings, but they are one of my favorite things, ever!!! Like I said, I love flowers! About a year ago I finished my Master¡¦s and really didn¡¦t know what to do with myself. After been in school for most of my life, I was a bit lost. I had free time; what is that, and what should I do with it. I figured why not go back to school!?! I enrolled in the basic floral design distance learning program through the Floral Design Institute. I hoped to learn basic care and handling, but it has turned into so much more. I am now familiar and confident with mechanics, elements, and principles of design. The Floral Design Institute also offers a specialized wedding design course which I hope to complete within the near future.
Flowers can play such a crucial role in establishing the style and feel of an event. I look forward to using my knowledge and skills to help each individual bride find her unique flower style.
Favorite crayon in a Crayola box and why?
What a corky question. I would have to say my favorite crayon in the Crayola box is rainforest green. Green is not even my favorite color. I just love the name.
If you could be any breakfast food, what would it be and why?
I think I would be a banana, just because I would get to see a lot of the world before I made it to the table for breakfast.
Remember CDs? What was your very first one?
Do I remember CDs¡Kplease! I remember cassettes, even records for crying out loud! My all time favorite CD was probably one of the first ones sold! Whitney Houston¡¦s - Whitney. My brother and I wore that down to nothing dancing around the living room as kids. ¡§I Wanna Dance with Somebody¡¨ - great memories.
Educational Background:
I graduated from Limestone Community High School in 2000. (Ten years ago, yikes!) I then went on to Western Illinois University were I majored in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, I eventually got my first real job working in the Elections Department for the Peoria County Clerk¡¦s Office. (My father would define a real job as one that offers benefits!) In 2005 I started a master¡¦s program through the University of Illinois ¡V Springfield concentrating in Public Administration. For the past four years I have held the title of Assistant Executive Director for the Peoria Board of Election Commissioners. My educational background and work experience are concentrated within the public sector. Nevertheless, I have been planning large events, elections, for the past six years. My attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to think on the fly will lead to a very smooth transition into the wonderful world of weddings.
You've gotta meet Elizabeth - the newest addition to the So Chic team. I am so excited to have her as a part of the team. Our brides will love her, our vendors will love her, and I KNOW that I'll love her!
Elizabeth is now an Associate Planner with So Chic Events. She'll work with clients when we're double booked and she'll also have clients of her own. She has an incredibly strong background in event planning and has experience in floral design so she's got an amazing eye for style!
I asked her to do a little Q&A to share on the blog until I get her officially added to the website. So, keep reading to get to know her!
Oh, and little does she know that I snagged a picture from Facebook so you could put a face with a name. I just think this picture is adorable and so appropriate to share a picture of her from her own wedding day!
When did you get married and what was your wedding like?
My husband, Nate, and I were married June 28, 2008 at the Kickapoo Creek Winery. What was supposed to be a small intimate affair turned in to a 200+ guest extravaganza. (That is what happens sometimes when parents get a hold of the guest list.) Even though the guest list had more than doubled, Nate and I still wanted our wedding to feel intimate and special. Almost every aspect of our day we designed and created ourselves, from the invitations, to the favors and programs, to the ceremony itself. Our wedding was all about the details. In my opinion it is the details that make an event so special and memorable to both you and your guests. We were married outside by the grapevines in mid-evening. The ceremony was very much about our relationship and the future we were creating together. One of my favorite memories from the ceremony was my brother singing One Hand One Heart. It was beautiful and so very appropriate. The reception was a great party, just the way my mom wanted it! ƒº We ate great food, drank, and danced the night away! I have so many great pictures of friends and family out on the dance floor; Thriller comes to mind right away! Of course there were a few hiccups along the way¡Kit poured down rain in the middle of our pictures and there were gusts of wind during our ceremony that I thought for sure were going to knock decorations over. But, in the end, the day was absolutely perfect because I married the love of my life.
Why'd you get into wedding/event planning?
For the past six years I have been planning events within the public sector. My attention to details, organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and think on the fly all make event planning a great fit for me. I have chosen to concentrate on wedding planning as of recent for a few key reasons. First, in the public sector, I don¡¦t get to form a relationship with the client, get to know their wants and needs and help make those a reality. Also, I miss being creative. That is what I loved most about planning my own wedding, all the personal touches and small details that made it truly one of a kind. Lastly, weddings are so romantic. I love all of the hope and promise that weddings bring. The same can¡¦t always be said for the events I plan within the public sector. For these reasons and many more, I look forward to working closely with my clients, getting to know them on a personal level, and helping them to create their perfect wedding day.
Favorite thing about weddings?
There are so many things I love about weddings that I can¡¦t name just one. I¡¦ll give you my top three.
1. I love to see the father of the bride walk his daughter down the aisle. He always looks so proud, humbled, saddened, and overjoyed all at the same time. It is such a lovely moment.
2. I love, at the reception, the dance when all the married couples come out on the floor and are dismissed by the number of years they have been together. The end of the song when the couple that has been married the longest is dancing along side the newlyweds holds so much promise.
3. Flowers are another favorite part of weddings. I love flowers! I love the scents, colors, textures, shapes, and varieties; everything. I love to see what the bride has chosen and how it all comes together.
Tell us about your floral experience:
Flowers are not only one of my favorite things about weddings, but they are one of my favorite things, ever!!! Like I said, I love flowers! About a year ago I finished my Master¡¦s and really didn¡¦t know what to do with myself. After been in school for most of my life, I was a bit lost. I had free time; what is that, and what should I do with it. I figured why not go back to school!?! I enrolled in the basic floral design distance learning program through the Floral Design Institute. I hoped to learn basic care and handling, but it has turned into so much more. I am now familiar and confident with mechanics, elements, and principles of design. The Floral Design Institute also offers a specialized wedding design course which I hope to complete within the near future.
Flowers can play such a crucial role in establishing the style and feel of an event. I look forward to using my knowledge and skills to help each individual bride find her unique flower style.
Favorite crayon in a Crayola box and why?
What a corky question. I would have to say my favorite crayon in the Crayola box is rainforest green. Green is not even my favorite color. I just love the name.
If you could be any breakfast food, what would it be and why?
I think I would be a banana, just because I would get to see a lot of the world before I made it to the table for breakfast.
Remember CDs? What was your very first one?
Do I remember CDs¡Kplease! I remember cassettes, even records for crying out loud! My all time favorite CD was probably one of the first ones sold! Whitney Houston¡¦s - Whitney. My brother and I wore that down to nothing dancing around the living room as kids. ¡§I Wanna Dance with Somebody¡¨ - great memories.
Educational Background:
I graduated from Limestone Community High School in 2000. (Ten years ago, yikes!) I then went on to Western Illinois University were I majored in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, I eventually got my first real job working in the Elections Department for the Peoria County Clerk¡¦s Office. (My father would define a real job as one that offers benefits!) In 2005 I started a master¡¦s program through the University of Illinois ¡V Springfield concentrating in Public Administration. For the past four years I have held the title of Assistant Executive Director for the Peoria Board of Election Commissioners. My educational background and work experience are concentrated within the public sector. Nevertheless, I have been planning large events, elections, for the past six years. My attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to think on the fly will lead to a very smooth transition into the wonderful world of weddings.
07/07: Really??
Now, we usually try to stay somewhat PC here on the blog. Try not to offend anyone or talk smack about people's ideas of what is wonderful, fabulous or beautiful. Everyone has different styles and tastes so we try to stay very mindful of that. But, for one post, we just have to ask....REALLY?
You thought this picture was a good idea? Really?
A photographer actually thought "this would be a really great way to edit this photo." Really?
The dude is oh-so-important that he has his cell phone clipped to his belt during his vows. Really?
You thought it was cute to hold a tiny, creepy version of yourself? Really?
For the record, nothing about this picture is okay. We're so glad we get to work with the wonderful photographers that we do. I'd completely wig out if I saw this picture included in the proofs of one of our clients. Photogs: you've been warned! :)
You thought this picture was a good idea? Really?
A photographer actually thought "this would be a really great way to edit this photo." Really?
The dude is oh-so-important that he has his cell phone clipped to his belt during his vows. Really?
You thought it was cute to hold a tiny, creepy version of yourself? Really?
For the record, nothing about this picture is okay. We're so glad we get to work with the wonderful photographers that we do. I'd completely wig out if I saw this picture included in the proofs of one of our clients. Photogs: you've been warned! :)
Hayley and Michael’s wedding day just oozed love. As silly as that sounds, there’s truly no better way to put it. With every person I talked with, observed, or worked with…it was a wedding day with more love than I had ever seen or experienced.
Hayley and Michael are high school sweethearts – together for 8 years now. Hayley and Michael both graduated Bradley – Hayley just a month ago!! You could tell they are meant to be together and that they have an amazing, loving future ahead of them. Their parents were just over the moon with excitement that the wedding day had finally arrived. They had the most doting bridal party I’ve ever witnessed – including the bridesmaids busting into random dances at least a dozen times before the ceremony even started…and then of course throughout the entire night!
The weather on their wedding day was a little less than perfect but, honestly, I think it all worked out just the way it was meant to. The ceremony and reception were out at Kickapoo Creek Winery. They are always so great to work with out there – they take wonderful care of their clients! We had to move the ceremony under the pavilion as there were some threatening storms coming in. Luckily, the storms didn’t hit us until later in the reception but we couldn’t take the risk of having the ceremony outside! Huge thank you to Heeren Signature Rental – we decided at the last minute (i.e. about 3 hours before the ceremony) that we wanted to order a 2nd set of chairs so we could stage the outdoor ceremony and under the pavilion). Heeren was on point and delivered the chairs within an hour of making that call. I’m so glad we ended up doing that since we moved it under the pavilion!
Hayley was a radiant bride – and perhaps the giddiest bride I’ve ever seen! Michael was calm, cool and collected…at least he pretended to be! The bridal party was a group of characters…in a good way, of course! I could keep on writing but, long story short, I felt more than privileged to have been a part of this wedding. I know there are so many incredible things in their future and I look forward to being a part of Hayley and Michael’s life for years to come!
Thanks to our great vendors!
Venue – Kickapoo Creek Winery
Chair Rental – Heeren Signature Rental
Chair Covers – I Do Events
Flowers – Create a Scene Events
Cake – Sinfully Sweet
DJ – Just for You Entertainment (He did a great job – the dance floor was completely packed the entire night! It helped that the majority of the guests just graduated college within a year…they were still in party mode!)
String Quartet – Charlie Knapp Quartet
Hotels – Hotels at Grand Prairie (their complimentary shuttle is a life saver – it saved the couple from having to rent ANY transportation!)
Photography - Meredith Rineberg - she always does a great job - can't wait to see her pictures! She and her mom are such a delight to work with!
Now, onto some pictures of the big day…
((Sorry they got a bit out of order of how the day actually hapened!)
Gorgeous bride and bridesmaids!
A traditional cake with a few contemporary twists!
I hate that this turned out a bit blurry...but I LOVE how beautiful and happy Hayley looks!
Everyone dancing to a Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana song! I had never heard it before but the girls kept dancing to it before the ceremony and then REALLY busted a move when the reception started. Keep an eye on the guy on the right...he was TOTALLY busting a move!
Now they were on to "Jump on It" - check out the intensity on that guy! (He was the boyfriend of a bridesmaid....seriously, they were both so much fun...and great dancers!)
Hayley hanging out with one of her littlest guests....can you tell she's going to be a teacher? So sweet!
The beautiful ceremony under the pavilion! It's kind of the best of both worlds - outdoorsy feel but still covered overhead!
Not a great picture but their flowers turned out so pretty...a little bit of a whimsical, antique feel.
The two versions of centerpieces....
Thanks again for letting me be a part of your big day!
Hayley and Michael are high school sweethearts – together for 8 years now. Hayley and Michael both graduated Bradley – Hayley just a month ago!! You could tell they are meant to be together and that they have an amazing, loving future ahead of them. Their parents were just over the moon with excitement that the wedding day had finally arrived. They had the most doting bridal party I’ve ever witnessed – including the bridesmaids busting into random dances at least a dozen times before the ceremony even started…and then of course throughout the entire night!
The weather on their wedding day was a little less than perfect but, honestly, I think it all worked out just the way it was meant to. The ceremony and reception were out at Kickapoo Creek Winery. They are always so great to work with out there – they take wonderful care of their clients! We had to move the ceremony under the pavilion as there were some threatening storms coming in. Luckily, the storms didn’t hit us until later in the reception but we couldn’t take the risk of having the ceremony outside! Huge thank you to Heeren Signature Rental – we decided at the last minute (i.e. about 3 hours before the ceremony) that we wanted to order a 2nd set of chairs so we could stage the outdoor ceremony and under the pavilion). Heeren was on point and delivered the chairs within an hour of making that call. I’m so glad we ended up doing that since we moved it under the pavilion!
Hayley was a radiant bride – and perhaps the giddiest bride I’ve ever seen! Michael was calm, cool and collected…at least he pretended to be! The bridal party was a group of characters…in a good way, of course! I could keep on writing but, long story short, I felt more than privileged to have been a part of this wedding. I know there are so many incredible things in their future and I look forward to being a part of Hayley and Michael’s life for years to come!
Thanks to our great vendors!
Venue – Kickapoo Creek Winery
Chair Rental – Heeren Signature Rental
Chair Covers – I Do Events
Flowers – Create a Scene Events
Cake – Sinfully Sweet
DJ – Just for You Entertainment (He did a great job – the dance floor was completely packed the entire night! It helped that the majority of the guests just graduated college within a year…they were still in party mode!)
String Quartet – Charlie Knapp Quartet
Hotels – Hotels at Grand Prairie (their complimentary shuttle is a life saver – it saved the couple from having to rent ANY transportation!)
Photography - Meredith Rineberg - she always does a great job - can't wait to see her pictures! She and her mom are such a delight to work with!
Now, onto some pictures of the big day…
((Sorry they got a bit out of order of how the day actually hapened!)
Gorgeous bride and bridesmaids!
A traditional cake with a few contemporary twists!
I hate that this turned out a bit blurry...but I LOVE how beautiful and happy Hayley looks!
Everyone dancing to a Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana song! I had never heard it before but the girls kept dancing to it before the ceremony and then REALLY busted a move when the reception started. Keep an eye on the guy on the right...he was TOTALLY busting a move!
Now they were on to "Jump on It" - check out the intensity on that guy! (He was the boyfriend of a bridesmaid....seriously, they were both so much fun...and great dancers!)
Hayley hanging out with one of her littlest guests....can you tell she's going to be a teacher? So sweet!
The beautiful ceremony under the pavilion! It's kind of the best of both worlds - outdoorsy feel but still covered overhead!
Not a great picture but their flowers turned out so pretty...a little bit of a whimsical, antique feel.
The two versions of centerpieces....
Thanks again for letting me be a part of your big day!
