CROWNING CELEBRATION: Kim & Brett

It was shaping up to be a chilly fall and the weather was nothing short of that on Kim & Brett's wedding day. But you wouldn't know it look at these photos that it was hailing as we were setting up. Spirits didn't dampen and hearts were warm with love. 

Just looking at these photos you know our bride had fab taste!!! Our first meeting in her house was a glimpse into her wedding day style and I knew it wasn't going to be anything short of creative! Kim said to me in a doubtful tone, 'I think I like teal'. Looking around I found hints of it everywhere. I pointed it out to her how often she's drawn to that shade of blue. And with a laugh she finally agreed.

Thank you to Chelsea Brown Photography for these awesome shots - so much detail that encompasses Kim & Brett's day and she captured it wonderfully!

Thank you bride, Kim, for this review:
Brittany and her team were great! Very kind and professional. We had planned an outdoor wedding at our home. The day of was very cold & windy, we even had hail! She made important last minute changes & really made sure all the guests were comfortable & the whole day turned out beautifully. My stress as the bride was minimal because of her service. I am very happy we had her help:)

Crowning & Fabulous: Love my job! | Toledo - Perrysburg Wedding Coordinator & Designer

Whew - what a week! I have had some great consults with brides this week, along with networking mtgs with area pros. I love my job!

While I haven't had much time to actually blog this week, I want to share my two favorites from blogs I follow.

The first is from The Wedding Workbook Blog on the TOP SIX REASONS to hire a wedding planner/coordinator/conceirge/designer... we have multiple names and often wear multiple hats. Personally, I prefer "wedding coordinator and designer" because not only am I cooridnating the logistics, but designing a one-of-a-kind day!

1. Couples will save tons of time - Although a couple may know a thing or two about wedding planning, they don’t do this for a living, so they will have to spend lots of time and effort getting up to speed, not to mention all the effort required managing all the details of wedding planning. By hiring a coordinator, they free up all that time and turn everything over to an expert who will get everything done in a fraction of the time that it would have taken them.

2. They will save money – The couple probably doesn’t have firmly established relationships with many wedding vendors, doesn’t have much leverage in negotiating with them and doesn’t know the going rates of what they should pay for wedding venues, catering, DJs, transportation, etc. Coordinators, on the other hand, have all this information at their fingertips and can probably negotiate much better rates than they can, and these savings can offset some or maybe even all the fees they would pay a coordinator.

3. Coordinators will help protect couples from mistakes and fraud – Every bride wants her day to be perfect and error-free. Although there are always a few issues with any event, hiring a professional will help ensure there are a minimum of issues (plus, when there are issues, coordinators know how to resolve them promptly). As a seasoned wedding professional, we have probably seen it all, so we know all the tips and tricks for avoiding mistakes and slipups. In addition, coordinators can help them avoid being defrauded by a shady vendor by helping them navigate the minefield of vendor selection and negotiation.

4. Couples can focus on more important matters - Brides and grooms have enough on their plate with family, friends and social commitments besides trying to manage a handful of vendors and thousands of intricate details. Their wedding should be a day of bliss and enjoyment, not one of work and worry, and hiring a coordinator will let them relax and enjoy every moment.

5. Millions of people hire specialists every day – Couples themselves probably hire specialists to take care of tasks in which they lack expertise (like fixing their car or doing their accounting) or don’t have the time to do themselves (like housecleaning). Planning a wedding is a very big job, especially for someone who doesn’t regularly plan events, with little margin for error, so it only makes sense to turn it over to someone who is an expert.

6. The job will get done right – When you try to take on a big project that is beyond your area of expertise, there’s always that fear that you are making errors and leaving out important steps … and you are probably right. So, by hiring an expert, couples can have the peace of mind that the job will get done the right way and that their wedding is in the hands of someone very capable of making their dream day come true.


Can you agree? I thought so ;)

The Second fabulous post sums up my fabuously busy work week on why I love do to the biz of "I Do"!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Crowning Inspiration: Must-do Pre {& Post} Wedding Shots: Shoes Part I

Who doesn't love shoes?! Whether yours are high, platform, flat, kitten-healed, rubber-bottomed, laced-up, zipped-up or slipped on, a girl has to have her shoes!

From the moment Annie Banks, in the Father of the Bride 1991 remake, appeared in her wedding Sidekicks, brides have not been afraid to express their shoe style.

A trend we have been seeing for a few years is the wedding day "statement" shoe. Brides are expressing their wedding day colors and personality. A growing trend this year is the ultimate sparkly, crystal-embellished shoe {as seen in my last post} 

and a patterned shoe such as leopard print and polka-dots.

Be sure to capture your shoe-sonality on wedding day. Check out these fun "stems":

Shoot your shoes with rings, your bouquet or dress as the backdrop.

{look carefully at the above, top left image. Those shoes are in the chandelier!}

A few tips to insure the perfect pair:

- As popular as shoes are, its still all about the dress. You shoes should compliment your wedding day style - not overshadow or out-shine your dress. In other words, your shoes should complete the look, no steal the show.

- As fun as trends are, don't let them steer you away from your wedding day style. If you are reserved and graceful, go for a vintage, classic shoe in a softer color. But if you are loud and wild, go for a brighter shoe with accents.

- Comfort is key! You will spend a long day on your feet standing, dancing and walking. If you are questioning the comfort of your wedding shoes ask if they are returnable. Then take them home and walk around on the carpet. If you cannot make it an hour, you will not be able to break them.

- For some extra cushion be sure to check out Dr. Scholl's inserts. They also make great tokens to tuck into bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride gifts.

- After your shoes are photographed and admired, you can add some extra traction to make sure you don't slip down the aisle. I love Foot Petals. They come in white for lighter-colored soles.

- No one is perfect and most likely your feet are not the same size. Be sure to get the right fit with added cushion to the back heal, arch or toes. More great options found at Foot Petals.

- Nothing can ruin the look more than going from some fabulous shoes to boring flip flops. To keep your groove going on the dance floor bring along some fun "pumps" or "sneakers" or classy ballet flats. I love the ballet flats and bamboo-lined flip flops from The Dessy Group. They have 180+ colors to choose from!

Look for Part II this weekend to include groom's socks and bridesmaids shoes!

Crowning & Fabulous: Jimmy Choo's 15th Anniversary Crystal Collection

Move over Manolo! I am loving Jimmy Choo's Crystal Collection for this year's bridal shoe. And whats even better is that it comes in flats for the girl who doesn't want to tower over her groom, but still wear fabulous shoes!

Or it also makes a great Mother-Daughter matching shoe.

The high-heeled Samba is featured in the middle with the matching Rachelle in the kitten heal. Shop Jimmy Choo online or at Nordstroms.

Crowning Inspiration: Must-do Pre Wedding Shots

Before you say your "I Dos", there are a few photographs every bride must have: your bridal gown (without you in it), your shoes, your wedding bands & wedding day jewelry, your invitation, program and any other stationery used (menus, escort cards, place cards, welcome bag tags, etc.) and finally your bouquet (before its over handled, nudged and petals are bruised).

Basically, to sum it up: details, details, details!!!!

Let's start with the dress. I have spent quite some time looking for these shots. These are my favorites.

When thinking about where you are going to be getting dressed on wedding day, think about where you are going to hang your gown, the lighting, the hanger its on and the atmosphere.

Mix it up and include your Groom's tux or the bridesmaids dresses!
What's your favorite look? Photogs, tell us what angle you love to shoot the dress!

Crowning Inspiration: Escort Cards

Escort cards are one of the first things guests receive when they enter your wedding reception. Therefore they should make a statement!

Your statement doesn't have to be expensive. It can be creative with a DIY, easy project.

In order to create the perfect escort card, you need to know what it is. An escort card is a way of guiding your guests to their assigned table. It usually includes both couples names. For a formal event, it would include their proper titles:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Table Nine

 or

Dr. and Mrs. Edward Kime

Table 9

For informal or casual settings, escort cards can be first and last names:

John and Kathy Smith

Table Nine

or

Ed and Liz Kime 

Table 9

If the couple is not married, you list the lady's name first, with the man's name below:

Ms. Kathryn LaPointe

Mr. John Smith

Table 9

All escort cards should have last names with a suffix, ("Jr.", "III", etc.) when necessary and be organized alphabetically.

If you are choosing to assign the seat of your guest at each table, then you will need a place card. The place card has one name per card, vs. the escort card has two names (or one name if attending solo). The place card can be on a menu, or tied to the napkin, placed on a glass, chair or above the plate. No matter where it is, it must be visible and easy to find to avoid confusion and delayed seating. If its too complicated it could delay the time your dinner is served, thus your food will be sitting under a warmer or in a

hot box continuing to cook and dry out.

One final tip: make a few extra "blanks" in case you need to change the seating arrangement, someone brings an unexpected guest, or you have a guest that didn't RSVP.

Crowning & Cunning: The Gown Shop, Ann Arbor | Toledo Wedding Planner | Perrysburg Wedding Planner

Today I had the great pleasure of visiting my friend Stacy of The Gown Shop, Ann Arbor. Stacy is a Perrysburg native with experience in the bridal industry. She chose Ann Arbor for the location of her new store.

Its a fabulous space! The clean lines, high ceilings and tall windows let in soft light to highlight the luscious bridal fabrics. The beautiful crystal chandelier draws your eye to a table of sparkely jewelry pieces, sashes, hair accessories, head bands, clips, birdcage veils and shoes. The Shop's pallet of pink and black highlights the selection of white and off-white gowns along the wall.

Each consult is by appointment only. And the store offers exclusive and personal consultation, taking one appointment at the time. It's like being a celebrity: the store is closed for your private viewing and fitting of bridal gowns, veils, shoes and accessories. And it all looks so fun!

The Gown Shop carries designers Fancy New York, Carol Hannah, Amy Kruchel & Modern Trousseau, as well as shoes from Benjamin Adams, jewelry and accessories from Haute Bride and veils from Sara Gabriel. You can view these designers on The Gown Shop's website: http://thegownshopannarbor.com/

 {love these shoes!!!!!!!!}

If you are in the Ann Arbor area, or visiting the city, be sure to check out her window displays on Main Street. The gowns, which are changed weekly or even daily, are highlighted by crystal chandeliers and her signature stripe background.

 The Gown Shop is located at 122 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor

You can follow The Gown Shop-Ann Arbor on Facebook