Ahhhhh...Fall Weddings..how I love them so!!  On October 1st Gina and Nathan got married at Timber Point, in Hudson, Illinois.  This beautiful location is located on Lake Bloomington...and what a stunning location it is.  The ceremony took place right on the water; guests were surrounded by the beautiful trees in all their fall colors.  The reception took place at Timber Point lodge, so just a quick walk for guests and the party got started. And what a party it was!!!!

The room was decorated beautifully with plums, gold, and green accents.  Draping and paper lanterns hung from the ceilings, truly stunning.  Gina had such great ideas from the rock place cards to their hysterical table numbers.  Everything just came together without effort.  Plus Gina and her mother were so wonderful to work with.  Our meetings were always so fun, I miss them both dearly. 

The Hey Jimmy Band out of Chicago was there to entertain guests along with a jazz group...it was like music heaven that night!!  And I have never seen a dance floor more packed than that night...it was so much fun to watch.  The mother of the groom did try to hijack me onto the dance floor...but I quickly, and I mean quickly escaped!!!  If you are looking for a great band....you have to look into the Hey Jimmy Band...I have used them several times and they never disappoint...EVER!

For me the best part of this wedding was the bride, groom, and their families.  Such wonderful, loving, caring people.  They made every vendor feel like family.  It really meant so much to all of us!! 

And special thanks to all the vendors who made it happen:  Pam Cooley Photography - McKinley Park Events - Hey Jimmy Band - Janet's Cakes - Echo Valley Catering -  Timber Point

All photos courtesy of Pam Cooley Photography.

Mindy and Nick were married on August 6th 2011 in Peoria, Illinois. What a fun and fabulous couple these two are! When we all met for the first time, I thought Starbucks was going to kick us out.....I knew at that moment that I adored them and couldn't wait for the big day. Nick & Mindy have a unique story as to how they met...one that has to be shared. Both being from the Peoria/Bloomington area they moved out to Los Angeles to follow their dreams and careers. I remember Nick saying that all he wanted was to find a sweet mid-western girl to settle down with...but that wasn’t so easy to find out in L.A. Till one night when both Mindy and Nick were drug kicking and screaming to a party that a mutual friend was hosting, they met that night and haven’t been a part since!!!! Who would have guessed that two mid-westerners from Illinois would find each other in Los Angeles....dreams really do come true out there!!

Mindy and I chatted a lot via email for she wasn’t able to get back to Illinois very often...but between her and her darling mother, all the details got set into place. She knew exactly what she wanted and let me tell you, that is a wedding planners dream come true! Mindy incorporated many personal touches into her wedding... from the table #'s to the custom champagne bottles. And her shoes...oh my...the red soles gave me goose bumps...and get this, she never even wore them. She gave them to me to take home for the night when they were on their way out the door...and let me tell you, I drove home with them in my lap, ran into the house to show my husband, and guarded them with my life till the next day. I won’t lie, I was slightly bummed they weren’t my size! haha

The wedding day went perfectly, from the weather, to the execution of the day...total and utter perfection! Special thanks to all the vendors who did a fabulous job.

Jamie Grant Photography - Sound & Light Creations - Joe Beck Entertainment - Barracks Cater Inn - The Gateway Building - That's a Cake (Groom's cake) - Trefzgers Bakery (Wedding cake) - McKinley Park Events

Such an honor it was to get to know these two and their families, I look forward to seeing them soon when they return to visit.

I wish Mindy & Nick a lifetime of love and happiness and look forward to seeing Nick on the big screen someday.

All photos courtesy of Jamie Grant Photography...thanks Jamie!!!!

Ah...nothing is more stunning than a beautifully arranged bouquet!!  I have chosen a few of my favorites to share...apparently I like texture because every one of these is full of texture! 

And as s wedding planner, I feel I must give my two cents of advice when it comes to choosing your perfect bridal bouquet.  When meeting with your florist, bring pictures of flowers you like, and try not to hurt your florist if she tells you your favorite flowers won't be in season on your wedding day.  A good florist will give you alternatives, so not to worry!  Also, don't feel that your bouquet has to be the same as your bridesmaids.  You can be simple and classic and let your bridesmaids bring in the pops of color.  The sky is the limit when it comes to bouquets...feel free to step out of the box, be YOU on your wedding day! 

Enjoy the pics..and Happy Planning!

Pictures courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

I am loving this stationary company PearTree Greetings...not only for their great and unique products...but their pricing is unbelievable!  I have had a few clients use this company so I have seen the product first hand, and I have to say, I was impressed.  And I am a lover of stationary, it has to feel as good as it looks.  And I am a sucker for rounded corners and unique shapes.  Check out a few of these adorable Save The Dates...but be sure to check out their website for great selections of  wedding invitations, shower invitataions, and so much more!

Happy Planning!!!

So my nightly stroll on the web led me to Martha Stewart Weddings...this really shouldn't be a shocker to anyone!    But as I was looking through pictures, I ran across two color combinations that I am loving. 

Powder Blue & Tan...no longer just a color combo for beach themed weddings!  It's soft and classic color combination but can be done in many ways...modern, vintage, or elegant.  Bring in some silver, gold, or a little of both and whala...GORGEOUS!

Next is Peach and Cream...again another color combo that be done many ways.  Vintage and quirky to elegant and chic!! 

Enjoy the pics courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.com

Jackie & Matt were married at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard on September 9th 2011. The weather was a tad less than perfect that day, grey skies and drizzling rain. I think it was the first time it had rained in weeks...go figure! We knew that morning that the ceremony was going to have to take place partially indoors and the bride was perfectly fine with it....yay!

I met with Jackie last winter and fell in love with her eclectic style; it was a lot of fun watching all the pieces fall into place. Plus, I love a bride that knows what she wants and what she doesn’t! Not to mention we had to make sure Jackie's Texas roots played a part in her day....hence the cowboy boots! LOVE!  Jackie’s dress was like nothing I had ever seen before…the detailing was beyond amazing…and it was SOOOO Jackie!! 

I have to mention that Jackie’s mother, who lives in Texas, was such a pleasure to work with. We would have weekly emails touching base on how the planning stages were progressing. It is really hard for a Mom to be so far away during this special time...so it was important to me that I kept her well informed! I don’t think Jackie had a clue as to how much her mother and I chatted..haha.

I can’t say enough about the fabulous vendors who made it all happen...from the décor, to the cake, to the photo booth...everything came together beautifully. Would we have loved to have all the sides up on the pavilion, and the ceremony by the lake?? Absolutely...but when Mother Nature takes over...so does the wedding planner...plan B goes into effect! And I don’t think any one of us could have been happier.

I miss my weekly emails with Jackie's Mom...but we still stay in touch. I can say it over and over again….I love my clients, their families, and the bonds we create. I carry them all with me!

Special thanks to all the vendors: Photographer: Pam Cooley - Florist & Event Designer: McKinley Park Events - DJ & Lighting: Sound & Light Creations - Wedding Cake & Groom's Cake: That's a Cake?! Photo booth: YouShootPhotobooth - Candy: Holland's Mercantile - Candy Bags & Banners: Etsy