Life Designs: Kasey + Alan's Wedding

The first time I met Alan & Kasey (and Kasey's brother who was her Man of Honor and made my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard) my gut told me this was going to be a super fun and memorable wedding and it was. Kasey was so easy to work with and Alan was very involved in the planning process and which is awesome because many grooms are so passive and don't have a ton of interest. Alan & Kasey were ideal clients. Their families were tremendous and it was a complete delight to work with them. Last year I wrote a blog post about how I was touched by an RSVP from one of their guests. I invite you to take a look back at it to truly understand the emotion that went into their wedding planning process and how even the little things can be so impactful.

Recently their wedding Photographer (and good friend) Rhonda Lewis of Rhonda Lewis Photography who is one of my favorite people and photographers (she shot my wedding as well) emailed me a few pages out of Alan & Kasey's wedding album. I demanded that Rhonda allow me the opportunity to share with my readers the beauty of her photographs. She gladly agreed.

Here are a few pictures from their phenomenal wedding day.


This heart was a little surprise that we did for the couple. Kasey's diamond engagement ring was a heart shaped diamond so I thought it would be great to tie it in with a candle light design which was viewed by guests once the sun went to sleep. The view of the candles was from a intimate balcony off the reception that overlooked the golf course. It was a great hit and so affordable!


Alan made a really amazing special request for this table. Check it out below about the meaning behind the details as it was a special recognition to the soldiers that we have lost.

MISSING MAN TABLE & HONORS CEREMONY


COURTESY OF NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES
OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

This table is reserved to honor our missing loved ones or missing comrades in arms. Set for one, the empty place represents an American (men or women) still missing from anyone of the five services – Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard. This Ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. Some (Here) in this room were very young when they were went into combat; however, all Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call and served the cause of freedom in a special way.

The table is round – to show our everlasting concern for our missing men (and women).
The tablecloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.
The vase is tied with a yellow ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.

A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of their bitter fate
A pinch of salt symbolized the tears endured by those missing and their families
The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share this evening’s (morning’s/day’s) toast.
The chair is empty – he/she is missing.

Please honor America’s men and women who could not be here with us today.

It was an phenomenal day and I can't thank Alan & Kasey for the opportunity to be a part of it. Special thanks to Rhonda Lewis for all the pictures. You are so talented and have such an amazing connection with all of your clients.

Here is a list of the key players that were involved:

Invitations by: The Invitation Lady

Music by: Creative Touch Entertainment & The Instant Classics

Floral by: Fiori Floral

Venue & Catering : Sharon Bishop of DC Ranch Country Club

Videography: My Wedding Film

Photography: Rhonda Lewis Photography

Rentals: Tri-Rentals

Linens: BBJ Linen

Event Planning: Duh. Life Design Event Planning & The Life Ladies

Bridal Gown Salon: Uptown Bridal

Hair & Make-up: Par Exsalonce

Alterations: Jewel Couture

Lighting: Sound Lighting F/X. Inc

Officiant: From this Day Forward

Pastry Chef: La Dolce Pesca

Rehearsal Dinner: Tommy Bahama

Many thanks to all that were involved.

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

The Retro Political Period - Tablescape

When speaking of an American pastime or specific events that occurred within it, the question that always seems relevant is "Who was president during that time period?”. Due to the current zealous presidential campaign that our country is embarking upon, reverting to the basics and the retro history of presidential elections seemed fitting for this challenge. We present our table design as the Retro Political Period. With faded hues of our American Flag, nostalgic retro cigarette candies, ballot cards as menu pieces and the signature political pins, we wanted to take you to the retro times of our past candidates’ campaigning ventures. Below are pictures of the tablescape designed to do just that.

Pictures courtesy of Rhonda Lewis Photography

Linen provided by: Chair Covers & Linens, Inc.

{1} Table Runner multi painted stripe $6.40
{8} Napkins multi painted stripe @ $1.25 each = $10.00
{8} Sashes multi painted stripe @ $1.20 each = $9.60
{1} 132rd basic poly linen slate, $18.00

Total cost = $44.00

Invitations provided by: The Invitation Lady

{8} Menu’s @ $4.00 each = $32.00
{8} Cig Wraps @ $3.00 each = $24.00
{1} Table # $5.00

Total cost = $61.00

Floral provided by: Fiori Floral

Floral Centerpiece = $250.00

Total cost = $250.00

Speciality Items

Custom made Political Buttons @ 5.90 each = $53.10
Custom made Ballot Box Signage = $30.00
Candy Cigarette Box Favors @ .40 each = $3.20
Misc. Items = $15.00

Total cost = $101.30

Rentals provided by: Tri-Rentals

{8} Sets of Silverware @ 3.75 each = $30.00
{8} Sets of Glassware @ 5.55 each = $44.40
{8} Sets of Dinnerware @ 2.10 each = $16.80
{8} Chairs @ 5.00 each = $40.00
{8} Chargers @ at 5.00 each = $40.00

Total cost = $171.20

Grand Total Table Costs: $627.50

Brides for Brides Photography

I met Tamara a few years back and just fell in love with her excitment and passion for wedding photography. Since then, we have become friends and I am proud to say that her and her partner Sara have obtained studio space. It's a huge step and I am very proud of their accomplishment.

I wanted to share with my readers their upcoming open house and offer. Here is an email I recieved from them and would like to offer it to you.

Brides for Brides Photography announcement:

"We've Moved into a Studio! Our new studio is located in the premier, Spanish-style Tlaquepaque complex in North Phoenix. Reminiscent of the famous Tlaquepaque complex in Sedona, our Phoenix location is built like an intimate Spanish village. Archways, fountains, greenery and balconies create a perfect background for all types of portraits.

In addition, we have a perfect in-office studio for portraits, maternity sessions and head shots. We'd love to have you all come visit us at our new location! Free Portraits on July 20, 2008!

Brides for Brides Photography is proudly sponsoring an open house with FREE family, couple or individual portraits at our new studio on July 20, 2008 from 8:00am-6:00pm. Portraits include a 15 minute outside portrait session in our beautiful Spanish-style courtyard and online viewing of your portraits. Everyone is welcome, so feel free to pass on the invite to your friends and family. Portrait sessions will be taken on a first-come-first-serve basis, so come early to avoid the hot summer afternoon hours! Refreshments will be provided.

When: Sunday, July 20, 2008
Time: 8:00am-6:00pm
Where: Brides for Brides Photography in Tlaquepaque
4150 W. Peoria Ave. Suite 101 Phoenix, AZ 85029
*Park on South side of the complex and enter through gate 4
Contact: 602-978-9364 or via email Sara or Tamara

We hope to see you all there!

Thank you, Sara and Tamara Brides for Brides Photography
"Because we've walked a day in your heels..."
Voted Arizona's Best Wedding Photographer -Arizona Bride Magazine 2007

Just as a side note I thought that it would be nice to post a few pictures taht Sara & Tamara shot at a wedding that we had in May. They did a great job and both Kim & Richard, the Bride & Groom, were very happy with the final products.


I invite you to go and visit with the ladies of Brides for Brides Photography. They are very sweet and love the work they do and the clients they serve.

Thank you Sara & Tamara for opening your studios up to my readers!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

What's a good officiant to do?

I love weddings, and I recently had the opportunity to talk to Jerry Law of From This Day Forward…a wedding ministry focused on providing custom written wedding ceremonies to couples that wish to be married by an ordained minister, but who are not currently connected to an established church, or who desire a unique ceremony focused solely on their love and commitment to one another. Jerry has performed hundreds of ceremonies, both within Arizona and around the country. Julie, his wife and business partner, writes each ceremony beginning with a blank piece of paper. They truly believe that a ceremony is actually the product of the bride and groom’s hearts. I recently had the opportunity to ask them, “What qualities should a bride and groom look for in good officiant and where do you find someone?” The following is what Jerry and Julie had to say:

“A good wedding planner is an excellent place to start. Of course the internet and the phone book are filled with the names of ministers and officiants who are want to perform your ceremony, but the best way to know if a person is right for your big day means sitting down with someone to ensure this person reflects the spirit and tone you want created.

It is not always easy to find someone who will pay careful attention to exactly what you want and who also has the ability to conduct your ceremony in a meaningful way. We feel you should consider the following questions when looking for an officiant:

§ Which person can best make our wedding ceremony special and remembered? Will this person write a ceremony specifically and especially for us?

§ Who do we feel comfortable with in working through the process of creating our own unique ceremony? Is this the kind of person who wants to build a relationship that will lead to trust and comfort on your wedding day?

§ Who will put the energy and thought into interpreting our desires and elevating our ceremony into something meaningful, not only for us, but for our guests?

§ Who will allow us to include new and original ideas into our wedding ceremony that are meaningful, and who will allow us to omit the things that just “aren’t us?”

§ Who is personable and enthusiastic about our love?

§ Will this person be the type of officiant who will care about our joys and sorrows even after the wedding?

Very practical considerations should also include:

§ What training does the officiant have? Is their job as officiant something they take very seriously or something they do as backup when not pursuing another career?

§ Do you like the sound of his or her voice? Remember, this is the person who will hopefully inspire, instruct, and delight you and your guests at your ceremony!

§ What are the officiant’s fees? Yes, we realize weddings are expensive, but the words that are spoken at your wedding need to be able to last a lifetime! This is also the time to remember that you paying an officiant for more than the hour to be present at your wedding. Other costs will include working with you to create your ceremony, editing changes to the ceremony as it goes from draft to final version, travel to/from your ceremony site, leading the rehearsal, and as many meetings, phone calls, or emails as you need to feel great about your ceremony.

§ Although it may seem trivial, what will this person wear? Are they flexible enough to wear a tux, a suit, robes, or tropical shirt or anything else that fits the tone of your ceremony?"

For more information about your ceremony, take a look at their website here.

Welcome to Paradise - Montelucia Resort & Spa

Welcome to InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Kristine & I had the pleasure, along with other valley event planners, of taking a personal tour of this breathtaking new venue in Arizona. They are still in construction but are officially opening very very soon. This resort truly encompasses all aspects of a dream wedding location. With it's amazing chapel, Castillo Lucena, to the breathtaking ballrooms like the Valencia Ballroom, Alhambra Ballroom or their magnificent gardens.

Here are a few pictures from our tour:

(above) Managing Director, Valeriano Antonioli, explaining the venue's design,

layout and mission of this Intercontinental Resort.

(above) This was a mock up of one of the guest rooms.

(above) Such a spacious and spa like guestroom powder room.

(above 3 pictures) The passionate owner, raving about all the thought

that went into every detail of this venue. A dream of his for several years.

(above) Here is a view of Camelback Mountain from the Spa terrace.

(above) The before picture of one of their ballrooms. I can't wait for the final product.

(above) A second smaller more intimate ballroom.

I am very excited to work with this venue and present this as a possibility to Life Design Event Planning clients. All the best to all of you at the resort and many thanks to Mr. Antonioli, Dennis, Jodee, Penny, Kirk & Courtney for rolling out the red carpet for us. I can't even imagine the service they will give their clients! Outstanding for sure!

For more information about the resort or if you are interested in learning more about holding your wedding festivities there click here for their website.

With all that life has to offer,

Cicely