I can't believe I haven't posted anything in a week! I've been just busy running around getting last minute things done for my "Cowboy Wedding" this Saturday.
I've talked about this wedding before:
Outdoor ceremony at the bride's grandparent's house with a tented reception about 100 feet away from the ceremony. Chocolate brown & Turquoise/teal colors with COWBOY BOOTS!!! Since there are no girls in the family the boys are tossing hay instead of flowers. The men are wearing cowboy boots and so is the bride...I love it!
The buffet dinner will consist of homemade BBQ brisket, sausage & turkey, baked beans & potato salad from the cooking guru Fred Johnson. You simply MUST sample his food if you ever get the chance, it is THE BEST BBQ I'VE EVER SAMPLED IN MY LIFE!!! Not only is his food DELICIOUS, it's affordable and the folks go nuts over it. http://www.fastfreddiesbbq.com/
The fabulously affordable linens have been rented from Moore at Party Consolidators and the table cloths will be mix-matched with 1/2 of the tables turquoise & the other 1/2 chocolate. Moore is not only a very creative decorator, she works with anyone's budget to help make dreams reality. http://www.4alldatglitterz.com
The tables, chairs, tent & dance floor come from Gerardo at Classic Party Rentals. Gerardo worked with my client's small budget and we were able to get everything (including a huge 30'x60' tent) for just over $2K. He is truly affordable as far as tent rentals go and I will definitely be calling on him again in the future. http://www.rent4party.com
Other vendors who made this event possible were:
DJ Ricardo with Triple R Entertainment
Roxanne - Cake decorator & Le Cordon Bleu Graduate
Jeremy at the Rental Stop
Carl with Photography by Carl
Me for making the bouquets (I will post pictures on here as soon as they're finished), but I have to especially thank my clients for being so great to work with and so willing to make this happen. Their can-do attitude and friends & family who have pulled together to make this wedding happen are priceless.
I can't wait til this Saturday for the Cowboy Wedding! It's gonna be a blast!!!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Icky queso!
Tonight I went to a bridal show to try and get some new clients. I met some very nice couples who I think could be potential clients and I'm excited about meeting with them one-on-one.
The venue (which will remain nameless to protect it's identity, but if you wanna know ask me in person), was lovely and the reception hall had a very open feel to it with the glass windows and hard wood floors. Brides & grooms circled the reception hall and dined on chips, queso, guacamole, a mashed potato-tini bar station. They also sipped champagne & iced-cold water and tea. After watching potential clients sit down to eat, I was feeling a little hungry and a little anxious to try the food. I had heard great things about this location and wanted to sample what everyone else appeared to be enjoying.
After most of the clientele left around 7:30 the other vendors and I were able to get plates of our own. At this point the only real food I'd had all day was yogurt, a small turkey sandwich, the occasional hershey kiss I had set up on my table, and water...so I was famished to say the least! I got my plate and scooped healthy-sized portions on my plate, grabbed my fork and sampled the savory-looking appetizers. And what do I find out?
THE FOOD WAS LOUSY!!!
Shall I say it again? THE FOOD WAS LOUSY!!! There was a potato bar & chip/queso station and it was terrible! Call me a food snob, but this food was just not "up to par" in my book, especially for the location. The queso was icky, the chips were stale, the guacamole tasted like it was made by a 13 year old boy and the chives for the potato bar were cut too large for any normal human to consume.
I guess I'm used to sampling really good food or perhaps I'm too used to my own good cooking, but tonight's appetizer sampling was a huge let down! Maybe it was because I was too hungry that the food didn't taste good to me, but usually I'll eat anything when I'm that hungry. This experience makes me feel very weary about trying their main courses.
To the brides I met this evening: Did you enjoy the food you sampled? Was it delicious in your book, or was it just ok? Please tell me, I'm dying to know if I was the only one who was disappointed at tonight's meal.
The venue (which will remain nameless to protect it's identity, but if you wanna know ask me in person), was lovely and the reception hall had a very open feel to it with the glass windows and hard wood floors. Brides & grooms circled the reception hall and dined on chips, queso, guacamole, a mashed potato-tini bar station. They also sipped champagne & iced-cold water and tea. After watching potential clients sit down to eat, I was feeling a little hungry and a little anxious to try the food. I had heard great things about this location and wanted to sample what everyone else appeared to be enjoying.
After most of the clientele left around 7:30 the other vendors and I were able to get plates of our own. At this point the only real food I'd had all day was yogurt, a small turkey sandwich, the occasional hershey kiss I had set up on my table, and water...so I was famished to say the least! I got my plate and scooped healthy-sized portions on my plate, grabbed my fork and sampled the savory-looking appetizers. And what do I find out?
THE FOOD WAS LOUSY!!!
Shall I say it again? THE FOOD WAS LOUSY!!! There was a potato bar & chip/queso station and it was terrible! Call me a food snob, but this food was just not "up to par" in my book, especially for the location. The queso was icky, the chips were stale, the guacamole tasted like it was made by a 13 year old boy and the chives for the potato bar were cut too large for any normal human to consume.
I guess I'm used to sampling really good food or perhaps I'm too used to my own good cooking, but tonight's appetizer sampling was a huge let down! Maybe it was because I was too hungry that the food didn't taste good to me, but usually I'll eat anything when I'm that hungry. This experience makes me feel very weary about trying their main courses.
To the brides I met this evening: Did you enjoy the food you sampled? Was it delicious in your book, or was it just ok? Please tell me, I'm dying to know if I was the only one who was disappointed at tonight's meal.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Blue velvet
Yay! Meeting with my NEW CLIENT went really well today!!!
I'm going to dub this bride the "Blue Velvet Bride" in honor of her blue velvet wedding cake she's going to order from Romano's Bakery. Her colors are going to be royal blue, pure white & a touch of silver. Decor will consist of feathers, flowers, silver stars, candle light & other nifty items.
I've sworn myself to secrecy about certain aspects of this wedding and I feel like I'm going to burst!!! I can barely contain my excitement and anticipation to the reaction of the guests during the bouquet & garter toss. I won't say anymore, but brides, if you ask in person I will tell you this FANTASTIC idea that I speak of!
I tell you I am loving this bride lots right now. <3
If loving what I do is the best part of my job, then waiting for it to happen is the worst part of my job. This waiting is the part where I get impatient and don't want to wait for the wedding, I'd rather do it in two weeks and enjoy the ceremony right away!
I actually like the stress of planning things quickly. I guess I get a rush from it or something? I've always been able to function better under pressure. Sure my voice goes up a notch or two, not in a yelling manner or anything, just higher pitched. And I talk really REALLY fast. My senses function at a higher level, I can think more clearly, everything sharpens to a point and I am able to comfortably accomplish what most people would fall apart trying to do. Adrenaline perhaps? Who knows? Who cares! I love it!
Here's to my Blue Velvet Bride for making my blood pump through my veins like it's Christmas morning!
I'm going to dub this bride the "Blue Velvet Bride" in honor of her blue velvet wedding cake she's going to order from Romano's Bakery. Her colors are going to be royal blue, pure white & a touch of silver. Decor will consist of feathers, flowers, silver stars, candle light & other nifty items.
I've sworn myself to secrecy about certain aspects of this wedding and I feel like I'm going to burst!!! I can barely contain my excitement and anticipation to the reaction of the guests during the bouquet & garter toss. I won't say anymore, but brides, if you ask in person I will tell you this FANTASTIC idea that I speak of!
I tell you I am loving this bride lots right now. <3
If loving what I do is the best part of my job, then waiting for it to happen is the worst part of my job. This waiting is the part where I get impatient and don't want to wait for the wedding, I'd rather do it in two weeks and enjoy the ceremony right away!
I actually like the stress of planning things quickly. I guess I get a rush from it or something? I've always been able to function better under pressure. Sure my voice goes up a notch or two, not in a yelling manner or anything, just higher pitched. And I talk really REALLY fast. My senses function at a higher level, I can think more clearly, everything sharpens to a point and I am able to comfortably accomplish what most people would fall apart trying to do. Adrenaline perhaps? Who knows? Who cares! I love it!
Here's to my Blue Velvet Bride for making my blood pump through my veins like it's Christmas morning!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Pooped!
I am pooped out! What a day! Lessons, research, more lessons, dinner, trip to the bank & post office, play time with my son, taking care of all the details in life, etc. I'm finally over the virus I caught from my son, only now my dad has caught it too. :( Whatever is going around is NOT fun to have: fever, chills, dizziness, the runs, ick! At least it only lasted two days, thank God for that!
I am looking forward to a very busy week and weekend!
Thursday: Bridal visit with a potential new client.
Friday: Appointment with 809@Vickery to go over the Oct. 24th Bridal show...if the ladies there don't get back to us, we'll have to do it Monday or another day, but I'd prefer to do it Friday.
Saturday: Meeting with my cute Korean couple to see their church and reception hall for decorating ideas & such.
Sunday: Meeting with my Nov. 13th couple, DJ Michael & Mgr. So at Zander's House in Plano to discuss prices & details for the reception.
Monday: Rest!
I may have a sporadic schedule and work odd hours, but when I work, I WORK! It's off to bed now so I'll be ready for my Bridal visit tomorrow. Wish me luck!
I am looking forward to a very busy week and weekend!
Thursday: Bridal visit with a potential new client.
Friday: Appointment with 809@Vickery to go over the Oct. 24th Bridal show...if the ladies there don't get back to us, we'll have to do it Monday or another day, but I'd prefer to do it Friday.
Saturday: Meeting with my cute Korean couple to see their church and reception hall for decorating ideas & such.
Sunday: Meeting with my Nov. 13th couple, DJ Michael & Mgr. So at Zander's House in Plano to discuss prices & details for the reception.
Monday: Rest!
I may have a sporadic schedule and work odd hours, but when I work, I WORK! It's off to bed now so I'll be ready for my Bridal visit tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Yay! Oct. 16th is booked!
Remember the cute Korean couple I blogged about a few days ago? Well they hired me, or rather the groom's parents gave the go ahead to hire me. Yay! This is going to awesome (as usual). I can't wait to do their flowers...doing flowers for brides is the funnest part of my job!
I've got to get more musician quotes for my Nov. 13 couple. There's gotta be better prices than $400 for a string quartet. I know of a harpist who could play for $350. Now all we need to do is get rental decorations for the ceremony. The bride wants a red carpet to walk down the aisle. I've never had a bride want to walk down a red carpeted aisle before, this will be ultra luxurious for sure!
This month already seems to be flying by quickly. I need to print out the flyers for the bridal show we're having and I also need to make my display board for the small bridal show I'm attending at the Diamond Oaks County Club on the 23rd. Off to bed now, I'll be dreaming of yellow roses & red carpets!
I've got to get more musician quotes for my Nov. 13 couple. There's gotta be better prices than $400 for a string quartet. I know of a harpist who could play for $350. Now all we need to do is get rental decorations for the ceremony. The bride wants a red carpet to walk down the aisle. I've never had a bride want to walk down a red carpeted aisle before, this will be ultra luxurious for sure!
This month already seems to be flying by quickly. I need to print out the flyers for the bridal show we're having and I also need to make my display board for the small bridal show I'm attending at the Diamond Oaks County Club on the 23rd. Off to bed now, I'll be dreaming of yellow roses & red carpets!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Whew, what a week!
Wow! What a long, crazy week I've had! This week was my son's birthday, so I moved all of my Tuesday lessons to Thursday, which turned into a LONG Thursday after I met with a lovely Korean couple whose getting married on Oct. 16th...this year!
They've got six weeks to get everything together and I think I can really help them pull it off. I would just love to do their wedding, it's going to be a Westernized & traditional Korean mixed wedding. I really hope they hire me, I've never done a Korean wedding before so this will be fun and enlightening!
After the rush of Thursday, Friday brought me many phone calls and running around like a chicken with my head cut off...(just the way I like my days to run, haha!)
All in all it was another busy and productive day, but I'm worried about one of my clients...they are going way overboard on their budget! I know they want a NICE wedding, but it's gonna be tricky to pull off with all the extras they're wanting. It's going to make my job just a little harder, but I'm confident I can pull it off. I just want to get them the most economical deal possible. :) Maybe I'll hit up craigslist for a red carpet or something, we'll see.
In other news, I need to go print out my flyers this weekend and start posting them ALL over the place. If you guys didn't already know, I'm co-producing a bridal show on Oct. 24th called "The FREE Bridal Show".
If you're in the DFW area and want to come to a FREE bridal show, just show up at 809 @ Vickery on Oct. 24th from noon-4pm. RSVP on Facebook at "The FREE Bridal Show (Event)" or text 214-682-3856.
There will be FREE wine & champagne, door prizes, discounts & taste testings for all!
They've got six weeks to get everything together and I think I can really help them pull it off. I would just love to do their wedding, it's going to be a Westernized & traditional Korean mixed wedding. I really hope they hire me, I've never done a Korean wedding before so this will be fun and enlightening!
After the rush of Thursday, Friday brought me many phone calls and running around like a chicken with my head cut off...(just the way I like my days to run, haha!)
All in all it was another busy and productive day, but I'm worried about one of my clients...they are going way overboard on their budget! I know they want a NICE wedding, but it's gonna be tricky to pull off with all the extras they're wanting. It's going to make my job just a little harder, but I'm confident I can pull it off. I just want to get them the most economical deal possible. :) Maybe I'll hit up craigslist for a red carpet or something, we'll see.
In other news, I need to go print out my flyers this weekend and start posting them ALL over the place. If you guys didn't already know, I'm co-producing a bridal show on Oct. 24th called "The FREE Bridal Show".
If you're in the DFW area and want to come to a FREE bridal show, just show up at 809 @ Vickery on Oct. 24th from noon-4pm. RSVP on Facebook at "The FREE Bridal Show (Event)" or text 214-682-3856.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
My son's birthday
So tomorrow (actually today, since it's 5am) is my son's 3rd birthday! Yay! Happy Birthday to my Booboo, my little angel, my darling baby boy! I can't believe three years have flown by since he was born! Other parents have been telling me that kids grow up so fast and they're right!
I am so proud of my little man, he is finally able to concentrate enough to learn his letters and numbers. I bought him a bunch of educational toys for him at Walmart earlier tonight. I've said for years how much I hate Walmart, but in the end I wind up going there because it's affordable and I can shower my baby with gifts without going totally broke.
An interesting thing happened yesterday: I was called by a potential client and had two more requests via Respond.com for a wedding planner. That's not the odd thing, what's odd is that I found 3 pennies today, all with their heads up, and my son is turning 3, Father, Son, Holy Ghost = 3, it's interesting isn't it!?! I'm not normally superstitious, but this was an interesting little thing I noticed. Is God talking to me through money? That's a little weird isn't it!?! Then again I'm sure Moses didn't expect a burning bush to talk to him.
Another interesting thing my mom and I have noticed is this: Every time she finds a dime, I win a new client...and it's not just some times, it's EVERY time. And earlier this evening she found another dime at Walmart, so we'll see how this week unfolds. It'd be great to win 3 more clients this week. Last week I got two, and (yes), mom found two dimes last week.
Things like this make me wonder if God or the Angels are speaking to us in quiet little ways that most people don't notice. If they are, cool. If not, that sure is an interestingly odd way for things to unfold.
Have any of you ever had odd experiences like that? Finding money and then having some event consistently happen to you afterward? (And no, going to the bank or putting the extra $ in your piggy bank does not count, lol.)
I hope things work out with this new bride I'm going to meet on Wednesday. Her wedding is Oct. 1st of next year and I may have to do a rehearsal dinner that night, depending on what my Oct. 2nd clients want to do. Hmm, I've never encountered this scenario before...how to proceed? Hopefully I'll figure it out before we meet on Wednesday. I'd hate to have to turn her down...not helping people bugs me, especially when I know they'll need it. We'll just have to wait and see. I'll keep you guys posted!
Happy planning!
Lotsa love,
Krystal :)
I am so proud of my little man, he is finally able to concentrate enough to learn his letters and numbers. I bought him a bunch of educational toys for him at Walmart earlier tonight. I've said for years how much I hate Walmart, but in the end I wind up going there because it's affordable and I can shower my baby with gifts without going totally broke.
An interesting thing happened yesterday: I was called by a potential client and had two more requests via Respond.com for a wedding planner. That's not the odd thing, what's odd is that I found 3 pennies today, all with their heads up, and my son is turning 3, Father, Son, Holy Ghost = 3, it's interesting isn't it!?! I'm not normally superstitious, but this was an interesting little thing I noticed. Is God talking to me through money? That's a little weird isn't it!?! Then again I'm sure Moses didn't expect a burning bush to talk to him.
Another interesting thing my mom and I have noticed is this: Every time she finds a dime, I win a new client...and it's not just some times, it's EVERY time. And earlier this evening she found another dime at Walmart, so we'll see how this week unfolds. It'd be great to win 3 more clients this week. Last week I got two, and (yes), mom found two dimes last week.
Things like this make me wonder if God or the Angels are speaking to us in quiet little ways that most people don't notice. If they are, cool. If not, that sure is an interestingly odd way for things to unfold.
Have any of you ever had odd experiences like that? Finding money and then having some event consistently happen to you afterward? (And no, going to the bank or putting the extra $ in your piggy bank does not count, lol.)
I hope things work out with this new bride I'm going to meet on Wednesday. Her wedding is Oct. 1st of next year and I may have to do a rehearsal dinner that night, depending on what my Oct. 2nd clients want to do. Hmm, I've never encountered this scenario before...how to proceed? Hopefully I'll figure it out before we meet on Wednesday. I'd hate to have to turn her down...not helping people bugs me, especially when I know they'll need it. We'll just have to wait and see. I'll keep you guys posted!
Happy planning!
Lotsa love,
Krystal :)
Friday, September 3, 2010
New client! Whoope!
Yay! I have a new client! I'm officially booked for June 12, 2011.
Yesterday a bride who I meet with earlier this week called me to tell me she and her fiance wanted to hire me as their wedding planner/coordinator. Their colors are Red, Black & White...lately I've been seeing this trend of Red, Black & White as wedding theme colors. What's up with that? I guess love is in the air.
She wants beautiful red roses for her flowers...anyone who really knows me knows that I LOVE RED ROSES! I hope she asks me to do her flowers too. Every time I get to do a bride's flowers reminds me of the time I made my own, and I love reliving those memories. Ahh, such happy times!
I really think I get the better end of the deal: I feel like a bride again whenever I get to plan a wedding and I love collaborating with my clients because EVERY wedding is different and unique. I love getting to experience that!
On a side note, I'm meeting with my Oct. 2 clients this weekend, and I am REALLY EXCITED about this one! It's a country style wedding and they've chosen turquoise & chocolate as their colors (another popular wedding color combo), white flowers, cowboy boots & hay as their centerpieces and get this: there are no girls in the family to be flower girls so they're having the boys toss HAY. How cool is that!?! In all my years as a planner I've never had hay tossers! Kuddos to the bride for coming up with that idea!
I think I'm looking forward to the food the most. I got to sample the most delicious BBQ in my life made by Fred Johnson @ Fast Freddie's BBQ...my God, it's the BEST I've had anywhere! (And again, those of you who know me know I'm a HUGE foodie, so when I say it is the best, it IS the BEST!!!)
Here's his link in case anyone is interested: www.fastfreddiesbbq.com
Now I've made myself hungry so I'm gonna go grab a snack.
Happy planning everyone!
Lotsa luv,
Krystal :)
Yesterday a bride who I meet with earlier this week called me to tell me she and her fiance wanted to hire me as their wedding planner/coordinator. Their colors are Red, Black & White...lately I've been seeing this trend of Red, Black & White as wedding theme colors. What's up with that? I guess love is in the air.
She wants beautiful red roses for her flowers...anyone who really knows me knows that I LOVE RED ROSES! I hope she asks me to do her flowers too. Every time I get to do a bride's flowers reminds me of the time I made my own, and I love reliving those memories. Ahh, such happy times!
I really think I get the better end of the deal: I feel like a bride again whenever I get to plan a wedding and I love collaborating with my clients because EVERY wedding is different and unique. I love getting to experience that!
On a side note, I'm meeting with my Oct. 2 clients this weekend, and I am REALLY EXCITED about this one! It's a country style wedding and they've chosen turquoise & chocolate as their colors (another popular wedding color combo), white flowers, cowboy boots & hay as their centerpieces and get this: there are no girls in the family to be flower girls so they're having the boys toss HAY. How cool is that!?! In all my years as a planner I've never had hay tossers! Kuddos to the bride for coming up with that idea!
I think I'm looking forward to the food the most. I got to sample the most delicious BBQ in my life made by Fred Johnson @ Fast Freddie's BBQ...my God, it's the BEST I've had anywhere! (And again, those of you who know me know I'm a HUGE foodie, so when I say it is the best, it IS the BEST!!!)
Here's his link in case anyone is interested: www.fastfreddiesbbq.com
Now I've made myself hungry so I'm gonna go grab a snack.
Happy planning everyone!
Lotsa luv,
Krystal :)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Entry #1, the beginning...
Hello bloggers!
I've never blogged about much before but these days I feel the need to start one...mainly to keep my sanity from all the craziness that is my life. I'm not complaining though, I have a great life and am truly blessed with a wonderful family, a job I love & steady work, but I stay so darn busy that if I don't get this out I feel like my head will explode!
I am a wedding planner by trade, flute teacher in the afternoons & work-at-home-mom all day. Life can get pretty crazy going from one wedding to the next, but it's fun that's the way (uh huh, uh huh) I like it!
This blog will be an uncensored memoir of my events & escapades in the wedding planning industry. Names will be changed (or omitted) to protect thecrazy people and my own ass from getting sued.
I usually say, "I've been in this business for years and I've seen it all!" But on some occasions, I come across brides (and grooms) who tell me to get outta the way and they set new standards of low...but that my friends is for next time.
Until then, happy planning!
Lotsa love,
Krystal :)
I've never blogged about much before but these days I feel the need to start one...mainly to keep my sanity from all the craziness that is my life. I'm not complaining though, I have a great life and am truly blessed with a wonderful family, a job I love & steady work, but I stay so darn busy that if I don't get this out I feel like my head will explode!
I am a wedding planner by trade, flute teacher in the afternoons & work-at-home-mom all day. Life can get pretty crazy going from one wedding to the next, but it's fun that's the way (uh huh, uh huh) I like it!
This blog will be an uncensored memoir of my events & escapades in the wedding planning industry. Names will be changed (or omitted) to protect the
I usually say, "I've been in this business for years and I've seen it all!" But on some occasions, I come across brides (and grooms) who tell me to get outta the way and they set new standards of low...but that my friends is for next time.
Until then, happy planning!
Lotsa love,
Krystal :)
Don't forget to check out my website if you need any weddings or parties planned!
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