What I've learned from weddings

As a wedding planner, it's my job to remain objective and professional while planning and organizing the happy couple's big day. It's also fair to say that from time to time, pure emotion and romantic fervor enter the picture and throw objectivity (temporarily) out the window.

Weddings and the emotions they sometimes generate often defy explanation ... even for well seasoned wedding goers and planners such as myself. Because the wedding I planned and executed this past weekend is still so fresh in my mind, I offer these observations;

* No woman is so beautiful as a woman in love and about to marry the man of her dreams.

* The Father/Daughter dance is guaranteed to make me cry.

* Always have tissues handy for those who thought themselves too unemotional to need them.

* No matter when your last wedding dress fitting occured, THE DRESS will need some minor adjustment on wedding day. Have safety pins, needle and thread handy.

* Including a map with the invite does not guarantee guests won't get lost.

* For some guests, an invite stating a 3:30pm ceremony will still be interpreted as "3:30 ISH"

* Grooms cry too. Tuck a tissue (or three) in his tux pocket. He'll thank you silently.

* Sometimes the best vows are the ones you write just before you say them.

* Ditto for toasts.

* An officiant with a sense of humor is a good thing.

* Always scuff the soles of new shoes.

* Holding the bachelor & bachelorettes parties two nights before the wedding isn't just good planning, it's critical for "hang-over avoidance".

* Shout wipes and Tide pens are a wedding planners best friends.

* All the planning in the world can't overcome the last minute snafu. Go with the flow. Don't sweat the small stuff. Breathe.

Planning a wedding can be a time consuming, headache-inducing, money-swallowing, tearful experience. It can also be a joyous, glorious, beautiful, laugh-fest of love. It's your choice how you approach the experience. A little patience, an honest appreciation for your budget, and a thorough wedding planner can help ease the pain and expand the pleasure. Wedding planning is above all else, a labor of love.

I've loved every single minute of the past nine months working on the Willeford/Sepp wedding.

Congratulations to Tyler and Amy,

Love U Mean It!

Lori Lamb

The Professionals

I've been absent from posting the past few weeks while I wrap up the details for the upcoming wedding of Phoenix Arizona Bride Amy Willeford and her Groom Tyler Sepp, November 2nd at the Arrowhead Country Club. Hand glittering candles, designing place cards that look like airline boarding passes, and stringing 25 pounds of crystals for the show-stopper crystal tree, it's been a busy run up to this most important day.

In the process of checking and re-checking the mountain of details for Amy and Tyler's wedding, I had a lengthy conversation with their wedding photographer Tasha Lamb, a highly creative, and talented young woman who just happens to be my daughter-in-law. Our conversation got me thinking about something I wrote in an earlier post regarding choosing your wedding photographer.

In that post, I advised couples to ask prospective wedding photographers about the professional organizations and associations they belong to before signing on the dotted line. It's true, there are some very highly respected organizations out there, not just for photographers, but for wedding planners as well. And while I pride myself on providing a positive and professional experience for brides and grooms, I personally don't belong to any professional organizations or associations, and it's quite possible I may never join one.

Professionalism doesn't come from simply joining an organization and adding that organizations name to your business cards. It comes from making and honoring your committments to the client. It comes from meeting deadlines and delivering the goods. Professionalism is arriving on-time for appointments, showing creativity and flexibility, it's being honest and caring deeply and personally about the satisfaction of your client. Industry organizations can and do encourage professionalism, but in and of themselves, they can't guarantee that their members will consistently BE professional in all business endeavors.

For me, being a professional is a bit like being a lady; you either are or you aren't.

The professionals I work with and recommend may not have the special insignia of an industry organization on their business cards, but they are consumate professionals with a sincere passion for their work. If they were anything less, Love U Mean It wouldn't be working with them.

You have my name on that!

Lori Lamb
Wedding Planner, Owner
Love U Mean It

Simply Centerpieces

Among the countless items vying for attention on every brides to-do list, is the question of how to decorate the reception area to create the right mood. From lighting to chair covers to table linens and table centerpieces, the bride has many choices to make, and many options to consider.

Whether you choose an edible wedding centerpiece such as multiple mini-wedding cakes, centerpieces that guests take home as wedding favors, a classic floral arrangement that incorporates the same flowers carried by the wedding party, or a centerpiece that lends soft romantic light such as candles, your centerpiece is something you'll want to put some time and thought into.

That said, centerpieces don't have to break the bank to enchant your guests and highlight a stunning wedding reception table. Here are some simple yet chic ideas for the harried bride-to-be to consider in choosing her wedding reception centerpieces;

* A tall clear glass cylinder filled with colored water, glass bubble beads in a contrasting color and a small candle (perhaps a flower) floating atop sets a fun and colorful tone for the table.

* A medium sized round glass bowl with floating flower heads and floating candles lends beauty and elegance to any reception table.

* One of the latest trends in weddings is the "Green Wedding" or "Eco Wedding" as more and more couples look for something that lives beyond the party. Grasses, potted plants, even bonsai trees are gaining in popularity and echo the sense of the life ahead of the happy couple.

* Do double duty with mini-wedding cakes boxed up for guests to take home as their favor. A pretty box in wedding colors, perhaps with the happy couples monogram is an elegant way for guests to carry this flavorful favor home.

* Cupcakes !!! A tiered display of colorful cupcakes takes the place of traditional wedding cake and gives your guests easy access to a tasty dessert.

Whatever you choose, make sure your centerpiece has your imprint and reflects your own personal taste. Working with your wedding planner and/or floral coordinator is the best place to start. Whether you're a traditional bride or are leaning towards "eco-chic", there's a centerpiece to suit your needs and taste out there just waiting to be discovered by you!

Planning Your Wedding, Your Way

Welcome to Love U Mean It ... a wedding planning service for the bride and groom who wants it THEIR WAY on THEIR DAY. And why not? Why shouldn't you and your groom be the stars of your biggest story?

With Love U Mean It ... it's YOUR way, every step of the way. Big budget or small, home wedding, hillside, church or country club, I'm here to help you turn your dreams into reality.

Whether you want help planning every detail from A-to-Z, just a little guidance (such as contract review and vendor recommendations), or Wedding Day only assistance, Love U Mean It is here to meet your needs and take the hassles out of planning your wedding.

Contact me today at 623-330-0301 for a free consultation.

If you like what you learn, let Love U Mean It help you plan Your Wedding Your Way!