May 24th, 2011
I recently met with a bride that asked me a very simple question that really got me thinking. She has a great team of vendors in place for her wedding day but asked me what I would do on the wedding day that the vendors she already hired wouldn’t do for her.
While the question was easy for me to answer, I was a bit surprised, it’s never been something a bride has asked before.
So, my answer: I am the Team Captain of the day. On top of making sure that all the small details of the day are as you planned them, it is also my responsibility to ensure that other vendors are fulfilling their contracts and are present for the events that they need to be. For example, it would be really disappointing if your photographer missed you cutting the cake, or if you the ceremony musicians began playing processional music before your bridal party was ready, or if the DJ announced the Father-Daughter dance and your Dad is nowhere to be found. You see, I keep everyone on time, remind other vendors of their roles, and most importantly ensure everything goes according to the way you have planned.
You may have a great team of vendors but a Wedding Day Manager is really the only vendor who is familiar with all aspects and details of your wedding day .
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May 20th, 2011
This-week-has-been-insane. And, you know how I know that? Gossip Girl is still waiting for me on my DVR from Monday… really, I haven’t had a spare moment the entire week.
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This week was incredibly busy for a really good reason though. Next weekend kicks off wedding season for City Bride! I am thrilled to be back to doing the nerdy things I love- organizing bride binders, looking over contracts, creating schedules, and of course chatting with vendors. So, this week’s busy was a good busy.
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I have to give a shout out to Stylist this week. I’m realizing how hard it can be to balance being a wife, sister, daughter, business owner [etc.] and I definitely don’t thank him enough for continuing to motivate and support me, no matter what. So, thank you Kyle for being such a wonderful husband!
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I made a great discovery this week in the design world, Ashley Brooke Designs. For real, if you are a bride still looking for an invitation designer you have to check her out. She authors a great blog too, I’ve spent a lot of time perusing it!
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Molly of m three studio wrote a really great blog post recently about what she has learned after photographing 100 weddings. If you’re getting married it is a must read! [By the way, congrats Molly!]
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Enjoy your weekend!
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May 17th, 2011
I think every City Bride needs a little sparkle in her life! My obsession with everything shiny and full of sequins is definitely following me into wedding season.
ban.do / Love Rocks NY / Ann Taylor / Nordstrom / J.Crew
What’s inspiring you as you plan your wedding? (or daily style, if you’re like me!)
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May 10th, 2011
I’ve decided that I should re-introduce a series I started way back last year, Wedding Planning Q&A. The idea of Wedding Planning Q&A is to give brides an opportunity to get answers to the questions or dilemmas they may be encountering during their planning. [It's also a way to prove that my advice is better than the Knot's] So, if you have a question or you need someone to chat with, leave a comment or send me an email and I will answer it here on the blog.
Just to help you with some guidelines….well, that’s the thing, there aren’t any. Your questions can be as simple as, do I need to have a ceremony program? Is a cash bar appropriate? Or as elaborate as, how would you execute a 45 person processional? Don’t be shy, remember your old elementary school days- no question is a stupid question, especially when it comes to planning your wedding!
Ask away and we’ll debut the series next week!
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May 6th, 2011
Well, I’m back from vacation and am almost fully recovered from being away for a week. Isn’t it funny how you often need a vacation after a vacation?
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My “Spring Break” was absolutely awesome! We spent most of our days on the beach soaking up the 80 degree weather and sun and simply relaxing. It was a perfect way to recharge. If you have never been to Destin, I seriously recommend it!
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With my new vegetarian diet I’ve been experimenting a lot with new recipes. This week I found a new favorite, a replica of Panera’s black bean soup. I love to cook but have actually never made soup before. This recipe was really easy and it definitely tasted just like Panera’s. YUM!
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Half-marathon training is still going well. I’ve been lucky enough to stay injury free (knock on wood!) and am excited in these next couple weeks to run distances I’ve never run before. Wish me luck!
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I discovered this adorable tshirt and tote bag from J.Crew that I just had to share. The entire proceeds go to the Japan Red Cross Society and you get free shipping too! It’s a great way to give a little to help out their disaster relief efforts.
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This is random and maybe far-fetched but I must try. So, while on vacation I read an email from a bride that read a post on The Milwaukee Wedding Boutique that I wrote about Milwaukee themed welcome baskets and after I read it I deleted it on accident. No big deal, I thought I could easily retrieve it when I got home. Nope, not the case, the email is gone! So, if the sender of that email is reading this can you please email me again? I have some ideas for you but cannot get in touch!
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Happy Weekend!
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April 22nd, 2011
So, I just wanted to let you all know that I won’t be updating the blog for about a week or so, because I’m going on Spring Break! Stylist and I are headed to Florida, and seriously, I’ve never been more excited for a vacation. This vacation means no work for me at all, but I will have limited access to email if anyone really needs me.
Be back in a week!
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April 15th, 2011
Does anyone else feel like this week flew by? Seriously, I can’t believe it’s already Friday. I wish I could say that I was looking forward to the weekend but the weather forecast is absolutely depressing, especially after being spoiled with an 85 degree day this week. Ah the joys of living in Wisconsin.
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If anyone in Milwaukee is looking to get into the wedding industry, Miss Ruby Boutique is hiring a bridal consultant to work 2 Saturdays and 1 Sunday a month. I can say first-hand (I helped out last winter!) that it is a really fun place to work and it’s a great way to learn about the industry and spend some time with brides. If you are interested in applying send your resume to info@missrubyboutique.com.
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Just when I think that Kate Spade can’t get any better, they go ahead and partner with adeline adeline to create the most adorable bicycle ever. I’m sure that it exceeds my “bicycle budget” but I still think it’s darling.
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So, I’ve recently stopped eating meat. It’s a long story as to why… basically it’s more so for health reasons than environmental. Anyway, the transition has actually been easier than I thought but I could definitely use some recipe ideas. Any vegetarian recipe or cookbook suggestions?
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Stylist kicks off his baseball coaching season tomorrow and besides the really cold forecast, I can’t wait. I’m pretty much a super fan. I hang out in the dugout, cheer on the 14 year old players, and keep the book. So, this summer when I’m not managing a wedding day, I’ll be at a baseball diamond. Sounds pretty perfect to me.
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Enjoy your weekend!
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April 12th, 2011
Your friend recently got ordained online and is planning on marrying you, but has never performed a ceremony (or rehearsal) before.
You’re 1 month into planning and are already having anxiety attacks and nightmares about the logistics of your wedding day.
You have a total of 5 hours of decor setup to do before your reception and the venue manager is only allowing you in an hour before cocktails start.
You wedding day vendor lineup includes more friends than “hired” professionals. Yes, friends can be more difficult to work with than strangers.
You understand the importance of the day to your family and friends and don’t want any of them lifting a finger.
Your wedding day festivities are being hosted outside. (Yes, even though it hasn’t rained on your wedding day in 100 years, you need a plan B and someone to execute it!)
Your wedding day involves more-than-usual interaction from your guests, such as lawn games or a scavenger hunt.
You feel like you are getting too much help from your friends and family. This may sound odd but sometimes it is really helpful to brainstorm ideas and discuss your wedding with people who aren’t personally close to you. This way no feelings can be hurt and your day can be a true reflection of you and your fiance.
Why are you considering hiring a Coordinator or Wedding Day Manager?
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April 8th, 2011
We’re moving right along, I am definitely not going to bore you with the “sorry I abandoned you all for so long excuses.”
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One of my lovely brides [Hi Kat!] shared with me these beautiful fabric bouquets. Aren’t they awesome? I think it’s a great way to cherish your bouquet, and well, your daughter may not want to wear your dress someday but she could certainly carry your flowers!
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Last week I had the pleasure of spending some time in the new Kohl’s Design It! Lab at Discovery World and I must say I am head-over-heels in love with the design of the space and the concept itself. If you haven’t visited it yet, add it to your bucket list right now.
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It’s official… I’m running the Summerfest Half-Marathon. I may have mentioned it in a previous Casual Friday post, but now I am all signed up and am definitely running it. I started training this week and so far so good, it actually hasn’t been as difficult as I anticipated. I will keep you updated on my progress.
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Sunday I had brunch at North Star Bistro in Brookfield and must say I was thoroughly impressed. I had read some good reviews but I wasn’t if it would really live up to my standards, but it definitely did. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, our server was polite and on point, and my creme brulee french toast was delicious. If you haven’t been, you definitely need to go… and make sure you make reservations, too!
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Some of my dear friends are hosting a new trade show at State Fair Park, The Milwaukee Home Business Expo. If you are looking for some extra income or are seeking members to add to your team, this would be a great starting point. Check it out!
Enjoy your weekend!
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March 11th, 2011
It’s been a little while since a Casual Friday update, but truthfully, I haven’t had much to share. My life is rather uneventful these days.
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For all of the Wisconsinites reading, seriously, aren’t you ready for spring? I’ve been trying really hard not to complain about the weather, but I’m allowing myself this one little rant. I’ve grown up in Wisconsin my entire life but for some reason this winter has been a real downer and I feel like it’s never going to end. I’m ready for green grass and wedding season.
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I have to give a shout out to the Ale House. Stylist and I went there last night, and while I have been there before, I was really impressed this time. Their staff is friendly, the food is good and of course, their beer is pretty tasty. Has anyone been there during the summer months? I hear their patio is awesome.
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I’m a huge NBA fan. There are a lot of people who really dislike the NBA and prefer college basketball but I’m definitely not one of them. If the Bucks aren’t playing I am a Heat fan all the way and would jump in front of a bus for Lebron James. Anyway, I’m ecstatic that they beat the Lakers last night!
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In other exciting news, Stylist and I booked our “spring break” trip to Destin, Florida this week. It will be our first real relaxing vacation as husband and wife and it can’t come soon enough.
Wishing for spring!
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