elopement :: is it for everyone?
Elopement is a personal choice. I understand why some would want to do it. In fact, the truth be told, my husband and I were planning a sort of elopement before we got married. It was a situation that my parents were not exactly thrilled (although they have since recounted that decision) about me marrying my husband. There was not the support that we wanted, and I would not be deterred. I married at 25 years old, definitely old enough to make my own decisions.
We had planned on marrying at a resort in California with only our maid of honor and best man. Everything was set.
Then my mom went back into the hospital. It all changed. I realized that family there to support us was paramount to leaving and getting married and bringing back photos.
So, in four short months, I totally changed our plans (thank goodness I was a corporate event planner at the time, NOT a wedding planner, but I had the skills).
In the end, it was the best decision and my family was totally on board with being present and enjoying seeing us taking our vows. Because we paid for our own wedding, it was small (which is what I wanted) and exactly what we had wanted (that’s what you get when you pay for your own wedding).
The reason this all came to mind, I was watching the Real Housewives of Orange County this week (don’t judge me). Vicki’s daughter went to Las Vegas and on a whim, got married to her boyfriend. Someone who Vicki barely had met in the past and didn’t know.
Immediately, I went to my son (who is about to turn 16 years old and was a little confused at the conversation), and informed him how incredibly disappointed I would be if he eloped. He promised he wouldn’t.
Not because I want to throw a lavish wedding, like many of our clients plan. But because I would be hurt to the core not to be present at his nuptials. He is my only child. I have to be there. Whether I like the person he has chosen, or not. If he is old enough to make the decision, I want to be there for that important event of his life. Weddings ARE about family. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes … it’s not that good.
This is a little rant and it is not to put down others who elope. But please, take into consideration everything. Changing our wedding plans was the best decision we ever made. My father walked me down the aisle, both my brothers were present, my husband’s sister was there and our true, personal friends. It made all the difference in the world … as we move to celebrate our 19 years of marriage this July 4th. I’m grateful that I had the perspective, in time, to make the right decision.
plan on!
you want to work with us?
Okay.
Few little things you should know about our little event planning company:
- Everyone starts out with an unpaid internship.
- Everyone is on commission basis only. Including the owner.
- This job is awesome.
- This job requires many hours on your feet with a constant smile.
- While occasional food tastings and picking out pretty linens are sometimes perks of the job, this is a real business and managing other people’s money and their once-in-a-lifetime event is serious and not taken lightly.
- Kiss your Friday nights, Saturday day and evenings goodbye. Can you hang with that?
- You must have a deep desire to serve people, while thinking 10 steps ahead.
…. and this is just the beginning.
photos: saundra’s iphone
plan on!
thank you wedding vendors!
On behalf of my associate, Kerry Sensenbrenner and her new husband, Chris Sensenbrenner, we would like to thank all of the wonderful vendors that worked really hard on her wedding day.
This was a special occasion for our team and many months of planning went into their wedding. The most important thing was that we would be able to enjoy the reception with our husbands … and we did!
Here’s a sneak peak of Kerry and Chris’s wedding.
The beautiful photographs are from Amy Shepherd Photography and her lovely husband and 2nd shooter, Paul. Thank you both for your great work, positive energy and we can’t wait to see the rest of the images.
Love this photo and all our interesting details that we designed and created.
Thank you Sally from Welborn Events for fabulous floral artistry and collaborating with us on design. Your help with break in and striking helped us enjoy the reception.
Thank you Dave Kennedy for your always exceptional emcee work and keeping the party moving and dancing.
Thank you Eyenamics for your winning personality and soon-to-be-watching exceptional wedding film. Our homemade iPhone videos obviously won’t compare to yours.
Thank you Chris at Rapp Owen Granary for your kindness and awesome service. Wendy too! Always a treat to work with you ladies.
Thank you Andrew for the sweet golf carts in New Harmony. My legs heart you.
Thank you Piece of Cake for the delicious cake. Kerry ate almost the entire chocolate bottom the next day.
Thank you to all the church ladies at Johnston United Methodist Church that were open and warm to us at
Thank you New Harmony Inn, always a pleasure staying with you. Your customer service is exceptional.
Thank you, last but not least, Bauerhaus Catering and Tim March for your fabulous tasting food and really stepping up to make sure we all enjoyed the day.
Thank you Kerry and Chris … for being an EXCELLENT bride and groom. You were open, fun, excited and your guests felt your energy. Much love and years of happiness to you both!
plan on!
last week of wedding planning :: IT’S WEDDING DAY !
Continuing our series of the last week of wedding planning for our very OWN, Kerry Devine.
It’s now THE WEDDING DAY !!!
The Finale …
ps We’ll be posting a wrap up with the highlight photos of the day, the stuff that went wrong and the amazing vendors that made it all happen.
plan on!
last week of wedding planning :: FRIDAY
Continuing our series of the last week of wedding planning for our very OWN, Kerry Devine.
It’s now FRIDAY before the wedding. Rehearsal time!
Part Three …
…next up, the WEDDING!
