planning….forever events blog

unique engagement sessions…

Engagement sessions are one of the best ways you can really get to know your photographer(s). Instead of heading out in jeans and a shirt to the local park, why not think of something really creative?

Take a look at these fabulous photos (and there are tons more) taken by Robert and Kathleen Photographers who are located in Connecticut. Their subjects are Candice & Michael. Just so happens I know Candice who is owner of Jubilee Events, having met her personally and enjoy getting to know her better online. What fun it has been watching her run a wedding planning business and planning her own wedding.

Her engagement shots blew me away. Not only the photographers’ artistry, but the sheer orginiality and class (which is totally her). Take a peek and be sure to click off to Robert and Kathleen’s website for more.

Here are few tips to help your creative juices for your engagement photos:

1. Look at photographer’s blogs (on a national level) to get some ideas.
2. Talk to your fiance/fiancee and discuss what you really like to do and incorporate your hobby into your engagement photo session.
3. Take a cue from Candice, who scheduled her engagement session on the same day that she did a trial run for her hair and makeup. Genius!
4. Bring lots of changes of clothes.
5. Talk to your photographer and let them know what you are thinking…they may have some ideas to share that you would have never thought about.

Tags: engagement, photographer

reasons why a girl should propose to a guy

In five short days, it will be Valentine’s Day. The universal day of love. We know that many of you will be getting engaged that day or weekend.

And if you aren’t getting proposed to this weekend, then why not? Are you waiting for him to ask? Perhaps, YOU should do the asking!

Let’s think it through:

1. It’s 2009 for goodness sake. Think of how many women just 50 years ago would have loved the opportunity to feel so liberated?
2. Do you really have the patience to wait for him to pop the question?
3. It would certainly be a surprise.
4. You’re a strong woman with an education and career; you make everything else happen….why not in your private life?
5. You’ll find out just how he really feels about “the equality issue” by his reaction.
6. To not entirely emasculate him, propose in private and not in front of all his friends and family.

Actually, I’m surprised this isn’t a hot trend!

Important Question: if a girl asks the guy to marry, then who buys the engagement ring?

Tags: brides, engagement, groom, marriage

need a [cool] marriage proposal idea?

‘Tis the season for marriage proposals…and that just makes us all smile over here at the planning…forever events studio.

You can’t blame us, it’s what puts food on the table. And it’s one of our services we offer, “Proposal Planning”. We will help you with everything but the words. Cause, well, that’s your job as the proposer.

So we were excited to get this email from the promoters for Rockefeller Center in New York. They have come up with the coolest proposal idea, Engagement on Ice. Hopefully you would know how to skate, or of course you could always ask while sitting on the ice. Below are some of the highlights and details:

The Engagement on Ice package offers front-of-the-line access ensuring that the lucky couple can head straight onto the ice for a romantic spin around the Rink.  As the session ends, the other skaters will disappear, leaving the couple alone on the ice.  “Their song” will begin to play, setting the scene for the perfect proposal.  Once she (or he) says “yes,” the Rink staff can deliver a bouquet (dropped off ahead of time by the proposer) to the new fiancée before the couple takes one last lap around the Rink.  To complete the experience, the two toast to their good fortune rink-side with flutes of Champagne and can enjoy a celebratory dinner at the Rock Center Café at a table looking out at Rockefeller Center.

The cost of the Engagement on Ice package is $250, from Dec. 1 through Jan. 4, 2008; $200 from Jan. 5 through April, all inclusive.  Reservations are required and availability is limited.  Call 212-332-7655 to schedule an Engagement on Ice, which includes:

Admission front-of-the-line access for two
Two skating passes
Skate rentals for two
Signature song played during or after the proposal (music provided by proposer)
The option to drop off a bouquet of flowers that can be skated out and presented to new fiancée
Private time on the ice for proposal and ‘victory lap’
Champagne toast at rink-side restaurant Rock Center Café
For an additional $200, a three-course dinner for two is available at Rock Center Café.  Window tables can be reserved.

Located off of Fifth Avenue, between 49^th and 50^th streets, The Rink first opened on Christmas Day in 1936 as the premier artificial outdoor skating pond built in New York City, complete with modern amenities: night skating, a heated house for changing skates, piped-in music and rink-side dining.  Today the Rink is an historic landmark, open seven days a week from October until early April. For more information on The Rink and its special packages, visit www.therinkatrockcenter.com or call 212-332-7655.

Let’s face it this idea is not only sweet, but it’s romantic as hell!!!

Tags: brides, engagement, groom, marriage

timelines :: crucial to your wedding!

An accurate timeline can be your best friend before the wedding. Writing down all of the events and knowing the arrival times for your wedding party and vendors will let you have a peaceful wedding.

At planning…forever events we are well-known for our wedding timelines and production schedules. I will admit, when we first started five years ago we had very detailed times, such as; 2:55pm – Exit Church. Looking back I have to laugh a bit.

Now when we sit with our clients for consults we can basically tell them within 15 minutes of how their wedding will flow and how long it will take to serve dinner, cut the cake, toasts etc.

If you’d like to learn how to create your own wedding timeline or itinerary, we guest blogged about this very subject last week on the super-duper, fabulous DIY Bride.

One last thought: you never want to be a “Timeline Natzi” at a wedding. Yes it is good to know the flow of events and keep to some time structure, but never at the expense of you enjoying your day or taking in those special moments!

Plan on! -saundra

Tags: brides, engagement, groom, marriage

best places for engagement photos near evansville, indiana

Natalie Paddock and Roddy Blaylock

Natalie and Roddy are getting married October 4th and they are our clients. Aren’t they adorable laying down at the Labyrinth in New Harmony, Indiana?

Natalie Paddock and Roddy Blaylock

A simple shot, in front of an old fence….love it! Great job Jeanne with Equinox Photography!

We love Jordan (with Jordan Barclay Photography), who is artistic and creative. He took this shot at the Garden of the Gods at University of Southern Indiana. Beautiful backdrop!

photographer: Courtney Metzger

Locally everyone knows who Studio B is (out of Mt. Vernon, Indiana). One of my favorite photographers there is Courtney. She took this photo at a fountain in New Harmony, Indiana.

photographer: Daniel Knight

The really neat thing about Studio B is that they actually have a 17 acre portrait park. How convenient is that? This photo was taken by the owner, Daniel Knight.

Be creative and personal with your engagement photos, you’ll enjoy them for years to come!

Plan on! -saundra

Tags: engagement, photographer

your courtship memoirs

This little snippet came to me via email….and I think it is pretty darn cool. Ellen at Courtship Stories sent me a blurb about her little company.

Imagine having your courtship documented by a professional writer, add your own unique pictures and bind all those precious memories into one cute little square book….that is a recipe for a good keepsake!

Ellen will interview both of you and translate that into a beautifully written storybook fairytale. Or I suppose something funny and quirky….reflective of your personality. This can be a thoughtful gift for a couple who has everything!!!!

Prices are custom, so visit her blog to find out more information!

Plan on! -saundra

Tags: engagement