Melissa & Josh - Married August 6th 2010

Melissa and Josh had been clients of mine for over a year and a half...so we truly became like family. I was so excited for their day for so many reasons. Melissa and Josh struggled with some of their vendors in the beginning, so when she decided to hire HEA Weddings, we had to scrap some things and start over...like the venue and the photographer. But as I told her..."Sometimes things are just meant to be!" And that really was the case. Plus they ended up with the best vendors possible for their day....I don't settle for less and nor should the client.

The weather was beautiful that day..low humidity and hardly a cloud in the sky...perfect for an outdoor wedding.

Melissa looked amazing with her crystal detailed gown...her bridesmaids in deep purple...and Josh and his groomsmen in their tan suits and purple ties. When it came time to walk down the aisle, Melissa was a bundle of nerves...so scared she would trip, so we decided that if she did...all she would have to do is stand up and say "tada" and act like it was totally planned! THANKFULLY, she did not trip and everything went perfectly!! A beautiful ceremony from beginning to end!

A stunning reception followed...cocktails on the patio before guests were ushered into the reception room. Silver Chiavari Chairs, Plum satin linens, and stunning lighting made the room look fabulous! The wedding cake and groom's cake were show stoppers, guests couldn't stop looking at them.

As I have said in the past, I get really attached to my clients...and these two will always remain very close to my heart. We became friends, good friends, and I am so thankful for that! And I have to mention...the love these two share is like out of a fairytale...you can see it in everything they do, the way they look at each other, talk to one another, and laugh with each other. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them, and I know it will be great things!! I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness, they truly are beautiful inside and out! Congratulations Melissa and Josh, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding...but more importantly becoming a part of your lives!

The fabulous Vendors:

Photographer - Pam Cooley Photography (thanks for the beautiful pictures in this post!)

Heaven on Earth - Flowers, Centerpieces, and Chiavari Chairs

Lighting - Sound and Light Creations

Linens - I Do Events

Wedding Cake - Wedding Cake Connection

Groom's Cake - That's a Cake?

DJ - Don Baker

Officiant: Adam Jamsa

Venue: Kickapoo Creek Winery

Sarah & Clark....Married August 7th 2010

It was a busy weekend for HEA Weddings, three weddings in two days. And everyone of them went perfectly. I couldn't be more thrilled with my staff for all their hard work in getting everything ready and helping me execute these flawless weddings! I only wish I could clone myself to be everywhere all the time....hum...maybe I need to work on that! haha

First one I have to share with you is Sarah and Clark. A beautiful ceremony at the Pettengill/Moron House on Moss Avenue in Peoria. This house is part of the Peoria Historical Society and I couldn't be more thrilled to find this little gem of a site. Of course when I took Sarah to see it, the lawn was covered in snow, so she had to use her imagination just a tad.

The reception was at The Cornerstone where the guests enjoyed a Photo booth, Video Games (3 different TV's set-up), and outdoor games like Bags and Horse Shoes....Sarah and Clark wanted ALL of their guests to enjoy themselves, not everyone likes to dance, so why not have other interactive things for them to enjoy...and that they did!!!

Luckily the weather was perfect and the day went wonderfully thanks to so many fabulous vendors:

Heaven on Earth Floral Design and Wedding Boutique

Schilling Photography - Photographer and Photo Booth for the reception - HUGE HIT!!

That's a Cake

I Do Events

The Cornerstone

I adore Sarah and her mother Lindsey, they were so wonderful to work with and makes this job the best ever! I received an email from Lindsey at 12:45 AM that read:

Lisa,

Just going to bed after a perfect wedding day for Sarah and Clark. My family was so impressed by the wedding and all the attention to detail. We couldn't have done it without you. I really wish you could have been at the reception too, but Melissa and Jamie did a great job. You guys are just AWESOME and I can't thank you enough!

My heart was full after reading that email!! Nothing better than receiving emails and text messages from your clients the night of, in the wee hours saying how great everything was!! Nothing gives me more satisfaction...I love this job!

The pictures above are courtesy of Schilling Photography.

A Must Read by Sasha Souza - Celebrity Wedding Planner

Click here to read this really insightful article by Sasha. "Let Me Clarify...you can always get it cheaper..."

Happy Planning
-Lisa

Something to share...(Peoria, IL Wedding)

Jill and Andre were married on April 17th at First Federated Church with a fabulously FUN reception at Packard Plaza. Jill and Andre were beyond a pleasure to work with, and I think Jill was the most laid back bride I have ever had! So laid back that she didn't even pick out her wedding cake. She let myself and Susan from That's a Cake have creative reign, and it turned out amazing. But this isn't something that happens everyday, that's for sure!

I have to mention that Jill and Andre's friends and family were so wonderful and made myself and my staff feel like we had known them for years. We laughed, we cried, and we laughed some more. And the reception was like no other...A choreographed first dance that wowed their guests and with Andre's family being Armenian, the music and dancing was out of this world!! My staff and I, the photographer (Ever After Photography), and videographer (White Lily Productions) were all in amazement watching, it was truly a fantastic reception!!!! And here is what Jill had to say...

"You guys did a perfect job. I have never heard anyone say that their wedding was flawless....ours truly was and it was all because of you. We recommend you to anybody getting married. Your wedding planning knowledge along with your vendor knowledge and recommendations added up to savings that more than paid for your services. We are so happy!! Thanks for everything!!!" ~Jill Minassian

This is why I love what I do...bonds are created and memories are cherished! Happy Planning!

~Lisa

Wedding day around the corner? Starting to feel stressed?

Well Spring is here and wedding season is in full swing all around the country. I see many bride's on a daily basis, some that are clients, and some that are not. And when I ask them, how they are doing with everything...I tend to see a "look" come over them...and I know that look! It's the "there is so much to do, have I forgotten anything?" look.
When bride's have a wedding coordinator, they are kept on track with checklists, constant emails reminding them of what they need to finalize, and overall help in keeping them organized. It keeps the stress level down tremendously. But for those brides out there that do not have a coordinator and feeling that stress, here are some tips that might help calm the nerves...

-Keep plastic totes handy....label some "Wedding Ceremony" and others "Reception". Put all the items that pertain to your ceremony in the correct tote and then same goes for reception items. This way you can always go back to make sure you have everything...plus this makes it easy to transport everything. I even list all the items in each tote, so that I know everything that goes back in.

-Take all the items (ring bearer pillows, bubbles, camera's etc) out of their boxes/containers/packaging...this will help in creating less mess at the ceremony and reception when setting up. Please however, if using toasting flutes...keep the box handy at the reception so they can be put away before all the dancing begins, you wont want anything to happen to them.

Below are some standard items needed for the ceremony and reception...but in today's weddings, you may have other items you are using, but here is a starting point.

Standard Ceremony Items Needed:
-Marriage License
-Rings
-Unity Candles & Holders (if applicable)
-Ceremony Programs
-Flower Girl Basket
-Ring Bearer Pillow
-Guest Book & Pen
-Music for Ceremony (if not using Organist or live music)

Standard Reception Items Needed:
-Toasting Flutes
-Cake Knife & Server
-Card Holder
-Guest Favors, if applicable
-Place Cards or Seating Chart
-Table numbers/names (if venue doesn't supply, or you want to get creative)
-DVD for slide show, if applicable

Great organization, will make a world of difference in how you feel leading up to the big day. My last tip for the day is this...Starting a few weeks out, start visualizing your day, sit and close your eyes and picture.... getting your hair and make-up done, spending time with your bridesmaids, putting your dress on, seeing your mom or dad for the first time, seeing your GROOM for the first time, walking down the aisle, the music, your guests faces as you walk by them. The vows, the music, the kiss, the music. (Music always gets me!) And then to the fun part...pictures, your bridal party announcement, the toasts and speeches, cutting the cake, your first dance, and those ever emotional father-daughter dances. Visualizing your wedding day or any major event in your life can help calm the nerves and get some of the emotions out ahead of time. This doesn't mean you wont tear up, but you are prepared for those moments that make you emotional. I have used this technique in many aspects of my life and I can't tell you how much it helps.

Stay tuned for more tips and Happy Planning!!!