Brad & Melissa, Married September 4th 2010

What an amazing day this was..... and you can see from the pictures, in the details is where it all came together!

Melissa & Brad were married at Crossroads Methodist Church in Washington, IL. A beautiful service that brought tears to most. Melissa in her stunning Jim Hjelm dress. The Bridesmaids were in different styles of dresses and colors. The groomsmen in black tuxes and "chuck" tennis shoes in honor of the Groom's brother.

This wedding OOZED style...and then led into one of the most fabulous receptions HEA Wedding's has had the opportunity to be a part of.

The reception was at Embassy Suites in East Peoria, IL... and as the guests entered the room, you could see the "awe" on their faces...most walked right past the gift table because they couldn't stop looking around the room.

First, I need to fill you in on a little background of the planning stages so you can really appreciate all the details and hard work that the bride, her mother, and all the vendors put into this amazing day. Melissa had been dreaming and planning her wedding since she was a little girl, and I know that isn't a shock to most...but the details this girl had in her head were fabulous and I was not going to let anything get in the way of what she wanted. Peacock feathers were her theme, but she didn't want anything that anyone had seen or done before. So out came the glue guns and several trips to Hobby Lobby and Pier 1 for Melissa and her Mom. They purchased some items themselves vs. renting because they knew no one would have these exact things. They made boards covered in peacock eye feathers for the candle centerpieces...and never once did they complain, they really loved being hands on.

Then came the vendors to make all the missing components come together....Heaven on Earth with the tall feather arrangements, tall cylinder vases with the feather balls and copper winding around, and all the candles and holders. The beautiful gold trees on the head table that had clumps of green crystals and feathers wired on. And of course the beautiful bouquets that were one of a kind - STUNNING! Beth Maxwell with Save the Date....couldn't have done it with out her beautiful decorative elements....Mirrored top for the head table, the lime green chargers that Melissa HAD to have (that could be a blog post all on its own - she will laugh about this comment, but they truly made the look of the tables come together), and the purple and teal sashes and napkins. Scott with Sound & Light Creations for putting his magical lighting touches on the room, from Pin-spotting to custom gobos's.....truly spectacular..plus the room gradually changed color through-out the night. And my favorite lighting element that night...the head table was flooded with teal light from up above...stunning!!!

The guests had so much fun at the reception, photo booth, two cupcake and ice cream stations, and flip flops for the girls to change into. And of course flat bread pizza's for later in the night. The Menu was top-notch, Embassy did it again, A FABULOUS JOB! And a signature drink that the guests loved called the "Karacourtini"...the bride and groom both lived on Kara Court growing up...hum...a major love story here (that too deserves its own blog post).

And on a personal note, when I was going to high school, Melissa was my neighbor...but I only remember this little girl twirling in circles in the driveway, I would have never guessed that some 15 years later, I would have the honor and privilege of seeing and helping her walk down the aisle to the love of her life. Melissa and her family and I have reconnected in a way that only fate allows to happen. I found some amazing friends in Melissa and her mother, it made that day, even that much more special...and even more sad when it was over. Melissa is one of those people that you want to surround yourself with, her smile and grace is infectious!! And her style..OH MY WORD, this girl OOZES style in a way that makes me look like I need to study up more. :) I honestly think I would pay her to be my friend...that is how genuine and amazing she is! I adore her to pieces and look forward to our friendship growing well into the future!!

Congratulations Melissa & Brad, I will never forget that magical day!!

The Amazing Vendors:

Deidre Lynn Photography - thank you for these amazing photos!!!!!!!

Heaven on Earth

Save the Date

Sound & Light Creations

That's a Cake?

You Shoot Photobooths

Brad & Melissa pics continue....

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