Misbehaving Computer

Sometimes advanced technology is not a good thing; Like when your computer dies, even when it is plugged in. Yep, that is what is going on here! At the end of the business day today, I will be fedex-ing my wonderful (or in this case-not so wonderful) laptop to HP for some much needed repairs. 

If you need any planning/consulting/coordinating, please email me at mail@onceinalifetimeweddingsandevents.com.  I will occasionally check my email and will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Thanks for understanding! :)

Association of Bridal Consultants

Last Tuesday was the monthly ILNG Conference Call for the Midwest Region ABC group.  I always look forward to these calls, as there is some interesting facts or up-to date trends that we wedding professionals look forward to learning about. 

Every month we have a featured speaker, and this month our guest speaker was Gerard Monaghan, whom is the co-founder of ABC.  Just a little bit about ABC... The Association was started in 1955.  Gerard took over the association in 1981. He was priviledged to be a huge part of the growth of the association.  The Association of Bridal Consultants is now at almost 4000 members!! 1/3 of those are consultants (I am one of those), 1/3 vendors (think linens, florists, etc.), and the other third are novice members.  Wow! That is quite interesting!

One note that Gerard emphasized was encouraging local networking.  For a bridal consultant, this is how I get most of my business.  I see vendors work, their talents, and then I get to know them.  I want to know if that photographer will catch that special handshake between the groom and his now Father In Law.  I want to see the quality of the printed photos. I will not recommend a vendor to a client unless I have personally spoken to the vendor, as well as seen the quality of their work.  This is part of what is so great about being a part of the Association of Bridal Consultants.  I get to work with other very educated, very talented professionals.  As a client, that is the person you will want to hire!

Fall Decorations

Yes, Christmas time is only two weeks away, and I am just now posting my pumpkins pictures!

This year I didn't want to put orange pumpkins on the front porch. I thought about carving, but did not want to find pumpkin seeds around the house weeks later. An idea quickly came to mind....paint! White paint to be exact.  So I went down to my craft area and gathered the supplies I would need.  As I was painting away with a brush, I was not happy with my results (I am a perfectionist at my decorations!!)  So I went out to the garage and found....Rustoleum!!  When my husband and I bought out first home last year, we became a huge fan of this stuff!

Here are some pictures of my pumpkins...that are still in fact in great condition on my front porch!  The white, black, and silver pumpkins and gourds are not only a fall decoration, but now a winter decoration as well. :)

That's my now 16 mo. old daughter checking out the display. :)

Cyber Monday/Week

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends.  We sure did!! (Pictures will be posted later.)

Today was the big Cyber Monday, and if you were like me, spent hours online shopping for the best deals.  While I was searching, I thought that it would be nice if some of the deals lasted more than the 24 hours.  So here's what Once In A Lifetime is doing....

A Cyber Week Deal!!

This deal will be good from Monday Nov. 29, 2010 through Friday Decemeber 3, 2010 5:00pm.  This means, if a contract is signed within this time period, you get to save some money on your wedding or event planning!!! That is exactly what we all look to do when planning a special day.

Okay, now the deal....

50% any service we offer!!

Don't wait until Friday at 4 to call (217) 430-8635 or (319) 373-0648 because I may not have an opening left in my schedule.

Let us make your wedding or Holiday party a Once In A Lifetime event!!

Nicole & Patsy

Did you know the average wedding engagement is 12-18 months?  It is an average, because some couples need/want longer to plan a large, extravagant event, and others can plan a small, intimate ceremony in a shorter amount of time.

Candy buffet in the wedding colors, purple and orange.

With just a month and a half left before their wedding, this couple realized they needed a day-of coordinator, and also a professional to advise them with a few remaining decisions before their big day. 



Cake designed by Adam at Tip Top Cakes

Patsy and Nicole set their wedding date to be in 3 months!  With 60 guests, this was definitely doable.  Just because they didn't have much time to plan, does not mean any details were overlooked.



Bamboo plants were the favors



What a beautiful fall day for a fun couple to get married outdoors!!

Melanie, PBC and the Newleyweds

No Tricks, Just Treats

Halloween is just around the corner and to celebrate, we want to give our new clients a treat.

Hire Once In A Lifetime to help with your planning, and we will give you 20% any services!!

Hurry, since this deal will be good only until November 5th, 2010.

Liz & Jeremiah

Last month I assisted Alison Dix, Devotion to Detail, with day-of coordination for a wedding just south of Kalona, IA.  The reception was held at a Parish Hall, and was really a great venue!! 

Although I never even met the bride and groom (they were a very busy couple that day, with their 300 guests transported from Coralville to on-site in PURPLE buses!) I met their parents' reactions when they walked in to the gorgeously decorated "plumscape".  

When I arrived on location, Spielman's were already busily setting up tables, chairs, linens, draping, etc.  I was the on-site Wedding Coordinator and just helped the vendors and directed when needed.  I also had the pleasure of decorating and making quite the transformation. :)  This is my favorite part of my job....and here's why:

It's like taking a blank slate and turning it into a piece of art...in this case, a beautiful environment for a fabulous wedding reception.  Some great vendors were also a part of this special day: Spielman's, Vesta's in Coralville, Yummy's Bakery (32 flavors of cake!!), Country Charm Flowers & Gifts (check out the fresh florals on that cake!!), Unique Events, Geno Photography, and Memories that Last. 

Congratulations to the Newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Burke!!

Dianne & David

I have mentioned this couple several times in the last few months, but I just wanted to make it blog official...They have been married for just over a month now, and are such a great couple!! I wanted to share some of the photos I have from their wedding day.

One-Year Anniversary

Melanie, PBC, Bride Crystal, Groom Dusty - Married August 14, 2010

September is Once In A Lifetime's anniversary month!  This month has marked the first year of officially being in business.  What a great year it has been!  I knew starting a business would take a lot of work...I mean it is a business after all. :)  But I did not realize how much time I would really be putting into the business....and most of that time, I am not being compensated for. 

In the past year, I have continued my education  in the wedding industry by attending conferences thoughout the country, with the most knowledge-filled conference being the Association of Bridal Consultant's National Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana last November.  Deciding to attend the annual conference was very difficult, as my daughter was only 3 months old at the time.  I spent a total of 4 days away from her.  It was tough, but I do not regret it for a minute!  I now value the tips, trends, and certifications I received more, because I sacrificed my time away from my family. 

I have attended dozens of bridal shows in the past year as well.  Yes, it may be fun for a bride to attend these shows herself, but why spend so many weekend days and hours researching vendors at the shows when you can hire me to do that for you?  At the shows, I don't really stop and talk to each vendor.  I'll say hello to the ones I know, and then pick up a card at the ones I don't.  I really use the shows as an opportunity to catch the "new" vendors in the area, as well as the new styles for wedding-day attire.

After the shows, and throughout the past year, I have spent endless hours networking, interviewing, and meeting with photographers, videographers, caterers, and the other mind-boggling amount of vendors that the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area has to offer one that is planning a wedding or special event.  I have a great deal of information about prices, package offers, as well as those vendors who are truly ones that are worth the moolah ($$$).

And most importantly, I have had the pleasure of working with a great deal of brides and grooms in the past year as well!  I have experienced everything from a dog as the "flower-girl" to no flower-girl; An Hawaiian themed wedding; A Yellow Wedding; An outdoor cocktail-hour in the rain; A 60 guests wedding; a 300 guests wedding (and everything in between); and this coming weekend, a same-sex ceremony (I am in Iowa afterall).  It has been a great first year!!

To celebrate Once In A Lifetime's One-Year Anniversary, I want to give you a gift! 

Thanks to my husband being a computer engineer and tech geek, for each 2011 bride (or groom!) that hires me to plan your wedding (Full-Planning Package), she (or he) will be given a 16GB Apple iPad. 

You defintiely won't have to worry about losing that picture out of a magazine that is of your dream cake.  Just pull it up on your new iPad.  Also, keep track of all of my emails to you about the great venue for your reception or an Excel spreadsheet of the wedding budget that I helped you create.

Give me a call (319) 373-0648 or shoot me an email mail@onceinalifetimeweddingsandevents.com today so we can start planning your 2011 Once In A Lifetime Wedding today!

(This offer is good through September 30, 2010.)



Wedding Day Plan B

It is your wedding day.  The day you have waited for all your life.  You have always envisioned this day to be perfect in every way imaginable.  You wake up, the sun is shining, you feel great, and start making the preparations to be the most beautiful bride, or the most handsome groom. 

Okay, let's take a different look at the day.  You wake up, and it is cloudy, cool, but not yet raining....

The ceremony is inside in a beautiful church, the cocktail hour outside in an open-sided tent.  Oh great, "The cocktail hour is OUTSIDE!"  Do you have a Plan B if it starts to down-pour an hour before the cocktail hour is supposed to begin? 

Having a Plan B for your wedding day is very important.  Bridal couples hear this from friends, family, and wedding vendors all the time; But how many actually go through with making the second plans? 

This past Saturday I assisted with Day-of Coordination for a couple that did, in fact, plan to have the cocktail hour in a tent, outside.  And it did, in fact, rain on their wedding day (which by the way, is Good Luck!)  The cocktail hour was located in the parking lot of the reception venue, so it would have been very easy to set-up the cocktail tables in the foyer of the reception venue, although space would have been very tight.  It did rain a little before the guests arrived by bus to the venue, but fortunately held off for another couple of hours, so that guests could enjoy themselves before dinner. 

This coming Sunday I am coordinating a wedding where the ceremony is planned to be outdoors.  And yes, we do have a Plan B! 

Take the Cake

All photos were taken from takethecakekc.com.


What is a wedding without the cake?

A wedding cake is a very important detail on such a special day.  Not only do the bride and groom look forward to the "cake cutting" ceremony, but the guests also anticipate it.  Will the groom smash the cake in the bride's face?  How will the cake taste?

When choosing a cake, and most importantly, the baker, there are several tips to keep in mind.  On the ABC Heartland Region's ILNG Conference Call, Kay Benjamin, Cake Artist, of Take the Cake in Kansas City was the guest speaker.  Kay says "The first appointment is very important."  The bride or bridal consultant are encouraged to bring photographs or ideas they like, as well as pictures of cakes, the dress, or any decoration details that will be incorporated into the wedding day, and wedding cake.

There are ways to cut costs on the wedding cake, but you do not have to cut quality by doing this.  The most popular way to do this is by having the "show" wedding cake be styrofoam, frosted with buttercream.  Then the cut cake slices for the guests are from sheetcakes in the back kitchen.

When interviewing bakers, they may tell you they have your date available, but they may also be pushing to do several other weddings or events for the same day.  Ask the baker how many events they schedule for a single weekend, and keep in mind, most bakers do not like to have more than 3, as there is a lot of time and details involved.

There are many other key elements to keep in mind when thinking about who you want to hire as your baker, and what kind of cake, or frosting, you want for your wedding cake.  Feel free to contact me at mail@onceinalifetimeweddingsandevents.com or Kay Benjamin from Take the Cake at takethecakekc@yahoo.com.  Tell Kay that I sent you. :)

Maid of Honor Toast

Every wedding includes the wedding party giving their "stories" and well wishes to the bride and groom.  Some of those toasts per say are very gushy, good feeling toasts.  Others are long and boring and you would rather not sit through them.  This past weekend, I had a front seat to watch Dianne's sister entertain the guests, bride and groom, the caterer, dj, and myself with her great Toast.  What's even better?  Only Jessie, the dj, and myself knew she would be singing to a song. :)

 Please watch it and let me know what you think!

Funny Bridesmaid Toast for Dianne and David

Hawaiian Wedding Sneak-Preview

This Friday is a big day for a very special couple.  My previous blog post was mostly about them.  Although I just started helping them plan their wedding about 6 months ago, they new from the moment they were engaged that they wanted to have a Hawaiian themed wedding.

Working with Dave and Dianne has been a blast, and I can not wait to see all of their hard work and ideas come together.

These are just a few things that we have been working on...

1000+ orchids flown in from Hawaii

Wedding Day Attire made in Hawaii (jadefashion.com)

Hawaiian music, of course

Who wants to guess where the newlyweds will be honeymooning???

Stay tuned for more pics of this exciting Hawaiian-themes wedding!

"Where there is love, there is life."

This morning I was working on my to-do list for a wedding that is this Friday.  I needed to confirm plans with the caterer, disc jockey, and photographer.  I also needed to arrange a delivery time for the cake bakery and some linen rentals.  And if you can believe it, I still have not been able to find the couples dream getaway car!! With 4 days until their wedding, most nearlyweds would be stressing and feel overwhelmed with last minute plans and details.  This couple...just the opposite.  They have family and friends in town, and are on the greens.  Golf is one activity they enjoy together, and how blessed they are to be able to spend a day doing just that...let alone a few days before they get married. 

Engaged couples get so wrapped up in planning their wedding day, and sometimes forget what they are doing it for.  Dave and Dianne are such a great couple!  They have traveled through many hoops to get to their wedding day this Friday.  Dave was deployed during part of their engagement.  They have become grandparents (hard to believe since they are both so young!).  They have gone through so many rough patches.  But they really love each other! And this couple love to live life.

I am so excited to be helping such a fabulous couple plan their fabulous wedding!

Teamwork

Are you a bride planning your big day?  Do you feel like you are planning everything all by yourself, without any help from friends or family?  There is so much work that goes into planning your wedding day.  It does only happen one time in your life (for most).  But you should not have to go about it alone. 

At Once In A Lifetime, it is our pleasure to assist our brides and grooms with as much or as little as you would like.  If you want an elaborate and elegant event with all of your family and friends, but don't want to do a thing (besides making the guest list and giving your favorite colors) we can make the day become a reality.  We can also just guide you on your way if you want to do everything yourself, but need a little push on what to do next. 

We love to assist in any way possible, but sometimes even wedding planners need some help from other professionals.  Alison Dix, owner of Devotion to Detail, asked me to do just this.  Of course I will be honored to assist her with a September wedding, and can not wait to help with set-up and decorating for the cocktail hour and reception! 

Don't feel like you have to complete everything yourself...let a professional help you make your event "Once In A Lifetime."

Wedding Seating

Photo courtesy of www.weddingwire.com

I have recently had several brides ask me for advice on seating arrangements for the reception.  There are several ways you can arrange your guests, but it is all based on preference, and knowing your guests' personalities.

I will touch briefly on a couple of different ways that are common, and if you would like more in-depth details, or even help with the seating arrangements, give me a call (319) 373-0648 and we can set up a time to meet.

Having a wedding seating plan is very important for both the smallest of small, or largest of large weddings.  The meal at the reception is a time your guests truly look forward to, so you will want to make them feel as comfortable as you can, which leads to you (the bride) knowing your guests will have a good time. 

The three most common ways to seat your guests are to:

1) Have no seating plan.  I see this mostly at smaller weddings (fewer than 50 guests), and weddings serving the meal buffet style.

2) Assign each guest to a table.  I find this choice most popular, as the bride can look at her guest list, and choose 8-10 guests (depending on table size of course) that have similar personalities, interests, and/or common age.  The bride would then noticeably name each of the tables.  She will then need to make a spreadsheet with each guest's name and which table they are assigned to.  A good spot for this sheet would be at the entrance of the reception.  There are many more ways you could go about this, so be creative!!

3) Assign each guest to a seat.  This could be very time consuming, depending on the number of guests.  You will want to do as I mentioned in idea number two, and name each table.  You will then want to have placecards with each guests' name, along with their table name at each place setting.  Then you will again, want to have the another card or list at the entrance, with the guests' name and table name.  Again, you can do this is many different ways, and the more creative, the better!

Whether you assign each of your guests a spot or let them seat themselves, be sure to let your coordinator or reception vendor know what you decide ahead of time so they can assist your guests if the need be.

Happy Wedding Planning.

Setting the Timeline for the Wedding Day

I just finished up a conference call with some other ABC members in the region I am located in, and tonight's emphasis was on the importance of setting the timeline for the wedding day.

I am proud to say that I already implement a very detailed schedule for the rehearsal and day-of.  It is very important to have this detailed timeline, so that if a problem arises, it will be much easier to adjust accordingly.  This is why it is almost essential to have a professional bridal consultant.  We are experienced, and can help the bride and groom be as prepared as possible.

If you would like to sit down and chat with me about helping you prepare your Wedding Day Timeline, shoot me an email or phone call and I would love to assist you!

Memorial Day Wedding Ideas

http://www.sparklersonline.com/

What do you think about having a Memorial Day Weekend Wedding?

 Do you think too many of your guests would rather take the long weekend to get away? Or do you think the long weekend is a great time for your family and friends to celebrate the union of your love, and then always remember that Memorial Day?  Some may think it is improper to hold a wedding during this weekend, since it is supposed to be a weekend to remember those who lost their lives serving our great country. 

If you do decide to plan your wedding for the Memorial Day weekend, here are some ideas you could use to incorporate the reason for the holiday.

1.  Military Themed -

Perfect if you or your fiance are in the military.

2. USA Colored Theme -

If you don't want to go all out with the military theme, you could use red, white, and blue as your colors.  This could go as little as the cake and invitations, or as much as the dresses and suits/tuxes, flowers, and decor. 

3. Memorial Dedications -

Maybe a friend or family member lost their life fighting for our country.  By honoring them during the ceremony with a moment of silence, or a special prayer, would be a great way to remember them.

4. Song -

Ever heard the song "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" by Toby Keith? You could easily play this at the reception, and then maybe also have a moment of silence right after the song is played.

5. Fireworks -

What would be the most exciting way to celebrate the holiday on your wedding? Fireworks!! Or if you don't want to dish out the huge bill for the permit, you could have your guests light up some sparklers. 

Inviting entryways make an unforgettable first impression

The Doors

Want to impress your guests before the wedding ceremony even starts?

Think about the entrance to the ceremony and reception as a good starting point.  You can use flowers of all sorts, lights, and even hay??? You could get very creative!!!

Check out this kissing ball, and see if that's not impressive.

Day-Of Coordination

As a wedding planner, I often hear brides say "I am looking for a Day-of Coordinator for my wedding.  I already have everything planned, vendors chosen, and my dress bought. I just need someone to help everything go smooth on the day-of." 
Terrific!! There is a lot of time and energy needed to plan a wedding!  But what brides don't realize, is it takes more than one day to be sure their day goes smoothly. 
I just got off an ABC ILNG Conference Call, with speakers Angela Brandt, wedding coordinator in Nebraska, and Shae Freeman, wedding coordinator in Arkansas.

They both pointed out that in reality, our Day-Of Coordination packages should be renamed to "Month-Of", as that's really how long we should be communicating with the bridal couple, before the wedding.

A bridal consultant should spend 30-50 hours on a "Day-Of Coordination". It really takes that much time to put together the pieces that the bride has planned, so that her day goes as stress free as possible. 

So those brides out there looking for a "Day-Of" Coordinator...Keep in mind that you want a coordinator that will actually be working the "Month-Of" instead. 

Double Happiness

I recently met with a couple that is wanting to incorporate their Asian culture into their wedding, and so I started my research on decor ideas.  The couple mentioned to me they wanted to use the Double Happiness symbol.  As I started my research, this is what I found about the Double Happiness character:

A large Chinese character, Double Happiness, on a red piece of paper or in paper cut is always put where it must strike the eyes on a young couple's wedding. It has a story behind it.


In the ancient Tang Dynasty, there was a student who was on the way to the capital to attend the national final examination, in which the top learners would be selected as the ministers in the court. Unfortunately, he fell ill halfway when he passed through a mountain village. Thanks to a herbalist doctor and his daughter, he was taken to their house and treated well. He recovered quickly due to the father and the daughter's good care. Well, when he had to leave, he found it hard to say good-bye to the pretty girl, and so did she. They fell in love. So the girl wrote down the right hand part of an antithetical couplet for the student to match:

"Green trees against the sky in the spring rain while the sky set off the spring trees in the obscuration."

"Well, I can make it though it is not easy. But you'll have to wait till I have finished the examination." replied the student. The young girl nodded in significance.

In the examination the young man won the first place, who was appreciated by the emperor. Also the winners were interviewed and tested by the emperor. As luck would have it, he was asked by the emperor to finish a couplet, which would need a right part as the answer. The emperor wrote:


"Red flowers dot the land in the breeze's chase while the land colored up in red after the kiss."

The young man realized immediately the right part of the couplet by the girl was the perfect fit to the emperor's couplet, so he took the girl's part as the answer without hesitation. The emperor was delighted to see the matching half of his couplet was so talent and harmonious that he authorized the young man's identity as Minister in the court and allowed him to pay a visit to his hometown first before holding the post. The young man met the girl happily at home and told her the emperor's couplet. They soon got married. For the wedding, the couple DOUBLED the Chinese character, HAPPY, together, on a red piece of paper and put it on the wall to express the happiness for the two events. And from then on, it has been taken on and became a social custom.

(http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa120799a.htm)

I also found a baker in NJ that designed a wedding cake using the Double Happiness character.  Check it out!!


Double happiness wedding cake

Earth Day

Want to celebrate Earth Day in a unique way?  Do so by making your wedding day Eco-Chic. 

Check out Emily Anderson's Eco Chic Weddings for "Ethical, thrifty, chic Ideas & Inspiration".

Do you know what your wedding's carbon footprint is? Use Carbonfund.org to find out.

Industrial Inspiration

Industrial Inspiration

I absolutely love urban chic, modern, sleek (you get the picture). And when I saw this, I thought, wow, what great design!

It is simple, but yet so detail perfect that your guests will remember your wedding.

Jeff Lanza

I just finished up on the call for the Local Networking Group for the Association of Bridal Consultants, which I am proud to be a member of.

Tonight, our guest speaker was Jeff Lanza, who is a Former FBI Spokesman and Current Corporate Trainer.  He was our keynote speaker on Business Risks and Tips.  Jeff has been seen on Larry King Live, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, and Fox National News.

It is so very important to hire a bridal consultant that is not only very professional, but also has resources to make every event, or situation, the best it can possibly be. Having Jeff as a resource for myself and the other members of ABC reassures me that I am professional, and especially, I am a part of an association that truly focuses on morals and ethics.

theknot.com's #1 Secret to a Fun Reception: Hire a Day-Of Coordinator.

10 Secrets to a Fun Reception

When you hire a Day-Of Wedding Coordinator, such as Once In A Lifetime, to oversee your special day, we will take away the worries so that all you have to focus on is having fun!

2 More Days Left of Spring Sandals Deals!!

Just wanted to let you all know, the current Sandals specials run until March 31, 2010...tomorrow!! So check out the specials, and either book through this link, or contact me and I can assist you with your booking. Thanks!

http://www.sandals.com/index.cfm?referral=112531&ABC=B08121512

Cute idea for wedding decorations

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/good-things/beautiful-topiary-banner
I came across this decorating idea on marthastewart.com and thought I should share it with you. 
It is simple, yet sweet, and anyone can pull it off with their decor.
Exchange the color you desire instead of the white ribbon on the pots and candles. 

An easy DIY topiary banner.

Continuing Education

Wow, has it really been a month since I blogged!?  Where has the time gone?
I guess my sister did have a baby, which makes me an aunt!! I have a little niece, Kennedy Reece.  She's beautiful!

Back on topic...
As you know (or if you didn't, now you do), I am a Professional Bridal Consultant and a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.  This association really focuses on education, and tonight the region I am a part of had an Internet Local Networking Group (ILNG) Conference Call.  We have this call monthly, and always have a speaker to teach us something or give us more information that will help us in either the association, our business, or for our brides.  Tonight's guest speaker was Elise Enloe, ABC Director of Education.  Elise has really improved our association by increasing the standards that members need to meet. 

Education is so important, no matter the industry.  Fortunately, I enjoy learning about the wedding and event industry, and will continue my education. 

If you want to learn more about the Association of Bridal Consultants and our values, check out http://www.bridalassn.com/.

February ILNG Conference Call

I just finished up with the regional ILNG Conference Call with other ABC members in my region.  It was a great call, with the main presenter being David Wood, ABC President. 

I love continuing education, and now I am more able to help my clients find the best rates at hotels, for as few as 1 room to an infinite amount of rooms.  I am so excited about this as I want to continue giving my clients great value!

Angela Brandt, PBC In the Details, Omaha, Nebraska, also shared a success story about how she continues to do her job, and earn her potential clients' trust.  She encourages the use of cvent.com for other event professionals, and I already spent 20 minutes starting to familiarize myself to the site.  (Check out my profile on there!)

Like I said, I am excited to be able to use the resources to serve my clients and potential clients, so if you need or know of anyone who needs room blocks for their special event, I can help you out!

Sweetheart of a Deal

Sandals / An intimate hideaway for two. Find out more.

What are your plans for Valentine's Day??

Already have something special in mind for your loved one?

Sandals and Beaches have some incredible ideas for the most memorable gift, and if you book before February 15th, they'll make it even better for your wallet as well.

Check out the deals, and if you have any questions, let me know.

Superbowl Commercials

So what did you think about the big game last night??  I was rooting for the Colts, but hey, they can't win every game. ;)

I want to know what you did to celebrate the game.  Did you go to a party? Did you host the get-together? Tell me all about it.  My husband and I had a couple of friends over, and just relaxed at home, with the babies.  Maybe I am getting old, but I truely enjoyed it.

Oh, what was your favorite commercial? Seems like the Doritos Casket Ad was a huge hit.  Mmmm...A casket full of Doritos...I think I would rather have chocolate.

Current Sandals Deals

It is almost the end of January, and here in Iowa snow falls quite frequently.  We probably got another couple of inches today.  The weather is very cold (negatives for the high), and I don't think I've seen the sun in weeks!

As a Certified Sandals Specialist, I receive current promotions for Sandals and Beaches Resorts in my email, and today, I received the most recent deals.  I told my husband we are going to take a trip to a Sandals resort....soon!! On days like today, I think I just want to book a trip and leave tomorrow. :)

I wanted to pass along these great deals to you.  Check them out and if you have any questions, or don't want to book online, let me know and I will be happy to assist you!

Teleseminar by Ciara & Simon Daykin

On Wednesday evening, I participated in a teleseminar hosted by Ciara and Simon Daykin from Rockstar Wedding Planner and Firefly Occasions.  They presented "11 Rockstar Wedding Planner Strategies to Bring More Brides Through Your Door In 2010 that Your Competition Doesn’t Want You To Know About."  What great tips they were as well!  I am already working on implementing a few. 

I actually met Ciara and her husband when I went to Indy for the Annual Association of Bridal Consultants conference this past November.  At the conference, she was a key speaker.  Ciara always has helpful ideas, and some I have already used (one was to start a blog!!!)

Z102.9 Bridal Show

This past Sunday was the Z102.9 Bridal Show.  Of course, I had to go check it out.  My favorite vendor there was Brucemore Cutting Gardens Flower Shop.  Their bouquets were gorgeous!!

I spoke with other vendors, such as photographers, rental co., DJs, bakers, invitation designers, and even tux/gown shops.  Ask me about them!

Heart to Heart Bridal sponsored the Fashion Show, and there were many beautiful gowns.  The models were each carrying...the bouquets made by Cutting Gardens. (Did I mention how gorgeous they were?)

Internet LNG Conference Call

I just finished the ILNG Conference Call for the region I am a part of.  Our speaker tonight was MBC Shay Freeman.  This woman is very inspiring!! I actually met her at the Annual Business of Brides Conference in Indianapolis this past November.  She presented on Building Credibility there, and tonight, also gave a few more tips on how to build credibility...something that I will be putting to use right away since I am just starting out and will find that very useful.

Let me tell you a little more about this woman.  Shay is from Little Rock, AR.  She is from Bells & Bows, and has been a Master Bridal Consultant since 2005, meaning she has a great deal of experience.  In Indiana, ladies from our region ate dinner together one evening, and Shay joined us.  That night, I found she is a very honest woman and will tell you her opinion, which is what you should expect from a Professional Bridal Consultant.  Shay has made a great impact on me, and I am very confident her tips will help me become a better, successful Professional Bridal Consultant.

Iowa Bridal Planner Expo

Yesterday I went to the Iowa Bridal Planner Expo at the US Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, IA.  There were over 90 vendors and a large fashion show!!  I talked to many of the vendors, including photographers, dj's, caterers, graphics designers, bridal shops, florists, etc.  There were several table setting ideas that I loved and I will post the pics as soon as my phone's battery charges (it completely died on me yesterday...maybe from all that picture taking.;)  ) 

I have already started follow up with some of the vendors, and hope to meet with them soon so that I can learn more about them and be able to recommend them to my clients.

Website Update

I haven't been out of the house since Sunday, so in the meantime, I have recently updated my website, so please check it out!!
It is still a work in progress, but as I make changes, I will post the updated link.
Comments would be appreciated!

(And Mother Nature...I think you have given us enough snow to last the rest of winter!!)

www.onceinalifetimeweddingsandevents.com

NAPW

So about 30 minutes ago, I received a call from The National Association of Professional Women, and they wanted to continue the interview process for acceptance into the association. Well, after a few questions about my goals in my business, where I see myself professionally in 3-5 years, and what made me take the leap to starting my own business, they accepted me into the association!!

So right now, I am pretty excited, and ready to start this new adventure in a new year. :)