Behind the Scenes- Taste of Excellence

Food is a HUGE part of the wedding day and finding good food that fits your taste, style and budget is important and difficult.  The best thing you can do is use a referral from a planner, family or friend. While reviews are helpful, people have very different taste and different expectations of food so you really should taste food from any company that you work with for your event.  Also, never be afraid to ask for changes to the menu if you prefer different flavors or portion sizes.  Taste of Excellence has had a consistent presence in the market place for years and they staff some of my VERY favorite people.  I really love working with them and thankfully they were kind enough to be interviewed for the blog.  

Let me introduce my FAVORITE of favorites with Taste Of Excellence- Taylor Amsden-Winter

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
A: The amount of time and manpower it takes to execute an event, from set up to dinner service to breaking down at the end of the night- it takes an army!

Q: How you describe your style and your brand? 
A: We’re a completely custom-designed catering service. We use all local and organic products when possible and pride ourselves on keeping up-to-date with current culinary trends.

Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their vendor?
A: A big mistake is not sitting down with each vendor before booking them so that as the vendor, we can better understand the client’s vision and get to know them.  This helps the client feel more at ease throughout their entire planning process knowing that we can provide the level of service they envision.

Q: What things should a client look for, look at, when selecting a vendor?
A: They should look for a vendor that they can trust is going to deliver what their expectations are the day of the event. Anyone can tell you that they have experience, as a client you have to do your research and trust that your vendor will follow through with what they say.

Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them?
A: The same thing we offer all of our clients- exceptional service, creative menu planning and exquisite cuisine based off of their vision for their big day.

Q: What are a few things that clients should review in contracts?
A: Everything- every detail of that contract is imperative to the clients understanding of the product and service that they’re receiving. We require a meeting with our clients a week prior to their event to review the details of their contract so as to insure that no detail is left uncovered.

Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier?
A: Communication is key throughout the planning process- it’s our job to help inform and guide our clients throughout their planning.

Q: Who is your ideal client?  
A: Someone who likes to eat! 

That's some great information from Taste of Excellence and as you can see they believe in the same things that All Events Planned believes in- good service (no matter what your budget), value and hard work.  

Check them out here www.taste-food.com 

Happy Planning!
www.alleventsplanned.com 

Behind the Scenes- CLE Music Group

Behind the Scenes with CLE Music Group- One of my all-time favorite vendors in this industry is CLE Music Group.  They consistently have a great staff of people that are amazing to work with and fun to know.  I can probably attribute this to their owner, Scott Jones who is a passionate, driven and incredible guy.  If you don't know them, you should.  If you've never worked with them, contact them now and book them for anything music related.  I really, truly love how dedicated everyone is to providing prompt responses, professional musicians and amazing service for everything you do with them.   

Interview with the AWESOME- Erin Rossi of CLE Music Group) 

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry? 
A: This it's too expensive. We can't afford a good DJ or a great live band. Yes you can! Here at CLE Music Group, we strive to have a quality professional act for any buget!

Q: How you describe your style, your personality and/or your brand? 
I'm sincere and I take my job seriously, but I have fun with it too. I'm confident in our services here at CLE Music Group and I really aim at getting the client what they want, what they visualize. I am detail oriented.  I'm also a performer (She's an amazing vocalist here- The Element) so I understand both sides of the business. I've been a client, a bride, and I am empathetic with my clients. I understand how stressful it is to find the right vendor, especially in regards to the music. Overall, I strive to decrease my clients stress level! 

Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their band/DJ? 
A: Unfortunately, most clients pick a vendor soley based on cost. We understand that everyone has a budget, and here at CLE Music Group we do everything we can to work within that budget. This is your wedding, let's help you get it right. Think twice before hiring a family friend who dabbles in DJing or the friend of a friends husbands band who plays a local bar a few times a year. The music is one of the most important pieces to having an awesome wedding, do it right. 

Q: What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a vendor? 
A: Research how much experience a vendor has in their particular field. For example, CLE Music Group has over 20 years experience providing entertainment services for weddings. Look up wedding websites and the vendor website to review client comments. Ask your friends or family who they used (well...only if you liked their wedding!). When the customer is talking with the vendor they should ask themselves: Am I comfortable with the representative? Do I have a sense of trust when I'm interacting with them? Are they answering my questions?  

Q: What is the one thing a bride should save on when booking with you? 
A: A bride should save her anxiety and nerves when working with CLE Music Group. We pride our self in customer service. We also understand that for most brides, this is the very first time ever hiring a DJ or a Band. It can be very overwhelming and they don't know where to start. Our goal is to set their mind at ease! We do this ever day and we understand how important your wedding is. Let us help you! 

Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you? 
A: If your budget allows it, get a live band! It's the best! There's so much energy and it's something your guests will always remember.  

Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them?
A: My first question would be, "What do you envision?" CLE Music Group would offer ideas once we have a good grasp on what the bride and groom want. We customize our services to the clients wants and needs. If it's a service we don't offer and the client wants it, we'll get it for them!
What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts? Double check the total cost, does it match what you and the representative talked about? Know how much of the deposit needed to secure your service and when it's due. How much is the balance and when that's due? How long is the contract valid for? A tip: I would not wait 10-days to book the contract. If you really want this service for your wedding, just book it and check it off your list to do, this is one more thing completed for your Big Day!

Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier?
A: Please trust me and my recommendations. I've been doing this a long time both on the business end and in performing. Be honest with me, do you like the recommendations I offered? Is this in your budget? The only way I can work with you is if you let me help me.

Q: Who is your ideal client?
A: Ideally, a client who calls me and says I want XYZ, send me a contract. That's easy right? There is not much work that I need to do. But seriously, I love working with everyone. It's fun to work with different personalities, different requests. Some clients are more challenging than others, but as long as we have open communication, I think that's best for the vendor and the client. If I'm not told what the expectation is, then I can't help you fully. Please be open with me so I can help you the best way I know how. 

See, she's awesome.  You can tell from her answers and she truly is this great, grounded person who wants the best for you. Everyone at CLE Music Group is the same way!  

Happy Planning!
www.alleventsplanned.com 

Behind the Scenes with Thomas Limo

Here is another of our Behind the Scenes series and it features Thomas Limo.  When I started my career, I was based out of Akron and this was one of the companies that I worked with then (15 years ago!!!) and still work with now!  Transportation doesn't get the attention it deserves when planning your wedding but the wrong company can ruin everything.  From being late to not even showing up, you need to make sure you get a reliable and professional company that has a great reputation!

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

A: Our biggest misconception would be what type of vehicles we offer. Before our company name change a few years ago we were known as Thomas Limousine Service, which lead everyone to believe we only offered “limousine” type vehicles. Which is/was farthest from the truth. We actually have a fleet size of over 90 vehicles and growing! Which is why we made the decision to re-name the company TL Worldwide Transportation, to hopefully eliminate that idea of our service being limited to just limousines. We offer sedans, SUV’s, vans, shuttle buses, mini buses, Sprinters, and Limousine Buses.

Q: How you describe your style, your personality, and/or your brand?

A: Best word to describe our company would be “professional.” We have many years of experience, and offer a true experience rather then just a “ride” from point A to point B.

Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their vendor?

A: Over the years the biggest mistake we have seen when choosing a limousine company is the bride/groom/family NOT going to visit the company before booking. We encourage everyone to GO to the facility, meet the people, see the building, and most importantly see the chosen vehicle in person!!! Anyone can put anything on the internet these days, and unfortunately, we know that some companies use “stock” photos of their vehicles. Its important to go see the vehicles in person, so there are NO surprises on the most important day of your life!!

Q: What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a vendor?

A: As previously stated its important to go to the company before making a deposit, in order to have seen first hand what will be arriving the day of!! Smell the vehicle, sit inside and judge just how much room you are going to have, look at how the cars are taken care of (Are they parked outdoors, or in a garage), and etc. Its important to research!!! Find reviews, ask around, and one of the most important things to ask would be if that company is fully insured. Do they do driver background checks before hiring? How often are their vehicles maintained?

Q: One thing a bride could save on when booking with you?

A: All of our vehicles have a “hourly minimum” in order to book. We always try to find ways to help the bride/groom maximize that time.

Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you?

A: GUEST SHUTTLING!! If you have room in your budget, shuttling your guests to/from the reception to make sure everyone has a safe way home is an amazing gift to offer your guests, and give you peace of mind that everyone can have a great time and not worry how to get back to the hotel.

Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas/products/services would you offer them?

A: Rehearsal dinner transportation and honeymoon airport service!! Rehearsal dinner night you could have everyone ride together and sometimes this is the first time people in your bridal party are meeting for their first time, so it gives everyone a chance to bond. Secondly, I would say airport service to/from the airport for your honeymoon. After an amazing wedding weekend, frankly you’re exhausted!! Most flights leave really early, and it would be nice to just get picked up right from your front door, and dropped off right at your departure gate. Q: What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts?

A: Deposit policy. We make sure all of our future clients read over the contracts in detail and ASK any questions if there is any confusion on the terms. Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier?

A: We can never have too much information!! Sometimes, we have clients book with us months before their wedding date, and we are actually calling them the week of asking for details! We know it’s a crazy/busy time planning a wedding, but the more information we have the smoother the day can go. Our drivers are EXTREMELY experienced and so professional. We are truly blessed to have them apart of our TL family!!! They are going to give you the experience that you deserve and will never forget! I cant count how many “thank you” cards or emails have come to us WHILE people are on their honeymoons because the experience was just that memorable they took time out of their honeymoon to send a thank you!!

Well, that was some great information and again, I can't stress enough how important it is to be sure you know what you are getting from your transportation company! If you are still looking to book, contact Thomas Limo today!

Happy Planning!

www.alleventsplanned.com

Behind the Scenes with A Cookie & A Cupcake

We love getting to know more about our favorite vendors as well as getting to see "behind the scenes".  We created this series more than 7 years ago and are thrilled to start presenting some new interviews with area vendors.

First up, A Cookie & A Cupcake

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

A: So the truth is there is only one big misconception about baking in general, and I know I speak for many pastry chefs and bakeries when I say this.....There are not unicorns and puppy dogs magically baking our product  lol. People think that an 8 tiered cake can be whipped up in no time and can be completely custom, let alone that you may have any other previous projects due, but it will cost next to nothing. This sometimes disappoints many bakeries but truth is, its all about educating the client. So, we at A Cookie and A Cupcake will always try and fit whomever into our schedule with any project but we may have to adjust the design a bit. Our suggestion to clients is to always be well prepared, ask questions, and be reasonable about your budget expectations.

Q: Describe your "brand" at A Cookie and A Cupcake? 

A: A Cookie and A Cupcake has always prided ourselves on our handmade, from scratch baking....we don't keep a freezer full of cakes, but we make everything to order. This not only helps with the freshness of our cupcakes but it extends the life for our client to be able to buy them and enjoy right away or in a few days. We love making and creating and our heart is in everything we do. 

Q: What are some mistakes you see couples make when choosing their baker? 

A: I don't think its necessarily about mistake in choosing a vendor, but more of being realistic. You often see people using their "aunt who has a  friend that bakes" or a friend who will do it for free.....this doesn't always work. So being realistic about your budget and your expectations is the key in choosing a vendor. We are not the cheapest around nor are we the most expensive, but we are "seasoned", with amazing product that your guests will enjoy and remember.

Q: What should a client look for in bakery? 

A: Well, I may say the same thing over again for this question....Always know your budget ( a realistic budget) and your expectation of product before choosing a vendor. So many brides are burdened with keeping in a certain budget and have Walmart prices in mind but want a amazing cake or cupcakes. Now, we do not think that Walmart is bad, but we are a boutique bakery using amazing local ingredients with care and are able to produce a much better product. So if you need to evaluate what you want versus what you can truly afford. 

Q: What are some benefits to working with A Cookie and A Cupcake?  

A: The bride can count on not having a bunch of small fees with A Cookie and a Cupcake. We have a package that includes the delivery fee ( up to 20 miles), and display stand. Also, when choosing A Cookie and A Cupcake you get a large flavor list to choose from for the same price. 

Q: What is something that you think a client should splurge on with their wedding cake?

A: Well a couple should feel like they are in good hands, from custom designs to amazing product. So you should always feel like using the endless list of flavor combinations to your advantage. Whether your choosing a tiered cake or a cupcake wedding, enjoy having a dessert not just plain cake, pick flavors you would like and this will be something your friends and family will appreciate. Now I always say splurge on design as well. there are plenty of ways that you can get an amazing cake if you don't have the budget, and that's what I am here for, but if you had to choose I would say spend the money on designing a one of a kind cake!

Q: What would you do with a client who had an endless budget for cake? 

A: We love helping our clients with creating the most amazing cake for their budget, but we have had a few lucky times when their is not a set budget...and this is a great opportunity for our client. We love designing one of a kind cakes and cupcakes. many times we draw up sketches and work together to create something that is just for the couple. This also included unique flavors as well as unique edible favors. 

Q: What should clients pay special attention to in their cake contract? 

A: I think the fine print is what many people forget to read. The feed back I get from clients about their other vendors is they forgot or didn't see the fine print and end up paying much more then intended. We are very open (as many bakeries are) about out policies and costs. there are no hidden fees or taxes and gratuities to worry about. But I have heard couples say they have run out of money because they didn't see something in their contract and it added "blank" amount of money. So, my advice is not only to read the fine print but take notes and right down reminders. Couples are too busy the last week of their wedding to get hit with hidden fees, so if you are prepared it will go smoothly. 

Q: What are some things a client should know to make working with you an easier experience? 

A: I think its mainly that we want you to feel like you are the only client but we do have many clients and most bakeries are hands on owners. We work extreme hours and most of the time we have endless days. We do this because we love it and we want to make people smile when they enjoy our product....which we never get to see them enjoy lol. So the more time you give a baker the better....it helps us manage our production schedule and our personal schedule .

Q: What do you love most about working with clients? 

A: I love when a client is excited about their special event, they are enthusiastic and want to have a wow piece as their dessert. These clients acknowledge the time put into their product and choose us because we can make that happen. These clients are usually back every year for birthdays, anniversaries etc.....and that's why we love them. 

You can see from the answers that A Cookie and A Cupcakee is a company that loves what they do and enjoys the process.  I hope that you have a great wedding cake for your big day, if you aren't sure who to book, be sure to check out A Cookie and A Cupcake!  

Happy Planning!

www.AllEventsPlanned.com 

A New Service from AEP

This weekend we had the pleasure of helping our friends at A Budding Tree with some setup for a wedding.  We loved helping and LOVE weddings but this was our first experience with a wedding WITHOUT a planner and I was in SHOCK!  
This wedding had a few issues in the very few hours I was there (all would have been solved by having a planner)

• Layout was never completed so no ideas on how room was setup or where DJ should be placed in terms of the entrance and then also with the lighting he was providing
• DJ had no playlist OR timeline
• No one was in charge of setting up menu cards or favors
• Venue said there was no cake on their sheet BUT bride had provided cake topper and cutting utensils 
• Guest book was there but there were no pens available for signing (and they were going to need to be specialty pens based on the guest book.

The venue coordinator CALLED the Bride directly with these issues. (a HUGE no-no as far as I am concerned as a planner, we NEVER bother the bride on her day) 

These issues were apparent to me in the very FEW hours that I was there setting up and this was even before the wedding started!!  Who knows how it went once the evening started.  

I left the wedding (after attempting to fix a few of these issues since I was there and able) dismayed at how someone's wedding day could end up going so terribly and wondering HOW could I help?  How can I help the bride who doesn't have the budget (or interest) in hiring a full planner for her wedding.  I have to be able to stop this from happening so that EVERY bride can have an easy time with their wedding.

I met with the Manager of AEP and we discussed what could be done to save the planner-less bride.  What was created from this meeting was our very new service!

Wedding Planning Express- $250 
This service will provide a 2- hour meeting with all of the people involved in your wedding plans (mom, bridesmaid, friends).  We will review the full details of your wedding as well as provide you with a rough timeline to determine how your day should look and a check list of items that you will want to check and review before the big day.  This service will allow for you to take all of the information and manage the details and expectations ALL without a planner.

While, my plan isn't to have a bunch of brides NOT hiring a wedding planner, I couldn't help but think there needed to be something for all of the brides who just don't have the budget for full services.  My preference is that you do have a planner to manage your day, so that family and friends aren't working but I know that some brides won't/can't or don't want to hire a planner.  

My hope is that this service will save all of those weddings (like the one I mentioned above) and all of those brides from the chaos and mess of mistakes, oversights and missing items.  

If this sounds like something you'd like, please email us today!  

www.alleventsplanned.com 

Where are they Now? - Beth and Bobby!

We had the honor of being a part of Beth and Bobby’s wedding almost 7 ½ Years ago, in September of 2009! We are so Happy that we got to take the time to interview Beth and Bobby and see where they are now. This Blog is a must read; you are going to love hearing about their first dance song, wedding advise and all the amazing places they have traveled!

Questions about the Wedding: 

Flowers By: Neil Lesson

Q: What was one of the things that you disagreed about the most about the wedding or during the planning? When you look back now and think it was silly?
A: I pretty much did all the planning. He didn't really have much input and trusted my judgement, so we really did not disagree about anything.

Q: How did you feel the day after your wedding?
A: I remember thinking…I cannot believe it was over?!? I spent a year of my life planning this one day and It went so fast.

Q: How did you feel the day of your wedding? Example, calm, overwhelmed, emotional, like a natural host?
A: Super Calm. My bridesmaids kept asking me if I was ok as I am generally not a 'calm' person. We were on time, actually ahead of schedule, for everything. We had plenty of time for pictures and just hanging out. I really thought I would be running around like crazy the day of, but it was the exact opposite.

Q: What was your first dance song and why did you choose it?
A: We did the Cha-Cha to Lady Gaga's- Just Dance…which included a standing back flip by my husband. We picked it because quite frankly, who wants to watch 2 people slow dance to some sappy song that is only special to the two dancing??

Q: What do you wish you would have spent more time/money on or less time/money on when planning the wedding?
A: Looking back I wish we would have spent less time and money on everything. A more intimate affair with about 50 of our closest family and friends vs. 300 acquaintances and random family that we have not seen in 5+ years would have been way better all around.

Q: What is the one thing you wish you would have done differently?
A: Downsized everything, especially the guest list.

All Wedding Photos for Beth and Bobby By: Spencer Photography

Q: What did guests comment about most after the wedding was over?
A: The candy bar, the flowers (Thanks Neil Leeson) and the DJ's (Thanks Marino Brothers). I must admit, I loved all 3 as well. I have yet to attend another wedding that rivaled my flowers, candy bar and DJ's.

Q: Did you have a wedding cake? If so, were you nice about feeding each other, or did one of you smash it in the others face? (uh-oh!)
A: We did have a cake, a beautiful one actually. My husband was on his best behavior but I attempted to smear it on him. I wasn't very successful.

Q: What advice do you have for brides planning their wedding?
A: Just breathe. Everything is going to be ok. The things that are not ok, you probably won't even know about :)

Questions About Now: 

Q: How did you celebrate your first anniversary?
A: While honeymooning in Bora-Bora, we met another couple from Dallas, TX that was also celebrating their honeymoon. We hit it off and decided to make sure we stayed connected. For our first anniversary, we all decided to celebrate together on the Amalfi Coast in Italy for 2 weeks. We have celebrated our anniversaries together ever since. We have been to Italy, Ireland, Costa Rica, St Lucia, and Aruba to name a few. We also get together multiple times each year to just catch up.

Q: Does married life feel different to you?

Cake By: The West Side Bakery

A: Not really, it is still pretty comfortable in terms of a relationship and we are still really busy with our careers.

Q: Most exciting thing that’s happened since you’ve gotten married?
A: We have had a lot of exciting things happen, but it just seems like everyday life to us. My husband was featured in Forbes Magazine and I won CFO of the Year from Crain's Magazine.

Q: Have you moved since the wedding day?
A: Not yet, but we are in the process of building a new house. We should finish and move by October 2017.

Q: How have your careers or family changed?
A: We now work together, something we vowed never to do.

Q: Have you traveled anywhere fun as Mr. & Mrs.?
A: We are so fortunate and travel a lot. We have been to Portugal, Bora Bora, Moorea, Italy three times, Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Aruba twice, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, a Silver Seas Cruise (the best vacation ever), Prague, St. Lucia, Los Cabos and many more. Did I mention we are super blessed to be able to travel?

Q: What have you learned about weddings or planning that you didn’t know before going into it?
A: That everyone considers themselves experts, from cousins, to random friends, to strangers. I finally had to tune out other people's opinions as they were driving me crazy and causing me to second guess what I knew I really wanted.

Q: What advice do you have for newlywed couples?
A: Where do we start…although we are so happy together and our wedding was fabulous, we wish we would have done something on a much smaller scale. I was so obsessed with every little detail. Today, I couldn't tell you a single thing that I worried so much about!

If you are going to hire a planner, even if it is just for Day Of Coordination, bring them in sooner rather than later. Things that I spent days pondering, Brandi had solved in 2 minutes. Planners know this industry. They live it, breath it and die for it. There is an extremely high chance that they have encountered whatever it is you are struggling with or stuck on. If you are like me and have Type A-OCD when it comes to wedding planning, it will save you so much time and effort to have her, especially sooner rather than later..

Beth and Bobby!

Where Are They Now? - Chris & Maria Roberts

All Events Planned had the pleasure of being with Chris and Maria Roberts on their beautiful wedding day at the Hillbrook Country Club on October 19th, 2013.  Nearly three years later we are so happy to have had the opportunity to catch up with them and see how things are going.  And, WOW - How things have changed.  Check out our interview from Chris and Maria Roberts!

Q: What was your favorite or most memorable parts about the day? 

A: As the bride, one of the most memorable parts of the day was the first look with my dad and brother. The look on their faces when they saw me in my dress was a moment I will never forget. My mom did not know we were doing a first look so when she realized why my dad and brother were crying, she started crying (and laughing) too. It was a joyful moment. 

Also, since I did not do a first look with my husband, I was sure to pay attention when he saw me coming down the aisle during our ceremony! It was the most emotional I had ever seen him. It was also the moment I finally relaxed. The wedding day is quite nerve wracking, and seeing your love at the end of the aisle makes you remember what it's all about. 

We both really loved the end of the night as well. Everyone who stayed until the end all huddled together on the dance floor singing and dancing to one last song. Jumping, laughing, dancing and being merry. It was an overwhelming feeling of happiness and relief that it all went so well!

Q: How did you feel the day after your wedding?

A: Dehydrated! Even though drinks and food were offered to me, I really didn't consume enough water on my wedding day. It happens. But I was still so happy that I just pulled myself together, ate a big meal and we got ready to head on our road trip "mini moon" to the smoky mountains :)

Q: What was your first dance song and why did you choose it?

A: "Rhythm of Love" by the Plain White T's.  This kind of became "our song" after going to see Plain White T's at a concert that turned out to be some sort of adult prom...it was bizarre since everyone was in ball gowns and suits, and we were in jeans. We just laughed and played along. One of our best dating memories.

Q: What was the most fun/most stressful part of planning then?  Looking back now, would you have the same answer?

A: The most stressful part was finding the right venue. The problem was that I doubted my initial instinct and kept looking after we found it. There were just too many choices in front of me, and I felt like I had to make a decision immediately before the dates were all booked! 

The fun part was the food tasting! We brought my parents to our reception venue and so they were able to offer input and made me feel better about food choices. It was a relaxing and delicious way to spend a day of wedding planning :) Looking back, there were high and low moments for everything, but we always went with our instincts in the end so everything worked out just perfectly. 

  

Q: Have you moved since the wedding day?

A: Three months after our wedding, I moved to Hong Kong where my husband had been working for a year! We have been here ever since.

Q: What is the most exciting thing that’s happened since you’ve gotten married?

A: Besides moving to Hong Kong, we have a fur baby now :) The cutest pug in the world. I now wish he was around for our wedding, he would have made an excellent ring bearer!

Q: Have you traveled anywhere fun as Mr. & Mrs.?

A: Living in Hong Kong makes it so easy to travel around Asia! We have been to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Korea, Macau, Taiwan, as well as a few other cities in China. We also just went to Munich for Oktoberfest (with a long layover in Istanbul)! Hoping to tick a few more countries off our bucket list before we move. We definitely caught the travel bug ;)

Q: What’s the most commonly asked question friends and family ask you after being married?

A: When are you moving back to the states and having a baby? Where will you move next? Is it difficult living in Hong Kong? You know, the usual questions =P

Q: What advice do you have for newlywed couples?

A: Relax! This is the time to have fun, and just be with each other. Don't let anyone pressure you into the "norm" of a married life (house, kids, etc). You just got married. You literally have your whole lives to figure it all out. Enjoy the ride and break away from the pack. We have SO enjoyed taking the road less traveled. 

Below are some pictures mostly from Chris and Maria's travels with a family pic thrown in. They added Oliver to the family just a month after moving to Hong Kong, when he was just two months old.  Isn't he cute!? 

Thank you so much for sharing, Chris and Maria! 

We wish you the best, and cant wait to catch up with you in another three years!

Where Are They Now- Tina & Joe

Over the last 16 years, All Events Planned has helped a countless number of couples with their wedding day. We have been there from the start to finish of the planning, wedding ceremony and reception. For the wedding planner, that is where it ends, but for the bride and groom, that is just where it starts.

With this in mind, we thought it would be fun to follow up with some of our past couples and see where they are now and how life has been since we said good-bye the night of the wedding reception.

The first couple we followed up with was Joe and Tina whose wedding was in 2010 at Park Lane Villa.  They had a glamours wedding at this amazing venue with a Sinatra Duo singing during cocktail hour to a crystal coated cake.  

Q: What was the most memorable part of the ceremony?

A: The exchange of vows was the most memorable part of the ceremony for us.

Q: Before the exchange of vows, there was the planning. What was fun part of the planning?

A: Cake tasting and checking out various venues for the reception!

Q: Most stressful part of planning?

A: The stressful side of planning was definitely dealing with our families, moms, who gets involved with the wedding details and the guest list.

Q: What advice do you have for brides currently planning their weddings?

A: Be organized, you can never start too early in the planning process.

Q: While overall Tina loved everything about her wedding day, if she had to change one thing it would have been….

A: We would have had our photographer make a wedding album. I was given a CD-ROM with full rights but I never found time to get an actual album made.

The wedding and reception is over and you’re finally married! The first day of married life is magical right?

Q: How did you feel the day after your wedding?

A: We were crazy tired.

That doesn’t mean that marriage hasn’t been fun for them, because it has.

Q: What has changed since your wedding day?

A: Since our wedding, we have enjoyed traveling together to Vancouver, British Columbia, Ireland and other places. On top of that, we have recently moved and welcomed our first child into the world, Baby Joe, who is now 19 months old.

With all that has transpired over 6 years of marriage and 10 years of being together, they had this advice to share with newlywed coupes….

 “Slow down and enjoy each other before jumping on the baby train.”

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Tina and Joe! We wish you many more years of happiness!

Venue Visit- Maltz Museum

VENUE VISIT- http://www.maltzmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-event/
Maltz Museum 2929 Richmond Road Beachwood, Ohio 

I had the pleasure of finally getting to stop by the event space at the Maltz Musuem and meeting with Sheri Stallsmith (formerly of the Akron Art Museum and Hale Farm).

The Maltz Museum is located on Richmond Road in Beachwood, which is the perfect location for access to hotels and things for your out of town guests to do so it is an optimal site for wedding receptions.

They have an open floor plan available and it is a clean space that is open to all styles and options of style for your wedding day.  The initial vibe that I would get from the space is more of a warehouse/modern style so you can work with that or just use the space and create what you want.  

You do not have to be Jewish to use the center or kosher, anyone is welcome.  They have ample parking, a great list of caterers to work with (A Taste of Excellence is one of my favorites and they are on the list!) and with such a great/central location you can use vendors from all around without travel issues.  Although, White Flower Cake Shop is right up the street if you are trying to stay local. 

I love the space and they are currently booking for July/August of 2016 so if you want to get into a widely underused location that will be a unique experience for your guests, this is the space.  Call 216.593.0595  or email sstallsmith@mmjh.org Sheri now for more information or a tour of the space.  

Then call All Events Planned to help organize the rest of your day!
www.alleventsplanned.com 

Martha Stewart Weddings- Summer 2015- Read with me!

Don't have the time or energy to find the content among all those ads in this Summer edition of Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine?  Well then, read along with me as I highlight the highs and lows of what they have to offer in this edition.

First off, the cover of this edition is fabulous.  I love the coloring and while I'm not the biggest Sarah Jessica Parker fan, she looks adorable!

11 pages in and we've got the table of contents.  Brides magazine has 28 pages of ads until you reach the table of contents, in case you were comparing.  

Page 74- Bridal Party Kids- From Darcy

The adorable part here is that there are some simple ways to do kids hair for the wedding.  You can grab a few of your flower girls and put together an adorable look!  Or, better yet, you've got some ideas to give to the awesome stylist you hire to manage all of the looks for you!

Great tips include-
Offering SMART snacks- Candy is going to end up making them sick and sugar drinks will do the same.  A cute little snack pack with granola bars, cheese sticks and some crackers will tide them over much better and you'll avoid the sugar crash later when you are trying to get photos.
Appoint a wrangler- Have someone either an adult or a babysitter that can manage all of the kids in the wedding party.  This is a task that occasionally falls on me, the planner but my time is better spent focusing on the wedding so have someone that isn't involved and will be free to run around and catch everyone.

MY TIP-

Have ZERO expectations for success.  I tell all of my brides that this will be a hit and miss experience for the kids.  You'll either get perfection or a mess (sometimes something adorable in between the two) so don't get your hopes up so high that you let a screaming toddler ruin your day.  Hope for the best but be ready to nix the plans at the last minute if you've got a ring bearing tearing off his clothes and throwing things.  

Page 106- Tinker Taylor
I LOVE this idea and while I understand the pricing it makes it hard to justify asking your bridesmaids to participate.  

Check it out- http://www.tinkertailor.com/ 

Page 110- Good Things
Hot Dog Bar!  What a fun concept for a summer wedding and with so many options on hot dogs (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) you could put together this station and please even the pickest eater!  We just did a hot dog station at a wedding a few weeks ago at the Akron Rubber Ducks Stadium and it was a hit! (pun intended) 

Page 164- The A to Z of DIYNow DIY in itself is a great concept but the IDEA of you doing all kinds of work and crafting on your wedding day or even the month leading up to your wedding (the most stressful time in the wedding process) seems crazy to me.  There are great planners, designers and studios that can put these looks together for you and unless you are a DIY master, the money you spend will be worth it for you and everyone you try to get involved.  

Page 185- The Planner- RentalsWhat a great idea to put together information and a pull out sheet on rentals.  This is the #1 issue that people run across when planning their outdoor, tent, backyard wedding.  Not to mention when you get a fantastic venue and have the budget to look into some real rentals (Borrow Rentals is amazing)

Assess your Needs
Spend Wisely
Get it in Writing (I say this about any vendor you talk with!)

PICK A THEME!  You can get carried away in these places (think: being able to rent everything that Pier One has to offer or Home Goods) so make sure you start with a concept, color, design and your space availability.  This way you don't leave with things that don't make sense (waste of money) or things that you'll end up not having room for (again, waste of money).  

Page 192- Ask Martha

How many bartenders do we need? 

Their answer is one bartender per 30 people.  I'm not 100% sure that is the actual number, it will depend on the level of alcohol you are buying, what you are wanting to provide to the guests, how many guests and their drinking level.  I would say that's the safe number but it seems like you'll end up with a TON of bartenders ($$) too.  If you are looking to save on cost, I wouldn't see 1 per 50 or even 75 depending on the bar.  

Page 194- Build a Better WebsiteI just want to touch on the idea of a wedding website.  You DO need one.  It should have all the details, hotel information, schedule of events for the entire weekend so people know where to be and by when, shuttle information and yes, even your registry.  Those are the basics, anything beyond that is just personal preference.  

The palette coloring this month is copper and white.  I'm not a huge fan at all.  

Page 224- Come on, Get Happy (Photo Shoot)Love this and normally I pass over photo spreads.  This has fun coloring, ideas and cute puppies.  What's not to love?

Page 246- Best Foot ForwardInterview with SJP.  She does not look as happy in this photo as she does on the cover.  That's that.

Page 276- 50 Born in the USA Favors 

Ohio got buckeyes.  Seems to lack some creativity that I would expect from the magazine since anyone could come up with that idea.  Would have liked to see something local or more original. 

Here is a list of products from Ohio-  

Ohio products for favors

And when all else fails a Lebron Jersey will work and be appreciated.  #allin

Page 312- 20 Years of FavorsI like seeing all the favors over the years.  1995 Monogrammed Box of Fruit Cake (?what?) 2015 Hand Painted Cookies.

My take on favors is that unless they match with your theme, have personal meaning to you or are edible (HUGE hit) then don't bother with them.  As a planner, I box up and take home over half of the typical favors that are put out (because guests leave them behind) so don't waste money where it won't be appreciated.

I wasn't absolutely in love with any of the "real life" weddings they featured this month, normally I do love to hear the stores and see the details, but none stuck out.  I'll see you again for some wedding reading next time!

Happy Planning!

www.alleventsplanned.com