Event and Wedding Planner, Coordinator and Consultant in St Louis, MO

Random wedding tuesday

2011-03-01T10:28:00.002-06:00

Well, the office is still under way and it's not done yet. The winner of our giveaway was supposed to be announced Friday, but since so little people actually entered, I went ahead a waited a couple more days, but now I am ready to announce our winner.

I wrote names of people who entered and piece of paper, folded them and put them in a bowl, and I picked one. Our winner is Nicole!

Nicole said: "Just added your Facebook page! Love seeing your unique wedding ideas and I really love CSN Stores... we actually bought a lot of stuff from them for our new house! You'll have to update us on your office progress :-)"

Congrats Nicole, and keep us posted on what you end up ordering from CSN!

Have a great week everyone!

Giveaway alert!

2011-02-17T14:13:00.006-06:00

Tomorrow is my birthday!! I am excited, I am turning 30! And this year, my gift to myself is to complete my office by the end of this month! Yay for goals. This is the reason why I have been slightly behind on blogging.

And in the hopes of you forgiving me, I have an exciting giveaway for you: CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from modern office furniture to cute cookware to chic lighting.

CSN has been very generous by offering one of our readers a $30 gift card!

How amazing is that?

Of course there are rules to this giveaway, but it's not very complicated!

Here's how you enter:

1. Become a follower of this blog in your reader and post a comment that you have done so and you will get an entry

2. Like our Plume events Facebook page and post a comment that you have done so and you will get an additional entry!

3. Spread the word on your facebook page about this giveaway and you will get a third entry!

Pretty easy n'est-ce-pas?

I have spent countless hours on several of the CSN websites and I love everything that they have, so if you are like me, then run and spread the word and I will see you back here next Friday, February 25th to announce our winner.

Good luck to you!

Winter Wedding Cakes

2011-02-03T06:51:00.002-06:00

So yesterday we talked a little a bit designing a winter wedding, today I want to talk about cakes!
I spotted some beautiful creations that could complete the look at your reception.

Remember how we talked about cones?

Credit: Martha Stewart

Or you can go the snowflake route:

Credit: The Knot

But if you like something more plain, try this version, pure white and very discreet details:

Which ones is your favorite?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Winter reception Idea

2011-02-02T06:50:00.000-06:00

Looking for ideas to make your winter wedding cozy? Don't have a wedding planner to help out? (hint, hint...)
Don't fret... here are a couple of suggestions hand picked for you.

First, start with some branches for the ceremony.

Credit: Forever Photography Studio

At the reception, welcome your guest with style thanks to these beautiful After Glow candles in Plexiglas cubes, lines up on the steps or hung. As an alternative, you could also use lanterns:

Credit: Brides.com

I always tell my brides that they need candles everywhere and that is particularly true in the winter. Candles add warmth and coziness to any space! Here's another example:

Credit: Kelly Moore Photography

More on candles next tuesday, so make sure you stop by again and check it out.

As for the centerpieces and the flowers, have fun with it and add some greenery and cones in addition to the branches and candles mentioned above, just like in the following pictures by Genevieve Leiper, featuring the beautiful work of Holly Chapple, more pictures of the shoot on EAD:

What do you think? Doesn't it make you want to get married in the winter?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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On Weddings and snow in St. Louis

2011-02-01T11:49:00.000-06:00

In honor of the insane amounts of the snow that our beloved St Louis is getting in the next 24h, I figured it would be a good idea to share some of my favorite winter wedding pictures. I don't see enough of these around here and I would love it if St Louis couples would embrace the weather (rain or snow) and have fun with it!

Let's start with the beautiful contrast between the white snow and the beautiful colors this couple chose for their wedding:

Credit: m three studio

I really like to romantic vintage vibes that are associated with winter weddings. Check this out:

Credit: Alison Conklin Photography

Credit: Douglas Fry Photography

So why not plan a winter wedding, the summer is not the only time to get married! Snow would make for fun pictures and memories! Call me! We can talk about it!

Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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We guest blogged!

2011-01-24T11:53:00.000-06:00

Your favorite St Louis wedding planner was featured on the St. Louis Bride magazine blog today, so run, click, bookmark and check out today's post written by yours only!

Please do not hesitate to share your favorite iPhone apps!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

Friday Tips: Bridal Show How to

2011-01-14T06:18:00.002-06:00

January, in St Louis is full of Bridal shows. As many St. Louis wedding vendors, we have been part of some Bridal shows in the past, and we are participating in some more this year, we have sometimes accompanied St. Louis brides to wedding shows. Bridal shows can be exhausting and overwhelming, so here are a couple things that I have learned along the way and I think they would be useful to any brides while she prepares to be attend a Bridal Show:

- Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. You'll be glad you did.
- Be prepared to register at the door. Be patient! The line might be long.
- Bring pre-printed self-adhesive address labels if you have them. Remember your name, address, phone, email, and wedding date. This will save you time and allow you to sign up for anything you want very quickly. - Bring a pen and print very clearly when registering for anything.
- Bring your checkbook in case you decide to book services or hold dates with a deposit. Be sure to check on refund policies before giving any money, and read the contract carefully before signing.
- Collect any information you are interested in - take it home to look over again when you have some quiet time.
- If you cannot attend, send someone in your place collect information on services you need.
- It is nice if your fiancé attends with you IF he is interested. Many guys attend, so he won't be the only one there! But don't drag him there against his will. You will feel rushed and this will hinder your experience.
- Arrive at least one hour prior to the fashion show. Seating is usually first-come first-served and you can use this time to rest your feet.
- Relax and have fun!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Come Meet us at the Wedding Connections show

2011-01-13T06:19:00.001-06:00

This Sunday, we will be at the St Louis Bride Magazine Wedding Connection bridal show at the Chase Park Plaza.

So come on down, stop by our booth, meet us and get familiar with our work.

Follow this link to register and save $5 on your entrance fee.

We hope to see you there!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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How to choose your bridal party

2011-01-12T06:15:00.001-06:00

This is a particular busy season for engagements and right after a bride in St Louis, or anywhere else, gets engaged, one of the first thing she does is usually pick who will be standing next to her at the wedding.

This decision is usually made before almost anything else in the wedding planning process, even before hiring an experienced St. Louis wedding planner. Then sometimes, when it is time for the bride to look for help, when she needs support from her bridal party, a bridal party member may become difficult, doesn't show up on time, or fights with other bridesmaids.Weddings are emotional times.

I decided to compile a couple questions that you should consider before you make your decision. These might help you screen who might be a good fit or not, to stand by you on your wedding day.

1. Can they financially afford all the costs associated with the wedding?

There are a lot of costs that go into being a bridesmaid: dress, hair, makeup, shower, Bachelorette party, gifts, flight and hotel costs. Be sensitive to your friend's situation and let them know that you would understand if they can't afford being part of your wedding. Money can be a sensitive issue that will create some tensions.

2. Have they been there for me when I needed them?

This is a tough question and what I mean by it is, have they been consistently there for you to support you throughout your life. Try and consider people that you know will be in you and your fiance's life for many years to come. Will you be talking to them 20 years from now?

3. Can I count on them?

Sadly, I cannot tell you how many times in previous weddings I have witnessed a bridal party member not taking their roles at heart, showing up late, or creating drama and trying to draw attention to themselves on the day that the attention should be on the couple.

4. How many attendants can I afford?
Yes, attendants are a financial factor as well. They deserve a gift for all their help, for supporting and standing by you on your special day. And you cannot skimp, so please take this into account when you are considering how many bridal party members to ask.

And lastly, please do not ask someone to stand by you on your wedding day simply because you do not want to leave them out. Trust me, they will be understanding if you are good friends. And you still have the option to involve them in other aspects of the day.

Who did you pick to stand by you?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Looking for Martha Stewart style Poms?

2011-01-11T11:50:00.000-06:00

But don't want to or don't know how to make them, then you need to go to etsy and, for example, check out PomLove.

You will for sure find the Poms you are looking for on etsy and the package that will suit your needs.

But why would I need Poms, you will ask, we'll simply because you can do this with them:

Photo by The Nichols via Style Me Pretty

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Wedding Dress of the Week, 2011 Edition

2011-01-03T11:33:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the first Wedding Dress edition of 2011!
If you just got engaged, congratulations! I bet you are looking for the perfect gown, so feel free to browse our previous Wedding Dress posts and if you are looking for a wedding planner in the St Louis area, contact us!

This week I wanted to show some Elie Saab designs. The following are gowns from 2008 and 2009 but I am so in love with their uniqueness, I had to share them.

First, take a look at that dress on the left, I am very fond of the top. I am not a huge fan of strapless necklines, so I always like to see other options than just strapless dresses. It reminds me of Japanese kimonos and I love the fabric is so light and airy.

Here I also like the top of dress on the left. I think it would be gorgeous in a nice platinum with some beading similar to the dress on the right.

Here again, the dress on the left is one I am in love with. I love this neckline and in a beautiful white it would be the perfect compliment to your modern elegant wedding. The empire waistline on the right dress is very flattering...

Argh....so many to choose from...What type of silhouette and neckline are you looking for?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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New Year announcement

2010-12-31T14:03:00.001-06:00

As we say good buy to 2010 and welcome 2011 in a couple hours, we just wanted to take the time to thank all our readers and fellow vendors for their continued support.

I would also like to make an announcement. As we are getting ready for the New Year and new adventures, we would like to share with you that in the following weeks you will notice some changes around here.

We are proud to announce that we are changing the company name from Bridal Horizons to Plume Events.
This name change should be perceived as an acknowledgement of the identity, strength, and uniqueness of this company. There will be no change in management, and we will be providing the same impeccable service on which we have built our reputation in the industry.

Our phone number remains the same. However our e-mail address will change to yara@plumeeventplanning.com. The old e-mail addresses will continue to be operational for the foreseeable future. Our Bridal Horizons link will lead you to the updated website, but you can also use www.plumeeventplanning.com. The Plume Events contact form is a great option to get in touch with us as well.

For now I will just share with you our logo, that reflects the new and very exciting times that we cannot wait to welcome in 2011:

So here is to a wonderful 2011 to all of you and yours, may it be filled with joy, laughter and rich experiences. Bonne Annee!

And please remember to follow us on our current Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on the changes and keep in touch with us! Thank you again for your support.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Wedding Dress of the week: Anne Barge

2010-12-06T07:18:00.002-06:00

Another good fine from Project Wedding, this Anne Barge dress is absolutely wonderful and I think any bride would glow in it for their St Louis wedding. I love the neckline and the fabric is so dreamy, and I won't even mention the lace.Notice the gloves. I am a huge fan of wearing gloves on your wedding day!

What do you think?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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The key to a GOOD centerpiece

2010-11-30T12:02:00.001-06:00

I really felt like posting a unique centerpiece today and I thought about it for a second and rather than just finding a picture of a pretty centerpiece, I figured I would discuss this further.

See, I think there is a difference between a pretty centerpiece and a good centerpiece. Are you wondering what I mean? Hang in there for a moment.

In my opinion, the key to a good centerpiece is creating a pretty centerpiece, that will obviously draw your guests' attention BUT I believe it shouldn't dominate the table. I am adamant that moderation is key.
If you want to enhance your guests' dining experience, without completely blocking the view across the table, please choose a balanced, reasonably sized centerpiece.

Of course a big centerpiece with crystal strings, willow branches, and Phalaenopsis orchids in every possible color is beautiful. But think about it. Will it work on your table? Is it a good centerpiece for you?

Again, if you have hired a wedding planner (and there are a lot of great ones in the St Louis area) they should be able to advise you and give you ideas on what would work for you. If you don't have one, feel free to email me. I am always happy to help!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Wedding Dress of the week: Kevan Hall

2010-11-29T07:16:00.002-06:00

Today I want to share with you another beauty I found via Project Wedding. it is a dress by Kevan Hall:

I love the asymmetrical neckline and the way the fabric hugs the body.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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What do you think?

Happy thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T06:47:00.002-06:00

Source: Martha Stewart

This is just a quick post to say how grateful I am this year. We had a wonderful year and are excited for things to come. Being a St Louis wedding planner is a lot of work, but I love every minute of it and feel lucky to be able to do what I love.

And thank YOU if you are reading this!

What are you thankful for?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Meet our couples: Katie and Matt

2010-11-24T12:30:00.001-06:00

We are so excited to welcome Katie and Matt to the BH family.

We love Katie's bubbly personality and can hardly wait for their wedding in May.
Here is just a sneak peak of their beautiful engagement session with the truly talented Beth Berry. Enjoy!

How cute are these two?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Wedding Dress of the week: Jenny Lee Bridal

2010-11-22T07:15:00.003-06:00

I came across this week's number on Project Wedding, a couple of weeks ago.
I really love this dress from Jenny Lee Bridal. I love how the fabric seems to fall, how it hugs the body and especially the neckline.

The Picture is courtesy of Firstview.

More dresses from Jenny Lee on Project Wedding.
Any of these catch your eye?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Wish Upon a Wedding Gala

2010-11-16T07:28:00.003-06:00

The Wish Upon a Wedding St Louis Gala and unfortunately, I was not able to attend, but if I had the opportunity to, I know I would have wanted to wear a stunning gown in a deep blue. So while I was browsing what was available out there, I came across one of my favorite dress designer, Ulla-Maija Couture. Look at these, wouldn't they be perfect for the next Gala, or any other formal event?

I think I would get the green one in a heartbeat! Which of the two do you prefer?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Wedding Dress of the week: Priscilla of Boston

2010-11-15T07:10:00.001-06:00

This week, I am featuring one of my favorite bridesmaid dress EVER, and the fact that it is a Priscilla of Boston is no suprise. I love their designs!

Do you like it?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Friday Tips: Venue pictures

2010-11-12T07:12:00.014-06:00

If you have hired a qualified St Louis area wedding planner, they will do this for you, but make sure you make room in your timeline to have pictures taken of your reception site before your guests arrive.

Doing this allows your photographer to take pictures of the space when everything is untouched and still looking impeccable.

And that concludes this week. Enjoy your weekend and we'll see you here again on Monday!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis Vendor Highlight: Ryan Gladstone Photography

2010-11-11T07:49:00.073-06:00

Readers, today, I have the pleasure to introduce you to Ryan Gladstone. I was lucky enough to work with him on a great wedding this past October and he was a pleasure to collaborate with! Ryan also shared with us some pictures that you will see scattered through this blogpost! Enjoy!

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
Hi, my name is Ryan Gladstone, and I'm a wedding photojournalist. When not photographing weddings, editing wedding images or catching up on wedding industry news, I'm planning my own wedding. Occasionally, I find time to ride my bike. (Bianchi Campione. Red. Speedy.)

Tell us about how you got started in photography?
I've been taking photos for as long as I can remember. I can't even tell you how I ended up with my first camera – a panoramic film point-and-shoot. My earliest subjects were landscapes that I shot on family vacations.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
I really got serious about photography in high school, thanks to a great teacher. I was obsessed and photographed everything from architecture to sports. While studying photojournalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia, I started photographing weddings on the side. I found that I loved applying creative photojournalism techniques to wedding photography.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up'?
I was always fascinated by current events and history, so I wanted to be historian of some sort.

What photographers inspire you the most?
As far as wedding photographers go, I really enjoy following the work of Bobbi + Mike out of Indianapolis, Steven Koo in Chicago and Jose Villa in Southern California. That said, I try not to spend too much time looking at other wedding photographers and instead draw inspiration from portrait photographers and photojournalists. I really enjoy looking at work that is completely different from my own, especially stylized photographers such as Annie Leibovitz and Dan Winters.

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
As my background is in photojournalism, my emphasis is on capturing moments as they happen. But "wedding photojournalist" doesn't fully capture what I offer. I use the tools of art photography to get at the emotion of the day in a way that isn't contrived or cheesy. For lack of a better phrase, I'd call what I do fine-art photojournalism.

Describe a typical day.
I don't have a typical day. One week, I could be photographing a 24-member wedding party, the next an intimate winery wedding with as many guests. During the week I fill my time with editing, meetings, business administration and more editing.

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot.
There are so many places I'd love to photograph – both exotic and less so. If I had pick only one, though, I'd love to shoot a traditional wedding in some small community on the Mediterranean.

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
I can't tell you more than about five words to any song.

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
Being an observer from start to finish of a couple's happiest day is what keeps me going. It is an honor to be invited to document all the little moments that would otherwise be forgotten.

Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why? I recently developed a roll of black-and-white film. It turned out to be many years old and included a photo of my fiancée and me at a college journalism conference. We had just began dating at that point. I think there's a real innocence to the image. (please see below!)

Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without?
That would be, without a doubt, my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. I could shoot a whole wedding with that lens and not miss much about my big backpack of gear.

What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
That providing a service people want and being your own boss is about as much as you can ask for in your professional life.

I would like to thank Ryan again for taking the time to share all this with us. If you are looking for a photographer, please ask your wedding planner to recommend a reputable St. Louis Photographer, and check out Ryan's work!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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On Cakes and Color

2010-11-10T07:35:00.012-06:00

I think this cake from Cake Central is very cute. I really like how there is only one layer that is brown. After all, who said you had to alternate colors on your cake?

Also notice the beautiful detailing and brooches on the ribbons:

Wedding Dress of the week: Reem Acra

2010-11-08T07:37:00.020-06:00

This week's dress is a bit of a mixed feelings case. While the dress in itself is gorgeous, I am not sure about the headpiece.

Did you notice these headpieces in the Reem Acra show? What do you think?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Friday Tips: Cooperate with your vendors

2010-11-05T07:30:00.033-05:00

When you book the services of a St Louis wedding planner or other St Louis vendor, please observe the three following rules:

- Always sign a contract. Contracts are there to protect them and to protect you as well.
- Always cooperate with your vendors. Vendors can't do their job properly until you cooperate with them.
- And please, communicate clearly what your expectations are and in a respectful manner.

And that's all for today, have a great weekend!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis Vendor Highlight: Artistic Soup

2010-11-04T07:20:00.051-05:00

Dear readers, today it is my absolute pleasure to share with you the interview with Angela Lamb of Artistic Soup. Angela is an incredible person and an absolute pleasure to be around, she is full of energy and she is such a sweetheart. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let me introduce you to Angela.

Q: Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
A: Hi, I am Angela Lamb. I am an artist, photographer, business woman, true friend, wife and mother.

Q: Tell us about how you got started in photography?
A: When I was 13 my mother got me involved in modeling. I was super shy and awkward but I loved the visual world and new I somehow wanted to be involved in it and modeling might be a good avenue to get started.

Growing up in a small town, modeling was a great stepping stone to obtain exposure in the arts, fashion, photography, design, art direction and the business behind art. Through modeling I befriended several fashion photographers: Jordi Cubells from Barcelona, Spain and Carlo Bistolfi from Milan, Italy. When I was not
in front of the camera I asked them to teach me about lighting and photography. Then when I decided to stop modeling I went to college to obtain a degree in Art with a concentration in Photography and Graphic
Design.

Q: What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
A: My whole life has guided me towards this path. From the moment I received my first camera from my parents, to the moment I stepped on a plane heading to Europe to model, to the moment I entered Art School, to my first job out of college as an art director, graphic designer, photographer, to my own personal wedding and my love for the world of weddings. The visual world excites me and I love to be a part of it
in multiple ways. Wedding Photography allows me the opportunity to photograph, art direct, design albums and be a part of the business of art. I love the whole package which is why I chose to do this full time.

Q: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I gravitated toward anything visual...my first career thought ever I proclaimed was I was going to be was a Photographer which now I smile about....how funny I would know that at 6 years old. Although given
that I was from a small town I did not grow up going to museums or knowing art directors, photographers, etc. so at times I thought I would be a doctor or lawyer since those were careers I was told that represented success. In fact, even though I had no interest in Chemistry when I moved to New York City at 18 years old I brought a College Chemistry book with me thinking I would evidently go to medical school. However, once I moved to New York and was exposed to the Guggenheim, The Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art and began meeting people that did various forms of art for a living I never looked back.

Q: What photographers inspire you the most?
A: I met Steven Meisel and Patrick Demarchelier and I always thought they did amazing work. Given my background in Fashion and Art Direction I view weddings somewhat like a Fashion photo shoots which is why I think Artistic Soup has been successful. Not only do we do the typical wedding photography that everyone else does but we also see and execute imagery that is unique and has a fashion inspired artistic
edge to it.

Q: Describe a typical day.
A: There is no typical day which I love. I know many fear change. I love it and embrace it. Sometimes I am shooting, some times in meetings with my team, or other wedding vendors or wedding couples, sometimes
processing files or sometimes designing albums and often it is a combination of all the above.

Q: Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
A: My favorite European City is Barcelona, Spain. I love the warmth of the people, the Seaside and Palm Trees, the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi Park, Pablo Picasso's Early works Museum, Miro Museum, the Gothic
quarter, and Piazza de Spagna. I find the whole city truly amazing. I would love to photograph a wedding there and utilize all those amazing places.

Q: Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why?
A: My most treasured photo honestly is not a photograph I photographed but a casual photograph that represented an amazing day in my life.

When I was in Madrid, Spain I had the opportunity to work with an amazing international crew for Spanish Vogue and it was great chemistry. The art director was from Iowa believe it or not, little old me from
Missouri, a French photographer, a Moroccan bus driver and the rest of the crew was from Madrid. We had just an amazing shoot and during our lunch break the photographer set up the camera to do a casual group
shot of all that was there. I love that simple photo simply because the synergy that day was fantastic.

Q: Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
A: I am a very practical person and somewhat of a workaholic so I rarely spend the extra time going to get manicures and pedicures like most women...although from time to time I do find it to be a wonderful treat. So during my free time I focus on spending time with my family and usually just do nail grooming myself at home.

Q: What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
A: I absolutely love being a wedding photographer. You are with people on one of the most cherished moments of their life. I love the effort that goes into the planning and I am thrilled that I can give couples such memories to document such a momentous day.

Q: Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without.
A: I love my Gary Fong diffuser. I hate the cumbersome nature of using a flash bracket because I like to shoot with two bodies and the bracket gets in the way. The Gary Fong diffuser makes it all work smoothly.

Q: What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
A: We really do go the extra mile. I know a lot of people say it but we do it. We truly believe that your wedding is about you not us and we do our absolute best with customer service and imagery. We want your day to go as smoothly as possible and give you exactly what you envisioned for your special day.

If you are looking for a photographer or would like to view Artistic Soup's portfolio, please visit their website! Remember to always ask your wedding planner about reputable vendors in the St Louis area.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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A chocolaty modern wedding cake

2010-11-03T07:30:00.011-05:00

I saw this cake a while back and absolutely needed to share it. I apologize in advance as I am not sure where I found this, but if you know the source, please email me and I will be more than happy to give credit where credit is due!

What do you think about the chocolate flowers?

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Wedding Dress of the week: Ines Di Santo

2010-11-01T07:33:00.002-05:00

This week, I would like to share with you one of Ines Di Santo's dramatic and sparkly creations:

I love the sparkles and I love the bracelet. And I am also very partial to the sweetheart neckline.
Thoughts?

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Friday Tips: Choosing your vendors

2010-10-29T07:49:00.002-05:00

If you have spoken to three or four vendors, and don’t fall in love with any of them, I recommend you modify the criteria you have been basing your research one.

Ask yourself: are your criteria reasonable?

And once you find a good match, please seal the deal immediately. The longer you wait, the higher the chances someone else will book them! and then you will have to do it all over again!

If you need advice from a reputable St Louis wedding planner or have questions, please send your questions to yours truly at yara@plumeeventplanning.com.

Have a great weekend!

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: SJ Macky Photography

2010-10-28T06:40:00.001-05:00

Today, I am very honored to share with you the interview of a very very talented and absolutely wonderful St. Louis photographer. As a wedding planner in the St Louis area, I had the pleasure to work with Sara twice and cannot wait to do it again. She is very fun to be around, so, read on and learn a bit more about her!

Q: Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
A: My name is Sara McDermott: SjMacky photographer extraodinaire, lover of all things fun, despiser of negativity, best friend anyone could ask for, fearless, hater of guacamole or anything else that looks like it's been puked up on my plate, worst singer on the planet, never 100% innocent, defender of the underdog, known to stir the pot now and again, and laugher at all things inappropriate... (not proud of the last one...just sayin..)

Q: Tell us about how you got started in photography?
A: My adventure into the photography business happened by sheer accident. In 2004 when my son was born I couldn't get a decent picture of him. I was tired of dragging him to various studios only to be put in the position of having to set everything up and then paying an arm and a leg for photos I wasn't thrilled with. I thought: "jeesh I could do a better job myself I think"...and voila...that's how it started. Of course there is much more to the story but the bottom line is I pretty much had zero idea back then that I would be doing what I am today, and I thank my lucky stars every single day for the opportunity that just sort of fell into my lap! I never take it for granted!

Q: What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
A: hmmmm, well as soon as that moment happens, Yara you will be the first to know! I am not sure I have ever had that "defining moment" where the heavens opened up and angels started singing and I had this overwhelming feeling that this was "it" for me... or that anything I have done or am currently doing is what I was "meant" to do. I think things happen for a reason and you know when it's "right". LOL I have always loved photography, but I have never had THAT FEELING that this was solely my only thing to do. I love it so much and am enjoying the ride for as long as I can! I truly think what I was meant to do is win the lottery and move to the beach but somehow it hasn't happened yet! :)

Q: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Well first, when I was in Kindergarten, I wanted to be a vet. Then I found out you had to stick your hand up a cow's butt and that pretty much ruined it for me. Then I decided I wanted to be an artist, but my mom and dad said I couldn't, because artists didn't make any money...After that I think I wanted to be a news broadcaster but found out you had to be somewhat attractive to be on TV so that put a quick end to that aspiration...lol Then at the very last second of high school I decided to go to college and become a teacher because it was the only job I could think of that I wouldn't have to wear a suit, work in a cubicle, or file stuff and I could be creative and it would be something different every day...oh and yeah... PLUS I'd have the summers off :)

Q: What photographers inspire you the most?
A: This is really hard for me because there are so many great photographers! Everyone as their "niche" and I have favorite ones in different areas. However if I had to pick one favorite person it would be Jasmine Star, but not necessarily for her photography. Don't get me wrong she is a fabulous photographer, but what I love about Jasmine is her ability to relate to her clients and reach everyone on a personal level. She is not afraid to show people her true self. She reaches out to peers and offers advice, she's encouraging, warm-hearted, and a great role model. This is what makes her who she "is". I truly admire that. Being a good photographer, especially a wedding photographer, is so much more than being able to produce great images. It's about your client's overall experience with you and how you treat them, it's how you treat the fellow photographers in your area, work ethic, etc... You can be the best photographer on the planet, but if you can't relate to people and you treat them like crap...your great images are only going to get you so far.

Q: How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
A: I am most definitely a photojournalist at heart. I love all the little behind the scenes things that happen that the bride and groom never get to see. They miss out sometimes on seeing how emotional their family and closest friends got during the ceremony, the funny stories being shared between people during the cocktail hour, the way mom was watching the father daughter dance, or how Uncle Buck was laughing so hard during toasts that soda came out his nose (yes...true story)...I could go on and on...but it's these little moments to me that bring back the best memories for the bride and groom because they capture the true emotion of the day. I also think that's one of the main things that makes me stand out as a photographer. I consider myself very fortunate because being anticipatory is almost like my 6th sense. I am a people person and can read people extremely well and therefore can anticipate a moment before it happens. I know how to be patient enough to wait for the moment to happen and not just take some random picture of nothing.I pride myself on that and I have been told by 90% of the people that hire me that it's for THAT reason they want me to shoot their wedding...well that and I am such a great freaking person and have a kick ass personality...lol just kidding...

Q: Describe a typical day.
A: Really, I don't think it's exciting enough that people would really care to know...involves lots of editing, responding to emails, and setting up meetings and shoots...Before I quit teaching this past May though, it would be me waking up at around 4:00am, editing till 6:45, getting myself and the kids ready for school, teaching from 8-4, rushing to the post office and bank on my breaks, then after school taking the kids home and then booking it to either a consultation or shoot anywhere from 6pm-8pm, coming home having something to eat, making sure homework was done and the kids were bathed, then back to editing until like 1:30am... I am really looking forward to this next year where I am only doing my photography full time instead of working two full time jobs, because I am sure I was sending myself to an early grave! lol

Q: Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
A: Anywhere with lots of natural light and solid shade and not a ton a crappy looking stuff in the background :) I think I would love to travel to Greece or Rome, or maybe Italy to take photos.

Q: Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why?
A: Wow...my MOST treasured??? that's a hard one...I am not sure if you mean my own personal stuff or one that I took for someone else...so I am going to attach two: The first is from a wedding in 2007 that I love, because it's not very often I see grooms that are "overly" emotional...I see emotional grooms all the time coming down the aisle, but not one that is just so overwrought with emotion the entire day. But at this wedding, Chris-the groom- was just so so so in love with his future bride Clara and he was a train-wreck all day! I just love this one of him reading a card from her before the ceremony...The second is my personal one and it's my son Brady, and it's the image that started SjMacky Photography!

Q: Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
A: Hmmm, I could.... but more than likely if NOBODY knows...then there is a pretty good reason for it...lol. I can share a funny story though...as a kid I had really bad teeth that required years and years of braces...like 5th grade till my senior year..and my sister and I used to fight...a lot...and one time we were wrestling and somehow she pinned me to the ground and my braces got caught in the carpet and I had to be "cut out" of the carpet...lol

Q: What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
A: I have said this before, but I will say it again because it's true. I have THE BEST clients on the planet. I love getting to know them and establishing real friendships. I can't tell you how many clients I see time and time again because we are now actually friends! And it's such a great feeling to know that I have captured memories for them that they will be able to treasure for a long time! Plus...sometimes you get to hang out in uber cool venues, with cute people who are all dressed up and wanting nothing more than to have a really super fun day, I mean c'mon...what's NOT to love? lol

Q: Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without?
A: I feel lost without my canon 70-200 2.8 IS

Q: What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
A: I wish everyone knew how much work is actually involved. I think sometimes I make it look easy because I always have my weddings completely edited, loaded up online, and the dvd's finished before the next weekend...but it's actually working around the clock to make that happen...lol wedding photography may "seem" glamorous but it is actually both physically and mentally extremely challenging!

Again, thank you Sara, this was so much fun. And readers, if you would like to check out Sara's work, please go to her website and get acquainted with her beautiful work!

Come back to this blog next week for a brand new St Louis Vendor Feature by your favorite St Louis Wedding planner!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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An extra wedding dress of the week: Ulla-Maija Couture

2010-10-27T07:20:00.001-05:00

I confess, I could not resist. There are so many beautiful gowns out there, I had to share one more for this week.

Ulla-Maija Couture is one of my new favorites. I am head over heels in love with the asymmetrical lines and the ruching of these gowns. Look at these and tell me that you don't think these are the most glamorous you have seen in a while. I would like to get married again and wear one of these!

I can barely handle all this glamour!
What do you think?

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Lovely centerpiece

2010-10-26T07:28:00.004-05:00

This centerpiece attracted my attention while I was researching pink flowers. Of course it's a Martha centerpiece, and I absolutely love it.

I love the gradient and the intensity of the colors. That is by far my favorite thing about pink. it's available in so many shades!

What do you think? Yay or Nay?

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Dress of the week: Thread spring 2011

2010-10-25T06:56:00.005-05:00

With the New York Bridal market underway, there are plenty of dresses to talk about in the coming weeks, so let's cut to the chase and introduce one of our favorites for bridesmaids dresses: Thread

I love the contemporary styles and the colors. What do you think?

All photos by FirstView

Are there other designers that attracted your attention for bridesmaids dresses? Please share!

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Life is crazy busy.

2010-10-21T13:29:00.001-05:00

September and October are crazy busy for weddings in the St Louis area, which explains why I slacked a bit on posts lately, but no not fret, starting Monday, we'll be back to our regular schedule and everything will resume.

I will just share with you a picture of one of our October weddings that is particularly dear to my heart. Mel and Jeff were so much fun to work with and things turned out beautifully:

Credit: Ryan Gladstone Photography

I am still taking special requests or questions, so feel free to email me at yara@plumeeventplanning.com if you need an experienced St Louis wedding planner to help you out with any dilemmas you might have!

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I am still alive!

2010-09-29T08:49:00.001-05:00

Hi Readers,

I promise, I haven’t forgotten you. Things are crazy with work, so please be patient and I’ll be back soon with more fun posts and exciting news.

Au revoir for now and check back soon!

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Wedding dress(es) of the week: Elie Saab

2010-09-13T14:41:00.001-05:00

For those who are not yet aware of this fact, on top of having lived in France from 1990 to 2007, I was born in the middle East. In Lebanon, to be precise, so needless to say that I have always followed closely my compatriot Elie Saab.

Elie Saab has designed for a lot of celebrities and he also happens to have a bridal collection, "Elie by Elie Saab" available at Pronovias.

I tried to pick my favorite out of the Spring 2011 collection, but I just could not limit it to just one gown.
Enjoy!

Credit: Pronovias.com

What are your favorites?

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Salvatore Cincotta Photography

2010-09-09T13:36:00.004-05:00

Readers, today I am sharing with you the interview we did with the talented team at Salvatore Cincotta Photography. Read on!

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
<<SAL>> My name is Sal Cincotta and along with my wife Taylor, we own and operate Salvatore Cincotta Photography.

Tell us about how you got started in photography?
<<SAL>> I shot my first wedding at 18 and I was hooked! But little did I know that I would become a professional photographer.

What was the defining moment you knew this was what you were meant to do?
<<SAL>> Photography has always been a part of my life. I was always the one shooting for the family, taking travel pictures, and doing friends weddings. But several years ago, while working in corporate America, I got fed up working for someone else. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I just came to the realization that life is just too short. So, I punched out and figured I would rather be broke and happy than live my life with regrets. And as luck would have it... we are pretty good at what we do... :)

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
<<SAL>> I thought for sure I was going to be an attorney. In fact, I was on a pre-law track while pursuing my business degree.

What photographers inspire you the most?
<<SAL>> Oddly enough, very little of my inspiration comes from photographers. Don't get me wrong, there are a ton of great photographers around the world that are all doing some amazing things. But, it can become repetitive at times. I find inspiration in all sorts of places. Fashion magazines, music videos, and Hollywood, just to name a few. And I think our imagery is very reflective of that.

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
<<SAL>> Our style is very different. Our goal is to provide the client with unique one of a kind imagery that is representative of their personalities. We walk into every event with a clean slate. My one goal, create that signature image for the client. the one they run into a burning fire to save.

Describe a typical day.
<<SAL>> There is no typical day. That's what I love about my job. Every day brings something new and exciting.

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
<<SAL>> Anywhere! An I mean that. I love new locations. Get the creative juices flowing.

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
<<SAL>>Every week we get to work with some amazing people. And we are truly blessed to be part of this amazing experience. And talk about responsibility. We are 100% responsible for documenting this day for them and their families. I love the pressure.

What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
<<SAL>> How much hard work goes into producing their event. Sure, the wedding day we are with the client for 10hrs. But there is 3-4x that much work that goes into the processing of their event, editing, printing, album design, meetings, etc. Its a lot of work for sure. But its all worth it when we hand the client their first family heirloom, their wedding album.

Thank you so much Sal, for taking the time to share a little more info about you. To get familiar with the Salvatore Cincotta Photography team's work, please visit their website.

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Wedding dress of the week: Nicole Miller

2010-09-07T13:20:00.001-05:00

I have always been a fan of Nicole Miller's designs.
The 2011 collection does not dissapoint. Wouldn't you say?

Credit: Nicole Miller, Look 12

Which one is YOUR favorite?

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Friday Tips: Stand up for yourself

2010-09-03T06:49:00.002-05:00

Wedding season is in full swing. As a wedding planner in the St Louis area, I attend every site walk through with my clients to iron out details and figure out floorplans.

I have had the instance lately where a couple didn't approve of the floorplan that the venue "usually" goes with. They really didn't care for the location of the dance floor and voiced their concern. The venue was reluctant to change things around because "that's how we usually do it" but we insisted enough to get them to change it.

So here's the lesson of the day: You have to trust your venue, they have tried things and know their space very well and how to use it. But when you strongly want things differently, stand up for yourself and insist. We all have comfort zones that we like to stick to. If it is doable logistically, and even if they are not used to do it that way, they will, most likely, accommodate you.

It's better to speak up now than regret it later. you only get married once!

Have a great holiday weekend! Do you have special plans?

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Petals Galore

2010-09-02T11:35:00.002-05:00

Today, let me share with you the interview of the wonderful Sandra Kohler, owner of Petals Galore and the $100 Bouquet Company. Sandra is a genuine talent and she is one of a kind. I hope you enjoy the following!

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
Hi everyone! I am Sandra Kohler owner of Petals Galore Floral Art and the $100 Bouquet Company. I have been designing St. Louis weddings for over ten years now. I love working with flowers and I love my brides. Every bride is unique and each wedding then becomes unique as well. I never know what the next event will bring and it's so exciting to exceed the design vision of each bride.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up??

As with most all little girls, I dreamed of being a ballerina in pink toe shoes and a pink tu-tu. I even had a little jewelry box with a twirling ballerina on the inside.

Tell me about when and how the business started.

I was always creative and artistic. That was a characteristic that my mother and grandmother possessed as well as my daughter now do. I loved flowers and made many arrangements for family and friends. It wasn't long before I was intrigued by wedding design and that is when I found my true passion.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
I designed my own wedding flowers and from that moment I was hooked and I have been designing weddings ever since.

What inspires you?
I find inspiration all around me but the biggest source of inspiration is the Missouri Botanical Garden.

What is your favorite part about your job?
Meeting and interacting with my brides. They always keep me on my toes and keep my creative juices flowing.

Describe a typical day.
Typical days are spent in a lot of detail-orientated paperwork and phone calls. There is extensive administrative work that needs to be done to achieve perfection on the day of the event.

What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
It's not all glamour. It takes hard work and dedication to pull off gorgeous events. From the initial consultation until the day of the wedding, we are knee deep in paperwork, calls to our sales reps, ordering products, processing flowers, design and set-up. The client only sees the end results, but it has taken us months of preparation to get to that day.

What are some things brides should look for when looking for a florist?
Look for an event florist, one who specializes in weddings. You will end up getting a very beautiful and professionally designed product. Also, do you get along with the designer? You will be e-mailing and talking to this person over the course of many months planning for your big day so make sure that you like them too!

What are some arrangements that you don?t get requested often but you think look great for a wedding?

Large focal arrangements for the escort tables. They draw the guests in and command attention.

Thank you so much again for taking the time to answer my questions. Do you have any last thoughts or comments, or something else you would like to share with us?

Remember that no request is too silly or crazy. I love challenges, it is what we as designers live for!

Thank you again Sandra! You can see more of Sandra's wonderful work on the Petals Galore website and the $100 Bouquet Company.

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Dress of the week: Culture Bridal

2010-08-30T09:12:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a great weekend.

I personally had a wonderful couple of days, as this weekend was the "Festival of nations" in St Louis. And in the spirit of diversity, I would like to share with you an Australian designer, Culture Bridal, that has an amazing way of infusing diversity and ethnicity in their gowns. they were all so interesting that I could not only pick one, so I will share a couple with you. Enjoy!

The Greek Goddess:

Credit: Culture Bridal

The Japanese kimono:

Credit: Culture Bridal

What do you think? Are you including any cultural touches with your dress?

Have a great week!

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Friday Tips: The Guest list

2010-08-27T07:12:00.002-05:00

To control wedding costs, there is no secret, you have to control the guest list. So if you are trying to keep your guest list down to a minimum, here are some random thoughts for you:

- Come to a number and stick to it. No inviting people as we go!

- In my opinion, if you haven't seen/kept in touch with someone in a year, they don't need to be invited.
- No need to invite co-workers unless you have developed a friendship and see each other outside of work.
- Apply the no kids, and no plus one rule.
- No exceptions.

Do these points make sense to you?
What are you doing to keep your guest list manageable?

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: K Corea Photography

2010-08-26T13:33:00.004-05:00

Hello readers, let me share with you today an interview with the sweet Katy from K Corea Photography.

Hello, my name is Katy and I'm a photographer here in Saint, Louis MO. I'm 31 years old and I feel like I'm just beginning to discover myself and I love it!

Tell us about how you got started in photography?
On my fathers side of the family everyone is an artist of some kind. Painters,sculptures, writers, musicians. You name it. But my mother was the photographer of the family. Even though she won't admit it. She has a beautiful eye and an incredible sensitivity to the world around her that I like to think I inherited. I knew at the age of 14 that I wanted to be a photographer. She gave me her Canon 35mm on my 13th birthday. All of my childhood photos were taken with it. I loved that camera. It started everything. My whole journey began with that camera.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
I had a High school teacher that made me want to succeed, to be my best. I'm not sure now, but back then I was convinced he thought I would fail. I was determined to prove him wrong. I fell in love with photography when I was probably a senior in college. I know, a very long time. I wasn't quite there yet, in love I mean. Then I did an intensive year long thesis and I was faced with my fears of being a failure. I began see my art as an extension of myself rather then as a way of proving some high school teacher wrong. It took me years to address my need to tell stories. I had to express myself creatively and photography gave me that outlet. I've been out of college for almost 5 years and to be honest, I was near giving up any hope for being an artist. It wasn't until my cousin got engaged and asked me to be her photographer. I researched "wedding photography" and instead of getting back images that I thought would be cheesy and corny, I instead was greeted by really beautiful and inspiring images. I had had no idea that it was possible to be a creative wedding photographer. You can't imagine how thrilled I was to have been able to finally say to myself, "This is what I want. I want to be a wedding photographer". And the great thing is, that I meant it. I'm so happy, and I'm thrilled to be were I am today. What a journey.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?"
I wanted to be a dancer, animal vet and a marine biologist. All in that order.

What photographers inspire you the most?
Richard Avedon William Eggleston, Sally Mann, Marie Cosindas, Sugimoto, Wim Wenders and Milton Greene( He shot almost all of Marilyn Monroe's photos).
I'm inspired daily by my fellow photographers here in Saint Louis and I keep up with other photographers blogs like Jose Villa and Elizabeth Messina. I really try to distance myself though from being too inspired. You have to really find your own voice and be true to it. I try to look more at fine art photographers and I love fashion magazines and Anthropologie catalogs.

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
I always say that my photography is a mix of documentary and fashion. I really just try to make beautiful, timeless images that have an edge. I want my clients to look back at these and really feel the emotion from them. I love color and textures and I'm really good at telling stories through my images. I guess that makes me stand out a bit. I love candids.

Describe a typical day.
Oh, no. I'm terribly boring. I wake up, check my email and then take my dog Forrest Parker to the dog park. We then get coffee at The Stone Spiral in Maplewood and then I edit, edit, edit. I have three jobs. I work for the very talented Patti Gabriel. I design some of her albums and I 2nd shoot for her. I also work for Starbucks. My third job is for myself. If I don't treat it like a job it might turn into a hobby, so I work really hard and sometimes I forget to take care of myself. I just bought a yoga DVD and I think that might help me relax a bit more. Although, eating great food at my parents and watching Project Runway or some show on Bravo always makes my day. My Mom and Step Father, Bob have been a huge help. They are amazing and a true testament that there is such a thing as true love. I aspire to be like them. They have a really great relationship and an awesome outlook on life.

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
Ahhh, Paris. I never had a 2nd thought about that city until I became single. Now it's all I think about. Paris, Paris, Paris!

Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why?
They change all the time. I treasure too many. But the ones of my family and friends are my favorite. I got a lot of grief from everyone because I always had a camera in their faces. Even my dog is sick of being my model! Now, we can all look back and laugh. I also treasure the photos I have of my Dad. He passed away 11 years ago. I would be really sad if I lost those. There is one where he is standing on the roots of this massive tree in california and he is pointing at the sky smiling right at the camera. I always look at that image as if he's telling me to shoot for the stars, to stay strong. He just looks so confident.

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?

My apartment looks like an Easter egg blew up in it. Seriously. I think it's because I have to wear black all the time. I love being surround by colors and beautiful things.

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
The crying. I always get emotional during the ceremony, toast, first dances. It's cathartic. I honestly love making people happy. I love providing my clients beautiful images.

Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without?
My 24-70mm. I used to think I would only shoot with my 50mm f1.4 after I bought it. But now I see so many people using it, I just feel the need to step it back a bit and go back to my zoom. Don't get me wrong. I love my 50mm. It creates amazing images. I just won't use it to shoot an entire wedding. I would love to get my hands on a 70-200mm or a 35mm lens.

Thanks Katie.
You can get familiar with Katie's work by checking out her website and blog.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Random Wednesday: Bouquet envy

2010-08-25T07:03:00.031-05:00

This is not a secret, I am very partial to flowers. I grew up in a house with a gigantic garden full of roses, hydrangeas and jasmine. And whenever we are ready to revamp our yard, it will have to include colorful blooms in every corner.

Naturally, I love to research flowers. Talking flowers with my brides is a highlight of the planning process for me. I have bouquet envy lately. So let me share some beauties with you.

Source: Wedding Bee

Source: Magnolia flower Shoppe

Source: Lady Gray Designs

Can you tell that I like Cymbidium orchids? Do you have a favorite flower that you absolutely have to have on your wedding day?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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About Chivari chairs

2010-08-24T07:46:00.001-05:00

Did you know Chivaris are not your only option when it comes to chairs?

Meet the Versailles chair, one of my new favorites:

Credit: Style Me Pretty

What do you think? Are you renting chairs or using covers for your special day?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Wedding Dress of the week: Madeline Isaac James

2010-08-23T07:08:00.001-05:00

Did you miss our weekly dress post? I did, so I'll just get to it. Madeline Isaac James is an amazing British designer that has been making equally amazing gowns since 2001. One of the things that caught my eye about this particular designer is that she has a maternity bridal gown line. And I love that!

Here is my favorite, directly from the amazing website:

Friday Tips: Invitations

2010-08-20T07:13:00.001-05:00

When it comes to ordering invitations, the wedding planner in me always recommends my brides to order 25 more than they think they will need. The reason is simple: it's always cheaper to order more in advance than having to place a completely new order for a small quantity.

Also, if you are addressing your own invitations, remember to order extra envelopes to allow for mistakes.

Have a great weekend!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Metropolitan Picture Company

2010-08-19T13:31:00.002-05:00

Readers, today I would like to introduce you a true talent and a friend of mine: Sherry Rosenberger. Sherry is very talented and she is a genuine person. I am very honored to get to share a little more about her with you, so read on!

Please, identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
Sherry Rosenberger, Owner of Metropolitan Picture Company. I started shooting weddings in 2004. I now spend half my time shooting weddings; the other half photographing families since my wedding couples have had babies! I've been married to Alex for 7 years, have a 3 year old daughter named Whitney, 4 month old son Jake, and two lazy pit bulls.

Tell us about how you got started in photography.
I had two photographers at my wedding in 2003. One who was more traditional and the other specialized in photojournalism. I got the photojournalistic photos back, started crying, and told myself, "You need to learn how to do this." My dad's old Nikon film camera was collecting dust, so I picked it up and started taking little photography field trips on my own. I took some classes and practiced, practiced, practiced. I worked for a company with a lot of young people and wound up shooting a few hours of a co-worker's wedding. She liked them more than her primary photographer's photos and word quickly spread.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
Towards the beginning of my career, I had a bride who really knew what she wanted. She was particular about the details, wanted the posed formals, but also wanted the emotion captured. She certainly wasn't a bridezilla - I could just feel how important her wedding day was to her. I knew it was a make it or break it wedding for me and I poured my heart into it. After the wedding, I met with her and her mom to go over the proofs. They literally lingered at each photo - all 800+ of them - and the bride's mom started crying. She had the same reaction I had to my very own wedding photos. It all had come full circle for me.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up??
In 4th grade I wanted to be a teacher. In high school I wanted to be an actress. In college, I just pictured myself working downtown at a business of some sort. I wound up doing the corporate thing in commercial real estate for about 8 years. Taking the leap from the somewhat steadiness of the corporate world to owning my own business was the hardest thing for me. But with that risk came the hugest reward. And I can't tell you how great it is to tell people that I do what I love.

What photographers inspire you the most?
There are great wedding photographers out there - St. Louis has some of the best - but I'm also inspired by news photojournalists. A few years ago, the traveling exhibit of the Pulitzer Prize winning photographs came to St. Louis. It shaped the how I approach photography and shooting events. There's so much more to it than being in the right place at the right time.

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
Two things. First, I care about my clients. Probably too much. Since I am photographing defining moments in their lives, I want to do the best I can for them. I don't think you can do that without getting to know them and understanding the dynamics of their family, etc.
And second, I want my photos to be timeless. There's been a lot of trends over the years and there's a lot of Photoshop actions/gizmos out there nowadays, but I feel you can screw up a photo too much by over-doing it. Twenty years down the road it's going to look outdated. You just need to take the picture the right way in the first place.

Describe a typical day.
During wedding season, I basically just have a never-ending "To Do" list that includes answering emails, scheduling sessions/consults, editing, fulfilling and mailing print orders/CDs, editing, designing albums, editing, blogging, uploading photos, editing, backing up images, etc. etc. I have my kids with a sitter two days a week and I cram in as much as I can in those two days, based on priority. On Saturdays I have weddings or family sessions scheduled. The other days, I'm just a boring old mom to Whitney & Jake.

Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why?
Yara, this is the hardest question ever!
I have several, but one that stands out is a picture I took of Alex several years ago after a long day of motorcycle riding up the Great River Road. He's sitting down with a beer, had just finished telling one of his silly stories, and he's smiling. I took it with a crappy point-and-shoot camera and the lighting is horrible. But I just love the essence of the photo. It reminds me of all we've been through together and why I love him.

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
I often got chastised for being too laid back in my corporate job. Although I appear that way on the outside, my mind is always spinning on the inside. It's why I can easily handle a time-sensitive or potentially stressful time like a wedding. I'm anticipating the next photo and thinking about where I need to be, what I need to do with my equipment, and if I need to give a little guidance.

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
#1 - The people I meet.
#2 - The flexibility. I'm responsible for my own destiny.

Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without.
I shoot with Canon equipment and started out with a 24-70 mm lens as my go-to lens. I've tried many lenses since then, but every wedding, I always wind up grabbing it out of my bag and using it at some point during the day. There's nothing superb about it. It's just versatile and I just can't give it up!

What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
This is hard work. I'm a photographer, an editor, a website designer, a blog writer, an album designer, a salesperson. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love it!

Again, thank you sherry for taking the time to answer my questions.
Please go to Sherry's website and blog to see some of her work!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Slice of Lime Design

2010-08-12T13:30:00.003-05:00

Today, let me introduce you to Emily, the owner of Slice of Lime designs.

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.

My name is Emily Kaufman Leong, and I own Slice of Lime Design, a small design studio specializing in custom correspondence. I've been married since 2001 to Matt, and we have a 3 year old son, Jack. I have a major addiction to Double Stuf Oreos.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was really little, I wanted to be a "checker" (cashier) at the grocery store. Later, I developed an interest in journalism, and went to college for magazine journalism. I got sidetracked in my photography and design classes and switched my major to art.

Tell me about when and how the business started.

I started doing freelance corporate design in 1998 - mostly logos and identity packages for small, local businesses. I also have always loved greeting cards, and started making my own. A family member approached me in 2000 to do wedding invitations, and I knew I'd found what I wanted to do. I did stationery suites part time from 2001 to 2004. I incorporated Slice of Lime Design in 2004 and have been doing it full time since 2005.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?

When I spent hours making a short run of 25 invitations. It was a family order, and I got lost in the art supply store - picking out papers and embellishments and making it PERFECT. I knew this was what I wanted to do.

What inspires you?
My son, for sure. Contemporary art. Vintage sentiments. Anything funky, artsy, out-of-the-box. Also, the funny, quirky goings-on in day to day life.

Tell me about the connection you make with your clients.
I pride myself on being approachable and personable. Many of my clients have gone on to be friends. I like being someone they feel they can come to for advice, or just to chat about things outside their wedding.

Is your company your full time job?
It is!

Describe a typical day.
Breakfast with Jack. Then, onto answering emails and catching up on various social media. From there, I hit the studio running. I run anything that needs to be printed in-house in the morning, and/or pick up outsourced pieces from the printer. I usually devote each day to one client's job, so I don't get overwhelmed. I work on assembly in the afternoon if I have any and then spend the rest of the day designing on the computer.

Is there any piece of advice that you can provide to couples who areconsidering working with you as opposed to going with a design out of a box, or ordering out of a catalog?
Don't be afraid to ask! In custom stationery design, very few things can go unrealized. The sky's the limit! Also, custom design doesn't mean breaking the bank. So many people are afraid to use a custom stationer because they don't want to have to sell a kidney. Custom design is just that - custom -including tailoring your stationery to fit your budget!

Thank you so much again for taking the time to answer my questions.Do you have any last thoughts or comments, or something else you would like to share with us?

Never be afraid to think outside the box!!

Thank you again Emily for letting us interview you. If you would like to check out Emily's work, please go to her website and blog.

Have a great day!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Megan Thiele Photography

2010-08-05T13:26:00.004-05:00

It is my pleasure today to introduce you to the lovely Megan Thiele. She is an incredible photographer and we hope that you will enjoy getting to know her as much as I did!

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
My name is Megan and I'm a wedding photographer, a wife, and a mother to two awesome dogs. I have a degree in Fine Art from the University of Missouri where I studied photography - once I took my first class I knew I wanted to keep doing it!

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?

Sometime toward graduation I came across some really cool wedding photography and it was like a lightbulb went off - "Oooohhhhhh! This is really cool and creative! Well I can do that!" Then all of the apprehension of actually growing up and making a decision sort of melted away and it just felt . . . right. Then I went from there.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was younger [like really young] I wanted to do hair, believe it or not. I guess it's sort of one of those things that little girls are just drawn to. Then in high school I wanted to design cars [artistic ability +general love of awesome cars = designing cars]. So I went to school for Mechanical Engineering - that didn't last very long :)

What photographers inspire you the most?

There are so many photographers who inspire me, so I'm going to categorize it:

- Old school: Milton Greene [as a teenager I was sort of obsessed with Marilyn Monroe and had a few Marilyn books, and he took a ton of photos of her in the late fifties. So that's where I really started to appreciate a nice beautiful portrait] then of course Richard Avedon and Irving Penn

- Wedding photographers: Jasmine Star, Jeff Newsom, Erik Clausen [from Poser Images]

- Current commercial/fashion photographers: Nick Onken, Norman Jean Roy,Annie Leibovitz

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?

I don't know if I really 'stand out' as a photographer, but I try to really capture a relationship. Little moments between two people, with a soft focus, maybe an unexpected background and beautiful back-lighting. I think? haha :)

Describe a typical day.

A typical day is hard to describe - my schedule changes day to day depending on where I need to be :) but, typically, I: wake up at 6, then read blogs while eating breakfast and drinking coffee. Edit some photos, answer emails, run errands, edit some more, walk the dogs at lunch, edit some more, then maybe do a shoot or go to a client meeting, then dinner with my husband [if I'm home at dinner time].

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
My dream location: Venice! In the summer, in the afternoon, in the middle of the tiny, seemingly ant-made pedestrian streets, with a couple madly in love. I love shooting in places with architectural interest, beautiful colors, and impeccable light. That and I just love Venice by itself - I like to shoot in places where I like to just hang out.

What is your most treasured photograph?
When your life literally revolves around photographs and their meanings, it's easy to over-think this one. Do I really treasure my photographs that I've taken, or that have shaped my career? Do I treasure an old photo of my grandmother, my father, my mother? Do I treasure a photo of Sadie, my seven-year old 'child'? So rather than get all weird, I just decided to go with the photo that first came to mind. I was about 2 or 3, and it has a certain 'wtf?' quality about it - definitely summer, a plastic whistle around my neck, and an off-brand soda as big as my head. It makes me smile and remember that life can be weird, unexpected, fun and random. So I have it on my bulletin board above my desk. Enjoy :)

(Note from the interviewer, I think this is the cutest picture I have seen in a while.)

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
Something about me that nobody knows. . .that's tough. Well, the only thing about me that's [mildly?] interesting that people wouldn't know is, while I adore the Beatles and have paid homage to them when naming my dogs [Sexy Sadie and Rocky Racoon, and future children - stay tuned] I really really dislike Wings. Not for me. Just sayin'.

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?

All of the details! I love shoes, dresses, flowers, color combos - everything! But aside from that, I really love how everyone is happy and that love rules the day.

Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without?

Aside from my camera body, I would not be able to shoot without my 50mm f1.2 lens - it's the best! Once I discovered the 50mm fixed focal length, my style was defined. Only recently was I able to splurge on the 1.2 :)

Considering I have it on my camera about 90% of the time, I would absolutely not be able to shoot without it :)

Whats the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
One thing I wish people know - ummmmmmmmm - it's just not a Saturday's worth of work - hours and hours go into editing, archiving, and album design. And of course all of the experience gained from photographing 70+ weddings!

I would like to thank Megan again for taking the time to be interviewed. I am sure you would like to go check out more of her work, so please go to her website and blog and take a look around!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Sisters Flowers

2010-07-29T13:19:00.003-05:00

Today, we will be introducing you to the wonderful florists Sisters. We were very excited when Emily Testrake found some time to take our interview. I hope you will enjoy it.

Tell me about when and how the business started.
November 1st, 2001 is when we opened the Sisters Flowers shop in downtown Kirkwood. It was tough because it was right after 9-11, but we were committed to the lease, business loan, etc. It was a tough but exciting start.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
I cannot think of a certain "moment", but in Spring and Summer of 2002 I realized that the weddings and events were a direction we definitely enjoyed and wanted to persue further. Now it has evolved into a design studio where weddings and events are 90% of our business.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Be a veterinarian -- I loved all animals! (still do)

What inspires you?
Just about anything! A color, a picture or single image... even just a shape can inspire a design for the entire event.

What is your favorite part about your job?
Finishing a job and having a happy bride and family.

Describe a typical day!
It depends on the day of the week. Thursdays and Fridays are all about 2-3 designers putting centerpieces and bouquets together. Wednesdays are prep-time and meetings, Mondays and Tuesdays are paperword, ordering, follow-ups, blogging, processing flowers..... Saturdays are delivery and set-up of weddings and events.

What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
I wish everyone knew how much care and time we take to get to know the bride and her style and how much care we take in executing the design the day of the wedding. The designers / consultants you meet with are the ones making and overseeing the making of your flowers plus insuring they delivery and set up the day of.... no dropping off!

What are some things brides should look for when looking for a florist?
Make sure you are interviewing a wedding florist - not an "FTD florist". The cost difference is minimal (if any), but the peace of mind is priceless.

What are some arrangements that you don't get requested often but you think look great for a wedding?
It depends on the venue and the bride and her style..... the request we like the most is "What are some of yout suggestions?"

Do you have any last thoughts or comments, or something else you would like to share with us?
Yes, a few things.
1 - Please get a wedding planner (Yara did not tell me to say this).
2 - Please have an overall budget for your wedding and an alloted amount for flowers. This will help us recommend styles and designs that will not leave you disappointed.
3 - Remember that the picture you brought to the florist is not the exact bouquet, centerpiece, boutonniere that you will see on your wedding day. Flowers are not widgets... the are one of a kind and cannot be duplicated.
4 - Relax and enjoy your planning and your wedding day! :-)

Thank you so much again Emily for taking the time to answer my questions. If you haven't found a florist yet, make sure Emily is on your list. Check Sisters' website HERE and find inspiration on their blog.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Wedding dress of the week: Stephanie Allin

2010-07-26T19:59:00.001-05:00

I had never heard of Stephanie Allin until I stumbled across one of her wedding dresses recently. Stephanie Allin is a UK award-winning bridal fashion designer. what I like the most about her designs is the details. I love her use of lace, and belts. Here’s a dress I find absolutely charming and oh-so-Paris!

I wish I lived in the 50's.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Friday tips: Your nails, and his too!

2010-07-23T07:29:00.002-05:00

Please remember to get your nails done the day before your wedding.
If you want/can, have your groom go with you and get a manicure. After all, his hands will also be photographed.

Also, did you know you could ask your nail technician to seal your polish with a UV top coat? If you are going somewhere tropical for your honeymoon immediately after the wedding, that should prevent your cute polish from going dull after sun exposure!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Todd Studios

2010-07-22T07:20:00.001-05:00

Today, let me introduce you to a peppy and upbeat talented photographer: Angela brewer, from Todd Studios.
I met Angie for the first time at a wonderful conference in Indianapolis earlier this year and we hit it off.
Have fun learning more about her:

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
Hello! I am Angela Brewer and I am the owner of Todd Studios Photography. Creative, hard working, sarcastic, outgoing all with a dash of Martha. Oh and loves cowboy boots.

Tell us about how you got started in photography?
Lets see…Photo 1 class in 10th grade was my first taste of "real" photography. Loved it and haven't stopped since!

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
Defining moment - My degree is actually in graphic design, after college I worked at an ad agency called Switch. Great company and even better people! While working at Switch I was getting into photography more and more. I started working as an assistant at a local studio and also booking sessions and weddings myself. It got to the point that I was working on my photography EVERY waking moment, at home and at work. So, even though I enjoyed where I was working I knew it wasn't my passion. An opportunity with Todd Studios came about to be the Studio Manager and I took the leap. Now a few years later I am the proud owner of a company that has been in St. Louis since 1920.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I have seriously wanted to be a National Geographic photographer since I can remember. Secretly still want to one day. Traveling to random corners of the world and capturing it with your camera…Amazing.

What photographers inspire you the most?
TRICK QUESTION! It changes every day - There are sooooo many talented people in our industry, it would be silly to only look up to one person. I have 100's of blogs in my Google reader that I follow (best part of my day sometimes - I know, nerd). I inspire to be the best ME that I can offer, but here are a few people/blogs that rock my world: Jessica Claire, Jasmine Star, Boutwell Studio, Poser:Image, Style me Pretty, Design Aglow...the list goes on and on.

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
My style- Lighting, timing is everything and sass. So here's how I see it-- I love love love what I do and I'm damn good at it…what makes me stand out is how I represent myself and my brand. There are zillions of photographers a bride could hire that will take just as great of photographs as I can- I pride myself on the experience I can give my client. 9 out of 10 brides and grooms are uncomfortable getting their photo taken - Give them an awesome experience, laugh, have fun, make them feel like a million bucks - mix that with knowing how to use my camera - we have a successful photo session with my style and their personality.

Describe a typical day.
Wake up, drag myself to the gym, get ready and be at the studio by 9. Then its a free for all after that - email, editing, blogging, album design, phone ringing, marketing, meetings, stationary design…holding my camera sadly only consumes 15-20 hours of my week.

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
The perfect place…like I mentioned I want to travel to random corners of the world - If i could take a bride and groom with me…watch out!
Inside the Roman Colosseum, Elephant safari ride in Bali or a cute little town on the upper east coast of Maine, a secluded pond with an old barn and a row boat, an empty warehouse or a simple corn field with a couch.

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
Hmmm I have a tattoo I got the day before high school graduation…sorry dad.

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
Seeing the different dynamics of relationships and then my favorite part of the day is when the bride and groom get 2 minutes alone right after they walk back down the aisle as husband and wife.

Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without.
I would like to say my 50mm 1.2 because its super awesome but I would be truly lost with out my 70-200mm.

Whats the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
That I not only use my eyes through the lens but I use my heart to get the best feeling and visual view of the moment. I know a little corny, but true.

Thank you Angela for sharing a little bit of you!
Check out Todd Studios' Website HERE.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Rules of Decor by "Moi" - Part 3

2010-07-21T12:50:00.001-05:00

If you have missed our previous "Rules of Decor" posts, please check back Rules 1 and 2, and now I leave you with the last installement to this mini-series.

Rule #3: Be original and re-purpose.

I personally love re-purposing things. I do it at home and it is so much fun using things in unexpected ways. It will take your guests by surprise.

Here are some examples:

Cake stand or cute centerpiece?

Credit: Real Simple

Mirror or unique guestbook?

Credit: Jesi Haack Weddings and Sarah K Chen via Wedding Chicks

Don't go with the flow and be different, use things that reflect who you are and what you like and I guarantee that your wedding will look like no other!

How are you doing things differently?

Wedding dress of the week, Vera Wang Encore

2010-07-19T11:35:00.001-05:00

I really like the dress I am about to share with you. I like it so much that if we were to renew our vows, I would like to wear it. It's simple elegant and unique.

Credit: Vera Wang

What do you think? Do you like it? Is there a dress you are drooling over that you would like to share?
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Friday tip: Plan on a getaway car

2010-07-16T07:35:00.001-05:00

Rent a car to take you home or to your hotel after your reception.
Couples that don't have a car service to drive them after their wedding often wish they did.

First of all, it is one less thing to worry about. You don't have to wait on cousin Vince or aunt Lilly to drop you off at your hotel.

It also gives you a set time to leave your reception instead of waiting around while the staff takes everything down. You can even plan for a special exit!

Several companies in the St Louis area offer packages that include a getaway car. Talk to your St. Louis wedding planner, he/she should be able to help you find a getaway car!

Have a happy weekend!

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: IE images

2010-07-15T07:23:00.001-05:00

Today, I am pleased to introduce to you, Becky, The owner of IE images. I have been lucky to cross paths with Beckie pretty often and her enthusiasm and energy are quite contagious. Hope you enjoy getting to know more about her:

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you:
Hi, I'm Beckie Guillot-Beinke, owner & photographer of ie Images. I've been in business since 99, concentrating on weddings & family portraiture since 03. Photography is the only career I've ever pursued & self-employment is the only way for me!

Tell us about how you got started in photography.
Met a boy in high school - he was into photography so that gave me an excuse to get a camera & take a class. Eventually I ditched the boy and kept the camera. And that really is the truth, however it's not a very serious answer, so.... I took my first class in high school, earned a photojournalism degree from Mizzou, went to work at newspapers throughout the midwest and finally started my company in 99. I remember when I was starting my company, I spoke with several (very) established magazine photographers and they all said "Well, no one goes out on their own until they've made a name for themselves. But small business ownership just seemed right for me. It's not glamorous, and frankly, neither am I.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
I don't know if I can put my finger on any one moment that confirmed my love for photography... but, I remember (in elementary school) being fascinated by the photographs in my textbooks. Instead of focusing on the subject, I would get lost in dreams about these kids who I knew *had to exist* because they were in actual photographs. I would wonder where they lived and how they came to be in my textbook. I don't know why, I was just drawn to the photos. They were so real. And I love that feeling I get when I see something so real recreated on film. And now, I get to do this for a living! It's thrilling really; truly a dream job. I often feel a sense of affirmation when I'm shooting and I know I've photographed a moment but I also get it when I review images with clients. To hear them remark about the images is not only satisfying but also affirming that I've done my job, I've served them well.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I've always enjoyed music as much as I love photography. In high school I thought I might work in radio (and I did work at KSHE just out of high school). Being a concert photographer would rock... but I'd miss the client interaction.

What photographers inspire you the most?
David Hume Kennerly (Pres. Ford's photographer, regular contributor to Newsweek), Dorothea Lange, Melissa Jill (wedding photographer in Arizona), Denis Reggie (wedding photographer, known for photographing JFK Jr.s wedding, and Danny Clinch (music photographer).

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
My style is definitely documentary but that's overused.... so I guess I'd say it's real, or true. At least that's my aim; to simply represent what I see.

Describe a typical day.
My day starts with kids, I have two (ages 5 & 3). Once I get them off to school / daycare, I work. I usually do meetings and errands in the AM, anything that requires me to be out of the office. I work through lunch then join the kids for nap time. Once I have them napping, I'm back to the office doing anything from paperwork to album production, or editing images. I'm in the office until they wake, then we have dinner when my husband comes home. Sometimes I have evening meetings, when I don't -- I either do a bit of production or hang out with my family.

This summer we're growing a vegetable garden so that's getting a lot of our attention these days. The kids love eating lettuce straight out of the garden. They won't eat it when I put it on their plates.

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
I really enjoy photographing anything anywhere, but in the interest of giving an actual answer.... anywhere older than America would be a treat, Italy or Scotland (love the accent) come to mind).

Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why?
I have a nice profile silhouette of my husband hold each of our children just after they were born... those are pretty special.

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
My brother (Andy) saved me from drowning when I was 8.

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
Witnessing two people starting a life together. For the rest of their lives I'll say to myself (when I think of or see them) "I remember when they were just getting started...." Seriously, as corny as that sounds, I'm not joking.

Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without.
Fresh batteries. Gear is electric these days and I'm a practical girl.

What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
Start to finish I average 14 interactions with each bridal couple. I don't think most people know what kind of endeavor they're embarking on when they hire a wedding photographer. If they realized how much time (on wedding day AS WELL AS before & after) they would spend with their photographer, I think people would hire less on price and more on connection and quality of work. And that would be a very good thing.

Thank you so much Beckie, and if you would like to get more familiar with Beckie's work, please check out her website and blog.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Happy Bastille day!

2010-07-14T07:46:00.003-05:00

Today is a National day in France. Let me share with you some facts on July 14th, directly from Wikipedia:

Bastille Day is the French national holiday which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale (National Celebration) and commonly le quatorze juillet (the fourteenth of July). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789; the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation, and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic, during the French Revolution. Festivities are held on the morning of 14 July, on the Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic.

Watching the parade is one of the things I miss the most since I moved to the US. It is a beautiful parade, If you travel to France and have a chance to watch it, I guarantee you will be impressed.

Vive La France! Off to make some crepes for breakfast!

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Rules of Decor by "Moi" - Part 2

2010-07-13T07:34:00.002-05:00

Rule # 2: You need patterns.
Trust me. You do.

Adding some sort of pattern in your decor will give it a lot of personality. Now I am not telling you to go crazy and have bold patterns everywhere. And when I say patterns, it also includes embroidery, damask, raised motif, stripes, and even stitched patterns.

It just adds a little Je-ne-sais-quoi.
Here's an illustration of my point:

Photo credit: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Photo Credit: Wedding Obsession

What kind of linens are you using for your tables?

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Wedding dress of the week: Vera Wang

2010-07-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

Today, I am sharing with you one of my favorite Vera Wang dresses.

I really like the skirt and the sleeves on this dress.
What do you think? Yay or Nay? Do you like her designs?

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Tip of the day: Be nice!

2010-07-09T10:11:00.003-05:00

For today's tip, I am going to send you to Sasha Souza's blogpost.
Sasha is an amazing designer and she is wonderful to be around.
This post is very smart and I hope you will enjoy it:

What do you think?

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: The Special Events florist

2010-07-08T13:17:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to share with you Tina's interview. She is a talented floral artist and she has the funniest sense of humor ever.
I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I did.

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you:
I am Tina Barrera of the special event florist. I specialize in flowers for weddings and corporate events. I have been in business for over 12 years and have done over 1000 weddings. I’m tired just thinking about it ;)

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you “grew up"?
An interior designer. Some day I’d like to go revisit that possibility.

Tell me about when and how the business started.
I worked for my inlaws event rental and production company and was out at a job set at the art museum. I was introduced to Mr. Dale Rohman, my floral mentor, and absolutely fell in love with all things flower. I worked with him on weddings and event design for 2 years and ventured out on my own.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
Hmm, after doing a few weddings and seeing the excitement on my brides faces. I look forward to it every weekend.

What inspires you?
Anything. It can be a color sample to a gorgeous fabric. This is a fabulous creative outlet for me.

What is your favorite part about your job?
That every weekend is completely different with new designs, new clients and never the same thing twice.

Describe a typical day.
I’ll describe days.. I process flowers on Wednesdays. Start designing bouquets on Thursdays. Fridays my crew comes over and we do centerpieces, finish up personal flowers and church décor. Saturday is a day of delivering, decorating set-up and clean up. I usually put in 12 hr days Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. It is not as glamourous as it looks.

What’s the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
It’s very hard work. Product does come in the wrong color, looks bad or sometimes we just can’t get what we expect. It’s frustrating at times but you just have to be creative enough to substitute at the last minute and still execute a wonderful design.

What are some things brides should look for when looking for a florist? This is huge. Make sure your design styles match. If you are ultra contemporary and the florist is more traditional, you may want to move on. Make sure you look at pictures of work that was actually done by that florist. Also please listen to what the designers have to say about certain flowers. Unfortunetely, good old martha likes to put out pictures of bouquets with flowers that are just not readily available or do not withstand heat, cold, or excessive handling. A good florist can steer you in the right direction of your ultimate design.

What are some arrangements that you don’t get requested often but you think look great for a wedding?
Honestly, I have such a great clientele that they are usually open for what I have to suggest.

Thank you again Tina, for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions.

Do you have any last thoughts or comments, or something else you would like to share with us?
Enjoy your day. Understand that sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned but don’t let that ruin your day. I really hate when I see an upset bride or m.o.b whose day is ruined because something didn’t go exactly as planned. Remember what it’s all about in the end. A day of being loved by all your family and friends..and yes it does go by too fast. Happy planning!

If you are looking for a florist, you can contact Tina Barrera through her Facebook page and she will get back to you promptly.

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Rules of Decor by "Moi" - Part 1

2010-07-06T10:56:00.001-05:00

We are putting the final touches on a design for one of our California brides as she is getting reading to fly in for some fine-tuning and I just wanted to share with you what I told her about design.

I will break up this post in three different parts, so stay tuned and come back the next tuesdays for more design rules.

Rule # 1: Height and layers are crucial.
These are the two things you should keep in mind because they are key elements to adding a touch of drama to your reception. It really is as simple as adding an overlay on your tables, having centerpieces of different heights, having plates of different colors, or even diferent patterns. What we are aiming at here is a variety of visuals that will appeal to the eye.

Here is a slight example to prove my point. Let's start with a simple white setting.

Credit: Michelle Williams/Birmingham News via al.com

And here are some different place settings:

Credit: all three above are courtsey of Wish Special Events

Credit: The Knot

The layers really add something, don't you think?
How are you adding drama to your reception?

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Dress of the week: Bridesmaids Edition

2010-07-05T07:25:00.005-05:00

If you are still in the market for bridesmaids dresses, check out 57 Grand.
I really like their dress selection. Their dresses are modern and fun but yet still timeless.

What I also like about their dresses is that they show you how your bridesmaids can re-wear them again and show you what accessories options they have.

And the cherry on top of the sundae is that they have a genius ordering process. Mind you, you can long in your account and chat with your girls on your own personal discussion board. How smart is that?

I will leave you with a few of my favorite dresses:

Do you have your bridesmaids dresses yet? Which ones did you choose?

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-02T17:38:00.001-05:00

There will be no Tips for today, just a little inspiration board from Wedding Aces that is perfectly fitting:

Happy 4th of July. Hope you enjoy your time with friends and family. Be safe as well!

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: RW Designs

2010-07-01T13:16:00.005-05:00

This week I hope you will enjoy getting to know Rich West from RW Designs. Rich is a very talented designer, but don't take my word for it, visit his website and look at his creations.

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
I have over 25 years experience being a florist in the St. Louis area, with the past 8 years of having RW Designs. Award winning designer for both personal and business.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Actually, I wanted to be a artist of some kind, I was always a very creative person, excelled in various types of art courses in high school. My passion for flowers came from my grandmother, who had a beautiful garden of flowers and to this day I say it was my grandmother who gave me the inspiration and passion for what I do today!

Tell me about when and how the business started.
I started RW Designs 8 years ago, I started my business after working many years in a traditional retail flower shop and saw how hard it was to keep up with the everyday daily business and plus the needs of clients for there upcoming weddings or events. So, in order to focus more attention to brides and clients for there weddings/events, I decided, that would be my only focus for my business, specializing in just weddings/events.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
The very first day that I worked in a retail flower shop.

What inspires you?
The beauty of flowers and the art of my visions.

What is your favorite part about your job?
See brides very excited and happy with there flowers on there wedding day.

Describe a typical day.
It really depends on the day and how many events we have for the week, Tuesday-Thursday we are working on the weddings and events for that week, leaving Friday free to work on any last minute detailed work. And also answering numerous emails, usually first thing and then later in the afternoon, consultation appointments, etc...

What are some things brides should look for when looking for a florist?
A florist that relates to them and there vision, we are here to carry out the creative part of your wedding, so make sure you feel you have a connection with your florist. And don't always let the budget be the deciding point on your florist, most of us can make adjustments to fit your budget and make suggestion to carry off your visions and inspirations for your wedding.

Do you have any last thoughts or comments, or something else you would like to share with us?
I do truly enjoy what I do, it does make me feel so very good to see the joy I bring to people with the art I have with flowers.

Voila! If you have any questions or would like to talk more to Rich, please visit his website!

Have you picked your florist yet?

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Urban Legends - Brides in Diapers

2010-06-30T12:41:00.001-05:00

Diapers? Seriously?

This story has been circulating in the blogosphere. The original post that I believe started it all is on Marie-Claire.

Now I HAVE to give you my opinion. For the love of God, please, I beg you, remove your dress and pee like everyone does. Do not use a diaper.

Here are some tips if you are worried about toilet use while wearing an intricate dress:

- Think about it before you purchase the dress. Do you love this dress enough, is it comfortable enough to see past the bathroom issue?
- If your are dead set on said dress and if it is really complicated to remove it, make sure that someone of your bridesmaids go to the fittings with you to learn how to help you in and out of it.
- Have said bridesmaids help you in and out of the dress every time you need to go to the bathroom.
- Make sure you use the bathroom before you get in the dress to limit the chances of having to go again
- Limit your liquid intake
- Have fun!

Are there other things out there that you have heard and made you go: Seriously?
Please share!

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Wedding Dress of the week: Monique Lhuillier, round 2

2010-06-28T07:46:00.003-05:00

There is a litlle je-ne-sais--quoi about Monique's dresses that just appeal to me. I love the simplicity and elegance.

Enjoy this little number:

I love the sash and the long sleeved bolero. Perfect wedding dress for the winter time.

How do you feel about long sleeves?

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Burns Photography

2010-06-24T13:08:00.004-05:00

Today, I would love to share with you the interview of a The Burns Photography husband and wife team.

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
My name is Elisabet Burns, Eli for short. but to help with the pronunciation and avoid confusion, we just spell it Ellie :-) I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain. I moved to the US after Tim and I got married - 18 years ago. I am passionate about the Mediterranean, people, poetry, music, cooking. and my husband!

Tell us about how you got started in photography?
I always loved photographing our family vacations and the little towns by the Mediterranean, but the real passion started when I married Tim. He already was a professional photographer for several years before that. He is the mind behind Burns Photography.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
The first time I assisted Tim in a wedding I fell in love with the intimacy and emotion of the Father-Daughter dance. I missed my father. I wanted to capture feelings for people to treasure these kinds of moments for years to come. And I still think of dad at every wedding.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Let's see. a musician, a writer, a missionary.

What photographers inspire you the most?
The ones that are great at what they do, generous with what they know and still humble, they probably don't even know I am talking about them. One of them is our dear friend and mentor Mark Romine.

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
Our motto is "Passion for life". We want to capture the couple's personality and their natural expressions. But, besides the images, the personal interaction with Burns Photography throughout their special day has to
remain in their minds as a great customer service experience. That is our goal.

Describe a typical day.
Get up and walk Sucre (our puggle!). At least that's the morning exercise goal!
There is always something to read and study, work, meeting with clients. Always a home cooked meal and, at least twice a week, we engage in voluntary work in the Spanish community.

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
A little town in Catalonia called Pals. stone homes and narrow streets. You have to park your car outside of town since the streets are so narrow. Pine tree aroma fills the air - you can taste the Mediterranean and see it in the distance. When are we going?

Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why?
A picture of my 86 year old grandmother with my mom when she was in her 20's, my mom was 2 years old, beautiful! . Grandma has always lived with us at home, we shared a bedroom until I moved out, and well we have shared everything. I call her iaia.

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
I am a piano teacher. (I don't think anybody in the U.S. knows)

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
Being a part of a very happy day in people's life and help perpetuate the memory.

Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without. (Besides the camera body!)
Canon 50mm f1.4 lens

What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
That we are real, simple, uncomplicated people. We give our best, we constantly learn and work at our skill. And we love what we do.

I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did. Ellie and I share a passion for the Mediterranean, and we get to chat in French, so trust me when I say she is a pleasure to be around!

If you would like to learn more about Burns Photography, please visit their website and blog.

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Modern Weddings and Wedding Styles

2010-06-23T11:20:00.001-05:00

You might have noticed that I did not blog yesterday. I initially intended a post to showcase a breathtaking tablescape, and then it took a whole new dimension.

So I am consolidatting yesterday and today in one nice post.

I love modern designs. I can't help it. I am not a traditional person at all. Give me some zebra prints, give me some ghost chairs or Eams chair and I am happy as can be, so when I came across this tablescapes, my heart skipped a beat, or two:

Now, how amazing is that tablescape by Design 2 Decor?

I clearly know what style I like. But do you like it? Is it your style?
Do you know what your style is? What do you like? What do you want?

If I am your wedding planner, and I am looking for a vendor for you, I need to know about your style. What you communicate to me is all I have to base my decisions on.

So here's my statement for the day. Before jumping into wedding design, sit down and take a moment to think. Think about what you like and what style you want. Go online, look at a lot of different blogs, and pictures and bookmark what you like.
Then communicate that style. To everyone. Your vendors are your teamates. If you don't tell them what you like and want, they won't know what to work with. They can't read your mind.

A great design is hugely based on communication.

Do you agree? Have you thought about your wedding style before?

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Wedding Dress of the week: Monique Lhuillier

2010-06-21T10:24:00.001-05:00

I really am partial to Monique Lhuillier's dresses. They are fabulous, and very flattering. I am attracted to this one because of the neckline. You don't see that neckline very often. And believe it or not, it's priced under $400. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: marieclaire.com

All monique Lhuillier dresses can be found HERE

Friday tips: Get a room!

2010-06-18T11:56:00.001-05:00

I highly recommend that you get a room for the night preceding your wedding day.

Use this room as your headquarters. Try and stay in the vicinity of your wedding venue(s). On your wedding day, have your wedding party come to the room and get ready with you and take pictures before the day starts. You need a space to yourself to relax and enjoy before all the festivities.

These are my Planner's orders!
Have a great weekend!

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Firefly Images

2010-06-17T12:19:00.003-05:00

In this week's edition of our St Louis Vendor Spotlight, I am pleased to share with you the interview I had with Karen Hendrix, The owner of Fireply Images. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I did.

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.

My name is Karen Hendrix and I am the owner/lead photographer for Firefly Images.

Tell us about how you got started in photography?

In 2005, I took a break from my structural engineering career to spend more time with my young children (who were just 1 and 2 at the time). I used that time to pursue photography, which is something I never would have dreamed of doing before staying at home with my kids. What was meant to be a part-time hobby quickly turned into a full-fledge business comprised of weddings and lifestyle portraiture.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
I recently had a portrait client lose a long battle with a terrible disease. Unfortunately, they lost both of their children to this disease just a few months apart. It reminded me why I do what I do. The photos I took of them were the only professional family photos they ever had with both their children. Taking a photograph (professional or not) is a way to say "I honor this moment" - whether that's a grand moment when you walk down the aisle or a simple moment of cuddling with your newborn baby. And through the passing of time and/or the loss of loved ones, photographs are really all we have left after that moment has passed.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician who specialized in kids who had cancer. I wanted to help people and I loved children. That dream quickly disintegrated when I took my first (and only) biology class in college. But it did lead me onto other paths in life that were both unexpected and life-changing.

What photographers inspire you the most?

My mother actually inspired me as a photographer the most. She was never a professional, but she took a LOT of photos of me and my brother and sister when we were kids. When I started this business, she said to remember to photograph those things that seem insignificant - a bride clasping her bracelet or a child's sticky face after they eat a pb&j sandwich. She said that the big things are easy to remember, but the little things slip from our memory. It's the little details and moments where our emotion finds a place to live.

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
My photography is real, classic, organic, simple and elegant. Nothing too contrived or unnatural. To stand the test of time, wedding photos need to be true to the moment. Like a good story, wedding images need to consist of all those details and emotions and personality that makes each event so unique. I think a lot of people are surprised by how understated I am at a wedding. My goal is to be the author, not part of the story.

Describe a typical day.
My typical day.....hmmmm, I don't think I have a typical day and that's one of the things I love about my job. My day always starts with coffee (yuuummm), followed by some cuddling with my kids while we watch cartoons. Once they are at school/daycare, I answer any client emails and phone calls. From there, it could diverge to editing, album design, session prep, order fulfillment, bookkeeping, marketing, or any of the other hundred hats self-employed persons need to wear. I try to fit in a run at some point to keep my sanity:) And it usually ends with red wine and dark chocolate.

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?

I would love to shoot at an old castle in Europe, probably Ireland. All of the different textures and architecture would be amazing to incorporate into a session with a bride & groom.

Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why?

It's hard to choose a photo that I treasure the most. But the three that stick out the most are
1) a certain picture of my mother holding me as a baby - she was holding me up in the air and I can see how happy both of us were,
2) a picture of me, my brother, and my sister when we were little - we were all in our pajamas and eating popcorn and we actually look kind of irritated with each other, but it was such a reminder of the little things we used to do together, and
3) the first portrait I got of my three kids together (they were 3 years, 2 years and 9 months old) - Nolan was screaming his head off, Clyde was scared of the "monsters" underneath the steps and Emma was looking at her brothers like they were crazy people - which pretty much sums up my three kids:)

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?

I get really nervous before each and every wedding/shoot. I always appear very calm and confident, but inside I am super nervous. Once I start shooting, the nervousness goes away.

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?

My favorite part of being a wedding photographer is the opportunity to be a witness to so many life-changing moments. Everytime a bride's mom starts crying, I think of my own mother on my wedding day. Everytime a bride peaks through the windows at the pews filled with guests, I remember that feeling of anticipation. And the moment of pure joy when a couple kisses and walks back down the aisle with the "Holy-Moly-I-Just-Got-Married!!!" look is a moment they has few comparisons.

Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without. (Besides the camera body!)
My 24-70 lens comes with me everywhere! But I would have to say that light is my favorite thing to play with. Light (natural or "Karen-made") has the ability to transform a seemingly mundane moment into something great. Playing with light totally changes the feeling of the image.

What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
I wish all my clients knew how invested I was in their images. Although I only get to see my clients maybe 10-12 hours in person, I spend so much time thinking about their wedding, getting to know them and their personalities, pouring over the images afterwards, designing their album, and delivering their products that I feel a greater connection with them than they might think. Each client probably ends up with 40-60 hours of my time, work, and thoughts. By the end of each wedding, it's sad to see my formal relationship with them end - so I highly encourage them to have babies soon after they get married so I can see them again:) If that can't happen, then I love keeping up with them via email, facebook and the occasional cup of coffee. Many of my clients have become friends over the years, which I love.

Thank you so much Karen, for sharing with us. If you would like to get more familiar with Karen;s work, visit her website and her blog!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Let's talk about emergency kits

2010-06-16T16:50:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to touch the subject of emergency kit.

At every wedding, we bring with us a suitcase full of items that you might need. It goes from mints, sewing kits, to replacement wedding rings, just in case. The reality is that you never know what to expect on a wedding day, not even when you are an experienced planner, so if you can have some items handy, maybe you can avoide some disasters.

Most items in my emergency kit were purchased from regular stores, but I also carry around some items in my everyday purse. Now, don't think I drag a suitcase around with me everywhere I go. I do not purchase full size items to go in my purse. I usually go to the travel section and get miniature size products. I love to have my favorite items in a convenience size. I also have a favorite website I go to if I cannot find a certain item in a smaller size. This site is Minimus.

Minimus is great for purchasing items for your purse, or even to put in your guest's hospitality bags and or in your bathroom baskets.

On top of personal care items, Minimus has food, beverages, and kits in a convenient size. I just find this site very handy.

Do you carry any miniature items in your purse? Which ones?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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The case for hanging votives

2010-06-15T12:38:00.001-05:00

Today is a perfect day to talk about décor. We are working on putting the final touches on a design for one of our fall couples and I felt like sharing with you.

This lovely couple had one request: they wanted candles everywhere! They wanted a soft and romantic light.
We came up with several concepts and the couple was ecstatic. During my research, I came across a lot of beautiful ways to use candles. One of them was glass hanging votives. There is a little "Je-ne-sais-quoi" about hanging votives that just screams "Romance" to me. They make a stylish wedding decoration for both indoors or outdoors.

I thought you would appreciate it so I am going to share my favorites with you.

Credit: Project Wedding via Style Me pretty

Photo Credit: Daniela Picoral via Ruffled

My favorite kind of hanging votives is the ones by CB2 that you can find here.
We hung some over a candy bar on a wedding last year and it just makes a huge impact.

Here are some photos of a similar concept:

Photo credits: http://www.brides.com/

Are you incorporating candles in your wedding?

Wedding dress of the week: Modern Trousseau

2010-06-14T10:34:00.001-05:00

I am a wedding planner. I love wedding dresses. I do not love them all though. I tend to be more attracted to classic lines with a dash of fun and the dress I am about to share with you fits all my criteria.

Meet Carla, by Modern Trousseau:

Carla is part of the 2010 Collection and if you want to see more amazing dresses, pay a visit to Modern Trousseau and check out their 2011 colection and meet Martine and Matilda!

Martine

Matilda

All Photo Credits: Modern Trousseau

What wedding dress style are you attracted to?

Wedding Dress of the Week: Aria 121 FB

2010-06-07T13:03:00.003-05:00

I am a huge fan of the 50’s-era. When I came across this gown from Aria, I was so excited. If I were to be married now, this would be the dress I would want to wear.

It is so classy and romantic. What do you think?

Photo credit/Designer: Aria ; Style: 121FB

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Our new blog schedule

2010-06-05T16:56:00.004-05:00

Dear Readers, I'm trying to establish a new schedule for the blog. From now own our program will be:

Monday will become dedicated to dresses. Wedding gowns or bridesmaids dresses.
Tuesday will be dedicated to decor/design.
Wednesday will be a day where I post about random subjects!
Last week we did a "get to know the St Louis vendors" series and we will continue this sort of posts on Thursdays. It will be our "Vendor Spotlight" day. It will feature a St Louis Vendor or a website that we think is useful.
Fridays will remain "Tip-Day".
And I might be posting random things on the weekends as well.

How do you like the new program?
I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis vendor Spotlight: Lisa Hessel Photography

2010-06-04T12:50:00.001-05:00

Today, I have the great pleasure to introduce you to a very talented St Louis photographer, Lisa Hessel. Lisa answered our little interview and I am sure you will enjoy her answers!

Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
I'm Lisa Hessel, and I feel like i'm living my dream right now :). I am married to my soulmate and we have a little boy that makes our hearts run over. AND I get to be a part of love stories and preserve the details through photography.

Tell us about how you got started in photography?
I went to school to get my degree in English because I always know I loved telling stories and wanted to be a writer. When I got out of college, my first job was writing for a Public Relations office, but my press releases
and feature articles really lacked creativity. I felt like I was missing my calling and my heart just didn't feel alive. And then I picked up a camera :). I started taking photos for the press releases and articles that I was
writing, and I soon found that I could tell a story much better through an image than with a pen and paper, and thus began my love affair with photography. I tried my hand at photographing so many different things....
people, scenery, nature, sport, concerts... but the thing that made me feel most alive was when I was able to capture the way a bride and a groom exchanged looks with one another. And after almost six years of shooting, it still makes my heart flutter every time:).

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a writer because I love the art of storytelling. No one in my family is very artistic, so I assumed that I naturally lacked any artistic ability. When I picked up a camera, though, I realized that I couldn't be defined by limitations that I put on myself. That was so freeing to me and helped me start dreaming again.

What photographers inspire you the most?
The photographers that inspire me most are groundbreaking professionals who are on the cutting edge of fashion and, in turn, shape the photography industry as a whole. I love looking at ads in fashion magazines and dreaming up ways I can implement similar concepts into my imagery. And of course, I always love a good Anne Lebowitz photo essay in Vogue. Jeremy Cowart is also an amazing source of inspiration, not only because of his brilliant talent, but because of the way he consistently uses photography to give back to the community.

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
The thing that makes me stand out as a photographer is, well, ME. We all take photos with similar cameras and similar lenses, but the thing that differentiates WHAT we photograph is the way that we as individuals see the world. I'm a realist at heart with a penchant for the romantic, which really influences the way I photograph an event or session. I also love believe that little details tell a big story, which is why I can't seem to
stop photographing lovely bits and pieces all around me. I place a high value on meeting my clients in person before booking me because it's really important to me that we get to know each other what we're all about before we decide to photograph the most important day of your life.

Describe a typical day.
I'm not sure any day for me is typical :). I'm constantly rolling with whatever is thrown my way, which is one of the great perks of my job! But let's say it's a Tuesday... here's what I would be doing:
5:15am - begrudgingly wake up to run
8am - showered, breakfasted, coffeed, and seated behind my desk answering emails
10am - editing while listening to the previous week's Biggest Loser episode play in the background (I love that show it helps me not continuously eat during the day).
noon - quick lunch
12:30 - edit, blog, answer additional emails
5pm - family time
7:30 - Kaden goes to bed
8 pm - converse with the greatest guy on the planet.
midnight - watch HGTV until I drift off to sleep.

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
Italy. Anywhere in Italy. It just has to be Italy. And if I wasn't clear enough, I want to photograph a wedding in Italy.

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
I had a dream last night that I was a guest star on GLEE and my solo was pretty awesome. They wanted me to come back for a second episode. And then I woke and realized it was all a dream and I still sound like a sea otter when I sing.

Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without. (Besides the camera body!)
My 50mm f1.2. This lens is absolutely beautiful and I shoot with it about 80% of the time. It makes skin tones so fantastically creamy and fades the background beautifully when it's used wide open.

What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
Photography is more than just a job to me. I know it sounds cliche, but I really do love what I do. If I had all the riches in the world, I'd still be shooting weddings. Maybe not quite as many, but I'd definitely still be
shooting. And I'd for sure be shooting in Italy :).

To check out Lisa's work, please go to her website and blog.
Thank you so much Lisa for taking part in this! I enjoyed reading your answers and I hope you did too.

Have a great weekend everyone!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis vendor Spotlight: Fenwick Photography

2010-06-03T12:12:00.002-05:00

I am very excited to share with you Kate Fenwick's interview today. Kate is a former Bridal Horizons' bride. We were honored to be part of her special day a couple months ago. She so just happens to be a talented photographer.

Enjoy!

Q: Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you.
A: My name is Kate Fenwick Dorsey, owner and photographer at Fenwick Photography. I like/love (in no particular order) photography, my husband, home improvement projects, my dogs, cooking, movies, traveling, reading, graphic design, horseback riding and painting. I live in Fenton and work during the week in St. Charles at my day job as a graphic designer. I was just married in March, so I feel especially sensitive to the average bride's situation! :)

Q: Tell us about how you got started in photography?
A: Photojournalism was a component of my major in college (Visual Communications at the University of South Carolina) and I worked at several studios while I was taking classes. I also completed an internship with the South Carolina DNR at SC Wildlife Magazine, learning the ropes in nature photography. When my friends started getting married, a couple of them needed affordable photography so they asked me to do it. After one or two weddings I had produced maybe 20 OK images, but more importantly I had realized that I was *obsessed * with the idea of becoming a real wedding photographer. I advertised myself and showed up to my first client meeting with a pile of photographs printed on a home printer, mostly of birds and flowers and landscapes. The couple *actually* hired me, and Fenwick Photography grew from there :)

Q: What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
A: This was my very first wedding, which I shot for free, for a dear friend from college. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and my equipment stunk. The bride's father had passed away very recently, so she was still grieving and missing him especially on her wedding day. At some point while she was getting ready, she grabbed me and we snuck out to her car and started driving. She wouldn't talk about where we were going, but we ended up at the graveyard where her father had been so recently buried that there wasn't even a headstone yet. She was kneeling at the spot where she knew he was buried in her curlers and "Bride!" sweatshirt and I just hung back and took picture after picture. I know that these were the pictures that she
would have had with him on her wedding day had he actually been there, and I remember thinking "I am so unbelievably privileged to be capturing this moment."

Q: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Horse trainer (this would still be an awesome option, haha), architect, National Geographic photographer.

Q: What photographers inspire you the most?
A: When I look at these photographer's blogs, I think "If my work isn't this good, I'm not There Yet": Jasmine Star, Jessica Claire, Hoffer Photography, Jose Villa...pretty much the standard round up!

Q: How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
A: I feel like my style is evolving every time I go out to shoot, but if I had to choose three words they would be: candid, modern, emotional. I like to throw in a splash of traditional too!

Q: Describe a typical day.
A: Weekday: Get up. Feed the dogs. Dose off in the shower. Drive to day job and work til lunch. Edit pictures during lunch. Work until 4:30 and possibly meet a client after work. Go home, play with dogs, get in my pjs and edit pictures while I watch TV. Sometimes the location and times change it up, but the "edit pictures" portion of my day usually stays pretty constant :)

Q: Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
A: Nessabar, Bulgaria. Weird enough for you? I visited there in college and it was BEAUTIFUL.

Q: Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why?

I know this isn't wedding photography by any means, but this is the first picture I was ever proud of enough to show other people. Making your living in photography requires a LOT of humility. It's easy to slip into thinking that your photographs are just a "product" and to forget that every time you meet a new bride or show off a finished product, you are displaying your * art*. It's nerve wracking! At the end of the day, you also have to be proud of your product if you're going to make it. If you can be proud of the pictures you've taken, then chances are your client will love them too.

Q: Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
A: Two things: One: In highschool (YES. HIGHSCHOOL) I got stuck climbing a tree and the fire department had to come get me down. True story...I wrote me college entrance essays about it.
Two: I can play the nose flute. Google it.

Q: What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
A: My favorite part of any day is capturing the details. Not just the rings, flowers and place cards either. The stuff no one sees. Being the last person to see the bride before she walks down the aisle, capturing a secret touch or kiss between a new bride and groom. It is a huge honor to be a fly on the wall for this day in people's lives. Not many people get to be there to see everything.

Q: Which one item of equipment can you not shoot without. (Besides the camera body!)
A: Probably my flash diffuser (love that thing!) and my favorite lenses.

Q: What's the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
A: I thought a lot about my slogan: "capturing love". At the end of the day, that's what I want your photographs to convey. The love that you felt on your wedding day, or when your babies are born or when you're graduating from highschool. Even the love I'm feeling when I'm doing this job. That's really all it's about.

I hope you all enjoyed learning more about Kate. Check out her work HERE.

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Dickey Design

2010-06-02T12:57:00.002-05:00

Below is my interview with Ame, she is an incredible designer and has the funniest sense of humor. I hope you enjoy reading this interview as much as I did

Q:Identify yourself and give us a little general information about you:
A: I am Ame Dickey, owner of Dickey Design. I am 32 years old, and married to a nifty guy who puts up with the crazy. I have been in graphics for nearly 16 years and wanted to expand beyond my advertising background into something girly and fun.

Q: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up??
A: Independently wealthy. But since that failed to happen, I decided to go to school for graphics. It was a much better idea in my head.

Q: Tell me about when and how the business started.
A: I started Dickey Design about 6 years ago, after a few friends of mine asked me to design their wedding invites. They were very happy with the finished product and soon after I was getting calls and emails from their friends and family members. Eventually it just grew into a business.

Q: What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
A: Some days I am still awaiting that moment. Others, like when my work was published in St. Louis Bride Magazine in an article about a new venue opening up, were what made me think "OK this is something I need to keep going with"

Q: What inspires you?
A: Everything. I LOVE cool packaging, and I find tons of ideas for wedding related things in everyday items. I check out blogs that are wedding and non-wedding related, as well as design blogs that are related to the field. It's so easy to get an idea based on someone else's concept and take it in the total opposite direction that they did and have it feel fresh and beautiful.

Q: Tell me about the connection you make with your clients.
A: I would say that a very large majority of my past clients are friends of mine, whether they were when we started this process or not. Most of the people who contact me for a consultation are people who have seen what I have done either on my site or for someone they know, and not all of them end up being local. I just finished a really pretty suite for a beautiful girl in San Francisco area. She contacted me after seeing a few samples of mine online, and we clicked almost instantly. I really like that the couples I work with will tell me like it is, and that they trust my opinion on their ideas. It's rare that I am left to do my own concepting, many of them come to me knowing what they want and wanting to find a way to make it work for a wedding, for their wedding. There are quite a few brides I have worked with that I still speak to very regularly.

Q: Is your company your full time job?
A: Unfortunately, no. I hope some day it will be.

Q: Describe a typical day.
A: After I leave my regular full time job, I am usually heading to either a printer or a paper supplier or to an art supply or scrapbooking store. I just wander around aimlessly to see what's out there. I often also go to a
bookstore and look through wedding magazines and planning books just to get a feel for what's becoming popular for themes and colors. Brides are becoming a lot less traditional than ever before. After I leave those places, I head home to make dinner and work on current orders, or if I have none pending at the moment, Ill watch one of the million tivo'd episodes of My Fair Wedding or Platinum Weddings.

Q: What is the one thing that you wish everyone knew about what you do in your business?
A: That anything is possible. Just because you cannot afford a big elaborate invite doesn't mean you need to settle for one out of a stock book or something plain and black and white. Custom isn't always really expensive, in fact it can be less expensive than a cookie-cutter stock invitation. It gives you flexibility to work with your budget and your theme and not buy things you don't really need just because the company doesn't price it the way you need it. Why waste money and paper on what you don't need?

Q: Is there any piece of advice that you can provide to couples who are considering working with you as opposed to going with a design out of a box, or ordering out of a catalog?
A: Unless the catalog is truly what you want and gives you exactly what you need, it rarely meets anyone's needs the way a full custom order would. Custom is rarely much more than standard stock invitations, and I can work around budgets very well. I don't sacrifice quality papers and quality workmanship just because your budget doesn't allow for an elaborate suite. I am quick, efficient, and above all, I am extremely communicative. I don't believe that any business owner should allow more than 24 hours without a response or communication. There needs to be constant update as far as the progress of an order. I also try to well exceed a deadline. There's no reason not to.

Q: Thank you so much again for taking the time to answer my questions. Do you have any last thoughts or comments, or something else you would like to share with us?
A:Compare what you want and need with what your vendor is offering and do not be afraid to ask for a customized approach. Why pay for what you don't need or want!

You can check some of Ame's work on her website.
Thoughts? Comments?

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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St Louis Vendor Spotlight: Wild Irish Rose Photography

2010-06-01T11:23:00.003-05:00

Today, for the Vendor Spotlight feature, I decided to try something a bit different.

I have contacted a couple very talented St Louis vendors and asked them a couple of questions to get to know them and share that with our readers.

What could be more fun than getting to know our local talented wedding vendors?

Below is the first interview, with a dear friend of mine and talented photographer, Brigid Robeen. Brigid is the owner of Wild Irish Rose photography.

Hear what her answers are to the questions I asked here, and leave a comment to let me know what you think about the idea!

Enjoy!

Tell us about how you got started in photography?
I had a Canon SLR camera in my hands since I was 17 years old.
Photography was always an interest of mine but it didn’t turn into a passion until I was in my early 20’s. I started getting into cityscapes and what really drew me into it was the abstract of it all. I loved creating an image of something that someone passed every single day and capturing it in a way that they have never seen. I still get a thrill out of that to this day. I don’t think that ever gets old.

What was the defining moment(s) where you knew this was what you were meant to do?
I would say the defining moment for me came just this past year. I was learning a lot from other photographers on how to perfect my trade, not only in a technical aspect but also in an artistic way as well. When a photographer that I admire and look up to stepped back and said “Wow, you have come a long way in such a short time” I knew I had finally captured and molded my photography into something that was so me that I could move it all to the next level. That is when I knew that not only this was what I was meant to do but it was the moment that I proved to myself that I could do it.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you “grew up?”
Oh this one is so easy but yet so complex because it changed so much throughout the years. To keep the answer short I have wanted to be the following: astronaut, fighter pilot, killer whale trainer, veterinarian,
professional barrel racer and a professional surfer. I still have dreams of other things that I would love to try out and do as well. I am still not “grown up”…I haven’t found the fun in that.

What photographers inspire you the most?
Oh there are so many because of different reasons. To name off a couple wedding photographers it would have to be the ever talented Heather Cole and Jessica Claire. They just have a style about them and Heather just has a natural ease and goofiness that just wants to make you laugh. I have yet to meet Jessica but I can say that Heather not only inspires me with photography but also on a personal level as well.

How would you define your style of photography and what makes you stand out as a photographer?
This one is tricky because I hate to label anything, especially myself. I like to think that I can bring a bride or client a timeless photograph with a bit of my own flair and funk thrown into it as well. I don’t want to create an image where one can look back on it and say oh that was so 2010. I thrive on creating images where it isn’t the people that are captured but the emotions. As to the second part of the question I truly think my angles and not being afraid to try something new makes me stand out as well as the use of textures and color in my work as well. Again, this is all my humble opinion. I would love to hear from others what they
think!

Describe a typical day.
There is no typical day…one of the reasons I love this. My day can range from getting images edited, photographing an 8 hour wedding, letting my body recover from photographing an 8 hour wedding from the day before, working with vendors to create a special package, answering emails and phone calls from clients to answering a questionnaire about my typical day. What I do love about my typical day though is that I am enjoying every minute of it working at normally my own pace. That is the only constant.

Describe your dream location to do a photo shoot?
I have a few. Let’s start with one that I will be able to complete in 2010. Mexico. I adore Mexico, the beaches, the Caribbean Sea, the people, the flair. Mexico is beautiful and to photograph a couple committing to one another in that setting is paradise to me. The next would be Banff, Canada in the winter. It is just something about a winter wedding that is just so elegant to me and Banff , Canada is the perfect setting for it. The last, but certainly not least, is Venice, Italy. To me Venice oozes romance and I love getting caught up in all of everything that is Italy.

Can you share your most treasured photograph with us and tell us why?
Wow, what a personal moment I am about to share. It is a photograph of my father and I. He was a Shriner’s clown and he is in all of his makeup and attire and I was about 7 and he has me in his arm and he is laughing at me and I am laughing at him and our eyes are fixed on one another and the photograph is just pure joy and love. This photograph is dear to my heart because my father was very sick most of my life, from the age of around 8 on and this is one special moment that was captured when he wasn’t sick and we were just a father and daughter enjoying our bond.

Can you tell us something about you that nobody knows?
I am afraid, deathly afraid, of aliens. I kid you not. Think green UFO Area 51 aliens. I am not sure why, but they creep me out something fierce. I use to think it was because I could be afraid of the unknown, but as I have gotten older I thrive on the unknown. So if I ever see an alien or UFO…that’s it I am a goner.

What's your favorite part about being a wedding photographer?
This one is easy. I get to be invited into such an amazing day to share and witness a beautiful event that is happening. I get to laugh, sing, dance, and at times cry with joy all because my clients have honored me to
capture their day in my own way. It gives me goose bumps and makes me smile all at the same time. Who else has a job that they get invited into one of the most special days of someone lives and not only witness it but also celebrate it as well. I can’t thank my clients enough for that.

I don't know about you, but I loved getting to read Brigid's answers!

If you want to get more familiar with Brigid's work, check out her website and her blog!
If you have more questions for her, please leave a comment! We would like to know what you think.

I hope you enjoyed your memorial day weekend and that your week is off to a good start!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Friday Tips: Have a Plan B

2010-05-28T13:08:00.001-05:00

St Louis just got out of a raining spell, and I hope that weddings did not get ruined because of it. No worries though, if you have hired a wedding planner or a coordinator, they should prepare you and have a rescue plan for your day in case it ends up being humid. If not, here are a couple tips for you:

- Please do your homework, research everything. Even if you are getting married in a location that is always sunny and dry, check the Farmer's Almanac and a local weather guide for weather data from previous years. While this can help you get an idea, previous weather patterns are never a guarantee.

- Prepare yourself with a back-up plan. If your ceremony and/or reception are outside, you need to have a back-up plan. It is NOT OPTIONAL. You will thank me later. You need an indoor location nearby where the events can be moved quickly, or you have to plan for a tent that will protect your guests from the elements (extreme heat or rain). Tents will keep your guests more comfortable.

- Please remember to talk to your vendors about their cancellation policies. Many rental companies will charge you a deposit to hold a tent. Make sure you know how far in advance you can cancel the tent. The worst case scenario, if the weather cooperates, you can cancel the tent and, you will just loose your deposit but if it ends up raining that day and you end up needing and using that tent, having one on hold will save the day!

So, remember that for your wedding day, have a Plan B available, even if (and we hope it will not be)it's not implemented.
It's always better to be safe than sorry!

Happy Planning!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Get to know your photographer

2010-05-27T11:31:00.001-05:00

Since it seems that this week's post turned out to be very photography oriented, I decided to keep the trend going.

I’m sure you have heard me say before that photography is one aspect of your wedding on which you should never cut corners. Never. You will thank me later.

When I got married, we sat down and prioritized. For us, it was food/venue, photography, and honeymoon, in that specific order. We decided that all other areas would have to be decided with whatever budget we had let. As I look back on our wedding and the gorgeous photos we were left with, I am confident that the priorities we set were one of the best decisions we made.

BUT, other than the budget question, I always tell my brides that when picking a photographer, you have to like their style and the images they produce, but your choice has to also be based on how comfortable you are with her/him and how well you "click". You will be spending the whole day on your wedding day with this person and after the wedding, you will be working with them on the album as well, so you have be comfortable with them!

Keep the lines of communication open and let your photographer know what your expectations are and what particular shots are important to them. they cannot read your minds, so please let them know if there is anything in particular you are looking for. If you tell them, they will make sure it happens. It's as easy as that!

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Meet Reggie and Roshonda, one of our amazing couples

2010-05-26T13:03:00.001-05:00

One of our wonderful couples, Reginald and Roshonda, shared a couple engagement pictures from their session with photographer extraordinaire Abbie, from Abbie Takes Pictures. So I had to share because their session was wonderful. You can see how in love they are and we can hardly wait for their wedding.

Here are some pictures. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

And this is by far my favorite. It just makes me smile:

Please remember that these pictures are copyrighted by Abbie Takes Pictures, so please, do not use without asking Abbie first.

Roshonda and Reggie, we are very excited to be part of your special day!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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How to dress for an engagement session

2010-05-25T11:47:00.002-05:00

Recently, my husband and I took some family pictures and I was wondering if there were any particular rules about what to wear, so I figured that since the weather is back on, a lot of couples will be scheduling their engagement session, or just family pictures. So if, like me, you are/were wondering what to wear, this post is for you!

It is very important, and obvious, that for a photo shoot, you should wear clothes that fit you comfortably. For a casual feel, you can go with casual wear such as blue jeans and a polo, or a tank top and a skirt. But if you decide to go a more with a more dressy look, I would advice that your fiance wears dress pants with a nice button up shirt, and you can go with a skirt, a dress, or even dress pants with a blouse.

Please don't feel like you have to match with your significant other. Your clothes just have to go together!

Do you have other tips you would like to add?

Vendor Spotlight: Simple Dress

2010-05-24T11:26:00.002-05:00

Have you heard of Simple Dress before?
Their 2010 Bridesmaid collection is incredible. Simple, timeless, classic and chic.
Here are some of my favorites.

I love how these dresses are different. The necklines are interesting, and the print on the first dress is very tasteful. I have to confess that the last dress is by far my favorite. It is very Jackie-O and I cannot resist how classic it is. Does any of my brides out there want to order these for your bridal party? Puh-lease?

Joking!
I hope you all have a wonderful week, come back and see us often, we will be back on our regular posting schedule this week!

Happy Planning!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Bridal Show Tips

2010-05-18T15:18:00.002-05:00

I have already touched on this subject before. But I just wanted to go over it one more time. This weekend, at the Perfect Wedding Guide's bridal show, several brides told me that they didn't know what to expect or how to prepare for a bridal show. Here are a few ideas that I think you will find useful:

- Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Your will be doing a lot of walking.
- You will most likely have to register at the door. You might have to wait in line, be prepared and patient.
- Bring pre-printed self-adhesive address labels if you have them. Have your name, address, phone, email, and wedding date on them. This will save you a lot of time and will allow you to sign up for things you might be interested in.
- Bring a couple of pen as well in case you need to fill any paperwork. you don;t have to wait forever for a pen to be available.
- Bring your checkbook in case you fall in love with a vendor and decide to book him on the spot. Please check refund policies before signing anything or giving anyone your money.
- Collect as much information as you can on vendors you might be interested in. When you get home, you will have plenty of time to look over it in a calmer setting.

- It is nice if your fiancé attends with you. Many guys attend, so he won't be the only one there! Do not force him to go if he has no desire to be there.
- Try and get to the show about an hour before the fashion show. Seating is usually limited and it is on first-come first-served basis, so make sure you get a seat.

Hope these tips are useful.
Have a great day!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Friday Tips: Deliveries

2010-05-14T13:04:00.001-05:00

If you have the options, choose to have things delievered.

I know you have friends or family members that could go pick up your linens and save you some money. But please spare them. It puts a lot of pressure on them and the last thing they want to do after your event is to stay late, gather linens and return them the next day.

Pay the delivery fees and don't burden anyone.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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How to please your guests

2010-05-13T13:42:00.002-05:00

Since we already brushed on this subject yesterday, I thought it would be useful to share with you more ideas on how to make your guests remember your wedding as the most incredible event they attended.

I know you have heard people tell you "It's you day, do whatever you want", I am guilty of telling my brides that all the time. And while that is very true, your guests are a huge factor to take into consideration. These people will be sharing this incredible experience with you. So you want them to be happy, comfortable and entertained.

Here's how:

- If you have guests that have traveled to attend your wedding, please consider Out-of-Town bags or gift baskets. You do not have to ruin yourself for this. It is a thoughtful way to show your guests how much you appreciate them coming all the way to share your special day. If you are not sure what to put in them, contact us, we can help, or we can even put them together for you.

- The last couple of wedding we have worked on, couples provided items such as flip-flops, wraps, bathroom baskets for their guests. Everyone was very pleased. These are simple, thoughtful things that you can do to make sure your guests are happy the whole duration on the event. Anticipate what they could need and make sure they have access to it.

- If part of your event is outdoors, have some parasols or umbrellas ready to shield your guests from rain or sun. these also make great pictures!

- If it i shot outside, in addition to the parasols, consider having some beverages ready. You could do bottled water or other options include a local beverage, some bottled soda, signature drinks.

I hope these ideas inspire you to give your guests the royal treatment!

Hope your day is fantastic. The weekend is near!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Wedding food

2010-05-12T12:14:00.001-05:00

I just talked with a bride looking for wedding planning services in the St Louis area. When I work with a couple, I always ask them what their priorities are, so that we can adapt the budget to their wants.

This particular couple has an interesting priority list that leaves me a bit puzzled. You see, food is at the bottom of their list. For budget reasons they are looking at spending the least there.

I have a problem with that. No matter how beautiful you look on your wedding day, no matter what brand of alcohol your bar is offering, if your food tastes like cafeteria food, your guests will always remember it.

Please don't put food at the bottom of your list. Let me share some tips with you to avoid being remembered as the wedding that had the worse food ever!

- Consider having stations. A carving stations, a sushi station, a potato station. They are sometimes more reasonably priced than other options and they are always fun for the guests.
- Serve finger food displayed with creativity.
- Serve comfort food. Just choose a unique format. Mini, served in shot glasses, in martini glasses, there are plenty of options.

No matter what you budget is, you can feed your guests with tasty food. You just have to be creative!

I hope this helps.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Ipod weddings

2010-05-10T12:41:00.001-05:00

I you have read the April issue of Brides magazine, you probably saw the article about "iPod Wedding".

The article in question is full of advice for those brides who decided to go for an iPod or laptop instead of hiring a band or DJ for their wedding. There are a LOT of tips on avoiding the glitches that one might encounter when using a laptop or iPod. Now let me take a stand here and tell you that, if you are planning a casual affair, if you have a low number of guests and if you only want a little music running in the background, then I would say that, you might get away with using an iPod.

But quite honestly, I wouldn't encourage you to go the DIY way and here is why:

- Who is going to announce you? Announce the cake cutting, the garter toss? Is your iPod a Master of ceremonies?

- Does your iPod know when the dance floor is packed and will it queue the right songs for you?

- What if something goes wrong? Does your iPod know how to entertain the crowd while the issues are being resolved?

If you have answered "NO" to any of the above (and I suspect that you have), then do yourself a favor and hire a pro. If you are in the St Louis area, we are lucky to have an incredible amount of professional DJs and Bands that would be more than glad to be part of your day and make it run smoothly.

And by the way, if the reason you are cutting back is because of your budget, a qualified wedding planner can help you find smart ways to save $1000, without sacrificing your guests and their entertainment!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Friday Tip-Day - Second Installment

2010-05-07T11:53:00.020-05:00

On your wedding day, make sure you have a good hearty breakfast or please arrange for some food to be delivered to your hotel room while you are getting ready with your bridal party.

Make sure that some of your bridesmaids have granola bars in their bags too. The day is going to be long and if you are having a couple drinks without food in your stomach, you will not last the whole night.

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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Today is about getting to know me!

2010-05-06T14:31:00.001-05:00

Hi there! If you have been reading this blog for a bit, you might have noticed it is very wedding oriented. I give my opinion (a lot) and tips about things I have experienced in the past 3 years I have been in business.

Well today, I decided to talk about me. Yes, me. I think it is important for you to know where I come from to understand how I work. I am not going to write a novel. Just state a couple facts about me and give you the opportunity to ask me anything.

I am 29.
I moved to the US in '07 to marry my soulmate.
I lived in France before that.
I lived in Canada, Denmark, Switzerland and Lebanon before that.
English is not my first language.
I have a dog.
His name is Stewy.
He's the cutest.
I love food.
I love color.
I believe that less is more.
I love re-purposing things.
I have a green thumb.
Hydrangeas are my favorite
I am a decent cook.
I live close to Lafayette square.
I am a happy person.
I have a gigantic family and I love it.

That sums up a lot of things about me. Do you want to know anything else?
Just ask me HERE

Have a great and productive day!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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About your wedding day beauty

2010-05-05T13:29:00.002-05:00

Please, Please Please, make sure you always hire a hair/makeup professional on your wedding day. You have to hire a skilled artist who is professionally trained and licensed. Why am I telling you this?

Well, I just had a call from one of our brides. She is panicking because her friend who thought they could do her hair was incapable of recreating what she wanted at her trial.

When you hire a professional, this would never happen. And be sure to go for a trial run. A trial is indispensable so that you get to know your hair stylist and see how they work. As always, sign a contract to protect you from your vendor not showing up, or any other surprises on the wedding day (and that has happened, trust me!).

Remember that when you pick your stylist, just like any vendor, you pick them for their skills but also because of their personality. You want them to make this experience relaxed and enjoyable. So make sure that you are a macth before signing that contract!

Happy Wednesday, I hope you are having a good one!

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Tags: St Louis Modern wedding, Yara, St Louis wedding planner, St Louis wedding planners, St Louis wedding design, Plume Events, Plume Event Planning

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