As I was filling in my July schedule I realized that booking season for fall 2009 and 2010 is now upon us!! And yes, my schedule is beginning to fill so if you are wondering if a wedding planner/coordinator is the right investment for you please don't hesitate to call and set up an initial consultation. Don't let your wedding day come and go wishing you had at least checked into wedding planning as a resource for you and your spouse-to-be.

As always, your initial consultation will simply educate you as to who we are and what MHP planning offers. There is ABSOLUTELY NO OBLIGATION.

So give me a call and lets schedule your appointment!

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning

My best moment as a wedding planner is the moment when I can almost tangibly see the stress lifted from a client's shoulders.
So many times during my first meeting or two with the soon-to-be-married couple their heads are spinning and they pull out a bag full of a hodge-podge of magazine clippings as their planning materials or there is a stack on the table that resembles the one in the picture.



Now, some brides are completely at ease with a book full of magazine clippings or a stack of eight magazines and three wedding planning books as their planning guide. But regardless of their personality type and planning style there is ALWAYS at least one moment during the planning process that I have the sheer joy and blessing of looking at the harried individual and telling them that the issue is taken care of and everything is, or will be, just fine.

Here is a recent experience:

As I sat down with a newly engaged bride I could see her eyes spinning as we began talking about all the things that went into planning a wedding, managing the details, and then also there was a desire to add some distinctive elements to the day that really said it was about them and their future life together.

As we talked I could see her countenance begin to be set at ease. I laid out a planning schedule that, for her, was manageable and something she could easily handle amongst her busy schedule of college classes, a long distance relationship with her fiance,' and her own work schedule.
When I broke down our planning in to bite size pieces I saw her eyes stop spinning and fill with excitement. We mutually discussed the tasks at hand and she was more than willing to take on her to do's over the upcoming weeks and even looking forward to how fun they would be. We ended our time with mutual excitement of what lay ahead and I had a very confidant bride walk away with her to-do list and a 'can do' attitude.

That was just an example of one of my best moments as a wedding planner and its also one of the many reasons that I can say I really do have the best job!

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning

One of the primary design elements to every wedding are the colors. They help cohesively tie everything together from the very beginning with the invitations.

Color is a tricky thing because there are some definite rules that can be followed when it comes to selection for a wedding. Using the aid of a color wheel is sometimes very helpful. Especially if you are at a loss for what colors will complement each other. But nowadays rules are quite often thrown out the window and couple's let their instincts guide them when choosing the colors for their wedding.


Color Wheel Puzzle: Pottery Barn Kids Design



Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your colors:

The location- Where will the wedding be and what will the prominent colors at the location be? Keep these things in mind when choosing the colors because you don't want to clash with your location.

Season- Many times seasonal colors can help as you decide on your colors. Red, burgandy, navy blue, teal, champagne, and magenta are common colors seen during winter and early spring. As warmer weather comes it's very normal to see lavender, sky blue, yellow, orange, pink and coral. Also you may be somewhat limited in your floral colors during certain times of the year so keep that in mind as you choose your date and as you choose your color scheme.

Mood- The colors you choose will impact the mood of your wedding so pick wisely. If you are going for a tranquil event choose muted, less intense, tones. While if you are wanting a regal feel for your wedding don't be afraid to pick more bold and rich colors.

Personal Taste- What are your color likes and dislikes? A recent bride told me she was definitely not going to have some specific colors but was open minded to others. It was wonderful becasue she and I were quickly able to narrow down our color choices just based on her opinion.

Try to have two or three main colors that are complementary of each other then feel free to blend monochromatic (colors that are similar but only slightly different) tones throughout your design as well.

Many times the bride's attendants will be wearing one of the colors, typically the primary color, she selects so some bride's consider what will look best on their ladies as they think about the wedding colors.

Where should you add these colors at your wedding? Start with the attire, invitations, flowers, cake and favors. As you progress through designing your day see if there are any other areas you can add in your colors without it becoming 'too' much. Keeping your table cloths and place settings simple in color (white or black) allows you to have more color fun with the centerpieces, napkins, and even the food.

Color is a great way to express yourself and your personality. Have fun, and hopefully using some of these tips as you select your colors will allow your instincts to direct you as you design your big day!

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning, Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Style

Recently, when idea generating with a June 2010 client, I encouraged them to embrace the uniqueness of their Kansas wedding by celebrating outside during the reception amongst the landscape of prairie grasses, rolling hills with a big sky and a warm sunset. They have chosen the theme 'Prairie Wedding' and as we plan all the small and large details you can look forward to many more blog posts dedicated to this couple.

What I love about the 'Prairie Wedding' theme for this particular couple is that they have embraced the beauty of their home state. They are both from a small town in Kansas and want to have a classy, yet comfortable, wedding that celebrates where they grew up while also blending in the class and style of being a college couple from New York. So, as we are still brainstorming and putting structure to the dreams for their wedding I'm reminded of all the great wedding themes we at MHP have been exposed to.

Megan, the owner and Photographer of MHP, just photographed a wedding for a Professional Bullfighter full of cowboy hats, sunflowers, barns, and southern drawl. The wedding I planned in March for Grace and Sean was a celebration of spring which was reflected in their flowers and colors. And I'll never forget a wedding from last summer where the couple wanted to celebrate their unified love of cats so the reception was decorated with feline touches.

One of my favorite things about being a wedding planner is the unique individuals I come in contact with, and the joy of celebrating their individuality as I help them plan their most special day. So, as you plan and envision your theme remember to stay true to who you are and where you've come from and always remember to celebrate the journey's that have brought you together.

Labels: Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Style

Congratulations!!! You're Engaged!!!

Now what??
I can't tell you how many times I've heard that question. To help, I've made a quick to-do list for you as you start your engagement period!




1)The bride should get a manicure! Everyone will be checking out the ring so spend a little time, in enjoying the moment, and pamper those hands!

2)Don't rush...well unless you want to get married in less than 90 days. Otherwise you and your fiance' should take some time, a couple weeks at least, and really enjoy just being engaged.

3)While you're taking that time, try to have a few heart to heart chats, just the two of you, in regards to the upcoming wedding day. Ask each other questions like, "What do you want our wedding day to be like?" or, "Is there anything you don't want?" If you think it will help, take some notes while you're talking so you don't forget each other's input or a great idea one of you has. Before you get carried away with deciding things like colors and the dinner menu you should talk generally about things like, the wedding date, size, and budget and see what the other is comfortable with. Overall, the most important thing is that the two of you are on the same page when it comes to what you each want your wedding day to look like.

4)When you're ready, set a date. Some people know before they are engaged when the wedding date will be. Other couples wait, sometimes months, before picking their upcoming wedding date. In either case once you've done number three I think it's a great time to, while including each other's families, set the date.

5)Now you're ready to put together a planning timeline. Using the aid of a published wedding planner is a great place to start when doing this. However, only you and your budget know what you will be including in your big day so don't be afraid to start putting ideas on paper. During this process you'll get a really good idea of the scope of planning required to make your wedding day happen. At this point the couple, and their family, usually realize if they are going to need a professional Wedding Planner. If so, some couple's will know to what extent they'd like help, while others aren't quite sure. But once you know you need the help of a professional it's time to set up an initial consultation.

6)Follow your timeline and start planning!

Now you are on your way to having the wedding of your dreams! Congratulations again and happy planning!

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning, Wedding Planning Tips

As a wedding planner, having a very functional vendor list is central to my being able to provide, you, the client, with exquisite services for your wedding.

So, to all of you who are wondering-- yes, I do have a vendor list. I have a recommended vendor for everything you need, from invitations, to the getaway car. I strive to meet with, introduce myself, and become very familiar with the vendors I suggest to my clients. My goal is to know the owners of these businesses personally and to be on a first name basis with them.

One of the great things about hiring me as your wedding planner is that I've already done the homework when it comes to vendors in the Colorado Springs region. As stated here, I strive to get to know you and your style. So when you ask me for a florist, or a venue suggestion I'm able to draw from my vendor list based on my knowledge of who you are as well as what kind of vendor will best meet your needs. I make it my goal to have a professional relationship with a variety of vendors so that, no matter the style of your wedding, your needs will be met.

When I send you to a vendor, and I will not always join you as is the case with package one, I will make sure you have a thorough knowledge of who they are and if they will be able to more than accommodate your needs based on your finances. I always call or meet with the vendor in advance to make sure they can meet your needs before I send you their way. I don't ever want you to waste your time and leave a vendor interview frustrated.

When you head off with or without me you can have confidence in knowing that the vendor you are about to meet will be:

Professional
Offer you the highest quality
Will more than meet your needs financially
Is qualified to offer you their service
Takes pride in what they do
Is 100% committed to pleasing you and making sure your needs are met

The amount of vendors you need to contract for your wedding will be totally dependent on the logistical requirements of your day. But when you hire me to serve as your wedding planner you can rest assured that no matter your needs or wishes I've sifted through the array of professionals in our area and am prepared to simplify the process of vendor selection for you.

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning, Vendor Selection

After you've contacted me requesting more information, our first step is to set up an initial consultation. I've had many people ask me what they should expect during this meeting and I hope by giving you a glimpse of what it will look like, you are set at ease as you look forward to our first few minutes together.

For starters, I usually encourage our time to be at a coffeeshop or another place you are comfortable. Plan on our meeting taking about 30 minutes, I recognize that this is a very busy time for you and I do my best to keep things short and sweet.

I will be bringing a simple engagement gift for you that involves polka dots on the gift wrap, so when you arrive I'm easy to spot.

One of my goals during our meeting is that you feel completely comfortable and unpressed to make the decision of who will be your primary support person on your big day as well as help you plan your wedding. That's why my initial consultation is completely free. There are never any strings attached and it's simply my joy to spend time with you and get to know you better.

As we're getting to know each other, I will ask you several questions about your wedding planning thus far and get your ideas and creative thoughts for your big day. It's a good idea for you to bring me a simple visual of the theme or style of your wedding. An invitation, a picture from a magazine, or even something as simple as a napkin that has all of your colors on it is great. During this time I'm trying to get a thorough understanding of who you are and which of my packages will best meet your needs. I'll also make sure and answer any preliminary questions you have about who I am as well.

We will then talk, in detail, about my packages and I will share with you a little bit about how I approach the wedding planning process. Throughout our discussion feel to interject and offer thoughts about how I might serve you best during your wedding planning.

As we conclude our time together it's my goal to leave you with a basic idea of which package is best for you as well as all the costs associated with my service. It's very important to me that you understand clearly and completely who I am and what I offer. As we part ways I always leave the ball in your court for the next mode of communication with me, if you so choose. I want you to take your time and really weigh all your options as you decide on a wedding planner.

I hope this helps you understand how I approach my initial consultation and the first few days of contact with me. My goal is that you find your time with me to be genuine, relaxing, informative, and most of all fun!

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning