Hi Y'all!  So we all know that wedding planning is super stressful in the best of times.  Now in the middle of a global pandemic, wedding stress gets a little crazier.

The rules for gatherings are in a constant state of flux.  Guests may or may not want to travel to your wedding.  And even attending a wedding is a life or death decision for some people with health risks.  Top that all off with changes in food service, availability of some items such as special flowers, additional lead time needed for ordering items.  It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out...well don't do that!  We have some tips for saving your sanity while planning your wedding during these crazy times.

1.  Take at least one day each week and make it a NO WEDDING day.  That means no talking about the wedding, no stalking instagram and pinterest, calling your wedding vendors.  NO WEDDING related items.

2.  Date Night - Remember why you are getting married.  Date night may look different right now and that is ok - make dinner together, go for a long walk, watch a movie you haven't seen, binge watch your favorite tv show together, "netflix and chill" is always a great option!

3.  Set boundaries with family and friends.  It's ok not to want to talk about the wedding every waking moment.  And even though they usually have the best of intentions..it's ok to step back.

4.  Let your wedding planner help you!  Your wedding planner is going to have the most up to date information on venue guidelines, federal, state and local rules, travel restrictions and more.  Your wedding planner is a huge resource of information.

5.  Self-care - this could be something different for everyone - a hot bubble bath, an exercise class (virtually or in-person), girls night out, a mani/pedi, a massage, binge watching Gilmore Girls for the 100th time.  Whatever works. 

Recently this wedding planner was looking for something to help with stress, that could be done at home, and it didn't cost a fortune.  

I stumbled across Yoga with Adriene and can you imagine how excited I was when I saw that she had a pre-wedding yoga practice.  I am still working through all of her beginner videos, and videos for neck and shoulders. 

There are 13 practices all designed to help with the unique stress and anxiety associated with wedding planning.  Click the link below to check it out.

Yoga for Anyone Planning a Wedding!

*please note that I have not received any compensation for sharing these videos, nor is it an official endorsement.  It's just something that I found that may help!

 6.  Talk to a licensed therapist or counselor.  It is ok to reach out for help.  We are living in unprecedented times.  And during this strange time, you are trying to plan your dream wedding.  Sometimes, a neutral, third-party can help you sort through some of "noise".  My therapist has been on zoom-speed dial since lockdown in early March.

7.  Turn off the news and stay off social media...Covid will be here for a while.  Your planner will keep you updated. Constant watching of the news and "doom-scrolling" wont suddenly change things.  

8.  Take up a new hobby.  Coloring books, virtual painting classes, reading a new book, petting your dog or cat, journaling, knitting...all receive rave reviews for helping calm stress and anxiety.

It's so important to take care of yourself while wedding planning in normal times.  Well, we aren't in normal times, so taking care of yourself becomes even more important!

Stay well my friends!

Jen

Hey Y'all!  It has been a hot minute since blogged.  And let's just say that life in the last 8 months has absolutely bonkers!  When I say bonkers, I mean who would have thought that in our lifetimes we would be experiencing a pandemic...it's just crazy!

I wanted to take a few minutes to share some thoughts on stepping back into events and weddings.

We are constantly learning about safety and new safety measures and yet still providing incredible experiences for our couples. 

And for some of us, even the decision to work in groups of people - no matter the size - is difficult and has health implications for our families at home.  There is no one-size-fits all answer. You don't know what is going on in the family of your vendors.  Some may choose not to work in large groups due to family members with health concerns.  Some may choose not work in large groups due to their own health concerns.  Some may choose to work, no matter the size of the event.  This is a very personal decision that each vendor has to make.  

These last 8 months have been a struggle, but one thing I have been reminded of on a daily basis..."Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."  

We have been blessed to have multiple weddings recently and still have a few more to close out the year.  We have adapted and adjusted and learned each time.  We have become therapists to our brides who need a shoulder to cry on, we have become experts on which hand sanitizers smell nice and don't dry out your hands, we have learned to talk loudly through our masks.   And most of all, we have learned that "We can do hard things...and we are doing them everyday."

We are excited about the future.  We are excited for our current 2021 couples and can't wait to meet more 2021 couples.  We are excited about 2022 weddings.  

Celebrations will continue.  Love will always be celebrated.  Memories will be created.  

We are here to answer questions, give guidance and be there for you!

Stay safe, stay well!

Jen

Photo credit: Art Photo Soul Photographer

Rentals:  Atlas Event Rental

It may be April but we are feeling those holiday vibes with Ellie and Michael's Christmas time wedding.   We planned their wedding for a year and it didn't disappoint!  They are are so darn cute together and we love how they embraced the holidays with their look and feel of the wedding.  It's a good reminder that if you want a holiday wedding it can be done without being cheesy or like an over the top Hallmark Movie! (sorry Hallmark I love to binge your holiday movies...but they are a bit cheesy and that's why we love them)

Fun fact #1 - The groom's cousin, Matt Gumley - was the original Chip on Broadway's Beauty and The Beast and his band performed at the reception.  Honestly, one of the best peformers we have ever seen at a Wedding!

Fun Fact #2 - The bride made all of her own signage on acrylic herself.  She is super creative!

Fun Fact #3 - The menus included each person's name - served as placecard- and the color wax seal attaching the name denoted the entree choice.

A huge thank you to the amazing and talented vendor team:

Venue: PGA National Resort and Spa

Decor: Simply Events Design

Photography:  Blink and Company Photo

Printed Materials: Minted.com

Table Numbers: Bride DIY

Church: St. Ignatius Loyola Cathedral Palm Beach Gardens

Ceremony Musicians:  Master Musicians

Cocktail and Reception Entertainment:  Matt Gumley Band

Cake:  Johnson's Custom Cakes

One of the great things about being a wedding planner is that we get to see incredible, amazing wedding dresses all the time.  We get to see traditional dresses, ballgowns, mermaid styles, dresses with sleeves, dresses with lace, short dresses and long dresses.  So we thought we would share 3 more of our favorite designers...enjoy! 

1.  House of Mooshki Bridal - Based in England their dresses can be found all over Europe and in California and New Jersey.  They short, flirty styles are fun and unique and perfect for the bride who wants to think outside the box!

2.  Watters and especially Willowby by Watters.  These dresses are for the young at heart who wants something with traditional elements but is slightly outside the box. 

3.  Justin Alexander - Elegance and sophistication with a hint of playfulness!

When choosing your dress make sure "you do you."  There are so many options and styles and price points to choose from.  And take into account the type of wedding you are planning and the time of year of your wedding.  But no matter what make sure you feel comfortable and beautiful in your dress!

We got to ring in 2018 with the gorgeous and totally fun wedding of Emily and Alex at the West Palm Beach Hilton. 

They celebrated the New Year in style with so many unique and fun elements!  And the gorgeous evening ceremony was so full of love and tradition.  The whole weekend was a blend of the traditional and modern.  

A huge thank you to:

Hilton West Palm Beach

Atlas Event Rental

Tropics Entertainment - Entourage

Fabuluxe Events

Celebrations by Kathy

Creations by Blanca

Chris Kruger Photography

Calypso Wedding Films