Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for popping in for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, where I talk about something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same. Today for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, I'm reflecting on how thankful I am when couples put their trust in me to pull off their weddings!
On a crisp fall day in October, I had the honor of witnessing Nicolette and Timothy tie the knot after months of working with them to plan their big day. It had been a joy to help them navigate the wedding preparations and planning!
They had a first-class set of vendors and I would recommend working with any of them!
VENDOR CREDITS
I often get asked what's included in my planning package. The answer is I help with whatever the couple needs! With Nikki and Tim, my help began with addressing the envelopes for their wedding showers and designing their wedding invitations. The invitations turned out beautifully!
Their wedding venue, Haue Valley, is one of my favorites in the St. Louis area. When renting this space, it comes with an elegant house for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready, a special area for the groom and groomsmen, and outdoor spaces for the wedding ceremony and photos. Haue Valley also has a supply closet full of items like candleholders, table numbers, vases, and a slew of other reception necessities you can use at no cost. It's amazing!
The couple decided to share their vows with each other privately before the ceremony. One of the things I'm a huge fan of whether you're sharing your vows in private or publically at the ceremony is using vow books. I cringe when I see a bride or groom open up a folded piece of paper or pull out their phone!
Vow books - that's the way to go!
Nikki designed her programs and we also had tissues on hand for the guests' happy tears. These items were handed out as guests were seated for the wedding.
The guests were led to their assigned tables with escort cards. These were also handed out as the guests arrived.
One of the things I noticed at the wedding rehearsals is the worry on the grandparents' and parents' faces when we talk about where they are supposed to sit. A few weddings ago, I started putting their names on their seats. When I tell them that their name will be on their chair, you can see the relief flood in!
Kids in weddings always make me nervous. The ringbearers in this wedding were pros! They did an excellent job carrying the signs we made for them down the aisle.
Each guest had a wedding favor at their place setting. It was one of the coolest favors I've seen - a scratch-off lottery ticket! We placed them in sealed envelopes with a little note on the front and back.
Everyone's sweet tooth was satisfied with the several options for dessert that were available. If the bread pudding served by the caterer wasn't enough, you could indulge yourself at the dessert table full of cannolis or get some ice cream at the adorable ice cream cart.
The bride and groom had a wedding cake just for them. It was gorgeous!
We placed it front and center on their sweetheart table. They cut the cake when they walked in and we whisked it away.
After everyone had gone through the buffet line, the bride and groom quickly visited every table and got a picture. This is a great way to get a picture with everyone at the wedding and thank your guests for sharing in your special day.
We also had a QR code that guests could use to share their pictures with the bride and groom. What a great way for them to get those candid shots they might otherwise not have seen! We placed signs at the bars and other various places around the reception.
It was a pure joy working with Nikki, Tim, and their families at the wedding! Nikki was a beautiful bride and you could see the love she has for her groom.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Siesener! Here's wishing you years and years of happiness!
Now it's your turn - what are you thinking out loud about today? Link up and share!
