Shoes – A Pop of Color November 15, 2009

I can’t say this is a new trend, but I am seeing brides more and more chose a gorgeous colored shoe to wear on their wedding day! I didn’t have to look far for colorful examples being posted on some NE Ohio wedding photographers blogs lately. Take a look at these awesome shots and shoes!

Photo (C) Elizabeth Pruitt Photography 

Photo (C) Imagen Photography

Photo (C) Linczak Photography

Photo (C) RAD Photographer

 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea!!!!

Photo (C) Platinum Photography

 

Happy Planning!

Angela

Special Offer November 1, 2009

In my last blog post, I encouraged couples to start their vendor shopping early, and, if possible, make some vendor decisions by the end of the year to get 2009 pricing.  To encourage this, I am offering discounts on my services from November 1^st – December 31^st of 2009 on all new bookings.  It’s simple – shoot me an email inquiring about my services, mention this post and we will take it from there!

 

 

 

With 2 weeks left to vote in the Fox 8 Cleveland Hot List categories, please take a  minute to swing by and cast a vote for A Wedding Wish  as the best Wedding Planner in Cleveland!

Thanks so much! Happy Planning!

Angela

 

Planning Checklists October 28, 2009

I have been receiving a lot of inquiries and questions from 2010 brides getting a jumpstart on their wedding plans.  One question that I seem to help a lot of couples with is the wedding PLANNING timeline.  You know – “what should we be doing at this stage in the planning process” type of questions.    Obviously there are plenty of resources out there to help you keep pace, but I will point you all in the direction of a few of my faves that I feel are pretty accurate and applicable for anyone planning a wedding. 

 

The Real Simple Checklist is simple and straight forward with most bullet points offering a short explanation as to why you should get that item done at that time, or what you need to do additionally with each item.  This may be a favorite general list to work from.

 

I am a fan of the following interactive wedding planning tools as well:

 

 Wedding Wire Checklist

 

 Martha Stewart Weddings Checklist

 

 

So what would I suggest as the top 5 things to accomplish  first when planning your wedding here in NE Ohio?

 

1. SET A BUDGET!! It’s difficult to make ANY other decisions until you know what amount you can spend and are willing to spend. This step coincides with Step 2.
2. Decide on a tentative guestlist.  Get an idea of who is inviting who, and determine a best-guess as to what your headcount will be as early on in the process as you can.  A large chunk of your vendors bills will factor in the total guest count: from cake quantities, to catering bills, to even floral/decor needs based on the number of guest tables requiring centerpieces at the reception.  Determining a guest count early will also be your deciding factor on what venues you can even consider.  Having a guest list surprisingly grow halfway through the planning process has left many couples scrambling for larger venues that will accommodate the ever expanding guest list, and the new guest list totals can easily becomes a budget buster. 
3. Begin your venue search and book them!  In my opinion, I don’t think it’s ever too early to find your ceremony and reception venues.  Depending on the season and the popularity of a venue, some locations will book 1.5 years to 2 years in advance, while other times and places you may luck out with an open date with 1 month to go. In general,   I would recommend narrowing down your choices and selecting your venues 9 months to a year out from your desired wedding date.   Without your ceremony and reception locations booked for your wedding day, it’s difficult to commit to any other plans or vendors .
4. Begin your additional vendor searches.  Especially in NE Ohio, I have noticed that photographers especially are booking – and filling up quickly – up to 1-2 years out.   With only a few dozen “warm weather weekends” happening a year here in OH, the majority of OH weddings occur May through October, so start this process early!   DO, however, take time to do your research to narrow down the best vendors that fit your style and tastes. 
5. IF you are ready to make decisions regarding your wedding plans, locations, and vendors – why not book them soon and get 2009 pricing?  You could save some cash in the long run by being proactive now!

This is not to say that a wedding cannot be planned in just a few short months, however, to ensure your top choices of venues and vendors are available for your wedding date, and to save some money in the process – start early!  

 

Happy Planning –

Angela

Anniversary Week October 15, 2009

Ok – so I am a day late here but 10/14 was our 3rd wedding anniversary and pretty darn close to 11 years since I met my husband!  I wanted to take a minute and recap our wedding day since I don’t believe I have discussed “where it all began” on the blog.  I also want to pause to say a BIG “thank you”  to my husband and best friend Michael for all the love,  support and laughs he provides me with each and every day.   I love you Michael!  

So, lets cut to the chase and  take a stroll down memory lane to see where the love of everything wedding began for me!

STATS:

Invitations and Paper Products - Jennifer Crawford – metzcrawford@hotmail.com - NE Ohio

Ceremony and Reception – Landoll’s Mohican Castle - Loudonville, OH

Officiant - Dr. Alan Kolp – Baldwin Wallace College, OH

Cake – Cakes by Dianne – Wooster, OH

Photographer – Noble Images – Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Ceremony Music - Harpist - Rebecca Hoover – Findlay, OH

DJ - RokJox Entertainment  - NE OH

Transportation – S&S Coach – Mansfield, OH

Chair Cover Rental  – Chair Cover Express – USA

Hotel Room Block – Hilton Garden Inn – Wooster, OH

Rehearsal Dinner – The Olde Jaol – Wooster, OH

DIY – Bridal Party Flowers, Centerpieces, Altar Arrangements, Candy Buffet, Rock Escort Cards, Candle Favors, etc.  You name it, and we had a hand in making it!

Here are a few favorite photos from the day! All Photos (C) Noble Images

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Planning!

Angela

Wedding Shower Fun September 27, 2009

I am back again…this time to give you a little update on what I have been doing lately!  I get the privilege of being the MOH in my Sister-In-Law Amy’s wedding this upcoming December.  To kick off the wedding festivities, we held a wedding shower for Amy and her fiancé Andy at a hidden gem in NE Ohio – D’Agnese’s Italian Restaurant.  We held the shower in the Green Room at Nina’s Festa Room (owned by D’Agnese’s) in Seven Hills OH and all I can say is “WOW.”   The Room was the ideal size for a shower of 40 people (it can hold up to 60 guests), the neutral, yet modern, décor was perfect, the service was outstanding, the food options were delicious and filling, and above all –  the ticket price was very reasonable.  They went the extra mile for us and we could not have been more pleased.  If anyone is looking for a rehearsal dinner, small reception,  shower location or even a nice birthday dinner option – please consider D’Agnese’s various options at a number of locations.  ::steps  off soap box::

 

Now onto the shower  highlights.  I have to give a huge shout out to the amazing freelance designer Jennifer Crawford – metzcrawford@hotmail.com – for creating yet another amazing set of invites for me.  Check them out!

I worked with the MOB and the MOG extensively to get all the little details down to make this shower special.  First up were favors.  We were able to put together black coffee mugs with personalized coffee packets that not only coordinated with the red/black/white color scheme, but was right up our coffee lover B2B’s alley. 

 

We were able to create pretty affordable centerpieces to tie into the color scheme again with a simple stop at my local Hobby Lobby (I <3 H.L.!).  Gather an eclectic mix of black frames, insert photos of the happy couple, place on a red charger and add some sparkly vase filler material to the plate…voila! 

Finally –we were able to have the skyline of Cleveland added to the Casada shower cake provided by Michael Angelo’s Bakery  in addition to an amazing torte from Slices Fabulous Pastries (it was gluten free!)

The afternoon went smoothly with a fun “Almost Newlyweds” quiz game for the couple, a wonderful Italian lunch, and then the opening of a CRAZY amount of gifts.

Amy and Andy are surrounded by some wonderful friends and family (and generous too!)! It was all in all a great afternoon! Thanks to everyone who could make it,  thanks to Joanne (MOB) and Daria (MOG) for helping pull everything together and thanks to some awesome Bridesmaids for helping to make the shower a success!

 

Happy Planning -

Angela

AWW – Pro Pics Blogged September 25, 2009

I must appologize for my lack of posts these days. If you know me – you know I am never sitting still for too long! I am making a quick stop today to provide some professional photos of my recent September weddings. Check them out!

First up - Lindsay and Ryan’s photos from EVERLASTING IMAGES …amazing! Nichole and  Sam did a fantastic  job capturing all the beautiful details and the FUN had by all!  This is one of my faves!

(c) Everlasting Images

 

Next up are Erin and Erik.  Check out Thomas Wodzisz Photography’s pro pics here!  Gisella and Thomas were amazing that day and captured oodles of amazing shots! Here is one of my faves from the day!

(c) Thomas Wodzisz Photography

Have a great weekend!

Angela

Nominated for Fox 8 Cleveland’s Hot List – Wedding Planner September 16, 2009

Wow – is all I can say. I just wanted to take a minute to post a big “thank you” to all my past clients that I have had the honor of assisting on one of the biggest days of their lives. The lessons I have learned and the experience I have gained over the past few years have been not only rewarding, but have also encouraged me to continue offering top notch service to each and every couple I work with from this point forward. Also, a big thank you goes out to anyone and everyone who has recommended me to others or taken time to leave a note of thanks and praise for the services I love providing to others. Word of mouth is what has grown my business and connected me with not only amazing couples, but wonderful vendors and opportunities as well. The biggest compliment, though, arrived in my inbox today when I was informed that I was nominated for best wedding planner on Fox 8 Cleveland’s Hot List. What a great feeling! So without further ado – check out the link above and cast a vote for me for Cleveland’s Best Wedding Planner.

Vote for A Wedding Wish

Thank you again!
Angela

T.Y. from Mother of the Groom September 16, 2009

 

The following comment left by Lin – the mother of  the groom from Erin and Erik’s wedding – just made my day (and I needed it today too!) :

 

Angela….thank you for adding the perfect touch to Erin and Erik’s day.  You were always on top of what needed to be done and one step ahead of the order of the day.  Your professional manner made it so easy for the entire family to relax and enjoy the ceremony and reception.  You sure know how to pack a van too!  Wow, I could not believe that you fit gifts, flowers, desserts and there was still room for five of us.  You were a delight to work with and we will highly recommend your expertise.  You truly made all our wishes come true.

 

I must give credit to MY mom for my car/van packing abilities – Thanks Mom!   AND – thanks Lin for taking the time to comment.  Erin and Erik are very lucky to be surrounded by so many loving and fun family/friends.  It was my pleasure making your day easier as well!

Happy Planning!

Angela

Wedding Recap – Erin & Erik – 9.12.09 September 13, 2009

I  finally found a bride and groom that have been together longer than my husband and I! After 12 years, and being high school sweethearts, Erin and Erik got married on a gorgeous September day!  The weather was amazing, the couple was amazing, and well – everything was amazing!  You couldn’t ask for a nicer couple and with the help of some awesome family, friends and vendors, Erin and Erik had a night to remember.  So lets get right to it – here are all the A+ vendors Erin and Erik chose:

 

STATS:

 

Ceremony & Reception:  DeLuca’s Place in the Park – Lorain, OH

Cake – Mare’s Cake and Candy  – Fairview Park, OH

Photographer – Thomas Wodzisz Photography – NE OH

Florist  – Gift of Hands Florist – Olmsted Falls, OH

Ceremony Music - Bob McGreevey – guitarist

DJ – Marino Brothers - NE OH

Transportation – NM Limo – Fairview Park, OH

Fabric Décor and GOBO: Off Broadway Floral and Gifts - Lorain, OH

Photobooth: Shutter Clutter Photobooth - NE OH

A Wedding Wish Services: Day of Wedding Coordination

 

  

This Weekend – Erin and Erik September 11, 2009

I am super excited for this Saturday’s wedding  of Erin and Erik.  Not only are these two fun, laid back and a perfect match from what I tell, but in yet another one of those “small world” moments, Erin made the connection that her and I are long lost teammates!   Erin and I played  Ohio Premier Soccer together for a few years  when we were teens, and while I have left my soccer days behind, she is still having fun out there on the field from time to time! Alright – stroll down memory lane done…back to the awesome couple! Check Erin and Erik out in their engagement session from Thomas Wodzisz Photography:

 Erin contacted me back in April for Day of Coordination services and I knew from that day I had an organized bride on my hands.  At the first meeting, I got to sit down with both Erin and Erik, and I could see what a great team these two made!  Both Erin and Erik were working together to make their wedding day great – including a few fun surprises up their sleeves for their guests! Throw in what looks like a gorgeous Saturday in September, and I think we have the makings of a beautiful day tomorrow!

Angela