InnCredible Events: August 2012

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Something's Burning...it Must be Love...'Megan & Jason Get Married'

(All photos courtesy of 'Bertoli Photography')

We actually met Megan and Jason at Megan's cousin, Jennifer's wedding to her Jayson at the 'Coloma Country Inn' back in September 2011. I remember the moment well...I was clearing dishes from the Witz family table when Megan's mom, Rhonda, asked if I was one of the wedding planners. Of course I answered, 'yes'...and she said, 'You'll be hearing from us'. And hear from her we did...about 6 months later as Megan and Jason were in the final stages of planning their wedding at the beautiful 'Flower Farm' in Loomis.

I cannot tell you what fun it was to be able to reunite with family and friends who had been at her cousin's wedding months earlier. And to learn that our former InnCredible couple, Jennifer and Jayson, were expecting their first child. It was like 'old home week' for Marjorie and me. We loved it!

So, I'm not sure where to begin. They say, 'A picture's worth a thousand words', and oh my goodness, there were so many fabulous photos that Nick Bertoli and Lorrin, of 'Bertoli Photography', captured it was hard for me to choose which ones to use. After going over them and over them, here are a few of my favorites. There are lots more on his website if you want more...

Enjoy...

Jason is a firefighter so the theme of their wedding centered around fire, fire fighting and of course, firemen...with a few chickens thrown in, but more on that later. The 'Table Names' were different terms used in fire fighting. There were vintage fire trucks on the tables. And there was even a 'Grooms Cake' in the shape of helmet, complete with flames, just in case anyone didn't know the grooms profession! Too cute!!!

They even lined the aisle with two fire hoses...such a great idea!

Ok, just so you know...there were so many beautiful people in this wedding, it was almost criminal! And if that wasn't enough, to 'spice things up a bit', our Happy Couple chose a 'special song' and wrote a few words for each member of their bridal party. Classic idea that brought cheers, laughter and applause from the crowd!

And could this crowd party. Oh my goodness, I honestly didn't think they would ever stop. Take a look at the merriment happening after dinner. Too much fun! And I still have no idea what the bandanas meant! It's gotta be a firefighter thing...!!!

As you might imagine, the Toasts were a big hit too. Not once, but several times, the Bride and Groom were taken aback by the words of their 'loved ones'...hee hee.

Oh...and before I forget. The chickens. Oh how could I forget these lovelies. If you've ever been to 'The Flower Farm', you know they have these amazing 'Gypsy Chicks' who live on the grounds...and wander freely to add their magic to the day. However, from time to time they are known to wreak havoc during ceremonies. And Megan and Jason's wedding was no exception. Right in the middle of their vows, one boisterous roosters decided he was going to get his 'two cents' worth in and try to drown out the Groom. Too funny...was the highlight of the ceremony.

That and Jason being so anxious to say 'I Do' that he blurted it out before their Officiant, and fellow firefighter, Andrew Trigg, was able to get all the words out. Now, that's a happy groom...LOL!

The entire night was a blast. So many wonderful people came together to celebrate the love and marriage of Megan and Jason. Since their wedding, Jason has been off fighting fires in and around the area, and Megan got a teaching job. We wish them all the love in the world and are blessed to have been such an important part of the biggest day of their lives.

Our 'Special Thanks' to all the InnCredible vendors who made Megan and Jason's wedding dreams come true:

Venue: 'The Flower Farm'

DJ: 'SJ's Disc Jockey'

Caterer: 'Back Forty Texas BBQ'

Photographer: 'Bertoli Photography'

Florist: 'Bryan's Auburn Florist'

Cake: 'Jean Marie Cakes'

Wedding Planners: 'InnCredible Events'...that's us!

Until Next Time...

Making YOUR Wedding InnCredible

'InnCredible Events'

530.919.4588

Friday, August 17, 2012

Guest Blog...'How to Piss Off Your Wedding Planner'

(Photo courtesy of 'Unforgettable Portraits')

Marjorie forwarded me this post from 'Huff Post Weddings' and, of course, I had to post it for all of you to read. We wedding planners are a gentle bunch. Rarely get upset, are a shoulder to cry on, even tempered, but yes, sometimes, every once in awhile, we get, well, shall I say, 'pissed off'? And this article by the amazingly talented Rachel Hollis, founder of 'Chic Events' outlines the 'Top 10 Things' that are likely to push us over the edge...even if you never know.

Ok...before I go any further, I want you all to know that Megan and Zach pictured in the above photo were the most InnCredible clients and we never experienced any of the issues listed below with them. I just loved this picture!!!!

Ok...now that I have that out of the way...

Are you Ready?....Because, here goes!

Rachel Hollis

"As a high-end, longtime wedding planner with a stellar reputation, I of course never get upset with my brides... well, at least not that they ever know about! I have, on more than one occasion, cried into a large glass of merlot after a long, hard day with a frustrating client. So if you'll allow... this article includes all the things I think, but never actually say to those demanding brides. Yes, it's a bit of a vent, but it's also helpful information for any bride who wants to get the most out of her wedding planner. Here it goes--my top ten ways to make this process a nightmare for everyone.

1. Be Indecisive
Ok, I'm not talking about the bride who debates eggplant verses fuchsia bridesmaids dresses. I'm talking about the bride who changes her mind constantly, right up until the day of the wedding. An indecisive bride is often an unhappy one because she never lets go enough to enjoy the day. She also wastes a lot of time and money (mostly her own) having us change things over and over.

2. Have Unrealistic Expectations
I get it. You've been dreaming of this day forever and I truly want to make your dreams come true. That being said, your dreams need to be directly in line with your budget. I once showed a bride at least 30 locations in Los Angeles and she didn't like that all of her favorites cost so much. She demanded we find her a luxury hotel location on a Ramada budget. It was literally impossible to deliver and the entire process was a nightmare.

3. Email Me 47 Times a Day
It's not the communication that's the issue here, because if you're fired up about your wedding, I love that. The issue is that if you're sending a hundred emails, we're not sure which ones are important and which ones are just fluff. Ultimately we end up watching the YouTube wedding videos you sent us, but we missed the blurb about your uncle being allergic to shellfish. I suggest one email with bullet points and the action you'd like us to take for each.

4. Don't Email Me At All
The polar opposite of the bride above is the one who doesn't communicate at all. She's flaky and hard to reach making it nearly impossible to plan with her and then suddenly she's hyperventilating at the number of to-do's on her list. Help me help you by staying in touch.

5. Let Your Mom Bake Your Wedding Cake
Here is my golden rule: Unless your friend/cousin/great aunt actually is a baker, florist, candlestick maker, etc., do not let them be a wedding vendor! The majority of my wedding horror stories start with something like "well, her mother in-law wanted to bake the cake..." It stresses you out; it stresses them out, and when something goes wrong, everyone is devastated. Just. Don't.

6. Abuse Cell Phone Privileges
Most brides and grooms are lovely and professional to work with. Then there's the occasional bride who thinks that because you're her planner, you are also her lady in waiting. She'll call and text you at all hours of the day and night for unimportant chats or because she "just thought of something great." Please be mindful that your planner is human too, and respect her need for radio silence between the hours of 8pm - 8am

7. Withhold Information
This isn't a pet peeve so much as an important lesson. Tell your planner everything she could ever possibly need to know; your grandma will need wheel chair access, your cousin is bringing her two month old, etc. The more info we have in advance, the better prepared we are for your wedding. There's nothing more frustrating than clients getting upset after the fact because you didn't do something you had no idea you were supposed to.

8. Be Mean
"Bridezillas" isn't just a show on WE. It's also a very real personality who treats her bridesmaids, her family, and her vendors (or all three) like crap. I understand that stress can drive anyone to a bad place, but please don't take it out on everyone else. Because while I'm contractually obligated to fulfill my commitments to you, I will not go above and beyond for meanies.

9. Allow Others to Be Mean
I can't tell you how many times I've showed up to the wedding rehearsal and met parents of the bride or groom who are downright rude. Maybe they're nervous too, maybe they're unhappy people, but whatever the reason, I'm working for you, not your father, so don't ignore it when he berates the officiant in front of everyone. You're the captain of this ship and you need to keep your crew in line.

10. Don't Let Go
The honest truth is, nothing makes me sadder than a bride who can't have fun at her own wedding. Chances are, she and I have planned this day flawlessly and even though everything is perfect, she's still double-checking the centerpieces and reminding me to have the gifts sent to her hotel room. Please have a glass of wine, and calm down! Your wedding goes by far too fast and you've put in way too much effort to miss it all."

Follow Rachel on Twitter @msrachelhollis"

I hope you've gained a little insight into the world of a wedding planner. We all love our jobs. Without a doubt, it is the best job in the world, but to help us do our jobs to the best of our ability to insure you have the most magical day of your entire life, the above courtesies would be appreciated. Thanks bunches.

Until Next Time....

Making YOUR Wedding InnCredible

InnCredible Events

530.919.4588

(Photo courtesy of 'Bertoli Photography')

Oh, and Megan and Jason were the Ideal couple as well...loved them too so much!!!!!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

'A Few of My Favorite Things'...Angela & Tim Get Married

I'm not quite sure where to begin to tell you just how much I admire and adore Angela. From the first moment she and Tim stopped by the Inn, I knew she was someone special...and throughout the planning process, those feelings were reinforced. Not only is she a 'Crew Chief' in the National Guard, which is admirable in itself, she is genuine through and through. And she is the only bride I can remember who has embraced the 'Coloma Country Inn' in all it's glory.

So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things from Angela and Tim's InnCredible wedding...

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

Most couples question the blue rope that holds our beloved swing...but not Angela...she embraced it. She even made sure it was 'front and center' on their wedding invitations because she loved its 'blueness' and wanted its uniqueness to be part of their party. Aren't these the cutest invitations ever?

And...in addition to this cutie...Angela also had special coasters made with three different photos of she and Tim in them as favors for their wedding guests. These were, as you might imagine, a big hit. And you'll notice she also included the blue rope on these as well, although you wouldn't know it was blue unless you got the invitation...hee hee. I kept three for myself, don't tell...LOL!

Ok...this idea was pure genius!!! And probably, without a doubt, the best idea I have ever heard of for getting your little one's too cooperate during the ceremony. Cheers to you! Angela's darling niece, Jolea, was their 'Flower Girl', and as you might expect, she was all about being a rambuncious little girl, as opposed to walking calmly down the aisle scattering her blooms. So someone, and I'm not sure who, thought up the idea of putting a lollipop in the 'Maid of Honor's' bouquet so that if Jolea cooperated she would get this treat once she made 'her walk'. Again...genius!

And, let me tell you, it worked like a charm!!!!! LOL!!!!

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

And speaking of flowers... Oh my goodness...they were beautiful! Angela loves babies breath and used it everywhere. But she desperately wanted peonies for her bouquet...not an easy task in June. So just when it looked like it was NOT going to happen, the amazing Judie at 'Placerville Flowers on Main' found a local supplier, and below is her masterpiece. Once again Judie brought tears to the eyes of one of our brides with her InnCredible creation. Not surprising, this happens a lot.

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

Of all the wonderfully things that Angela had for her big day, I think her favorite was by far, her cake topper. And I have to agree. This piece fit she and Tim 'to a tee'...and it looked stunning on top of the InnCredible cake that Nikki D'Agostini, owner, of 'D'Agostini's Delights' created.

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

And let me tell you about this cake. Talk about one of my favorite things. This cake, was by far, the BEST cake I have ever eaten. Angela and Tim wanted alternating layers of marble and red velvet, but were unsure of what to put in between the layers. Since cream cheese didn't really go with the marble cake and chocolate genache was too much for the red velvet, a compromise was reached and a new flavor was born. Introduced at Angela and Tim's wedding was the new decadent taste sensation...'Chocolate Cream Cheese'. Oh my goodness, it was killer.

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

But truth be told, my favorite thing about Angela and Tim's wedding has to be the picture below. This sums it all up for me...a happy couple getting the wedding of their dreams. This is why we love our job! Marjorie and I were honored to have had such an important part in Angela and Tim's big day, and are blessed to call them friends. Thank you Angela and Tim for trusting us with the most important day of your lives!!!!

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

And I couldn't end without another big 'Thank You' to all the amazing vendors who helped make Angela and Tim's big day InnCredible. You are the best of the best, and we could not have worked our magic without yours!

Venue: 'Coloma Country Inn'

Photographer: 'Stellasweet Photography'

Caterer: 'A Taste To Dine For'

Flowers: 'Placerville Flowers on Main'

Cake: 'D'Agostini's Delights'

Until Next Time...

Making YOUR Wedding InnCredible

InnCredible Events

530.919.4588

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

Monday, August 6, 2012

'Unexpected Fly-Over'...Angela & Tim Get Married

(Photo Courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

One never knows when love will strike. Angela had invisioned her wedding since she was a little girl and finally at the age of 37, she married the 'love of her life'...'the man of her dreams'.

This darling couple met when Tim bought a new black Mustang, and being too 'afraid', or 'shy', to ask dear Angela on a date, he instead asked her if she would take a ride with him in his new 'muscle car'. Well, as you can imagine, one thing let to another...the ride led to dinner...which lead to a movie, and the rest, as they say, 'is history'. And on June 3, 2012, Angela and Tim Brennan Jr. were married at the 'Coloma Country Inn', and made their 'Grand Entrance' in that same beautiful black Mustang muscle car amid the shouts and cheers from all their family and friends.

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

Now, this was not the only magical moment at their wedding...oh no! During the set-up the for their reception, the happy couple was treated to a 3-Huey 'Fly-Over' from their buddies. You see, both Angela and Tim are part of the National Guard, so the folks who were working that day protecting our country decided to show their love and respect for the soon-to-be newlyweds by flying over the Inn in their humongous Huey's. At the time everyone was speechless and in awe as these huge helicopters flew over head. Then, all at once, Angela and Tim realized what was going on and they began shouting their 'Thanks' to their fellow Guard-members who honored them that day with a fly-over. It was amazing! Simply Amazing. Too bad none of us thought to grab a phone and snap a picture.

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

Simple and elegant defined Angela and Tim style. And most of all, Angela wanted pictures. Lots and lots of wonderful pictures to remember the day...(Tim just wanted BBQ, LOL!) So matching her up with Marjorie Branco from 'Stellasweet Photography' was a no brainer. There are so many InnCredible photos I could share but it would take forever...

So instead, here are some of our faves...

(All above photos courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

And since Angela is a 'Crew Chief' in the National Guard, this photo was a MUST!

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

As was this one...hee hee... I love all the combat boots!

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

'Crew Chief' Tim and his guys were a bit more traditional...and ever so dapper in their black suits!

(Photo courtesy of 'Stellasweet Photography')

The other thing that was uber important to Angela was getting a picture in her wedding gown in a tree. She was quite the 'tom boy' when she was little and climbing trees was her favorite past time. I did finally get her to agree to wait until after the ceremony to climb her tree so her dress was fresh, clean and not torn to shreds as she walked down the aisle to meet her new hubby. Thank goodness!!!!

And this is where the story gets good...Angela in her rush to get down the aisle, kicked off her shoes because they were slowing her down...so, here it is, the 'money shot'. Angela's shoes waiting for her return.