The Day's Journal

Finding beauty in the everyday pieces of life

flint wedding planner

Little Sister Getting Married {Invitations are Out!}

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Vintage Engagement photos

I have had doodles, designs and to-do lists scattered about my desk for months now, all revolving around my little sister’s wedding.  I am so excited for her and I keep going back to the plans trying to figure out how to make this the absolute wedding of her DREAMS.  Now, admittedly I must say that I’m a little closer to this bride than my other clients, sorry, but it’s true.  That being said, there’s a little more of an emotional connection there and sometimes I literally have to stop myself from jumping up and down when I’m in the planning stages.

November has been a month full of showers and parties all revolving around my dear sister.  Invitations also went out last month (and as my mother said, “Well, it looks like we’re having a wedding!”) and RSVPs are starting to roll in.  I just got an email from the fabulous Brad and Sam (of Bradley James Photography – who also took the above photo)and they’re hoping to tie up loose ends with them very soon.  Eek… now I just had that “This is really happening” moment!!

This glittery, vintage, wintery wonderland affair is definitely going to be one for the books and I cannot wait until January!!

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Little Sister Getting Married!! {Weekend Update}

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Oh hello Monday… so glad you’re here for another busy week!  But before I start on the busy week ahead, I just must share how much fun this past weekend was.

While my sister and I have been collaborating and doing much of her wedding planning from afar (she lives on the east side of the state), it was so nice to have her visit and put so many of our plans into action!  We scratched countless items off the planning list this weekend and I am unbelievable excited about how this whole celebration is coming together.  A couple weeks ago I wrote a post about how long it takes to plan a wedding and in her case, she could get married next month no problem (In case you don’t remember, she was engaged mid-June so that’d be 3 month engagement!).

Ruffled Blush Pink CakeHer dress is breathtaking, her venue filled with classic architecture and natural light and the design plan just fits together so perfectly.  Linens have been selected, invitations created and floral needs have been decided.  And the cake (or should I say cakes), I am so excited about, but maybe that’s just my sweet tooth talking!

Upon leaving, I could see the disappointment in her face as most of the fun details have been found and put into place, so now what?  No worries, there’s still plenty to do and the holidays will be here before you know it!

Have a great week!

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And this cake picture? It’s just a sneak peek at some of the inspiration behind her gorgeous cake table.  We found it on Pinterest (where else??), but I believe the original was created by Connie Cupcake.

Little Sister Getting Married!! {The Venue Search}

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When you’re not the one getting married, it’s often very easy to judge how you would do things differently or how you might think a couple is going about the planning process all wrong.  First off, let me just say that no two weddings are exactly alike.  There are so many more feelings and emotions that go into a wedding, beyond venue choices, timelines and entrees.

My little sister is getting married (yay!) and as a good older sister who just happens to be a wedding planner, I’m helping her plan her wedding.  So here’s the truth, I have a hundred thousand gorgeous ideas swimming around in my head just based on the very few descriptive words she’s provided me with about her dream day.  From those hundred thousand gorgeous ideas, I have to narrow it down (with her help of course) to the ones that truly represent her and her relationship, and will also fit within her budget without having the sacrifice the sanity of those around her and without stepping on toes and tell Mom to back off (sorry Mom if you’re reading this!)  That’s a lot to handle.  She truly might be one of my most difficult clients because there is so much extra emotion there.  My sister deserves the absolute very best.

As we’ve began this journey together, a mere 3 ½ weeks since he proposed, my sister is finding herself shoulders deep in venue research and trying to secure the perfect location, time and date.  So going back to judging other people’s process, that’s exactly what I’m trying not to do.  It’s easy for me to say “if I were getting married I’d do this…” or pick out the most gorgeous venue ever, when in fact I’m not the one footing the bill.  So as a wedding planner, I have to put myself into my client’s shoes, and remember to treat her as a client, and not just as my little sister that I can boss around.

So here’s what you should really ask as you’re trying to settle on a wedding location:

  1. What is the overall feel or mood I’d like to set for my wedding?
  2. Do I want the ceremony and reception in the same location?
  3. What is the most important thing about venue to me?  Aesthetics? Price? Functionality?
  4. How will this venue affect my décor budget?  A really awesome space can sometime eliminate the need for lots of extra flowers and fluff, whereas a less attractive area may need some extra design help.
  5. Who provides the catering?  Am I limited to certain caterers or is in-house catering the only option?  Then consider their prices.
  6. What is the lighting like, especially during the time of day you are planning your event?  Will it lend to the type of pictures and mood you’d like to have in these keepsakes?

Choosing a venue can be a lot like buying a home. I was house shopping with my parents recently and the realtor said when you find the right house, it will speak to you.  Does the space speak to you?  Are you going to want pictures of this space years from now?

And in case you don’t follow along on Instagram, here is one of the fabulous spaces that we’ve had the opportunity to tour!!

The Durant, Flint Michigan

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!

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