Happy Anniversary J + R McKinney Cotton Mill Wedding

We can't believe it's been a year and This moment is still one for the books. J + R were tying the knot on Galveston island, with Ashton Villa as the back drop to their nuptials. One word ... two syllables would change EVERY thing ...seriously ....EVERY thing. Harvey. Majority of the guest would be flying into Houston driving to the island to celebrate, but flooded roads, closed airports combined with the state of emergency would change every thing. Faced with the decision to reschedule the wedding, or relocate, our bride J chose to relocate .....to Dallas.  That was a challenge that we accepted, and were determined to see it through. I reached out to a few planner friend girls and they assisted me to the finish line. We would have to plan a wedding in 7 days, new venue, DJ, hair, caterer ...you get the point, if you don't ..WE NEEDED EVERY THING ! I honestly had a few head to the desk days, not to mention my birthday was the evening before and my clients had no clue, and I wanted it that way. My focus was them getting married, and enjoying the moment surrounded by family and friends. Wedding day came, and it was AMAZING !! I really believe the space at McKinney Cotton Mill was perfect for my clients to celebrate. Now I know your ready to see the pretty, right? But first I have to shout out my girl McKenzie Baird Photography for the beautiful images.  Now, let's do it ! 

Fourth of July party inspiration

Last July we had the opportunity to plan Peter's 50th birthday celebration. I can't event imagine sharing your birthday with a national holiday like "The fourth of July",   kind of a  mixed bag ....you always get fire works for your birthday, but your family is always celebrating the holiday with the typical "holiday " festivities. Never the less, the red white and blue color palette is and unforgettable one. So this week as your on the count down to the " Fourth of July " here is a little  decor inspiration to celebrate the moment. 

Galveston wedding planner takes NYC for J + R

This weekend we celebrated the moment with J + R in NYC ....yep ! We really did leave the island for this celebration. I can't wait to share the details with you BUT until then I will settle for sharing the sneak peek. Enjoy ! SHOUT out TO Ray Neutron for this shot 

Lyceum Galveston Wedding of Shaena and Sam Part 1

Shaena and Sam met at a party, and as they say the rest is history.  Shaena and Sam exchanged vows at The Lyceum, it's hard wood flooring, stunning stained glass windows combined with the beautiful color palette of mint green, purple, ivory and gold was perfect !  After the ceremony the guest headed to Gartein Verein to enjoy cocktail hour filled with libations, mini bites provided by Chopin Mon Ami  and the smooth sounds of  the Royal Dukes band. The ball room was transformed with champagne colored linen,  gold accented decor, combined with beautiful purple, pink and green florals. After dinner Shaena and Sam spent the evening dancing the night away surrounded by friends and family. It was a blast to collaborte with Shaena and Sam on their moment and I wish them all the love their hearts and hands can hold. Congratulations ! 

Image Credit : My Happy Lens Photography 

Five tips for stretching your wedding design dollars

As we are starting the busy Spring wedding season, we get asked quite often about options for stretching  the design budget. Most clients hate to hear the B word, but the reality is every wedding has a budget, the trick  is investing in high profile areas and scaling back on others. So we though  it would be fun to share a few tips for making your moment ....reflect you two, your personal style AND stretch those dollars.

1. Fist up .....trim the guest list ( I know, I know its pain full) but I tell my clients frequently that adding guest is like bad algebra. Most people think in one dimension.... maybe food, drink- but it's a little more complicated. I give my clients a magic number - take your budget say it's 30K and divide by the amount of guest you will have say it's 150 the answer is $200.00 now that's what it cost for every guest to participate in your moment. That includes seeing you in your dress, eating a great meal,  that pretty little chavari chair- favor - slice of cake - and sparkler for your exit. ( and a few more things) Then decide if you like them enough to enjoy their company at a dinner ( alone ) for $200.00 ...paints a whole different picture right ?

2.  Splurge on high profile areas - head table, bridal party, sweet heart table.  Go big here ! Add those place cards, table numbers, stunning settings, and centerpieces. Scale back on guest tables - maybe candle arrangements, or smaller centerpieces. 

3. Have an abbreviated bar, you have plenty of options - beer and wine, signature drinks,  and mid grade alcohol options work really well. 

4. Lighting - let's just say it covers a multitude of sins. 

5. Favors - yep, I said it ! Favors ....I can't tell you how many of those I box up or trash at the nights end,  trust me your guest won't really miss the magnet.

Menard Hall Galveston wedding of L + K

Not sure why, but I have slept on sharing the details of L + K's intimate wedding on the grounds of 

Menard Hall . You would never know it but it rained buckets the entire day and if it's like the old folks would say "rain on your wedding day means good luck"....L + K are going to have tons of good juju surrounding married life. L was a beautiful bride and K was calm, cool and collected as they exchanged vows surrounded by close family and friends, I tell you that's one of my favorite things about participating in those moments with clients....... FAMILY . I want to thank every vendor who made this collaboration work ...YOU ROCK ! 

Trolley Station Wedding Galveston, Texas

We have been waiting to share the details of this moment with you .......I have to tell you guys that it's a STUNNER. Our bride and groom originally selected an out door venue, but had a change of heart when the unpredictability of the weather became an issue. The change of location did not change the ambiance that the two wanted to create ...." A starry night ".  After a few site tours the couple decided  on The Trolley Station located in the historic strand district of Galveston Island. Our first challenge was to create the mood inside of four walls. AND I believe we knocked it out of the park. So with out further delay here are a few of our favorites, for your enjoyment. Thanks to all of the amazing vendors who made this collaboration work.