Are you one of those couples trying to plan a wedding that reflects your own personal style?  Take a peek at this hilarious youtube video for some comic relief!  These two have some hilarious wedding themed videos…some more appropriate than others!

Back in June, our family had two very special milestones to celebrate….my mother-in-law’s retirement and my mom’s 60th birthday.  This may not be wedding related…but it is still blog worthy!!  We decided to throw a surprise party for each of these two special ladies….but have them on the same night.  Complicated?  YES!  An amazing night to remember?  ABSOLUTELY!

We started in the Cellar at Hotel Vintage Plaza with a fab Italian dinner for Shelby (my darling mother-in-law).  She was a teacher for 35+ years and is definitely ready to live it up with some time off. 

Shelby is a scrabble connoisseur, so we used scrabble pieces on her invitation, and bought scrabble boards to serve as a base of the table arrangements.  We even spelled out teacher words on the different boards!

We invited about 50 of Shelby’s friends and family to join us for dinner and some hilarious toasts.  The best part of this double surprise was that we told each mom that they would be going to the other person’s surprise party…so they both kept quiet!  Shelby was so surprised when she first walked into the room, that she started to turn around to leave–it was priceless!

The toasts all had one common sentiment–Shelby is an amazing teacher, and a wonderful person with a heart of gold.

During dinner, my mom’s friends and family (that weren’t already with us at dinner) started arriving on the 2nd floor in the Tuscany Room at Hotel Vintage Plaza.   They were greeted with a big dessert buffet, several old photos, and great music by Chad Dowling Productions.

We snuck my mom out of  the dinner for a while (the excuse was to take this family photo!!), and informed everyone what was going on.  

On a cue, guests knew that they would be heading upstairs for “dessert and dancing.”  My mom had no idea there would be another 50 people upstairs ready to surprise her!  My job was to distract her for 15ish minutes until everyone from the first party could get upstairs…no easy feat!

Well, we surprised her!!  I’m pretty sure you don’t get cuter than this–I love this lady!

This second phase of the party included more toasts, some drinking and LOTS of dancing.

We even had guests fly up from California–great to see you Kathy & Bob!!

My dad never misses a good dance party.

My co-conspirators, Court and Elizabeth!

My dancing photos may not be too appropriate for this blog…so here is one of my favorite images of the Sheils clan at the end of the night.    It was certainly an event to remember, and we had the best time treating these two VERY deserving ladies. 

Jessica and Jack planned a gorgeous spring wedding at The Governor Hotel in the Renaissance Room and Billiard Room.  Jessica’s priority was decor while Jack’s was food and ensuring everyone had a good time.  Well…their guests definitely had a great time and the rooms were stunning!  Congrats you two!

The beautiful bride!

Cutest ring boy EVER!

Ceremony backdrop.  There were two HUGE arrangements flanking the stage as well.  Knock your socks off gorgeous.

Married!

Centerpieces…the ballroom was dripping in beautiful fluffy peonies.  My absolute favorite!!

Photos by Powers Studios, Flowers by Fleurology, Catering by Jake’s Catering, Hair/Makeup by Powder, Inc., Rentals by Ohana Party Rentals, Cupcakes from Cupcake Jones, Ceremony & Reception Music by Chad Dowling Productions, Printing by Crave Design.

I came across this hilarious photo on Pintrest and just had to share.  I love it when couples get creative with their photos…so funny!

We typically track RSVP’s for our clients and make all updates to a google spreadsheet.  That way, the couple has access to the list anytime they want to check in and see who is or is not attending the big event.  We also like to label the back of each RSVP or RSVP envelope so if a name is not readable, or the card is not filled in correctly (this happens regularly), we can figure out who the RSVP actually came from based on the number that coincides with the spreadsheet.

Today, Brittany was tracking RSVP’s for one of our July weddings and we came across this funny note that one of the guests left.  It gave us a good laugh and I just had to share!!

A friend of mine sent me this darling you tube video of a super dramatic 5 year old girl that refuses to get married until she has a job.  I laughed so hard watching this that I just have to share it with you.  She will make a great client one day!

Happy Valentine’s day my friends! I hope you all have something fun planned to celebrate LOVE!

Some fun Valentine’s Day facts….

• Every year around 1 billion Valentine cards are sent across. After Christmas it’s a single largest seasonal card-sending occasion.
• Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then, sweethearts. Children between ages 6 to 10 exchange more than 650 million Valentine’s cards with teachers, classmates, and family members.
• The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. The color red stands for strong romantic feelings making the red rose the flower of love.
• Cupid is a symbol of Valentine’s Day. Cupid was associated with Valentine’s Day because he was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on Valentine cards and gift tokens holding a bow and arrows as he is believed to use magical arrows to arouse feelings of love.
• Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day in the U.S.
• In Medieval times, girls ate unusual foods on St Valentine’s Day to make them dream of their future husband.

Its official…after much encouragement and prodding from friends, family and colleagues I’m finally blogging!  My hope is to provide inspiration, fun wedding and event ideas, and some humor along the way.  Happy Planning!