New Orleans Wedding: Lorey and Joel

I've known my very first bride since we were in middle school. We were both over achievers and participated in a lot of school and personal activities together. This is why Lorey says she hired me...because she knew how I was in school. We both went to school here in Louisiana and then both moved away. She went to New York and I went to DC. Then, as Lorey says, "Joel put a ring on it" in April 2012, I started It's Your Time Events in December 2012, and they were married March 23, 2013.

Lorey hired It's Your Time Events for a Day Of coordination. She and her friend Amanda came up with a lovely elegant vintage garden style wedding that came together wonderfully! Lorey's wedding was absolutely beautiful and she was stunning! 

Lorey and Joel were married at the New Orleans Opera Guild on Prytania. Sam Gregory captured the Guild perfectly in this photo! It is truly a gorgeous old time New Orleans home and provided the perfect area for Lorey's garden wedding!

We watched the weather all week leading up to the Lorey and Joel's big day. While Lorey had a tent on hold she really did not want to use it...turns out we needed it. It showered off and on from the beginning of the day, but the showers stopped for the brides big entrance and the tent was gorgeous with the garden lights. 

Event Rentals provided and set up the clear tent with garden lights. They also provided the linens, tables, and chairs. It's Your Time Events set the chairs up in a semi-circle which turned out great and looked very intimate as Lorey stood at the front surrounded by her closest family and friends. 

I have to say, that as Lorey finally reached the "altar" area, I did tear up. She is my old friend and she is my first bride. She was the picture of grace and beauty in her long lace gown. I was extremely happy for her and happy I could make this day happen the way it did!

 Kim Starr Wise did the flowers which turned out so pretty.

The day may have started with showers and clouds but there was no stopping this wedding or the fun to be had. The showers stopped for the bride and groom and they were happily married!

I absolutely loved this sitting area set up in front of the Guild. Lucky for us the rain stopped and LSU tent was removed :) So glad we could do that for our bride!

After the ceremony, the area was cleared and "flipped" to a dinner setting. Lorey and Joel took family and wedding party photos out front while inside the guests were treated to jazz music by the Joe Simons band and a cocktail hour. At this time guests were also invited to pick up their table cards. After cocktail hour and a bit of mingling with the bride and groom, La Maison Creole provided a sit down dinner and stellar services!

Even though the rain stopped, there were still remnants left over. The dance was wet, but that did not stop this couple from having their first dance. The groom rallied his groomsmen and I rallied my people to find as many napkins as we could and we dried the floor. There will be dancing!

I'd say the elegant garden themed wedding came together beautifully!

The bride threw her bouquet from the balcony and I have to say it was an awesome catch by her sister!

While this may have been It's Your Time Events' first real event as a business, it would not have happened without some awesome support from a dear friend and some great vendors! Thank you Lorey and Joel for taking a chance on an old friend and her new business. Thank you to her very awesome wedding party (both bridesmaids and groomsmen) for being flexible and helping when needed. And thank you Sam, Kim and company for being great vendors to work with!

If you are interested in having It's Your Time Events plan your big day (or any other event), please email erin@itsyourtimeevents.com or call us at 985-234-9757. 

Thank you to all of the wonderful vendors who helped pull Lorey and Joel's wedding together:

Wedding Coordination: It's Your Time Events

Flowers: Kim Starr Wise

Photography: Sam Gregory Photography

Rentals: Event Rentals

Seeing things from a different perspective and learning from others

This post is long overdue.

When I started It's Your Time Events, I made a decision (and personal goal) to work with and learn from as many vendors as I possible so I could learn as much as possible. Knowing what vendors need and want can only help in making sure all of my events go smoothly from beginning to end, and ensures both my clients and the vendors I work with are happy in the end.

The first wedding I got to see from a different perspective was with Studio Vieux Carre for a wedding planned by Jennie Keller - Weddings in the City by Jennie Keller. Terry asked me to help in getting from one location to the other and with miscellaneous items along the way. It was a big night because they were a "same day edit."

Because it was a same day edit, Studio Vieux Carre worked like a well oiled machine that night. The week before Terry sent out a timeline with details outlining where we were all supposed to be and what we were all doing. I was supposed to get Terry from location to location (on time). I was a little nervous because I was working with THE Studio Vieux Carre and THE Terry Taravella! And I was also a little nervous because I knew this was a big event when Terry told me it was taking place at Club XLIV in Champion Square! 

We started by leaving the Hyatt and heading to Immaculate Conception. Turns out, there was a monster truck show that night too (so glad I was a little early and saw Jennie outside so I could park in front of the Hyatt). Lesson learned: know the other events happening around your locations so you can plan accordingly. The streets were a MESS that night! But Jennie handled the limos and parking spectacularly and I was able to get out and to Immaculate Conception on time and ready to support Terry and team!

We left Immaculate for Champion Square where I basically dropped Terry off in the street because of how busy the street were that night. I ran to catch up and right into the Second Line into the square! It was truly a sight to behold!  (you can see more of the reception sites on Brandon O'Neal Photography Blog)

I caught up with Terry and team and had one mission: gather cards for Joe to download and begin editing. Joe, Terry, Jeana, and Gary started the "event" by shooting the bride and groom getting ready, moving to the ceremony and then continuing onto the reception. During the reception, they continued to shoot while simultaneously one of them began downloading and editing. At this point, for a same day edit and for the Studio Vieux Carre team, it's important for the editor to be able to focus on the editing and not shooting. It's important for the editor to be able to focus. So I did what I could by running back and forth for Terry, Jeana and Gary and getting Joe drinks occasionally. It wasn't much but they said they appreciated it so I'll take that :)

Watching them, as a part of the videography team, I was able to see the videographer and photographer blend in with the crowd and how they are dedicated to capturing everything from big moments to the smallest of details. I was also able to see how they move with their audience and clients. (I especially loved how Brandon, the photographer, moved with people while they were dancing. He didn't ask them to stop or hold that pose. He moved with them...rocking back and forth.) It was seamless.

Being a part of this team showed me how all the pieces come together for one ultimate goal - the happiness of the client. Jennie Keller was the leader, or maestro, who took the lead, answered questions, and made sure participants, photographers, videographers, and behind the scenes vendors all knew what was going on and when it would happen so they could do what they needed to do. And Studio Vieux Carre's "same day edit" was their solo which they executed flawlessly. There were so many pieces and parts moving. All of these vendors worked together to make sure Emily and Ron were happy in the end. And I was honored to be there for it and to help in any way possible! Thank you Studio Vieux Carre!

Getting to know your vendors - Fat Cat Flowers

I first met Diane Mouton of Fat Cat Flowers when I was researching florists for my wedding. She made me feel so at ease and welcome into her shop and like I was her number one priority. 

Since then and after our interview, I believe I've grown to know Diane and her business fairly well. When describing her several words come to mind: personal, enthusiastic, engaged, professional yet completely free and owns her creativity.

Born and raised in Vermont, Diane came to New Orleans when she was 16 years old to attend Tulane. She fell in love with New Orleans! She describes it as, "the perfect blend of big and small and it has such a close knit and rich community....It's almost European." She never looked back.

While at Tulane, surprisingly Diane studied accounting which is the exact opposite of being a florist. But, like Diane says, to run a good business you have to make money. And you have to be able to pay good staff. And her business background has served her well (I know who I'm going to for business advice in the future).

Diane graduated and went to work in the hospitality industry in catering and at the Marriott and in restaurants which gave her the customer service foundation she believes is key to her success. And I have to agree. I think she has a great combination of professionalism, business experience, and customer service skills that truly sets her apart from others.

Yes, I wondered how she got from accounting and catering to being a full time florist. As most of you know, accounting can be stressful, so she needed a change. She thought about starting a restaurant, but that would involve a lot monetarily. So she looked herself and at what she really liked doing in life. Flowers. She loved flowers. She worked at several flower shops around the city to get a feel for how they functioned. In 2005 she started Fat Cat Flowers in her basement, and moved into her current studio several years later.

To ensure there is great design, great value, great reliability in every single event she does, Diane attends shows, uses the internet and goes to Market every year. She sees the trends before they get here and is able to show them to her clients. The trend right now is to be more eclectic but keep it cohesive. She wants it to be a true reflection of the client.

This is why when Diane begins the planning process, it's all about getting to know the client and pulling the entire picture together to ensure everything gels. She wants to know about your theme, your colors and yes, she wants to know about your dress because the bouquet is an accessory, and everything flows out from there. She wants you to use Pinterest to try to find your style so she can have a visual to pull from. And for some clients, the process is more detailed and involves more meetings, and for other clients, it's about Diane being creative. It's definitely a balance and a skill in adjusting. But Diane's main goal is that she genuinely wants people to come into the shop and know without a doubt she can recreate their dream and KNOW that she's going to show up on time. And that really is her mantra - be personal and be reliable and be creative.

Don't be afraid to talk about your budget with Diane! We know this can be a painful or sticky subject Be prepared to talk about what you want so she can work within it. In the end she wants you, the client, to be happy. (HINT: Using in-season flowers also costs less and makes a great show.)

Because of the need to keep things personal, Fat Cat Flowers does limit the amount of weddings they book each year. So book early! Diane recognizes you need to book the venue, band, and photographer first because they book fast in New Orleans, but if you want Fat Cat, you should book at least 6months in advance. Of course there are highly competitive months: for example, October books extremely fast, so book them at least a year in advance.

In addition to doing weddings, Fat Cat also does corporate events for the following: Brennan's restaurants, August Catering, City Park, Pat O's. Fat Cat has solid relationships with many people. In addition, she continues relationships with clients, so she also does other personal events in their lives like births, anniversaries, and even funerals.

Wrapping things up, Diane would tell clients, she wants them to remember to slow down and enjoy the day. "Just relax."

This blog was done by It's Your Time Events in an effort to become more of a resource to brides and others looking to have events in New Orleans. If you are interested in having It's Your Time Events plan your big day (or any other event), please email erin@itsyourtimeevents.com or call us at 985-234-9757. 

Getting to Know Your Vendors - Makeup by Meggan LLC

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with Meggan Dupre Ory of Makeup by Meggan during the Roques-Robichaux wedding. All of the ladies from Amanda and Chris's big day were absolutely beautiful!  Meggan was also the first vendor to respond to my wanting to do these vendor spotlights. She was so friendly, beautiful inside and out, and the session was so relaxing!

We started the session talking about each other. I loved that Meggan wanted to get to know me too! Getting to know your vendors is so important. If you can't communicate with or work with one of them, it can definitely make the entire process more stressful than it needs to be. It is so good to know I can definitely work with Meggan!

She began working with makeup while studying psychology. She started working for MAC when she was only 19 years old and had absolutely no idea what she was doing. Clearly they saw something in her work because they hired her and she has worked off and on with them over the years. It is through MAC that she went through much of her training. And to better herself, Meggan also went through training at Aveda for Esthetics.

From MAC, Stacy Marks helped get her to where she is today. "With the help of Stacy Marks...the first bride I ever did make up on was one of his bride models. He invited me over, I did her make up, and that was the first time I'd ever done make up on a bride per say. And that's how I got started, and he was like, 'You should do it.'" He helped and inspired her to get where she is today. Nice job Stacy Marks for noticing this gem!

While she recognizes some items and products might be better than others, Meggan doesn't put all her eggs in one basket though. "As far as brands go, I don't believe one brand has it all. So I pull from whatever brand has the texture I'm looking for."

But, she does have some fav tools:

1. Inglot - Meggan describes this as the following: You know how if you have black eye liner on, a few hours later it can build up in the tear duct area? It can get really messy and nasty looking. Well on your wedding day you don't want that. Inglot looks like tar. And it's not sold anywhere in the US (to our knowledge). This product does not move. 
2. Eve Pearl - the mother of the bride often worries about wrinkles. A lot of times make up can accentuate those areas. Eve Pearl covers it all really well, is "emollient and moisturizing," and Meggan uses it on all her "mature" ladies.
3. Fast Response Eye Cream - Meggan puts this on everyone because this de-puffs the eye really well. 
4. Beauty blender - one of the best inventions ever for makeup! Meggan uses it to apply foundation. 

And if you opened her bag, you might be surprised to find one of her favorite items is a pallet, so she can mix colors! She's a true artist!

Being a true artist, Meggan knows technique is important. A lot of times when brides are looking for a makeup artist, they are looking for someone who can do a better job than they are able to do. To truly be better than the average person or makeup artists you need technique. It's so important to know what is popular for this season and to be able to adjust for who she is working with at the moment. MAC and Bare Essentials trained Meggan in the true techniques makeup artists use, which can set her apart from other makeup artists. And Meggan continues to better herself by following trends and continuing to work with MAC. Every fall, spring, summer and winter she goes through training and watches a lot of youtube and researches through magazines as well. 

And while Meggan doesn't give out much advice, because it's more about guiding and asking questions to discover what clients really want, Meggan does have one tip to give clients - take care of your skin.  She highly recommends, if you're going to have a major event, like getting married, go get a few facials to prep for your big day. Get your skin looking as healthy as possible because that is how much better your makeup will look in the end. 

Makeup By Meggan was real in January 2013! And since then she's been doing weddings, proms formals, ect. Her website will be up shortly but you can find her on facebook. Most recently Meggan's makeup was featured on the cover of and throughout nola wedding guide's Summer Issue. This is by far her proudest moment - having her make up on the cover of a magazine (which is pretty awesome!).

 

More than that, though, it's important to Meggan her clients feel more beautiful and more self confident when they look in the mirror. To do that, is truly a success in her book.  

Meggan has her set rates, seen below. 

This blog was done by It's Your Time Events in an effort to become more of a resource to brides and others looking to have events in New Orleans. If you are interested in having It's Your Time Events plan your big day (or any other event), please email erin@itsyourtimeevents.com or call us at 985-234-9757. 

Defining my stakeholders: Clients, guests, and vendors

When I started thinking about becoming a planner, I did a lot of research and a business plan. It included everything from how I got to this point and where I want It's Your Time Events to go in the future. One of the sections I knew I had to address was stakeholders. Stakeholders include anyone that may be affected by your business and actions. Therefore, I defined my stakeholders as the following: clients, their guests, and vendors.

If you decide to hire an event coordinator, you should expect to be a high priority. It's an event coordinator's job to make the planning process easy. You should expect responses on your emails and calls. And if the coordinator isn't responding, it's time to look for someone else. You should expect someone who listens to what you want and then works with you and your ideas to achieve that as best as possible.

As a service provider my clients are my first priority. I work to get the job done to their satisfaction. Hopefully our planning pays off and all goes smoothly for my clients' events. However, if our plans don't go as smoothly as we would like and my clients don't know about it and didn't miss it, then I feel like I've been successful. If things don't go as planned and we all notice it, I will address it, fix it or move to plan B or even another plan. I then take that and learn from it. I'm not going to tell my clients I'm perfect, because rarely is anyone perfect, but I will tell them that perfection is my goal and it is what I strive for in planning and executing their events.

Most clients ultimately want their guests to have a good time, learn from, network at, and/or remember the event. Therefore, while my client is my number one stakeholder, another stakeholder is the guest of the event. I know that if their guests aren't happy or didn't learn from the event, then my client most likely isn't happy. My job is to take the unhappy guests, find out why and work to fix the issue, so my client doesn't have to worry about it. My job is to address it, so the client and guest both are happy (or to a certain extent, because from all my experience, I've learned we can't make everyone happy all the time).

Finally my third major stakeholder, but certainly not least, are the vendors I work with during an event. As service industry professionals, vendors and I are working to the same goal: clients' happiness. However, as I pointed out before, vendors are one of MY stakeholders and therefore I am also working to make my vendors' jobs easier. My job is to help make sure photographers, videographers, florists and others know all the behing the scenes details (like how long it will take to get from the church to the reception or when certain photos are being taken so flowers arrive by a certain time or when the bouquet is being tossed so the moment is captured). By keeping this goal in mind, I know my clients' events will go much smoother.

I've often mentioned that communication is key. And I believe it is. If my clients, the vendors and I aren't talking, something may get missed or things won't go as planned (and the event could be more stressful).

So far, I can honestly say, I've worked with some pretty awesome and professional vendors: Randy Diddly Studios, Catherine Guidry Photography, Kim Starr Wise, Event Rentals, Le Mariage, La Maison Creole, Sam Gregory Photography and can't wait to work with so many more!

Happy planning!
Erin

To Look or Not to Look, that is the Question: First Looks

You've heard it before, the Groom is not supposed to see the Bride before the wedding. It's bad luck. It's a tradition. You can't do it. And while there is plenty to do to keep the bride and groom in their separate corners on the morning of the wedding, many couples feel this is an outdated tradition (including me). Honestly, my husband and I not only saw each other that morning, we ate breakfast together with some of our guests and we had a few moments alone exchanging gifts and it was absolutely perfect. There was no pressure or work to keep us hidden. We did exactly what we wanted. And so should you.

The superstition/tradition originated from a time when most marriages were arranged and grooms didn't know who he was marrying (I can't imagine this). Back then, there was a possibility he might take one look at her and run...deciding not to proceed with the marriage. So the parents took charge and said the first time he should see her is at the altar, thus placing more pressure on him to marry her (isn't there already enough pressure?).

Now-a-days many people agree this is an outdated tradition. Many people participate in the "First Look" and it has become a very special moment on a very busy day - the Wedding Day. The First Look is often coordinated with the photographer to find a somewhat secluded, intimate or private space where the couple can meet and see each other before the wedding ceremony. You'll see many pictures of the groom facing one way as his bride approaches from behind to greet him. Once they meet, they can share a moment in peace that can be beautifully captured by photo and film - First Look by Studio Vieux Carre. 

As a bride, this moment provided a chance to see my groom and look him in the eyes before all the crazy started. It allowed us to relax just a bit more. As a bride, it allowed me to take a quiet moment with my soon-to-be husband and just take in the moment. There was no rush to get pictures done between the ceremony and reception. There were no people wanting hugs or wanting to talk. It was just the two of us looking into each other eyes and taking in the moment. 

As a coordinator, this eases tension because the bride and groom are dressed, ready and in the same place well before the actual wedding; therefore they're less likely to have logistical issues arriving to the ceremony on time. 

By no means am I trying to convince any couple to do something they don’t feel comfortable with. If you're a traditional couple, go for it and wait until the ceremony? As I've said it before, it is YOUR day, so remember it the way you want.

As for me, I did it my way. I didn't care about tradition. I ate breakfast with my soon-to-be husband and enjoyed a moment or two with him again before the ceremony. I loved every minute of it. 

If you choose to do the first look, it's important to coordinate this with all vendors and parties involved - coordinator, photographer, and videographer. Do you want your parents or his parents to see? Mine watched from an area which allowed us our moment but still allowed them to take part in it from a distance. 

Hobbies and Friends

I got married almost a year and a half ago (NYE 2011). While my husband and I are truly best friends (and I wouldn't be where I'm at without him), we both know it's important to do the things we love. He loves sports, I love my job and my hobbies (especially photography). Today I was very lucky to spend doing my hobby while also with my very dear friend Michelle. I so hope I did her and her beautiful baby justice!

 

Pinterest: Use with caution

Recently I came across an article (courtesy of a local NOLA Photographer - MQ Photography) that pointed out all that is wrong in relying simply on Pinterest to plan your wedding. I like Pinterest. Who doesn't? As a business owner, planner and coordinator it is very helpful in coming up with IDEAS. Pinterest, however, does not always tell you how to prepare and execute successfully.

Girl Talk: Pinterest ruined my wedding is funny, to me. Maybe not to everyone else. It does a great job of pointing out all the reasons why you'd need to plan and a wedding planner and it also points out what the real focus of your wedding should be, it's your day and you are getting married.

First, Pinterest is a part of social media so it is going to reflect the trends that are popular at the time. If you don't want an outdoor, barn, rustic wedding, then you have to search for exactly what want. For example, my recent bride would never have gone for hay bale seating area for her garden wedding. There are other ideas on Pinterest, you have to search for what YOU want, not what is popular.

Second, while the pictures are nice on Pinterest, they are pieces of someone else's wedding. Do you really want to imitate and try to replicate those moments or make your own moments and memories? You hired professional vendors for a reason. You hired them because you saw something in their style you liked. Trust them to capture your moments.

Third, like finding your fiance, once you find your dress, your colors, your theme and what you want, STOP looking :) There is always going to be something out there that is different or unique that you think is what you want. But there was a reason why you chose what you chose at first and there is a reason we set budgets and try to stay within them. If you continue looking and shopping you may never be happy with what you have now, and you may also completely blow your budget. Stop looking at what everyone else is doing and remember what you wanted to do in the first place. It's your wedding, not their wedding.

Finally, remember to plan! A Pinterest picture is a moment, not how it came together. Take a moment to think about what is required to get that moment. Is it a sunny day? Is there a tent? What kind of ground cover is there? What will you need to make this moment happen for you? And then think about how you're going to make it happen. Is that moment what you really want to base your whole wedding around?

Then think about if you are you going to make it happen or your bridesmaids or your family or someone else? Do you really want your bridesmaids setting up chairs or flowers or decorations, or do you want them with you relaxing and enjoying the moment and making memories? This goes back to my first piece of advice I give to any of my friends and family and all clients that come by my booth at shows: hire at least a day of coordinator. Share what you want with the coordinator and let them work for you. Enjoy your day. Because while, yes, this was a happy moment in the end, you only get one wedding day, you don't want to spend it worrying when you can enjoy the whole day.