Choosing Your #Squad

Selecting your wedding day partners can be one of the most important decisions you make for your wedding day. Yes, it's important to track down a killer venue, find the best tasting cake in town, and pour your creative genius into your invitations and paper goods. What's just as important? The individuals you choose to surround you, give you expert advice and options, and bring a positive, "your best interest in mind" attitude to your big day.

Melissa, of Melissa Jill Photography, spoke to some of her past brides to see what their best recommendation is for finding your dream squad of wedding vendors. You can check out the top 7 tips HERE. I'd have to add one more tip too - check out their personal Instagram accounts! You can learn a lot about a person getting a peak into their home and friend lives, even if it is truly just a "highlight reel" of the best moments. 

Past brides - feel free to chime in! It's always great hearing first hand perspectives of how to make wedding planning even smoother, and more rewarding. How did you find, and choose, your wedding team?

Want to learn more on the topic of hiring vendors? Check out these past Lucky & In Love posts.

Hiring Help: YOU NEED IT

Hiring Help: Who to Hire?

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10 Tips for Creating Your beautifully Styled Wedding

Well, friends, it is finally here. 

CAUTION: Long-winded post ahead. If you'd like to skip to the goods, read the last two paragraphs and/or skip ahead and visit the new "freebies" square at the right of the blog. Must remember to put a word count limit on my brain.

It's no secret that I have fallen madly in love with private estate weddings. I've been struggling to find a better word to classify these events, since "backyard" doesn't seem to do it justice. These are not your run of the mill, invite everyone over for Chipotle catering and fire pit songs, while two lovebirds quietly get hitched in the corner kind of events (although, don't get me wrong, I would NEVER turn down carnitas taco salad by the fire during a normal saturday evening).

We're talking full blown transformations. Installed dance floors over the pool, hand forged chuppahs with custom silk fabric, three-day load ins, custom bars and all night parties with special guests at midnight to close the party down (and by special guests I mean the police. Which has happened. It is not my favorite).

These events are BEYOND specialized to reflect the couple, which is something I personally value higher than anything when it comes to planning a wedding. Those special touches that make it you, that account for all of the nuances, inside jokes and memories of your dating & engagement adventure together. 

Planning these types of events is no joke. It takes loads of extra detail, planning, certainly double the rentals and a clear vision of what the end event will look like. It takes a special couple to take it on, but with the help of your friendly neighborhood wedding planner, it can ABSOLUTELY come to fruition. 

If booking a full service wedding planner isn't in the cards (a.k.a. the budget) , OR if a putting together "backyard" wedding is a bit of a reach - that is completely okay! You can still plan a perfectly unique, personalized and memorable event.

Now, wondering where to start?

A few months ago, two crazy talented industry pals of mine (Sarah & Melissa) came to me with the idea of creating a mini e-book PDF for engaged couples to start them on their planning journey.

We spent some serious time nailing down our absolute best ideas. And now, it's ready to share. See that block at the right of this blog titled "freebies"? All you have to do is let me know where to send it, and to who it's being delivered, and the 10 page guide will be on its way to you!

Want a sneak peek at Tip #1, before you sign up? 

Click Me

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You're Engaged...Now What?

First and foremost, take some time to celebrate! A dinner out with friends, an overnight trip to a nearby B&B, a bottle of champagne shared over takeout and an episode of Game of Thrones - whatever is a good fit for you two. 

Then, it's time to get to work! But where to start?! Before you blast out of the gate scheduling your engagement shoot or inviting your entire sorority pledge class to be in your bridal party...start with three of the most important tasks you can accomplish from the get go.

TASK 1: Narrow down the time of year you'd like to get married, and select a few dates that might work for you and your fiancé. Venues, photographers and planners' calendars tend to fill up quickly, so it's best to arrive with options. 

TASK 2: Select a budet. Check your personal finances, speak to your families, and take some time to sit down just the two of you to find a realistic number of what you can afford to spend. Once you have the final amount - be prepared to stick to it!

TASK 3: Based on what your budget will allow, select a guest count. You'll need this number as you're speaking to venues, catering teams, ceremony sites and more. 

If you're still feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Friends are generally always up for sharing their wedding planning tips and tricks, although, beware of those individuals who hated planning with every ounce of their being. A negative outlook is not what you need as you embark on this journey.

Instead, find your neighborhood wedding planner, and send them an SOS! Most are willing to sit down for a free consultation, giving a bit of their time to steer you in the right direction. If you happen to be in the Arizona or San Diego area - I may be that person! Give me a holler, and let's get you on your way to planning your dream wedding.

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