Vendor Spotlight Series-Rachael Grammer of Two Hearts Wedding and Events

We are proud to feature Rachael Grammer of Two Hearts Wedding and Events in our Vendor Spotlight Series.  She is the owner and planner for Two Hearts and is a pleasure to work with on weddings and special events.

We have had the pleasure of working with Rachael on The Brides Against Breast Cancer event the past two years.  We share the passion for helping brides find their perfect dress while helping a cause that is important to both of us.  www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent them a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities.  We hope you enjoy.

1. How did you get started in the wedding industry?

"I started event planning many years back(not sharing that date...ahem) with corporate and charitable functions.  While I enjoyed the planning process for these events, I found them to be a little too repetitive for my tastes.  I love planning weddings for the simple reason of while no matter what style or where they take place, all have consistent "wedding" elements but are still very different.  This is due to personal dynamics mostly.  Each couple, their entourage(wedding party, family and guests), and their expectations are very unique from wedding to wedding and I love that!"

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

"For me, I’d have to say the emotions that I get to witness on wedding day. I never tire of all the daddies seeing their little girls in their wedding gowns for the first time, the couple’s first look with each other, the groom’s chin trembling as he sees his bride coming down the aisle, and the elated looks on the couple’s and their parents faces throughout the reception as they realize all the hard work and time we put into creating a memorable event has been so worth it all with the fantastic time they and their guests are having. These emotions for all of my events are permanently tattoo’d on my brain and I love remembering them all!"

3. What sets you apart from others in your field?

There are basics any “good” planner should be bring to the table... good common sense, ability to handle any situation calmly, a good/friendly disposition, great organizational skills, etc. I believe I possess all of these but I consider myself skilled during client planning sessions at bringing out those unique and very important elements to that couple and making sure said elements are consistently infused throughout their day. I’d also like to say that while the reception (celebration) is important to put a lot of work and ideas into, the ceremony is a huge focus for me. I want there to be emotion and moments that the couple and their guests connect with. Even the simplest and quick 15 minute ceremony can have elements included that allow guests to really connect and be present... not just follow along with a program. At the end of the night, I want to hear guests commenting about how it was no ordinary wedding and just how reflective the event was of that bride and groom. For me, that’s when I say... “Nailed it!”  

As a sidenote, we believe that Rachael has one of the best vendor websites around.  It is fun to navigate while giving you a glimpse into her personality and style.  She is a blast to work with and we recommend you taking a few moments to enjoy her page when you're done here. www.2heartsweddings.net

4. Best piece of advise you can provide future brides?

Narrowing down my best advise to just one suggestion is difficult for me, so here’s my top six tips. Sorry... can’t help it... and your welcome! ;)

Just Be Engaged... cease the wedding planning from time to time and remind your fiancé of the girl he proposed to. Make time to connect with conversation outside of the wedding... hopes, dreams, your first home, the color of your master bedroom, a puppy you’d like to have, the life you want to build together.

Prioritize... know what is most important to you both about your day and remind yourself and your vendors of that frequently. Be flexible on the details that don’t matter as much.

Don’t Compare... your wedding plans to the wedding you just attended. You’ll veer off the course you set for your own dream wedding and ultimately end up being disappointed that you did.

Day of Fairy God Mother... hire one!

Expect the Unexpected... don’t get caught up in”perfection”. No wedding day is perfect and sometimes those unexpected moments turn out to be the most treasured ones of all. How you embrace them makes all the difference.

Accept that you cannot please everyone... you cannot make everyone happy and trying to accommodate others will just only make your entire planning process daunting wearing you out way before the big day even arrives. Do the best you can and then don’t worry about the rest. It will all work itself out.

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?

Well, this is a difficult one to answer... I’m ALWAYS working! But when I do find myself with down time, I’d have to say reading, spa treatments, movies, traveling to see my family mostly (I’m a new aunt and I’m over the moon about it), and hanging out with my friends.

If you are in need of a planner who knows how to understand your vision and see it through to the end, then we would recommend reaching out to our friend, Rachael.

For more information about Two Hearts Weddings and Events, find them on all of their social media platforms.

Website: http://www.2heartsweddings.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Two.Hearts.Weddings

Twitter: https://twitter.com/2heartsweddings

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/2heartswed

Instagram: http://instagram.com/rachaelgrammer

We hope you enjoyed this look into one of the many talented vendors we get to work with on a weekly basis.  For additional information on our services, please visit our website: https://www.cecedesignsllc.com 

Vendor Spotlight Series-John and Angela Deaver of Main Street Productions

We are proud to feature Main Street Productions this week in our continuing Vendor Spotlight Series.  John and Angela Deaver and their entire team work to create films that will be watched over and over again. 

 

 

 

 

Main Street Productions celebrates 12 years of producing films with integrity, ensuring your satisfaction with their final product. The creative techniques used by the Main Street team during both the shooting and editing phases coupled with the industry's latest trends and equipment will make your wedding film the essential keepsake. There is simply nothing like it.

 

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent them a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities.  We hope you enjoy.





1. How did you get started in the wedding industry?

We joke that my degree is in VCR programming. But in reality, I(John) studied journalism broadcasting in college.  While I was teaching broadcasting at Spain Park High School, my cousin got married and Angela and I filmed it for her. I remember vividly having a conversation afterwards discussing how we could make a business happen.  That was 12 years ago! We have had wonderful success and are extremely grateful.

 

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

We just got back from Las Vegas for Wedding MBA. There are so many wonderful professionals in our industry that it really makes the day more fun! We, here in Birmingham, are so lucky that we have such a great community of professionals that we can support, network with, and refer business to each other.  It's like a family!

 

3. What sets you apart from others in your field?

Not only are we lucky to have such a great community of wedding professionals in Birmingham, but the videography community is pretty tight-knit as well. We try to get together often to discuss wedding trends or just stories "from the field."  Everyone is just a little different from each other so we are able to give brides several wonderful choices when it comes to picking their videographer.

 

 

 

 

4. Best piece of advice you can provide future brides?

It is well documented that not hiring a professional videographer for their wedding day is the biggest regret that they have after the wedding is over.  I believe it is 97% of brides that don't have a video, regret it.  So of course I have to say hire the best that your money can buy.  Just do it!  We have countless emails from our families that echo this sentiment.  Find someone whose style you love, whose personality is compatible with yours and who really takes the time to learn what you want in a wedding film.

 

 

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?

I like to joke that I am always working, but we are trying to do better about taking time off and enjoying life.  We heard once a videographers' conference: don't spend your entire life documenting someone else's life that you don't have time to live your own.

I do enjoy being an amateur photographer, and of course spending time with my family.  And if you know me at all, you know that Angela completely answered these questions so that it would get done!

 

For more information about John, Angela, and their entire team, please visit www.mainstreetav.com. The products that they produce are second to none, and will be a prized possession for years to come.  We appreciate them participating in our series, and we look forward to working alongside them again in the very near future.

 

Christy "CeCe" Todd

Vendor Spotlight Series-Jackie Robinson of Rawwbeauty

We are excited to feature our good friend in the wedding business, and talented make up artist, Jackie Robinson of Rawwbeauty. Rawwbeauty Makeup Artistry is an “on location” or “in studio” hair and makeup service for all occasions. Weddings, Proms, Homecomings, Parties, Balls, Pageants, everyday makeup and much more.

Jackie offers airbrush makeup application. She proudly use TEMPTU PRO airbrush system and makeup. Airbrush makeup mimics skin texture which is what gives it such a flawless appearance. It is a Silicone based product and has up to 15 hours of wear which is great for a long wedding day.

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent them a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities.  We hope you enjoy.

1. How did you get started in the wedding industry?

"After working in a salon and at MAC for years, I realized how much I loved doing makeup full time. I ended up having a wedding that I booked just a few weeks before leaving MAC. After doing it I realized it was something I wanted to start pursuing more full time.  Makeup is such a hard industry to break into, but I kept working hard at it and my business blossomed into what it is today. I am not not even in my 5th year of weddings, and I couldn't be happier to do what I love doing everyday."

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

"I love getting to meet so many different types of people and personalities. I always say it takes a special person to work in the wedding industry.  It is a tough industry with a lot of stresses, but it is also super rewarding.  I have met some of my best friends since starting my business, and I am also VERY close with some of my brides. I love creating long lasting relationships past just doing their wedding makeup."

3. What sets you apart from others in your field?

"I feel what really sets me apart is my passion and drive for my business. I have high standards in business practices as well as customer service.  I always hear that people love how quickly I respond to them when they contact me.  I also pride myself on always being on time and keeping a timely schedule throughout the wedding day.  I feel that I truly do shine in my talent as a makeup artist and it shows through my work.  I have a very strong eye for detail and love taking my time and making sure each and every aspect of my makeup is perfect."

4. Best piece of advice you provide future brides?

"I would say the best advice I can give is really make sure you mesh with your makeup/hair artist that you are hiring for your wedding. They are with you for the most intimate part of your day; typically in the dressing room or place with some of your closest friends and family getting ready.  Make sure they are someone that you can see spending the majority of your day with.  Also, make sure you hire a professional that you know will be there for your big day and not flake on you.  The last thing you want is to be let down, and without the makeup/hair artist of your dreams for your big day."

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?



"I have always been the creative artsy type and love painting and drawing.  I try my hardest to draw and paint when I get the chance.  I also grew up as a speed skater, but haven't gotten to go in a few years.  I am really wanting to go back and get into skating more.  Most importantly, spending quality time with my husband and our kitty, Dixie(dissy darlin)."

The Rawwbeauty team consists of Jackie as outlined above and her lead hairstylist, Tammy Howell. In early 2012, Tammy graduated from Regency Beauty institute in Hoover, AL. While still in school, she was chosen to take part in Birmingham Fashion Week, in which, she was selected as a top 12 stylist and featured in their 2012 calendar. "I am so blessed to be doing something I love. I am still a little in awe when I get to do hair for professional shoots, or even music videos!"

For more information on Jackie, Tammy, and the Rawwbeauty line of products and services, please visit http://www.rawwbeauty.com or their facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/rawwbeauty

Vendor Spotlight Series-Handley McCrory of Windwood Weddings

Windwood Equestrian Farm is one of CeCe Designs favorite Birmingham wedding venues.   The description on their website describes their venue perfectly: "Windwood offers a unique farm setting with an old world inspired atmosphere perfect for your wedding. It is reminiscent of an old English Estate with the barn nestled in the valley. Whether you want photographs walking down the trails or by the horses there are limitless beautiful settings for your day. Windwood has more than enough space to host both your ceremony and reception or just one or the other. The Estate has three barns, many meadows and a beautiful courtyard. Windwood can accommodate any size occasion large or small and offers over 200 acres as the setting for your wedding day or occasion."

 

    Photo Credit: Arden Photography

One of our main reasons for loving Windwood so much is their Senior Event Coordinator, Handley McCrory.  We are so thrilled to feature her on this week's Vendor Spotlight Series Blog.

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities. We hope you enjoy!!

1. How did you get started in the wedding industry?

"I started working with Sybil Sylvester at Wildflower Designs and that's how I met Arden and William(Upton). They then hired me to be the Senior Event Coordinator at Windwood Equestrian. I've been at Windwood since the very beginning, so it has been exciting to watch the business grow and to be a part of it."

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

"My favorite thing about working in the wedding industry would have to be working with other wedding professionals. Being surrounded by creative people who are always looking for a new and innovative way to do something is just inspiring." 

   Photo Credit: Arden Photography

The photos above are Jaime and Andrew Manning's wedding. We had so much fun collaborating with Handley to bring this beautiful couple's dream to life. 

3. What sets you apart from others in your field? 

"If I had to say, I would say that what sets me apart from others in my field is the ability to walk in any place and always be able to make a connection with someone. If definitely makes the world a little smaller. When brides come to Windwood to meet with me and they are newly engaged, a little nervous to embark on this planning adventure....it really helps to be able to knock down some barriers and make connections with them. By the end of the meeting, we are already fast friends."

4. Best piece of advice you can provide future brides?

"The best piece of advice I could give to brides would be to hire a planner that will dot your "I's" and cross your "T's" because no matter how organized you may be now....6 months down the road you're going to be too excited for your wedding to want to worry about the little things."

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?

"Hobbies when I am not working.....hmm I have several. BUT, I would say that my favorite thing to do is get with my friends and cook dinner. We're all super busy, so it's fun to just get in the kitchen and catch up. Also, since I work every weekend....lazy week nights are about the only time I get to see anyone haha!!"

So, whether you are looking for the picture percent backdrop for your ceremony and/or reception, or you have always dreamed of being married outside in the calm of nature, then we would recommend calling Handley to discuss all of the amenities that Windwood has to offer. 

For additional pictures, information, and a calendar of open dates, please visit www.windwoodweddings.com or http://www.facebook.com/windwoodweddings

We look forward to working with many more couples at this beautiful venue with a tremendous staff. 

Vendor Spotlight Series-Ann Marie Leveille of Tres Beau Weddings LLC

We are so excited to start our Vendor Spotlight Series.  We will be sharing information on our friends in the wedding industry to help our brides and social media followers know more about the people that we enjoy working with throughout the year. 

Our first featured Vendor is Ann Marie Leveille of Tres Beau Weddings LLC.  Ann Marie is a sweetheart, and extremely talented.  We love working with her because we know that the day is going to run smoothly and we are going to have fun!!!

In an effort to showcase each vendor, we sent them a questionnaire with 5 questions that should give us insight into their business, their values, and their personalities.  We hope you enjoy!!

1. How did you get started in the wedding industry? 

"I joke that I never got over planning our own wedding and it's partially true.  I've always loved planning parties and events(I come by it honestly...learned from my mama and grandmother) and was always voted to be the "social coordinator" in anything that I was involved in.  Out of high school, I attended culinary school and worked several years as a corporate dining chef for Saks, Inc.(they were headquarted in Birmingham for several years). It was at Saks that I gained valuable experience in planning large-scale events, working with vendors, and making people happy.  After marrying in 2001, I began helping friends with their weddings...and the rest is history!!"

2. What is your favorite thing about working in the wedding industry?

"Making people happy by assisting them on one of the most important, sacred days they will have in their lifetime.  And Cake.

Also, the fabulous wedding community we have in Birmingham!(but really, the cake!)"

3. What sets you apart from others in your field?

"I have a personality that allows me to be a people person, AND be task oriented at the same time. Sometimes, planners can be too much of a task person, but I feel like I balance that well! I get the job done, and I am super calm and sweet about it."

4. Best piece of advice you can provide to future brides?

"Make a budget early on(it's not fun, I know), and take time throughout the process to savor being engaged. Focus on the marriage to come, not just the wedding day!  And hire a planner, even if it's for day of"

5. What are your hobbies when you are not working?

"My husband and I LOVE to travel, especially to Europe.  I love to read and snuggle with my kitty.  We also love to cook for others, so come on by Chez Leveille if you get hungry one night."

CeCe Designs highly recommends Ann Marie.  Her personality, professionalism, and organizational skills are a great combination to make your special day run smoothly. Click on the link below for more information:

http://www.tresbeauweddings.com

10 Things You Should Know or Ask Your Floral Designer

The following list is not an exhaustive list of everything you should ask or know about your floral designer, but rather thoughts and opinions based on personal experience, continuing education, and reviews of design articles and editorials. This list was written with the intention of being published on a nationally followed and published blog, but we decided to submit a different topic instead so we are sharing here on our personal blog site. We enjoy creating dialogue with other wedding industry personnel both locally and nationally through our blog, Twitter, and Facebook. 

#1 Floral design is an art form! Art is subjective so make sure your style and vision for your wedding coincides with the person you are hiring for your wedding day florals.

#2 Know who is actually designing your flowers for your big day! Most floral shops and major players in the flower world rarely have the "star" actually designing your flowers. They tout a big name, but unless you are the top dollar wedding that weekend they probably aren't the one designing YOUR flowers. Make sure you're not being sold a reputation or a name. Being a smaller floral design company, I design the majority of my weddings and oversee every aspect of my weddings. I only employ 1-2 designers who are hand picked and trained by me.  

 

#3 Always know how many events your prospective florist will have on your wedding day. It is typical to be one of 4-5 events with a large event florist. At CeCe Designs,  we prefer to only take one event per day and a maximum of 3 events per weekend. You never want an overwhelmed floral designer. 

 

#4  You as the Bride need to understand why it's important to hire a professional! Hire someone who specializes in flowers for events and weddings. You don't want your best friend who did flowers for her sorority mixer, an Aunt who loves to garden, or local grocery store chain doing the flowers on one of the biggest days of your life! Simply put, it's not worth the few dollars you save for the lack in peace of mind and more stress! When you don't hire a professional, you run a very high risk of it becoming a disaster. You won't know until your wedding day, and by then it's too late to do anything about it. As a floral designer, I eat, sleep and breathe it. I know it like the back of my hand and I deliver exactly what's expected to my brides.

 

#5 NEVER let your mother, mother-in-law, or immediate family member do your flowers, coordinating, or any major task on your wedding day. It is enormously stressful on both the family member and the bride. You want your mom enjoying your day, not stressed out setting up table centerpieces. Keep family AND friends out of the equation.  Let them enjoy your day with you!

 

#6 Make sure your floral designer is trained! I'm not suggesting all designers need letters or to have graduated from some obscure floral school. Sometimes the overly trained are the hardest for a bride to work with as far as seeing HER vision and not their own. What I'm referring to, is someone with a back ground in the industry of design. In this day and age of every one who has an iPhone thinking they are a photographer, the same is true in floral design. The "garden/wildflower" movement allows pretty much anyone to grab some flowers, tie a ribbon around it, and tout themselves as a floral designer. Floral design requires proper mechanics. You don't want thorns piercing your skin as you hold a bouquet because the designer didn't know how to use a rose stripper. Heaven forbid your large alter arrangement crumble to the floor because they didn't know to use wire and tape to reinforce the oasis. Perhaps they will make your all hydrangea pew markers without any water source and they all wilt and die an hour before the service! THESE ARE ALL THINGS I'VE SEEN HAPPEN! I was trained for years in brick and mortar floral shops and regularly attend training seminars that keep me up to date on the latest techniques. I've spent 16 years learning the mechanics in all things floral, and you should expect no less from your floral designer. If they "just love gardening" or "did flowers for a few friends then decided to open their own business".... RUN as fast as you can to an experienced professional.  

 

#6 You're not just paying for the flowers!!! Like I stated in #5, you are hiring a professional and paying for their knowledge, expertise, and talent. You are paying for their knowledge in mechanics, their eye for design and color, and their knowledge of flowers.  For example, what flowers will last in a flower girls' halo, how to put a succulent in a bouquet ( they have no stem), or what will be in season for your wedding. If you were just paying for flowers and ANYONE could do it, we would all be out of a job. It's WAY harder than it looks. Trust me! Every professional floral designer has stories of late night calls or wedding day emergency texts of brides crying hysterically because they can't get theirs done, they are all wrong, or they are all falling part.

 

 

#7 Be flexible and make sure your designer is too! Pintrest rules the wedding world. I personally love when my brides bring me their Pintrest board. I look at it as an awesome communication tool between brides and florist. Rarely do brides know the names of flowers, shade of roses, or a design style, but with Pinterest they can show me exactly what they like. But keep in mind, a florist can't do an exact duplicate so be flexible on substitutions, size and shades. We will get it as close as humanly possible but there are different factors at work. Mainly, we're not the same person who made the one in the picture! :) In return, your florist should embrace what you are wanting. If you don't like it, speak up. If they are dragging you kicking and screaming away from your wedding day vision, don't be afraid to say that's not what you want. If they still don't want to listen to you, then move to another expert.

 

#8 Be realistic! This brings me to the negative side of Pintrest and other idea generators such as wedding magazines and blogs. Most of those pictures are just unrealistic!!! I have Brides all the time that bring me pictures like this! This is a bride with a $50k floral budget!!!! You can't get this if you want to spend less than  $200.00 on table arrangements. 

 

This is a centerpiece done by CeCe Designs for a budget of under $200 per table. 

 

 

#9 Ask to see "Real weddings" from your potential florist and ask for references. Do your own online research. It usually doesn't require much effort. Most reputable florists are members of organizations or rating websites such as AIFD (American institute of Floral Design) www.aifd.org  AWEP (Alabama Wedding and Event Professionals),  Weddingwire.com or BorrowedandBlue.com. To be a member of most trade organizations, you must have a proven track record or pass exams to belong. Most anyone can make something look good for a picture, but who knows how it was put together, or if it will die in 15 minutes. It just has to look good in that one second because Styled shoots and magazine layouts are not realistic because they are a "no financial limit" design. A real wedding that a florist shows you is actual work they have done for an actual bride and groom. Don't be afraid to ask them the cost of the centerpieces in the picture. It's a great gauge to see what you're getting for the money. Are they heavy on greenery? Then your not getting a lot of flowers for the money. Are they mostly props and little flowers?  Then most of your money is going towards the rental of the prop and not the actual flowers. Even ask for a mock up, but don't expect it for free. It costs the florist time and resources to create. 

 

#10 READ YOUR CONTRACT! READ YOUR CONTRACT! READ YOUR CONTRACT!!!!

Like most things in life, a successful wedding or event is based on developing rapport and a relationship leading up to the big day. 

John+Hannah 5.24.14

We were so blessed to be a part of this wonderful couples' special day.  From the moment we arrived until the moment we took down the reception decor', it was obvious the love that is shared between these two.

Hannah made such a beautiful bride.  She glowed as she saw her bouquet for the first time, and we were so proud to make her dreams come true.

 

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens(http://www.bbgardens.org) provided a gorgeous venue for the ceremony in the Gardens and the reception in the Garden Cafe'.  We hope you enjoy the rest of the images that we just cannot get enough of!!