A Dance sent to you from Mike

Mike's new obsession....Movin' Like Bernie Dance. You must You Tube this. I have included the "inspiration" behind this dance. It's hilarious and completely ridiculous....however, fair warning.....Mike has few wants for our wedding day and this dance is one of them. So, prepare yourself now, get educated so you can join in. Not sure his plan yet for where this dance will fit into our night, but I am already laughing just thinking about what Mike will come up with. Enjoy your weekend! Maybe you can find a little time to "Movin' Like Bernie." Oh, brother, watch out!

Standing the Test of Time

Is there someone that every time he or she produces work it goes above your highest expectation? And each and every time you see his or her work you simply cannot believe how amazing it is. I have worked countless weddings over the years and there was one florist that stood out each time she delivered. And that's Emily at Sisters. Emily and her staff stood out in so many ways. The flowers arrangements were different every time and unique to the wedding, but the one thing that was the same was the level of talent. Each time I have seen their work, I was surprisingly in awe yet again.  Emily is a true artist. When I went to consult with her about our flowers, I was not quite sure of what I wanted. And as for Mike, this was a "whatever you want" kind of wedding event consultation. He cares that we have flowers, but other than that he was just along for the ride. Emily was so great in helping us choose flowers, colors and arrangements. Even though we did not meet with any other florist (and let me not go on without saying, there are many wonderful and creative florist in the St. Louis area), for years I saw wedding flowers each weekend from March to November. So, it was as if we did meet many, many florists due to the fact I saw so many florsists' work over the years. I saw many unique and beautiful bouquets, boutonnieres and flower arrangements. Many I loved. But, for me, no one can beat Sisters. They are the complete package:  produce great work, sweet staff with personalities and a passion for flowers and they always go beyond what you had expected. Thank you to Emily and her staff for being so wonderful already!

In Your Dreams!

I have seen a lot of weddings at my young age of 26. But, I have never witnessed a rooftop wedding. Which is why I, personally, took such high interest in the Hyatt at the Arch. After meeting Amanda Little, the deal was sealed for Mike and I. We connected right off the bat and that is so important for us seeing as we will be working with her until next June. First of all, Amanda is a recent bride that was recently planning and celebrating her big day. She remembers what it's like to plan a wedding and brings great ideas to the table. I love that she takes a personal interest in your day. When we talk wedding, she is excited, she genuinely is thrilled to be apart of our day and treats us as if we are her only bride and groom. In fact, in a recent meeting with Amanda, we were talking about when to schedule our food tasting for our menu. I asked about when we do that and she was explaining what she recommends and then followed it by, "I mean, it's really up to you guys. I just had a food tasting with a October 2012 bride and groom." My heart stopped for a minute.....it was like she had cheated on us! But, then I came back to reality, this is her job. Of course she has other brides and grooms. I know this, yet, I had to remind myself because that's just how special she makes us feel. Moving on to the knowledge and experience Amanda brings to the table. She knows the Hyatt inside and out and knows St. Louis weddings. She can answer any questions we have and we haven't stumped her yet, but if that day should come, she would find the answer for us quickly.And finally our most favorite thing about Amanda...she's fun to be around! She is funny and has a quick sense of humor. Another bonus for Mike and I!! I have dreamed of getting married on a rooftop! Dreams are coming true!! So, game plan is this:  Late evening ceremony on rooftop looking out into the St. Louis Skyline with reception to follow. Let the planning continue! More vendor love coming up~ Sisters Flowers, CJ's DJ and more!

Bridesmaid Talk

I know for sure I want coral bridesmaids dresses. And I know I want my girls to have options. I know I want a lightweight fabric, preferably chiffon. As any color, there are so many shades of coral. In a recent trip to Lowe's, one of our new favorite stores since moving into our home, I grabbed what I thought to be a "few" paint swatches of the coral family. Once looking at them when we got home, I started to wonder what [coral] is. In searching for a direction, I found the above photo of a coral wedding. I think I like this direction. I have having a night out with 3 of my bridesmaids next week and am going to run this idea by them. I was thinking though, if I go with this, they will have a little under a year to search. They can look for something they want as far as price and hopefully find something they will wear again. Ah, decisions, decisions....

Vendor Love: Spotlight on BBP

We pretty much have a rockstar list of vendors for our wedding! We will tell you about them all, but today in the spotlight:  Bobbi Brinkman Photography. As most of you know, Bobbi is my aunt. I have grown up watching and learning from the best. Bobbi brings something to the table many people do not and that is a real personality backed up by 30 years of experience in every area of photography. She has a natural gift and passion, an eye for detail and the ability to connect with almost any bride and groom. ( I say almost any because there are just some people out there these days, no one can connect with!) She knows her couples more than some families know their relatives. She takes the time to learn about them as individuals and as a unit. She makes your journey to the alter comfortable, fun and most importantly, reminds you to be yourself and be in the moment along the way. The saying "You pay for what you get" does not apply here. You get way beyond what you pay for. Unfortunately, the contract between her clients and her  business cannot offer the fair price it should. Priceless is what it should offer. Priceless experiences, moments and opportunities come along with the commitment she makes to you when agrees to photograph your wedding. As for us, there was no searching or interviewing for a photographer. It was just finding a date she had available and planning from there. I have only skimmed the surface of BBP. I cannot go on without Bobbi's right hand woman, Tina. Anyone that has worked with Tina, loves her. They enjoy her realistic approach, honest answers and funny sayings. Tina is on of the most talented people I know. What's great about Miss Tina is her ability to be a mother, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a wife all at the same time while connecting with all people involved on your wedding day and before. Tina gets it. Any situation a bride, or groom is dealing with, Tina gets it and if it were to come in the way of wedding day or create wedding day worries, she will do whatever she can to make you get a smile back on your face. As for Jeremy of Park Avenue Photography, we just met him. However, very nice guy with an amazingly, creative eye. We are thrilled he will be behind the camera for our big day and moments leading up to it. Now a slice of BBP's work.....Our 1st engagement session! Enjoy :)

Our 1st Post!

Hello there! It's Danielle :) I wanted to start this blog for a few reasons, but today I want to be mushy and share how in love I am. I am still in disbelief that we are getting married. I am not, however, in disbelief we are spending the rest of our lives loving, growing and celebrating together. Mike and I have been together for 4 years now. Mike and I are not perfect by any means. But, if you ask me......we are perfect for one another. Mike makes me a better person, he challenges me, he loves me even when I make it hard, he knows when to hold me and when to push me to be tougher, he listens when I talk and silences me when it's time to quit worrying, he has taught me how to love someone at deeper level. Mike makes me laugh, he accepts my weaknesses and looks at them as strengths. He holds my hand as we walk together never leaving me behind, but leading me when I need encouragement and letting me lead when there is unknown in his future. But, makes sure we always end up at the end of the situation by each other's side again shoulder to shoulder. I have never in my life met a more loving and caring man that strives to find the happiness in life and surround himself in it. He is patient and one day will make the best father to our children than I could have ever imagined. He is the true definition of a best friend, he is my future husband and father of our children, he is a strong man with a huge heart and he is all mine. Mike will be visiting soon....stand by :)