Archive for the ‘Real Weddings’ Category
Real Weddings Story – Kelly & PJ
Friday, January 15th, 2010
Welcome to the first installment of Kelly & PJ’s real wedding story. The Wedding Genie are delighted to be providing On The Day Coordination for the wedding in May and together, with Save The Date Magazine we will cover their planning journey. I hope you enjoy the first part of their story.
This is taken directly from Save The Date Magazine:
When planning your big day we know that its a real comfort to hear other peoples stories who are in the same boat, finding out how they’re coping with the highs and lows, stresses and excitements on the lead up to their wedding day. So, with this in mind Save The Date began to hunt to find an engaged couple who were doing just that. We then came across the fantastic Julie Dawson of the Wedding Genie who spoke about a fabulous wedding she was helping to plan and organise for a lovely couple named Kelly and PJ.
So, at the Hotel du Vin in Birmingham Save the Date met with fabulous couple, to follow their journey right up the day itself… So, without further ado, your first dose of the loved up duo is to go right back to that first date and, of course, find out all about the amazing proposal.
It was Easter 2007 when Kelly checked her my space account to find a message from a guy called PJ (for those of you wondering, his full name is Peter James Ellis and yes, he is the wonderfully charming bloke who appeared in Big Brother, 2003 and still has that cheeky grin). A rather cheesy one liner message, Kelly did her research before accepting his proposal of a date…. and was impressed with her findings so decided to go for it.
On 20th April 2007, Kelly and PJ met for for their first date at Bank restaurant in Birmingham, several champagne cocktails later, the date was a great success and the rest, as they say is history.
Both hard workers, PJ a lawyer and Kelly a producer on Heart FM they spent as much time together as their busy schedules allowed; the holiday they had planned for August 2009 in Turkey was therefore just what the doctor ordered. Both being very close to their families, they were holidaying with PJ’s parents and decided to have a get together at Kelly’s parents the night before they jetted off. Whilst enjoying a few pre-holiday drinks, Kelly’s dad asked everyone if they would like to see Kelly’s recent 30th birthday party video whilst Kelly was quite reluctant. “I am not bothered dad can’t we watch it another time?”
A unanimous vote against her and the 30th birthday video began to play. With the family sitting comfortably, the party video keeping them all entertained, there seems to be a problem when the tape cuts off. With the whole family looking at each other rather bedazzled (apart fom Kelly’s parents of course, who PJ had met with a couple of weeks prior to ask their permission to marry their daughter and according to Kelly’s mum, although PJ was very nervous, he was “the perfect gentleman”), PJ suddenly appears on screen. He begins to speak and all Kelly can do is sit and watch whilst PJ himself delivers a beautifully romantic, funny and overall, amazingly thoughtful proposal. With kind words, an Adam Sandler rendition from the Wedding Singer and Kelly’s dad’s handy filming work, PJ asks Kelly to marry him. Whilst her immediate family look on with PJ waiting for her reply. Kelly herself choking back the tears manages a “YES”
Totally loved up, they jetted off to Turkey the following day for their holiday, and with help from an abundance of bridal magazines, got planning. And boy did they plan. On their return, they’d decided on a date, 9th May 2010 Kelly’s 31st birthday), a theme, bridesmaids and PJ’s best men, not man (he’s having three!).
So, on the the next steps – venue, photographer, dress, suits, flowers, entertainment, invitations, hymns… aaaahhhhh. Where’s a Wedding Genie when you need one? And then she arrived.
In the next edition of Save The Date we find out all about Kelly and PJ’s progress, including the incredible invitations, the fairytale venue and entertainment by a very talented X factor favourite…..
Phew!! a bit longer than my normal blog but so worth it. Can’t wait to see what happens next. As soon as I know you will too!! If you know any funny, romantic or great proposals why not let us know and we can share them. Call or contact us we will be delighted to hear from you. By the way we are still running our January offer so give us a call to see what we can do for you.
Until next time, happy planning.
Tags: Inspiration, Planning, Real Weddings
Posted in News, Real Weddings, Wedding Planning | Comments Off
Wedding Genie News – Save The Date!
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
We are delighted to introduce you to a new wedding and events magazine for the East Midlands called Save The Date. Inside you will find plenty of advice and tips for planning your special event. It the perfect reference tool and in a handy size, perfect for your handbag! The Wedding Genie are thrilled to be working with the lovely Lydia and Abbi who own, run and produce the magazine.
Not only are we helping out with articles on planning but we are pleased as punch to be coordinating Lydia’s own wedding in May. It promises to be a fantastic day. I had a chat with Lydia and Abbi to give you a bit of background about them and what their magazine is all about.
What made you start Save the Date?
Well, Abbi and I were both working for a local events company (me doing the creative writing for proposals and Abbi undertaking the logistics of the events) and having been at the company for over five years, we both felt ready for a refreshing change. I had just got engaged and was discussing with Abbi the fact that there were no local magazines or material which provided inspiration and ideas for weddings and events and we both felt there was a niche in the market for a classic, stylish wedding and events magazine.
Tell us a bit about the style of your new Magazine
Classic contemporary with an innovative twist. We are not a lifestyle magazine and aim to ensure that our readers know straight away that they are picking up a stylish bridal publication. We like to think that we focus on weddings and events in the East Midlands with a pinch of glamour and a large dose of style.
Well I can tell you they do just that. We also have more to tell you about, read on about a special feature that will be covered by the magazine in each edition.
Real Wedding – Planning Journey
Abbi and Lydia will be telling the story of a a real life bride and groom, Kelly and PJ, throughout their planning journey. I am delighted to say The Wedding Genie have the pleasure of coordinating their special day too!! Its going to be in May at Wroxall Abbey and it promises to be very inspiring. We are so excited to tell you that we can follow them in the magazine and on our blog! The first installment starts Friday, the magazine is out this week too so look out for it. Kelly works for Heart FM as their breakfast producer and she has a weekly blog you can read. Alternatively you can subscribe to the magazine so you wont miss out and check out Save The Date blog too.
Wedding Planning Articles
In this edition of Save The Date, there is also one of our articles on New year New Plan! Its designed to help you kick start your wedding planning if you are recently engaged or your wedding is this year. We will be posting this on next week.
Meeting Lydia and Abbi
If you want to meet Lydia and Abbi they will be hosting a Bridal Fair at Shottle Hall in Derbyshire on Sunday February 7th. I will also be there talking to brides about how to plan and the basics of wedding planning. Please come along and meet us we will be delighted to see you and answer any questions you have on anything Wedding.
Until tomorrow, happy planning.
Tags: Inspiration, News, Planning, Real Weddings
Posted in Inspiration, Real Weddings, Style, Tips & Advice, Wedding Planning | No Comments »
Real Wedding – Nichola & Lee
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
As the days are getting colder, and the nights are drawing in, we thought we would cheer you up with a quick trip back to the sunshine. Nichola & Lee got married on September 12th, it was a weekend when the sun shone all day. It was fantastic, their guests lingered outside sipping Pimms, watching the photographs being taken and playing Jenga with the children.
The Wedding Genie were privileged to provide On the Day Coordination together with ideas and advice to help along the way. The wedding theme was midnight blue and Ivory, with pearls to add a touch of elegance. Nichola and her sister Juliet, made all the invites, favours, and the order of service. One of their lovely friends baked them a beautiful cake. Proof that you can have the most wonderful day being a little creative and putting in time and effort without the wedding costing a small fortune. It really was a magical day.
You can see from the photographs that everyone had a wonderful time.
The Beautiful bridesmaids
The Proud Father and Gorgeous Bride
Thats it sign on the dotted line!
The gorgeous bouquet
The best mans speech went down a storm!
The Cake tasted so good, lemon in one layer and fruit in the other.
You can read what Nichola & Lee said about our service on our success story pages. If you would like the Wedding Genie to help you on your special day call us to check our availability. Need a little advice or a question answering? contact us we will be delighted to help.
Oh! and if you need a little inspiration, why not subscribe to our blog. Its filled with practical tips and advice that just might inspire you.
Until next time happy planning.
Tags: Real Weddings
Posted in Inspiration, Real Weddings | No Comments »
A Beautiful Wedding in a Fabulous Venue
Friday, October 9th, 2009
If you are a regular reader of our blog you will know that The Wedding Genie only feature suppliers that we think are some of the best in their field. Back in July we had the privilege to help plan and coordinate the wedding of Mark & Zoe. We have been posting some of the great suppliers we met, and today we are delighted to feature the venue. The whole day was planned to perfection and The Wedding Genie was able to help in the run up to the wedding and on the day to ensure Zoe’s meticulous plans came to fruition, even the weather shone all day long.
Homewood Park Hotel is just outside Bath and set in gorgeous gardens with views over the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley. When I turned into the driveway of Homewood Park the sun was shining and the hotel looked like one those gorgeous, terribly english, country houses you see on postcards. Mark & Zoe spent a long time choosing their venue. Part of the reason that they chose this one in particular was the feeling they got when they were shown around, and how at home they both felt in the surroundings. It is really important to feel comfortable with the staff at the venue. You will be spending one of the most important days of your life with them, and at considerable expense. You should feel welcome and be happy with the service and facilities they offer. Take time to find the perfect venue and it will pay dividends on the day.
For couples who want the feel of a country house but still want a contemporary stylish feel, this venue is perfect. The food is to die for and the staff could not be more accommodating. Mark & Zoe chose to hire the venue for exclusive use which meant that their guests could luxuriate in the surroundings on the morning of the wedding. The atmosphere is very relaxing and quite informal. The location is also great for guests who would like to make a weekend of it.
I had a fantastic time, everyone worked as a team and the whole day was perfection. Nothing was too much trouble and the service was impeccable. Thank you to Denis the Hotel Manager, Nikki, Sarah and the rest of the team, it was a pleasure working with you.
If you want help choosing your venue, or to check our availability for On The Day Coordination call or contact us. Even if you have question you want an answer to we are delighted to help. If you have a venue you would like to recommend why not share it with us.
Until next time, happy planning.
Tags: Inspiration, Real Weddings, Venues
Posted in Real Weddings, Venue | No Comments »
Choosing Your Photographer – Tips & Advice
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
I cannot stress just how important it is to choose a really great photographer. When the wedding is over there is nothing better than curling up with your new husband, and “the album” and browsing through the beautiful memories and moments of your day.
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure to work with Jessica Beveridge from Redrabbit Photography. From the moment we met I knew we were going to have a great day. Jess has a very calm, relaxing and confident approach. She knew exactly what to do to capture the essence of the day without making the guests feel they were being rounded up or bossed about. Her organisation was excellent and it was a joy to work with her. We kept to the timelines of the day, the food was served on time and it also meant that the Bride and Groom, Mark and Zoe, were not away from their friends and family for hours, but able to mingle and enjoy the sunshine before the wedding breakfast.
Jess had taken the time to get to know Mark & Zoe so on the day the couple felt totally relaxed, and confident that Jess knew exactly what they wanted from their photographs. I had also been able to give Jess an outline of the day, she knew who and where everyone was. Its very important to capture the details of the day. If the photographer knows when the wedding party will be ready, the flowers are set up and the tables are laid etc they can ensure they incorporate this into their own schedule and capture all the elements that make a fantastic wedding album.
Here are some of Jess’s favourite images of the day, followed by her top tips.
How Cute
Eagerly anticipating, nearly ready
Dreamy
The Perfect Ending and Beginning xxx
We asked Jess if she would give us her top tips and advice on choosing a Wedding Photographer:-
Tips for Hiring a Wedding Photographer
When deciding on a photographer for your wedding day it is vital to make sure they are going to be right for you. The wedding photographs form a critical part of your wedding, they record the atmosphere and emotion of your special day. They are the only reminder you have apart from your memories of what happened as to who was involved and how the day unfolded. Not only must they produce some fantastic results with good quality images, prints and albums, but they must also fit into your day and gel with you and your guests.
Five helpful tips on what you should consider when making this important decision.
Personality
It is really important to connect with your photographer, they will be spending a lot of time with you on the day. You must feel that they will fit in with the day and your guests without being overbearing. At the same time the photographer should have the ability to take charge when necessary, and be able to be ready in anticipation to capture your special moments. You must be able to get along with the photographer so the rapour and chemistry between you is key to you feeling relaxed in front of the camera.
Photographic Style
You must view the photographer’s portfolio to get an example of the type of style they use. There are many styles and types of photography that are currently adopted within the wedding photography field, including reportage, traditional and artistic, you must choose a style that suits you. It is always good to view a complete wedding rather than just selected images as often photographers select the best images to show in their portfolios. Seeing whole wedding will show you what you can expect to be achieved on your day.
Price Range and Packages
Budget is obviously important so you must check the charges and exactly what is on offer and what you expect to receive for your money. There can be a massive difference between different photographers’s prices and packages so look around and view lots of portfolios and price lists to make sure you understand exactly what is on offer. It is also wise to check what additional costs are involved. This can be CD’s, DVD’s, reprints, framed prints, canvases, albums, parent albums and any travel costs. I would recommend trying to purchase the CD or DVD as this is always useful if you want to print your own images or give images as gifts to guests.
Meetings
Arrange with your chosen photographer to have a meeting at the venue before the wedding day. This is especially important if they have not used that particular venue before. This will mean that they will be familiar with the layout and how everything will run on the day. You can also let them know your favourite areas so this can be incorporated into the photographs. Everything like timings and any group photographs you require can also be discussed.
References and Contract
A personal reference is always the best way of finding out a little bit more about your photographer, the way they work and the results they have achieved. The other important item is the contract. Find out when you pay the deposit and the final amount. Also get a description of the package you have ordered and the final costings. The other thing to check is the photographers cancellation policy and/or what happens if they are ill on the day.
This is great advice and I really hope it has helped you think about what you need to do and ask when making this very important decision. In the meantime if you want to organise a Genie for An Evening or see if we are free for On the Day Coordination just call or contact us. If you have a question you really want an answer to we would love to hear from you.
Until next time, happy planning.
Tags: Photographer, Supplier, Tips & Advice
Posted in Photographers, Real Weddings, Tips & Advice | No Comments »
Real Wedding: Mark & Zoe
Sunday, September 20th, 2009
The Personal Touch
Well its my first foray into the world of blogging. I am so brimming with ideas I had a real dilemma on where to start. At the Wedding Genie we really care about the personal details that make your wedding stand apart from the crowd. We absolutely love it when we hear the guests at the wedding comment on how the little touches have perfectly portrayed the lovely couple. It was really the case at this beautiful wedding we had the privilege to help plan and coordinate. The weather was perfect, the venue was stunning, the guests chatted on the lawn sipping pink champagne whilst listening to a string quartet.
Over the next few weeks I want to share with you Mark & Zoë’s ideas and the fantastic suppliers we had the honour of working with.
Our philosophy is to only recommend suppliers that believe in the absolute best customer service and attention to detail. You won’t see anyone featured in our blogs who have not been personally vetted by us.
Here are a few of the great personal touches that made this wedding so Mark & Zoe.
Zoe loves all things pink and that became the theme for the wedding. The ladies were given heart shaped pink cookies tied with ribbon to match the theme. Marks love of Rugby inspired the idea to name the tables at the reception, they were called after Marks favourite teams, even the mens favours were cute rugby balls. Zoe went to a lot of trouble to ensure the children were catered for an entertained too. Over the last six months every little detail was planned to perfection. Their guests really noticed the effort that Zoe went to.
Photography by www.redrabbitphotography.com
The atmosphere was relaxed and most importantly, the happy couple enjoyed every single minute as we beavered away in the back ground. Zoe told me she was on cloud nine and never once came down. She was free to take it all in, to savour the moment with Mark and her family. At the end of the evening their guests strayed outside to enjoy the romantic atmosphere in the beautifully lit garden. Then as a surprise a fantastic firework display ended the fabulous day.
I want to illustrate that if, as a couple, you take the time to visualise how you would like your day to look and feel, both to you and your guests, it will help you decide how to prioritise the spending of your hard earned cash. The little details did not cost a fortune, but because they were well thought out the whole day was perfection and reflected Mark and Zoë’s personality.
I hope this has given you a few ideas on how to make your wedding really personal. Sit down with your partner and think about what makes you tick. Its “your” special day and it should reflect you!!
If you would like help or inspiration why not try our Genie for an Evening service. We understand the credit crunch is making life a little difficult for couples at the moment, so to help out we are running a special discount for a limited period. Check out the home page for details. Contact us to book a date we still have some availability.
Until the next time, take care and Happy Planning.
Tags: Personal Touches, Real Weddings
Posted in Inspiration, Real Weddings, Style | 1 Comment »
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