Real Weddings: Alani annd Ian

In the interest of efficiency, this is straight from our very own Brittany's blog, "Tickled Pink." Alani and Ian surely make beautiful music together, but after watching Alani and Brittany work together throughout the engagement, I sensed that THEY were the true couple!
Seriously, there was a wonderful chemistry and camaraderie between these ladies that watching the plans unfold from the sideline made me both proud and content.
"This past weekend I had the pleasure of being a big part of the wedding of a very special bride and groom. I worked with Alani throughout the planning process and was lucky enough to spend the entire wedding day and night with Alani, Ian, and their family and friends. I was overwhelmed at the love and joy that the entire group exuded. Though the two families became one this past Saturday, it was apparent that they had felt united for quite some time.
Thanks, Alani and Ian for including me in your wedding-- It was undoubtedly my pleasure to be a part of it!"

Cast of Characters:

E-Events

Theresa Marie Photography

European Floral Gallery

DJ Hugh from Classic Blends

Bagpiper Reginald Lyle

Winter Park Racquet Club

Alani's dress by Priscilla of Boston

Just Another Couple of Days in the {Denver} Office

Okay...I think I may have officially come out of my "summer coma" and I'm back and ready!
There is no doubt that styling, producing and coordinating "Down the Aisle" in Denver was hard work. The refreshingly unexpected part was that we all managed to have a wonderful time working AND playing...It was great fun {and great relief!}to greet everyone as they arrived to The Ritz Carlton, Denver despite some travel delays-
Even one of my dearest and best girlfriends Michele tagged along to not only support her main fella', Jeffrey but toil along with the rest of us on those many "unglamorous" tasks that need to be accomplished.
I promise pictures of the actual evening are forthcoming on our blog, but if you simply cannot wait, you should definitely check out Garrett's blog as he was the gate-keeper to all of the "fancy" shots.
Fancy-Schmancy!
I managed to hone in some mad photography skills of my own as did Jeffrey, Awny and Brittany.
With that in mind, you'll see what just another couple of days in the office yielded in Colorado. Looking back, it's amazing we ever pulled off the show!
Thanks to Jeffrey for putting this fun piece together for us to enjoy!

For Brittany and Jan

I have been completely overwhelmed and have admired the strength and poise that our Brittany has shown over the last few weeks.

Brittany's mother Jan grew increasingly ill over the last few weeks and Brittany has been by her side, so incredibly diligently, the entire time. For much of that time, she was even maintaining her client and office communication until we mutually acknowledged that her focus and priority had to remain with her mother.

When trying to rationalize (to myself mostly) why this would happen to this beautiful family, I recall having a conversation with Brittany expressing my gratitude that her mother was able to attend, celebrate and rejoice Brittany and Sam's February wedding. Jan looked beautiful, healthy and so happy; it's as if she knew...

Below is a post from Brittany about her mom, and I am re-posting it to honor and respect a woman who meant such a great deal in so many lives. And to Brittany, who means to much to mine...

Jan Jakubcin August 15, 1955-June 1, 2008
"My absence over the past few weeks has been largely due to my mom being sick. She passed away Sunday, June 1, and since then my role has been more funeral planner than wedding planner. Those of you who know me personally know that my mom means the world to me and was one of my very best friends. Thanks to everyone who has written and called to support me during this time, and thanks to my friends who supported me this week at the Memorial Service. I know that we truly honored her with our celebration of her life. At times it's hard not to be upset that my mom was only 52 years old. I keep remembering the "glass half-empty or glass half-full" analogy. We can question why someone so young has to leave us, or we can consider that she had 52 years full of life that we can be thankful for. I prefer the latter. My mom did and tried everything she wanted to, with no regrets. She cared so much about other people and was a bright light in the lives of many. She enjoyed our big family and loved with her whole heart. Those are things I can be thankful for. At the end of one era and the beginning of a new one, I'm both saddened that she is gone, and overjoyed that she is surely perfect and whole in the heaven I know she's in. Thank you for your friendship, thank you for your support, and Lord, thank you for my Mom."

Luck Comes in Three's: 2nd Announcement!

Remember that face above?!?

That is Brittany Sobering, and not only has she been my personal confidant at Solutions Bridal over the last 3 years, but she was also a bride of ours not too long ago! And we still love and support our great girlfriends at Solutions Bridal today and always!

Brittany's zest for fashion and style, the wedding industry and overall personal integrity have impressed me for some time now. It was just a matter of time before we made matters official..

Waiting for the most opportune moment, (and not even quite certain I achieved even that!) I leaned over to Brittany at some (probably poignant) point during her wedding and said, "You realize we need to talk when you return from your honeymoon; we're ready for you here!"

Mission accomplished!

Not only has Brittany agreed to join forces with my zany group of sassy Ladies, but she is personally assisting me with spearheading my new "baby," Escape...Luxury Destinations.

She has truly jumped in with both feet and ready to go. As I explained to her at our Cinco de Mayo team-meeting (hey, we all celebrate in different ways!) "That's how we roll..."

She's eager, ready, and most importantly, "gets it" with our team vision and values.

Welcome Brittany. You truly need no introduction though I am the one most proud to introduce you-