Reason #852 to Hire a Wedding Planner:

Last weekend I provided day-of wedding coordination services to a darling couple who were married at Mission Inn Resort. Bride and Groom were both in the the military and had planned their wedding from Afghanistan with the help of the Mission Inn’s Wedding Catering Manager, Tammy. For all intents and purposes you could classify theirs as a destination wedding since most of the guests were from Georgia and Colorado.

Everything was going super smoothly the morning of the wedding, except that a number of guests seemed to be running late. After a few phone calls, the party was located but we soon realized that they would be in transit for at least :45 minutes longer. The couple was upset that the ceremony was being delayed, but in this case, it just didn’t seem right to start the ceremony before the lost guests arrived – after all, everyone had traveled such a great distance.

Quick! What should you do? What can you do? As the wedding coordinator I was looking straight on at an hour delay, and needed to improvise an alternative plan ASAP! I approached the Groom and suggested that the time waiting would be better spent taking photos with his lovely wife-to-be and my counterpart Tammy agreed. Tammy and I approached the bride to suggest a “private reveal” photo session for the couple. All at once we’re checking with the photographer, notifying the banquet captain, okaying plans with the Minister and so on. In a few minutes time, we had changed the course of events.

I sincerely believe that this couple’s day could have been ruined had I not been present. And I must share credit with the entire team: I was fortunate to be working with seasoned pros – all of whom were focused on making this day the best it could be for the couple. In the end, it worked out like it was planned that way from the beginning.

This is a small example… nothing earth shattering, but when you get right down to it, do you want to be crying anything other than tears of joy on your wedding day? I didn’t want our bride walking down the aisle angry or upset because her guests were not present; nor was it worth hurting family by starting without them. (Remember, this is supposed to be a celebration!)

For more insight into the benefits of hiring a wedding planner, be sure to read “Do you REALLY Need a Wedding Planner {Wedding Advice from a Caterer}” and “Things to Consider When Hiring a Wedding Planner”

I would also like to recommend Leila Khalil’s recent article which appeared on HuffingtonPost.com, “Hire A Wedding Planner…. Or Else“… And I encourage you to read the comments as well.

Cara and Jared’s wedding at Mission Inn Resort as featured in Orlando Wedding magazine.

Congratulations to Cara & Jared, our newlyweds whose wedding is featured in the premiere issue of Orlando Wedding magazine!

They were wed in January at Mission Inn Resort – which was the perfect backdrop for their romantic and elegant wedding.  Cara’s vision centered on old world elegance that was glamorous and graceful.  From candles to crystals, and cigars to candy bars – this wedding was an enchanting affair! They even had a sparkler exit! One of my favorite things about this wedding was how they incorporated so many family photos into the reception decor; that was a special touch that really enhanced the nostalgic feel of the evening.

Of course there was also a fabulous vendor team working behind the scenes to make ensure that the day progressed smoothly and that everyone enjoyed a stellar evening. Thanks and applause go to:

Mission Inn Resort & Club – Ceremony & Reception Venue
A Flair for Affairs – Planning and Coordination
Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations - Floral and Decor
Brian Adams – Photography
Cakes by Design – Wedding Cake
Entertainment Concepts – DJ, A/V, Lighting

(c)A Flair for Affairs