Ok, so it’s like amazing how many people are putting out planning guides these days.  Go to any Barnes & Noble and you could spend hours flipping through planning guides and trying to figure out what you need.Of course, my fantastic partner Erin will be planning my wedding, but with all the decisions to be made, a girl has to have a book!  So there are a few things your planning guide should have, according to moi:-Vendor section: go for one with note sections for a few of each so you can keep all of your interview notes together-decor: lots of empty space for drawing writing, etc and graphing-style paper is a plus.-guest and bridal party:  easy to copy sheets and a separate section for your bridal party-timelines to help (always check with vendors in your area for accuracy)-binder style to add remove and juggle things around and there must be POCKETSAfter some fun in the section, I went with what has been my fave for a few years, the Karen Bussen Simply Stunning Planner.  It has all my requirements and runs for about $20.  Not expensive.  My wedding planner…once again, Erin herself, will keep tabs on the black and white but it’s beautiful and functional for what I need. 

What do you get when you combine a crazy, huge Greek family and a group of rowdy Steelers fans from Pittsburgh–one heck of a party!  On July 25, 2009, after a beautiful ceremony at Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, 225 guests packed the dance floor of the Country Club of Charleston to break it down.  1st Class Band played a mix of Motown favorites and traditional Greek music was intertwined to please the crowd.  Crystals hung from the centerpiece trees and created a romantic backdrop for all the guests as they danced into the night.  Even after the candles had burned guests stayed to send off the couple as they drove away in their vintage model T.  What a night–all the guests got their workout in for the week!

Click here for more pictures: megan and brian’s wedding

So, the planner is becoming the bride.  I used to steal the J. Lo line to explain it to my clients that “Those who can’t do, plan,” and then I went and got myself engaged!  He’ll probably wake up the morning after the wedding freaking out, but for now, we’re just excited about our future together.  As the word spread, everyone was telling me how easy it must be since I probably know exactly what I want…WRONG!  I like to think I do what I do because I can take any style and make it beautiful for a bride (or at least it helps me sleep at night).So where do you begin when you have no clue?  Any event needs to have some consistent theme running through it.  It doesn’t need to be blatant, but you want things to flow if you are going to wow them!  I started with some very complicated tools- a pen and a sheet of notebook paper.  I made a list of the things that made us, us.  Places and activities that meant a lot, quirks about him and me, funny moments, etc.  Then I went to everyone’s best friend- google.  I searched image key words for inspiration and came up with this inspiration for my design.  I won’t bore you with all the details, but along the way, I thought I would send out how I’m doing things, to help you.  From one bride to another, some things will be easier than others, but before you get started know where you are going.   OH!  I know you are wondering, so yes I do have a planner and day-of planning services booked.  I intend to enjoy my day!  We’ll talk soon.