Summer of 2011 I had my first Intern, I was a little nervous about it, but turned out it was the best decision I could have made. She was a hard worker, a quick learner, a fabulous "people person". Not to mention, my favorite quality..."common sense". Sorry, but it's true.

Megan was on-board for 10 weddings this summer before she headed off to Spain to study abroad for her fall semester. She got her fill of weddings and can pretty much tell you exactly what she wants and doesn’t want for her own wedding now. From early mornings to late nights, she was always there with a smile on her face. I truly enjoyed every moment with her and was so very sad to see her go. I wish I could have cloned her...youth is an amazing thing!! I swear she ran circles around me doing teardowns and I like to think of myself as pretty darn quick.

Below you will find the top 10 things Megan learned from her Internship. She posted this on her Blog and I had to share it.

I am notorious for making lists so that I can organize and remember things. I make lists of EVERYTHING. If you were to look in my purse right now, you would find a list of things that I need to get done today, a packing list, and a list of the places I want to visit in my lifetime. Lists ensure me that I will not forget anything, and checking items off a list is the most satisfying feeling.

 My boss this summer, Lisa, also shares this love for making a list and checking it twice. Lisa and I had a clipboard full of lists and schedules for each wedding to help anyone that had a question- including ourselves! This wedding coordinating internship was a blast, but also huge learning experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. So, I felt that it would be fitting to make one last list for my internship this summer.

10. Planning an event takes a lot of time and effort. I worked about 12-15 hours on the day of an event, and there are multiple client and vendor meetings before and after that day. I didn’t realize how much work went into planning an event until this summer.

9. Organization is key. Organization helps the set-up, tear down, and everything in between go faster. Lisa is there to make the event seamless and simple, and she did a great job of it!

8. Life is unpredictable. You can’t count on anything -from the weather (especially in Central Illinois) to the best man- to follow your plan for the day. It is important to be able to think on your toes and fix problems that come up before the client even knows about them.

7. Making a good impression on everyone you meet is important. You want people to remember you in a good way. If they love working with you, they will remember you, and even recommend you to others. This statement goes for vendors and clients! Lisa does not do very much advertising, so most of her brides come from the great recommendations of others.

6. Be creative. Each client is completely different, and so was every wedding this summer. Get a feel for your client’s personality, needs, and, wants, and plan accordingly.

5. A client’s wish is your command. A wedding is once in a lifetime. If the bride asks for dinner to be moved up fifteen minutes, it was our job to bend over backwards to get it to happen. Also, no matter what great aunt Mary wants, the client is the one paying for your services, so you should listen to them.

4. Always wear a smile. If something has come up that has added stress to your personal or professional life, it is important not to let it show. The client will start to worry if they think something is wrong. A wedding is a happy day, and a smile is truly contagious.

3. Dress professionally, but sensibly. I learned this the hard way. It is NOT smart to wear a suit coat when you will be working in 100 degree weather. Plan what you are going to wear according to the venue as well as the dress code for your company.

2. Maintain your health. This may seem like a given, but we would get so busy for 8 hours at a time that we would forget how thirsty we were! If the event coordinator passes out, then nobody knows what to do! Staying healthy is an important part of the job.

1. Curly willow trees add height when decorating a room…. and nearly every bride uses them. These are basically long, curling trees without the leaves, and are often put into a vase for decoration. We were required to tear these down and take them back to the vendor at the end of the night. After being poked and prodded by these things each weekend, I would not be sad if I never saw one of them again!

Megan and I at her first wedding...Photo by Pam Cooley

Julie & Tim...two very special people that I had the honor of working with. Their love for one another and for their families was one of my favorite memories of this wedding. With Tim and his family being from Paris, it put a fun twist on the day...from their amazing style; to the Parisian touches...I was in heaven.

Julie and Tim were married at Sacred Heart Church, downtown Peoria, with a beautiful reception at the Hotel Pere Marquette. The cotillion room couldn’t have looked more stunning that night. The lighting, the ice sculpture, the centerpieces....guests were in AWE as they entered the room. One of the best parts of the wedding day for me is when guests enter a reception...the looks on their faces and comments made, all priceless! The guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner followed by some great entertainment...JammSammich!

This was one of those weddings where I actually thought to myself..."I get paid to do this??" Between the couple, their families, and the amazing vendors...truly a fabulous day!!

Thank you Julie & Tim for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful day! May life bring you nothing but happiness and love...Congratulations!

Kuddos to the fabulous vendors: Pam Cooley Photography - Create A Scene - Sound & Light Creations - JammSammich - Forward Motion Productions - That's A Cake?! - I Do Events

A very special Thank You to Pam Cooley for these beautiful images!

The wedding of Eric and Heather, a wedding I looked forward too from the moment I met Heather and her family. I knew I wanted to be a part of their wedding day, so much so I might have paid them to hire me. Their fun loving sense of humor, I ADORE.

Heather was a bride that knew exactly what she wanted...from her colors, her style, to the fun details that would play into her wedding day. Animal shaped place cards, BINGO balls for place card holders, mascot cake toppers, open-air photo booth, and handmade S'more favors.

I enjoyed this wedding day from beginning to end....everything was simply beautiful!! My favorite part of the day was the song that Eric and Heather played after being announced husband and wife. "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?" by Thompson Square.

Miss Heather, you spirit is amazing and contagious!! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day... and for all the laughs we shared that day and along the way. I am looking forward to our Panera date the next time you get to town!!!!

~Special "Thank You" to Kelly Darree for putting together these fabulous picture collages and to all the vendors mentioned below for a flawless day!!!~

 Happy Planning!

Vendors & Venues: Blessed Sacrament Parish - Embassy Suites - Kelly Darree Photography - That's a Cake? - Sound & Light Creations - Floral Designs, Ltd - McKinley Park Events - The Guest Booth

As the 2011 wedding season nears its end, I find my creative energy gearing up. Some would think that wedding vendors might be a tad "burnt out" this time of year, but most of us are the exact opposite. It's more like... "What can we do next???" Why not a style session?? Style sessions allow us to be creative and have fun at the same time. But the main reason myself and other vendors design style sessions is to give brides ideas, help them get their creativity flowing. Every bride has a different style, while this session might not be for every bride, some will see their style through these pictures.

With style sessions, location plays a huge part in it....The Waterhouse was the perfect choice for us...those wood floors, textured walls, and beautiful long windows. It is rare that we shoot sessions indoors, but so thankful we did, as this was one rainy dreary day. Pam Cooley worked wonders with the natural light that the windows provided.

I hope you enjoy the pictures and be looking for more style sessions to come....many more are in the works already, so get excited!!!

I end this blog with thanks to everyone who helped make this shoot possible. Pam Cooley Photography for capturing these stunning images. Janice with Adore Bridal & Specialty for letting us borrow the two beautiful gowns and fun accessories. Beth Maxwell from McKinley Park for allowing me to swoop in at a moment’s notice and grab whatever I needed to make the tables beautiful. Andrew at The Waterhouse for letting us invade your space for several hours, you were so accommodating. To our beautiful Nicole for taking time out of her day to play "dress-up" for us. You gorgeous girl, you did a fabulous job!!

Enjoy and Happy Planning!!!

I am so excited to finally blog about this wedding! So many details and elements went into this wedding day...so to finally see it in photos makes me OH so happy!

Lindsay & Pete were married in Lexington, IL on her grandfather’s amazing property. A beautifully restored barn, where Lindsay and Pete had their ceremony, a covered bridge, a perfect size field for the tent reception, and a darling little "out building" where the girls got ready. The picture perfect country wedding! Did I mention it was in the middle of no-where??? I remember going there for the first time, I was driven to the location by Lindsay and her wonderful mother...and I kept thinking to myself, "Will I ever find this place on my own??" "Will the guests ever be able to find it?”  Then I saw the location, and I was in love....not many brides have access to a stunning property like this...I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to get started.

Not only did we bring in a massive tent, but we had to bring in portable bathrooms (not your standard porta-potties here) that had running water, sinks, you name it, it had it!!! A large generator was brought in so that we had power for the band, the lighting, and the bathrooms. Staging and heaters were also brought in....really thankful for those heaters!!!

Cracked Pepper from Peoria did all the catering and grilled food onsite...the food was A-MAZING!!! And then there was the dessert station full of apple cider donuts from Tanners combined with Cracked Peppers brownies, miniature pies, and rice krispy treats. It was sugar heaven. I think that might have been where I stood for most of the evening. :)

Heaven on Earth did a fabulous job with the linens, flowers, centerpieces, tables, chairs, and all the gorgeous vintage dishes. To say they had a large set-up would be an understatement. Thankfully all of the vendors had two full days for set-up and we needed every bit of that to turn the property into wedding heaven.

The wedding day went perfect, even Mother Nature was at her finest. Guests truly had a wonderful time, from the location, to the food, to the entertainment. And I know when I left that night, I couldn’t have been happier with the whole weekend. Lindsay and her mother, Kelly are two amazing women, blessed that they came into my life...I truly felt like family every time I was around them. I cannot thank them enough for allowing me to be a part of their wedding. I won’t forget this one for as long as I live!!

Congratulations Lindsay & Pete....wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!!!

Vendors:  Heaven on Earth - Heeren Signature Rental - Cracked Pepper Catering - Sound & Light Creations - Gulliford Services - Brush Fire (band) - Fabulous Affairs (stationary) - Jessica Peterson Photography

Photos courtesy of Jessica Peterson Photography

I am loving these couture bouquets that one of our local florists has designed.  Michelle at Heaven on Earth Floral Design Studio & Boutique has the gift to create amazing one of a kind bouquets.  These couture style bouquets are her latest creation.  Whether they are made with buttons, fabric, crystals, or jewelry....they are guaranteed to turn heads! 

One of the reasons I wanted to showcase these pieces is to show brides that you do not have to use flowers for your bridal bouquet.  I have several clients who are not crazy about flowers, so this is a fabulous alternative!  Or if you want something totally unique and "out of the box", this is a fabulous way to go!!!  They can be customized for your unique style...from color to texture!  AND...the best part, you do not have to throw it away, you can cherish it for years to come.

Special thanks to Michelle for sending me the photos.  Enjoy and Happy Planning!!

It's the time of year when couples are getting engaged and HEA Weddings wants to help you have the perfect wedding day.  We will be offering a special discount to all couples that book with HEA Weddings the month of December.  Please contact us for details. 

lisa@h-e-a.biz or call us at 309.264.7286

Happy Planning!!!

It is very rare for me to blog about anything personal, but today....Thanksgiving Day, I only felt it was appropriate to give thanks to all that is important to me.

I am so thankful for the job I love and the clients that are brought into my life.

To my family and friends....your never ending love and support get me through every day. My parent's...how lucky I am to have four...they encourage me, give me strength, and help in any way at any hour! My husband...for putting up with my crazy hours, crazy personality, and my "not so impressive" cooking skills. He is my best friend and the love of my life! My brothers and sister-n-laws....the memories we share I hold dear. Family gatherings are like no other, you just never know what random things will go on!! My daughter Lauren...the most amazing gift I have ever been given....she brings so much happiness to my life. Our story is what fairytales are made of....I love you so! My nieces and nephews....oh the giggles….so many giggles! I think being an Aunt is one of the greatest gifts of all!! The joy they bring to my life is over the top...I could squish them all to pieces I love them soooo much! And lastly my friends...these three are my core and have gotten me through so many highs and lows...not sure what I would do without them. There is one dear friend that I don’t have a picture of...MISS PAM COOLEY...we need to work on that!! She has been my mentor and my dear friend for so many years now, our hour conversations get me through the week...oh the silly things we talk about.

So today, as I sit here, I give thanks for all the above...I love you all and wouldn't be the person I am today without each one of you!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

PS...I am also very thankful for Starbucks...sorry....but it's true!!!  

My love for all things that sparkle go back to my days as a dancer, I loved me a costume!!! Truth is, I loved anything that shined and sparkled....and mention sequins...YES PLEASE!!  Well the addiction never left, however with age, sequins and sparkle need to be done in moderation.  But with that being said.....I couldn't be more excited to have a New Year's Eve wedding this year, the perfect reason to run out and get a fabulous sequin dress, skirt, or jacket. So as this obsession hits high gear, I thought I would share some metallic pretties just in time for winter and New Year weddings. Happy Planning my friends!!!!

Pictures courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Picture courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Picture courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Pictures courtesy of Nordstroms

Ahhhhh...Fall Weddings..how I love them so!!  On October 1st Gina and Nathan got married at Timber Point, in Hudson, Illinois.  This beautiful location is located on Lake Bloomington...and what a stunning location it is.  The ceremony took place right on the water; guests were surrounded by the beautiful trees in all their fall colors.  The reception took place at Timber Point lodge, so just a quick walk for guests and the party got started. And what a party it was!!!!

The room was decorated beautifully with plums, gold, and green accents.  Draping and paper lanterns hung from the ceilings, truly stunning.  Gina had such great ideas from the rock place cards to their hysterical table numbers.  Everything just came together without effort.  Plus Gina and her mother were so wonderful to work with.  Our meetings were always so fun, I miss them both dearly. 

The Hey Jimmy Band out of Chicago was there to entertain guests along with a jazz group...it was like music heaven that night!!  And I have never seen a dance floor more packed than that night...it was so much fun to watch.  The mother of the groom did try to hijack me onto the dance floor...but I quickly, and I mean quickly escaped!!!  If you are looking for a great band....you have to look into the Hey Jimmy Band...I have used them several times and they never disappoint...EVER!

For me the best part of this wedding was the bride, groom, and their families.  Such wonderful, loving, caring people.  They made every vendor feel like family.  It really meant so much to all of us!! 

And special thanks to all the vendors who made it happen:  Pam Cooley Photography - McKinley Park Events - Hey Jimmy Band - Janet's Cakes - Echo Valley Catering -  Timber Point

All photos courtesy of Pam Cooley Photography.