We had an amazing time last night working to put Mallory's dream day into reality at the Peabody in Little Rock. For the ceremony, we draped 1/3 of the Grand Ballroom with 16 foot White Velour theater drape.

We used every yard our vendor had, and it completely transformed the room into a glowing candlelit dream come true! 

As the Royal Wedding approaches, there are many articles written about who's invited (or not)... what Kate will wear... and what the parties will be like. Don't worry, We'll talk about that too, but I wanted to touch base on something a little deeper before the fluff!

Many brides and grooms have the attitude that “We’ve been together for so long”… and “We already live together, nothing is really going to change when we get married” when they are planning their wedding.  Kate Middleton and Prince William are probably under the same delusions.

Expectations

The transition from single to married is a precarious one due to coupling the expectations of the in-laws, as well as of each other. The way we are raised shapes our vision of the typical roles played in marriage. For example, a male raised in a home where the mother is a stay at home wife who caters to the immediate needs of her family will have a hard time adjusting to today's modern wife - who often has a career and wants their spouse to be an equal partner in the marriage.

Finding a balance with the in-laws can also be a touchy topic that I advise all couples to address. While involved in the planning process, many brides lament about the over-involvement of the future mother-in-law in the everyday life of the couple. On the flip side, I also witness brides who are so dependent on the approval of their mother and father that the wishes of the groom are put to the side by the voice of "Father knows best" - especially when father is paying for the wedding. If a parent cannot see their child for the Adult they are, instead of the little boy/girl who needs mommy to kiss their scraped knees: this will become a problem. Part of making the transition from Single to Married is a very important "severing of the apron strings". Your future spouse should be your partner in life. Though the advice of our parents shaped us into the person we are TODAY - the advice and support of our spouses will shape who we become TOMORROW. Wallerstein and Blakeslee emphasize that one of the foundations of a healthy marriage is for the bride and groom to separate emotionally from their families and elevate their spouse to top priority.

Another area of balance: TIME. As a couple, you may have worked out a plan for holidays, perhaps if you are lucky, your families all live in close proximity to allow for two Thanksgivings in one day. Many couples are not so lucky. Bethenny Frankel lamented on her show "Bethenny Ever After" about having to spend every holiday with Jason's family. Though her family was not an option, she was simply stating that there would be SOME times that the family needed to make their own memories and traditions. This is an issue that I suggest is addressed before grandchildren enter the equation. Once you factor grandkids into the equation, the wants and needs of your in-house family will be stifled by the outcry of "unfair" from an unequal visitation schedule. Kate will most likely have royal duties that will keep her from seeing her family, much like Rapunzel... trapped in the castle of Royalty.

Identity Crisis

Another issue when dealing with the transition from single to married is an identity crisis. Do you take his name, do you keep yours, or do you hyphenate? It goes beyond that. For your entire life, you have been YOU. Now everyone expects you to change your name. What if you have established yourself in a professional career? Kate Middleton will become Princess Catherine. She will be discarding the 'childish' Kate and accepting of the formality of her "new" life.

Kate will be removed from the people she has identified with her entire life. Her life as a "commoner" will be over, as she accepts the position. "Heavy is the head that wears the crown." This is a problem that most brides will grow to understand. If you are the first in a group of friends to get married, then often times you feel left out - as your single friends continue to mingle in singles bars, and have a different set of priorities than you. Many couples begin to form "couple" friendships - where the wives of male friends bond, and the husband of female friends bond. Sometimes these relationships feel unnatural and forced.

For more information regarding the transition of single to married, I highly recommend The Conscious Bride by Sheryl Nissinen. Feeling uneasy about the transitional period is not a reflection on the relationship, or a subconscious admission of cold feet. These are natural feelings that are discussed indepth within the book. It is also helpful to have a wedding planner that understands what you are going through. Understanding the emotions, and dealing with family issues are often unwritten job descriptions, and All in the Details can handle them all!

Inspire. Plan. Radiate.

-Heather Pile

March came in like a Lion and out like...well, a Lion!

March 12, 2011 was the setting, and what a beautiful day it turned out to be! Surrounded 320 family and friends, we celebrated this amazing couple's union in Hot Springs. Cary and Brian are both working in cancer research in Memphis, and we wish them the very best! Dixie Knight has been photographing Cary since she was a little girl, so it was only fitting that we had her capturing the moments!

Dixie Knight Photos:

Here's a few kind words from the wedding:

Summary: The quintessential Wedding Planner ! Highly recommend !

"This is what an event planner should be! Fantastic communication and organizational skills, professional & efficient. I only wish "All in the Details" were in charge of all the Weddings I photograph. As a professional photographer a good event planner is a real treat, because it leaves me free to do my job- shoot and be creative."

Dixie Knight,
Dixie Knight Photography, Inc.

14 Mar 2011

Summary: All in the Details was a delight work with. I highly recommend them to anyone planning an event.

"We enjoyed working with Heather and Laura from the beginning to the end of our daughter's wedding celebration. Their attention to the details helped make the process smooth and their calm demeanor certainly made for a pleasant experience for the entire wedding party. We felt comfortable with other vendors they introduced us to and worked well with the chapel, the hotel and wedding officials. The wedding was made perfect because of their expertise."

Elizabeth S. (Mother of the bride)

05 Apr 2011

Summary: Excellent!

"All in the Details was extremely helpful throughout the entire wedding process. Laura and Heather were very organized and always friendly. We were so happy with how the day turned out, we couldnt have had our perfect day without their help!

Cary K.

31 Mar 2011

Memphis, TN

 

Ceremony: Anthony Chapel, Garvan Gardens

Reception: Crystal Ballroom, Arlington Hotel

Entertainment: Brenda and Ellis Band

Lighting: Central Arkansas Entertainment

Florals: House of Flowers

Cake: Ambrosia

Rentals: Party Time Rental and Events 

Photography: Dixie Knight Photography

Event Design and Coordination: All in the Details, Inc.

Favors are not limited to weddings and children's birthday parties. I, for one, am not typically one to advise my clients to have favors just for the sake of having it. I enjoy favors that have a personal meaning, like when Jennifer provided southern dip mixes from her home town diner for her guests.  I am not a fan of favor boxes tied with a ribbon containing something that will probably get left in the car, and melt before enjoyed... but that'sjust me..the practical budget conscious me.... 

Last week Laura and I met with the sweetest old ladies who made my heart skip a beat when they showed me their new product. Based on a craft one of their granddaughters brought home from school - (but with an elegant execution that does not involve staples and glue on rhinestones!) they have these gorgeous handmade custom fortune cookie favors.

Everything about these beauties are customized. Many of the details are HAND made - watercolored paint on the paper, hand formed, hand stamped..... Quotes can be from something you both cherish - favorite movies, songs, poems... cute nicknames for each other...... just your name and date... Or you can pull from the plethora of quotes by subject the creators have been collecting. Romantic quotes, Irish blessings, literature and even comical quotes like "If you find a man who can cook and clean - marry him"

The exteriors can simply match your colors, or have imprints with theme or initials... I LOVE this for a certain wedding we are discussing:

These favors are not limited to weddings. Corporate events can brand and inspire at a luncheon. The babyshower tiny handprints are adoreable, and could be filled with wonderful quotes about parenthood. There are adoreable black and white ones for a 40th birthday -just imagine the possibilities!

If you happened to go to Creegan's for St Patty's Day this year, you would have received one with an irish blessing. Holiday parties with season appropriate quotes... Dinner parties can use these as a stand for the placecard at each setting...

The beauty of these custom pieces? $1.50 each! For something completely customized, and made by hand... this is a wonderful deal! 

They don't have a website yet, so contact us and we will get you in touch with the fabulous ladies of What-Knots.

I am finding myself to be in a very lucky position these days. I first realized this blessing as I am sitting here, working on a rehearsal dinner that will take place in Hawaii this fall - We are deciding on a restaurant versus catering in the beautiful home rented for the groom's parents....

all while it is snowing and gross outside (here is a view of our office from the mailbox)  

The second part of my blessing? Well, that story starts with a homework assignment mini-me is working on. It is a presentation about the state of Nevada. She was telling me about all the cool stuff that is in the state she found online - Like Area 51, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and the Grand Canyon being a neighboring fascinating geographical site.

We started talking about my previous trips to Las Vegas, and to Lake Tahoe. I made a note to go through our vacation photos to see if any were useable for the presentation. Then I recalled a story that I can't believe I haven't told before!

I coordinated a wedding at 48,000 feet!

See, My better half and I were taking a romantic trip to Tahoe for Valentines Day. My very first ski trip! As we had been on this plane for what felt like 20 hours (it was actuallycloser to 12...) we were getting to know our seat neighbors very well, and had been sharing our Southwest Comp tickets. The couple in front of us were on their way to Vegas to renew their vows for their anniversary. How sweet! We shared our Vegas wedding stories - as MR. Details and I were tempted to re-enact a Friends episode and get hitched based on the outcome of a gamble early in our relationship many many years before. The flight attendant came on the overhead announcing facts about the Grand Canyon. Once the factoid about the depth of the Canyon (6,000 feet) and the altitude we were flying at (42,000 feet) rang throughout the cabin - a Lightbulb went off in my head. We were in the front rows of the plane, and therefore had direct earshot of the flight attendent. I leaned over and told the couple I had the most amazing idea! Asked the flight attendant if there was a minister on the flight - which there was... (Visions of "Is there a DOCTOR on the plane" shot through my head)

The Couple stood at the front of the plane, in front of the Southwest Logo - and renewed their vows at 48,000 feet! For the reception, guests were served complimentary pretzels and peanuts. The fellow-fliers all applauded as they sealed it with a kiss!

 

I meant to check into this when I returned, but of course Tahoe filled my memories, and until we discussed the trip with Amber, I had almost completely forgotten about it! That was February of 2008. I'm pretty sure that was the highest elevation a wedding has ever been performed at. I'm going to continue the google - but if High elevations is your thing - Try Mount Mitchell, North Carolina. They have an observation deck that has been used for weddings that is at 6,684 feet overlooking some Beautiful Mountains!

We are available for destination weddings - and I obviously don't have a fear of sand, snow, or heights! As someone who has personally been burned by the "on location" planner, know that when you are a tourist, sure to return home... you don't always get the personal touch of someone who is there for you, making sure your day is perfect. 

This was one moment that will always remain in my mind.... such a beautiful moment. I just got the video teaser from Bryan Jeffries - and almost started crying again!

Over The Edge Studios is based in Texarkana, AR but will travel for your next event! Their booth will be pretty close to ours, so be sure to visit them!

Photography has always been important to me. I got my first taste for it in Junior High, when I learned how to develop photos in a darkroom. I am a shutterbug! So when a bride asks me for suggestions on photographers, I like to know what their favorite style of photography is. There are so many talented photographers, and many different styles to chose from. My personal favorite - Photojournalism. I prefer the photos to tell the REAL story, not one we have rehearsed and posed for. I love it when the true emotion of the event are captured on film.

One of my favorite in this style? Photography by KES Weddings Karen and I used to work together at the AR Democrat Gazette (we won't say how long we've known each other... but its been a pretty long time!).  Karen was actually my first choice when we decided to document the birth of our son. The photos were of course amazing! 

Karen and I will be next booth neighbors at the Arkansas Democrat Gazette Bridal Fair on January 16th at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Be sure to stop by and say hello to both of us!

Did you know that 1 in 5 engagements takes place in December? If you were one of the lucky onese to get a very special gift over the holidays, Congrats! Like many happy couples, your head is probably starting to spin!

"I'm engaged! Where do I start?"

Resist the urge to do the fun thing first! Everyone wants to go find a dress, or start dreaming of that perfect gown. There are a certain things that MUST be done first.

  1. Set your budget. Before you start looking at the venue, or the dress, you need to have the all important "money talk". If you are paying for the wedding yourself, then discuss with your fiancee what your budget will be. Discuss what the top five priorities are. Is it more important to have a giant party with everyone you've ever met, or do you want to focus on a smaller, more intimate feeling? Is it your dream to get married in your hometown church? Flowers, lighting, food, location, size of party, entertainment - rank them. It will help you later when it comes time to make choices. If your parents will be contributing, then you need to know what they plan on spending. It will be heartbreaking if you assume that since "my parents are paying for the wedding" it means you get to throw a $40,000 party, when they had $20,000 in mind. 

2. Consider the use of a planner. Bringing a planner into the process can help you save a lot of valuable time and money. We can help you structure your budget based on the priorities you have already discussed in step 1. We can help you determine what the perfect setting for your perfect day. Based on your budget and style, we can make recommendations for the vendors that will be perfect for you. That insight is a great tool, because simply picking up the phone book, or doing a search on google doesn't always match you with what you need! A planner also will provide you with the guidance and confidence you need, making the planning process enjoyable! 

3. Pick a date. Be flexible. If you are set on a June wedding, be flexible with your date selection until you have a venue. If you find the perfect location, and they are available the week after your "date" - change your date. Unless your date is the anniversary of something, or the only time your guests can come, then there is no  reason why your date can't  change. Since you need a venue before you order invitations, then the "ink is not dry"!

4. Guest List. Now you have a venue, you know how large your guest list can be. It is a good idea to have an idea before you find the venue of what you and your family would like (if you know your entire congregation will expect to attend, as well as 200 of your parent's closest friends, then you will obviously look for a larger venue than someone who thinks 150-200 people).  Again, with your planner, budget will come into consideration. If you have a high priority on food, and want a full dinner served, then your planner will suggest a smaller guest list. There are ways to manipulate the budget, but just consider the per person cost. If you factor in the cost of rentals, food and beverage, and consider your bottom line - you can make decisions with more basis than "Who is cousin Jake?"

Saturday, November 6th, 2010.

Helen and her mother brought us on in the last few weeks to handle all of the details for their wedding day, and set up of the rehearsal dinner. We had a great team of vendors to work with! Even though it threatened to be cold, this was quite the party out on the lawn of the Terry House Mansion. I'm pretty sure that if it weren't for the noise ordinance, we would have gone all night! The groom found a 1926 Ford Model T as their entrance/exit vehicle... I must say that was a pretty cool detail. The band was the King Beez, out of Memphis. And they were amazing! I've always been impressed by the talent that is coming from Memphis. I am posting pictures I took myself, once we get some shots from Sarah Bussey I will ammend the post!

Wedding Coordination : All in the Details, Inc

Flowers and Decor: Distinctive Designs by Tanarah

Rentals: Confetti's 

Catering: Simply the Best

Photography: Sarah Bussey

Entertainment: King Beez

Stacey and Rod are perhaps the Sweetest Couple I've Ever Worked With!

Married October 16, 2010

Victory Bible Church, El Dorado, AR

Reception El Dorado Country Club

Stacey called me one night from Dallas, TX. It seems that planning her wedding in El Dorado, AR (Her hometown) was beginning to drive her a little bonkers. By the end of our phone call, she said "I wish you could see me right now. I'm smiling from ear to ear" I finally got to meet her in person on Father's Day, and What A SMILE that was! From the moment I met this couple, I told them I knew immediately what first attracted them to each other. Their mega-milowatt smiles! We planned the wedding over the phone, with our first site visit occuring 4 days before I gave birth to my son! Vendors were brought in from Fayetteville, Little Rock and El Dorado.

Photography: the Hudsons, Fayetteville

Flowers: All about Flowers, El Dorado

Cake: 1620, Little Rock

Lighting/DJ/Violin: Ce nntral Arkansas Entertainment

Planning and design: All in the Details

  (finished product)

(before we started)