Finding venues and previewing them for brides are another integral part of my job.  In the past, I have focused mainly on Collin County, but as more and more brides from Dallas and Fort Worth are reaching out to me, the more I’m looking at venues in these areas.  So, from time to time, I’ll update you with some of my fave finds. 

Recently, I visited with Marissa Ritter at Arlington Hall at Lee Park.  Wow, what a gorgeous place!  It’s located on Turtle Creek, just north of Hall street.  LITE Dallas was there setting up for an event, so you’ll see some of their equipment in the photos.  I took lots of pictures, but of course they are nothing compared to photos of the place in action.  Here’s just a snippet of what I saw that day:

Marissa was a delight to talk to, along with the other ladies I met.  I can’t wait to host a wedding there!  To see an actual wedding at Arlington Hall, visit the photographer Larry Sengbush’s website.  Click on Weddings and select Wedding 1.  Yes, the entire wedding was shot at Arlington Hall.  Isn’t it just amazing?

I recently spoke with the new NYLO Hotel in Plano and found out a few fun things they offer.  So, if you’re looking for some summer fun you should definitely check it out!  This hotspot is open to all, not just their guests, so head on over. 

Currently, they are having a “Movies Under the Stars” event Thursday nights in July at 7.30pm.  They have a huge inflatable screen in the pool area and are showing some of their faves, such as Jaws, There’s Something About Mary and Casablanca.  Their pool area is fantabulous and has tons of couches, lounge chairs and an outside bar area to help keep cool.  I can’t wait to find time for this!

 They also have “The Loft”, which is their restaurant there.  You will find some great appetizers and even better drinks to be had, with Dj’s providing the best tunes to relax to.  Their happy hour is M-F, 5-7pm and on Saturdays from 4-6pm.  They have a Library as well, which includes pool, fun board games and a rentable Wii.  How much fun is that?

One of my absolute fave stores to just “shop” in is Posey Lane on the square in McKinney.  Kerrie is the owner and she has such fab taste, I just adore her fun stuff and time seems to stop when I’m in there.  (Much to my time management detriment)  She also has hundreds of different invitations to choose from for any occasion, including weddings, so with my love of stationery I tend to just get stuck in there.

Kerrie has now opened a wonderful little wedding section in her store that includes all kinds of items from famous event planner, Mindy Weiss.  It’s just so much fun I had to take a few pics and show you:

I just love this RSVP box from Mindy.  What a great way to keep tabs on all those cards!

Kerrie was so kind as to put some of my “Anti To-Do List” cards out for brides-to-be.  Moral of the story?  Go to Posey Lane and check it all out!  I’m sure you can find all kinds of fun gifts for people you know, including brides-to-be, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc!

There is a small, hidden bridal shop in Addison that I think many will find is a true gem!  I went last week to visit with Andrea Porter, owner of Circle Park Bridal, and to check out her new digs.  Ladies, let me tell you, this place is amazing!  Andrea has created the perfect environment and stocked it full of choice gowns for brides size 2-26 to choose from.  Not only that, but she does her best to offer the most reasonable prices in town, which means you may find a dress there that would retail elsewhere for $900, but she’s going to sell it for only $330.  Believe me when I tell you she does business in a completely different way, all to help YOU find and obtain the perfect dress.  Not only is her dress selection amazing, but she has some pretty exclusive items that I know everyone will want, such as birdcage veils and feather headpieces.  They are so gorgeous and I love them!  (Almost bought a feathered comb for myself, but thought better about leaving it for a bride to wear down the aisle.)  This place is a must see, and I have a tip for you, January and February are THE months to go as I have a sneaking suspicion you’ll see a sale or two from Andrea as she stocks her shop with new inventory.  Check her out as soon as you can!

For those who might not know, I’ve been working at Storybook Ranch as the Event Coordinator/Manager for the past two years.  It has been so much fun and the best experience a girl could ask for.  I’ve grown extremely close to the family that owns the ranch and I can’t imagine a better job anywhere.  However, all good things eventually come to an end, but this time an even better adventure is here! 

Each & Every Detail has been growing and moving along fast, so much so that I will soon be leaving the ranch to attend to my clients on a “full time” basis.  I say full time as it seems for the past 4 months or so I’ve been working two full time jobs at once and one must give in to the other.  :)  With that said, I’ll be committing to this little adventure after December.  There will be many announcements on the blog as Each & Every Detail hits these milestones, so stay tuned!  Thanks to all my clients, vendors, friends and family for supporting me and bearing with me through this transition!  You are all the best!

Photographers are a whole different breed of folks.  I honestly believe they are artists.  They just see the world differently than the rest of us.  I often wonder at how they manage to see things through the lens of a camera, literally, all the time.  To me, it seems amazing at how they can take the details of life and just make it so much more significant.  Wanna see my fave photographer?  Well here she is!  Ms. Kate Mefford of Juxtapose Photography.  Check her out!

Kate has helped me with so much, from my headshots to my logo.  She’s an amazingly talented woman and has the most fun personality I’ve ever met behind a camera.  Here’s why you should hire her:

• She makes being in front of a camera easy. (NOT an easy task)
• She doesn’t do formula shots.  (You know, that same old pose you’ve seen in every wedding album.)
• She captures the essence of her subjects personality and relationships.  (I can’t tell you how much some of her shots have made me want to cry with the touching looks she captures!)
• She’s a true artist and only gives you the best of the best.

 I could go on and on, but why?  Check her out by reading her blog and giving her a call.  I promise you’ll love her as much as I do.

I’m off to school again!  At least, for the next few days.  As always, I’m constantly trying to learn new things and keep up my skills.  So, I’m off to the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners for their 3 1/2 day course.  Wanna see what I’ll be learning?  Check it out at http://aacwp.org/certification.html.  Should be lots of fun and I can’t wait to meet new friends!  The organization is pretty new, but the ladies who founded it are top notch.  I’ll keep you posted on how it goes!