pictures courtesy of Inlux Photography

I consider myself privileged to have had the opportunity to work on all details of Kristen and Chris' wedding day on October 29, 2011! It was just the entire package of the people, personal taste and genuine personalities that make it truly memorable for me to have been involved for a year with the planning!

Debbie, Kristen's mother, first contacted me from the Cincinnati area, letting me know she researched Kirkbrides and was very impressed with our website, weddings and reviews and would like to set up a meeting. She had a wedding planner at her own wedding years ago and wouldn't dream of planning her only daughter's wedding without one! We all hit it off right away, and I crossed my fingers as they all walked away and held a mini conference to discuss things, came back and told me the same day they'd like to work with me on their wedding plans!

Chris and Kristen absolutely LOVE the movie Nightmare Before Christmas. This movie influenced the choice of date (October 29), venue (Josaphat Arts Hall - a former Roman Catholic Church renovated into an art gallery), our color scheme (red, black and white with pumpkins) and most of our creative elements of the day. One of the very first things Kristen knew she wanted when Chris first proposed to her by singing one of the songs from the movie was a RED wedding dress! I am pretty sure that everything these two do is different and unique so of course the wedding dress and wedding just had to go along with that as well!

Our ceremony not only featured Ryan from Rock the House as our officiant, but also an organized "flash mob" of readers. K&C assigned 10 friends various readings from their favorite movies and plays to stand up and read impromptu from the audience at various times throughout the ceremony. What a great idea! It was very special and memorable. After the ceremony everyone was handed a red balloon to release as K&C exited the hall.

Our reception included a jam packed dance floor all night long also courtesy of Rock the House DJ Eli, centerpieces consisting of candelabras and pumpkins and a black wrought iron altar backdrop from Grande Designs, fall themed, damask and Nightmare cupcakes from White Flower Cake Shoppe, and a super fun open wall photobooth customized with (what else?) the moonlight scene from Nightmare Before Christmas. Our candy buffet was stocked with K&C's favorite Halloween candy, and late night food buffet from A Taste of Excellence included their fave foods - tater tots, queso dip with multi-colored chips and mini sliders! Our amazing stationery was all created by Debbie, Kristen's mom!

It was truly a pleasure working on this wedding day and I can say with certainty it was one of the most original weddings I've done to date! Congratulations Kristen and Chris! I know you have years of FUN and lots of happiness ahead of you!

Enjoy these pictures that capture the wedding perfectly, by Jarred and Heather at Inlux!!!

February is a romantic month ~ what a wonderful time for a wedding!

Plan a Valentine's Day theme wedding with small touches here and there to infuse a special touch of romance.

Best time of year for this wedding: late January or February

Cleveland venues that would work well for this wedding style:

• Park Lane Villa
• Glenmoor Country Club (click here to see a famous past February wedding we did here)
• Ritz Carlton
• Severance Hall - with a romantic history incorporating the builder's wife's wedding dress!
  
• Tudor Arms

Ideas:

• Guest Book: Instead of a guest book put out an assortment of child valentine cards and have your guests write messages and place in a card box.
• Music: Keep the mood romantic all night long, by asking your guests to fill in their own wedding first dance song on their RSVP cards. This not only honors your guests but keeps the romantic mood going.
• Signature Drink: Cupid Daiquiri a strawberry Daiquiri with chocolate drizzle and a chocolate heart candy.
• Candy Bar: Last year, 14.9 billion dollars worth of chocolate was sold in America. Have an all chocolate candy bar because chocolate is an ideal gift for Valentine's day.
• Flowers: Roses on Valentine's Day are a must. However, there are other romantic stylish blooms one can add like amaryllis, red calla lilies, and cockscomb. Feathers or crystals added to the centerpiece would also add a stylish flare.
• Lighting: Splashes of soft pink light will warm up a space and is great for photos. While you do not want hearts everywhere, a heart-patterned spotlight would create a modern touch on the dance floor.

• Head table: A sweetheart table will let the bride and groom have a personal intimate dinner before hitting the dance floor with family and friends.

Add a romantic and classic touch to your day by hiring the ShinSing Orchestra who specializes in classic big band Frank Sinatra tunes!

Click here to browse through more Valentine's Day inspiration!
And boards on pinterest too!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Make sure to contact Kirkbrides if you get engaged today and tell us your story.