Rachael's close friend Sara was recently engaged and there was a party being held in her and her fiance's honor. Joe, a coworker of Sara, was convinced by some mutual friends and co-workers to attend. As soon as Joe and Rachael were introduced she knew he was fun and outgoing and had a great personality. She could tell right away he was someone she would want to hang out with.

Later in the night as the party started to wind down, Joe left with the group of friends he had come with. Rachael's interest was sparked and she mentioned it to Sara. Sara too saw the potential and put the wheels in motion, so to speak. She and her co-workers put on their matchmaking hats. Eventually Joe and Rachael were arranging their first "date." They had a BLAST, and it was one of those first dates that you just can't stop thinking about, talking about.... It was perfect. The first date led to a second, which led to a third... and on and on. The rest, as they say, is history.

These beautiful pictures were sent to me courtesy of Corey at Corey Ann photography!




Rachael came to me in early 2008 for help with her wedding. We didn't want to wait until 2009 so we planned a "Fall in Love" themed event for October 4. We had so much fun working together, even though we spend way too much time chatting about nonsense!



Joe gave the nicest speech I have ever seen a groom give at a wedding, speaking directly to Rachael's parents to tell them, "I promise you that I will do everything I can to take care of Rachael for the rest of our lives"...or something similar to that. It truly brought tears to my eyes!





















Congratulations Rachael and Joe!!!

Kirkbrides has just been voted the BEST WEDDING PLANNER IN CLEVELAND on the Fox Cleveland Hotlist!

THANK YOU to all who voted and left fabulous comments!

We truly appreciate it and look forward to many more amazing weddings and happy clients in the years to come.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! I am so thankful for all of our clients, wonderful vendors we work with and my awesome team members! I'm very lucky to be able to do what I love.

Picture above is from our "Fall in Love" wedding back in October. Stay tuned for pictures in the upcoming weeks!

The Kirkbrides team and I had such a wonderful time on Saturday coordinating Vanessa and Jon's wedding. It was truly what dream weddings are made of.



When I met with Vanessa and her mom Diane last December, I knew this was a a perfect match. We had the best time working together on all of the old glam theme details, vendors and plans. Vanessa is a caring, special and fun person who I will continue to be friends with. As you can see in the pictures below (provided to me by Easywind Studio), the photobooth, ballroom dancer performances, silver slippers for women on the dance floor, 40's style cake, art deco ballroom, crystal lined centerpieces, custom uplighting, custom designed menus, table names and calligraphy placecards by Kirkbrides all contributed to the festive day!

















The wedding was really enhanced by special music throughout the entire day. The highlight was the children's choir at the catholic ceremony. It was absolutely breathtaking! Then at the cocktail hour, we created a special playlist with music by Shirley Bassey, a diva songstress from the 50's and 60's, best known for Goldfinger, along with other music with the same style. Our piano player for dinner added just the right touch, and the 10 piece band kept the guests dancing all night long.









Thank you, Vanessa, Jon and Diane, for allowing me to be such a big part of such a big day. Congratulations!






Here is an e-mail I received from Vanessa on Monday. Isn't she the sweetest?!

Hi Valarie,

I just wanted to thank you for all of the time and effort you put into our wedding day. There is no way we would have been able to do it without you! Throughout the entire planning process, I always felt that you cared about my wedding as if it were your own. The day ran smoothly and on-time, and I was able to enjoy every part of it. So many people--family, friends, and even vendors--told me I was the calmest bride they've encountered. This was because I knew that you were managing every aspect of the day--there was simply nothing to worry about.

Our guests were blown away by the beautiful day you coordinated. We received compliments on every aspect of the day: the ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception itself. My reception was so romantic, and it perfectly captured our "Old Hollywood Glam" theme. All of the details you provided were so special, and they added a personal touch to those things that usually go unnoticed at weddings.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I'm honored to have had such a creative, organized and kind person coordinate the most important day of my life. Please look for a letter of recommendation in your mailbox soon--it's on my list of things to do. Also, please put me on your list of references. I would be more than happy to share my wonderful experience with Kirkbrides with potential clients.

Thanks again and hope to see you soon,
Vanessa

In the earlier part of the year, I was contacted by (a first) a groom's mother hoping to provide some help for her soon to be daughter in law who lives in NYC. I was happy to help and clicked with Amy right away. When I finally met Scott, we discovered we both went to OU!

Amy wanted to stick with a New York theme colored with chocolate brown and green for her wedding in Willoughby, Ohio. Check out the beautiful pictures provided to Kirkbrides by Kay with BCR Studios! I just loved the cakes on each table. I felt like it truly felt "New York", complete with the New York landmark table names! The appletinis (think Big Apple) also were a big hit.

Amy and Scott, it was wonderful working with you and your extremely nice families! The bridal party was so fun and lively too! I truly enjoyed your wedding day and glad that you did as well. Best wishes to you for a lifetime filled with love in your new condo in New York!















These little town blues, are melting away
I'll make a brand new start of it - in old new york
If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere
Its up to you - new york, new york