Wednesday, July 28, 2010

How You Can Afford a Wedding Day-Of Coordinator

Okay, so you can't afford a full wedding planner. That's okay. With so many tools and templates out there to assist you with DIY projects, craft-savvy brides don't need one. But what about a day-of coordinator?

Lots of brides will say they can't afford one or it's not in their budget. Here's another way to look at it: include it in your original budget, and you'll be able to have one.

As a wedding coordinator, it's easy for me to defend hiring help for your wedding day, specifically someone who caters exclusively to the bride and groom. Sometimes, and more often than not, it can be seen as an extravagant cost, something that only brides with large budgets or an endless cash flow can afford. I'm here to tell you, this isn't the case.

When creating an initial wedding budget, brides and grooms will prioritize so they can figure out what they want to cut back on, and what they'll pay a few extra bucks for. Mr. Owl and I did this. Photography was at the top of our list. So was our venue (as we'd known our venue years before even getting engaged). Third? Actually enjoying our wedding day. We couldn't possibly see how that couldn't be a priority. So, we included it in our initial budget, and presto, we could afford one. And we didn't have a large budget, either.

On our wedding day, I don't remember doing any worrying (except for that whole "Ohmygod-everyone's-going-to-be-starring-at-me" thing). I didn't worry if our ceremony chairs were set-up properly, or if our candy buffet was arranged correctly or if our toasts would start on time. I didn't even have to worry that we didn't hire a DJ because our DOC took care of our iTunes playlist like a pro. And at the end of the reception, when me and my new husband were exhausted and ready to call it a night, we didn't have to arrange any clean-up crew, or bribe any family members to do it, because our DOC packed up all our supplies and stored them away for us. She was multiple vendors in one, and in the end, actually saved us money.

So, to summarize, you don't want to be doing this on the morning of your wedding:

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Me, setting up a tent wedding for a client, personal photo.


You want to be doing this with your friends and family:

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Photo by Steve Koo Photography


and this:

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Photo by Bend The Light Photography


and this:

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Photo by Project Duo Photography

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Real E-Session: Cal and Al

Hello, hello everyone! Today real e-session is full of fun and lots of love. Cal and Al are absolutely adorable (as are their names), and their lovely photographer Alicia at Oakstream Photography perfectly capture this couple's energy and the love they have for one another. Let shake our tail feathers for Cal and Al!


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So many thanks to Alicia at Oakstream Photography for sharing these photos with us today. Alicia is incredibly talented, so please be sure to visit her blog for more amazing inspiration.Cal and Al, I'm so happy I was able to share your love story with everyone, and I'm wishing you many happy memories as your plan your wedding together!

Friday, July 23, 2010

There's a New Owl!

We're so excited to announce a new addition to The Owl family!

The Nesting Owl focuses on the hearth. Life after weddings and creating a true home. Decor inspiration, home renovations and what it means to have a home where you can truly relax and be yourself.


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If you like what you see, please find us on Facebook and follow us on Blogger!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Belated Birthday

It was my birthday yesterday!

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Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs


Birthdays are a big deal in my family. Every year as a kid, my mom would throw huge parties with clowns, magicians and invite all the neighborhood kids I was friends with, and all her own friends, too. I would get to decorate the garage with streamers, balloons and cut-outs and put on my most frilly dress to twirl in all day. My mom always did my hair and feathered my bangs (child of the 80s here!). Like I said, birthdays are a big deal in my family.

In fact, organizing my mom's surprise 50th birthday party four years ago is what made me want to plan weddings and parties for a living. Celebrating someone's life is just a momentous occasion, and I love it more than New Year's.

For my birthday this year, Mr. Owl woke me up for breakfast in bed, and cuddles from the doggie (which is the best thing ever!). I got some beautiful presents and later, I was taken out to Chicago's most romantic restaurant (according to numerous blogs and sites) for fondue! And because no birthday is complete without a Carvel ice cream cake, I got one of those, too.

It was a glorious day. I truly think everyone should take off work, splurge and do lots of self-reflection on your birthday. Celebrating another year of life is nothing to take for granted. Put yourself first, count your blessings and be happy for the support of your loved ones.

Happy birthday to me!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Real Philadelphia Wedding: Michelle and Donovan!

Welcome back, everyone! Today I'm thrilled to share Michelle and Donovan's nautical-themed wedding. They were married on the beautiful and historical Moshulu Boat in Philadelphia, and Ellie of Ellie Bolton Photography was there to capture every moment perfectly. Let's take a look!

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So many thanks to Ellie for sharing these beautiful photos with us today! Please be sure to visit her blog for more amazing wedding inspiration. Michelle and Donovan - what a fun and unique wedding. It was beautiful, and most importantly, you both loved every minute of it. I'm wishing you many years of happy memories together!