Wedding Day Sneak Peek: Cross Over To Cronauer

This past weekend was EVERYTHING it was supposed to be; beautiful weather, a stylish groom, a gorgeous bride, and literally, a circle of love around them. Virginia really is for lovers!

An intimate indoor ceremony, followed by a tented evening of dinner and dancing, on a perfectly tempered Virginia night is the magic memories are made of.  The love and light that showed up for this couple is one for the books. The plan, pops of pink that really allow the clean beauty of greenery to shine. I'd say mission accomplished.

Fabulous is bound to happen when your artist bridesmaids bring their own chalk!

And of course, a stolen moment to absorb it all.

The only hiccup of the evening is where it pays to have the Ambiance team in your corner. The escort cards were mistakenly printed without the guest dinner selection on them. Meaning, the wait staff doesn't know who ordered what. My team and I simply stepped in with the master list, and although it took some extra time, directed the waitstaff to each individual guest at every table.

I say it all the time, in all of your planning, there will still be instances you simply couldn't have planned for. This was a potential fire, that was snuffed out before it had a chance to start. The couple nor their parents ever had to leave their seats to handle the matter, all because of their decision to have, at minimum, a Day Of Coordinator.

One of my favorite moments...well people...The Father of the Bride. He owned his emotions and it was so raw and beautiful. It's the stuff you can't plan, fabricate, or capture again. On Wedding Day, our goal is to allow everyone to just be in the moment. During their father/daughter dance, he danced with  A so lovingly, held her so close, seeming to be taking in every breath of his little girl, now a married woman. I tear up just writing about it. It was beyond special.

The last detail, I'll share is probably one of the most authentic moments of the evening, literally, a circle of love. This moment was not planned, it just happened. Guests joined arm in arm, looking at lifetime of love in the making. Goosebumps, I tell ya, goosebumps.

I mean seriously, could there be any better way to end the evening?  The Cross over to Cronauer was such a successful, beautiful journey of emotion and joy. I am so lucky to have played a small part in the joining of two really cool families, in what I am sure to be, a long lasting love story for A + R. Now do you see how Forever After never gets old?

There are three other really special moments I won't dare to mention just yet. These are all photos I was able to snap during the day on my phone. I can not wait to see the finished professionally captured story laid out by one Stephanie Dee. Which means, amazing is still to come.


Our Amazing Dream Team:
Day Of Coordinator: Ambiance Special Events
Venue/Catering: Inn At Vint Hill
Photographer: Stephanie Dee Photography
Florists: Flower Gallery 
Cake: Gateau Distinction Cakes
Music: Dominion Wedding Entertainment
Transportation: Camelot Cars


#northernvirginiaweddings #virginiaweddings #virginiabrides #misstomrs 

How To Survive A Wedding Show

Valentine's Day typically marks the end of engagement season. Wedding show invitations and open houses are sure to fill your inbox soon. One questions lingers, do I really need to go?

Yes! The wedding show (also known as bridal shows) is an excellent opportunity to meet, interview, and book vendors, all in a day's work. Wedding shows can also save you a time, gas and several weeks of tracking a vendor down, coordinating schedules, along with a time and place to meet. Bridal shows allows you to see the work of a variety of vendors all needed for the big celebration.

On the other hand, if you are unprepared, a bridal show can leave you feeling shocked and overwhelmed. Which are not often associated with a pleasant experience. Navigating aisle after aisle of photographers, planners, cakes, and facilities requires a strong strategy. Use these 5 essential tips to plan ahead and maximize one of the BEST resources for planning your wedding.

1. Register. When you register for a bridal show or Open House all of the show information comes to you. Shows have a variety of operating procedures but participating vendors, special discounts, and giveaways will be at your fingertips. Best of all, most couples who register receive extra perks just for doing so.

2. Research. When available, check out the list of vendors attending the show against your list of wedding needs. Visit vendor websites, check their reviews, photo galleries. This will allow you to better decide who you must meet, and who it would be nice to meet if you have time. Remember, to keep an open mind about visiting and talking with each vendor; because you love someone's website doesn't mean you'll connect with them in person. Don't be afraid to visit with someone not on your list, you never know who will surprise you with great service AND a winning attitude.

3. Print It Out. Pick up a pack of mailing or return address labels. Print your name, wedding date, and email on them. This will allow you to sign up and register for activities, information, and prizes with ease. Pre-printed labels also aid in time management during the show, allowing you more time to network and connect with vendors that pique your interests most.

4. Take Note. When you are meeting vendors and picking up business cards, be sure to mark the services you like best and want to connect with again. Make a note with a pen, colored marker or highlighter, or stickers; any way to make them stand out and easy to find once you get home.

5. Act. When a connection is made with a vendor, be ready to act. Know your budget, upcoming schedule, and availability. Don't be afraid to get on their calendar! After all, there about about 6 dozen more bride-to-be's (and fifteen with your same wedding date) shopping the same vendors. Be ready to set a meeting, follow up call, request a contract or book on the spot. This is the point of the show. No one says you have to drag out the planning process over twelve months. Save yourself time by preparing in advance and reward yourself with all your free nights and weekends.

Remember to decide ahead of time if you are shopping for particular goods/services or just browsing and idea gathering. Keep interviewing until you get a warm and fuzzy feeling about the vendors' ability and understanding of your vision. You get to choose most, if not all of your vendors. Surround yourself with positive energy and people that get you.

If you use these tips, you'll be more prepared to get the information you need AND create the opportunity to enjoy the experience too.

#virginiaweddings #virginiaweddingplanner #weddingadvice #weddingshow #bridalshow #askambiance #inspiration

Local Love: Out And About in Manassas VA

Dawn & I catching a quick "Us"ie

I was thrilled and overjoyed to gather with some amazing women entrepreneurs and celebrate one genuine soul...Dawn Gardner of DG Photography. No more shuffling all over the DMV for meetings for this girl. She has moved on up...to a studio in downtown Manassas.                  

Dawn's soft opening was a delightfully intimate evening with delectable cupcakes and macaroons (my favorite food groups) from Sweet Pink Bakery, meeting new professionals and catching up with a few old ones. There is something about driven, positive, encouraging women that is just good food for my soul. It invigorates and refreshes me deep from within.

I am so fortunate to do what I love and love what I do; to continuously find myself surrounded and encouraged with opportunities for growth; to learn about the purpose and missions of other women trying to build their empires from kitchen counters while juggling wife/mom hats. I am blessed to be able to offer my encouragement and support by doing what I can, when I can.

This is what makes being an entrepreneur worth every late night, every blog post,  every anxiety, every failure, and every restart. DG Photography Studio is confirmation that hard work and dedication can manifest dreams to reality. I am so overjoyed for her. And I am hopeful for every woman's dream that was there to celebrate. 

   


#weddingplanner #virginiaweddings #virginiaweddingplanner #dayofcoordinator #dgphotography #weddingphotography #eventdesign #weddinginvitations #northernvirginia #weddingvendor #woodbridgeva #manassasva #occoquanva 

#AuthenticallyAmbiance: Bridal Show Prep

Marketing Materials...Booth Design...Giveaways...Oh My!

We are about a month away until the Fort Belvoir Bridal Show. That means a calculated to-do list about a mile long for me. I prepare for bridal shows with great intention. I choose the Fort Belvoir show because it is smaller and allows me the opportunity to actual talk and address concerns of passersby. Year after year, it seems to really pay off for me, more so than the larger shows.

The end of my 2016 was intense self-reflection training. Through a couple Instagram business challenges, I managed to finally focus on defining and understanding my ideal client. I set big, clear cut, manageable goals. I also added on services like invitations and personalized gifts. I updated our Full Service package to include much more. Heck of the way to end a year, I know.

In a nutshell, all of these things need to be present and make an impression at this year's bridal show.

Decision...decisions...

Yesterday, I ordered a new invitations album, so bride-to-be's have something to touch, hold, feel and ask questions about regarding our invitations and accessories affiliation with Carlson Craft. I generally promote the on-line boutique but I haven't found that photos of invitations nor lip service have captured the attention of the bride-to-be.

I have designed to give away a personalized pillow to one lucky couple for subscribing and inviting Ambiance into their inbox monthly. It truly IS one of my new favorite things! I am totally obsessed with this First Date, Yes Date, Best Date personalized pillow design. The winner will get to choose the color. I think this is also a great gift idea for mothers and maids in attendance, plus it shows off a few ways we love our personalized gifts affiliation with Thirty-One and how we work it for weddings.

I generally do not like the large table that comes with traditional bridal show set-ups. It cuts off access to interaction if you stand behind that thing. But I do need to showcase one or two of our non-floral signature centerpieces, now included in our Full-Service package. More than anything, I've got to show and drive home the fact that you get more when you book with Ambiance.



Finally, I think I'll have a banner made. Something slim but tall. This isn't something I've used in the past but I want to make sure that if I'm engaged in conversation, something else still has access to the same message. The banner can't just be the logo either. I think it has to encompass everything I'm highlighting in the booth.

Looks like I've got my work cut out for me.  The banner design will provide tricky but I'm looking forward to nailing this challenge with subtle, sophistication that is Ambiance.




#thrityone #thirtyonegifts #virginiaweddingplanner #dayofcoordinator #weddinginvitations #weddinggifts #bridalshow #bridal fair #weddingshows #ido #love #engaged #mstomrs #wedding #authenticallyambiance

#AlwaysAmbiance The Winston's First Anniversary

Cake truffles from NYC, a hashtag, and Uber Black Car as wedding transportation; 

the Winston's ooze what it means to be young, in love, and in the city! 

Their journey to Forever After is one that proves life is better together and can whether any storm. Oh yes...Hurricane Joaquin made its way to the Atlantic Coast the week of their union. Although we had to Plan B our cocktail hour due to wind and rain, love had an agenda of its own and their Ever After would NOT be denied.  

Their day was the perfect balance of tears,

...and turn up! 

It really resonated in my heart when Patrice made the decision to have her mother walk her down the aisle. This is something I had done at my own wedding and is still one of my most cherished life moments.

But the details...so many truly personal touches made their entire event an experience for us all.

Patrice and Andre decided on an event design that would keep guests talking, mixing and mingling all night long, ensuring no two guest tables were alike. When one person hates cake, naturally a color coordinated dessert buffet yeilds the perfect compromise. Passed love notes, surprise gifts, formal attire, live music...I could have their wedding every day.

I love learning just how big, deep, and wide love is. Every wedding is my favorite because you've allowed me in to your soft place. You've allowed me to learn about who you are and what love means and looks like to you. This is why Forever After never gets old. It is why I pray your love is everlasting, why I pray we will always be connected because of it.

Always Appreciated, Always Loved is what being #AlwaysAmbiance is all about. Thank you for allowing me to see you Patrice and Andre. Happy Anniversary...may the force be with you.

Choosing Your Vendors

I call it, 12 minutes of Awesome! My brief catch up with fellow wedding warrior, and one of my favorite photographers, Dawn Gardner of DG Photography.

My phone rang and 12 minutes was all it took. Dawn and I had talked networking, upcoming projects, future goals/directions, family and wrapped up with let's do this again soon! 

Wedding vendors always seem busy. That is because we really ARE. 

When a photographer isn't shooting, there is editing photos and scheduling client reveals. When a planning isn't on site, there is research, phone calls, looking ahead, thinking ahead for each project on the case load. Did I fail to mention, the other bazillion tasks of running a business like paying bills, ordering supplies, advertising and social media? So many times, a few minutes is all you've got. Then it's back to the grind and on to the next. 

You see, this is how I choose your wedding vendors or the dream team of people I recommend to you first. I don't just close my eyes and point to a business card on a page of many. I don't just call around and offer a list of anyone available on your date. No, not at all. 

I met people, talk to them, work with them, get to know them. Not for BFF's but I LIKE their work. I believe in their mission. I like they way they treat people. I like their approach to the profession. I believe them to be authentic. 

I think it's one of the biggest benefits to working with a coordinator. I don't just pick anyone...I help choose someone who I think would not only deliver but work well with your personality too. People you want hanging around all wedding day long. Each part of your event is another layer, including the people you work with. Each layer (color scheme, invitations, menu, favors) adds a little more awesome, a little more authenticity to your day...the people should too. 

12 minutes and I have 5 new books to read, inspire and grow my business.

And I can't wait, as "You Are A Badass" just moved to the top of my new list simply because the title speaks to me, lol. 

Don't you want someone who adds value to your day...to your life? Someone who gets it (your vision)? Someone who gets you? Choosing a vendor is more than ability and availability. 

You know when you connect with someone; shop around until you do. Choose more wisely the companies you hire much like the company you keep. 

Looking for a great Planner, PICK ME! Looking for a great photographer? Check out my girl Dawn G! She's good people, #ambianceadores her, CLICK HERE. 

#wedding #specialevents #weddingplanner #weddingphotographer #photography #northernvirginia #networking #smallbusiness #authenticallyambiance #inspiration #weddingadvice

#AlwaysAmbiance Happy Anniversary Tiffani & Aaron

Cheers & Happy Anniversary to #alwaysambiance couple, Tiffani and Aaron, married on 8.8.08!

This couple was sure of almost every detail of their wedding, start to finish. Needless to say, their vision of  'sophisticated style'  was a direct reflection of who they are as a couple. Don't they look good? 

I learned so much from this wedding about myself and the way I wanted to do and grow my business. Sad to say, but, this was the first wedding where my execution didn't fully live up to expectation (a few missed details, although un-noticed by guests, were a disappointment to them). Talk about a devastating blow...but a pivotal moment in my growth as an entrepreneur. 

Even though I felt my team had done well, I had to examine areas of improvement, ie: better exploring client expectations, documenting layouts/design in more detail (no relying on memory and conversations alone), ways to communicate more effectively with my staff. Constructive criticism is a hard but necessary part of growing a business into a lasting competitor in your field.

I've continued to strive to be greater each time someone says 'I Do' to Ambiance. Tiffani and Aaron could have been disappointed and never communicated with me again. But they instead chose to, take me up on my offer to share their experience with Ambiance, giving me an opportunity to grow. They took the time to share the things that went well and where they feel they felt short. 

With great appreciation, I raise a glass to Tiffani and Aaron, whose transparency and honesty have driven me to be better...and still standing! I am to have been open to learn such a valuable lesson. I am still here doing what I love, always a little better than before. As for this couple's Forever After, they recently became a party of five, welcoming their third child.

I will always be honored to share in and watch love grow. 

Happy Anniversary Tiffani and Aaron, may your love continue to grow and thrive!  

Hello Friday!

Will #TGIF ever get old? I don't think so. Happy Friday Friends!

What started as an excuse to catch up and spend time with a girlfriend turned into "stamp camp". We played around with blank Ambiance postcards, rubber stamps and embossing...oh the endless possibilities. 

It's amazing how you can elevate any blank piece of paper (envelopes too, wink/wink) with a little imagination, colored ink and on special occasion, a really cool blow dry tool. 

I'm excited to be updating my marketing materials in a more authentic way. I think it shows a little creativity but not in-your-face crafty, which is what the Ambiance bride looks for. 

Looking forward to saying Hello to a few of you soon. 

2017, get ready for a more authentic Ambiance experience!

#authenticallyambiance #stationary #personalized #stamping #tgif

#AuthenticallyAmbiance Thankfulness

This morning, I'm up early, out on the deck with the soul purpose of getting my mood together before the man child wakes. Yesterday ended on a terrible note. Out of nowhere (late afternoon) my mood soured and I just couldn't shake it.

Writing seems to help me gather and refocus my thoughts, so I began to journal about what I am thankful for. What I wrote surprised me. Two simple words...another day.

Today, I am thankful for another day. It signifies another chance to get "it" right. Another day to simply try. Another day to improve. Another day to do differently or more of the same. Another day is another opportunity for me to feel something new, learn something new, and share a new experience.

This is as authentic as it gets for me.

When the wedding plans begin to overwhelm you, when doubt creeps into your mind, when anxiety seems to keep you up a little longer each night, when you can't image spending another weekend meeting about cakes, flowers, colors, and dreses; when you feel at the end of your planning rope...

!STOP!

This is a sign you need a moment. A healthy moment.  to reflect on all the good, all the can's instead of can'ts. You need a moment to be thankful for all things, big and small. A warm, sweet, creamy cup of #Starbucks. Hell, the money to afford a cup of Starbucks. Find your thankfulness in a close parking space, someone to kiss in the morning, a friend to meet for lunch, mindless tv that makes you laugh or just the quiet moment to yourself that didn't seem possible only a day ago. Take five minutes, 24 hours, or a whole weekend to reflect and regroup. I promise you'll find renewed spirit and be ready to tackle whatever you have lined up.

Now, failing to heed to this red flag may and will likely result in the following : moodiness, increased sarcasm, the biting off of loved ones heads, hasty decision making, overspending, avoiding email and phone calls, increased snacking (usually sweets and  potato chips...and wine, also sometimes considered a snack), swearing, tears and in extreme cases...adult tantrums. Don't let this be you!

Post a comment of what you are thankful for on our Facebook page starting today at Noon, EST, then share the post to be entered for a chance to win a $20 credit toward thank you notes from our #carlsoncraft e-boutique, to capture more of your thankful moments. Window Shop Now.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing onSaturday, July 23, 2017 at NOON, EST. Winner will be  announced on our Facebook page, so stay tuned. I can't wait!

Ready, Post,then Share...www.facebook.com/ambiancespecialevents

#AlwaysAmbiance Happy Anniversary Claudia & Randy

Throwing it back this Thursday with  a very Happy Anniversary month to this seriously sizzling' hot couple. Look but don't touch, you just might get burned.

EVERY single detail, from their sassy Gatsby themed engagement shoot...

...to wedding day, stemmed from their super lovable personalities and infectious smiles.

When he sees her for the first time...that look...priceless!

Torrential rain and 3 flash flood warnings couldn't stop them. And when it was all over...there love stood; conquering the day like a flag planted on the moon. LOVE is truly at the source for these two.

The rain let up just enough to allow for a few night shots. 

Salsa dancing, surprises, and a short dress and sneakers wardrobe change, kept everyone dancing the night away until the wee hours of the morning. They even donated their wedding flowers to the hotel. The next morning, the hotel placed a sign thanking them for the beautiful flowers for all guests to be welcomed and wished them well in Forever After ahead.

There is nothing like the power of love and being directly influenced and inspired by it everyday. I LOVE MY JOB!!!! Thank you for allowing me to share a small part in your joy and journey. Happy Anniversary Claudia & Randy.

Always Appreciated. Always Connected. #AlwaysAmbiance



*****

Photography: DG Photography

#weddingplanner #weddings #vaweddings #weddinginspiration # pinkwedding #pinkweddinginspiration #engagedcouples #GreatGatsby #GatsbyTheme #love #ido #alwaysambiance #anniversary #realweddings #authenticallyambiance #engaged #engagedcouples

#AlwaysAmbiance : Look Who's Celebrating An Anniversary

I absolutely CAN NOT believe this wedding was 3 years ago today. This encore wedding blended two families in a small and intimate ceremony/reception tucked away in Northern Virginia. His daughter proudly served as Maid of Honor and her son, Best Man. Love and Laughter are two of my most favorite things on the planet. Love brought us all together and the laughter wasn't far behind.

FUN...from the very beginning to the very end.

This military power couple continues to climb the ranks (they are pretty up there, lol). They've been whisked away to Puerto Rico and back, and just last week...a high school graduation for their son.

From Guest Book to Home Decor,
A Fitting Guest Book for this Military Couple. 

What I love most of all, is that I know how they are doing three years later. I love having the chance to stay connected with clients and celebrate their successes big and small. I love hearing about the good seeds that continued to grow from two simple words, "I Do"!

As you plan your wedding, remember, wedding day is merely the starting line and I will be there...Always! And you will be #AlwaysAmbiance too.

Favors? A Shot of Love Anytime You Need One.

Happy Anniversary...Carlos & Yesenia!




*****

Photography: Reese Studios

#weddingwednesday #weddinginspiration #weddingplanner #vaweddings #alwaysambiance #weddinganniversary #ido #weddinginspiration #pinkwedding #yellowwedding #roseweddingbouquet #ambianceadores #militarywedding #militaryweddinginspiration

Wedding Favors, For Dog Lovers Only!

I am not a dog person. Well, truthfully, I am not a pet person but I am totally in love with this doggy donation card from #carlsoncraft.  It may be one of the most custom pieces of stationary I've seen.

If you are passionate enough about your pooch to make a donation to charity on behalf of your guests in lieu of traditional wedding favors, I've got just the finishing detail for you. #ambianceinvites you to get the scoop on this pooch themed present.

Details...Details...Details...

Dimensions: 6 1/4" x 3 1/2" Card
Printing: Thermography
Includes: Printed card
Production Time: 5 Working days

Ready to order? Fall in love with the Puppy Love Donation Cards, HERE! 

Food Allergy Awareness Week...Exclude the Food...Not the Child!

What a week! Food Allergy Awareness Week 2016 is in the books. 

I am an allergy mom! Bringing awareness to #foodallergies especially in our schools is an additional purpose for my life. Birthday Cupcakes, Pizza, and Popcorn parties at school exclude children with life threatening conditions and I'd like to bring change to that. I also use my small platform to promote Celebrations for All(ergies) when it comes to special events. Making sure all guests have an opportunity to feel included.

 Let's face it, even at a wedding, #glutenfree friends comes in all shapes and sizes. 

Sisters! Gluten Free Flower Girl on the right.
We made sure special arrangements for a sweet treat in lieu of wedding cake.
Reese Studios Photography

This week I was able to collaborate on a lunch time awareness fair for my son's school. We set out to help students better understand some food allergy terms they've heard, understand the importance of not sharing food, and how they can help save a life. 

For elementary a visual presentation seemed best...

...because when kids shares #doritos, they are also sharing milk. Imagine lots of big eyes and jaw drops on that one. 

The students were receptive to the information, asking questions about reaction symptoms and sharing their stories and/or experiences with food allergies. Just Wonderful! Thanks to #FARE we had some great printables and posters we were able to use; sending every child home with a bookmark and a PAL (protect a life) certificate. 

We consider our event a success. The icing on the cake, is when the principal called the event Inaugural. She wants to do it again at Back To School Night so parents and students can have the same experience and understanding at the start of the school year. 

I am overjoyed and grateful to God for aligning my passions and platform to be more of an active and consistent voice for the cause. 

You can still help support #foodallergyawarenessweek this week. Share this blog on just one of your social media channels today. One click could helps to educate another.  

Teal is the color for Food Allergy Awareness!
And I hate his picture, so you know this is important to me.

#allergyfree #allergymom #glutenfree #dairyfree #cornfree #soyfree #peanutfree #treenutfree #eggfree #fishfree #shellfishfree #allergyadvocate #allergyspeaker 

Blogging...Is For The Birds!

I. Am. Stuck. That's right. I have literally spent an entire day...AN ENTIRE DAY...trying to figure out what to blog about. This is not only frustrating but exhausting. Hence the photo that totally captures my current mood.

#alwaysambiance bride Lisa having fun with Robert Holley Photography

I am on a journey to truly become "Authentically" Ambiance. It's not just the title of my blog but a lifestyle of wearing, living, breathing, and simply being my brand through and through.

This seemed much easier in theory because the truth is, I have spent a decade of attempting the blog the cookie cutter way; doing what I thought was proper. You know what I mean,  posting content, writing, photos the way  everybody else seems to be doing it.


Luckily, the blog hasn't stopped me from having success in my business but I also know it is a missing link in my growth. Blogging is a thing I am going to have to dig deep and really find my authentic digital voice.

Help a sister out!

You are the working bride. The one that is short on time, the one who craves affordable style, the one that doesn't want to spend ALL of your nights and weekends planning the pivotal moments in your life.

I said to myself,
Me: Self?
Myself: Yes.
Me: Why don't you just ask?

So here goes...tell me fair Unicorn, what do you want to know, to experience? What does inspire you? What is authentic to you? Let's get to know one another, engage, and discover authenticity together. You've read this far, don't leave me hanging; leave a comment, below or via social media. Don't leave me hanging.

If you blog for your business, tell me how you found your authentic voice.