In May we put together a big, bohemian, farm-to-table backyard bash for Alex and Anna. This time of year is typically a very mild-weathered climate in Texas, but our unpredictable weather decided it was going to be monsoon season. On the day of the wedding, God decided to shine some sun on us and let us enjoy a beautiful evening as these two lovebirds got hitched.  Anna has to be one of my favorite brides of all time. She trusted my design vision and was truly a relaxed bride no matter what was thrown her way. She knew she wanted to marry the man of her dreams and kept that as her focus, as every bride should! It was an honor to be a part of this sweet couple's special day and the images from Charla Storey Photography do it every bit of justice! 

Venue- Bride's Childhood Home | Planning + Design- Wedfully Yours Events | Florals- Wedfully Yours Events | Photography- Charla Storey Photography | Makeup- Something You Makeup Artistry | Hair- Tiffany Carvajal | Catering- Spoons Cafe | Cake and Desserts- Layered Bake Shop | Tent- Dallas Party Tent & Event | Ceremony and Reception Rentals- Shag Carpet | Paper- Smitten on Paper | Calligraphy- XO Ginny | Typewriter Poet- Dylan Nvarro | Music- Stephen Arnold Music | China- Posh Couture 

Around these parts of town a classic southern bride is somewhat of a standard, but this particular bride is quite the stunner. Kacy had a clear vision of what she wanted in her floral design- whites, ivories, creams and lots of texture. We absolutely loved putting together the florals for this Texas wedding at the charming Rustic Grace Estate Venue in Van Alstyne! 

I said she was stunning, didn't I? 

Photography by Emily Davis Photography | Hair + Make up by Makeup by Wendy Zerrudo 

How is everyone doing since we last connected last week? Still on survival mode, but maybe with a little more rejuvenation with the long weekend? Hope so! And for my super hustling friends that worked the holiday, cheers to you for working so hard! I feel like this is the season in our industry that any kind of encouragement- cheesy or not, is welcomed :) 

I realize this today's post may or may not be my most popular one, but I feel there are some things that need to be said as I'm sure many other planners may feel the same way. Something that has come to my attention as we've been in full swing this spring and summer wedding season has been the opportunity to work with so many great vendors, and as we all know how I like to keep it honest here, some not so great. This has nothing to do with the talent or services offered. I strongly believe every single one of our businesses fits a certain bride's taste and needs, so we all are very valuable. It's the ability to work together with another vendor to make a wedding the most memorable event for the couple that sets you above the others. 

Let's break this down. There are several components to make a wedding truly successful: the venue, the planner, the photographer, the beauty team, the florist, the caterer, the DJ or band, the rental companies, and the list goes on depending on the extent of the event. Each of these components are moving parts on the Big Day and someone has to manage it all. Strongly hoping it isn't the bride herself, she has hired a planner or coordinator to make sure this all runs smoothly while she gets to relax. If the planner hasn't sent you a timeline of the day the week before the wedding, it might be a good idea to reach out to her and see if she has one. This is a good opportunity for you to connect as well. If she has, it is very important you do read this and make sure things match up on your end. Many times when couples meet with their vendors, different things can be said which is only natural since they probably have all sorts of things running in their minds. The main goal and point of this is to get on the same page so that when it is showtime, everyone is clear on what to do. The worst thing in my opinion that can happen at a wedding is when vendors don't work together. That is a controllable factor that the couple has paid us to do! 

Sometimes, you're not going to get to work with your other vendor friends- sorry. The couple themselves or along with their planner have done their research and hired vendors that fit their style and budget. Although I do think it is beneficial to go along with a vendor's preferred list because of the existing chemistry and trust, this is not always going to happen. This does not excuse you to only communicate with the vendors you do know and dismiss the ones you don't. Use this as an opportunity to network! There is so much value to gaining more business on the job as there are so many potential clients attending a wedding. I feel like we are all professional enough to handle this, but take this as a friendly reminder :)

An image Courtnee Murphy Photography snapped of me styling our recent shoot together. Can't wait to share the pretty! See what beauty teamwork can create? 

I think it's easy as small business owners to get comfortable in what we know and not want to venture out of our zones, (being creatives only add to the stigma!), but we have to understand that a wedding can be a huge production. It requires so many hands on deck and lots of teamwork. Keep in mind we have the same objective: to serve and deliver for our couples!

Hi there! Taking a little break from wedding talk and going into some personal business talk. I'm just going to come right out and say it- anyone else out there feeling like they've got little to no fuel left? Like you're running on auto pilot because that's the only way you can function at this point in the season- I'm with you! Running a business is tough. It's tough to cater to every single demand and you feel like you're being pulled in a million directions. 

Let's take a moment here and choose our battles. I whole-heartedly understand the need and desire to fulfill every single client's wish and to bend over backwards so you can get that praise of satisfaction. Maybe that's the 1000 pound weight of perfectionism I tend to wear on my back talking, but if you own your own business, you can relate to pouring your heart and soul into a client or product. But let's think about this- is it worth losing ourselves over? Is it worth putting husbands, families, or our own self care on the back burner? Sounds pretty extreme when it's actually put into words, but that's what tends to happen sometimes and I've been a big offender! 

By all means, hustle and do the work you love- just don't lose yourself in it because that is so easy to do. Take a moment each day to enjoy the things you love to do- run, watch a show, or go to Target without being in a rush. Maybe even sit down to drink your coffee without answering emails. Cook a full meal. Actually pray and spend time reading a devotional. Truly spend time with family and friends- without thinking about your work or checking your phone. I really want to do all of this. I should be doing all of this! It's time to turn this around and let my business work for me, not work for my business. With that said, I'm going to sign off and watch an episode of Downton Abbey without feeling guilty :)

Photo from Ginny Au's Dallas workshop. She's a styling master and I hope to share more of what I learned from that soon! 

Mother's Day. A day of so much celebration for motherhood, yet a day of grief for many out of motherhood. I'm going to be transparent here and say that I feel as "out" of motherhood as I can be at this point in my life, but I will say that I am at peace with that being where God has me right now. More transparency- I don't always feel that peace! If today is one of those days you don't quite feel the content, here's to all my sisters in need of a little lift:

To the ones who have lost their mothers: This I relate to the most, as I know how painful today can be watching so many others get to spend the day with their moms and shower her with appreciation. You can celebrate today too as you remember your mom and the love she poured over you. I also encourage you to embrace the moms who are still with us today and let them know how much they are cherished. God bless these women who step in and fill in for our mothers who have gone to heaven!

To the ones who have lost children: For those in this category, my most sincerest prayers for your aching hearts. I cannot imagine the pain you feel everyday nonetheless what today specifically celebrates. Rejoice that they are dancing with Jesus in heaven and that  you will see them one day again. Big hugs to you. 

To those are soon to be mothers: I'm so excited for you and the journey you'll take. I pray for the little ones growing in your bellies to not just grow to be physically strong and healthy, but to have solid, God-fearing hearts. I can only imagine the rush of feelings you may have- anxiety, excitement, nervousness, the list goes on I'm sure. As I don't know from personal experience, but from many observations, you can never be fully prepared. You can never have it all figured out by the time he or she is born. You just have to trust in the instincts you were given. 

To those who hope to be mothers one day: I can relate to this feeling as well. You may be longing to be with child, or it may not be right now but hope to become a mother someday. Either way, I pray for patience and peace as you prepare your hearts for His plan. It can be a long road and sometimes seem hopeless, but I urge you to remain faithful- there is purpose to everything! In the meantime, love on your husbands and reinforce your marriages, that is the main foundation to any family. 

To the fur moms: You aren't forgotten! You are equally as important and should celebrate today with all the other moms. We have just as much responsibility- bathing, feeding, potty accidents, cuddles, exercising, disciplining, it's a lot of work! If those pups and kitties had thumbs, they would be covering your homes with all sorts of cards and flowers letting you know how much they appreciate your big hearts. Instead, the kisses and wagging tails will have to suffice :)

Cheers to all of you women for sharing your love with us and for being selfless time and time again. You're the real MVPs!