"How He Asked, in Her Words."

 

 

 

How He Asked....In Her Words....

 

It was around our 3 year anniversary.  It felt like "that time" when that BIG important could be asked, right? Two weeks before our anniversary Nate took me to Shane Co. to look at rings, and I found one that I loved!  Sure enough, it was going to be our anniversary!  We went out to a lovely dinner at an Italian restaurant, and sure enough....it didn't happen.  I told myself to stop wondering when it was going to happen and just enjoy the moments with Nate. 

 

A few weeks later we had a planned trip to Las Vegas because Nate had a friend in the NASCAR Truck Series and was going to be racing that last weekend in September.  We left Friday morning and got to Vegas that after.  After checking into the hotel, we went out in search for some lunch...walked the strip.  We were having a nice time.  Later on he mentioned how he had never seen the water and music show at the Bellagio.  I got excited because I had seen it before and wanted him to see it.  So finally after getting directions and making it over there...we were waiting for the next show to start. 

 

As we were waiting it started to rain, it was odd that Nate didn't want to inside somewhere.  But I didn't think much of it, I was just happy he wanted to wait to see the show.  Right after it had started he had asked this guy standing next to us to take our picture.  So we turn to pose for the camera, and the guy mentioned that it was on video mode instead of photo mode.  Nate replied that's okay, it doesn't matter.  I gave him a funny look and was so confused so I just stood there waiting for our picture to be taken.  I then realized Nate wasn't standing next to me.  I glanced over and saw a small white box.  I still didn't think anything of it, I thought he was grabbing a tissue to clean off his phone so a the guy could take the picture. 

 

Well...it wasn't until I looked back at Nate the second time and saw the same ring that I saw about a month and half ago.  Nate had always said that he wanted to make sure when the moment was right, it would be the least expected moment.  That is just what happened. 

 

 Well, it wasn't until I looked back at Nate the second time and saw the ring I saw about a month and a half before this moment. Nate always said that he wanted to make sure when the moment was right it would be the least expected moment. That is just what happened. I had no idea Nate was going to propose. He got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. Of course I said YES!! :)  

 

 

Confessions of a Wedding Planner, Vol. 1

Confessions of a Wedding Planner ...

(Photo By Still Life Studios, Floral by Flower Bar, Linens by Southwick Linens)

Rewind to nearly 9 years ago… to the day I was in charge of running my very first wedding ceremony.   I had been working at a private golf club and had been recently promoted to the Private Events Department as an Assistant!  We had two weddings on property that day; they were just about 30 minutes apart from each other, however, on different sides of the venue.

This was my time to shine as I took on my own wedding ceremony. Everything was up to me this time.     To say “I was nervous,” is a complete understatement! However, there was a slight ease of pressure knowing that it was a vow renewal rather than a first time ceremony.  The couple was older, much more relaxed, and much easier going than, say, a first time bride and groom. 

I was so proud of myself; I had my checklists checked and completed, I had all of the guests seated… Everything was going perfectly.  There was only one issue… This particular client wanted to be brought in with her husband (remember: it was a vow renewal ceremony) by golf cart to the far off side of the ceremony.  This took quite the extra shuffling on my part because it required me to get all of the attendants down the aisle and then run (behind the scenes, I might add) around the building to where my couple was stationed in the golf cart and then drive them up to the ceremony site.

But I knew I could do it. I’ve got this thing, I told myself.  Well it turns out I was so focused on my shuffling that I forgot to check for one very critical component to a ceremony (…wait for it!)

So there I was, so relieved that all was going according to plan, everything was going so smoothly. I was driving the golf cart, slowly creeping up on the ceremony site, and awaiting the last bridesmaid to take her spot before pulling up with the bride & groom when all of sudden my bride says to me… “I don’t see the minister…” 

My heart stopped, my stomach dropped… I didn’t see the minister either.  As a matter of fact, I had never seen the minister. We had never even had so much as a conversation, and I had no clue if he was even on site (rookie mistake, a BIG rookie mistake.)  I quickly searched the grounds and, nope, no minister! That’s when I remembered there was another ceremony that had just finished on the other side of the venue.  Keep in mind; all of the guests are still awaiting the bride & groom to make their way down the aisle.  And worse, I had already sent the entire party down the aisle and they were all standing up there waiting.  They were waiting for what seemed like an eternity to me.

At that point, I had made contact with my coworker (the lovely, Erin Rohr) and she remained incredibly calm, collected, and reassuring (an absolute MUST as a planner). Together, we located the other minister on property who had just finished the previous ceremony. We threw him, somewhat forcefully, into the golf cart; poor guy!  He agreed to perform the ceremony… although he fudged a little on the names! (To which the bride & groom laughed hysterically at, thank god!)

Long story short, I survived, and I’ve NEVER made that same mistake again (knock on wood!).  After that incident, I became a watch dog on ministers. I make sure they check in and out with me before they so much as use the restroom. (I’m kidding… Kind of.) 

Minister, What Minister?

{Monday Mix} May Highlights

Happy Monday All!

(I was completely awestruck attending the  past WIPA event at the Arizona Biltmore! Hats off to fellow Wedding Planner: Rhonda Rush for creating this stunning look!  The theme was "Iconic Fashion" and every table was designed in the theme of a fashion designer! Photo by Jenn Wagner)

Confession, my blog has been super inconsistent over the past few months.  The reason being is I've recently made some changes with how I desire to blog moving forward, and that took an adjustment period. 

 I'm at a place now in my life where my personal life is wildly busy and my business is growing quickly ~ which I'm incredibly grateful for.  Resulting in many changes and adjustments.

The reality is, this blog started more as a personal blog ~ it served more as a place to document my life (virtual scrapbook), both personal and professional.  I've recently discovered a better way to document my personal life and create a tangible album to share with my sweet little family.  It's called Project Life. I'm a big fan.  For years I've pondered over how to bring today's digital world + my "sentimental memory keeping" heart together ~ I've finally found it.  

Long story short, I'm changing up my blogging process. I hope I can provide my readers more insight into the wedding world, I hope I can provide some useful wedding education to couples going through the challenges of planning a wedding.  I hope to share some inspirations on goal setting, life lessons and perhaps a touch of ridiculousness.   I also hope to still share some highlights of personal/professional life documentation....starting with this post. 

Here's a few highlights from May:

*The biggest highlight that occurred this month was my husband accepting a new job!  This is truly life changing because our schedule now is so much better, and his commute is super short. So thankful for new opportunities! So proud of my guy.

Other highlights included:

Attending Mother/Daughters Tea for the first time with my littles. 

 

 

Fun at the Zoo

 



Another fab shot of the WIPA Event, have I mentioned how much I love this industry?

Memorial Day Cook Out

 

Loved rocking out this wedding for fellow industry rockstar: JBarry Designs

 

Having family in town and getting to spend precious time with the Starr Crew

 

Wigging Out with my little ladies!  Aren't these dollar store wigs hideous!?!  These two crack me up!

 



 

Thank you for reading, Cheers to more blogging!

Happy Birthday Mom...

Dear Mom,

Happy Birthday to YOU! 

Today is your special day.  I know I know...you're not a big fan of birthdays...and you might be feeling extra weird with this one being a milestone birthday (no I won't say which one) but wow...look at all the love you have in your life!

I so enjoyed spending time with you last night and all the craziness that ensued...twin toddlers FULL of energy and excitement, your Mom~ who even at 83 years old still enjoys a good party, Dad, Chase, Justin, and Me....all brought together to celebrate YOU. 

YOU, little mama are really something special.  Now as a mom myself I realize this more than ever. Because being a mom requires a person to be a lot like a superhero.  You've always been the superhero of our family....always making sure that everyone is safe and happy. You always go the extra mile and where you get your super strength from is a mystery to me.

On this day, despite any angst you might feel about growing a year older...I hope you know how LOVED you are.  Thank you for being you and thank you for loving us. 

Happy Birthday.

New J.Starr Website is Live!

Hi Friends!

Today my new website is live! This has been a big project and one that I'll continuously be working on as more of my beautiful Weddings come to fruition.  I would like to especially thank all of my past clients and vendor partners for making this collaboration of showcased work possible. 

Photo Credit for my featured galleries go to: Still Life Studios, Erica Velasco Photographers, Brie Bandura Photography and Brooke Photography.  I'd also like to give a special thank to Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine for the styled shoots we partnered together on. 

A personal heartfelt thank you goes out to my editing and feedback team: Aimee Sloan, Chase Norris, and my partner in life and love: Justin Starr.

Enjoy! Please let me know what you think :) 

Much Love,
J.Starr

{Monday Mix: 5.4.15} "This Little Blog of Mine"



Monday May 4th, 2015

Hey peeps.  Hmm, so this little blog of mine.  I've been in limbo as to what to do with it for awhile now.  My blog used to be my photo journal/digital life scrapbook.  But over the years...my blog has now become more of an extension of my professional business rather than a place to share my day to day personal life.  But I've struggled...

• Where do I share my "personal day to day life" if I don't share it on my blog?
• And why do I feel the need to share it at all?? 

Those are questions that have been circling around and around in my head for awhile now...and finally I think I've determined the answers. 

1.)  Moving forward I'll be documenting my personal life/day to day, week to week...chronological life via my digital Project Life.  (More on Project Life later).  In addition to printing out pages for my home albums I'll also be able to share my pages online. Instead of posting them to my J.Starr Blog I'll be posting to  my personal Facebook page.  This will allow me to share with family and close friends and set up privacy filters.  Plus it will encourage me to keep up better with my albums (work smarter not harder, YESSSS!)

2.) What do I share?   Bottom line, it makes me feel happy.  I've often felt a little weird about sharing life so much. The majority of my family and close friends don't blog...but they always appreciate that I do.  Sharing life makes me connect with family and friends better...but also gives me a creative/emotional outlet that ultimately makes me stop and appreciate life more.   So I've decided there's nothing wrong with that.  I just don't think my professional blog is the proper platform anymore....so I'm changing it up!  Do what makes you happy peeps, life is too short not to :)

Moving Forward

Here's what you can expect from the J.Starr Blog:

(Mondays)  "The Monday Mix" ~ Most likely this will still be a personal post of some kind.  Recent adventures, trends I love, past memories, future goals...really anything.  (it just won't be my chronological my life anymore)

(Wednesdays) "Weddings Wednesdays" ~ Wedding Education. Tips, Ideas, Trends, Styles, Wedding Stories, Real Life Wedding Couples, Etc

(Fridays) "Featured Fridays" ~J.Starr Weddings, Styled Shoots, Venues, Vendors, or just Fabulous People in general.

Yahoo!  That was quite a brain dump, thank you friends.  As always thank you for following my blog and supporting me and my business.  It means more than you know.  Change requires change.  Here I go.

P.S. I'm a big fan of Instagram.  I also share a good mix of personal + professional on my account here.


Much Love,
J.Starr

"The Monday Mix" 4.13.15

~Cheers to a Refreshing New Week Ahead~

(Photo by Brooke Photography) 

Monday April 13th, 2015

#goodvibes:

• new bookings
• peaceful weekend
• surprises ahead

#thebabes:

• my Emma officially say's "mama" all the time now, melt me.
• the diaper cream incident

#fabfinds:

• Digital Project Life, I finally dove in.  Time to get all our pretty photos off the computer and into albums.
• The Paseo, new wedding venue.  Stunning desert views.

#reallife:

• my husband.  he makes me laugh.  He's been proudly cutting his own hair for years, but I've been trying to encourage him to try out a different look.  So last week he had his hair cut in a salon (BIG deal for Mr. Starr)...which has resulted in an uncontrollable cowlick, that sticks straight up on his head.  Yesterday morning he walks into my office with a tube of hair gel, hands it to me and actually says "Style Me Pretty." It took massives amount of hair gel to tame is cowlick, but we finally got it under control. That guy, I tell ya.

#inspireme:

• Love is Love
• Hilary's Campaign Video, I'm not getting political here,  think what you wanna think, but...a GIRL is running for PRESIDENT, that's cool!

#recentplaylist:

• "Falling", By Iration (I need me some beach/pool time soon)
• "Sweet Thing" By Rufus, Chaka Khan (oldie by goodie)
• "Bitch, I'm Madonna" by, Madonna/Nicki Minaj (I dare you not to dance)

{Monday Mix } "Hippity Hoppity 2015"

 

 Awe, Easter 2015 has come and went.  It really was one of the best weekends in a long time.  Just complete relaxation, being together, music playing,...good times.

 

These two loved dying eggs.  Although they thought the eggs were more like balls, so they kept throwing them and trying to bounce them...

 

I explained to them the eggs were delicate and we had to be gentle....they then proceeded to pet and kiss their eggs.  They each carried an egg around all morning....to the lunch table, to the bathtub...their eggs came with.  

 



 Hannah had spent so much time collecting all the plastic eggs when her mean sister came along and turned her basket upside down....Do you see Hannah's RAGE!  I kind of LOVE this photo. 

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed decorating for Easter....all of the décor came from past clients weddings (given to me afterwards, not stolen...just to be clear) and recent past photo shoots.... I was going for a "Whimsically Spring has Sprung" kinda vibe.  The babies walked in the room and said "PARTY!"....that's my girls!

 I sat on the floor wrapping the baskets and remembering the years before when I couldn't wait to have little ones to make Easter baskets for.  I still can't believe they're real sometimes.  Times like these, make being a Mom so incredibly amazing.  These darling little basket tags were designed by my talented industry friend Kim with The Event Essentials. 

 

Hannah and her Grammie rocking those balloons.  We hosted Easter Dinner Saturday evening...just a small gathering of us plus my Mom, Dad & Brother. 

Justin was the "Chef", I was the "Table Setter"

  Hannah was loving life with our amazingly oversized balloons from Petite Party Studio....Emma was terrified of them, my little odd duck.

 

Hannah and Grandpa discussing jelly beans and how many is "too many".

 

 

Trying to convince her that the ladybug cake isn't a real bug.

 

Easter Morning....Champagne, Cider, Eggs & Ham...and Justin's homemade 5 Starr Guacamole, yes!

 



 

Hannah was overjoyed about more jellybeans!

 

And the Easter Egg Hunt is on!  Aren't these dresses so stinkin cute?  They are gifts from Justin's Brother Trevor & his Fiancé,  by:  Janie & Jack, such adorable children's clothing.  

 

 

Sammy & Olive (our wiener dogs) were in on the action too. 

The Babies sat here for several minutes...rocking out to Creedence Clearwater Revival on Pandora....eating those jellybeans. 

 

 

Such a great way to wrap up a very busy past couple of months...excited to relax a little more this month, soak in these babies, and enjoy the spring's sweetness.

 

 

 

  



{Featured Friday} "As of Late"

 

 (Photo by Erica Velasco)

 

 

Happy Friday All!

 

What can I say, the last three months of this year have been a trip. I feel like I'm finally at a place where I can stop and catch my breath for a moment. I have missed blogging terribly, as it really serves a foundational part of my life, my business, my creative check point.  But once momentum in my personal and professional worlds started gaining at a rapid pace...I knew I had to give something up...and sadly it had to be the blog for awhile. 

 

At the beginning of the year, I had declared that my "word" for 2015 would be "domestic".  And then the domestic gods laughed in my face and threw handfuls of amazing business opportunities at me.  I also quickly realized that having "twins at age two" was far different then have "newborn twins" or "one year old twins."  Oh my word, FAR different!

 

But as the old saying goes "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it."  And that's exactly what I kept reminding myself has I ran marathons for the past few months...as crazy as life was (is) I'm now in a place in life that I've always day dreamed about....being a mom, and owning my own business as a Wedding Planner.....my dreams had turned into real things.  And those "real things" were kicking my hiney BIG TIME!  But, with the support of my husband, my family, best friends, and industry supporters.....big things were (are) happening and I am truly grateful. 

 

Highlights Over the Past 3 Months....

 

Professional:

•  Provided Planning Services for 5 Fabulous Weddings!
• Coordinated/Styled 6 Covers for Wedding Magazine Publications!
• J. Starr was featured a few times on local Wedding Blogs
• Coordinated/Styled a Shoot for a new beautiful Venue
• Continued Training for Assistant Coordinators
• Participated in a handful of Venue Open Houses
• Attended some fun Industry Sponsored Events
• Accepted some great leader roles for upcoming Industry Events (stay tuned)
• Networked with some ultra cool fellow Wedding Planners & Vendors

 

* Very special thank you to all of the people in my life that made these opportunities come to life. There's no doubt in my mind that success comes from people, relationship building, and having enough "crazy" in yourself to make things happen.  Cheers to crazy!

 

Personal:

• Two year old Twins....like tornados running around my feet, destroying everything in sight
• L.A. Extended Weekend with my hilariously wild BFF (I'll share more on this adventure later)
• Babies participated in their first dance class "Twinkle Toes"
• Tons of walks, fun times at the parks, a few play dates
• Lots of random family dates (Swap Meet, Lost Dutchman's Mine, Parks, Pizza Arcade)
• A few fun date nights with my cute hubby (not enough though, hopefully more soon)
• Babies started school! "Great Starts" a little one hour parent/tot class, SO CUTE
• Not enough time with friends (looking forward to the summer time slow down)

 

I'm so grateful for the past three months and I'm looking forward to the next few months ahead.  I had no idea this year would pick up so much speed right away.  I'm thankful that things will start to slow a bit and I can began to focus on projects that have been pushed to the sides...I'm also hoping that I can remove all the crayon that this currently covering my walls, that will surely keep me busy for the next 3 months.

 

 

Much Love All!

 

 

I hope you're able to spend some special time with your families this Easter weekend. 

 

 

How He Asked: Bryan and Ashley's Engagement Story

   

A week from today Bryan and Ashley will Marry......

 

 

So today, I thought it was only fitting to share their story....

 

 

In Ashley's Words....

 

 

 

"Bryan and I met in 2007 through his sister, who was my co-worker at the time. She was always trying to set him up with her friends. I was over at her house, and she strategically invited him over as well. We hit it off pretty well that night, but that unfortunately was not our time. We got along and enjoyed each other's company, but were in very different places at that time in our lives. Bryan was recalled to Iraq shortly after that, and we lost touch.
 

Bryan returned to AZ in 2009, but we did not start talking again until summer of 2011. That summer we did not leave each other's side, and by fall we knew this was where we wanted to be for the rest of our lives. In 2013 we moved into our first home, excited to start a life together. We had been talking about marriage for a while, but Bryan did not want to propose until I least expected it.

 

 

 

   On Saturday February 1st, 2014, I was hurrying home from work because we had a hockey game to get to that evening. When I got home and walked in Bryan was nowhere to be found, but there was rose petals all over the living room floor, including arrows made out of rose petals pointing to our bedroom. I followed the rose petal arrows, and came upon the words "I love you" spelled in roses, with more arrows. I continued along my rose path into the bedroom, to find him on his knee holding a ring box beside another rose sentence "Will you marry me?"

He was also wearing his Marine Uniform. Our entire relationship I had asked to see him in his Marine Blues, and he had always said 'later'. When he saw me he smiled big and popped the question. I immediately started to cry, and ran to him to give him a big hug. I then said yes over and over as he put my ring on my finger."

 

 

"Currently Unplugged"

 

Dear Peeps,

 

Yes.  I'm currently "unplugged" from social media for a bit...to give my over stimulated brain a rest, as I prepare for a busy wedding season ahead. Also, taking some time to collect my sanity as lately, my "darling duo" is making every effort to destroy me.

 

Much Love & Chat Soon,

Jennifer Starr



 

"Featured Friday" : Gainey Ranch Golf Club

(Photo By Rachel Solomon Photography)

 

Meet Nora, Private Events Director

(Photo By John Cho, Distinction Photography)

Growing up, Nora was very fortunate to live and travel all over the world.  She was constantly the new kid in school and as a young girl it was hard to move around and start over every 2 years.  As she grew older, she appreciated the amazing experience and has great friends and relationships all over the world that she still connects with.  She is the 2nd oldest of four children and would not change growing up internationally with brothers and sisters.  She believes her experience oversees has shaped her ability to balance creative "out of the box" thinking, which evolved into having such a passion for event planning. Nora loves what she does every day and being part of the ClubCorp family.  She's had the pleasure of working with some amazing peers and clientele.  Nora started as the Assistant at The Metropolitan Club in Chicago and grew into the Private Events Director position in 2011, leading her to where she is today at the lovely Gainey Ranch Golf Club. 



(Photo By Rachel Solomon Photography)

 

 (Photo By Rachel Solomon Photography)

Gainey Ranch Golf Club is nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona and has two unique ceremony sites couples may choose from.  Their 20 foot waterfall hosts an intimate patio for guests.  The Event Lawn gives the option to face either a serene lake with picturesque fountains for the majestic Superstition and McDowell mountains at sunset.  Inside the Ballroom features ceiling floor windows that wrap around connecting to an outdoor patio and lounge area, giving guests the views of the lush green golf course and the mountains.  Gainey Ranch Golf Club was once known as an historic Arabian Horse Ranch owned by Daniel C. Gainey.  The Golf Club is more than just a golf club, it's a home away from home.  Gainey offers an intimate private club setting and a one of kind experience, to all couples.  Whether you desire great views of the mountains, a serene lake, a stunning waterfall, Gainey's dedicated team will fulfill all your needs for a wedding day that has YOU written all over it!

(Photo By Rachel Solomon Photography)

 

(Photo By Rachel Solomon Photography)

Dear Dream Chasers, Keep Chasing....

{Flashback to....the 2nd Styled Shoot I every Designed/Coordinated....Flash forward 4 years and add in many lessons learned + 2 babies later, here I am, still chasing dreams} 

Truth be told, I'm a little stumped on what to share today.  My head and my heart have been spinning with ideas, and at times are at war with each other.  Growing a business is a trip...there's so much to it.  I can't believe that a few years ago I actually thought (for a minute) that all I needed to know was "How to be a Wedding Planner"...I thought if I had those skills and experience,  I could easily run my own business.  WRONG.  Oh so wrong, that was just step one.  Along with that, there's legal documents, insurance, finances/accounting, bookkeeping, marketing (lots of marketing), systems, workflow, networking, project management, and the list goes on. 

Along my journey, I've learned a few things....
These are things I tell myself when I don't always know the next step to take:

1.) Stay hungry for knowledge, keep asking questions.
2.) Be humble, remember where you started, and how much further you want to go.
3.) Self doubt is good, but don't let it limit your capabilities.
4.) Keep going.  Doors will close, but others will open. Believe (I have stories)
5.) Reach out to your loved ones for support, they see qualities in you, that you need to be reminded of.
6.) Write down ideas, on paper.  Get them out of your head and put them into actions.
7.) Music, always music.  I cannot create or feel inspired without it. 
8.) Being "vulnerable" is okay.
9.) Share your successes, it's important.
10.) Meet people, like really get out there and meet people.  Relationships are powerful.


Here's Hoping You Keep Chasing,
J.Starr

{A Letter to My Valentines} Dear, Hannah, Emma & Justin

 

 Dear Hannah, Emma & Justin,

 

Happy Valentine's Day My Loves....

 

 

 Life has been so busy lately that I didn't have time to prepare a fancy breakfast this morning and decorate the house with hearts everywhere, like I had day dreamed of doing.  But while you nap, I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts with you all...as time is just flying by these days.

Dear Hannah,

 

My dearest little Hannah Bear.  Oh how your smile melts me.  You make me work a little harder for it...but when you do smile, you light up the room.  You may look more like me, but you're intense like your daddy.  You're little mind is constantly going...you're always deep in thought.  When you're MAD, you're MAD, When you're SAD you're SAD, and when you're HAPPY, you're HAPPY.  Each emotion you express is very clear and  intense.  You love to give running tackle hugs....and whenever you see me and daddy hugging, you always nuzzle your little body right in between us and reach up to be picked up. You LOVE a group hug from both of us. You love to dance with me in the kitchen....the minute the music is on you come running looking for me.  You have the BEST laugh and the SWEETEST little voice. You run very fast, you love to climb.  My little Hannah you are so brave, my little girl.  I love you.

 

 

 

Dear Emma,

 

Oh my little Emmie Lou Who.  What can I say, you are the cutest little odd duck ever.  You're constantly making funny faces and weird sounds.  You look just like your daddy, but daddy swears you act just like me.  You're always in your own little world... you're determined (and stubborn). When you have an idea...there's no stopping you. (like the other day when you wanted to wear my  heels to the park.)  Oh Emma, you're scaring us a little...as you give very passionate kisses (grabbing our faces with your hands, pulling us in and holding that sweet little kiss for a long time....where did you learn this?!) And you walk way to well in my high heels.  You keep me laughing little girl. You are also very tender hearted.  It's not often but if you feel treated wrongly (like that little girl who pushed you on the playground the other day) you freeze up, your lips start to quiver and the tears start to fall....it BREAKS my heart, I can't handle it.  Emma, you are my determined precious little goofy baby. I love you.

 

 

 

Dear Justin,

 

What to say, what to say.  Wow.  What is this, our 11th Valentine's Day together? This season of life we're in is certainly different than 11 years ago.  "Love" now, is so different than it was in the beginning...it's true what they say about "love" changing and growing over time.  Our first Valentine's Day was complete with all the romantic "staples"...the ballet, fancy dinner on the town, expensive gifts...the "wow" factor. 

 

I doubt either of us even bought cards this year.(at least I haven't, sorry babe) But that's okay...because this is our "season" right now.  A season when most of our time, money and energy go to our little loves.  I know we will have fancy times again...but right now it's just about survival and being together. 

 

"Love" to me now is simply you being you...It's when you make me coffee every morning. It's when you come home from work to see dishes in the sink and laundry in piles and never make me feel guilty,  because you know I spend every minute that the babies are sleeping (in the wee hours of the morning + nap time) working on growing my business.  It's the way you love our daughters, it's the way you make your "to do lists" and "packing lists", it's the way you love to show me random You Tube clips you think are funny, it's the way you take beautiful photos of our family, it's the way you believe in me when I doubt myself, it's the funny accents you speak in so well, it's the way you still hug and kiss me goodnight (even if I'm passed out), it's just they way you are. I love you.  "Our dreams, they are made out of real things."

 

 



{Featured Friday}: On Newstands Now, J.Starr Styled & Coordinated Cover

 

Happy Friday Sweet Peeps!

 

A little less than a year ago I was asked to style & coordinate a cover, along with a 4 page editorial shoot for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites magazine.  At the time this was my second time doing this, since then I've added two more covers to my portfolio, truly such an honor. 

 

The amount of work that goes into a magazine editorial shoot is mind blowing, these breath taking images just don't happen. There is a ton of planning, designing, communicating, and executing with large teams of creative professionals. 

 

 

 

Although, when you see the final product come to life, it's exhilarating.  I posted the full 4 page editorial on my blog previously, you can view it here.  I couldn't share the cover until now....as it's currently hot off the press and currently on newsstands. 

 

 

 VENDOR TEAM:

 

Publication:  Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites & Services

Event Design/Coordination: J.Starr Stylized Weddings

Venue, Drinks & Desserts: JW Marriott Ridge Resort & Spa

Floral Design: Flower Bar

Photography: Brooke Photography

Paper Details: Paper Crown Designs

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Linens: Southwick Linens

Hair & Make Up: Rolfs

Bridal Gown: Suzanne's Bridal Boutique

Jewelry: Stella Dot/Stylist: Melissa Jonovich

Groom's Attire: Mr. Formal

{Wedding Wednesday}: "Going with Your Gut, When Choosing Vendors"

(Photo By: Brie Marie Photographers)

 

 

After the date is set, the venue is selected, your wedding "foundation" is laid...it's time to select your vendors.  Start with the core vendors, the vendors you must have. 

1.) Photographer
2.) Caterer (if the venue does not provide on-site catering)
3.) Entertainment
4.) Florist

Before doing this be sure to consult with your Wedding Planner (if not myself, then another fabulous planner.) Wedding Planners usually have preferred vendor lists of creative professionals they've worked with in the past who provide incredible talent and great service to their couples.  Review each companies' online portfolio, reviews, online presence.  Do you like what you see?  Do they seem like people that would take great care of you on one of the most expensive days of your life?  Because they certainly should. 

After narrowing down the vendors who's work your admire most, then review pricing. Do not look at pricing first.  Often times couples will allow pricing to interfere with their first impression, and by doing so will overlook the vendors personality, style, and reviews.  Next consult with a planner on your Wedding budget and the cost of each vendor.  Your Planner will educate you on which vendor you should allow more money for depending on your overall Wedding Day vision. 

Next, meet with your vendors.  When you book my full service collection, I actually attend your meetings with your "core" vendors.  Meeting your vendors face to face is incredibly important.  It's a chance to get to know their personalities, potentially see their work "in person", hear their voices, listen to their stories, advice, and ideas.

Lastly and most importantly, go with your gut.  How did the vendors make your feel?  Did you feel special?  Did you feel welcomed?  Do you feel like you trust these people?  Did this vendor make you feel comfortable.  I can't tell you how many times I've talked to couples who booked vendors that didn't make them feel these things.  Instead they simply booked them because they were inexpensive, or their friend used them, or the vendor was pushy and you felt obligated to book after meeting with them. 

Let's Recap:
1.) Review Wedding Planner's Preferred Vendor List
2.) Review Each Companies' Online Presence (Portfolio, Reviews, Personality)
3.) Review Pricing with Wedding Planner
4.) Meet in Person
5.) Go With Your Gut

I'll say it again...go with your gut.  These people will be in your lives for a long time during the planning process, they need to make your Wedding Planning experience easier, not more difficult.  You only get to throw one Wedding Day, and it's the most expensive celebration you will ever host....you deserve to have a vendor team who genuinely cares about your Wedding Day as much as you do.