tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30564182883483674922024-03-28T20:29:38.887-07:00J.Starr Stylized WeddingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.comBlogger297125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-76924326178691590392017-01-02T19:28:00.000-08:002017-01-02T19:31:50.226-08:00UPDATE: NEW BLOG! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">UPDATE:</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As of 1/1/2017 I have a NEW BLOG!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please visit me over at </span><a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>www.jstarrweddings.com</b></span></a> </div>
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THANK YOU!!!</div>
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<a href="http://i0.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Untitled1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Still Life Studios, Southwick Linens, Flower Bar, J.Starr Stylized Weddings, 5 Styling secrets to a luxury wedding look on a moderate budget" class="wp-image-6255" src="http://i0.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Untitled1.png?zoom=3&resize=620%2C413" height="413" scale="3" src-orig="http://i0.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Untitled1.png?resize=620%2C413" title="Still Life Studios, Southwick Linens, Flower Bar, J.Starr Stylized Weddings, 5 Styling secrets to a luxury wedding look on a moderate budget" width="620" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo By: </i><a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/photographers_still_life_studios.php"><i>Still Life Studios</i></a><i>, Linens By: Southwick Linens, Floral By: </i><a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/floral_flowerbar.php"><i>Flower Bar</i></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">1) </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Chose a venue that you LOVE</span></span></h3>
Yes, your <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/">venue</a> will serve as the foundation for your wedding day. Choose a place that simply makes you feel good when you walk the property. Think about the entire experience, how you felt upon arrival, the grounds that you walked, the overall views, the service, and overall ambience. Often clients are “sticker shocked” by the price of their most desired venues, but guess what? If you choose a <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/">venue</a> that you love, with lovely natural built-in features, you won’t have to spend a fortune transforming it.<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><strong>2) Linens</strong></span></h3>
People tend to choose <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/linens.php">linens</a> toward the end of the planning/design process when they should actually be the second thing you do, once the venue is selected. <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/linens.php">Linens</a> are the second major part of your foundation. Pick colors that work within the space and with your color-scheme. Upgrading to floor length linens (meaning the table legs are covered) always give your reception a clean, polished, luxury look.<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><strong>3) Keep it Classic</strong></span></h3>
Be cautious not to follow the current trends too heavily. Reason being, “trends” don’t often age very well. You don’t want to look back at your wedding one day and say “Wow, what was I thinking?” Now this doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate touches of fun trends, but when it comes to your overall design, “going classic” is always a safe way to build an overall beautiful and timeless look.<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><strong>4) Repurpose big floral pieces</strong></span></h3>
Pre-arrange with your <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/floral.php">florist</a> and wedding planner to have your gorgeous large ceremony florals smoothly transported and reset into your reception during the cocktail hour. Yes, you can use the same floral arrangements and your guests will never know.<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><strong>5) Lighting</strong></span></h3>
Yes, <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/lighting.php">up-lighting</a>, bistro lights, and tons of candlelight can completely enhance any space. Include candlelight everywhere and in unexpected places to create a luxury experience. Up-lighting your reception walls can transform your event and really help to set the mood.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Jennifer Starr, <a href="http://www.finestweddingsites.com/vendors/b_consulting_starr.php">J.Starr Stylized Weddings</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-60523555460231185712016-09-23T16:33:00.002-07:002016-09-23T16:33:45.898-07:00What to Ask During Your Entree Tasting <br />
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Let’s talk <strong>Entrée </strong><strong>Tastings</strong>.... <br />
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Often when you have booked a <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/reception/index.php">venue</a> or a <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/caterers.php">catering company</a>, a complimentary Entrée Tasting is included. This is your chance to come in and sample the cuisine options for your wedding day and make your <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/caterers.php">culinary</a> decisions. This can often be a confusing time, so let’s dig in:<br />
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<a href="http://i2.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Untitled.png"><img alt="Entreé Tastings, Still Life Studios" class="wp-image-6161" height="413" scale="3" src-orig="http://i2.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Untitled.png?resize=620%2C413" src="http://i2.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Untitled.png?zoom=3&resize=620%2C413" width="620" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: center;">
Photo: <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/photographers_still_life_studios.php">Still Life Studios</a></div>
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<strong>FAQS and Understanding the Lingo</strong></h3>
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<span style="color: #333399;">HORS D’OEUVRES</span><br />
Q: How many hors d’oeuvres should we choose?<br />
A: For a full cocktail hour, industry standard suggests five to six pieces per person.<br />
Q: What is the difference between butler-passed hors d’oeuvres and a stationary display?<br />
A: Butler-passed hors d’oeuvres are hand-passed and presented to your guests. Stationary displays are presented on a table that allows guests to help themselves.<br />
Q: Can we offer both butler-passed hors d’oeuvres and stationary displays?<br />
A: Absolutely! It is very common to offer both.<br />
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<span style="color: #333399;">BAR</span><br />
Q: What is a hosted bar package?<br />
A: A hosted bar is when you pay a per person/per hour price for drinks.<br />
Q: What is a hosted on consumption bar?<br />
A: A hosted on consumption bar is the same as running a tab – as guests order drinks, they are then added to the total bill.<br />
Q: What is a cash bar?<br />
A: A cash bar is when your guests purchase their own drinks on a cash/credit card basis.<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">*Please note bar options can differ from property to property depending on the type of liquor license that they have.</span><br />
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<strong>Prior to attending your tasting, you’ll need to know a few things……</strong><br />
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<li>What is your required Food and Beverage Minimum (your contract should included this figure)</li>
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<li>How many guests will be attending (best estimate)? Out of those guests, how many will be 2 and under? (Typically they are free) and how many are between the ages of (2 & 12) typically they qualify for kids pricing.</li>
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<li>Go through your list and determine how many of your guests will be drinking alcohol.</li>
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<strong>Additional Questions to Ask: </strong><br />
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<li>Will there be a tip jar at the bar?</li>
<li>Will your staff pour wine or champagne during dinner?</li>
<li>What Vegetarian options do you offer?</li>
<li>What do you offer for children’s meals?</li>
<li>Do you charge a cake cutting fee? Will your team cut and serve our cake?</li>
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This portion of the planning process can be a bit overwhelming. Remember if you’ve hired a wedding planner, consider asking them to attend the Entrée Tasting with you. Otherwise try your best to really study the menu options ahead of time and don’t be shy to ask your Catering Manager or Chef many questions during the tasting.<br />
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With Style & Sincerity, <br />
Jennifer Starr<br />
<a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/">Owner of J.Starr Stylized Weddings</a> <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-48004414752831865902016-09-21T14:53:00.003-07:002016-09-29T18:07:11.009-07:00J.Starr Magazine Editorial Shoot at Wrigleyville West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpAQ0dLX4tYsGAG9CMSADUi9HuUDIkD2xmjmuv3nDNEv1-ts_vpLF61-zG1SkMD3vPEe9pXtvQCO1vFF_uZKbOqJ8lho-rQeMuM8G7syWYGgFyqxgJP5mAxjcMkCMe4GLyVuNhIVfAoY/s1600/Wrigley_AZFinest_p112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpAQ0dLX4tYsGAG9CMSADUi9HuUDIkD2xmjmuv3nDNEv1-ts_vpLF61-zG1SkMD3vPEe9pXtvQCO1vFF_uZKbOqJ8lho-rQeMuM8G7syWYGgFyqxgJP5mAxjcMkCMe4GLyVuNhIVfAoY/s640/Wrigley_AZFinest_p112.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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This past February I had the opportunity to plan and style an editorial magazine shoot and cover for <a href="http://www.finestweddingsites.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine</span></a>. The year prior I was so unbelievably, fortunate to style SIX covers for all Arizona Wedding Publications. So this year, with my recent pregnancy and influx in amazing clients, I told myself I was only allowed to take a very small handful of specialty projects and <i>this shoot</i> was one of them. <br />
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And one would think after doing six magazine shoot the previous year, I'd be a seasoned pro...but truth be told, this particular shoot was challenging one. But it's good to be challenged right? That what makes us better. This was <i>definitely</i> one of those times for me. The reason being, this was a BRAND new property and this was their FIRST magazine photo shoot. I was really determined to deliver them a shoot that truly their style and vibe. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQEFpVe0_mTCEGBFfuJGHcowJh1n0rxHz1x_UTDFE7XCx3AbrcFk5A_mdEh2UcIF7l2l2HMDhSwLPyg8nHD93wxGwHBMAEkhpY5qCvqyehOHiF5JMVGiENpU4qTMVTpIRVMTHga52qv4/s1600/Wrigley_AZFinest_p113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQEFpVe0_mTCEGBFfuJGHcowJh1n0rxHz1x_UTDFE7XCx3AbrcFk5A_mdEh2UcIF7l2l2HMDhSwLPyg8nHD93wxGwHBMAEkhpY5qCvqyehOHiF5JMVGiENpU4qTMVTpIRVMTHga52qv4/s640/Wrigley_AZFinest_p113.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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The reason this was a struggle is because this beautiful venue is very modern with touches of historic baseball elements with it being located right next to the Chicago Cubs Training Spring Training Fields. Mixing "modern" and "baseball" was the real tricky part. It wasn't until I sat down with Patricia of <a href="http://www.wildchildfloraldesign.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Wild Child Floral Designs</span></a> that the ideas for this shoot really began to start taking place. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVcZQnPJQAefP8zXfTqaXAHzPOMdkeJvO-KTjM4fjGtkdCLiiJXlnco_cPZ82YANc0ba8JI1suL-4CuQ5Zu-InIzPCgV0P1hoJ0qFaiVmxO1cV8fK3NeC-NEpXOGPMyspFhOS5fBnRyw/s1600/Wrigley_AZFinest_p114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVcZQnPJQAefP8zXfTqaXAHzPOMdkeJvO-KTjM4fjGtkdCLiiJXlnco_cPZ82YANc0ba8JI1suL-4CuQ5Zu-InIzPCgV0P1hoJ0qFaiVmxO1cV8fK3NeC-NEpXOGPMyspFhOS5fBnRyw/s640/Wrigley_AZFinest_p114.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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I really appreciated Patricia. Her mind operates similar to mine...always going and constantly changing and evolving ideas. All and all I'm exceptionally proud of how this shoot turned out. I think our goal to infuse "modern" and "historic baseball" really shined. And of course this was all due to the amazing group of talented creative partners that worked with us on this shoot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAxC02OBj_mMlQzK-baVpVhP0kUON8W2fco15t_UoBXPf4Cb8u02Zsf0YqKZWUxNHEzRFPjMo2N2js4z9gNKpOgJqon5vCEdLz6apMGerUcro4e0N7xF_3X3EpQtk35qLUNRfkfvCJd4/s1600/Wrigley_AZFinest_p115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAxC02OBj_mMlQzK-baVpVhP0kUON8W2fco15t_UoBXPf4Cb8u02Zsf0YqKZWUxNHEzRFPjMo2N2js4z9gNKpOgJqon5vCEdLz6apMGerUcro4e0N7xF_3X3EpQtk35qLUNRfkfvCJd4/s640/Wrigley_AZFinest_p115.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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As always thank you to Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine for this opportunity. Also, if you haven't had a chance to tour this new venue yet, I highly encourage it. Christina Ayers the Wedding Specialist at this property is a delight to work with and <i>(p.s. she's also an upcoming J.Starr Bride to Be!)</i> </div>
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Stay tuned for <b><i>this cover</i></b> to debut in the Spring! </div>
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SHERATON MESA WRIGLEYVILLE PHOTOSHOOT PARTICIPANTS:<br />
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.sheratonmesa.com&source=gmail&ust=1474568197061000&usg=AFQjCNEMymlhw8H3Lr-qy3qHeS4l39JaUA" href="http://www.sheratonmesa.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.sheratonmesa.com</span></a></div>
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Photographed by <br />
Still Life Studios • <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://stilllifestudios.com&source=gmail&ust=1474568197061000&usg=AFQjCNGWqrq86hl-xkLqG5zxXKYVgIuLuw" href="http://stilllifestudios.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">stilllifestudios.com</span></a> </div>
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Floral design<br />
Wild Child Floral Design<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://wildchildfloraldesign.com&source=gmail&ust=1474568197061000&usg=AFQjCNFiNYFcnyiPIR0EMhxa2_HDogWb3w" href="http://wildchildfloraldesign.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">wildchildfloraldesign.com</span></a></div>
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Cake<br />
Piece of Cake Desserts<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://arizonaweddingcakes.com&source=gmail&ust=1474568197061000&usg=AFQjCNE96HL3p5EiDzxZC9TA6B_wVam-aA" href="http://arizonaweddingcakes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">arizonaweddingcakes.com</span></a></div>
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Hair and Makeup<br />
Linda Valenzuela<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank"><span style="color: #222222;">linda.valenz@gmail.com</span></a></div>
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Groom’s Attire<br />
Mr. Formal • <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mrformalaz.com&source=gmail&ust=1474568197061000&usg=AFQjCNHQYIblANxahJxmrijYr_Q5uhTbfw" href="http://mrformalaz.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">mrformalaz.com</span></a></div>
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Event design</div>
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J.Starr Stylized Weddings<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://jstarrweddings.com&source=gmail&ust=1474568197061000&usg=AFQjCNEY5r1CEwgaccRNL5LyebPmyVKoIQ" href="http://jstarrweddings.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">jstarrweddings.com</span></a></div>
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Paper details<br />
The Event Essentials<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://theeventessentials.com&source=gmail&ust=1474568197061000&usg=AFQjCNHWNP0JkUkr-rUhcjL6iE3XIm26iw" href="http://theeventessentials.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">theeventessentials.com</span></a></div>
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Gown<br />
Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://weddingbellesaz.com&source=gmail&ust=1474568197061000&usg=AFQjCNGs7b-xOkfVRocNIDMCjrhH8vQ5Lg" href="http://weddingbellesaz.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">weddingbellesaz.com</span></a></div>
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Glamour & Woods<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-74614008996173918682016-09-16T16:42:00.001-07:002016-09-16T16:44:48.178-07:003 Small Items Most Couples Forget on their Wedding Day <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_6064" style="width: 630px;">
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<a href="http://i0.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Untitled2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wild Child Floral Design, Still Life Studios, Jennifer Starr Stylized Weddings" class="wp-image-6064" src="http://i0.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Untitled2.png?zoom=3&resize=620%2C413" height="413" scale="3" src-orig="http://i0.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Untitled2.png?resize=620%2C413" width="620" /></a></div>
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<i>Photo: Still Life Studios, Bouquet: Wild Child Floral Design</i></div>
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<strong>1. Card holder</strong><br />
Yes, something to “hold” your cards (which most likely will contain money). Consider a basket, a bird cage, a decorative box—basically anything that can serve as a holding device to keep all your valuable cards from floating all over your gift table. This doesn’t have to be a tacky white box, it can certainly be something stylish that blends nicely with the rest of your décor. It’s a good idea to assign a family member or best friend to look after this item.<br />
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<strong>2. Specialty pens</strong><br />
Consider what type of pens you would like your guests to use for signing your guest book (or guest book alternatives). Couples often spend time and money on beautiful keepsake materials but forget about the pens, guests often end up having to use a ball point pen from the resort’s front desk.<br />
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<strong>3. Remove all the wrapping and price tags</strong><br />
Remove all the wrapping/packaging and price tags ahead of time. This will save you, your wedding planner, or the catering staff tons of precious time on the day of your wedding. Consider these items and anything else you might have incorporated; photo frames, favor boxes, unity candle, champagne flutes, dress, jewelry, garters, etc. Have all of your personal items “show ready."<br />
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Until next time,<br />
<i><b>Jennifer Starr</b></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/"><span style="color: blue;">J.Starr Stylized Weddings</span></a></i><span style="color: blue;"> </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-44401012068137907612016-09-14T21:26:00.002-07:002016-09-15T06:45:49.268-07:00How I Find Appreciation in the Daily Chaos<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PqEzy5fbKm9Kh3bd0t8BiSRxY7jhPv_IP__TczH6OOXb-HV6FJM_vhJJvY_jh5vmqer2eCipZCFUKBy-KGpBSDSOPj4ksgZxj_AHLlG0gt_7FvvEBts2qd5XDsy3TKZvFJy19ksCpHY/s1600/HES_5504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PqEzy5fbKm9Kh3bd0t8BiSRxY7jhPv_IP__TczH6OOXb-HV6FJM_vhJJvY_jh5vmqer2eCipZCFUKBy-KGpBSDSOPj4ksgZxj_AHLlG0gt_7FvvEBts2qd5XDsy3TKZvFJy19ksCpHY/s640/HES_5504.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We now live in a time period of fast, instant, and
digital. For many reasons this is great,
and other for reasons not so much. A few
years ago my belated sweet Granny said “I don’t like those digital camera
things, I never get photos from you anymore.” Uggh, those words tug at my heart
so much. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It wasn’t until recently that I learned how to infuse my
digital brain with my memory keeping heart. This is where <span style="color: blue;">“</span><a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/project-life-app/"><span style="color: blue;">Project Life”</span></a> comes
into play. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlXx8eP51nxJeHDLKad4fo1a5yijKc0PBmH2lMALaJvC1LMi1TcaKd4hvtVa6YNrEIHTgFmHStg1JxOrU2KYlTEk_UHBUb42REvAM3TG_Qd3Ci52eveACDuis8Z8fQ69sCcoUeL9jTCM/s640/HES_5538.jpg" width="426" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s a few different ways to use Project Life, but my
favorite is by using the Project Life App. The app is </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">super easy to use, very
user friendly. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every week I spend some time going through my weekly photos
and putting together a few layouts. Then
I journal about my recent thoughts, cute things my little ones say, and listing
out our day to day happenings. This app
makes doing this super quick, like maybe only 30 minutes per week, it’s almost
therapeutic for me in some ways. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBRp7QVB6zRvJHEao8sdqHKC6s8umv82AP2ZzfKnnfBH9wWvSI00jGVmzs01svqwv14SMVjErVYb2W2gbIQwe5DO_aTB3ucELgr6VXyFC0OCoLo2cxZhn3PQM_7d9uIOZoZQnovQEXTc/s1600/HES_5528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBRp7QVB6zRvJHEao8sdqHKC6s8umv82AP2ZzfKnnfBH9wWvSI00jGVmzs01svqwv14SMVjErVYb2W2gbIQwe5DO_aTB3ucELgr6VXyFC0OCoLo2cxZhn3PQM_7d9uIOZoZQnovQEXTc/s640/HES_5528.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This helps me to appreciate my life so much. You see, there are so times when I go to bed
each night feeling exhausted, frazzled, and a little defeated. But when I take some time to reflect back on
my day or the week…I feel so much better! It makes me realize how many
wonderful moments that happened, even the crazy, stressful, wild moments become
sweet when reflected on later. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3zm1VV2t0TeOyDzW6UIQ4zWZQpy3dvpYuM1vDse3XC382ZpusSDr_kyrvlbAjMugffTsno7zEVRf60jD4Wj5mQd518_m8s1oe0ZbJ4NSznYtSxsWPKEGwdkXzo_gavfHnyMPTgZ3eUc/s1600/HES_5543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3zm1VV2t0TeOyDzW6UIQ4zWZQpy3dvpYuM1vDse3XC382ZpusSDr_kyrvlbAjMugffTsno7zEVRf60jD4Wj5mQd518_m8s1oe0ZbJ4NSznYtSxsWPKEGwdkXzo_gavfHnyMPTgZ3eUc/s640/HES_5543.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then the best part is printing out the pages, slipping them
into page protectors, and inserting them in an album for my family to
enjoy. I love this because it’s not a
bound book, it’s an ongoing process. You
also have the options of inserting tangible memorabilia if you want to. (like
concert stubs, kid’s drawings, love notes, etc.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then I display in our album in a place in our home (opened up) for our family
to be able to flip through it easily as they pass by. I love moments when I catch my girls glancing
through it. It’s really cool hearing
them point out loved ones and reflecting back on fun things that we did. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakEhIIPktyI-z3auP07riqXdRRueJNTCANJOBrN88pfolaQTRElQ9r_g28fclFEh90-mpnsiGXykIMxAWnDP0mcJUIlHtbCKlBqVeCzWn2ekUdfeF4X-cIVEH8aTSGEB-8Wl1Tdjcu3I/s1600/HES_5558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakEhIIPktyI-z3auP07riqXdRRueJNTCANJOBrN88pfolaQTRElQ9r_g28fclFEh90-mpnsiGXykIMxAWnDP0mcJUIlHtbCKlBqVeCzWn2ekUdfeF4X-cIVEH8aTSGEB-8Wl1Tdjcu3I/s640/HES_5558.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I simply love that we have a physical album of our
memories. Our sweet memories aren’t
just sitting in files on our computer never being shared or appreciated. I hope this is something I can keep up with
for a long, long time. I hope one day to
have a big beautiful bookcase in our family room filled with albums of our
special times. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If memory keeping is special to you, I highly, highly
recommend you check out <a href="http://beckyhiggins.com/project-life/"><span style="color: blue;">Project Life</span>,</a> I’m quite sure you’ll love it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With Sincerity & Style, Jennifer Starr </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/">J.Starr Stylized Weddings</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-81313690149920468952016-09-09T09:24:00.002-07:002016-09-09T09:24:53.152-07:003 Advantages to Doing a "First Look" <br />
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<a href="http://i2.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Untitled1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chard Photography, doing a first look" class="aligncenter wp-image-5969" height="403" scale="3" src-orig="http://i2.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Untitled1.png?resize=620%2C414" src="http://i2.wp.com/finestweddingsites.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Untitled1.png?zoom=3&resize=603%2C403" title="Chard Photography" width="603" /></a></div>
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<i>(Photo by Chard Photography)</i></div>
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Today let’s discuss one of the first questions your photographer is likely to ask you:<br />
Do you want to do a First Look (sometimes called a First Meeting) or do you want to do a Traditional Timeline?<br />
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<b>What does this mean? </b><br />
A First Meeting = You see each other before the ceremony in your formal attire.<br />
A Traditional Meeting = You wait and see each other at the ceremony.<br />
What are my thoughts? Bottom line, you must do what feels right in your gut. Yes, there certainly are many advantages to doing a First Meeting but you must be comfortable with this idea.<br />
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Advantages Include:<br />
<strong>1. Calming the Nerves </strong><br />
Every single wedding I’ve been involved with, always includes lots of nerves before the couple sees each other for the first time. The very moment they set eyes on each other and embrace, you can instantly see the nerves fall away, they relax their shoulders, loosen their smiles, and breath. It’s as if in that moment they remember what it’s really all about. Often times seeing each other before the ceremony helps the couple to enjoy more of their day because they are relaxed.<br />
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<strong>2. More time with Family and Friends </strong><br />
Great news, once you’ve done your “First Meeting” you can then take your family and bridal party photos BEFORE the ceremony. This is a huge PLUS. Everyone has fresh hair, make up, attention spans and they’re still SOBER (hopefully).<br />
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<strong>3.The Golden Light is Spent Just on YOU!</strong><br />
With all of the family and bridal party photos done, this means the Photographer gets to spend a nice chunk of time with you two during the best lighting of the day! Just imagine how beautiful your wedding photos will be! Your family and bridal party will actually get to enjoy the cocktail hour while you get in some alone time together (along with your photographer). Having your VIPS be a part of the cocktail hour definitely creates a better overall energy with all of your guests. Your family will love being able to mingle with all of your guests and your bridal party will definitely appreciate being “off duty” during this time.<br />
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Happy Planning<br />
Jennifer Starr<br />
<a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/">J.Starr Stylized Weddings</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-37191407110721823162016-09-07T21:05:00.000-07:002016-09-08T06:49:18.912-07:00The Best Parenting Advice Ever Given to Me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVR08BxNByXKJtISMkBFsMYy3UDv8DEBgurcb1k-M0i0Qz4esV5b30xlHIUF2GynkceYY5HPc_YIHEt8vwJuuMedrNoYVoz_721O9gwlnUc-atbTgPF6QQlaaaj-5t_hFJEMsFm8pIPA/s1600/HES_5014+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVR08BxNByXKJtISMkBFsMYy3UDv8DEBgurcb1k-M0i0Qz4esV5b30xlHIUF2GynkceYY5HPc_YIHEt8vwJuuMedrNoYVoz_721O9gwlnUc-atbTgPF6QQlaaaj-5t_hFJEMsFm8pIPA/s640/HES_5014+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I have three little tiny
teeny people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I’m the proud mama of
my twin 3 ½ year-old girls and my 3-month little boy and they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rock my world.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth be told, there was a time not so long
ago, that I ached to be a mama <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so bad</i>
I feared that it might not happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
see, my husband and I were married for 8 years before we started our
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Looking back now, I’m
incredibly thankful for the years we had together alone before having
kiddos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During those eight years, my
husband completed a lot of schooling, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a
lot</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also during that time, we endured the sudden
loss of my mother in law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These factors
kept postponing (and understandably so) our timing to start our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Finally, my husband
completed his program, and our hearts were slowing healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t too long before we realized we were
pregnant, with TWINS (yes, naturally)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As soon as that happened the flood gates opened and I was bombarded with
“the baby world.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I received tons of
mail, magazines, emails, unsolicited advice….it was truly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">information overload</i> for this girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And if I’m being completely honest, there was a part of me that was
really scared about losing “me”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
get me wrong, I wanted this more than anything and I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">overjoyed </i>that we were having twins…but at the same time, I was
worried. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
was worried that being a mom would take over my identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It wasn’t until one day I
was talking to my OBGYN <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(I believe we
were discussing breastfeeding at the time) </i>and she looked me straight in
the eyes and said, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Whatever makes YOU
the happiest, will make YOUR children the happiest.” </b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I tell you what, there
isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t repeat those words to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Those
words are applicable in nearly every aspect of parenting life. </b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Breastfeeding
moms, corporate moms, stay at home moms, and freaks like me =
Mamaprenuers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The truth is, being a
parent is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the hardest part…is
how critical we can be of ourselves when it comes to parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because raising children doesn’t stop, it’s
constant and continuous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And “mom guilt”
is the WORST. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
should be home right now; my kids miss me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We shouldn’t go on a stay- cation, we should use that money towards swim
lessons, uggh the house should be cleaner and more organized for my
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thoughts go on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But at the end of the
day…it goes back to the question “Was I a happy mom today?” Sure, not every day
is always YES…but I think if most days can be YES…then I feel like I’m doing
alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the best part, this has definitely helped me immensely with “finding myself in being a mom.” I didn’t
lose myself afterall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure my
responsibilities of being a mother require the largest part of my life, but I’m
still able to be me and do the things I love to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though, they may be limited, planned out way
in advance, and require some budgeting tweaks… but all in all my little people
continue to help and challenge me become a better person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So to my fellow mamas or
soon to be mamas….ask yourself “what makes YOU happy” and continue to do it,
it’s “okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sending you a virtual
hug,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I’m here if you need a sitter
too…heck it’s already a circus around here </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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</div>
</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-15333413967641985732016-09-02T15:01:00.001-07:002016-09-09T21:00:47.053-07:00Honest Ways to Alleviate Stress in the Final Stages of Planning Your Wedding <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1kMrkRllOo2k6T4iDFFMnnshmITe8ODct6zZz6rgiRCdymi5CPI8rwL9551A5u9vuFSUawDH80UV8gX1OvDE4Dnh7UfY-Xo7EOQVvAmEK_koBhw0Pw3-wpTvJA2Rwk1garQkYGit0bs/s1600/IMG_8471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1kMrkRllOo2k6T4iDFFMnnshmITe8ODct6zZz6rgiRCdymi5CPI8rwL9551A5u9vuFSUawDH80UV8gX1OvDE4Dnh7UfY-Xo7EOQVvAmEK_koBhw0Pw3-wpTvJA2Rwk1garQkYGit0bs/s640/IMG_8471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://brooke-photography.com/#home"><span style="color: blue;">(Photo By: Brooke Photography)</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></div>
<br />
Hello Friends ~ <br />
<br />
Especially those friends in the middle of planning a wedding...<br />
<br />
First of all, please allow me to give you a virtual hug and a pat on the back. I understand planning a wedding is hard, it’s time consuming, and it never ends. It really is like having a second job, especially if you haven’t hired a <a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/bridal_consulting.php">wedding planner</a>. So let’s talk about ways to alleviate some of that stress in your final stages, shall we?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f211a0;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> 1. You can s</span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;">kip the cake tasting</span></strong></span><br />
It is a fun part of the process, but if you don’t have time, skip it. Request a phone appointment, email over some design ideas that you have, and select your cake flavor without actually tasting them. Chances are they’ll still be delicious, if you’ve chosen a reputable company.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>2. Surrender the Party Favors.</strong></span><br />
Honestly, most of them end up being left on the tables at the end of the night and get tossed out anyways.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f211a0;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> 3. </span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;">Allow the DJ to Select Your Music.</span></strong></span><br />
Inform the DJ of the genre of music you like and let he/she do the rest. They know the songs that get dance floors moving.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f211a0;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> 4. </span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;">Let go of the seating chart and paper products.</span></strong></span><br />
If you didn’t hire a professional to design these for you (and you were planning on creating these items yourself) let it go. Open seating will be just fine.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f211a0;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> 5. </span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;">Stop looking at Pinterest!</span></strong></span><br />
Remove that app off your phone until the wedding day is over. The colors you have chosen are perfect, your dress is perfect, your guest book is perfect. Seriously, please do not torture yourself by flooding your brain with every wedding idea in the world.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><strong>6. Ask for Help.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Again, if you didn’t already hire a <a href="http://www.finestweddingsites.com/vendors/b_consulting_starr.php">wedding planner</a>, you still have time. Many planners (myself included) offer a “Final Planning” service. This will save you loads of stress and worry and will be an investment that you will never forget. This is meant to be a fun time in your life, let a professional help you bring this beautiful day to life for you.</span><br />
<br />
Until next week,<br />
Jennifer Starr<br />
<a href="http://finestweddingsites.com/vendors/b_consulting_starr.php">J.Starr Stylized Weddings</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-22095723801447144592016-08-31T14:53:00.000-07:002016-09-07T15:06:54.903-07:005 Tips on Finding Motivation, When You're Lacking Energy<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzHQ7w0-ZvchbscAfEjWscDBri3yiSteB1sSpeYxg9XXzc1cWqRwAlfzYvKM-ygl-Ahyphenhyphen3p6d5fJPDiNC-_hFYtQ8iKW5DCRW-FTBsZAh4cjAL7gaqCR5_zzXm2ketOx1W-IIehWPkXws/s1600/_BLS8441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzHQ7w0-ZvchbscAfEjWscDBri3yiSteB1sSpeYxg9XXzc1cWqRwAlfzYvKM-ygl-Ahyphenhyphen3p6d5fJPDiNC-_hFYtQ8iKW5DCRW-FTBsZAh4cjAL7gaqCR5_zzXm2ketOx1W-IIehWPkXws/s640/_BLS8441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Hi Friends, <br />
<br />
How's everyone doing? Welp, here I am...determined to someway, somehow get back to blogging on the regular. I've missed it. This year has certainly been a wild one but definitely an amazing ride. And guess what? Everyone in my home is napping right now....shhh. (don't jinx it!). And guess what else? It's September! This is especially exciting if you live in Arizona, like myself...because this summer has been a HOT one. And having to keep three teeny tiny ones primary inside is NUTS. So cheers to better weather ahead, YES. <br />
<br />
Today I thought I'd share a few ways that have helped me, especially recently in the past few months. Adjusting to adding a new baby to mix, while running a business and household has been <i>an adventure</i> thus far...but I think my biggest struggle has been the sleep deprivation. At times I get frustrated with myself and with life...and ask myself how I am going do everything I want to do? And that's the time when I usually do the following things: <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1.) Brain Dump.</b><br />
Don't worry about making it pretty, or keeping your thoughts organized...just get them out of your head and on paper. This helps immensely and takes the stress away from trying to remember everything. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>2.) Turn the Music Up.</b><br />
Blare it. In the car, in the kitchen, in the shower. I find some of my best ideas in the middle of songs. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3.) Shake Up Your Space.</b> <br />
Rearrange your desk area, buy a new piece of art for your wall, treat yourself to a fresh floral arrangement to sit in the middle of your dining room. Finding new appreciation for places that you see on the daily, definitely helps. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4.) Move It.</b> <br />
Exercise, even if it's a simple as walking. Those endorphins are real things and can be instant mood boosters. Did you know that there a few <i>indoor </i>walking tracks in Arizona? Yes, they do exist. <br />
<br />
<b>5.) Listen.</b> <br />
I have a list of 8 people that hangs on my wall next to my computer. These are people who inspire me for different reasons...as business owners, as wedding planners, as moms, as writers, and in the health/fitness industries. All of these people have blogs, webinars, and books. When I need feel some extra inspiration I turn to my list and find myself listening to one of their videos. Sometimes just listening to another human share their struggles and successes can be very inspiring. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV4E9Vw6V22fAmfs9lLutYKRoBTEynsX7q4YYzPK5svYT7dRHXniS_F9cKuZuORFjUkXqfKLh41MAFVLnOk7PkuYxPJzQx5mQN4rQALLFH_QaEWmn8VUdAgCIuPhOJi4g9YmKgMzKpzI/s1600/HES_5187+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMV4E9Vw6V22fAmfs9lLutYKRoBTEynsX7q4YYzPK5svYT7dRHXniS_F9cKuZuORFjUkXqfKLh41MAFVLnOk7PkuYxPJzQx5mQN4rQALLFH_QaEWmn8VUdAgCIuPhOJi4g9YmKgMzKpzI/s400/HES_5187+edit.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>P.S. How cute is the little boy?</i></div>
<br />
<br />
And there ya go peeps, I hope you were able to find something helpful above. My goal is to continue blogging twice a week moving forward on Wednesdays and Fridays ~so hold me to it :) <br />
<br />
Chat Again Soon! <br />
<br />
Much Love, <br />
Jennifer Starr<br />
<a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/"><span style="color: blue;">J.Starr Stylized Weddings</span></a> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-86449768940459799332016-08-11T14:28:00.002-07:002016-08-11T16:46:23.818-07:00Steps to Build a Beautiful Foundation for Your Reception <br />
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="http://www.rachel-solomon.com/"><i> (Photo By Rachel Solomon Photography)</i></a> </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><b>Steps to Build a Beautiful Foundation for Your Reception</b></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b> </b></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah, you've officially booked your venue and your wedding date! Congratulations, that is a huge check mark on the "to do" list! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What do you do next? Well, often times after a venue search things
can be left very scrambled in your head.
But please don’t start overwhelming yourself by jumping ahead…let’s
start with your foundation. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1.)</b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Confirm what’s included.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Read thru your venue notes and your
contract. Make a list of everything
that’s included with your venue. What do
the chairs look like for the ceremony, what about the reception? What type of existing furniture does the
venue already have in place? What type
of linens are included? Are they lap
length or floor length? What colors do they come in? What about napkins? Does the venue offer any type of centerpiece
options? What about vases? Do they offer candles? Uplights?
What are the table options? Really understand everything that is
included and everything that is not included, before you move forward with any
of your décor decisions. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2.)</b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Decide on Your Colors</span></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Really consider your venue, the
season, and your overall personal style.
It’s important that your colors work </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">with
</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">your venue and not </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">against it. </span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s important to consider the season due
to weather and your floral options. And
of course you’ll definitely what your colors to reflect you and the style that
speak to you. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3.)</b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Select Your Linens</b></span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Start by choosing your linens. This will be helpful for you do even before
selecting your bridesmaid’s dresses or invitations. Decide on whether or not you’d like to use the
linens that are provided by the venue of if you’d like to upgrade to specialty
linens. Linens make a HUGE impact on the
overall look of your reception, and the options are endless. I recommend making an appointment with a
rental company to visit their showroom in person. Once you’ve selected your linens, your
foundation for your reception will be laid and you can then begin building on
top of it with all the other beautiful layers (floral, beautiful menus and
paper products, and candlelight.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Sincerity & Style,</span></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Jennifer Starr, </span><a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">J.Starr Stylized Weddings</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-72473359549332839742016-07-06T16:22:00.001-07:002016-08-15T13:43:06.399-07:00The Day Hunter was Born. <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Jennifer) </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had
slept fairly well the night before, but once I woke up the nerves started
kicking in. I felt excited, worried,
happy and sad </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">all at the same time.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> That morning I really wanted to do something
special as a family…but I had no clue what.
I was struggling with saying “goodbye” to our family of four, my heart
felt a little torn. Justin kept asking
me </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">why are you sad? We’re still going to
be a family. </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And while yes this was
true, as a mama I was concerned about how much having a baby brother would
change Hannah & Emma’s world ~ now they would need to share us </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">even more</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> than they already do. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So with these thoughts heavy on my heart, I kept daydreaming
about our last morning and how </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">special </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">it
would be. Silly me, I must have
forgotten that our daughters are 3 YEARS OLD! It was chaos. At one point Emma was nearly naked running
around the backyard half covered in mud.
Our beautiful little girls were simply happy and goofy as could be. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Justin) </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When I
awoke that day I recall reciting to myself </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“make
today special, be patient with the girls.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
This was an extra stressful day,
as we were ready to finally see our new son.
I knew the girls would be challenging while Jen and I attempted to
prepare for our trip to the hospital. Hannah and Emma were 3 years old and full
of life. They required so much entertainment and Chase would not be there to
watch after them until just before we were supposed to leave. I remember
thinking </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">why didn’t we ask him to come
way earlier.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> You may think that one would be prepared in advance for such
an event, especially since it was on our calendar for quite some time. Well
with twin 3 year old daughters and a very pregnant wife, there is rarely a
prepared moment in our lives. Somehow, we seem to function well. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That morning I pretty much let the girls get away with
whatever they wanted. They got popsicles in the morning, played in the dog
house and ran through the sprinklers in their pajamas. All of these things were
the least of my worries that day. For some reason I was far more concerned
about the operation this time than I was with the girls. Perhaps it was due to
the fact that the girls came a couple of days early and we really didn’t know
what to expect. This time around we were leaving our home to go to an appointment
to have another child. Weird. In addition we had a much better idea of what
to expect. Chase showed up on time and we were able to catch one last photo of
the Starr foursome for the last time. With bags in hand and nerves on edge we
headed to Chandler Regional Medical Center to have Baby Boy Starr. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Jennifer) </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we
snapped our last photo as a family of four, my eyes started to welt up. Hannah noticed my reaction right away and
wanted me to hold her. She sensed that
something big was going to happen but I don’t think either of our girls truly
understood. I was so happy that my
brother was there to watch and play with them.
The girls adore him and I knew that right after we left, they would all
have lots of fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rAPY8yadvIsrMEJskbYLNxC5iIlU0SXYBOdUr0SgTFcUJ-9W94GrF_ILrrsehwwIc0_s9ICxk4uiAoiiRLQmU0sMA5BivyNfVYVJdSdfXGp6-ImqVn6Cf60peaH1wSzuSwkxHnZEdWM/s1600/pl_20160702T212113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rAPY8yadvIsrMEJskbYLNxC5iIlU0SXYBOdUr0SgTFcUJ-9W94GrF_ILrrsehwwIc0_s9ICxk4uiAoiiRLQmU0sMA5BivyNfVYVJdSdfXGp6-ImqVn6Cf60peaH1wSzuSwkxHnZEdWM/s640/pl_20160702T212113.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We arrived at the hospital on time to check in. The front desk starting in with all the
questions …and I felt myself getting more and more nervous. It was so weird because I wasn’t really
nervous prior, when I had my twin girls. I remember just feeling so relieved because I
knew that my body couldn’t handle carrying them any longer (as they were full
term twinzies). I was also, completely
oblivious because I had never been through this before ( c-section). However this time, I remembered nearly
everything….I was getting scared. I was
also really shook up because now </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was already
a mom,</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> I worried what if something happens?
What about my baby girls (and son to be)? It’s a vulnerable feeling when you have
children to care for and you know you’re about to get cut open. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The nurses started in with all the prep work. Justin could tell I was extra nervous because
I wasn’t talking much. I was so aware of
everything medically that was happening, I was full of fear. Then, all of a sudden I heard the sound of a
nearby newborn baby cry. And then </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I lost it</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">…the tears started falling and
I could barely keep it together. In that
moment I was reminded what was REALLY about to happen…</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was about to become a mom
again.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> That sweet sound was</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> just</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> the reminder I needed, that is what this was REALLY all about. We were about to bring our baby boy into this
world. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally it was time.
They wheeled me out to the operating room, right past my parents who were
waiting in the hallway. I could feel my
heart pounding. It was time to say
goodbye to Justin for a few minutes while they administered the epidural and
got me prepped. It seemed like it took
forever! Once the epidural was over I
felt a little better, I had this really strong sense of just wanting and needing
Justin to be in the room with me. It
felt like it took FOREVER before they let him come in. All of sudden I started to feel </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">super nauseous</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">..and I got scared. Oh no, what’s going to happen. Luckily the anesthesiologist was really great
and was able to get my nausea under control.
I just keep taking deep breaths and was so anxious for the surgery to be
over. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNebMKWyWCN4lLujCeuAA_faRN9KkCS5cswJEH8sQ-HDFp0Obj3mLV7q-YyUzifp7lBX9NHdUiPME2iVb8za3o-NCRkP6ssBLgRx1nLn0K1MzVdjdB4TVtflmeoX2V-RwpmBvMYXBC-g/s1600/pl_20160702T212212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNebMKWyWCN4lLujCeuAA_faRN9KkCS5cswJEH8sQ-HDFp0Obj3mLV7q-YyUzifp7lBX9NHdUiPME2iVb8za3o-NCRkP6ssBLgRx1nLn0K1MzVdjdB4TVtflmeoX2V-RwpmBvMYXBC-g/s640/pl_20160702T212212.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Justin) </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As we
were sitting in the prep area and the nurses were starting IVs and collecting
even more data I grew increasing nervous. I just wanted the surgery to be over
with and everyone to be healthy and resting in our hospital room. I was seated
outside of the OR and remember that it seemed to take forever compared to what
I experienced with the girls. Time was in “fast forward” motion with the twins
but now it was in “slow” motion. Finally it was time. Jen was getting nauseas
and the anesthesiologist was pushing drugs and adjusting things to help
overcome her stomach. Then the anesthesiologist said </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“ok dad, you can look now”.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Just then I saw our baby boy being
lifted in the air. At first I noticed he didn’t cry and my heart sunk. Then all
of the sudden we heard a “bobcat growl”. This kid was loud and healthy. I instantly began to tear up and remember the
exact way I felt with the girls. It is this overwhelming “out-of-body”
experience of pure joy and fear all at the same time. I looked back at Jen and
saw her smile. That beautiful smile I fell in love with so many years ago. Suddenly this nurse has Hunter cradled like a
football and starts pushing through all of the people in the room, including
me. She brought Hunter right over to mommy. I mean </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">right away.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This was new to us. I just started snapping away with
my camera. It was quite the thing to witness. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTs5b1xQ2_WwlfLTe917lyMKjWPlFxqtJbEgKdWRvdXflaSJu7tc7Q1W7PDL6-0f8jq0GY5XZw-T2enR45i5m3AZM1nlmHOPZOIrIcT2dgFabGav6Bo3Z_FUgB3_qonfDdxv5Hb6Ed1A/s1600/pl_20160703T155914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTs5b1xQ2_WwlfLTe917lyMKjWPlFxqtJbEgKdWRvdXflaSJu7tc7Q1W7PDL6-0f8jq0GY5XZw-T2enR45i5m3AZM1nlmHOPZOIrIcT2dgFabGav6Bo3Z_FUgB3_qonfDdxv5Hb6Ed1A/s640/pl_20160703T155914.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Jennifer) </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally,
the moment had come that I was waiting for, the sound of my baby boy’s
voice. The sense of relief you feel as
a parent in that scenario is incredible.
I just started calling out for him, telling him I was right there and
that everything was okay. It’s really
wild what your human, motherly instincts direct you to do without even thinking
about it. The next thing I know the
nurse brings Hunter directly to me.
(this wasn’t something I experienced with my girls). She brought him straight to me and nestled
him right next to me for a long duration of time. The amazing part was that this instantly
calmed him..</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">he really did know my voice
and he knew I was “mom.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The next
thing that happens is I feel his little hand reach out a grab my chin, all the
nurses started gasping and saying “oh wow, look at this.” He kept his little
hand there for awhile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
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</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Jennifer) </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">In that moment I
finally “got it.” You see so many moms keep telling me how “special and
different” a bond is between a mother and a son. That’s the moment </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I got it</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">. At less than a few
minutes old, my baby boy was already </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">comforting</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">me. </span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xcavPsJF21KxpkfPua0bl9Uyr5vqdu21r3AOzRlh5NFRuumPfd4tlRDUKDcoeQuj3a6chDq7tFEOCzaEEmRl00xLUK321K51cblwS3eGphZq1Tju-E2HOa0W8hWNXN851T_ibBcgl1M/s1600/HES_9626+resized+and+retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xcavPsJF21KxpkfPua0bl9Uyr5vqdu21r3AOzRlh5NFRuumPfd4tlRDUKDcoeQuj3a6chDq7tFEOCzaEEmRl00xLUK321K51cblwS3eGphZq1Tju-E2HOa0W8hWNXN851T_ibBcgl1M/s640/HES_9626+resized+and+retouched.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></i></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Justin) </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I was
relieved that all was okay and he was
slowly turning more pink as he was pretty blue at first. We were then escorted
out with Jen holding the baby. Again this was different than the first time, as
the twins were placed in a bassinet and I was able to introduce them to the
family right away. This time they whisked us past Jen’s Mom and Dad and our
friend Bridget that was waiting in the hallway to get photos of little guy. This
was a very different experience than last time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68nJUTCmGf3YiWXH86mvvlQ2eZicZAEP4oVGeEjt6eXCc-nanC_5KYnlCeK5FJIga22bSaDeoxKnK7NvThThflcegNoyfEPeDhKJ1AQ8sooDS4aWs43WG371SaPVZa1ubO1b79mHHLIg/s1600/pl_20160703T160726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68nJUTCmGf3YiWXH86mvvlQ2eZicZAEP4oVGeEjt6eXCc-nanC_5KYnlCeK5FJIga22bSaDeoxKnK7NvThThflcegNoyfEPeDhKJ1AQ8sooDS4aWs43WG371SaPVZa1ubO1b79mHHLIg/s640/pl_20160703T160726.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As were we in recovery waiting for our room little guy just
picked his head up to take a look around. He was so strong it made our mouths
drop and laugh at him. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We
were told that it may be a while for our room so I quickly went across the
street to get a bit to eat, as I hadn’t eaten all day. I ran into Quizznos and
grabbed a sandwich. I remember sitting in the car quickly eating trying to get
back as soon as possible. Then, I received a text from Jen saying that they were
in room #421. I was disappointed I
didn’t get to go with them up to the room and push the button to play the
newborn song that plays in the hospital when there is a new arrival. When I got
back to the hospital I saw baby and mom resting in the room. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Jennifer) </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Looking
back now, I actually loved the little bit of alone time I had with my baby boy
after we transported up to our room. His
warm little body on my skin felt heavenly.
He was so happy and very content.
In a weird way he seemed more advanced and less fragile than my girls
had originally seemed. Maybe it was more
about me already being more of an experienced mom…or maybe it was because there
was only one of him, he seemed so much more manageable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Justin arrived back and about an hour or so later my parents
arrived with Hannah and Emma along with my brother Chase. This was the moment I had been daydreaming
about; seeing the girls meet their baby
brother for the very time and seeing </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">my
three babies together</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">. The girls
walked in the room slowly and full of wonderment. I think it was all a little overwhelming to
them. Emma instantly wanted to hold
“Baby Hunter” Hannah was very unsure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Justin) When the girls first came in to see Hunter the
reaction was mixed. Emma was super excited and couldn’t wait to hold him. Hannah
seemed a bit confused as to why Hunter was still not in mom’s belly. At one
moment Hunter opened his eyes and Hannah freaked out. It was sad but funny at
the same time. One of the greatest moments is when Emma held Hunter for the
first time. She was all smiles and you could tell she was very proud of
herself. The family all took turns holding little guy and visited for a good
while. After they left and night fell, things were pretty calm. I remember
thinking how easy this was compared to the twins. Granted it was only one this
time and I had a lot of experience this time around. Once he was settled down I
actually found myself able to relax a little. He slept cuddled up in Jen’s arms
for the night. All I could see was his orange hat sticking up and I listened to
his little tiger cub noises all night. He was a sleeper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Jennifer) Our baby was here and all was well. We were happy
and relaxed. All I did for next several
days was hold him ~all the time. I had </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">never </span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">had one baby before, he was so
kissable and easy. He slept on me all
day and night. I remember at one point a nurse had asked me if I wanted her to
place him in his bassinet, and I said no.
She asked if I was going to be able and stay awake like that. I giggled to myself..umm yes. I was a second time (third time?) around mom, and I was breaking the rules. I knew he was safe in my arms, I wasn’t about
to let him go , he just felt way too good.
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(Justin) While Jen and Hunter were resting in the hospital I
was running around town getting the final preparations completed for his
arrival at our home. With the girls down at their “Pa and Gee’s” house I was able to finally get some things
done. I got our bed comfy and purchased a co-sleeper as he was going to be
bunking with us for a while. We didn’t think it was right to put him next to
his loud sisters just yet. We only stayed 2 days this time around and baby and
momma were ready to come home. It was nerve racking to drive with him in the
car. I was reminded of the drive home with the girls. When we got him home we
placed him in his brand new bed. He was here. Finally we had our little boy and
the next chapter started. Our little Hunter Dean Starr.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvixYUCLevnq3Qg81nrwwoA30R4UaeTJaHJYYcLbcJ7AOmXajtMwP6s8y6bacO45yGRKge6BlE1tLndkZ6pvjqtuAOADhLDw8K5ln6a7fIszDZ29g4ZjFQvXb5TC-qStAdRyQz6s38cRE/s1600/pl_20160703T162851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-78233412677654557532016-05-12T07:30:00.000-07:002016-05-12T08:02:25.043-07:00Dear Justin, Tomorrow Our Son Will Be Born... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0lQgerrXbOrXuKO34suxrW55a95TPP5712ceuWM3KbJvJQ38r9CTMr-NzfCwnS7AViQycTkPA7HdOzyNJU4S0ZSuW12GvoPIiPNcejVPdvDzked5flaisk7X15twendLisagD7t11gY/s1600/RachelSolomon_JenJustin044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0lQgerrXbOrXuKO34suxrW55a95TPP5712ceuWM3KbJvJQ38r9CTMr-NzfCwnS7AViQycTkPA7HdOzyNJU4S0ZSuW12GvoPIiPNcejVPdvDzked5flaisk7X15twendLisagD7t11gY/s640/RachelSolomon_JenJustin044.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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Dear Justin, </div>
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Tomorrow our son will be born, <strong><em>tomorrow....our son. </em></strong></div>
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I think those words are still a bit shocking to us both. But before we enter this new chapter of life...I wanted to share a few things with you. Just recently we celebrated our 10 Year Wedding Anniversary. I can't believe it's been 10 years, it feels more like 5 years. During that time we've endured many life experiences...some of the most significant being....</div>
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<strong><em>1.) Our Wedding Day</em></strong> </div>
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Truly an amazing day. A real reflection of both of us fusing together. You were equally involved in the wedding planning process...just as you are today in our life, our home, and our family. </div>
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<strong><em>2.) Our Travels</em></strong></div>
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I'm so thankful we were able to do some traveling before becoming parents....our trips together to Hawaii, Bahamas, Cabo, Vegas, San Francisco, etc. ....are so special to me. Especially now as our traveling is very limited with all of our little ones. But I know that we will have our travel time again in life. Until then, I appreciate the amazing places we've been so far. </div>
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<strong><em>3.) Our Educations</em></strong> </div>
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Oh those student loan payments. But, totally and completely worth it. I'm so thankful that we were both able to receive college educations and both are doing our dream careers now. As hard and time consuming as schooling and building a business has been, I'm so thankful that we kept pushing each other to reach our goals. </div>
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<strong><em>4.) The Loss of Loved Ones</em></strong> </div>
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By the age of 29, you had already lost both your Mom and Dad. Watching you go through these losses at such a young age, forever changed us and forever changed our relationship. Through these most heartbreaking times, I saw unbelievable strength in you. You inspired me in more ways than you'll ever know. I'm certain in some ways...through this, our relationship was deeply affected in a positive way. These hard times really showed us the gift of a time and the preciousness of life. </div>
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<strong><em>5.) Your Graduation</em></strong> </div>
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Despite the tragic loss you endured....you continued on to receive your Doctorate of Physical Therapy. I've never been more proud of you. Several of your professors offered you the option of taking time off, but you powered through. Seeing you graduate and walk across the stage to receive your diploma ~ you had a glow on you. I knew in that moment your mom was with you, and I knew you would continue to shine. </div>
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<strong><em>6.) Our Friends/Our Celebrations </em></strong></div>
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Oh, the parties we have thrown...since our first year of dating. Thank you babe, I know that often times our celebrations create a lot of extra work for you...but thank you for valuing these times. Each passing, busy year it's harder and harder to keep in touch with friends (especially with kiddos) but you always support and help me plan many of our special times. </div>
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<strong><em>7.) Buying our 2nd Home/First "real" House</em></strong> </div>
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Remember that one time, when I was SO pregnant with twins...and you had to get our current tiny condo sold, and find us a new home...pretty much <em>ALL on your own</em>? Oh my. You did it babe. Thank you, that was a crazy time. </div>
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<strong><em>8.) Becoming Parents (of Twins!)</em></strong></div>
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Wow, we had NO idea. I quit my corporate job just before they babies came after we had <em>just moved </em>into our home...and all of sudden we were parents? Talk about one of our craziest times. But we did it. And it turned our lives upside down and inside out...but we did it. We made it so far. We haven't had much time, much money, or much energy...but we've received <em>ridiculous amounts</em> of joy and love. Seeing you handed our two baby girls in the operating room was one of my greatest moments in life. Seeing you so happy, makes me happy. </div>
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<strong><em>9.) Our Careers</em></strong> </div>
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I'm quite certain that there are several people in our lives that think we are <em>absolutely nuts, b</em>ecause our schedules are busy and very untraditional. But that's us, and that's probably why (with being parents of multiples) we haven't gone crazy (yet). Thank you for always making it work. You are a <em>true </em>team member and partner. </div>
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<strong><em>10.) Preparation for our 3rd Child</em></strong> </div>
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And here we go. God willing, everything goes smoothly tomorrow we will meet our Baby Boy! Our little grand finale to our family. This pregnancy, although (thankfully) a healthy one, hasn't been the easiest on our family. Our tiny twosome requires a TON of physical and mental work....of which I've been lacking at times. You've had to carry us through, just like you always do. Last night I watched you play "Barbies" with our girls for a long time. Using all of your silly accents and saying the most off the wall hilarious things...Hannah & Emma were loved every minute. I truly never knew <em>how much</em> I loved you until I saw <em>how much </em>you love our children. There is nothing better in life. </div>
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So my love....you being the private person that you are and me being the obnoxiously public person that I am....I hope you don't mind me sharing these thoughts with the world today. I just wanted to share how truly amazing you are, even if I may not tell you or show you that everyday. </div>
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Thank you for the last ten years, <em>every single moment,</em> I can't wait to see what the next ten years holds for us. </div>
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Let's have this baby already. </div>
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I Love You,</div>
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Jennifer </div>
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Photography By: <a href="http://www.rachel-solomon.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Rachel Solomon Photography</span></a></div>
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Venue: <a href="http://www.royalpalmshotel.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Royal Palms Resort</span></a></div>
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Hair & Make Up (Jennifer): <a href="http://www.miacosmetics.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Linda Valenzuela</span></a></div>
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Hair (Justin): <a href="http://studio3beautydesigns.net/"><span style="color: blue;">Shannon Thomas</span></a> </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-38575844553452603412016-03-12T07:37:00.000-08:002016-03-12T18:09:31.148-08:00 “J.Starr’s 5 Secrets: How to Host a Creative, yet Cost Effective Party.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1LPPYaqSy5aklC3XjH_eIL9NH5L_DY0i4AyctzGEb_X8Yt-m6J4_yA0ZyDQPChHdXCoSNgU-N4gKKS1IeRbUA4pdeDNCTcmShjm2VEHL3Qw-fH-orIwXQdq2jVH73bgPWqlCt6tEAis/s1600/HES_7981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1LPPYaqSy5aklC3XjH_eIL9NH5L_DY0i4AyctzGEb_X8Yt-m6J4_yA0ZyDQPChHdXCoSNgU-N4gKKS1IeRbUA4pdeDNCTcmShjm2VEHL3Qw-fH-orIwXQdq2jVH73bgPWqlCt6tEAis/s640/HES_7981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em> (Our Invite)</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Full disclosure, one of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hardest </i>things for me to do is “be normal,” when it comes to
hosting special gatherings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a huge
challenge for me and really places me SMACK dab in the middle of the
“professional” me and the “personal me.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You see as a Wedding Planner I work with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beautiful details, extraordinary images, and
magical moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I’m in the business
of making people’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">most expensive</i>
day come to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often times it’s hard
for me not to put this pressure on myself when it comes to <em>my personal</em> <em>life</em> events (birthdays, dinner parties, themed events, etc).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But yet, at the core of who I am…I believe so
strongly in entertaining and celebrating with family and friends on a regular
basis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The struggle is REAL, ask those
that know me well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Nowadays, </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">we’re about to have child #3, and I’ve been making
big investments in my growing business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This makes our “entertaining budget” more limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you know what? …that’s where the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i> creativity lies…it’s just about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">digging for it.</i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I often hear from my sweet clients a similar story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ve invested so much money into their Wedding
Day, that they feel stretched when it comes to their Bridal Shower,
Bachelorette Party, and Rehearsal Dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, they still feel huge amounts of pressure about making them look so
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Please allow me to share: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">J.Starr's 5 Secrets:</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"> How to Host a
Creative, Yet Cost Effective Party.</span></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWIz2SP60gnvBtnfE6MNxzLIXZ6m-GOJWJNQ6svI9-7cML32k0h_Z_7I_E7a9Gak4rU0x8LY8UnK3N7uCpF7LKczqBq-Xn6jB4oQhnuES1xKIf32m0ttoJfa1B35OzRiwuuHtPHJfoLU/s1600/HES_8415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWIz2SP60gnvBtnfE6MNxzLIXZ6m-GOJWJNQ6svI9-7cML32k0h_Z_7I_E7a9Gak4rU0x8LY8UnK3N7uCpF7LKczqBq-Xn6jB4oQhnuES1xKIf32m0ttoJfa1B35OzRiwuuHtPHJfoLU/s640/HES_8415.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Me and My Lumberjack Crew)</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">1.)</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></strong></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Choose a FUN Theme.</span></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Choose a theme that automatically lends itself to creating a fun atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This takes an enormous amount of pressure off of providing lavish and grand décor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A theme forces you to really pin point your direction, and allows you to get silly with your ideas </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For our Baby Shower Celebration, I chose the theme, “The Great Outdoors." Not only was this a fairly easy concept to pull off, the theme also "hints" at the name of our Baby Boy to Be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All in all, I believe we spent a total of $150.00 for the décor. That includes the invitation, signage, the rope and twine, and the paper products for the food. Everything else you will see in the post was borrowed or we already owned. (like I said we do a lot of entertaining). </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">2.)</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></strong></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Be Resourceful</span></strong> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I love a fun entryway. I think it really helps to enhance the guest experience. Again, you don't have to be "glam" by any means...you just have to "paint the picture." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Think about borrowing items for your décor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who can you ask? We borrowed a ton of décor from my parents. My dad is big time camper and hunter, so he had tons of gear. Have fun with this part of the process, it's amazing how many options there are for event décor once you start thinking of ideas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love a good "Warm Welcome." From the moment your guests step foot onsite at your event they need to feel welcomed and excited. A simple way to do with is with signage and props. It's a great way to get your guests excited about what's to come next! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And yes, that's a "real" bear's head. Just one of my Dad's many hunting trophies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This pretty display was one of my favorite areas of the party. It hung in our front "formal" room that guests first walked into. Between my mom and myself we already owned all the wood balls, the wreath, and framed signs. The only thing that I bought was the prints of the plaid deer heads which we found online and had printed at Costco. The boxwood greenery that was tucked into the wreath came from my mom's backyard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We did preset a mini photo area (predetermined by where the "best light" would be in our backyard at the time of the day). We had a prop table set up with various props from my dad's camping shed. My mom had found the cute wood sign at an antique shop and I added the "Happy Campers" saying to it with...get this, white out. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">3.)</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Make it Personal</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I'm a big fan of photos and storytelling. We hung a plaid and burlap banner in our front room. The banner included photos of my pregnancy. An ultrasound photo, the photo we snapped just moments after finding out that we're having a boy, the photo of the moment we revealed "the sex" to my parents, the photo we snapped right after I broke the news to Justin...and so on. Guests love knowing the stories, behind the story. It's a fun way to share your most special moments with your loved ones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We also decorated using framed photos of my Dad and my Brother's hunting "wins." Along with many props from my Mom. A very simple tablescape greeted everyone as they entered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yep, you guessed it. Those are our tents and our Christmas trees. (yes, I display three each year ~ just love me, okay?) And those wood stumps were found on the side of the road, and the pinecones came from some neighborhood yards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also, as much as I LOVE dressing up for theme parties...sometimes guests do not. Choosing a theme that doesn't require your guests to have to go out and buy something specific for the party, makes it easier. I'm quite certain most of our attendees, sported some camping wear that was already found in their closets. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The food was so much fun! At least for me, as I didn't have to prepare any of it. Yes, we hosted our Shower Celebration, but a group of my best girlfriends + my mom Co Hosted. They provided all of the food and beverages. And yes of course, it was all "on theme." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And with some white twinkle lights, ropes strung with burlap and plaid, and a few more camping chairs and props...we felt like we were at a real campout. For our party we wanted to be able to invite all of our close family and friends of all ages...and this concept made for a fun and family friendly environment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Campers </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arizona Sunset </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of my favorite quotes: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"May this House Always Be Too Small to Hold All of Our Family & Friends." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have Fun! Yes, isn't having fun what it's all about? I think as a host it's important to always include a few "activities" to keep your guests attention engaged. Have you heard of the "Newlywed Game?" It's often a big hit at Wedding Receptions...this was the same idea, but with the twist being "Parenthood." <em>"Who's most likely to lose a child?", Who's the better disciplinarian? Who was ready to have the 3rd Child first?". </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Desserts! One of my creative Co Hosts made these darling little desserts and the kiddos went NUTS for them! They were practically knocking down the baby gate trying to get to this display as she was setting it up. It was such a fun way to continue the theme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So again, to recap....it's not always about having a huge budget, or having loads of time to plan and decorate...it's just about<em> making it happen!</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">1.) Choose a FUN Theme</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2.) Be Resourceful </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">3.) Make it Personal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">4.) Create and Experience</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">5.) Have Fun! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't put too much pressure on yourself. I know this is often the reason why people don't like to "host." Just remember at the end of the day it's about creating memories with people you love. People simply enjoy good times and being together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">With Style and Sincerity, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jennifer Starr</span><br />
<a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/#!/HOME"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">J.Starr Stylized Weddings</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-30491979598928971312016-01-21T16:23:00.000-08:002016-01-21T16:26:03.781-08:00My "Word" for 2016 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSfXd8fbVENJwwG8W8O7JXhA-65MaEwN1rdS_1gtnzoIA_iEiIUkEDBc4fLD4EjUrjOpjsR74CBPbwCgxg0bi81sL9uquOqqw4cQIhzxpsJeVbk0nbJ5eqQ4bjkoqHezf12Ew7rIYGfQ/s1600/crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSfXd8fbVENJwwG8W8O7JXhA-65MaEwN1rdS_1gtnzoIA_iEiIUkEDBc4fLD4EjUrjOpjsR74CBPbwCgxg0bi81sL9uquOqqw4cQIhzxpsJeVbk0nbJ5eqQ4bjkoqHezf12Ew7rIYGfQ/s640/crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Hey Friends, <br />
<br />
How we all doing? It's 2016, just in case you missed that calendar flip. And in this new year, my mind has really been trying to focus on "my word" for 2016: <strong>"Organization."</strong><br />
<br />
You see last year was a huge year of growth for my business, and this year will be a huge year of growth for my family~ as I'm expecting a Baby Boy due in May. <br />
<br />
What does this mean for me? It means <em>this girlfriend</em> must slow down a little bit and get really focus on getting organized, purging, and simplifying. Friends, ughh...this is such a weakness of mine because I LOVE to go go go and I hate the idea of "missing out" on the next fun thing, or a big promotional opportunity. But the great news is that business is very steady and continuing to grow. I'm <em>so incredibly grateful</em> for that. So no matter, how hard it is for me to switch gears slightly...I must, because <em>it just feels like</em> the right time. <br />
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So what needs "organization" you ask? Hmm, well my husband would say <em>everything.</em> He's a freak about all things being tidy and efficient. It's one of those qualities about him that I love/hate. The big things I want to focus on are: <br />
<ul>
<li>Home/Space Maximization</li>
<li>Business Workflow/Streamlining </li>
<li>Personal Photos/Album Making </li>
</ul>
Organization is increasingly important, especially this year, because like Justin once said...."Having twins is like trying to put books back on a bookshelf while the earthquake is still happening, all day, everyday." And now with their little brother on the way we have to find some special earthquake conquering powers. On top of that I am running a business that I love, which requires lots of detailing and great time management. <br />
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So that's my "word." What is yours? If you have one<em> I really encourage you</em> to share it with others. It helps immensely. And please don't get discouraged if you fall off track a bit, it fact...I'm currently trying to jump back on board after a few days of chaos. <br />
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Cheers to a New Year and New Goals Ahead. <br />
<br />
Much Love, <br />
Jennifer Starr Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-30821032364901919772015-12-31T12:06:00.001-08:002016-02-05T07:21:50.749-08:00Collection of 2015 Professional Moments <br />
Hi Friends, Family, Clients, Creative Partners, and Internet Peeps, <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdMf22lysZEFEHhaOtSod6E5c8Cs9ID3zhAvj2blG-sSg2EV2ZZB1cNLd4b-M3SWjCLQsvlACErMi9XqmPi672m-AxpVbIGHAWd-2Z1pDgqJi6asqZjDHHy4TQjSojqoNj_QiRVkZ0mI/s1600/FB_IMG_1451595904895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdMf22lysZEFEHhaOtSod6E5c8Cs9ID3zhAvj2blG-sSg2EV2ZZB1cNLd4b-M3SWjCLQsvlACErMi9XqmPi672m-AxpVbIGHAWd-2Z1pDgqJi6asqZjDHHy4TQjSojqoNj_QiRVkZ0mI/s640/FB_IMG_1451595904895.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have been missing blogging on here so much. Please forgive me. I hope to continue consistently blogging more in 2016 ~ <em>who needs sleep right?</em> In all seriousness it was a whirlwind of a year. I hope to slow the train in this coming year, and really focus on doing less, but doing better, ya feel me?<br />
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It was a BIG promotional year for J.Starr Stylized Weddings...which did amazing things for my business, that I'm incredibly grateful for. However, <em>this upcoming</em> year is already filled with MORE bookings, therefore I'll be doing<em> less</em> promotional projects, AMEN.<br />
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Before I let this new year start....I did want to take a quick moment to reflect on all of the amazing celebrations that happened this year<em>....(note, some are professional photos some as candids as I'm awaiting the professional ones to come in)</em> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>2015's Professional Moments: </u></strong></span><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"></span></u></strong><br />
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<strong>Styled Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine Bridal Booth</strong> <br />
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<strong>Styled/Coordinated the Grayhawk Cover Shoot for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5-15Udwby9BQACW48QmG8mlQfz1muc7YKE6cY1YJ_UTNAOxeEdKkn2RJ0K9Enqe-QqpRK39O3MIrs3d-t4sy8Tweh9jdQnOeDUrJhg1b-bHDufF9S6c6Y07cZkESIQMbEi1emAH1nOc/s1600/Grayhawk%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5-15Udwby9BQACW48QmG8mlQfz1muc7YKE6cY1YJ_UTNAOxeEdKkn2RJ0K9Enqe-QqpRK39O3MIrs3d-t4sy8Tweh9jdQnOeDUrJhg1b-bHDufF9S6c6Y07cZkESIQMbEi1emAH1nOc/s640/Grayhawk%255B1%255D.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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<strong>Styled/Coordinated the San Marcos Cover Shoot for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4m4cnaBKiU2C1TmxtJ4OgTVjTQgReR8sXkEUV_KWrrvVhjutWWPdqW5wE_T70NhuYQzjo7_7HLB1f-ENwmlDt4ZCPi0uFOqV-uqBevCq-WDhXFJRRCr-Eog-w7CvfToeqRzjDUb9RCc/s1600/San-Marcos1%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4m4cnaBKiU2C1TmxtJ4OgTVjTQgReR8sXkEUV_KWrrvVhjutWWPdqW5wE_T70NhuYQzjo7_7HLB1f-ENwmlDt4ZCPi0uFOqV-uqBevCq-WDhXFJRRCr-Eog-w7CvfToeqRzjDUb9RCc/s640/San-Marcos1%255B1%255D.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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<strong>Assisted Fellow Wedding Planners and Venues with a total 5 Weddings </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqbjyI5tsOsCFIQFtMU_bLLCatEnqetpy-q21jVq7YTj7L8bEFdHt1g77VCV10H5-aV26G5mwMkLkj6EorhJWWoTiRUddHmjHSyb7_-TQYBtbmaR_dEReKhXRqYzPiVW1xjFQF15sRPg/s1600/20150215_173711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqbjyI5tsOsCFIQFtMU_bLLCatEnqetpy-q21jVq7YTj7L8bEFdHt1g77VCV10H5-aV26G5mwMkLkj6EorhJWWoTiRUddHmjHSyb7_-TQYBtbmaR_dEReKhXRqYzPiVW1xjFQF15sRPg/s640/20150215_173711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Styled/Coordinated the </strong><strong>Arizona Biltmore Cover + 4 Page Editorial Shoot for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTP0MAG3IWtTGw235H5_3-MdZpEO3DXoHwfw22jwEnHUp2JwXvHlCAL3Woz7lxgcs1pd4T1lQ6Jou-hZrxXLPGFgrRWjq2wT5s_gPgV8X5IfTfSIR_c-HHtmYDtPFT3X1OPczXdB7ZAA/s1600/AZ+Biltmore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTP0MAG3IWtTGw235H5_3-MdZpEO3DXoHwfw22jwEnHUp2JwXvHlCAL3Woz7lxgcs1pd4T1lQ6Jou-hZrxXLPGFgrRWjq2wT5s_gPgV8X5IfTfSIR_c-HHtmYDtPFT3X1OPczXdB7ZAA/s640/AZ+Biltmore.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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<strong>J.Starr Styled Wedding for: Lacey & Jarred </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsIOXbWs3jhjamzaD6Fcyx2zQ9DKygAD3PSDqVfxoLdkSth85gUM6ZsC0giyrQs-ZgclXIstVyEetnsYis15yxB1VrMDDl8w0H37DC0dMJqqAL1luLfCOkv2YJG4DYFGI-peToSOnnQk/s1600/Mattison-3157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsIOXbWs3jhjamzaD6Fcyx2zQ9DKygAD3PSDqVfxoLdkSth85gUM6ZsC0giyrQs-ZgclXIstVyEetnsYis15yxB1VrMDDl8w0H37DC0dMJqqAL1luLfCOkv2YJG4DYFGI-peToSOnnQk/s640/Mattison-3157.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
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<strong>Styled/Coordinated the </strong><strong>Chateau Luxe Venue Styled Photo Shoot</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eIMz6TXw1k0ajk-Tu4DIbAghgtu3a_9D3pNP7w2UtqVnwv1QSoRnEhNaUzT9w9guLsNBon7nwtQiozTeM3PGGXq9S3jRb4XL5cnRE2fibdIzpR3j2ixc7RqP4Rq64yzO-zX1ZEHIVH8/s1600/11800210_876412009078846_4070033853167825426_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eIMz6TXw1k0ajk-Tu4DIbAghgtu3a_9D3pNP7w2UtqVnwv1QSoRnEhNaUzT9w9guLsNBon7nwtQiozTeM3PGGXq9S3jRb4XL5cnRE2fibdIzpR3j2ixc7RqP4Rq64yzO-zX1ZEHIVH8/s640/11800210_876412009078846_4070033853167825426_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Launched New Website</strong> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRqXf2_shdZmSnj2bf_vDd2DQjW0_T4VhZ4otQO1RBBZJg4qC1M4iyoRSIK4mQdPOq4PTeO756_uBSuzyiu6RW8GY33z03tRSlIX47ZSaIRMs4QtB6t5WbLTHqeCg7xRIb747aV2vDmc/s1600/_BLS2395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRqXf2_shdZmSnj2bf_vDd2DQjW0_T4VhZ4otQO1RBBZJg4qC1M4iyoRSIK4mQdPOq4PTeO756_uBSuzyiu6RW8GY33z03tRSlIX47ZSaIRMs4QtB6t5WbLTHqeCg7xRIb747aV2vDmc/s640/_BLS2395.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Styled/Coordinated 3 Covers for Phoenix Bride & Groom's 15 Year Anniversary Magazine </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mPzrCqJC9YpaW3Cverc3GWTS3UQvx_UoA9Sb2NPCZEk32G_Rhtt6aUIRdjYa4UshHsH7M8wSxWaVDou5_OwivHO8MSBeuIdYddEzweNptgDp7PfyEOysKocJ_eC0KxqwHwYRxHYrU38/s1600/cover1%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mPzrCqJC9YpaW3Cverc3GWTS3UQvx_UoA9Sb2NPCZEk32G_Rhtt6aUIRdjYa4UshHsH7M8wSxWaVDou5_OwivHO8MSBeuIdYddEzweNptgDp7PfyEOysKocJ_eC0KxqwHwYRxHYrU38/s400/cover1%255B1%255D.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO91V8jvRx2e0s8vHG6K1YC488ditHV3p7E2w2MJZTJEPrFEz7qiqMGDplzEIDFcLqLuSNEFaJf1TUXO_MP_o6N3S9sIQpSjTEBvECdxUZGLpAI2H9cRfwXczH-1_sv05xFVFMiC9dyRA/s1600/cover%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO91V8jvRx2e0s8vHG6K1YC488ditHV3p7E2w2MJZTJEPrFEz7qiqMGDplzEIDFcLqLuSNEFaJf1TUXO_MP_o6N3S9sIQpSjTEBvECdxUZGLpAI2H9cRfwXczH-1_sv05xFVFMiC9dyRA/s400/cover%255B1%255D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo2cHfdl5-1xbCullJnm-MVPGxyXlJmFRhFtGn4HEQE8-QzI4geR5pVqOlIHUEefzkxG0mDg15OtgCTmfmBxF3JbXHrU2sz2vf6TfBqm4E39eYWHxeNpVJvZ5KYnyiE41r3W2YkO8p8k/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo2cHfdl5-1xbCullJnm-MVPGxyXlJmFRhFtGn4HEQE8-QzI4geR5pVqOlIHUEefzkxG0mDg15OtgCTmfmBxF3JbXHrU2sz2vf6TfBqm4E39eYWHxeNpVJvZ5KYnyiE41r3W2YkO8p8k/s400/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529%255B1%255D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<strong>J.Starr Styled Wedding for Ashley & Brian</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7V8FADiW4JjYvyC6N2aM9bOE-h9XFyipKbFCidKmjquUuRln2kvbUXJhoeTh4qK1Bh7DRaqXngRqqAd6VziUERYa05NqOj7YoF-_BnV4Zis0amrEE8ZDQkz-2oWQKTPbLmDonsgfmbg/s1600/11096472_831651303596331_6987078364959381906_n%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7V8FADiW4JjYvyC6N2aM9bOE-h9XFyipKbFCidKmjquUuRln2kvbUXJhoeTh4qK1Bh7DRaqXngRqqAd6VziUERYa05NqOj7YoF-_BnV4Zis0amrEE8ZDQkz-2oWQKTPbLmDonsgfmbg/s400/11096472_831651303596331_6987078364959381906_n%255B2%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong> </strong><br />
<strong>Styled/Coordinated: Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine Summer Bridal Booth </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKcmMojJrheETs7bZxWVj-jti_IYheWctJHY1eFcyhQcL8gHoEt2jY0JR0sPamnVibZw-VvjWCODEYf8UOSRLTRMNWZZSy3khxAOhecXgHdUlPNEFHsyJhwmLPyoMvRnIiHX1vlswCNE/s1600/HES_9531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKcmMojJrheETs7bZxWVj-jti_IYheWctJHY1eFcyhQcL8gHoEt2jY0JR0sPamnVibZw-VvjWCODEYf8UOSRLTRMNWZZSy3khxAOhecXgHdUlPNEFHsyJhwmLPyoMvRnIiHX1vlswCNE/s640/HES_9531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Styled/Coordinated:</strong><strong>Seville Golf & Country Club Summer Bridal Booth</strong><br />
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<strong>Served as Co Chair NACE Gala </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz2OyItnZCMPoRnmZThvRDuzdFDVzbeae6jbl1_A3cZt3hbx6bIpPRPNB9twlApDiDfrHZFKEmm3ppmOEG03u846Bz8cpDwNCH9t2WdTfc2svxPTVG2cgLfZBMVFSZWhNd1JmXdZiDAQ/s1600/Gala+Photos+Minson5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz2OyItnZCMPoRnmZThvRDuzdFDVzbeae6jbl1_A3cZt3hbx6bIpPRPNB9twlApDiDfrHZFKEmm3ppmOEG03u846Bz8cpDwNCH9t2WdTfc2svxPTVG2cgLfZBMVFSZWhNd1JmXdZiDAQ/s640/Gala+Photos+Minson5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Served as Event Chair for WIPA Summer Event </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs09FkwdYzcOTju-O4mLwH_TdthSdjgrHDGvsND4cU4BdIpY1YS_2Jbr9Yqbo_79w7OVO34EEpmdmJq-kIsC1FgYFiVfDlKM3qBgV1AUjv7Nqk4w89TZkDZlX4ti-6LAwmhk_fPrpx9k/s1600/WIPA+Flier.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFs09FkwdYzcOTju-O4mLwH_TdthSdjgrHDGvsND4cU4BdIpY1YS_2Jbr9Yqbo_79w7OVO34EEpmdmJq-kIsC1FgYFiVfDlKM3qBgV1AUjv7Nqk4w89TZkDZlX4ti-6LAwmhk_fPrpx9k/s640/WIPA+Flier.png" width="450" /></a></div>
<strong>J.Starr Styled Wedding for Amanda & Nate </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQArIch8AJAoj54Jj7Mz2pcuagJJ3qCS06S2RkXWES2XAP7Osa7E4s0itFCuAEfOtJFjZf83OLQywhcfRxGG7S284rwlnMGJF4q-Cx8a7I-wS-n61OLwwiNqD7rKm1HrvFizCQ2hWfAdM/s1600/ceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQArIch8AJAoj54Jj7Mz2pcuagJJ3qCS06S2RkXWES2XAP7Osa7E4s0itFCuAEfOtJFjZf83OLQywhcfRxGG7S284rwlnMGJF4q-Cx8a7I-wS-n61OLwwiNqD7rKm1HrvFizCQ2hWfAdM/s640/ceremony.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>J.Starr Styled Wedding for Taylor & Justin </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmQ7AMoXhrwOHjBe8efTergC-ufhOmGyaxUw1rGnR0Vntnqm4n3UdOwytyl8FdPBZqkc0wBCmtn7XTq4CHZvJNpJ7eqWJKh0R4Al8t2sosh6SCtUBzmx_ymsFeXRhxIQiWHTFHjaVmpQ/s1600/11058271_10153202490182957_6654074036283233806_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmQ7AMoXhrwOHjBe8efTergC-ufhOmGyaxUw1rGnR0Vntnqm4n3UdOwytyl8FdPBZqkc0wBCmtn7XTq4CHZvJNpJ7eqWJKh0R4Al8t2sosh6SCtUBzmx_ymsFeXRhxIQiWHTFHjaVmpQ/s640/11058271_10153202490182957_6654074036283233806_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<strong>J.Starr Styled "Great Gatsby Styled" Bridal Shower for Marissa</strong><br />
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<strong>J.Starr Styled Wedding for Cassy & Vincente </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztaC88u26tu1utoMq5kl-4DMznFSLVNZzGDRPhe3sk73XIhFaSjtPqH1jsQdVJZF3TW-DNLeMz0KdQpSchyimnKlrp2BVb1Yu5xshLnouc1NcLXTg1Ruf04QvNi_xuxw7ZMogyFhVwE8/s1600/Screenshot_2015-12-30-19-00-31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztaC88u26tu1utoMq5kl-4DMznFSLVNZzGDRPhe3sk73XIhFaSjtPqH1jsQdVJZF3TW-DNLeMz0KdQpSchyimnKlrp2BVb1Yu5xshLnouc1NcLXTg1Ruf04QvNi_xuxw7ZMogyFhVwE8/s640/Screenshot_2015-12-30-19-00-31.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<strong>J.Starr Styled Wedding for Marissa & Michael </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2EIpu8I2Sf5M8xL22vXlF0uAalWjIPUdmYhG7Sw4QLpqG-cYkiUo8E3ikR0qtv29pVjyin_U8s2sdkLeAheLYWX1BhmgH11UfKE4bkq172u0vI9ew-N-z2_QAy7y_2X7zuMULGGFKlY/s1600/20151212_163835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2EIpu8I2Sf5M8xL22vXlF0uAalWjIPUdmYhG7Sw4QLpqG-cYkiUo8E3ikR0qtv29pVjyin_U8s2sdkLeAheLYWX1BhmgH11UfKE4bkq172u0vI9ew-N-z2_QAy7y_2X7zuMULGGFKlY/s640/20151212_163835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>J.Starr Styled Wedding for Maryrose & Peter </strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweyv6ELNo1FMLPc2U9AreaKztsOh_RNNNM7CulxrSsTafZclHicvE0yZOZS4UHFn76PDKGBx8tQYJgYvHs0Ik0TlebqPfcyPl4qBKl1ev-Mm2fHDqJ_jY_fIrdaIawWpKNpKxIWIz2eI/s1600/20151212_112016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweyv6ELNo1FMLPc2U9AreaKztsOh_RNNNM7CulxrSsTafZclHicvE0yZOZS4UHFn76PDKGBx8tQYJgYvHs0Ik0TlebqPfcyPl4qBKl1ev-Mm2fHDqJ_jY_fIrdaIawWpKNpKxIWIz2eI/s640/20151212_112016.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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And those my friends were just the professional "highlights"...I also mixed in many networking events, client meetings, vendor meetings, bridal open houses, was a vendor at the I.DO. Wedding Charity Auction, was the Featured Winter Designer for Classic Party Rentals Display Room, and was named "Style Editor" for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites and Services Magazine Blog. <br />
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In all honesty, creating this post has made me want to take a nap...wow, <em>for like a long time. </em><br />
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I'm slightly in shock that this was the year that I lived.. growing babies and growing a business. It was a wild and crazy ride, but I'm <em>so thankful</em> for all the many opportunities, amazing clients and creative partners I got to work with this year. This just goes to show with the support of family and friends, many things are possible. <br />
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I'm also excited to share at this point in time, I'm 60% of my booking goal for next year. That means I'm only accepting a small handful of additional clients for the 2016 fall season! There was honestly a time <em>not that long ago </em>that I worried I would never book a client, thankfully I didn't listen to my inner critic. <br />
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At last, but certainly not least. I don't want this year to end without giving a big shout out, a hug and kiss to my biggest supporter, my best friend, my husband Justin. Justin you are my "rock steady" I love you more than you'll ever know. Cheers to an even better year ahead. <br />
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Happy New Year Friends, thank you for allowing me to share my world with you. <br />
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<strong></strong><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-42570295137587516012015-10-13T15:27:00.000-07:002015-10-13T15:53:16.363-07:00J. Starr Stylized Cover Shoot at Grayhawk Golf Club<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGx25e0A2WqAPLLGT0gqNIb_sgccpJvkIQ8sbQd3UoJkERJRGiqVOqsfAoza9gQCkjyfb_bTjz1IswK22uYH6RoMc2suPM1PKMgn0MnfiiDJ8caCdPa_EgDUr9e-Rfd0fh4mPH22w6ic/s1600/grayhawk+cover.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGx25e0A2WqAPLLGT0gqNIb_sgccpJvkIQ8sbQd3UoJkERJRGiqVOqsfAoza9gQCkjyfb_bTjz1IswK22uYH6RoMc2suPM1PKMgn0MnfiiDJ8caCdPa_EgDUr9e-Rfd0fh4mPH22w6ic/s640/grayhawk+cover.jpe" width="528" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;">Hi Friends!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">It's October, and that means a new issue of Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine has hit the stands! I was lucky enough to be able to design and style this shoot, and the resulting photos are absolutely stunning. Head out to the store and pick up your copy to see all of the beautiful photos! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">A huge thank you to my Creative Partners who made this amazing shoot possible with all of their hard work and talent. </span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><u>Creative Partner Team:</u></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Event Design & Coordination:<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/#!/HOME"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">J.Starr Stylized Weddings & Events</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Venue: <a href="http://grayhawkgolf.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Grayhawk Golf Club</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Floral Design: <a href="http://www.flowersbyjodi.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Flowers By Jodi</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Photography: <a href="http://steponmephoto.com/journal/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">StepOnMe Photography</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Rentals: <a href="https://classicpartyrentals.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Classic Party Rentals</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Hair and Makeup: <a href="http://www.miacosmetics.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Linda Valenzuela</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Bridal Gown: <a href="http://www.suzannesbridalboutique.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Suzanne’s Bridal Boutique</span></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Jewelry: <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/melissajonovich"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Stella & Dot</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Groom’s Attire: <a href="http://mr.formal/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mr.Formal</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Publication: <a href="http://www.finestweddingsites.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine</span></a></span></span></div>
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Check out some of the past Editorial Shoots I have done below!</div>
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<a href="http://jstarrstylizedweddings.blogspot.com/2015/08/featured-editorial-cover-arizonas.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">{Featured} J. Starr Planned & Styled Cover Shoot for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://jstarrstylizedweddings.blogspot.com/2015/02/featured-friday-on-newstands-jstarr.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">{Featured} On Newsstands Now, J. Starr Styled & Coordinated Cover</span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-30617203362367133112015-10-09T13:53:00.000-07:002015-10-09T15:10:27.362-07:00Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Marino <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMynV_yeRCPWpwxwdWsbnfubfUuF2vFCdPm8PRpXGP0UiIdSWG30mEIum4u5ztzDZk1d5VZ3Y9Gj-8RjIrLIhYD8GS1-a7R12QKEYzaPGDlnp5SKM6pAP0C-3d9vjugokuRzOVUiQ5Zm0/s1600/ready+3+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMynV_yeRCPWpwxwdWsbnfubfUuF2vFCdPm8PRpXGP0UiIdSWG30mEIum4u5ztzDZk1d5VZ3Y9Gj-8RjIrLIhYD8GS1-a7R12QKEYzaPGDlnp5SKM6pAP0C-3d9vjugokuRzOVUiQ5Zm0/s640/ready+3+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On a warm Saturday in September, Nate & Amanda became husband and wife in front of all of their friends and family. Amanda is true classic beauty and looked stunning in her lace-backed wedding gown. Nate looked handsome, always a relaxed smile upon his face. He had no doubts... He was ready. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl9aJKWz_GCt-KzCcUWmGUmUb4maMNihISUkOoyD_dichoT25HKyvoOwornE-VifqynI5u2Ou0MO9PM5ITNZXRMOpazbDrA0cPU5npoXCJRYxW2muZh0j5mUBidmiz4vQjSbg935sqWE/s1600/ceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl9aJKWz_GCt-KzCcUWmGUmUb4maMNihISUkOoyD_dichoT25HKyvoOwornE-VifqynI5u2Ou0MO9PM5ITNZXRMOpazbDrA0cPU5npoXCJRYxW2muZh0j5mUBidmiz4vQjSbg935sqWE/s640/ceremony.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Together, they married at the lovely San Tan Elegante in Gilbert, Arizona. It was obvious that day that they were surrounded by many friends and family that loved and supported them. </div>
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They said "I do" under an arch of greenery, dripped in soft crystals, candlelight and hanging white blooms. </div>
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Amanda was all aglow, and her bridesmaids looked striking in their vibrant blue dresses. </div>
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The gentlemen all looked dapper, and made sure to keep the day light and fun as they cracked jokes all day long. </div>
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The whole day was absolutely lovely. Nate and Amanda had woven in so many personalized touches, including: a puzzle guest book (that represented their love story), personalized table names, darling Arizona themed party favors (as many of the guests were from out of town). <br />
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The Mother of the Groom made dozens upon dozens of homemade cookies and treats that were elegantly displayed during the reception. Guests were in heaven indulging in "buckeyes", "peanut butter cups", and"chocolate covered ritz" just to name a few. </div>
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Such a bright and beautiful day for an amazing couple. </div>
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Congratulations Nate & Amanda! </div>
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<i>The Creative Partner Team...</i></div>
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Event Planning: <a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/#!/HOME"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>J.Starr Stylized Weddings</strong></span></a></div>
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Venue: <a href="http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/arizona/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-phoenix-gilbert-PHXSTDT/event/index.html"><strong><span style="color: blue;">San Tan Elegante</span></strong></a> </div>
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Photography: <a href="http://weddings.stilllifestudios.com/"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Still Life Studios</span></strong></a></div>
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DJ Services: <strong><a href="http://www.azcelebritydj.com/"><span style="color: blue;">AZ Celebrity DJ</span></a></strong> </div>
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Floral: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RenatasDesign/timeline"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Renata's Designs</span></strong></a> </div>
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Wedding Cake: <a href="http://www.pieceofcakedesserts.com/"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Piece of Cake Desserts</span></strong></a></div>
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Specialty Linens: <a href="http://www.southwicklinens.com/"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Southwick Linens</span></strong></a> </div>
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Officiant: <a href="mailto:anthony.montana@cornerstoneonline.com"><b>Anthony Montana </b></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-86427367858737658592015-09-24T13:50:00.001-07:002015-09-24T20:59:35.154-07:003 Biggest Misconceptions About Hiring a Wedding Planner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>1.) "I don't think I<em> need</em> a Wedding Planner."</strong><br />
<em> "I think I'm a fairly organized and creative person...I can plan my wedding and whatever I can't do on my own, I have friends and family to help."</em><br />
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Everyone <i>needs and most importantly deserves</i><strong> </strong>a<strong> </strong>Wedding Planner. A Wedding Planner is the central nucleus of your Wedding Day. Without one, there is no guarantee that your wedding will run as smoothly as it would <i>with </i>a Wedding Planner. Plus, you want to enjoy every minute of that day. You don't want to spend your day answering questions from vendors or family members or guests. An experienced Wedding Planner has planned hundreds of weddings and that wisdom is invaluable. Your family and friends also deserve to enjoy the day and not running around stressing about every detail. Let the expert take great care of all of you. <br />
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<strong>2.) "I can't afford a Wedding Planner."</strong><br />
<em>"Weddings are expensive enough, why would I spend more money hiring a Wedding Planner?"</em><br />
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While Wedding Planners can be expensive, you will never regret the investment. Wedding Planners will often times save you immense amounts of money in the long run. Planners are well aware of the average price of all vendors and all things wedding related. They can advise you on making wise decisions and educate you and your choices and options along the way. <br />
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3.) <strong>"I'm afraid a Wedding Planner will <em>take over</em> my Wedding".</strong><br />
<em>"I want our Wedding day to be our vision, not someone else's."</em> <br />
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A Wedding Planner will only help to best enhance your vision and serve as a huge resource. Wedding Planners can help you to funnel through all your <em>many </em>ideas and stay on track so that you don't become buried and overwhelmed in all the details. <br />
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<strong></strong><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-89888918816084784362015-09-16T08:07:00.000-07:002015-09-17T07:28:17.557-07:00Dear Chase ~ An Open Letter to My Brother on his 25th Birthday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__VhoExXrYa-vePqu8u1G4CC9v-pPtUaTS6ba2xaCKPGqe-OM5oF3-qFwqAbYo-xdkx1JXj7kWhEz-3u3e1iYdloLDriiNq0OxrPlg5eKlyoqn3arxKP-Whdk5lPg2Zy6nS4z_n6QAsM/s1600/0132_DNI_2277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__VhoExXrYa-vePqu8u1G4CC9v-pPtUaTS6ba2xaCKPGqe-OM5oF3-qFwqAbYo-xdkx1JXj7kWhEz-3u3e1iYdloLDriiNq0OxrPlg5eKlyoqn3arxKP-Whdk5lPg2Zy6nS4z_n6QAsM/s640/0132_DNI_2277.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Chase, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twenty five years ago on this very day, you were born. I had been an only child
up until this then. During that time, I
would pray all the time for a sibling… I wanted a buddy of my own to have in
this world and share life with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted
someone who would have the same Mom and Dad as me and be raised similarly… I simply just wanted to have someone on “my team” in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our parents had been trying for a few years,
but worried that they might not be able to have another child until... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was finally happening; I didn’t have to grow up alone as the only
“kid” in this family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
ecstatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were born and life was
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so fun having a baby in
the house, helping you to take your first steps, hearing you say your first
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would often get yourself in
trouble under my watch…eating plants, chewing on bug repellent packets… We had
to keep poison control on speed dial… You were an adventurous child with a loving
spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the years went on, I entered my teenage years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was busy with friends, and active with school activities. I remember physically pushing you out of my room more times than I’d like to
remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You always wanted to be
involved with what all the “big kids” were doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, you would run errands around town with
me and we’d blare music and go cruising….I’d drive real fast over speed bumps
so you would fly up in the air and laugh and laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite our ten year age difference we always
remained close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are the one person
in the entire world that shares my same genetic mix and was raised the same way
I was, by the same loving parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The years continued to pass, and I moved away for
college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would still come up from
time to time to stay with me at the dorms, walk the campus, and experience
college life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You began to develop a
life of your own… Becoming very active with school activities, elected Student Body
President at the same school that I had held the title at ten years prior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were pretty similar and many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although, there was a time when I started to realize <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a big difference</i> between us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was around your senior year of high
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were going through a bit of a rebellious stage, partying harder than I ever did at that age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember you got in a bit of trouble by mom
for your partying antics …I remember saying to you in an annoying big sister
voice “Don’t you care about what other people think? Don’t you want to other
people to know how well Mom and Dad raised you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember you at 18 years old firing back at
me... "No, I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know Mom and Dad are
proud of me and that’s I all care about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YOU
care way too much about what people “think”."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wow….nailed it.</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where
did you get this “bad ass" attitude from anyways?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly not from your "goody two shoes" people pleasing big
sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The years went on… full of highs and lows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were now a sophomore in college, I was 31
years old. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day in February of 2011, you came over to hang out for the day to get out of your dorm and
work on homework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Justin was off
shooting a wedding. You and I spent the day together... ran a few errands,
grabbed some lunch, and just kind of hung out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later that night, in true “big sister” form I started in on
bugging you about relationships/dating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was a little nervous to ask, because at this point you had become more
private and seemed a bit annoyed with this topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But being a big sister, that’s what I
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that was the night; sitting at my kitchen table, in my tiny
apartment…..you told me that you are gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Those words forever changed
me as a person</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember early on looking at photos of you from past times
and thinking to myself, wait... <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you were gay
then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and that time too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>It just didn’t make sense to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I
have a gay brother? Me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>That was
something I saw on cheesy lifetime movies... That was “other peoples’ family's”…not
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“How could I have a gay brother?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i>You’re the only human on this earth with similar genetic makeup, raised
by the same people and you’re GAY?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is
this possible? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went through many
phases following this conversation….shock, disbelief, anger, grief, acceptance, hope and now, I can finally thankfully say peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But during that time... it was really really difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I regret the selfishness I displayed to you
at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much I as loved and supported you, I was
still struggling with how much <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this
affected me </i>and there wasn’t anything I could do about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the biggest thing I had to get past was realizing <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that
being gay isn’t a choice, it’s who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i></b>I had thought prior to you “telling me” that I already <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thought</i> this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had had gay friends previously… but I guess
I hadn’t really thought much about it because it hadn’t affected me <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">directly.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of a sudden I was the sister of a gay
sibling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was I supposed to be one of
those people you saw on TV? Marching in the parades with the t shirt on that
said “ I love my gay brother?”. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My reaction to you “coming out” at first was fairly<span style="background-color: white;"> </span>good (as it was an out of body experience, and
I was in a state of shock)…but as the days, weeks, and months went on….I’m
certain there were times when I said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all
the wrong things</i> to you, and for that I’m incredibly sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every emotion I had was always coming from a
foundation of love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to process this…but ultimately when it came down
to it…My fear was about <i>what other people would think</i>... of you, of mom and dad, and of
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was my real struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy that you were so confident, so
secure, and knew that you wanted to be yourself and live an authentically real
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would people think when they found out my brother was
gay? What about our parents?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That thought
weighed heavily on my heart as you didn’t tell them for another nine months
after you told me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like the rest
of the world wasn’t going to love you “enough” and until Mom and Dad were aware
I had to protect you and love you<i> enough for all of us</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t necessarily a healthy way of
thinking…but it's how I felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called
you all the time, asking you questions…more and more questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time you answered, sometimes our
conversations were filled with tears, sometimes laughs... And a few times even
included anger and yelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I became ultra sensitive to life, the world, and the
media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if I was just waiting
for someone to say one derogative comment and I feared that I would completely lash
out at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became incredibly angry
inside at times as I was processing this. Anger wasn’t a familiar feeling to
me… it was weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it stemmed from how
much I love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I told each of my best friends individually and “in person.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each individual conversation I had, I
entered into a different phase of acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as I began to pull off the layers and let my loved ones in, I soon
realized… They were like <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Umm Jennifer…it’s not really a big deal, we
love Chase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, this news makes us
love him even more.” <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, that was my biggest struggle <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">worrying about what everyone
else would think. </i></b>But why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well
mainly because, at the time, it was illegal for gay people to get married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was against the law!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the message that the world had been
sending, that’s what was causing me so much fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There I sat, as a Wedding Planner… starting my own business. And it was against the law for you, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my brother</i> to get married?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That didn’t make any sense to me.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even thought about quitting the
business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just didn’t seem fair. How
is it “okay” for me to be married to the person I love but not you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the next four
years I could sense that changes were happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes were open and I saw that most
Americans believed in love and supported love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was also clear to me that there were those that didn’t. Those comments or “likes” on
social media jumped out to me like red flags and often times hurt my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took it as a personal attack,
even though these people didn’t even realize how much they were hurting my
feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I know that most
everything in life that is unsupported is rooted by “fear”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So overtime, I learned to let things roll off
me a little easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was their loss,
not mine and definitely not yours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then on June 26<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> of 2015 the Supreme Court ruled
that “all states must allow same sex marriages, nationwide.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember tears falling from my face, I had
forgotten how deeply rooted this affected me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I texted you right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life
seemed “fair” and I couldn’t be happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chase, today on your 25<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Birthday, I wanted to publicly thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong><em>Thank you for
having the courage to be you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em></strong>You,
little brother, are an incredible person with ridiculous amounts of talent,
charisma, and smarts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have already
done, and I’m certain you will continue to do, great things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to see your future unfold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chase, your courage has changed and inspired me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now care lots “less” about what people think of me, and that’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>all because of you.</strong></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank
you, you’ve encouraged me to live my life more authentically. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please know <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how much</i>
your life is impacting others in a positive way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep being you, you have so much to give to
world and I’ll forever be your biggest cheerleader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Happy Birthday Stinkerbell</em></strong>, I love you. Thank you for always being on
“my team” in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your Proud Sis </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-38782455246003261772015-09-11T09:20:00.002-07:002015-09-12T05:31:14.135-07:00Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Mattison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhau3BbJxDaag6jTl1T7b0DhgcsB3bFAcBD79LE8Xw1DL5mVD6NtACV2MkXl35tkyvPSBn6vV8kzHV4WwsWMHJ0t_v1jDtdz6gU33cw5FMp1YcA7NWQs4cTwLGuSH9egXoQ9_UPradN1bs/s1600/Mattison-3152+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhau3BbJxDaag6jTl1T7b0DhgcsB3bFAcBD79LE8Xw1DL5mVD6NtACV2MkXl35tkyvPSBn6vV8kzHV4WwsWMHJ0t_v1jDtdz6gU33cw5FMp1YcA7NWQs4cTwLGuSH9egXoQ9_UPradN1bs/s640/Mattison-3152+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once upon a spring day on March 14th, 2015, two best friends became husband and wife.</div>
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Lacey ~ a fun loving, joke cracking, fun spirited beautiful woman. </div>
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and </div>
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Jarred~ a warm, kind hearted, and caring handsome guy. </div>
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On the day they married their personalities shined through every detail in the wedding. The most important elements to them were: </div>
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1. Everyone have fun!</div>
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2. There be lots of surprises!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4DlUy0vbcx2lYpm_qA54y8HtOtQ0giJcdZEDb-yQZmfnKQ7DYutCUGKTpFrZLUcWpSCWndEUn6VJyxsrwbK2q78HU7GQuUVZU757YIq2bYe3l78-n3TMw8_Hlffox3exavSlqJaDM1k/s1600/Lacey-Getting-Ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4DlUy0vbcx2lYpm_qA54y8HtOtQ0giJcdZEDb-yQZmfnKQ7DYutCUGKTpFrZLUcWpSCWndEUn6VJyxsrwbK2q78HU7GQuUVZU757YIq2bYe3l78-n3TMw8_Hlffox3exavSlqJaDM1k/s640/Lacey-Getting-Ready.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lacey chose a dress designed by the famous wedding gown designer: Kitty Chen. And yes, her dress was a light shade of pink, which she was thrilled about. Her accessories also included hints of pink hues and sparkle, <i>lots of sparkle</i>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxL2JPdNSTXtWM7shQrMA1JqDnOPJVvoPBV6jLLj6ceXvmynS4MTDX9byYtWSI4i4X8Gqzy_mTbWh9An68ftumpzkeiuEL1qNZvHx9jHjezIrIEdNpGWNuiHxlCatzYIWU6ZABrWbdac/s1600/Lacey-Getting-Ready1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxL2JPdNSTXtWM7shQrMA1JqDnOPJVvoPBV6jLLj6ceXvmynS4MTDX9byYtWSI4i4X8Gqzy_mTbWh9An68ftumpzkeiuEL1qNZvHx9jHjezIrIEdNpGWNuiHxlCatzYIWU6ZABrWbdac/s640/Lacey-Getting-Ready1.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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There was a lot of excitement and love in Lacey's hotel suite that afternoon while she was getting ready with her mom and all of her best friends surrounding her... . </div>
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Lacey was nervously excited...she just couldn't wait to see her Groom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GW8Im5cqxtofugHVzrCHcsSs9rMZivNqLT84ZxKyDjB1hGqwFzhigsF7zkxt5bGVDQsKHqGnrqUiePK86Gkkq_oQWpzIPuDyeESwQPU5ZjTGpAm-iBQzOMgLjnxk1UzCz-it8BAUHhE/s1600/Mattison-6267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GW8Im5cqxtofugHVzrCHcsSs9rMZivNqLT84ZxKyDjB1hGqwFzhigsF7zkxt5bGVDQsKHqGnrqUiePK86Gkkq_oQWpzIPuDyeESwQPU5ZjTGpAm-iBQzOMgLjnxk1UzCz-it8BAUHhE/s640/Mattison-6267.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Entering Jarred's room was comical. The Best man Tim was hard at work ironing away, another groomsman was in a mad search for his missing bow tie...eventually found at the bottom of his tux bag. Jarred was concerned...concerned about the timeline, about the missing bow tie...but mostly concerned about his bride. <em> "Is she okay?" </em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh21W95yp4NMndGIKuRJRwr-QNMBvDPCwmh0TM5KS257HQedPcW2EXPqlbnWC8LkoVVvWsc4AUTlOAug_Id5SJrzjZe7aHUFJwzpG6yVvhV8sJYcky9F-GyC1N8SaT5pkMWrDeKTZKuEI/s1600/Lacey4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh21W95yp4NMndGIKuRJRwr-QNMBvDPCwmh0TM5KS257HQedPcW2EXPqlbnWC8LkoVVvWsc4AUTlOAug_Id5SJrzjZe7aHUFJwzpG6yVvhV8sJYcky9F-GyC1N8SaT5pkMWrDeKTZKuEI/s640/Lacey4.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
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Finally it was time for Lacey and Jarred to have their "first meeting." Lacey was on pins and needles...for as calm of a person as she naturally tends to be...this was a moment of sheer, nervous exhilaration. She had waited for this moment for a long time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fU0k2ZBtvIXOEkx2n9vf9l8o9RmyMng13Fhp7EQNg-DVyEWBAc9moKEsHbp0_TSz6oiQUlAYLRhX8OuUOSGb5W8hmkWuFsIwx_fNTlrpyrgqRFdDyyEIDA2r3JepO-lrvM5sEqcHnzY/s1600/Lacey5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fU0k2ZBtvIXOEkx2n9vf9l8o9RmyMng13Fhp7EQNg-DVyEWBAc9moKEsHbp0_TSz6oiQUlAYLRhX8OuUOSGb5W8hmkWuFsIwx_fNTlrpyrgqRFdDyyEIDA2r3JepO-lrvM5sEqcHnzY/s640/Lacey5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then their were two.... A team. Ready to embrace the most magical moments of their life. Ready to spend the rest of lives together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbU9OgYU_R27QjduZ94b5MMHDq0EjXnJr1Q89pNC7m7iVVHh9JFJtRZ-I7Cc9PN_XzrlkTMEkGYZHwJiYtLuH7l0oC8zdwx0Y7D8A_Mak6DsUqq2SvfH19no9RPMOjpE52bl8sKjjCjM/s1600/Mattison-3158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbU9OgYU_R27QjduZ94b5MMHDq0EjXnJr1Q89pNC7m7iVVHh9JFJtRZ-I7Cc9PN_XzrlkTMEkGYZHwJiYtLuH7l0oC8zdwx0Y7D8A_Mak6DsUqq2SvfH19no9RPMOjpE52bl8sKjjCjM/s640/Mattison-3158.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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They were ready.... it was time. </div>
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She was ready for him to continue always sitting next to her (never across) and holding her hand. She was ready for him to continue telling her that "she's amazing." He was ready for her to continue to always think about him, more great kisses, and always being together. These things wont change, they will just mean more as time goes on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOF44Qs47hscjjgNMtpFYVieG_CxVfpfX3TOAvqLQq0LOm_7c1CcMKCFB2E6qR6F5Qz1CbhH2qtW2n05OLavMe0AcQEstBbzp-seshyCzyIQc8reFUBcmWk_b_xgyBV2hS6fKeKy7Mfw/s1600/Laceyceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOF44Qs47hscjjgNMtpFYVieG_CxVfpfX3TOAvqLQq0LOm_7c1CcMKCFB2E6qR6F5Qz1CbhH2qtW2n05OLavMe0AcQEstBbzp-seshyCzyIQc8reFUBcmWk_b_xgyBV2hS6fKeKy7Mfw/s640/Laceyceremony.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
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Their ceremony was "Whimsically Glam" in every sense of the word. There were pinwheels, balloons, polka dots, and many sparkles. The guests were happy and excited. Every member of the Bridal Party truly had immense amounts of love for Lacey and Jarred and it showed. </div>
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<u><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmI51eWOdJbOxX-DEOf2Xq3ji5zQYEVCnJaR6Fvkxr4HnzTdCAfvM4WZ-Oc8zNFXeAneVdBXv9CPUXM7LpiFMoajqq2RZpuSk1y3pIbl4JtSKh-HpGj2Kxaqk6e7UPJ310Tmqb1usT2d0/s1600/Mattison-3253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmI51eWOdJbOxX-DEOf2Xq3ji5zQYEVCnJaR6Fvkxr4HnzTdCAfvM4WZ-Oc8zNFXeAneVdBXv9CPUXM7LpiFMoajqq2RZpuSk1y3pIbl4JtSKh-HpGj2Kxaqk6e7UPJ310Tmqb1usT2d0/s640/Mattison-3253.jpg" width="426" /></a></b></u></div>
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And Lacey had her balloon....a giant pink balloon with white polka dots. And Jared had her. </div>
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<u><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX-J043XzWwDC1aTb4jA9OzECY6NbivtvFmfxGPhpH6sJUeW86BM-6DXdJpFwF3zqvQivA-J1MecPuf1npGda9q1eevZmjTlIz_Esm6-aQ4DpHgxEsC6z_wKyy-e8IOY1HeQRwH4UqJM/s1600/Mattison-6096+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX-J043XzWwDC1aTb4jA9OzECY6NbivtvFmfxGPhpH6sJUeW86BM-6DXdJpFwF3zqvQivA-J1MecPuf1npGda9q1eevZmjTlIz_Esm6-aQ4DpHgxEsC6z_wKyy-e8IOY1HeQRwH4UqJM/s640/Mattison-6096+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></u></div>
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And on that day, we heard them say.....</div>
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<em>"There's nobody else, there's nobody else." ~ Lacey </em></div>
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<em>"Life is good baby, life is good. I love you." ~ Jarred</em> </div>
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Everything in the room had a meaning behind it, each detail. It was important to Lacey and Jarred that the details were personalized. Their cake topper included their dog, Wrigley. Their table signs included photos of them, and each number represented something significant to their relationship. </div>
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Entering the Grand Ballroom guests were awe struck by the sparkly, fun, and quirky details. The Bridal Party sat at a stunning, long feasting table in the middle of the room draped in blush sequin linens. </div>
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The tables were topped with light, romantic flirty flowers spilling out of bird cages, antique oversized windowed photo frames, with touches of pinwheels throughout the room. </div>
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But there was one thing slightly confusing about the room....it didn't have a dance floor? Hmm....Lacey and Jarred knew this would be puzzling to their guests. </div>
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Awe... but wait. Just after their beautiful dinner was completed... which by the way was "breakfast"...yes they served their guests a decedent array of comforting breakfast foods! Why? Well because they love breakfast, and why not? </div>
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As dinner ended Lacey and Jarred slipped away... And positioned themselves on the other side of the ballroom (which had been divided by an air wall.) </div>
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And all of a sudden....their six piece band started rocking out, and the dividing wall started magically opening... And their was Lacey and Jarred, SUPRISING all of their guests with an additional room, entirely decorated with a LIVE BAND (The most important element to Jarred) and all of the sudden, Lacey and Jarred began dancing their first dance (choreographed) to the song "You are the Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne. The crowd went wild... Circling around them in amazement. </div>
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Pure magic. The band's talent was truly unbelievable, they brought such energy to the room!</div>
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And of course the surprises didn't stop there... There was an additional photo booth, a gourmet donut bar... and endless amounts of fun. </div>
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The party rocked on all night long. Everyone had a unbelievable time... Great dance moves, flowing libations... And incredible live music. </div>
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And this was their day. A day that Lacey and Jarred will always have as "theirs". All that know them well... know that the party and fun for them <em>has only just begun.</em> </div>
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<u><b>Creative Partners:</b></u></div>
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<b>Venue: </b><a href="http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/arizona/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-phoenix-gilbert-PHXSTDT/index.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">DoubleTree by Hilton - San Tan Elegante</span></a></div>
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<b>Photographer: </b><a href="http://www.photographylabellavita.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">La Bella Vita Photography</span></a></div>
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<b>Videographer:<a href="http://www.richardtalbotproductions.com/"> </a></b><a href="http://www.richardtalbotproductions.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Richard Talbot Productions</span></a></div>
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<b>Florist: </b><a href="mailto:Renatahodl26@gmail.com"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Renata Hodl</span></a></div>
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<b>Hair & Makeup: </b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tiffany Moore</span></div>
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<b>Musicians: </b><a href="http://www.luckydevilsband.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Lucky Devils Band</span></a></div>
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<b>Officiant:<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span></b><a href="mailto:Mrenteria627@gmail.com"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Marco</span></a></div>
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<b>Desserts: </b><a href="http://www.pieceofcakedesserts.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Piece of Cake Desserts</span></a>, <a href="http://www.darlingdonutsaz.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Darling Donuts</span></a></div>
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<b>Photo Booths: </b><a href="mailto:kyleedeann@gmail.com"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Kylee</span></a><br />
<strong>Wedding Planner/Designer: </strong><a href="http://www.jstarrweddings.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">J.Starr Stylized Weddings</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-28188792616241525392015-09-09T14:17:00.003-07:002015-09-09T14:27:19.337-07:00"How He Asked, in His Words" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://steponmephoto.com/journal/"><strong><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos By StepOnMe</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Photography</span></span></strong></a><span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>In His Words...</strong></span> </i></div>
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"<i>To those of you that read this, I’m warning you in advance that this is my first blog post ever and it is probably going to be really terrible. That being said I hope you enjoy the story about my beautiful fiancé Taylor and I." ~ Justin </i></div>
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I want you to imagine a college bar scene. It’s a dark, cold Friday night and all the bar lights are shining and lines of college students are forming outside the door. Now, imagine the poor soul who is checking ID’s at the front door of the most popular bar near campus. That was me.<br />
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I was a recent graduate and was working three jobs trying to build a future for myself, this job, as the security manager, was a job I had had all through college and I stayed working there because I didn’t know what the bar would do without me. In reality I think that maybe it was more of me not knowing what to do without working at the bar. Maybe it was a little bit of both.<br />
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After working at the same bar late every night for so many years, you become accustomed to all of the regular patrons to the point where you know what each individual is wearing in their driver’s license picture and what state they are from. You become accustomed to pretty girls dressed to impress and always attempting to cut the line to get in. For some reason I never allowed it, because I wondered why they should be so special to cut the line just because they were wearing heels and a dress in the middle of winter. <br />
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So when a gorgeous girl with blue eyes and a bright smile stands in line and doesn’t attempt to go through the VIP entrance, you tend to take notice, especially when all of the guys around her can’t stop staring. <i>This girl was Taylor</i>. I didn’t know it at the time, but this was the woman who would become the most important individual in my life and my soulmate.<br />
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You see, bouncers have a secret code that we identify people with in order to communicate with each other. This way, other people won't understand what the conversation is over the radio. We have codes for drunk people, fake ID’s, people sleeping, people puking, and identifying pretty girls. The first time Taylor walked into the bar I called over the radio that there was a “Single Pineapple Indiana Tiger”. According to the bouncer handbook I cannot divulge the translation of this phrase because it might jeopardize the code... But, let’s just say that I thought she was very attractive.<br />
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A few more nights passed and she continued to come to the bar. For someone that had not previously been a regular she had been making quite a few appearances. Every time she came in she was always polite, quiet and would just smile at me and not say a word. So I watched, not in a creepy stare where she needed to get a restraining order, but more of an observation. Observing her friends, the type of person she becomes after she had been drinking, and if she was dating anyone.<br />
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After a while I came to the conclusion that she was a nice person. Most pretty girls are very unapproachable and mock someone who is out of their league for attempting to talk to them, but Taylor was very classy. She was always friendly, she always had a smile, and was friends with a large spectrum of people. Fortunately for me, I realized that one of her close friends was a coworker of mine at the bar. Once I realized this friend connection I went straight to the coworker and in a roundabout way asked if she would introduce us.<br />
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To my surprise she was eager to introduce us because she felt that we would be a good match. After she introduced us, I made a few shy jokes and tried my hardest to be interesting and funny and before she left the bar I made sure to give her my number and asked her to call me.<br />
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Although I was nervous the moment I gave her my number, I had no idea how much more nervous I was going to become after that night. (Side Note: Taylor actually “lost” my number right after she left the bar and had to ask her friends to contact my friends to get it for her. I didn’t find this out until later.)<br />
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After our second date, I knew she was the woman I was going to marry so I began saving for a diamond ring. From that moment on, we went through a year of dating and several trials and tribulations. Between living hundreds of miles apart to my season of work as a Hot Shot where I would be gone for weeks on end without phone service.<br />
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Once we decided to finally move in together, and get new jobs in order to be closer to one another, life began to run more smoothly. After I saved enough money to buy her a ring, I took her to Jared’s and told her we were just looking at rings because if I didn’t mention it already, Taylor is one of the pickiest and opinionated people I know (I mean that in the most affectionate way). Once she had decided on a ring, I surprised her when I just said, "Let's just get it." But, I told her I would wait to give it to her.<br />
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Once I had the ring in my pocket, and we were on our way home from the jewelry store, I knew that I couldn’t wait because I was so excited. Once we got home, she went into the bedroom and when she came out, I had the ring out. She looked at me and I said, <i>“So are we doing this or not?</i>” You can imagine what the response was since I wrote this blog."<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-43532929609958114152015-09-07T14:29:00.003-07:002015-09-07T15:47:01.598-07:005 Random Thoughts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgakA9L1kRDS0SdS2pR-9nWCneRaORgmo-F8e6BVzw5SdaWsXa-SOeAWlLOsZ0YYpq9tnxDgcKL9oAoWgB282R_Q8e0f0qjTr5bpZoo96gALECFneBnN1ntDe1mesCn_eNK45-J5gb9Tc/s1600/valleyhoeditorial-ericavelascophotographers-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgakA9L1kRDS0SdS2pR-9nWCneRaORgmo-F8e6BVzw5SdaWsXa-SOeAWlLOsZ0YYpq9tnxDgcKL9oAoWgB282R_Q8e0f0qjTr5bpZoo96gALECFneBnN1ntDe1mesCn_eNK45-J5gb9Tc/s640/valleyhoeditorial-ericavelascophotographers-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As Seen In: <a href="http://www.finestweddingsites.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo By:<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <a href="http://ericavelascophotographers.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Erica Velasco Photography </span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Floral By: <a href="http://gardengateflowersaz.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Garden Gate Flowers</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rentals By:<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <a href="https://classicpartyrentals.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Classic Party Rentals </span></a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Linens: <a href="http://www.southwicklinens.com/"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Southwick Linens</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Venue: <a href="http://www.hotelvalleyho.com/scottsdalehotels/index.html?"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Hotel Valley Ho</span></a></span> </div>
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Happy Monday!<br />
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It's Labor Day. Which means today Justin and I are both working:) I saw <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kindrahallfan/photos/a.581722715221305.1073741825.484288024964775/977818658945040/?type=1"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">this post</span></a> the other day and it made me giggle. So true. <br />
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In an effort to keep up with my consistent blogging schedule...today I thought I would simple share 5 Random Thoughts. <br />
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1.) <strong>Photoshop.</strong> I wish more than anything I was an expert with this program. Case in point....my wedding blog posts. I recently purchased some swanky new Photoshop templates to best showcase real life weddings and photo shoots on my blog. However... Learning how to correctly use them is a painfully long process requiring lots of time. Hence the reason why I was never able to share Lacey and Jarred's Wedding on Friday. No fear my friends, I will get this down. Stay tuned...<br />
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2.) <strong>Periscope.</strong> Seriously, you guys, this new social media is so <em>different</em> than anything I've seen before. What is it, you ask? It's live video broadcasting! For example if I'm onsite rocking an event I can sign on and broadcast live (in real time) from the event! And viewers can log on and chat with me via messages that pop up on my screen and show love by tapping hearts. It's seriously so much fun. It's a very raw, non edited, in the moment form of social media. If you haven't tried it yet, I highly encourage you to give it a whirl. Especially if you're a J.Starr Client... Because I'll be sharing tons of advice and helpful hints in regards to wedding planning and event design! Look for me on periscope at: @jstarrstyle. <br />
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3.) <strong>Wave of New Bookings.</strong> I've recently booked a handful of new beautiful couples in a short amount of time. I'm so honored and thrilled. I'm officially reached my booking limit for the Fall of 2015, and I'm halfway to my booking limit for the Spring of 2016. Over the years I've discovered that I feel comfortable booking a max of 12 to 15 Weddings each year. This allows me to really be able to concentrate on my booked clients while also realistically allowing me to balance my work/life roles.<br />
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Will this change in the future? Maybe, and maybe not. I'm still pondering the next step for my business. All I can say right now is.... <strong><em>I'm extremely grateful. </em></strong>I've been passionately growing <i>J.Starr Stylized Weddings</i> for 4.5 years now, and I'm so happy to be at this new point in my business. <br />
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4.) <strong>The Weather.</strong> Amen. August is such a dreadful time for us Arizona peeps. I've been having an especially difficult time because keeping my twinzies inside is difficult. I'm jumping for joy that I can finally take them out for walks to the park again in the mornings.<br />
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5.) <strong>Our 13th Annual Party.</strong> Plans for our "13th Annual" are underway. This is a tradition that we started our very first year of dating....<em>13 years ago!</em> It's simply a party that we host for our friends, typically with a theme of some kind. It's been a stretch trying to keep this tradition alive after having kids...schedules get tighter, babysitting must be scheduled, it's a lot of work for not only us... But also the attendees. We've all become official grownups now and our lives are much different now than what they were at the age of 23. But now, especially more than ever, we think it's so important to keep in touch with our friends. <br />
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In the past we've always made this a Halloween Party. Last year we realized that October is just way too busy of a month for us (Wedding Season). So, we thought about making last year our final party (sad face). But on a whim, we decided a week ago...let's just throw together a Beach Brunch party in a week and see what happens. I'm in shock that with only a week's notice, our RSVP count is super high! Yeah for embracing changes that work! Can't wait for Saturday... Beach vibes, Bloody Marys, Breakfast Burritos, and fun times ahead. <br />
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P.S. In the past I've invited my amazing clients and industry friends. This year I've decided against it... Simply because business has GROWN and there's a lot of fabulous people in my life. Wow, how lucky am I?<br />
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<em>Dear Lovely Clients (Past & Future),</em> <br />
Please, please, please do not be offended for not being invited this year, because<em> <strong>you are so loved.</strong></em> So much in fact that I'm going to be hosting something very special just for you in the near future, stay tuned! I can't wait. <br />
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<em>Dear Industry Friends,</em><br />
I see you guys at fancy parties all the time anyways ;) Plus I'm guessing most of you are working Weddings on Saturday anyways. Ya know I love you all. <br />
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HAPPY MONDAY!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-5343908248228357992015-09-02T20:32:00.000-07:002015-09-02T20:47:00.605-07:00Choose What Matters Most... First <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDMWyDecdZhcu4qbXiSsHWiY5LeLDrPar6uEHcxoaKgKiz7T-CJzN3qLsr4Pb2WxmbEzB8tuu72gYCa8ycZxhjvS_8yQ2-2ZTGJpUQxPNvYRDQ2Zt45uypBvRWNKYPQGon31prFmePxQ/s1600/Hri61ZNtGrU6X9xpljN-fwsgiA2veU-3H5aiMqWxXXU.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDMWyDecdZhcu4qbXiSsHWiY5LeLDrPar6uEHcxoaKgKiz7T-CJzN3qLsr4Pb2WxmbEzB8tuu72gYCa8ycZxhjvS_8yQ2-2ZTGJpUQxPNvYRDQ2Zt45uypBvRWNKYPQGon31prFmePxQ/s640/Hri61ZNtGrU6X9xpljN-fwsgiA2veU-3H5aiMqWxXXU.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photography by <a href="http://brooke-photography.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Brooke Photography</span></a><br />
Floral by<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><a href="http://azflowerbar.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Flower Bar</span></a><br />
At the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxdr-jw-marriott-phoenix-desert-ridge-resort-and-spa/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">JW Marriott Desert Ridge</span></a><br />
For <a href="http://www.finestweddingsites.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites & Services Magazine</span></a></td></tr>
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Happy Wednesday Lovelies!<br />
<span style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: normal;">Alright... Let's t</span>alk about what matters most to you.<br />
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Planning a Wedding can put an immense amount of pressure on a couple. Many times couple feel like they have to "out do" everything that they've ever seen before. But I'm telling you all<i>... Please</i> do not to put that kind of extra pressure on yourselves because the truth is, if you "out do" everything, <b><i>nothing </i></b>will ever stand out.<br />
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I would like to encourage you to choose the two things that matter <b>most</b> to you. Is it the venue? Guest count? Is it the photography? Or is it the overall design and style? Is it the culinary experience?<br />
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Put some solid thought into it and whatever those two things may be, stick with them and really focus in on making them extra special! Focus on those two things, and be willing to compromise on other areas.</div>
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For example, if you know that the most important thing to you is being able to invite <i>everyone</i> then think about about offering your guests a modest dinner, such as a plated chicken dish and perhaps a cash bar instead of an open bar.<br />
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If you desire to put a big focus on the catering of your wedding then consider choosing a venue that already offers a beautiful setting. Find one that doesn't require you to add an enormous amount of additional decor.<br />
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If entertainment is your number one factor and you want to hire a live band, think about choosing non-floral arrangements for your centerpieces (candles, antique books, lanterns, etc.)<br />
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The bottom line is... It's your day. If you truly put your personality into the details, your wedding day will shine and be incredibly unique to all those that attend.<br />
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Much Love,<br />
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Jennifer Starr<br />
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Want more J. Starr tips to help you out with the planning process? Check out these blog posts I have done in the past!<br />
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<a href="http://jstarrstylizedweddings.blogspot.com/2015/02/wedding-wednesday-going-with-gut-when.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Going with Your Gut, When Choosing Vendors</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://jstarrstylizedweddings.blogspot.com/2015/01/5-questions-to-consider-before-your.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">5 Questions to Consider, Before Your Initial Wedding Planning Consultation</span></a></div>
<a href="http://jstarrstylizedweddings.blogspot.com/2014/05/wedding-wednesday-budget-guest-list.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Budged & Guest Selection Before Venue Selection</span></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3056418288348367492.post-11495610226749352322015-08-31T08:22:00.000-07:002015-08-31T12:26:32.797-07:00A Few Life Lessons....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>This morning I thought I'd share a few life lessons that have been weighing on me lately. I learned these from my Granny. I hesitate to blog this for fear that I might leave something important that she taught me out...but I guess I can always write a follow up if need be. I'm just gonna let my heart spill out a bit. </em><br />
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<em>You see, she was incredibly important to me. But in a way, that I never really realized how much before because it was buried so deep. It wasn't until recently, as she lived her final days, that her role in my life has became more magnetized.</em> <br />
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1.) <strong>Love Hard.</strong> <br />
She taught me to <em>love hard.</em> She made sure everyone that she loved, <em>knew</em> they were loved, deeply. She never held back the chance to say "I love you." She never hesitated to give big hugs. When ever I left her home, she insisted on walking me out. Even the very last time I visited her. She would wait until I was in my car, just to have the chance to wave goodbye and blow me a kiss. She always expressed love abundantly, and without hesitation. <br />
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2.) <strong>Sharing & Giving.</strong><br />
She shared everything. She struggled accepting gifts, because sharing was so much more important to her. Life wasn't easy for her growing up, she didn't have much as a child, and lost her mother at the age of 12...and then lost her father a few years later. She was the eldest of her four siblings and had to take on a lot at a very young age. She learned early on what it meant to stretch a dime. That always stayed with her. She was uncomfortable with large purchases for herself, but always wanted those around her to have it all. <br />
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3.) <strong>Approachability</strong><br />
As my mom wrote in her obituary "She never knew a stranger." She talked, laughed, and joked with everyone. Going to the grocery store with her was an experience. She hugged strangers, she gave random children cookies, she called cute young boys her "boyfriend." She was a hoot. She never cared much about social norms. She just saw goodness in people. And that was just on the surface. For me she was incredibility approachable because she shared her stories with me. She told me all about her first love, the birth of her babies, her many travels (as my Papa was in the air force). The common theme in all of her stories was about "the people". She loved people and all their differences. She allowed me to share my life with her. I could tell her anything, and she would always respond back with a caring tone. <br />
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4.) <strong>Warmth & Kindness</strong><br />
The moment someone stepped foot in her home. "Can I get you something to drink? Can I get you something to eat? You look tired. Why don't you go get up on my bed and cut the fan on." She wanted to make sure you felt as comfortable as possible in her home. And in her glory days...<em>she could cook. </em>Wow, the best food I've ever tasted. The moment you were in her presence (even strangers) you immediately felt loved. <br />
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5.) <strong>Sense of Humor</strong><br />
She never took herself too seriously. She loved to laugh, tell wild stories, and she was famous for her random sayings in her Tennessee accent. She joked around a lot, and cracked herself up a lot. She knew the power of a good laugh. <br />
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6.) <strong>Building Memories</strong><br />
Whenever I left her home she would always tell me <strong><em>"I love you Jenny Girl, go build some memories."</em></strong> My eyes tear up just typing those words as I can hear her voice so strong. She constantly encouraged me to "do fun things." She always reminded to build as many memories now, because memories are all you have towards the end of your life. <br />
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<em>Happy Monday My Friends.....</em><br />
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<em>Cheers to loving hard and laughing along the way. xo</em><br />
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<em>~Jennifer Starr </em><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10778189485412319658noreply@blogger.com0