Hello Gorgeous!
So, you’ve just gotten engaged! You’ve shared the news with friends and family. You’ve even spoken to your wedding party and started on your guest list! But the stress, and sometimes panic, is already bubbling? Then one night it comes to you; you realize you need a planner! That’s where we come in! Sometimes bride and grooms aren’t entirely sure how to set themselves and their wedding planner up for success. There are certain difficult or “sticky” conversations that you MUST have with your planner in order for them to be able to bring your dream wedding to a reality the way you want it.
We’ve listed below some of the KEY conversations you should have with your planner EARLY on in your relationship. These will help your planner be your best advocate, cheerleader, and defender! Knowing these key opinions, facts, and situations will allow your planner to represent you in the most accurate ways throughout the process and on the wedding day!
1. Communication Style
When it comes to your wedding day, you and your planner should have completely open communication. It is paramount that you both find a way to communicate that puts your mind at ease during the process and allows your planner to do her job effectively. If you are a more visual person and you’d like to see more photos or sketches of your design or reception layout, let your planner know. If you absolutely hate email and never ever remember to respond, let them know text or calling is the way to go. If you have zero interest in the nitty gritty of the process but you’d like updates along the way just to know how things are going, they can accommodate! The key is to establish this early on in the journey, so you are able to relax and enjoy being engaged!
2. Family Stuff
Someone once said that weddings are a lot like family reunions, and we agree! We know that this day will be exciting and exhausting, but on top of that, you’re getting to see hundreds of your closest friends and family! Family gatherings can bring joy, fun and a bit of drama. Whether this drama is light-hearted or related to Illness, divorce, loss, etc. your planner can help you maintain focus on your wedding day. Some of these things can help bring us closer and make us stronger individuals, but with all of the emotions of a wedding buzzing about, we want to be prepared for anything. This could mean having a moment to memorialize lost family members, or knowing not to sit Cousin Suzy next to Aunt Lisa at the reception. Whatever the family drama or struggle, your wedding planner can help alleviate the discomfort and help focus the day around happiness and love.
3.Priorities
It may seem strange to have this one on the list because it seems obvious. But a lot of couples don’t realize how important this is to share with their planners. How you prioritize your wedding is the backbone of the planning process. Your priorities affect how you spend your budget and inevitably how you experience your wedding day. It is important to fill your planner in on which pieces of the day you want to spend more money on and which moments are most important to you. For instance, if your dream wedding includes having that big band playing all the jazzy classics, your planner will shift your budget to allow for the price of a big band. If your main priority is having an open bar with lots of options for your guests, or if you have always known you wanted to get married in a specific venue, let your planner know. When she knows these things up front, she can make smart choices for you along the way so that you stay in budget.
But priorities are not all about the money. Moments of your wedding that are the top of your list, matter a lot! If you know that you want to have a specific photo or song or family tradition at your reception, your planner can make that happen! It can even be something you wish to guard against. If you want to enjoy your cocktail of the night, but know you wish to remain steady, let your planner know! She will be able to help make sure you’re hydrated, you are free to soak up the excitement and energy of your day.
4. Non-Negotiables
With the importance of communicating your priorities in mind, non-negotiables are incredibly important for you to share with your planner! They’re, well, non-negotiable! Your planner needs to know the things that you and your fiance feel strongly about. If you know that you HAVE to have your pup in the ceremony or if line dancing is strictly prohibited at your reception, it is a must-share! All of these have ripple effects and will be kept at the forefront of your planner’s mind.
5.Honest Budget
We all know it’s weird and uncomfortable to talk about money. It’s even more weird to talk about it with someone you’ve only just begun to know. But in reality, talking to your planner about your budget is key to allowing her to do the job you’ve hired her to do. A wedding planner’s job includes a lot of different things: helping with design, dress bustling, calling the cues of the day, etc. But a HUGE part of a wedding planner’s job is making sure you get the dream wedding you’ve always wanted while staying within your budget!
In addition to what the bottom line number is, it is important to share with your planner who is contributing to the budget. Not only will knowing this information help you to spend your money intelligently, but it will also help to know this as we go into each step of the the decision making process. Maneuvering through family opinions, wants, and needs with regards to contributors to the budget can get tricky, but never fear! Your planner is here to help you through it!
Rest assured that you have already begun to set yourself up for success by hiring a wedding planner! We hope this short list of must shares has helped you kick off the planning process a little easier. These five tools will vastly increase your chances of accomplishing the day you’ve always dreamed of!
Sarah & Caleb,
It was such a pleasure getting to know you two during your planning process. I think it goes without saying, but I am so happy that our friendship has gone on LONG after your wedding day! Thank you for allowing me to share your sweet story (& amazing photos) over and over! It has been such a blessing knowing you!
Love, Emma & The Infinity Events Team
Sarah & Caleb’s Gorgeous Vendor Team
Coordination | Infinity Events
Photographer | Kaitlyn Stoddard Photography
Ceremony Venue | Balinese Ballroom
Reception Venue | Balinese Ballroom
Florist |Infinity Events
DJ | DeepBlu Entertainment
Rentals | Mahaffey Tent
Catering & Bar Service | Balinese Ballroom
Cake | Cakes by Carolyn
Hello Gorgeous!
Emily & Michael were such an amazing and fun couple to work with, and even though they didn’t, I knew their vision for their day went hand in hand with the holiday spirit. In this case, a rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party! The very first time we met, Emily told me that she liked winter weddings, all things sparkly and had a group of party-lovin’ friends. I got so excited at the opportunity to create this holiday celebration to mark an epic day in their lives forever! I have found that some folks are turned off by weddings on or around the holidays, but we are here to tell you that not only is there charm to be appreciated during this time of year, but also how you can make it sooo worth it for your guests!
With Christmas just behind us and the New Year just ahead, we thought it might be the perfect time to share with you a few secrets that can help you have a holly jolly wedding or even to ring in the new year with your new spouse! Keep these few ideas in mind if you happen to be looking for just the right amount of holiday cheer in your big day!
1. Meet under the Mistletoe!
When deciding on your colors and floral options, consider the options that this time of year offer. Whether you want to incorporate mistletoe or holly into your arch at your ceremony or maybe you’d like wreaths galore, December is teaming with greenery! It can be a gentle reminder to your guests what this time of year can mean to them. For Emily & Michael, we incorporated a deep red, winter white and mixed greens to showcase the colors of the season and compliment all of the sparkly! Speaking of…
2. All that glitters!
The Gatsby glam has been all the rage in the wedding world lately. And what better time to flash a little gold or silver than during the holidays? We love the idea of a bride with some bedazzled shoes or a cake covered in edible glitter! These dashes of sparkle can arrive as early as your invitations! The inside of the envelope or even gold lettering in your names! Whatever holiday your family celebrates, there’s a color that can make the day pop! Red, blue, green, gold, silver; these can all make a big statement! Emily literally was game for anything that glittered! And, since I am the same way, we had so much fun making every inch of her space shimmer, sparkle and shine! We incorporated F. Scott Fitzgerald quotes within the decor to reiterate her love for the Gatsby! Emily & Michael’s love is just so pure and you can’t miss the sparkle in their eyes when they look at each other. What a blessing to be witness to such a beautiful love story!
3. Holiday Sips and Snacks!
Choosing the food for your wedding is sometimes a daunting thought. However, there are certain foods and drinks that go hand and hand with this season! You could add a speciality drink to your cocktail list, or offer milk and cookies as an after dinner snack! Who says turkey and dressing is off limits after Thanksgiving? Eggnog, candy canes or roast beast! The menu just became so much more fun! The Butcher Shop did an amazing job catering their fabulous foods for Emily & Michael’s reception, and Emily chose to add a specialty drink to play into the theme even more. The bartending team served French 75s, an old-world champagne and gin cocktail, throughout the evening, AND we had a gorgeous champagne tower with the sparkling flowing all night long!
4. Fabulously Warm!
There are so many options to keep your friends and family warm in the colder, holiday months. Fleece blankets are a great favor your guests can take home and enjoy again and again! Some venues to consider even come with cozy fireplaces that would make great photo backdrops or a place to get fresh air and stay warm. A chilly wedding is also a great time for your guests to pull out their family furs and look amazing! Emily chose to wear her grandmother’s fur for some of her photos and send off! It was a great way to honor her and to gorgeously stay toasty warm!
5. The Joys in the Jingles!
Do you and your fiance have a favorite holiday song? What about a song from your favorite holiday movie? Is there a number that your family can’t resist singing or dancing to? This is a fun part of planning the party for any wedding, but when you are looking for ways to incorporate this season into your big day, you have a whole new list of songs to choose from! Imagine sending your guests off into the new year with Auld Lang Syne!
Music meant a lot to Emily & Michael, and they sure did have a great party! (with the help of DJ Matt Tubbz of course!) They chose to incorporate certain songs throughout the night for family members and loved ones, which made each moment all the more special!
6. Let it Snow!
The send off of a wedding can be as big or as small, as traditional or as adventurous as the couple wants. But imagine if you took advantage of the season! White flower petals, fake snow, fireworks, there are so many options for making the last moment a lasting impression on your guests! For Emily & Michael with it being a NYE wedding, we took the idea of a send off and stretched into about an hour and a half! Around 11:30pm, we pulled out the display of NYE props for everyone to grab and ring in the new year together. But we didn’t stop at midnight, no sir! The actual send off was at 1am with, of course, sparklers! Don’t forget the signage (encouraging guests to choose Uber for safety) stating, “Don’t be afraid to sparkle a little brighter, darling.”
The greatest part of having a wedding during the holiday season is having your friends and family with you. When you plan a wedding around the season of greetings, you may hit scheduling conflicts or other stressers. But remembering that you are marrying the love of your life; remembering that you are throwing the party of a lifetime; remembering that you will get to celebrate your love, these can all help put you back in the right mind. We hope your Christmases, Hanukkahs, New Year’s Eves, weddings, and anything else you are celebrating this season are all merry and bright and full of love and happiness!
Emily & Michael,
I cannot say too many times what an honor it was to help you create the perfect representation of your love story for your wedding day. We had so much fun together, and I will consider you friends for life! Thank you for trusting me to carry out your vision throughout the whole process. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & Happy 1st Anniversary!
Love, Emma & The Infinity Events Team
Emily and Michael’s Gorgeous Vendor Team
Planner | Infinity Events
Photographer | Josh and Aleah Photography
Ceremony Venue | The Tower Center
Reception Venue | The Butcher Shop
Florist |Lynn Doyle Flowers and Events
Ceremony Music | Sounds of Marque
DJ | Matt Tubbs
Rentals | Elegant Chair Solutions and White Door Events
Catering & Bar Service | The Butcher Shop
Cake | Cakes by Carolyn
Hello Gorgeous!
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Oxford, Mississippi? Is it football? I thought it might be. But what if I told you my first thought is quickly becoming, “Weddings!”? Getting to work with Kaylee and DJ on their dream wedding was such a fantastic Oxford experience!
Oxford has a wonderful small town charm that makes just an hour out of Memphis seem like a perfect getaway vacation. The old homes, the Square, and the hills! So picturesque!
When I first met Kaylee and Cheryl, I knew I was talking to an Infinity bride and her mother! They were such loving, bright people all around! It was a few months later that I got to meet Kaylee’s sweet Groom to be! DJ was obviously so smitten with Kaylee. They have the kind of love that makes your heart sing!
The wedding was at The Jefferson. Boy oh boy! This venue! I was texting photos to other Infinity staff non stop from this place! It has this chic, raw, timeless, classy vibe to it! With 10,000 bricks that all said “Oxford” lining the floors and 60 crape myrtles to welcome you as you drive in, this place is stunning! They have repurposed and relocated supplies and scrapes from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Virginia! It all comes together with this industrial quilt feel to it! It’s venues like The Jefferson that really help make my job easier! With all the floor to ceiling windows letting in all that natural lighting and a staff that was truly incredible, I fell for this place hard!
Kaylee and her mother, Cheryl did a great job working on simple, elegant details for the day of! Each table had an acrylic sign with the table number written in gold calligraphy, and the crisp whites played perfectly with the warm browns and golds throughout the event. The whole day had such a perfect display of who Kaylee and DJ are in their faith and as a couple.
There is something that must be said for how amazing Cheryl did with the execution of the details on the day of! She was the lady in charge, and it was my absolute pleasure to allow this sweet momma the ability to enjoy the party that they expertly put together. This is why even a bride who doesn’t feel that she needs a wedding planner should always, in my unbiased opinion, have a coordinator at the very least!
My Michelle Catering did such a lovely job with the food and beverage displays!
And the cake was done by Decorators Delight!
Kaylee and DJ’s wedding was just beautiful! They were a joy to work with and their families were so sweet! We even got to reconnect with them a couple weeks ago when we were back in Oxford for one of Kaylee’s bridesmaids, Meghan’s wedding!
As always, the Last Dance was breath taking! Just a perfect way to bookend the evening!
At the end of the evening, they watched as the Oxford sky lit up with beautiful fireworks done by Pyro Shows Inc. It truly was a dream!
Kaylee & DJ,
Thank you so much for trusting me with the the coordination of your perfect day! It was definitely one for the books. The way the two of you love each other is truly inspiring, and working with y’all just reminds me why I love love love what I do!! It was an honor to get to know you and your sweet families, thank you.
Love, Emma & The Infinity Events Team
Kaylee and DJ’s Gorgeous Vendor Team
Planner | Infinity Events
Photographer | Katie Norrid Photography
Venue | The Jefferson
Florist |Kacie Cooper Designs
DJ | DeepBlu Entertainment
String Quartet | Robert Riggs
Rentals | Events Rentals, Inc.
Catering & Bar Service | My Michelle Catering
Cake | Decorator’s Delight
Security | Cobra Security
Fireworks | Pyro Shows, Inc.
Hello Gorgeous!
The Infinite Moment is something that, if you decide to let Infinity Events do your wedding, you will hear us talk about a lot! One of my goals as a wedding planner is to help you and your fiancé find those quirky things about you that make you special! We find them and incorporate them in one way or another in your wedding details. These little things are the touches that make your big day more than tables, chairs and flowers. These are the touches that make your wedding not a cookie cutter wedding just like everyone else you’ve ever known. These touches are what make your day special and YOURS.
Here are a few examples of easy ways to include an Infinite Moment in your big day.
Favors | Favors are a cool way to involve your interests, family and even history! Don’t give out silly nothings for no reason when you can give out something that will make folks remember the awesome time they had witnessing the love between you and your spouse! (& don’t worry, it doesn’t have to break the bank to be creative!)
Quotes | Quotes are a fabulous way to incorporate your personality and the story of your relationship into your day in a more subtle way. Handwritten calligraphy signage is all the rage right now, and adding a quote that means something to you will add that little extra something to your big day, and will be forever documented in your photographs!
Music | Everyone knows about the staple songs that you have to have for the reception like first dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, etc. What some people don’t think about are the places in the reception that CAN have a specific song, but don’t necessarily have to. If you and your fiancé have several songs that mean something to you, you CAN incorporate them into your day.. Now let me be clear, this Infinite Moment is probably just for your benefit, but ANYTHING that is sentimental to your and your spouse is never a waste of time or money.. (another thing I always say lol)
Last Dance | This is something that I do with every couple. I have had a few brides think they didn’t want to at first, but have never had anyone regret doing this. It’s a beautiful moment for you, and logistically FABULOUS for your coordinator!
This very last, very private dance with your new spouse is a beautiful and authentic moment that gives you a moment that make “the whole world disappears when I am with you” a reality… not to mention some fantastic photos!
The ultimate Infinite Moment wedding: Kaitlin and Kyle
Kaitlin and Kyle’s quirky traits were so much fun to work with when doing their Spring 2017 wedding at the Balinese Ballroom in downtown Memphis. Throughout this post are some of their little touches that we were able to use to showcase their personality as a couple, not to mention their EPIC first dance song! Kaitlin & Kyle decided to surprise their guests with a acoustic cover of “You Can Have Whatever You Like” performed by two of their friends! It was amazing!
All in all, the Infinite Moment is that thing that makes your guests say “Wow only THEY would do that”; it’s the thing that makes your wedding different from everyone else in a way that only you can do. Your future spouse loves YOU for your uniqueness, personality & internal beauty, so let us help you celebrate that! Infinity Events believes that every bride is unique and we help you add your personally (and those quirky things that you love about one another) into the biggest day of your life.
Kaitlin & Kyle’s Vendor Team
Planner | Infinity Events
Photographer | Jon Sharman Photography
Venue | Balinese Ballroom
Florist | L & Jay Productions
DJ | DJ Rockin’ A
Rentals | Party Connection
Cake | Cakes by Carolyn
Thank you for reading!
Love,
Hello Gorgeous!
I count myself one of the luckiest people in the world to have been involved in this sweet love story… and not for just anyone, but for my best friend. This whole journey was so incredibly special to me. Ashtyn & Demian, you will never know how much you have blessed my life.
Last year, Ashtyn & Demian got married in Phoenix Arizona after a whirlwind romance. They were one of those couples that you see very rarely….
One where there is no doubt to anyone that they have found their person… Their lobster… Their soulmate.
Even through some of the growing pains 🙂 Their wedding was very small, family only. (Thank you to Trent for FaceTiming me in!)
Ashtyn & Demian decided to get married at the Justice of the Peace so they could take their time and save up for a destination wedding celebration & not waste any time not being together. But circumstances are just that and life happens… and those plans for a destination wedding got put on the back burner. After talking with Ashtyn a bunch, she decided to allow me to help her throw a smaller celebration here in Memphis… A real testament to who Ashtyn & Demian are as a couple.. SO FUN! The celebration was to be set up & designed like a casual rehearsal dinner at Ashtyn’s favorite Memphis spot, BB King’s!
A few months later, I get a call from Demian. (Yes folks, this is where this whole thing starts to get epic!) He said that he needed my help creating a fairytale secret ceremony for his bride, my best friend! I cannot tell you how 100% in I was from the end of that very first conversation! What an incredible thing to do for his wife!
I am so in love with the way that Demian loves our sweet Ashtyn! (And yes, I did tell him how easy it is to make a pregnant lady cry!) I took his idea and ran with it!
So as soon as I got off the phone with Demian, I called Ashley to tell her about how amazing the whole thing was! We immediately got Amber in the loop and started thinking through the logistics of keeping a wedding a secret from the bride! Let me tell you, Ashtyn, Ashley, Amber & I are quite the group. There are no other group of women in my life that I feel closer to in mind, spirit, humor and heart. I love these women so deeply! (Thank You to Alpha Gamma Delta for bringing us all together.)
There are obviously several challenges that are inevitable when trying to plan a secret wedding! I want to touch on two problems. One as a friend and one as a Wedding Planner. The first challenge was Ashtyn’s attire. Remember, Ashtyn knows about the BB King’s part of the celebration, but not the wedding celebration. She had picked out this gorgeous and saucey white dress for the BB King’s part, but it definitely wasn’t a gown. The girls and I decided to try and let Ashtyn wear a piece of each of us. Luckily, Ashtyn & Ashley are about the same size… except the height! (Ashtyn is a shorty!)
“Being part of Ashtyn’s surprise ceremony was a DREAM! Ashtyn ended up wearing my dress and what made this even more special is that Ashtyn’s late mother borrowed her best friend’s wedding gown also. To have the opportunity to share a special piece of my wedding day with my friend was indescribable. We are also fortunate enough to have Emma in our circle to organize the event. She’s a go-getter with an eye for details and genuine care, concern for the bride and groom’s day. Emma made all the difference in making this special event happen for Ashtyn and Demi!” – Ashley Booth
Amber is also about to get married in November, so Ashley had a great guise to get all of Ashtyn’s measurements. AND it looked like Ashley’s wedding gown would work for her! (pending the size heals she would need) Check! We then were able to add in a piece of Emma and Amber to her attire. She would wear my veil and Amber’s earrings! Check! Check! Let’s just acknowledge the amazing fact that Amber allowed Ashtyn to wear her wedding day earrings… before she even wore them! How special is that! I love that Ashtyn had a piece of each of us on her big day. It really made us feel a part of this beautiful story. What we didn’t know, and found out while she was getting ready, is that her mother actually wore her best friend’s wedding gown on her wedding day. What a God thing this was! So incredibly special!
“When Emma told me what she and Demian had planned for Ashtyn, I knew I wanted to be a part of her special (SURPRISE) day! She was wearing Ashley’s wedding dress, Emma’s veil…so, naturally, I wanted her to have something from my upcoming wedding. I had just gotten my earrings a few days prior to Ashtyn’s wedding so it couldn’t have worked out more perfectly. I love the fact that someone I love had an opportunity to put them to use (why just make those lovely things sit in a box for months waiting on my wedding?)…and she wore them well!” – Amber Crawford
The other difficulty I encountered as the Planner of this secret event was working with all of the vendors and their contracts. Luckily, we chose some amazing vendors that truly love love, and bought into this whole surprise! Basically every vendor had to make two contracts; one that Ashtyn could see and one that she couldn’t. Honestly, it was humorous, but so worth it. I couldn’t have kept this secret without the incredible cooperation of these vendors!
So here was the plan! On Friday night, we would have a girls night…Take her out downtown and stay in a hotel together. We would tell her that Demian and the girls planned her a wedding photoshoot so they could get real wedding photos. We would show her the outfit and hope she didn’t figure out the rest. Then, 3eight photography would arrive mid-morning to take “getting ready photos”, and then we would take her to the Woodruff-Fontaine House. There, her dad would hide right along the path we would be walking her to her “Photo Shoot”, and then he would continue to walk her down the aisle to Demian. (It was a beautiful ceremony performed by her twin brother, Trent!) After the ceremony, they would get family wedding day photos and of course, the Bridal Photo Shoot. The BB KIng’s reception would follow a few hours after the ceremony, giving Ashtyn time to change into that adorable dress she bought for the occasion.
I couldn’t believe it, but we pulled it off! She was actually surprised up until the very moment they began walking down the aisle!
Dear Ashtyn & Demian,
I cannot thank you two enough for allowing me to be a part of your day! This experience was incredible to be a part of, and I will forever count it as one of the most special weddings I have ever been a part of. Ashtyn, It makes my heart glow to see you so happy and with your soulmate. Demian, Thank you for loving my friend the way you do. It makes me love you all the more!
Love, Emma & The Infinity Events Team
List of Vendors
Photographer: 3eight Photography
Venue: Woodruff-Fontaine House
Tent: Classic Party Rentals
Rentals: Party Connection
Florist: L & Jay Productions
Hotel: Sheraton Downtown
Planner: Infinity Events
Hello Gorgeous!
September 2016 was a big month for us at Infinity Events. Of course by that, I mean my husband and myself. This was the month that we took the plunge and finally decided to invest in advertisement with the Pink Bride. It was a scary step in the life of Infinity Events, but I would like to say on the record that it has been SOO WORTH IT!
I was thrilled when asked to style the photoshoot for the February issue alongside the gorgeous Meredith Corning, and want to share a little about the experience. The first and biggest thing that I want to say is how honored I am to have worked with these amazing vendors on this project. It was beautiful finished product, and so much fun to see each vendor do what they do best!
It was fabulous getting to know some other amazing folks in the industry and learn their stories. Like Kamesha Richards of Ava Loren Design. When Kamesha and I finally connected for long enough to actually brainstorm about the coming shoot, we chatted for almost 2 hours. We just clicked. 🙂
It was really amazing to get to talk with someone else who I felt like understood my passion because they shared it with me. I shared with her the inspiration for the shoot, and it was very clear that she and I shared a similar vision. It very easily came together with textured greens and “precious pops” to accent the luxe linen from Elegant Chair Solutions and the amazing venue, Hunt Phelan.
Of course there were friends that were a part of this project too. I always love spending time with these sweet people who I truly believe bless my life every time we get to work together. Two of which are Wanda Hunsaker of Hunt Phelan & Michael Strickland of Mahaffey Tent.
I did my first full plan wedding at Hunt Phelan, and got to know Wanda & Trip through that amazing experience. Michael has always been one of my most supportive friends in the industry. (Thank you for always believing in me.)
It was with the collaboration of all of these amazing vendors that we were able to take imagination and make it a reality. I want to go into this concept a bit here… My favorite part of what I do is learning my couple’s vision and creating reality from that. A HUGE piece of this process that I think many planners tend to overlook is the relationship. Not just the relationship between the Bride and Groom, but the one between the couple, family & planner! Obviously part of choosing your planner is seeing if their past work is in line with your tastes, but I think that there is more to it than that.
A planner’s past work should not really depict the planner’s taste, but the tastes of the couple they are working with. It is a challenge, but one of my favorite parts of the process!
Dear Meredith & The Pink Bride,
Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this shoot. I so enjoyed having the freedom to interpret the concepts into a reality with you and our team. I hope to be a part of this again!
Love,
Emma and The Infinity Events Team
Gorgeous Vendor Team:
Photo Shoot Stylist: Infinity Events
Gowns/Dresses: Ballew Bridal and Formal
Venue: Hunt Phelan
Tuxes/Suits: American Tuxedo
Photographer: Lyndsi Metz Photography
Hair/MUA: Kiss & Makeup
Videographer: Dreams Film Company
Models: DGA Models & Talent
Floral Design: Ava Loren Design
Catering & Dessert Bar: The Kitchen at Shelby Farms
Special Effects: Perfection DJs
Transportation: Memphis Wedding Car
Linens: Elegant Chair Solutions
Rentals: Mahaffey Tent & Event Rentals
Hello Gorgeous!
If you have read my other posts, then you have heard a little about the very first couple who booked Infinity Events (even before it had a name)! I am so proud to call them both my friends and am so lucky that these two saw something in me from the beginning.
Tyler and Whitney’s wedding was beautiful, simple, and all about love. They reached out to family and friends who helped put things together and keep their cost down. Early in the day, there was a whole crew in one of the rooms at the church putting the flowers together… which turned out beautifully! They also hand crafted their arch that was the sole decor on the stage. All I can say is… swoon…
Tyler and Whitney’s first look was to die for. Absolutely precious! One of the biggest blessings of what I do is getting to be a part of that moment… so special and authentic! So many brides freak out if it starts to rain on their wedding day, but not Whitney! She was so gracious! The photographers were able to embrace it and get some gorgeous pictures of the bride and groom AND the rain! These are some of the coolest photos ever, and the bride and groom never got wet! They say that it is good luck to have rain on your wedding day, well Tyler and Whitney are a great example!
Whitney’s mom did a fabulous job DIY-ing for the reception. She turned the whole lobby of the church into a reception hall! And that cake! Anyone who knows Tyler at all can appreciate the little Spidey coming out! Love it!
Whitney & Tyler,
I cannot thank you guys enough so allowing me to be a part of your special day! I am forever grateful that you got the Infinity ball rolling, and ultimately helped me realize my passion in life. Thank you Tyler and Whitney, for everything. Love you both!
P.S. You guys are going to be amazing parents, and I cannot wait to see your 1st little one make your family a party of 3!
Love,
Emma & The Infinity Events Team
Whitney & Tyler’s Gorgeous Vendor Team:
Venue: Living Hope Christian Church
Catering: Cindy Krag Catering
Photography: Elizabeth Wiggs Photography
Flowers: Family & Friends
Officiant: Greg Gibson
Hello Gorgeous!
I have a heart for the Budget Bride because I was one! My goal here is to help you all save where you can and help you avoid costly mistakes. Whether you choose to work with a professional or not, these tips will help set the budget bride on a path for success. We love LOVE, and we hope that these tips can help someone’s best day ever be just that.
1. Location Location Location
Especially when you are working with a planner or designer, a bare bones, inexpensive venue is your best friend! There are so many brides who are scared of the fact that these venues may not come with all the glam, but I have found that creating your dream from nothing is much more satisfying and typically less expensive! The venues that have so much to offer are beautiful, but typically come with a lot of rules that make staying at a lower budget very difficult. The budget bride’s goal should absolutely be to find a venue that gives her freedom… Freedom to pick her own vendors and freedom to decorate as she pleases.
2. For God’s sake, do not believe everything you see on Pinterest!
First, let me be clear, Pinterest can be extremely deceptive! I always tell my brides that if you fall in love with something on Pinterest, run it by me first and I will tell her if it is actually doable and within her budget! There are so many posts that will read “Cheap DIY…” and it will sooo not be true! Please remember that money is relative, and what is cheap for some, may not be for you… You may also find beautiful set ups that you want to use for your big day that were set up for a posed photo shoot, and are not even close to being actually useful! Remember before you fall in love, think through the functionality of these ideas and/or the logistics of making it happen. Many times there are hidden costs here that will sneak up on you!
Just search “Failed Pinterest” in the search bar… it is honestly hilarious! When you are working with a planner, we try to help you avoid those mishaps that will inevitably cost you money. Pinterest is great for inspiration and ideas, but I encourage you to work with your planner to create something from that inspiration that works for you.
3. Make the ordinary seem extraordinary
Like I said before, Pinterest can be tricky, but there are great ways to utilize this popular site! Pinterest is great at showing you how to make little ordinary trinkets into touches that will make your wedding day Timeless, Memorable, and Infinite. My first outing when working with a bride who is open to this concept is to stop into thrift stores and antique shops! These can be great places to find some inspiration. I would even suggest having Pinterest open on your phone to look at how other people have used these types of items in wedding decorations.
Before you know it, your eyes will open to all types of possibilities with these little nothings… and they become priceless!
Don’t be afraid to be different! The differences in your big day are what set you apart and are the pieces that people tend to remember the most. When you are at these little shops, or places like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, TJMaxx, or even Walmart, and you see something that strikes an idea but is “off the beaten path”… I encourage you to think about doing it! Odds are you won’t regret a detail that screams your personality! Infinity Events believes in the uniqueness of each couple, and will help you make those fleeting thoughts a reality! We believe in creating Infinite Moments that the couple will remember forever!
4. Do not, and I repeat, DO NOT try on gowns that are over your budget
Seriously Budget Brides… This is asking for disaster. And I don’t mean disaster to your wedding day because you will be absolutely beautiful in the perfect dress for YOU. I mean disaster to your sweet heart! Let’s just say there is a reason why they cost more… They will make you fall in love with them when you can’t buy it. Take it from me. It is so hard to find another perfect dress once you have put “the one” on.
So how do you fix this mistake? It is truly a shift in paradigm that is necessary at this point. Yes, it was a pretty dress, but the key to YOUR perfect day is that perfect dress for YOU, and that includes finding one in your budget. (or being willing to change that budget… but that is a different story) Breathe, Take a week or so, and then go out dress shopping again… this time only looking within your budget.
You will find the perfect dress. You will be absolutely beautiful… timeless. And everything will be great for the big day when you marry the love of your life! ❤
5. DIY!
DIY is all the rage right now, and rightly so! Anything that you can make for less than buying is probably worth it. There is also a sense of pride and ownership that goes along with a DIY wedding. A good planner will help you figure out what is DIY-worthy and help you complete these tasks. Sometimes, I have craft night with my brides and they can invite bridesmaids or whoever along. Make a night of it… DIY memories!
Caution! Sometimes websites (cough cough like Pinterest) will tell you something is easy DIY and lie! Before you go out and buy all of the materials for a project, make sure you research the logistics and ensure they are within your abilities. This mistake can be costly for the budget bride!
The great thing about websites like Pinterest is that many of the posts link to a blog of someone else going through the motions for you. I urge you to read the post in full. Sometimes they will warn you against mistakes they made while doing the project. I always try and find something like this when starting a new, potentially complicated, DIY task!!
Hello Gorgeous!
I am so excited to get started with this blog because of one main reason and here it is: These brides bring my life blessings and I want to share their stories! The part of what I do that gives me energy and inspiration is getting to know these couples and getting to witness their unique relationships.
The part of what I do that gives me energy and inspiration is getting to know these couples and getting to witness their unique relationships.
A little back story of how I got here… Some friends of ours, Tyler and Whitney, hired me to coordinate their wedding for them before Infinity Events existed because they could see potential and believed in me. (Don’t worry, you will hear about that story in full when I get to their sweet marriage post!) Infinity Events began on true love, relationships and belief in others, and those are some of the main principles on which I do business.
Karen hired me for Extended Coordination shortly after I established myself as a small business. Even though she wasn’t my first bride to sign with me, she was the first wedding that came along. (For more information about what Extended Coordination entails, send me a message through my website!) Everything was going pretty smoothly for her, and she found a venue (which will remain nameless) that bundled nearly her whole reception for her! About a month before the date, the venue called to say that they were terminating all contracts, and keeping deposits! She was crushed, and called me to ask if I could help her put the reception back together. My heart went out to her 100%… Of course I will help!
She was crushed, and called me to ask if I could help her put the reception back together. My heart went out to her 100%… Of course I will help!
With extremely limited finances, and even more limited time, we worked to make this reception perfect! As vendors, we all came together helping with pricing where we could and executed the Bride’s vision within her budget. It was incredibly evident to me that God had his hand on so many pieces of this account. He had his hand on me… Showing me that I was meant for this… That even with that stressful and potentially detrimental situation, I loved what I was doing and came through it with flying colors. God has his hand on Karen and David… Giving them calm during those last few weeks and faith that I would come through for them. He had his hand on the vendors… Speaking to their hearts about the situation so that everyone pulled together on the Bride and Groom’s behalf.
Dear Karen & David,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of your day. Thank you for trusting me with your situation and having faith in me when I was so new. You made me realize that this venture is not only worth my time, but God’s intention for my life. Your love is an inspiration to me, and I wish you all of the happiness in the world.
Love,
Emma & the Infinity Events Team
Karen & David’s Gorgeous Vendor Team
Ceremony – Memphis Botanic Garden
Reception – The Balinese Ballroom
Catering & Bar – The Balinese Ballroom
Rentals – Party Connection
Flowers – Kellie Evans
Cake – Frost Bake Shop
Infinity Events, LLC 
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