Hello and welcome back! I am happy to report that I survived the wedding. I am so excited to finally be able to share this incredible day with you.
If you have been following my journey the last few months, I have shared my experience as Mother of the Bride when you are also a Planner. I will have to admit, it was hard, but I did a pretty good job of letting go!
The week leading up to the wedding was a bit stressful, but that is not uncommon with all the last-minute details that have to be taken care of.
The Wedding Rehearsal
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The day was beautiful and went off perfectly! With the exception of the evening being a bit colder than we expected it to be. The lesson here is that you can never predict what Mother Nature is going to do, so if you are planning an outdoor event, have heaters on standby.
I cannot put into words what I was feeling the week leading up to the wedding. My emotions were everywhere; stressed, calm, nervous, happy and sad. I have a whole new appreciation for what “moms” go through when their daughter is getting married.
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The morning started at 7:30 a.m. with hair and makeup. Sandra Michelle Artistry did such an amazing job. She arrived on time and Michelle and her team were great! They were funny, friendly and it was a great experience.
*My advice; mom’s, take the time to get your hair and makeup done with your daughter and her bridal party, it is an experience you will treasure forever.
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The morning was very relaxed and not rushed, which made it that much nicer. As it got closer to noon, we headed up to the Bridal Room to meet the photographer, Sydney from London Light Photography.
Sydney and her husband, who was the 2nd shooter at the wedding, did an amazing job of capturing the day perfectly! Everyone felt super comfortable around them and my daughter was able to really enjoy the experience. I can’t wait to see all the photos and share them in future blog posts!
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Us mom’s get to share so much of the planning experience with our daughters, but dads don’t always get to. My husband knew the vision and was very much the DIY dad, so he was very involved in the “project” end of the wedding, but had no idea what her dress looked like. He wanted to wait until the wedding day to see her.
They did a first look and it was such an amazing and beautiful moment. I stood in the background as she went up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. It was an emotional moment for me to see her and my husband have that special moment together…yes, I teared up.
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The venue looked amazing and I can’t thank all the vendors enough for the amazing job they did that day so that I could just be “mom”.
I thought it was going to be hard for me to let go of my “Planner” hat, but it was easier than I thought. When you hire professional vendors you trust, it is easy to relax and enjoy the day and really be “in the moment”.
At the start of this journey I shared how I had a vision for my daughter’s wedding and I was not sure how much I would be able to let go and follow her vision. I can say this, I am very happy with the day and I am glad I allowed myself to “let go” and see her vision because this day was about her and her new husband, and not me and my vision.
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Here is some advice for both Brides and Moms:
My advice to brides; Include your mom in your planning, ask for her thoughts and advise on things. Be willing to compromise and incorporate somethings that are important to her. It’s okay, your day will still be what you want it to me. Enjoy this time together; from wedding dress shopping to food tasting, have fun and enjoy the many little moments.
My advice to moms; Enjoy every step of this journey with your daughter, be in the moment. If something is really important to you, let her know and ask if she is okay with it, but also be okay if she says no.
This is such a special day for not only you as her mom, but for your daughter. She is starting a new chapter in her life and as hard as it is, we need to let go. Trust me, this is coming from a mom who is also a Planner, so believe me when I say, “I get it”.
My advice to both bride and mom; Yes, there will be times when one or both of you may get a bit frustrated, that is normal and OKAY, just don’t let it ruin the rest of the experience of this very special time in both your lives. Enjoy every minute of it…it goes by faster than you realize….
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Finally, be sure to work with licensed and professional vendors that come recommended or you have talked to and trust. I understand that budget can be a concern at times, but never compromise when selecting your Photographer, Videographer, DJ and Planner/Coordinator.
I would not have been able to relax and enjoy the entire day with my daughter if I was worried about what was going on with the set-up, vendors, timeline, etc. I trusted our Coordinator; Stacy from Sylver Weddings and Events was on top of things and I completely trusted all the vendors to carry out the vision.
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Family Photo
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And two shall become one….
Best day ever!
Photo Credit: London Light Photography
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I want to publicly give a huge THANK YOU to all the amazing vendors that made this day memorable and perfect for my daughter…
Cover Photo Credit – London Light Photography
Vendor Love…
Coordination: Sylver Weddings & Events
Venue: Hawk Ranch
Vintage Rentals, Decor & Farm Tables: Touched By Time Vintage Rentals
Catering: Pete’s Firehouse BBQ
Videographer: George Vivanco Photography
Table Decor: Soiree Floral Design (Table centerpieces & Greenery)
Personal Florals: @The Flower Hood (bouquets & boutonnieres)
Macrame Backdrop: Macramama
Hair & Make up: Sandra Michelle Artistry
Chair rentals: All Occasion Party Rentals
DJ: Faultline Music Service
Bartending: Heather Guzel Bar
Photography: London Light Photography
Cake: Whole Foods Market
Dress: @Ashley Paige Designs/Bridal Shop: Klienfelds Bridal
Love is Patient Signs: Ashley Lenahan
Helpers: Rebecca Okray-Murphy, Alexandra Kreeger, Michael Kreeger
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If you have any questions feel free to email me directly at eventsbymaria@outlook.com.
I love hearing from you, so leave a comment and let me know your thoughts, questions or suggestions for future blogs.
To request a copy of your FREE wedding planning guide, fill out the contact form and I will get it to you right away.
Until next time, Happy Planning…
Maria is bi-lingual in Spanish & English and has been helping couples plan for their very special day for over 10 years. She is located in Temecula, CA and travels all over California and Mexico.
Events by Maria 