Friday, January 9, 2009

Wedding Planning 101 - Scottsdale Venue Search

I met with the Metro Phoenix Event Planners group today and we had the luxury of touring my new favorite 'GEM' in the heart of Scottsdale. Nestled in beside the Borgata off of Scottsdale Road is a facility called SCOTTSDALE COTTONWOODS. Stacey Turner is the Wedding Specialist who goes above and beyond with every bride and family. She offers a customized 'WOW' tour to each client… what is a 'WOW' tour? Below are some of the highlights…

  1. Stacey will greet you and begin the tour of the Scottsdale Cottonwoods that resides on 25 acres! There are several unique venues within this one site including a private house to rent, a traditional cowboy cookout area, a desert landscaped ceremony site (Camelback Garden) with breathtaking views of camelback mountain, a customizable pool area, numerous photo outlets and an elegant ballroom.
  2. During the tour, you will be greeted by several of the key staff members, who will be taking care of your special day, including the: Room Manager, Food & Beverage Director, General Manager and Sales Team. They all create a team approach at making sure your special day is seamless.
  3. After seeing the site and getting numerous ideas of how you and your guests could stay the entire weekend and never have to leave, you get to taste the food! This is truly unheard of for a facility to allow you to sample their food before you have paid the deposit! The food is incredible and the chef is willing to customize menus for you!
  4. They provide all the tables and linens (their basic linen is a beautiful upgraded damask).
  5. Their service is impeccable and the facility is unique in its style, options and desert beauty.

I was very impressed with Stacey's willingness to get creative with her clients. One bride wanted to walk through the desert landscape for her ceremony, but unfortunately, there was no path to the garden. As a surprise for the bride, Stacey and her staff cleared a path and outlined it with landscaped stones… so when the bride arrived, her wish was answered and a new path is available to all future brides. Now that is setting a higher standard for customer service! I am so weary of corporate facilities that have ONE way of doing things and typically your creativity requests are answered with a 'no' or, 'the way we do it is…' If you want a facility to dream with you, create with you and customize the day for you… this is your site!

There will be no surprises at this resort and I can say with confidence, you will be well taken care of!

For more information visit their website at: www.scottsdalecottonwoods.com or call Stacey at: 480.991.1414

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

DAVIS WEDDING


NOVEMBER 28, 2008

SEVILLE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB


PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CG PHOTO & DESIGN

480.603.7865

The boys having fun


Erin & Kaydee making sure they had smooth transitions and enjoyed every moment!



What a beautiful couple, celebrating God's unfailing love!

Congratulations Tom & Darby!
You were such a blessing to work with!




Monday, January 5, 2009

EVENT PLANNING 101 - VENUE SEARCH CRITERIA


For those of you looking to find a venue that allows off- site catering ... here's a tip that will cut your research in half!


LOOK ON CATERING WEBSITES FOR 'VENUES'

AUTOMATICALLY ANSWER YOUR QUESTION,
"CAN I BRING AN OUTSIDE CATERER?"



Here are a few Phoenix catering websites with venue information: