INSPIRED EVENTS COORDINATOR TEAM WINS 2010 BRIDES CHOICE AWARD!

Thank you to all the Brides who voted for our Inspired Events Team!
We are honored to receive this award!
Our team is excited to continue to provide exceptional wedding day

services to all of our Bridal clients on your most important day!

First Impressions Always Count

Wouldn't you agree? And what better way to make a good first impression on your special day than enhancing your true beauty through the artistry of makeup.

Holly Miller, founder of First Impressions, feels the same way we do and wants to help every bride feel and look beautiful on her wedding day - a day she will cherish forever.

Coming from an extensive background as a makeup artist, Holly has been professionally trained in her field and has all the tools necessary to help you unveil your true beauty. Holly began her career in makeup at a young age where she worked in the prestige department of a cosmetics store. After discovering her love for makeup and her gift in application, she went on to represent a professional cosmetics line where she worked as a free-lance makeup artist. It is during this time that Holly began First Impressions, which has allowed her to further pursue her passion.

Holly has worked with women (and men) of all races including Asian, African-American, Hispanic, Eastern Indian, and Caucasian. She has provided her expertise for weddings, proms, other special events, and even stage makeup for theater performances. It is her top priority to get to know each and every client on a personal level in order to provide a customized and unique look. She calls herself a perfectionist and promises to make sure each client is completely satisfied with the end result.

Holly uses top-of-the-line professional cosmetic brands and guarantees quality every time. She offers a variety of makeup packages with prices as low as $55.00 for a full face. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please email Holly at firstimpressionsbyholly@hotmail.com

When we asked Holly what she loved most about her job, she replied: "I love being a makeup artist because it gives me the opportunity to help give women (or men in some cases) the utmost confidence and feel great about themselves and beautiful for their special day."

First Impressions...unveiling your beauty for your most memorable days.

WEDDING PLANNING 101 - BEAUTY TIP

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

YOUR WEDDING DAY IS THE PERFECT TIME TO SPLURGE!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...

1. Eyelash extensions are not permanent and will fall out with your natural eyelashes. We suggest getting the extensions 1 - 2 weeks prior to your wedding.

2. Be aware of the risks...

Eye infections / eyelashes falling out too soon / etc.

3. Find a qualified technician who has a good reputation and is clean.

4. It's all about the care of your eyes ... the better the care, the longer the eyelashes stay in.

5. There are a few different application processes. Do your research to find out which one is best for you.

AVERAGE COST: $175 Initial application / $50-75 for fill-ins

INSPIRED EVENTS FIND: $75 Initial application

Call Alicia at: 480.921.1540

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF LONG, LUSCIOUS EYELASHES ON YOUR WEDDING DAY!

WEDDING PLANNING 101 - GETTING ORGANIZED

10 WAYS TO ORGANIZE YOUR WEDDING DAY THAT WILL:

• REDUCE YOUR STRESS

• COMMUNICATE EXPECTATIONS

• BRING CLARITY TO YOUR WEDDING

1. Call all vendors and verify expectations, i.e., arrival time, product and quantity they are providing, final payment, etc.

2. Create a time line of all the wedding day activities and distribute to family, friends and vendors.

3. Call family / friends who are helping and clarify expectations of the day and what you need from them, i.e., arrival times, locations, what they need to bring.

4. Create a checklist of everything you need to bring for the wedding. Pack wedding items to drop off on the night of the rehearsal.

5. Create a list of 'must have' photos you want (be specific of names and side of the family). Having a list will reduce confusion and help the photo process run smoothly.

6. Think about food for the wedding day - it's never good to have a hungry bride, groom, bridal party or family. Assign someone to help.

7. Think about transportation to and from each location. Consider having to be in your wedding dress and the type of transportation that will be easy to get in and out of.

8. Call all guests who haven't responded. Complete your assigned seating chart / name cards.

9. Assign someone to be your 'day of contact' who knows EVERYTHING you've planned and who you trust to execute it without stressing you or the other vendors out.

10. Remember to enjoy this time with family & friends!

OR

CALL INSPIRED EVENTS AND LET OUR TEAM DO ALL OF THE ABOVE FOR YOU! WHEN IN DOUBT CALL THE EXPERTS TO GET PROFESSIONAL, QUALITY SERVICE ON YOUR MOST IMPORTANT DAY!

602.828.3652

Event Planning 101 - Staffing

I met with Bill today from the Party Staff. What a great team they have! I was really impressed by the amount of training that goes into the hiring process (which cannot be said for most part-time staffing companies). Their high expectations of their staff presentation and professionalism definitely sets them above the rest of the competition!

When would you need to hire the Party Staff?

1. Hosting your wedding/event at a unique venue that allows you to bring in your own food/beverage. (They even carry a insurance policy that covers you purchasing the alcohol and having them serve it!).

2. Hosting your wedding/event at a residence. It's wonderful to host events in houses, but can be overwhelming for the home owner... take the stress off and hire the Party Staff to setup, serve and CLEAN UP!

They offer the following services in Arizona and California:

Servers / Bartenders / Tray Passers / Banquet Captains / Line Cooks / Prep Cooks / Concession & Product Demonstration Staff

When it comes to selecting your event service staff - I would recommend the Party Staff over the other hospitality staffing companies in Arizona. You'll be in good hands with this professional, experienced team!

http://www.partystaff.com/

Wedding Planning 101 - Tipping Etiquette

WHO DO I TIP & HOW MUCH?

This is a common concern. You are often paying top dollar for your vendor services, are tips expected? I've listed a list of etiquette standards that may help you in deciding what is the best fit for your wedding vendors.

RULES OF THUMB:

· Tips should be paid in cash
· Do not exceed $100. 10-15% of bill is usual & adequate
· Tips should be given just before the vendor leaves to evaluate service and amount you
would like to give.
· All vendors would love a thank you card
· Giving tips is totally up to you and should be based on EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE!

Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist
Etiquette: Expected

The Standard: 15 - 25 %, depending upon the quality of service

When to Tip: At the end of your service

Delivery and Set-up Staff
Etiquette: Optional

The Standard: $5 - $10 per person

When to Tip: Give to your wedding coordinator so they will be on-site for deliveries

Officiant
Etiquette: Expected (depending on officiant & if you were required to pay a church ceremony fee)

The Standard: Donate $500+ to the church or synagogue, or, for a nondenominational officiant, an optional tip of $50 - $100

When to Tip: Have the best man / wedding coordinator pass the cash envelope at the rehearsal or after the ceremony

Musicians (Ceremony)
Etiquette: Optional

The Standard: $15 - $20 per musician

When to Tip: At the end of the ceremony.

Photographer/Videographer
Etiquette: Unnecessary / Optional (unless the photographer is not the studio owner)

The Standard: $50 - $200 per vendor

When to Tip: At the end of the reception

Reception Attendants
When it comes to bartenders, waitstaff, parking, bathroom, and coat-room attendants the rules of tipping are dictated by your contract. If the service fee is included, consider doling out extra only if the service was exceptional.

Etiquette: Optional, based on contract

The Standard: $20 - $25 per bartender or waiter; $1 per guest for coat room and parking attendants; $1 per car

When to Tip: Although tips are traditionally passed out at the end of the event, you could alternately distribute them at the beginning of the evening, to encourage all the workers to give you great service.

Musicians (Reception)
Etiquette: Optional, yet preferred

The Standard: $20 - $25 per musician; $50 - $150 for DJs

When to Tip: At the end of the reception, by the best man / wedding coordinator.

Transportation
Check your contract, as gratuity is usually included. If it isn't, plan to tip provided they show up on time and don't get lost!
Etiquette: Expected

The Standard: 15 - 20 % of the total bill

When to Tip: At the end of the night or after the last ride. If you used a separate

company for the guest buses, designate a bus captain to hand the driver a tip, otherwise, this duty falls to the best man / wedding coordinator.

Wedding Planner
Etiquette: Optional

The Standard: Up to $500, or a nice gift

When to Tip: The bride should hand off the envelope at the end of the reception, or, she should send a thank-you note with photos or a check after the honeymoon.

Wedding Planning 101 - Venue Search Paradise Valley

You may be asking... is this really a wedding location in the Valley? The answer is YES! Isn't it gorgeous?!

If you are looking for a simple beauty and customer service that exceeds the industry norm, you need to tour Stonecreek Golf Club in Paradise Valley.

This golf club is tucked off Cactus and Tatum and is conveniently located on property with an Embassy Suites. You can get ready and oversee your ceremony and reception setup from your

balcony!



The ceremony set has breathtaking views of Camelback mountain and amazingly enough, they work the golfers around you! Trust me, this is unique in the golf industry.

The covered outdoor reception site is truly a blank slate, you can be as creative as you want! They have a back-up inside location in case of weather and the costs are incredibly reasonable. If you are looking to avoid the common food & beverage minimums... look no farther. The have a reasonable ceremony fee and then menus you can customize.

This is a location you can save money and get creative! The setting is simply lovely overlooking the golf course and our famous mountain ranges.

Call Carrie Bayless for a tour: 602.494.1215

You will not only fall in love with the venue, you will fall in love with her kind, passionate spirit. This is a gal who loves what she does!

www.stonecreekgc.com

Wedding Planning 101 - Wedding Coordinators

Last Wednesday, Erin & Kaydee represented the Inspired Events coordinators at Seville Golf & Country Club's Open House. We had a great time meeting the brides and talking about how to make their day stress free and filled with joyous memories! For those of you who we missed, here's a glance at our I.E. Team and what we have to offer on your day!

Erin Rohr: Owner / Wedding Director

Erin is the owner of Inspired Events and has been serving brides since 2003. She is an Arizona State University graduate with a Communications and Hospitality Management degree. Erin was trained by the best planners in Arizona's Destination Management industry and has managed events with as few as 50 guests to as large as thousands. She specializes in Event Management and Wedding Day Directing. Her passion is to assist brides wrap up their details, create a calm event environment through communication and timeliness and inspire a synergy for the day's professional so couples receive the best service possible. Erin is a gifted organizer, communicator and is passionate about serving her clients. She ensures the bride, groom and their families enjoy every special moment of their wedding day!

Erin has a strong faith and has built Inspired Events to be a reflection of her trust in God. 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight' Proverbs 3:5-6

Amber Held: I.E. Coordinator

Amber grew up in Scottsdale, AZ and attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ where she attained a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

After college Amber moved back to the valley where she worked in advertising. After a wonderful experience she realized her heart was calling her elsewhere. Her true passion was and still is to teach relationship education to help couples create a long lasting, healthy and fun relationship. Amber has extensive experience in organization, communication, problem solving and working with large groups. She has been involved with the Smart Marriages Conference for six years where she works closely with the director and 40 plus volunteers every year, to help create a successful, easy going conference experience for everyone.

With her creative and organizational experience it became an easy fit for Amber and Erin to begin working on events together. Amber began as a consultant for Erin and her clients by helping create unique centerpieces and settings for wedding ceremony sites.

Danielle Morgan: I.E. Coordinator

Danielle has a special appreciation for Arizona, where she was born and raised. She attended Grand Canyon University in Phoenix where she earned a BA in English Literature and a minor in humanities. She also grew up studying classical piano, and continued her study of music performance and education throughout her college degree.

After graduating in 2005, Danielle began a career in marketing for a small travel company specializing in custom concert tours and festival events specifically designed for musical ensembles. It was in this position that Danielle was first introduced to the world of event planning, which quickly became a great passion of hers. She considers it a pleasure to be able to combine her strengths in marketing, music, and planning, which have provided her the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge needed to become a successful coordinator.

Danielle met Erin during the summer of 2008. At that time, she was excited to pursue the field of event planning and join on with the Inspired Events team. Danielle is thrilled and truly privileged to be a part of such a wonderful family of coordinators who share a common passion for creating a uniquely special and unforgettable experience for each and every client.

Kaydee Klontz: I.E. Coordinator

Kaydee was born in California but has lived in Arizona for the past 14 years. Kaydee completed her Associates in Arts at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in December 2007 and is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in Communication at Arizona State University.

Kaydee is very involved in her church as has a passion for serving the Lord. For several years she has been the Creative Programming Director in charge of organizing, setup and coordinating a variety of church functions including retreats, luncheons, dinner parties, drama presentations and other special occasions. In addition, she is an Administrative Assistant for a local construction company. Kaydee enjoys expressing her creativity through the design and marketing aspect of events and business development.

Kaydee’s natural gifts and specialized training has made her a perfect fit for taking special care of Inspired Events clients. Brides can rest assured when Kaydee’s around! She pays special attention to details and ensures all the little touches are perfected.

All Inspired Events Coordinators receive several forms of professional training each year including: wedding etiquette, industry specific education by wedding & event professionals as well as on the job wedding training.

What makes Inspired Events so special?

It's the personalized gifts of service our Inspired Team brings to your day!

Wedding Planning 101 - Choosing a Photographer

When searching for the perfect photographer, there are some initial questions that can help narrow down your choices. Most photographers first impression are their websites, look at their work to see if their style fits what you're looking for. Then, before you set the meeting, call and ask the following questions…

1. How long have you been a wedding photographer? How many weddings have you been the lead photographer for?
   


2. What type of training do you have?
   


3. Do you have back up equipment? If so, what?
   


4. How many photographers do you shoot with?
   


5. What happens if you are unable to shoot our wedding? Do you have another photographer you work with?
   

These are some of the basics you need to have answered… the rest relate to your budget and style.

Here are the responses you'll want to avoid…

1. Less than 1 year. Unless you're goal is to get the cheapest photographer, you want to know they have experience in all the complications that can arise on a wedding day.
   


2. Now that high quality cameras and equipment can be purchased by anyone, the wedding industry has seen a substantial increase in self proclaimed photographers. They purchase the equipment, take a few photos, and voila, they are a professional photographer! Professional photographers should have formal training as well as training in the editing systems that go along with creating quality photos.
   


3. You'd be surprised how many photographers do not come 'prepared'. Do they prepare for battery failure, flash issues, etc. You do not want a presumptuous photographer.
   


4. There are great photographers who can shoot solo, but it takes longer and is more work… they have a difficult time moving around to different locations and tend to take the photos all in one area. It's great when there is a team.
   


5. Emergencies happen, sickness, death in the family, car accidents, etc. To be realistic, you want someone who has thought through back up plans for every situation. If they can't make it, who is their back-up and are you okay with them?

You can never re-do your wedding photos. Ask these screening questions and make sure your personalities are compatible for the best wedding day fit.

After serving in the Valley's wedding industry for several years, I'd be happy to give referrals and feedback if you need help. Never hesitate to call: 602.828.3652

Photo by: Lilets Photo & Design in Chandler

Wedding Planning 101 - Father / Daughter Dance

If you need help finding the right Father/Daughter dance... here is a suggestion. Steven Curtis Chapman has a sweet song about the relationship with his daughter.

LYRICS:

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays,

Without a care in the world.

And I'm sittin' here wearin' the weight of the world on my shoulders.

It's been a long day and there's still work to do,

She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!

There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited and I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy, please!"

So I will dance with CinderellaWhile she is here in my arms

'Cause I know something the prince never knew

Oh I will dance with CinderellaI don't wanna miss even one song,

Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight And she'll be gone

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed

She wants to know if I approve of the dress

She says "Dad, the prom is just one week away,

And I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy, please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms'

Cause I know something the prince never knew,

I will dance with Cinderella

I don't wanna miss even one song,

Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

Well, she came home today

With a ring on her hand

Just glowin' and tellin' us all they had planned

She says "Dad, the wedding's still six months awaybut I need to practice my dancin'"

"Oh please, daddy please!"

So I will dance with Cinderella

While she is here in my arms'

Cause I know something the prince never knew

I will dance with CinderellaI don't wanna miss even one song,

Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight

And she'll be gone

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

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!

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:

http://www.santabarbaracatering.com/

http://www.heidisevents.com/

http://www.arizonataste.com/

NEW YEARS COMMITMENT TO BLOGGING

I am committing my new year to on-line relational blogging! I am a Wedding & Event Director, so my blog will be focused mainly on wedding etiquette and answering popular questions. After planning weddings & events for so many years, it's easy and fun to answer questions... Please let me know if you have any - I'd be happy to give you my professional opinion!

My goal is one posting a week... on Wednesdays... I'm putting this in writing - now I can be held accountable! (Except for that ever tempting 'edit' key!)

What you can expect from my blog:

• Simplicity of design ( I hate clutter)
• Professional advise (7+ years of experience)
• Updates of wedding interests in the Valley
• Planning ideas
• Answers to BRIDES questions!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Fun Reception Song

Photo: Inspired Events March 2008 Wedding at Phoenix Art Museum

I am loving Beyonce's new song, 'Single Ladies' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mVEGfH4s5g song for the bouquet toss! How great are the words and it just makes you want to get up and shake it! There are so many ways to personalize your reception and music is one of them.

Select songs that reflect you and your fiancé, this will make more of an impression on your guests than whatever is the DJ's favorite song.

Reception Songs to Personalize:

Grand Entrance

First Dance

Father / Daughter

Mother / Son

Bridal Party – getting guests up & dancing

Cake Cutting

Bouquet Toss

Garter Throw

Honeymoon Dance

Anniversary Dance

Think about the theme for cocktail and dinner time… again, this is a great opportunity to set the mood of your reception that best reflects you as a couple!

WEDDING PLANNING 101 - TOP 10 PLANNING PITFALLS

How To Make Your Wedding

The Day of Your Dreams

What To Avoid When Planning Your Wedding...

1. Resource Denial: Do you have a friend who is musically talented, someone who is good at designing or scrapping? Allow these people to help on items that will NOT make or break your day. Example, favors, invites, guest books, flower baskets, ring pillow, programs, seating cards, etc.
2. Unclear Expectations: It's time to be honest and learn how to communicate the aspects that are most important to you. Take time to talk with your fiance and find out what is most important to each other. Then, communicate what is non-negotiable to family, vendors and friends and allow their input in other areas. Also, make sure to have clear expectations with finances and stick to your budget!
3. Scrimping: There are several areas you can save money when planning your wedding by using your resources, but there are a few key areas where NOT TO SCRIMP. There are a few key vendors that will make or break your day: Photographer, DJ and Wedding Coordinator. These vendors have an integral part in making your day exceptional and taking away your stress. You can never recapture the photos on your day (I also strongly suggest having a videographer to capture the live moments), your DJ is the personality of your reception and without a professional it can be a disaster. Finally, a Wedding Coordinator will take all of your details, all of the days stress, orchestrate all of your vendors and family, fix anything that goes array and allows you the blessing of enjoying your once in a lifetime wedding day!
4. Inflexibility: After you have figured out what's most important to you, be open to others ideas and allow your loved ones the option to assist you in planning. You cannot please everyone, but being willing to listen can often save the peace.
5. But They Said...: Vendors are human and can make promises they forget about after a year of planning. Brides have been left negotiating days before their wedding to receive the services they anticipated but never confirmed. Rule of thumb - get everything in writing, email is a great way to accomplish this. After every meeting create a re-cap email and have them confirm what you heard them promise.
6. WEDDING PARTY UNMET EXPECTATIONS: Every Bride has an expectation of what her best friends will plan for her special celebrations. Be clear on your expectations so there are no hurt feelings. (See Bridal Party Duties - coming soon).
7. LAST MINUTE PLANNING: Don't be the bride who is so stressed the week before her wedding she has not time for herself or family and friends who have arrived for the wedding celebration. Think of items you can do ahead of time. Example: As guests respond start the seating list so you can print the cards or sign a couple weeks prior to the wedding, have an assembly party for favors and other decorating extras. Stay on schedule! Make to do lists. Ask for help!
8. FAMILY & FRIENDS BECOME VENDORS: “It’s better to make a friend out of a vendor, than to make a wedding vendor out of a friend.” If expectations are unmet it can put a severe strain on any relationship. Your family (especially mom) deserves to enjoy your wedding too! There are thousands of stories of relationships being stretched to their limit due to well intentioned friends and relatives causing wedding catastrophes.
9. FIANCE WHO?: Don’t let the stress of planning a wedding start arguments with your fiance. Take time for each other, focus on what the wedding is really about, starting your lives together. Have date nights where you don’t mention the wedding and just focus on each other! Taking dance lessons together before your wedding is a great date night idea.
10. ULTIMATE CONTROL: Once all the vendors and details are in place, you have to trust your wedding team to pull off the wedding of your dreams. You know what’s suppose to happen every minute, but need to let go, or else you will become slave to your timeline and will not enjoy the moments your dreams are made of with your husband, family & friends.
    

Imagine your wedding day as a Broadway production, everything has to come together perfectly in order to produce a show the audience will never forget. Take your day from ordinary to extraordinary and allow Inspired Events lead the production team in creating the wedding of your dreams!

Fave Photographers

STEPHANIE FAY with Tunnel Photography has a beautiful eye for art and is creative in her photo- journalistic style. She has been trained in photo editing which takes her creative talent and magnifies the beauty of her photos.

Visit her online at: http://www.tunnelphotography.com/

ERIK MERKOW was rated on of the top 10 photographers in Phoenix. He has a sincere professionalism that compliments his photojournalistic style. He has a great balance of traditional and creative photos and is guaranteed to get the shots you're looking for!

Visit him online at: www.merkowphotography.com

LASTING IMAGES with Leslie & Shawna: They are such a great team, fun to work with and have an eye for catching those special moments.

Visit them online at: http://www.liphotoaz.com/

HOW TO MAKE THE PROPOSAL OF A LIFETIME

It's the moment you've been waiting for, you have the woman of your dreams, the ring and want to find the perfect way to 'pop' the question. Here are a few ideas to make this a moment she'll never forget...

1. CHOOSE A THEME

To make the proposal an event she'll never forget and will talk about for years to come, you need to start customizing.

Think about some of her favorite things:

• Time of day
• Activity or hobby
• Career
• Places to eat
• Locations (beach, lake, mountains, etc.)

Start asking strategic questions like; what her favorite date has been, or what is her dream date... this will reveal her hearts dream.

2. SET THE MOOD

Romance is key! There are a few timeless elements that you can always count on:

• Candlelight
• Champagne or sparkling wine/cider
• Rose pedals
• Chocolate covered strawberries
• Sunsets
• Music

WHAT IS HER ROMANCE LANGUAGE?

Find out what makes her heart skip a beat. Also consider if she would like it to be public or private. To some women having their name lit up on the billboard is as romantic as a candlelight picnic overlooking the valley during sunset.

3. GET CREATIVE!

Now it's time to personalize. What has been meaningful to you during your dating relationship? What are your favorite things to do together?

IDEAS:

• Make her a princess for the day and plan every detail for her. Give her cards at each location with a reason why you love her. Location ideas: personalized breakfast, pedicure/manicure, spa treatment, lunch, shopping (have the items already paid for), hair salon, dinner or surprise party.
• Surprise her with a video montage of your relationship with the proposal at the end.
• Plan a vacation (with family or friends) to her favorite location and surprise her with the proposal.
• Make a book of memories of your firsts (date, kiss, time you said 'I love you') and then re-live each one.
• Create a lighted sign that says, "MARRY ME", take her on a boat ride on Tempe Town Lake and have your friends hold it up for her to see.
• Is she a movie buff? Have her name appear on the big screen. You can rent a screen and have your own private viewing.
• Have your friends setup a romantic picnic at a park, mountain or ocean for a sunset or fireworks.
• If you want to have a Christmas proposal, tie her ring to the mistletoe and after kissing her, tell her to look up for the ring.
• Charter a plane for the day and take her to Sedona, go hiking, have lunch and propose before you leave.
• Engrave her future married name on something meaningful for a gift.

Also consider gathering her family and friends for a post proposal surprise party!

WHAT TO AVOID:

• Don't propose during dinner - it's too predictable.
• Make sure you tailor the proposal to what is romantic to her, not you.

No matter what you decide to do, how extravagant or intimate, the key is to make it personal. Take your proposal from ordinary to extraordinary with just a little extra planning!

About Erin

Welcome to my blog! I am so blessed to have a part in your wedding planning! I have been in the event industry for almost ten years and have found my passion in wedding planning!

I have an amazing husband who is Inspired Events right hand man and biggest fan! I am a mother, a journey I have found is so rewarding and my son captures my heart each day.

I am known for quality customer service and care for each of my clients. This is about you, and I am privileged to walk beside you and take away your stress and worries!

I hope you find the information on this site helpful! Enjoy your planning!