Proposing Dreams Wedding & Events

Happy Holidays

I'm enjoying a few days off (well sort of) and I just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays in whatever way you celebrate - even if it's just time with family.

Mason had a great Christmas with more than enough toys for the next 365 days. We're swimming in Thomas the Train, Dinosaurs, Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Santa did sneak in a few new books, socks and underwear too.

Business is going well, I'm geared up for the new year and all the projects that are coming along. My darling husband Mark started a new job this fall and just started swing shift this month, I'm adjusting but it's a little odd. With the current economy we're happy to have jobs at all. I wish a successful 2009 to you all.

Thank you to all the wonderful couples I had the pleasure of sharing your amazing wedding with and to those whom I will see in the near future. Thank you to the outstanding teams of vendors I love to work with and also call friends. Thank you to all my family and their continued support, I promise to be around as much as possible in 2009!

Again, Happy Holiday & a Cheerful New Year!!!

Sabrina

6/28/08 Ann & Luke - St. Henry Church & The Four Points Sheraton

It's cold outside so how about some warm photos and a review from June!!

coordination and review by Liz B, couple had an hourly package.

Ann and Luke were my first Illinois couple....and I know that's sad, but when the owner (Sabrina of course) is a native, she tends to let the city girls (that'd be me) take the local weddings. But I am so glad I got to do this wedding, because I really enjoyed the short time I got to work with this couple.

Ann and Luke booked us for their ceremony only. I arrived at the St. Henry Church early to set up, and made sure everyone arrived on time. Since the guys arrived first, it was a groomsmen who told me that the limo carrying Ann had broken down on the way to the church! After a few phone calls back and forth, the ladies arrived safely, and the lovely bride had a happy smile on her face as if nothing had happened. Of course, the Browers decided it was my fault because way back at the first wedding they ever did in St. Louis I was working with them, and the limo broke down there too...but that's another story, another time.

Dierbergs Florist did a lovely job of incorporating the bright colors Ann wanted of hot pink, tangerine, and yellow into the bouquets. The fantastic team Angee and Brian of Archway Media were also there, capturing the moments of the day.

The couple chose to have the church choir sing as well as Ann's father, which provided a wonderful personal touch to their day. After a very sweet ceremony, pictures were taken in the church before I packed up and sent the newly married couple on their way to get shots done in other locations before their reception.

Congrats again Luke and Ann, and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day!

Ceremony: St. Henry Church Belleville, IL
Ceremony Music: Church Choir
Transportation: Kelly's Limos
Videographer: Archway Media
Photography: Browers Photography
Florist: Dierbergs Florist
Reception: The Four Points Sheraton
Cake: Lubeley's

and now those photos to warm you up!!

 

a reader asked - where she got the garter - Ann replied:

Sure, I'd be glad to help!

 

Kristis_Charmed_Life on Ebay.  I requested that she make it with white ribbon instead of yellow.  I received it rather quickly, too :)

 

Ebay Shop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping....

Are you Christmas shopping for your loved ones? What about your wedding?? Yes, I said your wedding. Well there are lots of end of the year deals out there so don't miss out! Like this one from my dear friend and personal stylist April Schaeffer on her blog.

Website Problems....

So my website is down :o( They say it will be fixed within 24 hours but MAN THAT BUGS ME!! I'm freaking out! My email it tied to the site so I can't get anything and if it's getting kicked back please resend tomorrow. I'll post when I'm up and going again.

Thanks!!

Booking Season...

Hey Guys & Gals,  booking season is upon us Jan 1 is just 29 days away! Traditionally we in the industry will see an increase in the begining of the year due to Christmas, New Years, and Valentines Day proposals along with 2009 couples thinking "oh heck, I gotta get on it!!" but for the past two weeks I have had availability requests just pouring in! Some smart folks are getting a jump on it before the regular booking season starts. Don't wait!! We and many other vendors will start to fill up quickly.

Things to remember:

1) Meet with the vendors make sure they mesh with you! You don't want to regret any decisions.

2) Know what you want; bring examples, ask questions, get referrals.

3) Consider a "day of appointments". Take a day off work and meet with vendors during a weekday. Make your schedule out to meet one after the other and get it all done!

4) Know your budget and your priorities! Try to have a budget in mind. Ask about ways to stay within your budget. If your wants don't fit with their cost but you love the vendor, look at other areas that you wouldn't mind making cuts. I understand not everyone knows what to expect for costs but keep a running total of estimates you may have to reconsider after falling in love with something new.

5) Follow-up, even if you choose not to use someone you met with please don't leave them hanging. Understand you are talking about someone's living and they need to know asap if you have chosen a different route. We all understand not every appointment is going to work out, just let us/them know with a quick email. Thank them for their time and explain you have chosen another company. If you can give any insight that might help them in the future they appreciate that too.

Happy Planning!!

Vendor Spotlight - Boda Films

After working a few weddings this summer with Joe Seebeck of Boda Film I knew we needed to do a blog interview! I met Joe nearly 5 years ago when he was second shooting with his brother Stephen. Now on his own with a fantastic video company we're working together again!!

PD: Joe, ok what is Boda?

"Boda"  is spanish for Wedding...I just like the way it sounds...

PD: How long have you been in the industry?

I've been working in the wedding business for five years...after college I helped my brother as a second shooter with his photography studio.

PD: How would you describe your video style?

My shooting style is a blending of documentary, cinematic, candid and unobtrusive...I don't get in the way...I don't direct events but rather, wait for them to unfold... Your wedding day has enough drama, humor,
and romance by itself...

PD: How do your package(s) work?

I have three packages...the main thing the couple needs to decide is how long they want me...my packages range from 8-12 hours...that is the main difference between the packages...
 
PD: What is your turn around time after an event?

I try to make each video distinct from the rest, nothing generic. This philosophy leads to long hours, days and weeks of editing the video...with that said during the busy months of wedding season I give myself 2-3 months...
 
PD: What sets Boda Film apart from the other STL video companies?

I pride myself with excellent camerawork further enhanced by exceptional editing...and with a background in photography and graphic design I'm able to incorporate these with my videos...I think that
sets me apart from other companies...

I sincerly thank Joe for his time and look forward to many more movies from Boda Film ...Check out Boda Film for your event!

referrals...

In yesterday's post I said I was thankful for clients and their referrals and I truly am!! I want to reward those who continue to refer us and make our business grow so please let us know if you have referred a client or if you were a referral from a past client - we've got something special for you!!