Proposing Dreams Wedding & Events

Ann & Rakesh with Avia Photography at the Sheldon Concert Hall...

I was tickled just to see the images of Ann & Rakesh's wedding let alone the blog love from the team at Avia and then email love from Ann - warms my heart:

http://aviaphotography.blogspot.com/2009/11/meet-patels.html

Be sure to take a look at the slideshow too!

http://aviaphotography.zenfolio.com/patelfaves

From Avia: I will say that the day went so well in large part because of Sabrina and her assistant Cassie, their incredibly talented wedding planner (check out their website at proposingdreams.com) who were there the whole day and took care of everything. I arrived to hear Sabrina say to Ann, "Don't let Rakesh worry about anything. I know he loves lists and crossing things off, but he's not to worry about any of it today. I have it covered." Seeing the relief and comfort on Ann's face was fantastic. As a result of Sabrina being there, Ann & Rakesh had to do nothing but relax and enjoy their celebration together! Before we started doing wedding photography, I thought that wedding planners were silly. However, after seeing the same pattern over and over the day of the wedding (sleep-deprived brides, family feuds brought on by reception decorations, cellphones that run out of juice halfway through the day from use, frantic last minute trips to wal-mart, scrambling to finish the programs the day before, hemming bridesmaids dresses the day of...) and then being at the few weddings with wedding planners... what a HUGE difference they make. With wedding planners around the relatives and bridal party are calm and relaxed and have all slept the night before. Peace of mind is so totally worth it!

From Ann: I wanted to share with you a wonderful blog post by Mallory Taulbee with Avia Photography -- as you know our photographers from the wedding.
 
Specifically, she included a flattering paragraph about your help with our wedding -- and I couldn't have said it better myself.  The part she mentioned about you snatching away the to-do list from Rakesh and told him to not worry about anything was one of my favorite parts of the day, believe it or not -- because someone needed to snatch it away from him b/c he was too much enjoying checking things off the list, and his expression afterwards of having nothing to do except enjoy and finally getting a bit nervous was priceless.  
 
Enjoy and thanks again!
Ann Patel

 

Lauren & Matt 5-9-09 Sacred Heart Catholic Church & Old Hickory Golf Club

Lauren & Matt are just too cute! They were a referral from a previous client who told them how much of a difference it made to have at least a “day of” coordinator. Meeting up with them at church and just keeping the day on track was an easy task as Lauren is a so organized and put together.

 

I really enjoyed Father Stanger’s ceremony and working with Angie from Trotter – unfortunately I can’t get a lot of images so here are just a few:

 

 

 

as always the photo of me behind the dress. I really do more, this just seems to be when the photographers always catch me!

 

 

Congrats and nothing but the best for your future!!

 

From Lauren: Thanks again for everything you did!  The day couldn't have been smoother and I loved being able to relax and not worry about the details.

 

The Big Day Vendor Line-up:

 

Salon: Metro Design Studio

Ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Officiant: Father Stranger

Photography: Trotter Photography

Ceremony Music: John Meehen, Cheryl Tillery, & Aimee Showers

Transportation: Vandalia Bus Lines

Florist: Stems Florist

Reception: Old Hickory Golf Club

Disc Jockey: TKO Djs

 

Katie & Jenny 5/2/09 Pilgram United & Franklin Room

Katie & Jenny had "the wedding consultant" package:

 

 

Katie & Jenny will always hold a special place in my heart! What amazing ladies with so much love to give and share! I was tickled with them the first time I met them and we had so much fun planning their wedding I wouldn’t even call it work.

 

The ceremony was flawless and inspiring. I don’t cry at weddings much anymore but I did at theirs, when the entire congregation came up to lay hands of support there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

 

The ceremony was supposed to be held at their church where Katie now preaches (and I’m ashamed to say I haven’t gotten to see yet – but if it’s anything like her prayer at dinner it’s moving too) but unfortunately the construction wasn’t completed.

 

The wedding party was fun and sassy! The colors of apples green and brown looked amazing on everyone. Jenny’s father’s band The Jorrells kept us dancing all night! The vendors were all outstanding and it was a GREAT day – I’ll never forget it!!

 

Much love and respect to you ladies – all my best for now and forever!

 

I love this one.....they bought each other the same card for thier wedding day. This was done so they couldn't see each other.

 

 

all of us right after the ceremony

 

 

We shared a HUGE rice krispie treat after the ceremony

 

The church where the wedding was supposed to be:

 

 

 

The Big Day Vendor Line Up:

Salon: Maggie Devine of Texture Studio

Ceremony: Pilgrim United Church of Christ

Officiant: Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

Photography: Kelly Manno Photography

Videographer: Lifetime Media

Florist: Sisters Flowers

Reception: The Franklin Room

Band: The Jorrells

Bakery: Carondelet Bakery

 

 

Alisha & Luke's Wedding, Aurora New York - First installment:

I'm home in hot, humid, sticky St. Louis after a week in gorgeous, cool, breezy upstate New York.

As the pictures are starting on Facebook, I'm getting more and more excited.

NOTE - there were about 15 pros with cameras at this wedding, the details we amazing, the surroundings were breathe taking and the couple was stunning so there was no lack of things to photograph.

I will continue to post as they all come in. Here is just a little taste:

These are from JP Elario:

Not only was this the ceremony site but the backyard of the house we stayed in, imagine this as your view  every morning!!

 

 

They don't get much cuter than this, with Miss Lillie joining them all as a family.

 

 

 

 

Alisha did not only a wardrobe change but the amazing April Schaeffer cut her hair too! Luke likes Alisha's hair in this shorter bob which she grew out for the wedding but we rocked out a sneak away to come back transformed it was exciting!!

Thank you to JP for these photos and all the amazing photographers (Alisha & Luke included) for making me look soooo good! I'm dying to see what Jason Groupp the "offical" photographer has in his camera! This was a dream wedding for me not only to see the day devoted to the love of great friends of mine but to get real creative freedom and working with Alisha's vision which let me tell you is HOT and loaded with TASTE!

Stay tuned more to come!

Marcie & Andy, Seven Holy Founders & Windows on Washington

Couple had The Wedding Assistant Package - Day of Coordination by Sabrina Torti assisted by Amanda Schneider

 

This wedding held a lot of firsts for me.  My first time at Windows On Washington (mine not Sabrina's they love her there), first polka, the first time I tasted homemade gooey butter cake (I've had gooey butter cookies but never cake), and they were my first wedding of the season.  Oh and now they are the first wedding I've reviewed for the blog.  I could not have asked for a better couple to kick off the wedding season with.  They are both so sweet and laid back.  It was apparent from the moment they and their friends and family arrived at the church that their wedding day was about their love for each other and for their friends and family. 

 

The ceremony took place at Seven Holy Founders in Affton. 

 

I love seeing the groom's face when his bride is walking down the aisle.  Andy looks so happy!

Marcie was a picture perfect bride and the sweetest!

 

Sweet.

 

 

After the ceremony the bridal party headed off to take a few photos and grab some Ted Drewes.

 

Don't be upset if it rains on your wedding day it can make for some adorable photos!

 

 

Love.

 

Their bridal party was perfect.  Always where they were supposed to be doing what they were supposed to be doing. 

 

After pictures it was off to Windows On Washington for the cocktail hour and reception. 

 

I loved the bridesmaid bouquets that doubled as decoration for the head table.  The cake knife was a family heirloom and the gooey butter cake was made by the groom's family. 

Words cannot describe how adorable these two are!

For more photos of Marcie & Andy's beautiful wedding go to http://kellyparkphoto.blogspot.com/. 

 

Marcie & Andy - thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your day.  It really truly was an honor to meet not only they two of you but your families as well.  Congratulations!

 

-Amanda Schneider

 Professional Event Assistant

 

 

 

Vendor line up...

Ceremony - Seven Holy Founders

Officiant - Father Don Siple

Photography - Kelly Park Photography

Florist - RW Designs

Reception - Windows On Washington

DJ - Block Rockin' Beats

Bakery - The Cakery

Makeup - Looks by Lisa

Hair - Katie Chavez

 

Note from Marcie:

 

Hi Sabrina,

I just wanted to thank you and Amanda SO much for coordinating our wedding on April 18.  You both really took a major load off my mind and I appreciate all of the work that you two put into the little details on the day of the wedding.  I am so grateful that we booked you, albeit at the last minute.  I can only imagine how helpful it would have been to have you along the way, and not just during the last couple of weeks or so!!  You can be sure that I will tell my friends how helpful it was to have you around.  Once again, thanks so much for jumping right in and making our wedding day so perfect.

Thank you,

Marcie S

Katie & Spencer - Holy Cross & Windows On Washington 4.4

Coordination & Review by Michelle (assistance from Sabrina) client's had the wedding assistant package.   Katie and Spencer were such a fun and fresh couple! Their day started off at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville IL. It was a beautiful setting for their romantic ceremony by Dr. Dale Meyer.     The church has a very regal feel which was perfect for Katie and Spencer to exchange their personalized vows. Zettl Photography was there to capture every moment.   This shot was just befor the ceremony and they hadn't seen each other yet....     Katie and Spencers reception was at Windows on Washington. Everything looked great, the black table linens really made the purple flower centerpieces pop.     Exclusive Events set the mood with purple and amber uplighting. Over the Top DJ kept the dance floor packed. This wedding party knows how to party.     The end of the night was completed by an amazing same day edit by their videographers, Gebbs Total Video.   Katie-Spencer SDE APRIL 6, 09 from GEBBS on Vimeo. More hot photos from Zettl Photography                     Congrats Katie and Spencer!   Vendor line up Ceremony site - Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville IL Officiant - Reverend Dr. Dale Meyer Ceremony Music - Rosewood Ensemble Photographer - Zettl Photography Videograher - Gebbs Total Video Reception site - Windows on Washington Cake - Hanks cheesecakes DJ - Over the Top Lighting - Exclusive Events Florist - Dennis (the brides Uncle)

Alan & Ashley - Graham Chapel & Point of View 3.14

 Coordination by Sabrina Review by Cassie – the client had the wedding planner package

 

I have to start by saying this was my first wedding of the year to assist with and I was coming in right at the end to help pull all the details together.  Ashley and Alan were a delight to work with and they truly complement each other. They are both project managers and while it was no secret that it was hard for Ashley to let go of control it was hard for Alan too!

The day started off with a morning workout for Sabrina with 7 flights of stairs (due to a false alarm at the Ritz) but needless to say she was on her game.  Everything came together and the ceremony at Graham Chapel was perfect.

 

 

 

Tim and Heather from Artisan Photographydid a great job catching the smiles and little moments throughout the day.  The reception topped off the celebration with Studio B!and of course cocktails & dancing.

Ashley and Alan truly were absolutely stunning and the day went off wonderfully. After a well deserved honeymoon they are off to their new home in Indiana.

 

Best Wishes to them both!!

 

love this

 

4 of the 7 wedding party members were siblings, I love these small family wedding parties.

 

 

  

Stunning...

 

 

Check out the amazing view at the appropriatly name - Point of View!

 

 

And this little gem taken of Tim Pastor and Sabrina at the end of the evening..

Big Day Vendor Line Up:

Bridal/Wedding night Suite: Ritz Carlton Clayton

Hair and Makeup: Saks

Photographer: Artisan Photography

Guest Book: Studio B!

Ceremony Site: Graham Chapel

Officiant: Bishop Fred Sansone

Musicians: William “Pat” Partridge

Florist: Hereford Andrew          

Rentals: Take a Seat

Transportation: Promo Sedan and Limousine

Reception: Point of View

Catering: Patty Long Catering

Reception Music: TKO

Bakery: The Cakery Bakery

Grooms Cake: Pat-t-Cakes

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lauren & Mike, Jewel Box & Windows off Washington

Coordination and review by Sabrina - clients had the wedding assistant package

Lauren & Mike are just adorable! Her black, white and green color scheme is one of my favorites!! They started their day at the Hyatt Riverfront while I set-up at WOW. After Danielle made the already gorgeous bridal party looked even better Michelle went over early to meet up with the clients to do their first meeting. I put Michelle up as the lead because she is ready to start taking weddings on her own and I had a client who had to move her wedding to the day before and I wanted to make sure Lauren & Mike got someone 100% fresh. Michelle was tickled to get to lead and I was there for anything they needed like a “rebustling”.

 

 

The ceremony at the Jewel Box was perfect and officiated but Rabbi Mark Shook. The bride and groom shared tears as did everyone within ear shot of their vows. The flowers were beautiful and the huppah looked amazing. I would have killed to have a camera at the time but I didn’t so my recap and your imagination will have to work. The area for the ceremony at the Jewel Box isn’t large and there is a lot of foliage in the way so as I sent each bridesmaid down the aisle and they took their place they sort of trapped Michael Browers in between them. If you have seen Michael he’s a tall dark and handsome man, generally wearing black and looked so funny in line with these petite ladies in green. It was one of those “one of these guys is doing his own thing” moments that I just loved!

     

After the ceremony we squeezed in a few group photos and when it was time for the “Wieser Family” is was comical to see them ALL and I do mean ALL do the “Wieser Face” – it’s a contortion to their faces in a way I have never seen before!! See photos below.

Working with Browers is such a pleasure they are not only talented but LOADS of fun! The reception was a hit with StudioB! and the sounds of BOOM. The room was decorated with the black and white damask pattern and the perfect amount of green. We (Michelle and I) hung string lights and fabric over the dancefloor and headtable added some fabric runners rented from Ellen (a previous bride). The partied until the lights came on (and a little more) and then were greeted by a horse and carriage outside to take them to their after party.

       

Great Day! Great Fun!! Best Wishes!!!

Big Day Vendor Line Up:

Bridal Suite: Hyatt Riverfront Hotel (formerly Adam's Mark)

Hair and Makeup: Danielle Erb

Photographer: Browers

Videographer: Browers

Ceremony Site: Jewel Box

Officiant: Rabbi Mark Shook

Musicians: Manhasset Strings

Florist: Creative Environments

Rentals: BBJ Linen

Transportation: A Perfect Touch Limo

Reception: Windows off Washington (West Room)

Reception Music: BOOM

Bakery: Lubeley's

Favors & Entertainment: Studio B!      

Lighting & Décor: Proposing Dreams

Stationary: The Amazing Groom!

Tonya & Doug, All Saints Catholic Church & Old Hickory Golf Club

Coordination and review by Sabrina - clients had the wedding assistant package

Tonya & Doug are a FUN couple!! I was looking forward to a rocking good time with them. Unfortunatly on the morning of their wedding while traveling on I-270 (a highway I won’t take anymore unless there is no other route) I was trapped behind a HUGE tracker trailer fire that put me over an hour late. I was calling all my resources to rescue me at go to the church but no one was available or close enough. I arrived at All Saints Catholic Chuch just minutes before the ceremony was supposed to start. Notice I say supposed to….Tonya forgot her veil at the hotel and wasn’t going down the aisle without it. She said “It’s just too pretty not to wear” so my being late wasn’t even a factor! After a great ceremony the wedding party headed off to photos and I headed over to the reception at Old Hickory Golf Club where I had the pleasure of meeting the folks of Raptor DJ. Austin is only 16 and better than a lot of DJ’s out there! He’s been doing this for quite a few years in youth groups and such and his mom is helping him build his business. I really enjoyed working with them both! They along with Alobars provided some special lighting and a custom gobo. I got to work with Jen from Catchlight for the first time as a lead shooter with Kelly Park as the second shooter – two ladies who are a blast to hang out with!!

Best of Everything to Tonya and Doug!!

 

 

Big Day Vendor Line Up:

Bridal Suite: Residence Inn

Hair and Makeup: Metro the Salon

Photographer: Catchlight Park

Videographer: Jess Martin

Ceremony Site: All Saints Catholic Church

Officiant: Father Don Wester

Musicians: Paul Foeler & Steve Aubuchon

Florist: RW Designs      

Rentals: Alobars-Lighting

Transportation: Central States Trailways

Reception: Old Hickory Golf Club

Catering: Old Hickory Golf Club

Reception Music: Raptor DJ

Bakery: Susie G's Bakery

 

From Tonya: Thanks again for everything you did for our wedding.  It was such an amazing day, and I was totally able to relax and enjoy it by having you there!  I LOVED every one of my vendors, but have to shout out to you, Austin, and Jen (photog) for sure!