2.20.16 Cassie + Jaime | Lakeside Pavilion Wedding

Cassie & Jaime's day was filled with so much love and appreciation for their families support, it was beautiful to see how influential their parents were in their lives.  These two chose details that were classy and meaningful to them such as the hanging banners and Mexican wedding cookies, and they weren't afraid to have fun!  

Be Authentic Photography captured so many beautiful moments from their day, here are some of the highlights. Be sure to check out their full blog post here! 

It was an honor being a part of Cassie & Jaime's wedding day, and a big thanks to all of the vendors who made it so special for them!

Venue: Lakeside Pavilion // Photographer: Be Authentic Photography // Caterer: Special Times Catering // Florist: Cambray Rose // Rentals: Party Dogs // Specialty Linens: WeDo Designs // Coordination: The 530 Bride 

Connect with The 530 Bride on Instagram, here's our latest post: 

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Vulputate Commodo Ligula

<p>Commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus.</p>

Elit Condimentum

<p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper.</p>

Aenean eu leo Quam

<p>Quisque iaculis facilisis lacinia. Mauris euismod pellentesque tellus sit amet mollis.</p>

Cursus Amet

<p>Sed purus sem, scelerisque ac rhoncus eget, porttitor nec odio. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.</p>

Pellentesque Risus Ridiculus

<p>Vivamus pellentesque vitae neque at vestibulum. Donec efficitur mollis dui vel pharetra.</p>

Porta

<p>Praesent id libero id metus varius consectetur ac eget diam. Nulla felis nunc, consequat laoreet lacus id.</p>

Etiam Ultricies

<p>Donec id justo non metus auctor commodo ut quis enim. Mauris fringilla dolor vel condimentum imperdiet.</p>

Vulputate Commodo Ligula

<p>Commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus.</p>

Elit Condimentum

<p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper.</p>

Aenean eu leo Quam

<p>Quisque iaculis facilisis lacinia. Mauris euismod pellentesque tellus sit amet mollis.</p>

Cursus Amet

<p>Sed purus sem, scelerisque ac rhoncus eget, porttitor nec odio. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.</p>

Pellentesque Risus Ridiculus

<p>Vivamus pellentesque vitae neque at vestibulum. Donec efficitur mollis dui vel pharetra.</p>

11.07.15 Jacyln + Kevin | Tuscan Ridge Golf Course Wedding

Jackie & Kevin shared their love story with their wedding guests in a unique way, their photographer Christopher Armstrong captured a short video during their engagement session asking questions of how they met, how they knew that the other was "the one".  It was intimate and heartfelt, just like this sweet couple.  We were honored to be a part of their wedding day! 

Venue: Tuscan Ridge Golf Course // Coordination: The 530 Bride // Wedding Cake: Cinful Desserts // Photography: Christopher Armstrong Photography // Video: Luke Scherba // Flowers: MC Floral Dreamworks 
 

Terri + Albert | Rustic TJ Farms Wedding

This family does everything together, like plan three weddings in one year!

We instantly fell in love with Terri and her contagious smile, she laughs and she enjoys life period.  The love that she has found with Albert is simply fate, and being a part of their day was refreshing and fun! 

Thank you to Trevor & Jordan Clavorie who shot this wedding, the photos captured their joy and love on this special day! 

Photo by @TreClav

Florals by Expressions M & T

Florals by Expressions M & T 

That's right, all three of these lovely sisters said I Do' in the same year! Photo by @TreClav

Photography by @TreClav 

Photo by @TreClav, Custom Arch by WeDo Designs 

The one thing that couples forget when planning their wedding day

All good things (even epic wedding days) come to an end.. what is the game plan when the DJ plays the last song and everyone is heading to the after party? 

Who cleans up?
Who is taking your left over food, cake, gifts etc?
Who packs up all of your belongings? 
Who will return all of your rentals (cake stand, glass centerpieces, easels etc) on the next business day?

The point is that while planning your wedding it is easy to only focus on what it will take to get you down the aisle and to have a seriously good time - We totally get that ;)  As a wedding planner we hate to hear about the couples who had to clean up their own wedding because no one planned out that aspect ahead of time.  Make sure to consider the clean up when selecting your venue, rental companies and all service packages.

We want the end of the night to be as smooth and stress free as the day itself and when planned accordingly, it totally can be!  Oh and we really don't want your mom, aunt, best friend, or brother to be hauling your stuff to the car at midnight.  That's why you want to hire a wedding planner!

Your wedding planner will be responsible for thoroughly reviewing all contracts/invoices with vendors so that we are 100% aware of what needs to be returned to vendors after the wedding and when it needs to be back.  Keep in mind that for some rentals you have a security deposit so if the cake stand needs to be returned by tuesday (clean and free of any cake/food residue) then we need to ensure it has been washed and that it will be returned so that you receive your deposit back.  

Make sure to discuss clean up with your venue to make sure that you understand what condition the venue needs to be in by the end of the night or next morning.  Is someone responsible for taking the garbage to the dumpster, sweeping the floor, stacking chairs etc? These are not details that you want to forget and they need to be addressed within your timeline and wedding agreements with all respective vendors.  

Have questions about what a wedding planner does? What is the difference between full service planning and Event Management or "Day of" services? Check out our Services page to find out more.

~ Happy Planning ~

Wedding Tips | Making the Most of Your Engagement Photos

You're Engagement Session is Scheduled..It's Getting Real! 
Photo via Minted

The first rule is to think of what scenes would feel the most authentic to you as a couple? Are you super fans of a local micro-brewery, or maybe there is a family cabin that is your home away from home.  Choosing a location that makes you not only feel comfortable but that highlights your love story is one way to make the most of your session.  

Wardrobe: After you have selected your location, talk with your photographer about his or her recommendations on wardrobe for the specific lighting and desired look.  Then choose a few looks that are easy to change into for example jeans and a cute top for one look, throw on a cardigan to change it up and lastly for the third look switch the jeans for a cute maxi or pencil skirt depending on the vibe.  (Tip: Bring a blanket along not only to give you the option to sit down but your sweetie can hold it while you change if needed) Finally, bring a few statement pieces like a chunky necklace, or colorful bangle bracelets, watch etc for the nice close-up shots of your hands and that beautiful ring. 

Make-up: Wouldn't it be nice if you had your own personal glam squad? Sometimes it works out to schedule your hair and make-up trial on the same day as your engagement session.  This is great for seeing how your make-up look photographs and it may give you that extra boost of glam confidence.  If you are doing your own hair and make-up for the shoot, be mindful if you are shooting outdoors that wind can blow your hair around and you may have to keep adjusting before each shot.  An updo, bobby pins or some hair accessories are helpful to avoid any hair malfunctions! Eye make-up can always be a tad more dramatic for photo's but you shouldn't need to wear extra blush or bronzer depending on the lighting. 

Enjoy a cocktail or cozy beverage before you begin shooting, it can help loosen both of you up and get you ready to smile in front of the camera.  Some couples have even opted to take some photos that include them loosening up at their favorite pub or cafe.  

Have more questions? Chat with your photographer and wedding planner to relieve any of your pre-session nerves!

Tips for Creating An Authentic Wedding Day | Wedding Planning Tips

We are obsessed with authentic, and personal events so here are a few tips to keep in mind for your planning!

MAKE YOUR GUESTS COUNT  

Photo by Jesse Holland via Style Me Pretty Vault 

Give your guests opportunities to interact with your wedding day, allowing them to leave a mark and a memory for you to enjoy for years to come.  Photobooths with funny props have been a hit, but for if you are looking to class it up consider an open booth or photo backdrop.  We are loving this idea on Style Me Pretty, a chalkboard message for the bride and groom could be beyond special.  

GET PERSONAL 

Image via Southern Weddings 

Leave a handwritten or personalized note for each of your guests, whether it be incorporated into the place setting or escort card. Take this opportunity to thank them for their journey across state for your wedding or for being a longtime friend.  Tear jerker alert: just wait until mom and dad read their hand written note! 

Think of your guest list and how each person that attends your wedding has a unique tie to you and your fiance.  Maybe they played little league with you, or they were your fiance's roommate in college.  Play clips of songs that bring back good memories, or incorporate that little league team name into your note at their place setting.  

WATCH OUT FOR TRENDS

Trends can be gorgeous, as long as they mean something to you. When it comes to wedding planning, don’t feel obligated to strictly follow what you see trending on sites like Pinterest. 

"The thing you need to be careful with trends is that is it just a fad? Is it something you’ll want to look back on 10, 20, 50 years from now, and will you want to show your children? When they ask about it, you don’t want to say, ‘Oh, it was because there was this movie out! - if it’s personal and it’s important to you, then go for it!"
Bruce Russell via Bridal Musing's
 

TELL YOUR LOVE STORY 

Patrick Ranch Wedding, Chico 

Tell your love story in not only the obvious details but the subtle ones too! Use your ceremony programs, reception signage or even fun photos around the venue that document what it is that has drawn you together in the first place.  Guests want to be connected with you and they are here to celebrate the both individuals and the relationship promising forever.  

~ Happy Planning ~

The 530 Bride offers Creative and Affordable Planning and Coordination in Northern California.  If you are looking for a wedding planner in Yuba City, Gridley, Chico, Redding, Chester, Nevada City or the surrounding areas please check out our services page, and contact us for a complimentary consultation today! 

The Do's and Don'ts of a Long Engagement | The 530 Bride

We love "engagement" season and all of the excitement in the air, the first thing brides do is tell their families and their prospective wedding party of course! Then it is time to consider possible wedding dates, start by reading The Knot's article on How to Choose Your Wedding Date, including considerations of the season, symbolic dates such as your anniversary etc, and dates to avoid.  If you have your heart set on a local wedding venue or booking your fav' wedding professionals make sure to take that into consideration before announcing your wedding date. 

We have put together some Do's and Don'ts for those who are planning on a longer engagement and need a little reassurance after setting the date: 

Do Hire Professionals - You may have dear friends or family members who have volunteered for one thing or another, but we urge you to put the brakes on and use this time to start brainstorming on what is important to you as a couple including budget, the atmosphere, overall decor and guest count.  Meet with local wedding planners who can guide you to vendors who may be a good fit for the aesthetic you have described.  

Do Attend Wedding Shows - It comes with the territory and you'd be surprised how fun it is to attend the bridal shows, taste samples, view galleries and check out what your local vendors offer.  There are great opportunities to save money when booking vendors at the bridal shows, not to mention the great raffles and prizes available.

Don't Impulse Buy - Small impulse purchases eventually add up, and before you know it you have a whole room full of random items that you pick up over the course of a few months.  Talk with your wedding planner and decor or rental company about items that you are interested in and request a price comparison on items before purchasing. Often purchasing mason jars, burlap and votives end up being much more expensive than renting.  

Do Share Your Pinterest Board - As a wedding planner we love to get an idea of the styles that appeal to you, so Pin away! Collect images of wedding bouquets, lighting, signage, linens and photography that speaks to you and make a note about what specifically in the image is appealing.  Leaving these notes for yourself will be helpful down the road when discussing with the florist or other creatives.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - Often the longer the engagement the more the small stuff seems to creep in and stress brides out.  Throughout your planning process there will be some lulls, or times where you think nothing is happening.  This is normal and you are allowed to enjoy the downtime and day to day life with your Fiance! 

Do Schedule Your Engagement Session Early - By scheduling your engagement session early, you can get your photos back a little earlier which will give you time to use them for your wedding website, save the dates if you choose to do them, gifts, or displaying them at your bridal shower. You will also get a chance to interact with your photographer and get to know them better too! Read What You Kneed to Know for Your Engagement Shoot 

Don't Second Guess Yourself - When you have a longer engagement you may be more prone to second guess some of the decisions and purchases you have made such as your gown, or color scheme.  In times of doubt, don't hesitate to call your wedding planner or your bestie to calm your nerves! 

Make sure to schedule time for yourself and set a routine to include working out and other activities with your partner that you find relaxing.  There is life outside of wedding planning, and don't feel guilty if you need to take breaks from planning! 

For more tips, stay tuned to our blog and visit us on Facebook & Instagram

Welcome to Our Cozy New Space | Chico Wedding Planner

We couldn't wait to show you a peek of Chico's newest wedding planning studio!  It's a space just perfect for getting to know our clients better, working on creative projects and attacking that wedding to-do list.  

We have to give a shout out to Platinum Productions, who invited us to move into the space and it has been an inspiration to get to know Sana and his team.  His passion for his business and his spirit for giving back to the community is contagious.  Make sure to follow #payitforwardninja on Instagram and you'll see the latest adventures!

Next on the agenda is preparing for the Chico Bridal Show on January 10th, at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds.  Check out the website for more details, and stay tuned for your chance to win free tickets to the show! Here is a shot of our booth from the August Show, we had a blast meeting so many new couples and seeing all of our favorite wedding professionals. 

~Happy Planning~

Plan to Experience Your Wedding | The 530 Bride

Details, Details,..but don't forget to experience your wedding day!

You will hear "it goes by so fast" about a million times while you are planning your wedding; and that's because it's true! We can plan every detail out but we unfortunately cannot stop the clock or rewind the seconds that you missed like your grandma out on the dance floor! Check out our tips on being in the moment on your wedding day:

1.  A Detailed Timeline is Key
   Work with your wedding planner on a timeline that captures the flow of your day, allowing for some buffer time in between as you don't want to feel like a slave to your timeline.  Typically we prefer to check with the photographer first to see if there is a particular flow that works best for them based on the package you have booked.  If your coverage is less than 8 hours we want to make the most of that time.  Then we send a draft timeline to your caterer and DJ for their input/suggestions.  We continuously update your timeline to keep all of your vendors & wedding party on the same page along the way.  
    
2. Plan meaningful details
   Incorporate memories and details that are authentic to you as a couple and don't hold back. If the bouquet and garter toss aren't really your thing, then scratch it! Tell your love story in a unique way, incorporate memories and choose details that are authentic to you as a couple and don't hold back.  Guests are coming to your wedding to celebrate you, and they will appreciate all of the personal touches and quirks to the day. 
    
3. Regardless of how hands-on you want to be during your planning process, you should always have an exit strategy (not kidding.)
   What the heck is a exit strategy you ask? Well it is the plan that allows you to systematically transfer all of the details and plans that have been in your mind and we walk through those details so that we can later execute them for you.  We plan mock table settings and use photos/sketches to plan a detailed layout, decor set-up, and breakdown plan so that you can rest assured everything will be just right.
    
4. Label each box of wedding items or any belongings you are bringing to the venue
   For the brides who have been collecting mason jars, dishes or other decor items be sure to have a detailed packing list or provide the items to our planner ahead of the wedding as well as write a short description on a piece of paper and tape to the box, listing the items and where they should go.  This helps you when packing and organizing before heading to the venue and it will also help with re-packing all of these items after your wedding. It is also good to establish what you would like to do with leftover items at the end of the night (extra programs, favors, floral arrangements etc.) 
    
5. Rental Items, decor & personal items
   Make sure to clearly communicate with vendors on any items that need to be returned or when they will be picked up from the venue.  If you would like to have your wedding planner return items, it should be determined when these items are due back just in case.  Have a clear plan & outline with your wedding planner:  who is responsible for removing garbage, clearing tables, picking up linens, putting tables and chairs back, cleaning the venue and when all cleanup needs to be done so that you do not risk your deposit with your venue.  
    
6. Hire a wedding planner! 
   Couldn't resist, but seriously hire a professional who will handle all of this stuff for you so that you can enjoy this amazing day. 

Congrats on your engagement and we hope you are loving every minute!

~Happy Planning~ 

Shopping Small | Gift Guide

Finding the perfect gift for all of your special peeps? The struggle is real! 

We are in love with the shop small movement and all of the master creatives out there who run their own etsy shops or storefronts, work from home, or collaborate locally.  Lucky for us we follow an amazing group of talented creatives so we are sharing a link to check out and cross off all the goodies on your gift-giving list.  

Image via Rising Tide Society

Already done with your Christmas shopping? (Hey, no bragging) Keep this gift guide in mind for bridal party gifts, guest welcomes, home decor, or heck tell santa to sneak a little something into your stocking! 

~Happy Holidays~

Planning Your Wedding Transportation | The 530 Bride

When it comes to your wedding day timeline it can be easy to forget some of the nitty gritty details, but be sure to book key vendors as early as possible.  Do you see yourself being picked up from the hotel in a limo, a classic car or if you are riding with your wedding party perhaps a shuttle bus? 

Some questions to consider are:

• Where will you be getting ready (home, hotel, venue)
• What time will your hair and make-up be complete
• How many people will need transportation to the venue (bridal party, groomsmen, immediate family, all guests etc) 
• What time will each pick-up or drop off be
• Will they need a return trip after the wedding or will other transportation such as taxi's
• How many hours of coverage do you need (all day, 6 to 8 hours, or a split package of pre-ceremony and post-reception)
• What is the budget for what you plan to spend for transportation

Don't feel overwhelmed if you don't have all these answers yet, but talk to your wedding coordinator to work through all of the details for your wedding timeline.  Plug in the pick up times into your timeline, and your wedding coordinator can distribute to all of your vendors to ensure that everything lines up to make for a smooth day.

We have great referrals for reliable and reputable transportation companies and would be happy to send you in the right direction, shoot us an email if you need some assistance! 

5 Reasons We Love DJ's

Your wedding DJ does more than play music, they are not only going to watch for cues from your wedding coordinator to keep your timeline on point but they will also be constantly reading the crowd to make sure your guests are having a great time.  

1. They Know Your Timeline - Leading up to your wedding, your DJ may have a wedding packet for you to work on which includes everything from details about the atmosphere you want to create, names of your wedding party and immediate family to specific songs for key points in your timeline in addition to your ceremony entrance or first dance.  If you are a few minutes behind, they can loop another song in to make sure your grand entrance is perfect!

2. Check 1, 2 - Communication with your guests
Keep in mind that guests naturally look to the emcee for communication on what is happening next, such as the open bar during cocktail hour, photobooths, reception entrances and dinner etc.  When you are planning a consultation with potential DJ's you want to make sure they are experienced and comfortable being a great emcee, and be sure to be clear on your expectation for the atmosphere and vibe that you want to set as well as the genres of music you prefer.  

3. Lighting
Many DJ's have excellent lighting and sound packages that will ensure your reception has just the right party vibe! 

4. Selection
Experienced DJ's have a wide variety of music and they know the crowd pleasing music. We have so many great examples of DJ's who were able to get even the most stubborn wedding guest out on the dance floor, which an Ipod simply cannot do!

5. Easy button
It makes our job easier because we can't be everywhere at once, so when we need to get the message across quickly "single ladies on the dance floor" or "last call" guests tend to listen up! 

If you are looking for recommendations on local DJ's in your area, hop over to our preferred vendor page or feel free to contact us and we can help you navigate through some of your options! 

~Happy Planning!~

Do you need a Day-of Coordinator? | The 530 Bride

Image via Draper Photography

WHAT IS A DAY-OF-WEDDING COORDINATOR?

Brides often ask "what do you do exactly?"

Well, unlike a full-service wedding coordinator, a “Day-of” coordinator is for brides and grooms who want to do most of the planning themselves, but when their wedding day arrives, they need a professional to execute all of their hard work. 

When couples ask a friend or family member to take on this stressful task, that person will not be able to enjoy the event as a guest, and will end up feeling like “event staff.” 

In most cases, your “volunteers” have little experience in the role of event planner. They often end up feeling overwhelmed as they try to keep on top of everything that must be done to ensure that the day runs smoothly.

The following is an outline of some of the typical tasks that your coordinator would handle on the day of your wedding:

Two Weeks Prior to Wedding Day

Meet with bride and groom to present timeline. Go over any arrangements the couple have previously made with vendors, and update timeline accordingly. 

One Week Prior to Wedding Day

Confirm final details with vendors prior to wedding day. Make sure that all vendors have contact information. Send vendors a copy of the final timeline and make sure they have directions to the ceremony and reception locations.

Please Note: A day-of-coordinator will not re-negotiate any terms in contracts with vendors at this time, or at any other time prior to, during, or after your wedding day. All agreements should be finalized prior to the wedding.

Rehearsal

• Distribute wedding timelines to wedding party and immediate family
• Work with wedding officiator to choreograph wedding ceremony, processional and recessional
• Alert wedding party as to where they need to be the following day, and at what time

Pre-Ceremony 

At brides “getting dressed” location:

• Facilitate on-time arrival of hair and make-up stylists 
• Coordinate hair and make-up schedule with bridal party and stylists and ensure that hair and make-up is completed in a timely fashion
• Make sure personal flowers i.e. bridal bouquet, bridesmaid”s flowers and father of the bride’s boutonnière arrive on time
• Make sure photographer arrives on time and has all wedding accessories for initial photos, and coordinate with bride, and wedding party for photos
• Ensure that transportation arrives on time and instruct wedding party as to when to depart for ceremony
• Assist bride with putting on her wedding gown
• Maintain Bridal Emergency Kit (just in case)
• Kit Includes such items as stain sticks, hairspray, safety pins, a sewing kit, scissors, Static Guard, deodorant, straws, Band-Aids, snacks, and many other things you may need on the wedding day
• Communicate with best man to make sure groom is getting dressed and on-time
• Make wedding party aware of any last minute details
• Communicate with transportation driver and maid-of-honor/best man while bridal party is on the way to the ceremony location

Ceremony

• Set up programs and other ceremony items
• Ensure that ushers/groomsmen arrive on time
• Ensure that personal flowers i.e. flower girl bouquet and groomsmen boutonnières have arrived at ceremony location
• Ensure that ceremony musicians have arrived and direct them as to where to set up
• Confirm the ceremony sound and music is queued
• Act as a liaison with the ceremony officiator and decide what cue will be used to signal the start of the ceremony
• Communicate with bride and groom so that they know how much time remains before the start of the ceremony
• Line up the bridal party for their entrances down the aisle
• Cue ceremony musicians when bridal party is ready to begin processional
• Gather family and friends for after ceremony photos

Prior to Reception

• Greet vendors and instruct them as to where to set up i.e. wedding band, florist, and caterer
• Arrange escort cards
• Make sure reception flowers/décor is set up according to flower order
• Ensure that all rentals, such as tent and lighting are set up properly and troubleshoot as needed
• Meet with catering staff to confirm food timeline
• Set up guest book and pen, champagne flutes, cake cutting utensils
• Set up table numbers/names and menu cards
• Set up amenities baskets, hand towels, candles etc. in bathrooms

Reception

• Ensure proper flow of cocktail hour food
• Look over dining tables and make sure they are set up properly
• Help guests locate their escort cards and dining tables
• Locate bride and groom and instruct them to stay to the side of main dining room until they receive cue for their introduction and first dance
• Cue DJ/band when the majority of guests have found their tables and bride and groom are ready to be introduced
• Cue band, photographer, and videographer when important events take place at reception i.e. first dance, cake cutting, toasts and parent dances
• Cue best man and father of the bride when they are about to be announced for toasts
• Alert catering staff to pour champagne just before the toasts
• Be aware of timing of catering service and make sure people are served promptly
• Distribute final payments/gratuities to vendors at the end of the evening (no negotiation in the terms of vendor contracts will be handled by coordinator at this time)
• Prevent & fix any problems that may arise during your event
• Remain easily accessible through the entire event in case there are any details you would like attended to
• Set up favor table towards the end of the evening
• Pack up gifts/cards, miscellaneous ceremony and reception items and have them ready to be taken to a family members car at the end of the night
• Coordinate reception departure transportation

No two weddings are ever the same, we take your specific needs and concerns and determine what tasks are required to ensure your event runs smoothly.  Have questions? Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation. 

Need a coordinator, but not sure that a day of package is right for you? Hop over to our services page to read about our other package offerings!

Don’t Let Anyone Burst Your Engagement Bubble | The 530 Bride-To-Be

I always said that I wanted to have a long engagement. I’d had enough friends get married over the years and tell me how quickly time flies when your busy planning and preparing for the day of your wedding (and all the events leading up to it) that they wish they would have stopped to enjoy the smaller moments, excitement of the experience, and the simple joy of being proposed to by the person you love most.

What I hadn’t thought about was what defines a long engagement. One year? 18 months? Two years? There are lots of books, online articles and wedding magazines that try to define it, but this is something I learned that every couple has to define for themselves.

When my long-time love proposed to me on our trip to Rome my first feeling was that of surprise, then elation, and if I’m to be honest, next came a little bit of selfishness. Here we were in Roma, Italia, a city that helps to compose the word ROMAnce, and all that mattered in the moments and days that followed his proposal were that we were engaged and in love. Not that our families wouldn’t have been ecstatic or jumping for joy had they been there, but there was something meaningful about sharing this moment alone without any outside influence – it was just the two of us.

I knew this wouldn’t last for long and so my fiancé and I came up with a term for this special time. We called it our EB; short for engagement bubble. We didn’t rush to post the news to Facebook or rack up international minutes calling family back home. Instead we chose to savor the remaining time we had alone, away from our everyday lives, simply enjoy being engaged, and staring a lot at the shiny new object on my left hand. (I really miss being in our Rome EB.)

It’s inevitable that after a period of time the high and glow that comes with being a newly engaged couple will fade as you return to your normal pre-proposal routines. And it doesn’t help that wedding planning is stressful and even those closest to you, who love and support you, can unintentionally push their opinions on the two of you or cause pressure on your relationship.

This is when it’s most important to stop, take a breath, turn to your partner and do something to get back into your EB. Remember that this special time in your lives really is about the two of you, your love for one another, and the commitment you’re going to make in … whatever time frame YOU CHOOSE.

These could be simple things that help remind you of the proposal, special moments when you were dating or just telling each other how much you love one another spontaneously. Here are some ways my fiancé and I remind ourselves that we are in our still in our EB even though we left Rome:

1. Send text messages to your partner while they’re at work that mentions something special from the proposal to get them thinking about your engagement. (We’ll randomly text something as simple as #EB or a photo from our trip in Rome to each other.)

2. Leave a note or card in your partner’s car for them to find on their way to work that tells them how much you’re looking forward to spending your life with them. (I’m planning to take my own advice a little further and plan a small scavenger hunt on my fiancé’s next day off that ends with a bottle of bubbly.)

3. Plan dates that are themed to take you two somewhere relative to where the proposal took place or that’s meaningful to your relationship. (We really didn’t need another excuse to go out for Italian!)

4. Plan fun activities together in the mix of all the wedding appointments to help make the planning phase more enjoyable. (We choose to meet with potential vendors at our favorite local coffee shop and make a point of walking our dog there and back. Ice cream tastings have also become one of our preferred vendor vetting experiences to do together!)

5. Discuss each of your wedding must-haves early on and make a point to celebrate with one another when you check one of them off of your list. (When we finally signed with a winery to be our venue, which was one of my favorite scouted locations, my fiancé and I went out for brunch and toasted with a glass of champagne.)

No matter how long you choose to be engaged, don’t forget that your engagement bubble exists wherever the two of you are and this really is a special time in your life, so soak it up.

Wedding wishes and celebratory cheers!
The 530 Bride-To-Be

Introducing Our Resident Bride-To-Be! | The 530 Bride

We are excited to welcome our new bride-to-be blogger Kristina to the team!  

Kristina Wing

530 Bride-To-Be and Event Coordinator

Kristina grew up in Butte County and graduated with a degree in public relations from Chico State. She’s a planner by nature and has been coordinating special events for over ten years. However, now the tables have turned and the planner has become the bride-to-be with her own wedding set to take place in August of 2016. Now she’s sharing her experience as a bride who’s attempting to navigate the chaotic world of wedding planning with the unique insight of an experienced event coordinator.

Read the latest advice from The 530 Bride-To-Be on our blog >

Create a Wedding to Remember | The 530 Bride

Chico Wedding Planner | Ways to Create Lasting Memories 

Around here we talk a lot about weddings, but perhaps what we should be talking about is anniversaries! Where do you see yourselves in 5, 10, 20, 30 years from now? Owning a home, raising a family, traveling, ultimately celebrating your anniversaries and milestones along the way.  

It wasn't until last week when it was my mom's 25th wedding anniversary, and she told me how she was watching her wedding video that it donned on me: I wouldn't have a wedding video to watch because we felt we didn't "need one."  As a bride, I kept thinking that I wouldn't want to watch myself on video or that we wouldn't be into it but now I realized that in twenty five years I would likely really enjoy re-living our special day.  

How can you create a wedding day to remember? Hire a wedding planner who will focus on you as a couple and finds creative ways to bring out those personal touches that are authentic and will be special to you in years to come.  Making sure to give you guys intimate moments during your wedding day, a chance to breath and take it all in!  We work hard to fine tune your wedding budget and prioritize on the items and services that are the most important and impactful for you.  For more information on our coordination packages, check out our services page. 

We are lucky to have really awesome resources for videography/cinematography and many of which have packages that combine photo and video.  Just check out a really sweet wedding film by TreCreative, and we think you will be convinced!

Tre Creative

Films like these will last forever and we guarantee that in 5, 10, 20 years and beyond you will feel just as special watching your wedding film as you did on the day you walked down the aisle.  Head over to TreCreative's website to learn more, or contact us today to help you get started on creating a day to remember!

~ Happy Planning!~

KEEP CALM AND HYDRATE!

Why staying hydrated should be on your to-do list

Its early June in Chico and we are already seeing temps over 100 degrees, yet staying hydrated or incorporating ways to keep your guests hydrated can sometimes be forgotten until the last minute.  Check out our board of fun ideas on Pinterest for ideas on staying cool and treating your guests to a great time!

Image via Pinterest

From personalized water bottle labels to elaborate hydration stations, have fun with it! 

~ Happy Planning! ~

Chico Wedding Planner | Shaffer Ranch - Merrit & Eric

An Effortless Romance 

There is something about these two and their quiet confidence that puts those around them at ease.  When it came to their wedding day, there was no big crazy entrance, no garter or bouquet toss; it was about spending time with their guests and having a good time! They chose a great venue for doing just that, Shaffer Ranch was a relaxed setting that offered a beautiful backdrop for their day.  

You just can't have a wedding at Shaffer Ranch without loving this staple red door at the entry way, it's pretty famous! 

 The mother of the bride created the centerpieces, welcome table, and signage for the wedding.  The rustic and eclectic style couldn't have been more perfect, and there were so many fun personal touches throughout the wedding.

The Sweet Cottage in Chico baked these pies with love, so it was no surprise that guests couldn't wait to check out the different flavors.  The rustic cake stands were provided by the brides mother, another awesome piece to the overall design.  From the epic toasts (and roasts) to the personalized koozies, it was a great wedding and we are so happy for Mr. & Mrs. Healy to start the next chapter of their lives together!  We can't wait to see some of the photos from Katelyn Owens Photography!
 
Venue //  Shaffer Ranch,
Entertainment // Live Band Audiotherapy
Event Rentals WeDo Designs,
Catering // Norcal Catering,
Dessert // The Sweet Cottage
Luxury Restroom Trailer//New Hock Farms,