Just Have To Share...

We love getting reviews like this one!!

I am the mother of the bride. My daughter and her now husband were engaged in April and decided that August was the best time for them to get married. That basically gave us 4 months to plan an out of town wedding !!!

To say I was panicked was putting it mildly ! My daughter and I were beginning to do some preliminary planning ( she living in Raleigh and I in South Carolina). We went into a bridal store in Raleigh to look at dresses and I asked about wedding planners. I was given Shawn's card and told that she was the best ! My daughter was not too keen on having any outside help because she had a vision for her day and didn't want someone else to plan it !!

After two days of wedding planning, on the third day, I called Shawn at 8:30 am. After apologizing profusely for calling so early, I told her my situation and that I needed help with a capital H ! I felt an immediate bond with her and though she was leaving to go out of town that morning, she took the time to go through the process with me and calmed me down and assured me that the task at hand was not the impossible thing I thought it was !!
I hired Shawn for day of co-ordination, but along with that came all the phone calls we needed to get advice and direction. She gave us vendor recommendations and feedback.
My daughter had the most beautiful wedding ever....it screamed her personality and wonderful taste. She and her groom made all the big decisions for their wedding day and reception. Shawn guided me through all the other details.......for which I am forever grateful.

Two weeks before the wedding my daughter and I and Shawn and our caterer sat down together to finalize all the details. After the meeting my daughter told me how grateful she was that we had Shawn to help us. Shawn was the glue that held everything together for us. Although my daughters plan was gorgeous, Shawn was able to suggest the finishing touches that completed the plan !
The week of the wedding Shawn took over all the vendors and any coordination that was left to take of. We were able to relax and spend that time together as a family.
The wedding day went so smoothly with Shawn and Michelle's calm and professional manner. My husband and I were able to relax and leave everything to them. It was truly a blessing for all of us to have the day and evening in their capable hands. We were able to be with our famliy and friends and enjoy the moment.

Calling her that morning was one of the smartest moments of my life !!

Heart & Soul

It is such an exciting time of year for us! The fall is a great season to get married...and boy are we busy! We have so much to look forward to in the upcoming months and we are so fortunate to a part of our clients’ Special Days because this truly is our passion. But, this coming February we have the chance to be a part of something little different and very special.

We are proud to announce that Shawn has been appointed as the Head Logistics Chair for the 2012 American Heart Association’s 27th Annual Triangle American Heart Ball to be held on February 25, 2012 at the Raleigh Convention Center.

The American Heart Association is based on the belief that one individual can save lives. Their mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. They target three main goals within their mission: improving family health, improving community health, and ensuring quality health care for all.

This year, the American Heart Association’s goal is to raise $850,000 to go towards ending heart disease and stroke in our lifetime. Emily, Lee Ann, Michelle, and I will make up Shawn’s committee and we are all ready to do our part and help this wonderful organization achieve this goal. Our team is ready to face this challenge head on and we have a few surprises planned for the evening. We want to make the 27th Heart Ball the BEST one yet!

I personally am so excited to be supporting this organization. The mission of the American Heart Association is one that is very close to my own heart. Be on the lookout for updates in planning this event by following me on twitter @Amanda_at_YSD

Joie and Cody

Watch Joie and Cody's rockin' film that showcases their unique style here!

Allison and Brett

Flipping through the new Summer/Fall 2010 "Southern Bride Groom" flooded my memory with rich and vibrant oranges featured in past weddings, but I was especially reminded of Allison and Brett's "summer evening" ceremony in September 2009.

Allison found us to be the perfect partner in planning the Triangle area wedding, since she was then living in California and Brett was in flight school in Penascola. 

They chose the Preston Woodall House as their destination for their outdoor "summer evening" ceremony.







The simplistic but ethereal charm was captured with gardenias, magnolias and blueberry accents desgined by Kelly Odom Florist. The colors included navy blue, white and dark green.

Huge kudos to Stacy Borelli of Swank Photo Studio for these breathtaking photos!

Intern Experience at Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events

Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events has always supported the future of our industry by offering internships to college students.  We have worked with students from North Carolina State University, the University of Chapel Hill, Liberty University, just to name a few.  This summer we had the pleasure of working with Laura Leigh Bain from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  Laura has been a wonderful addition to our staff, eager to learn and committed to excellence!  We asked Laura so share about her experience at Your Special Day!

I officially started my internship with Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events on May 18th.  I had met with Shawn in March for an interview and was estastic when she offered me the opportunity to work with her and her consultants for the summer.

I started my first day with a few hours in the office working with Shawn, learning how to do RSVP tracking. After that we headed to The Grand Marquise Ballroom in Garner where the real fun started. I was blown away my very first day. I met several vendors, helped set up tables and linens, and met the bride and her mother. That weekend I was thrown right into a wedding and I was thrilled that my first week on the job I was going to able to see a wedding take place and be a part of setting up for it. I couldn't believe how much I was learning right away. I saw what it takes to put a wedding together the last few days beforehand and then everything that goes into it the day of.

There are so many things you never think of when someone says wedding you think the white dress, beautiful flowers, amazing food, a gorgeous tasty cake, and dancing but you don't think about how the tables need to be set up, which way the linens need to face, how the schedule needs to go so that the wedding will flow and everyone will enjoy themselves to the fullest, or what if something goes wrong..who's going to fix it? And the answer to that is simple, the wedding coordinator. Shawn has taught me all of these things and that when a problem occurs she has the answer! I've learned what all goes into pulling off a fabulous wedding without a single hitch and if there is one don't stress too much it can be fixed in a short time and to just get people dancing!

I knew I would enjoy this internship and that I would definitely learn from it but I feel that it has far exceeded my expectations. I have formed friendships with Shawn and the other wedding planners and have truly enjoyed being a part of the planning process and a part of people's weddings. It was the most amazing feeling to see a bride and groom really enjoy their night and knowing you had a little to do with it. Before this internship wedding planning was something I wanted to do but now it's become a passion and I cannot wait to start my career in the industry!

I owe tons of thanks to Shawn and her wedding planners, the couples who have allowed me to help and be a part of their wedding days, and the vendors who have taken their time to talk to me about their companies and passions. This internship has been a great experience and one I will always remember!

Happy Anniversary, Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events

Five years ago today, I took a leap of faith and never looked back. After 6 years as a wedding planner/consultant with another company, I opened the doors to Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events. This major life changing decision continues to be a complete blessing from God.


I offer my total appreciation and gratitude to Gail Stephenson, for providing a wonderful foundation for me to build upon.

To our amazing network of truly the “best of the best” vendors in the triangle and beyond, thank you for your continued support.

To our staff, Michelle, Emily, LeeAnn, Amanda and Angela, the company’s success would not exist without you!

To my family, thank you for believing in me, putting up with the crazy schedule, my obsession of the business and providing me with the motivation to keep going.

Most importantly, to our clients, past, present and future, YOU are why we do what we do. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of Your Special Day!

Happy Anniversary, Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events.

Brandon and Jennifer Smith

Shady Wagon Farm offered a beautiful atmosphere for Jennifer and Brandon to share with their family and friends. As guests entered the ceremony they were given bright yellow parasols to shade themselves which added a little extra cheer to the already radiant ceremony. As the sun shined down on the two of them and their guests as they shared their love for one another and began their new life together as husband and wife.           

After the exchanging of vows the guests made their way to a cocktail hour in the barn while Jennifer and Brandon’s love was captured through photography by Images by Jess. They guests were allowed to sneak a peek at the Jennifer and Brandon's wedding cake during the cocktail hour while enjoying hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and conversation. Brandon and Jennifer then made their way to the beautifully decorated barn where they were introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  Dramatic centerpieces from Expressions of Love Florist and rentals from CE Rentals made the rustic barn very chic!

After the first dance was complete the guests were welcome to start their wonderful meals provided by Catering Works which at the end of the night included a fun grilled fruit and ice cream station for the guests to enjoy. The bride and groom and their guests then continued with the fun evening dancing the night away to Top Notch Entertainment. And finished the night off with an exist through the bright yellow parasols that were given to guests at the ceremony to shade themselves.      

It was such an honor to be a part of Jennifer and Brandon's wedding since it was our second opportunity to work with this family and spend time with them. Shawn fell in love with Brandon and Jennifer when she originally met them at Jenn's sister's rehearsal dinner 4 years ago! 

Joie and Cody...Check this out!

What a fun couple in SO many ways!  There will be many...and I mean many photos to share from this wedding I have no idea how we will decide which ones to post.  This couple is a true example of "how we roll" at Your Special Day, Weddings and Special Events.  Weddings are not about the current trends or a theme, it is about the couple.  Joie and Cody so embraced the idea of making their wedding a reflection of them.



Joie and Cody thank you for allowing us to be a part of Your Special Day!  Enjoy the video....
http://vimeo.com/25075614

Kun and Lan

 

From looking at the pristine grounds at Barclay Villa on Sunday April 17th, one could not have guessed that tornadoes had ripped through our area just the day before.  Every inch of the gardens and grounds were immaculate and the sun shone on Lan Li and Kuan Huang for the day. 

Lan and Kun began their journey to this day seven years ago. They have seen each other through college, graduate school, new careers, and many MANY travels.  As they entered this next phase of their lives, they called upon us only a few short months prior to their wedding.  When we met in February, they had the venue and the date. Everything else was brought together in less than six weeks.  We fused various Chinese traditions with the couple’s style and American influence.  

From the ballroom entryway lined with their photographs, it was clear this day was meant to share their growing love through the years and to celebrate their promising future together.  Considering photography was so important to the couple, they hired Walters and Walters to fulfill this large task.  James Walters and his assistant were there for every moment.  He was able to capture at least one moment with the bride and groom per guest!  James is so skilled that his photography never disrupted or interfered with the great energy in the ballroom and on the dance floor thanks to Eighty-Seven Sounds and Entertainment.  Randall mixed American top hits with Chinese pop and the guests couldn’t get enough!  Rocky Top Hospitality added to the event by providing the bride and groom and their guests with a beautifully prepared meal. After a sparkler departure, the guests dissipated and allowed for Lan and Kuan to share intimate moments on the grounds.  Lan wore a traditional Cheongsam for her nighttime photos with her new husband.  

 

Ashley and Jordan

What a beautiful start to our 2011 wedding season. Ashley and Jordan were married at The Grand Marquise Ballroom, surrounding by their friends and family. I can honestly say that I enjoy elements of every event we produce but some will stay with us forever…this is one of those events. Ashley, Jordan and their family were a true blessing to work with, beautiful inside and out!

Our wonderful venue, florals by Expressions of Love and linens from CE Rentals provided the perfect décor for the wedding and reception.

Rocky Top Hospitality started with a popcorn station and passed sliders reflecting the couples love for sporting events followed by several other stations in the ballroom.  After dinner, the guests were tempted by cupcakes from Cinda’s Creative Cakes. Every morsel was wonderful! Simsound DJ and Lighting Services kept the dance floor alive while ShutterBooth NC entertained the guest when they needed a break.

My words do not adequately explain how precious this couple is…but Bridget, with Neil Boyd Photography captured the true essence of the day.

More special moments...

Allyson and Archie

Allyson and Archie were married at Barclay Villa in October surrounded by their loving friends and family.  Warren of Warren McCormack Photography captured not only the beauty of our couple but the emotions of the day.  We love how Warren presented the sneak peek of photos for this wedding.

With Archie stationed in London and Allyson joining him before the wedding, our couple relied on us to bring their vision to life.  Expressions of Love Florist, CE Rentals and Simpson Production served as our decor' team.   Ron K. Smith kept the dance floor full throughout the night, while ShutterBooth provided fun for those needing to give their dancing shoes a break!  Archie's highlight of the evening was the classic cake designed by Ambrosia's Cake Creations.  I understand the top layer has already been consumed.  He insisted Allyson bring it back to London after a visit to the States in November! 

Allyson and her girls began the day with hair and make-up, on-site, with Margo Williams, Belloviso.   

Take a minute to watch this video and enjoy Allyson and Archie's special day!