Our Second Annual Bridal Social

I have to admit I've been in a bit of a coma this last weekend after an absolutely amazing event!  See, as the venue we have our hands full with prepping the Still Water Hollow for gorgeous events that take place here.  We help with parking on the day of and make sure things with the venue run smoothly, but we don't actually PUT ON the event.   This last Thursday we did all of the above and with the help of some incredible people, we put on a fun appreciation event for our 2014 Bride's

The event was our Second Annual Bridal Social (even though it was only six months after the first!).  Our first Bridal Social was in March and the chilly weather also brought on some accommodation challenges after the huge response we got from our amazing blushing bride's. So, we decided to not wait a full year and throw another one in September 2013 for all of our 2014 girls.

This September's Bridal Social taught me so much and as I looked out at the ladies who would be taking their vows here next year I felt overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude that God has given me the blessing to be a part of all the beauty that is taking place on this little piece of heaven called Still Water Hollow.

If you are wondering what a Bridal Social is, it's our way of saying "Thank you for giving us the honor of hosting your wedding" to all those who choose this venue.  The evening also gives our Bride's a chance to see the property all gussied up! It's also become a great way for me to show our Bride's some of the wedding professionals we have had great experiences working with and rather than just referring them to our couples, we can actually show them in action-putting on an event. 

When we first toyed around with the idea of a way to thank our couple's, Heidi from Ira & Lucy was sitting in our living room.  She turned our idea of brunch and coffee into a full scale event that surrounds our Bride's with inspiration and tips to make their special day everything they've dreamed.

From there we had to think about what it takes to put on a great event.  We needed food, we needed drinks, we needed some fun and even some eye candy to set the tone for an elegant and classy event. We started thinking of the people we had heard rave reviews about from our couples and had been impressed with ourselves.  Here's where the great wedding professionals stepped up!  What is incredible and unique about this event is that every single one of these wonderful people completely donate their time, talents and services and they don't just do the bare minimum.  They go above and beyond to make sure these Bride's have a wonderful evening.

So a huge, HUGE thank you to....

Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals- decor, vintage furniture, signage, overall event design and concept
Soundwave Music- lighting, music that set the mood, great DJ personality
The Papercrave- invitations, signage, table numbers, t-shirts, coasters, wedding packets, name tags
Vintage Rides- Model T and vintage cars
The Beer Guys- beverages (bar setup and beer truck)
Famous Dave's- appetizers & dinner (they provided servers to enhance the experience even more for
                       our guests.  allowing them to sit and enjoy the evening rather than stand in a buffet line).
Treasure Valley Photo Booth- FUN FUN FUN!
Meridian Floral- centerpieces for dinner tables and cocktail tables
Maija Karin Photography - capturing moments and decor the entire evening
Ollie's Sweet Treats- a new addition to still water hollow. wait for this darling truck to makes it's debut
                       this winter/spring!


I can not wait to see the images Maija Karin captured so we can share them with you all! It was a wonderful evening and we hope that many of our Bride's were able to walk away feeling loved and maybe with a few great tips in their hip pocket to make their wedding day even more amazing.

You can check out all our beautiful Bride's and their guests that hopped in the photo booth that night on Treasure Valley Photo Booth's Facebook page! Psssstt......girls tag yourselves :)

What is a walk through day?

We get a lot of questions in regards to our Walk Through Days.  These are days designated strictly for those who have booked an event here at Still Water Hollow.  They are able to come to the venue without an appointment and stroll around, dreaming up their perfect wedding day.

The reason behind the Walk Through Day...

When my husband and I got married 5 years ago we noticed a universal policy as we toured venues; most of them allowed one visit post tour and any additional visit could be scheduled for an extra $30-$75 charge.  I think you'll find this is still the policy at many venues. At the time we didn't understand why they would charge so much per visit.  I was overwhelmed when we toured the venues and even after booking our venue thought to myself, "Now, what did that one look like again?  Did they have this, did they have that...."  It was so helpful to go once I knew for sure that was where I was getting married.  I only was allowed to go one time after booking and I took my decorator as well as my mother, mother in law and sister in law.  I saw the venue in a whole new light that time around, but would have loved to go maybe once more as the wedding date neared.

This concept was very important to Tyler and I when we started this business.  We wanted couples to feel welcome to return and to have that time to plan and picture how they wanted their wedding to look.    But we started noticing that it was really hard to accommodate everyone's schedule by making appointments for an additional time or two to bring out other vendors, a grandma in town, friends, family etc.  We found that it just wasn't possible to accommodate all of those requests.  It typically didn't work for one of them or for the venue.  Thus, the Walk Through Day was born and it has been such a hit! With the Walk Through Days there is no appointment needed and we always try to hold 2-3 per month to give ample opportunities to the couples throughout their 8-12 month engagement.

There is a reality to this concept of multiple visits, which the Walk Through Days have helped to solve.  While we never want to charge extra for couples to come visit, we can now see why that is a policy that many venues have in place.  When you have 2-4 events a week, nights of rehearsals, plus tours, the property is in need of some TLC.  The way we show our venue (and grass) TLC is by watering and giving it a rest from people walking on it.  We are currently watering continuously throughout the day when an event is not being held here, plus watering each night after an event has concluded.  The venue needs to have days for the lawn to rest.  And because this is also our home there's also the reality of much needed family time.  Guaranteed, in the summer our family time is often spent working on a Still Water Hollow project or taking the boys out to help us water, but the private time together is priceless.

So, as you can see a typical week leaves us with only 1-2 days of TLC, which is why these Walk Through Days are such a wonderful way for us to allow our couples to come out multiple times, but still give the venue a day or two to recover.  Walk Through Days are dispersed to different days of the week and different times in an effort to accommodate everyone's schedule.  For those who live out of town, we do our best to make exceptions, but ample notice is needed so that we can make proper adjustments.

We have decided that this winter we will be holding weekly Walk Through Days every Monday.  We have not designated a time yet, but we will have them go into the evening since that is typically more convenient.

Keep posted on Facebook for Walk Through Days and times

"Love is patient, love is kind" not just spoken...

 By writing this blog I may be revealing to you the craziest business woman you've ever met.  You see this blog is going to be very transparent. I’m about to peel back the curtain and show you a very real side of our family run business, Still Water Hollow. I teetered back and forth between exposing our reality and praising God for the wonderful family we encountered yesterday or just keeping it all to myself because it also exposes that we are not perfect. In the end, telling you this story won. It just turned out too beautifully not to share.

The truth is every family-run business faces moments when everything goes wrong. Without the support of a big corporation, you are simply left to your own devices to make things right. In just a year and half in business we’ve had water lines break, air conditioners stop working, and crucial deliveries not delivered. And of course there are the realities of being a country venue: gaggles of pooping geese deciding to make this their home, the occasional stray farm dog, bugs, and weather. Most of the time our clients have no idea that we’ve been frantically dealing with these issues in the hours before their big event. That’s the way it should be, but yesterday it wasn’t that way at all.  

We woke up as usual to a beautiful summer morning and headed out to the Country Village (where most all of our receptions are held) for final preparations before our wedding family arrived to decorate. To my horror, the Country Village was completely flooded.  It was like a second pond had popped up overnight. We only had two hours to fix it and I was overwhelmed.

As many of you reading this know, I become perhaps a little too intimately involved with our Still Water Hollow brides… to the point that I almost feel as though it is my wedding day.  So, when I saw this disaster I instantly had a heart ache thinking of how this could ruin a wonderful couple's wedding day.  We frantically started grabbing shop vacs, even went and bought a few more and called in some helpers to start vacuuming and dumping this massive amount of water.  As the clock kept ticking I just kept thinking, "We've got an hour before they get here. We can get this looking like new by then right? Right?" Well, unfortunately it was a much bigger task than an hour would allow us to overcome.  

My heart sank as the family pulled up knowing full well that they would have every right to be disappointed, angry and even rude when they saw the problem. I prepared myself for the response that anyone would expect to get at a moment like that.  But that isn’t what happened.  Their response was full of grace and love.  They immediately started reassuring us that they understood and could see we were doing everything we could.  

Grace, not what we deserved, but what was given.  What a gift that was and in hindsight, not only grace toward us but grace that spilled over for the entire wedding day.  As the bride’s dad placed decorative signs up that said, "Love. Kindness. Patience." our hearts filled with joy.  Because you see, those signed weren’t just cute decorations.  This wonderful family was actually acting out those words. Showing us the grace that God so perfectly gives us everyday and on this day gave us through a family. In a moment when it might not have been easy to be patient, or loving or kind they chose to be all those things and that decision  completely set the tone for an absolutely amazing celebration! 

So the water did get sucked up.  Although silly me for thinking it would be a two hour project!  We were out there for nine hours in hopes of keeping the wedding party from donning galoshes in order to dance at this wedding, but in all honesty the soaked grass did not look it's best even with our best efforts .  We did all we could to dry it out and we strategically placed tables and decorations to cover up the less attractive areas.  But despite that, I tell you this wedding was bursting with fun and laughter. Everyone was smiling and dancing.  The joy that filled this place was undeniable.  It could have been a very different scene.  Had they not made a decision to be understanding, loving and kind-  their day could have been filled with frustration and a cloud of disappointment could have hung overhead.  Instead the only clouds that moved in were the kind that make pictures even that more spectacular and guests that much cooler.  

I have a number of reasons for sharing this story. Wanting to acknowledge the kindness shown to us is first, but there’s also this - As you plan your wedding day, I’d encourage you to keep it all in perspective. The decorations, food and attire are all fun and exciting but all those things don’t embody what the day is about.  Your wedding day is about making a commitment to the one you love, for all your life.  And through your life together you will be faced with moments where, "For better or worse" is tested.  You will have moments when being loving, kind, patient and understanding is more difficult than you think you can bear.  I hope we can all learn from this family, to choose love and joy and know that the things that go wrong sometimes make the best stories. That just might be the secret to the best wedding ever! 

I also share this with all of our future couples in mind.  This is my confession, that we are not perfect and although we promise to always do our very best and everything in our power to make Still Water Hollow beautiful and perfect for your day, we also surrender to the reality that sometimes life happens.  Know that you have a family at Still Water Hollow that loves you and is praying that your day is all you have dreamed it would be.  So by golly we are not going to rest until we have done all we can to make that happen. But when those moments arise when everything isn't perfect (hopefully not on our end) embrace your inner country girl and don't let any hiccup get in the way of a joyful celebration that you will remember for years to come. 

Finally, I am humbled and filled with emotion as I think of the Methner & Cason family, the families at the heart of this story.  You have forever made an impression on our lives.  We deeply thank you for showing grace to us and for being true examples of how to love others.  There is nothing we wish more for your family and for the new Mr. & Mrs. than a life filled with peace and joy - love, kindness, patience and understanding.  

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
 ^"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Huge Thank you to CKG Photography for getting me this photo so quickly. 

Great Food for your Reception!

We have had some amazing caterers out at Still Water Hollow in the past month and we have had the blessing of getting to try them out for ourselves! We hope this food review helps you choose a great caterer that fits your wedding and taste buds perfectly!

Reviews for:
It's All About You Catering
Famous Dave's Catering & Bar Service
El Gallo Giro
A Lively Chef

It's All About You Catering
893-5556

 We had the most wonderful brunch wedding out here with the perfect breakfast to go alongside!  Not only was the view gorgeous with the sun rising beyond the Chapel as the couple said, "I Do", but then their guests were treated to everyone's favorite meal, breakfast!  They had a coffee and doughnuts bar, eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns and pancakes topped with adorable berries for a splash of color.  The breakfast was catered by It's All About You Catering . Not only where they very professional in their service, but I could tell they were fun to work with.  The Bride had such confidence in them executing the perfect wedding brunch and they did it without flaw! 

Make sure to check out their Facebook page and website because they have full service catering and bar options.  They also have an option where couples can have the food delivered and set out on buffet tables, but not served.  This is an economical way to save money, but still offer your guests an incredible meal! 

Famous Dave's Catering & Bar Service
898-0325

Famous Dave's absolutely surprised me! I have always loved their restaurant, but to realize the large variety they have for their catering and bar service impressed me.  You can have your chicken and pulled pork or you can have a upscale salmon and chicken entree.  The secret I have to pass along to you is do not miss out on their meatballs!  These aren't found on the restaurant menu, you can only find them on the catering menu.  Whether you order them for an appetizer or the entree, you will not be disappointed! These are some of the best meatballs I have ever had.  They're sweet, they're sassy, they're perfect.  I also really enjoyed their cornbread-perfect side to a country meal!  The bar service they had setup looked very professional, complete with a wood bar that can be placed wherever you please that will hide the keg, taps and bottles.  Everyone on staff from Famous Dave's was very easy to work with and I could tell they really relieved a lot of stress from the bride and groom.  

El Gallo Giro
922-5169

What made the catering from El Gallo Giro so special for this wedding wasn't just the best mexican food I had ever had, but the story behind them being this couples chosen caterers.  This couples first date was at El Gallo Giro, where they shared their first meal together, laughed with one another and had the first spark they thought just might lead them to the alter.  So it seemed absolutely fitting to have El Gallo Giro a huge part of their special day.  The mini Chimichanga's were heavenly.  The roasted jalapeños caught my mouth on fire, but I love spicy so it was perfect! BUT, my favorite part is how they made their catering service far more than just a buffet line and some servers. 

They had a guacamole and salsa bar as well as a tortilla station, where their handmade tortilla's were being made right in front of your eyes and warmed to perfection before you walked over to the taco bar, getting to individually pick out the ingredients on your taco.  The way El Gallo Giro set up their mini stations made the food portion of the reception exciting and interactive for the guests!

A Lively Chef
389-9600

A Lively Chef has far more to offer than the delicious meal they'll prepare for your guests.  They offer full service catering, which means they will set up the tables, food areas, serve your guests their meal and dessert, as well as help tear down everything at the end of the night.  The team from A Lively Chef were one of the first people I saw arrive and the very last to leave.  Not only did I get to enjoy their gourmet lasagna, creamy chicken and salad, but as the night was closing and we were feeling the effects of a very hot day, Gary handed me the most amazing huckleberry punch I have ever had!  I really don't care too much for punch, especially on a hot day because it usually leaves me feeling more thirsty and tastes too sweet. This huckleberry punch changed my mind.  Not too sweet, the flavor was light and refreshing and the color also made me smile! I really enjoyed getting to know the team at A Lively Chef and am looking forward to them being out here more often. 

Guest Blog: Site Coordinator vs. Wedding Coordinator?

The ladies at Delicate Designs are my go-to gals when it comes to making sure your event runs smoothly and looks incredible!  Not only are they amazing at what they do, but they are fun to be around.  I have always told people when you hire a wedding coordinator, decorator or photographer the number one thing you should love about them is their personality!  Even above their talent.  These are the people you will be surrounded by the most on your wedding day and the ones your guests will encounter the most. You want to make sure these are people you genuinely would enjoy having at your wedding.  I have no doubt that these two ladies would be on the top of your invite list.
I've been asked often whether I am a coordinator or not.  After Diane, from Delicate Designs, wrote this blog I asked if I could feature it for all of our couples.  This helps outline what the difference from having a site coordinator (which would be those of us at Still Water Hollow) vs. having a Wedding Coordinator is.  I've also asked Diane to come to the venue this Thursday during our Open Venue time for those booked with us.  She'll be on hand from 5:00pm-7:00pm.  She is going to help answer any questions you might have regarding Wedding Coordination, decoration and more.  This would be a great time for you to meet her and find out how valuable she could be on your big day.  I've truly always regretted not hiring a Wedding Coordinator for my wedding.  Everything that went poorly could have been prevented if I had known about Diane and Dawn.  What I didn't realize is how realistic it was for my budget.  I always imagined having a coordinator meant that you have a large budget, but I've learned that is not the case.
For now, enjoy Delicate Designs guest blog post and plan to come out and speak with her in person this Thursday, April 25th from 5-7pm.
                                                                                            Brianne Gray 

Brides are you often conflicted when understanding the difference between the roles and responsibilities of a site coordinator and a wedding coordinator?? Are you concerned that you may be paying twice the amount for the same service? Well that is a legitimate concern, but may not be entirely true. Let me help explain why.

Site Coordinator vs. Wedding Coordinator

A Site Coordinator is responsible for your venue or location. They ensure all employees are informed of your wedding and reception details; such as the set up crew, kitchen staff, wait staff, bartenders, cleaning crew, maintenance team, etc. Their main goal is to ensure the facility runs smoothly. They focus on doing their job to ensure prompt service from the catering of dinner to the bartending. An on-site coordinator may not be required to do certain things, such as facilitate your rehearsal, in which case, a bride and groom may be left feeling uneasy and insecure. An on-site coordinator’s job description has boundaries, but a wedding planner’s duties are next to unlimited. At the end of the day, an on-site coordinator is there to represent the property, but not necessarily the bride and groom themselves.

A Wedding Coordinator may begin services just prior to the wedding date and perform services after the vendors and venue are hired by the bridal couple. Their role is to manage all details the bride and groom have spent months planning to make sure everything comes together exactly as the couple imagined. Having a coordinator allows the couple, wedding party, family members and guests to enjoy their special day without the stress. The wedding coordinator will work with the site coordinator on these details as well. Their duties may extend beyond those for the day-of the wedding. A planner will work with the couple for up to a year before the big day helping with everything from design creation, budget management, stationary/invitations, wedding etiquettes, vendor booking and suggestions, and contract negotiation or review along with coordinating everything the day of the wedding. A wedding planner is there to help reduce stress by managing and organizing all the details from start to finish with a “day of” timeline which includes the details of the ceremony and reception. This is a great option for couples that want assurance that they are hiring reliable vendors and getting the most for their budget or have demanding busy lifestyles and schedules. 

Hiring a wedding planner/coordinator to help with your wedding day is so worth the fee. It is so much more than creating a color scheme, working with family to load gifts, or cutting the cake; we are there for you and the other vendors to help create a memorable day. Your wedding planner will be there every step of the way, making sure you’re getting not only what your venue’s contract states, but what all of your vendors’ contracts state. Your wedding planner/ coordinator is as committed and passionate about your wedding as you are. Interview your on-site coordinator well, identify exactly what their duties include, and hire a wedding planner to pick up where the on-site coordinator leaves off and to fill in any blanks.

Here are a few more reasons to hire a wedding planner/coordinator:

• Can convert your vision into a reality.
• Facilitate both the rehearsal and the ceremony.
• Guarantee that you make the most informed decision when signing a contract and hiring a vendor.
• Help you SAVE MONEY!!
• Has a “game face’ that is almost invincible, you’ll never see them sweat.
• Mediate and manage vendors, guests & all the details.
• Your buffer to problems and issues, they shield you.
• Will look out for you, even when dealing with family.
• Works under extreme pressure at time; there are NO “do-overs” on your big day.
• There is a lot of fast paced and running around done behind the scenes, to help you.
• Truly cares about your wedding day and making sure you have ALL your personal touches and special moments that you have pulled together in your planning. You want your planner to take that kind of “ownership”, yet without taking OVER the day and making it theirs.
• Ensure that your special day runs smoothly ~ timeline management & troubleshooting
• Are VERY ORGANIZED.
• Are a resource of knowledge, a sounding board for decisions, and a stress reducer!

We would love to hear your feedback, thoughts or questions.

Happy stress free planning!

Delicate Designs

Bridal Social 2013

This year we held our first annual Bridal Social and there is no doubt that this will be a yearly event!  We know how important a wedding day is and we don't take it lightly when someone chooses to get married at Still Water Hollow.  It's an honor to be a part of such a beautiful commitment in two peoples lives and it's our hope that their choice to use our venue only makes their day better; filled with peace and an overwhelming spirit of joy and love!

Between emails back and forth, tours with our couples, phone conversations or just meetings to get all the details in place I fall more and more in love with the people getting married here.  I feel that they've become our friends, family and they each hold such a special place in our hearts.  The Bridal Social was just a small way of blessing our brides, but let me tell you, that day I felt blessed.  To look out and see these glowing faces...I literally felt that the whole room was glowing! It was breathtakingly beautiful.  My prayers are with these brides every day and especially on their big day
("Dear Lord, please no rain today!").

Take a look at some of these special moments captured at the Bridal Social.  Friends laughing, sisters hugging, mothers and daughters dreaming and of course beautiful brides everywhere! All of these photos were taken by Stephanie Mballo and Audrey Choate.  The links below also give you the option of purchasing prints for your home.  There are some really precious images that I am sure you will want to hold on to!

A HUGE thank you to Stephanie Mballo Photography and Raft Media for capturing these...

Stephanie Mballo Images: 

Raft Media Images:http: //raftmedia.shootproof.com/event/164736

Floral arrangements by Flowers at Will

Decor and styling by Ira & Lucy Vintage rentals and Styling 

Invitations and Signs by Chapter & Page

Robe donated by Plum Pretty Sugar

Wedding gown designed and created by Wedding Gowns by Daci

Catering by Raedeans Catering 

All the info in the world!

My wish this evening is that every one of our couples feels at ease as they go through the process of planning their wedding.  It can be stressful and it can be time consuming, but most of all we want it to be joyful. That's why we've created  a new Still Water Hollow wedding packet, along with the help of Abigail Page from Chapter and Page .  Hopefully this will make the planning a little bit easier. Take a look at some photos of these baby's!

        

                                           Photos by: Stephanie Mballo Photography 

We handed these out to our brides at the Bridal Social, so if you are a Still Water Hollow bride and weren't able to come to that , make sure to come by and get this packet!  I have blocked out Monday, March 18th to meet with our couples, answer questions and get them this packet.  If you would like to set up an appointment for this next Monday shoot me an email Brianne@stillwaterhollow.com.  There are still a few slots left. 

All the goodies inside: 

Venue Details - everything you need to know to feel at home at Still Water Hollow on your wedding day. Locations for everything like:

    Restrooms

    Electricity

    Water 

    Refrigerator 

    Storage

    Buildings 

Helpful information about the do's & don'ts

Number of tables, chairs and linens included

All the little extra's that are included 

Vendors we love 

Event day information form 

The Feeling the Music Brings

Many of you may not know, but in my life before Still Water Hollow,  I was a singer.  Spent my years post high school trying to make it in the music world and absolutely loved every minute of it.  Although I  wouldn't trade my life now for anything,  I gotta tell you... I am missing the music.  I used to play every week, several times a week with some incredible musicians.  There's nothing like having the opportunity to hear live music every single week.  It inspires you!

So, over some hot coffee (thanks for the coconut latte' Jake, it's one of my fav's now) with my dear friend and absolutely insanely talented guitar player, Jake VanPaepeghem, we decided Still Water Hollow needs to be inspired this summer with the sweet sounds of live music.

So here's what we have in the works.  We are planning on having music every Wednesday night this summer.  Sometimes it will be a big 'ol jam session with some of the best musicians in town.  Other weeks we'll bring in some inspiring and up-and-coming local bands.  Either way it will be a great time to come out with your family and friends, sit under the globe lights in our Country Village to soak in the good tunes to keep your week going on a high.  I want to take this opportunity to start spreading the word that this will be the place to come for a mid-week break and also to let our brides know what an amazing night this could be for your rehearsal.  We want to invite you to hold your rehearsal on a Wednesday night and after you've run through all the logistics, spread out a blanket and enjoy the rest of your evening out here.  You could even bring a picnic for everyone involved with the wedding and have your rehearsal dinner with live music as your entertainment!  

I really think this is going to be such an incredible way for everyone to enjoy Still Water Hollow this summer - the beauty of the venue, and the feeling the music will leave you with.

Hopefully, we'll see lots of you this summer on Wednesday nights! Be watching for an announcement in late spring to join us on our first music night!

Bridal Social Blues

Well, I am experiencing a similar feeling to the one I had the day after my wedding.  There was so much hype and excitement leading up to the Bridal Social and now that it is all over I just have the blues.  As we brainstormed and prepared for this event I honestly had no idea how amazing it all would be.  At first, I thought, "This will be a nice little event for all our brides.  Hopefully they'll feel loved on and be able to spend a special afternoon/evening out here."  As the plans grew and the dreaming became bigger and bigger I started to realize this event was turning into something I had never imagined and far better than I could have dreamed of.  I really have never seen anything like it. 

The reason I fell in love with the Bridal Social has everything to do with the people.  I can honestly say that I love our Still Water Hollow brides.  They are some of the most beautiful woman on the inside and out!  I enjoy being around them.  I drink in the excitement and anticipation they are feeling for their wedding day.  My heart dreams with them and my prayers are always for them to experience, not only the most perfect wedding day in their eyes, but a fruitful and blessed marriage for the rest of their lives.  

I also am realizing how many incredible people there are in the wedding industry! I can truly say that I have made life long friends as I have entered this new business venture and it's very exciting to me.  I only got to have a few of those friends along for the ride during this event and each one of them went absolutely out of their way to make this a gorgeous and fun time for our brides.  

I got to spend practically all week with Heidi and Judy from Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals and Styling .  We turned the Reception Hall into a sweat shop to make the new draping for the ceiling and the drapes on the windows of the Reception Hall (stay tuned for photos). It was so much fun to see them bring in piece by piece their beautiful collection of vintage furniture and handcrafted pieces.  Every one has a name and I even got to be a part of naming their brand new chandelier! We laughed, we cried, we laughed some more, cried even more and then had a few dance parties.  What a blessing it is to work alongside people that I can have such a good time with.  It makes the work fun and honestly I think you always get a better product when the work is fun. 

Poor miss Abigail Page spent the entire night before the event awake!  All thanks to my last minute idea of creating wedding packets for all our couples and asking her to have them done by the event so we could show them off.  She did an absolutely fabulous job! I really am hoping these packets are going to be helpful to all of our couples as they continue planning their day.  For all of you who couldn't make the Bridal Social, make sure to come by and get a packet from me so you can have all the helpful information too.  She also did an amazing job creating a sketch of our Little White Chapel and giving us a fresh new look to go with it.  I am so so happy with it all.  The best thing of all was the chance I got to sit and chat with Abigail in between the brunch and dinner event.  She is such a sweet girl and I have so much fun getting to know her each time we are together.  Her creativity is so addicting that just being around her makes me want to think outside the box more and more! 

My day began with a wonderful gift that made me feel so loved, so blessed and incredibly humbled.  All those who helped with the event handed me the most stunning bouquet I have ever seen, made by Will.  I just recently met Will and have only been able to be around him a couple of times, but somehow he created a perfect bouquet to match my personality.  I've never had anyone pick up on the essence of who I am and what I like that quickly. And then when I sent him a thank you, his response brought me to tears.  The passion and love he puts into his arrangements is undeniable and it's been fun to get to know him, laugh with him and be blessed by having this stunning work of art in my home.  

Because of this overwhelming sense of sadness after the event I cannot tell you how excited I am to see the photos that Stephanie Mballo and Audrey Choate took during the Bridal Social!  I didn't get a chance to say hello to everyone, but I really wanted to.  It will be so much fun to look through all of the captured moments and see the blushing brides that were able to attend.  

Now, I have to tell you a couple of funny stories.  The first is about Stephanie.  After all our hard work preparing for this event we felt like a champagne toast was in order before opening the doors for brunch.  Well, I had never opened a bottle of champagne before and it became clear very quickly that I could do a lot of damage if I didn't have someone with more experience take over this task.  Sweet Stephanie volunteered right away, but when we got to the back and she began trying to open the bottle, she revealed to me her deep fear of the noise that comes from popping open a bottle of champagne.  I instantly began laughing and truly thought that I might loose it when I saw the look on her face and heard her screaming out of fear of what was about to come.  I don't think I will embarrass either of us any more by telling the rest of the story :)  But, oh my I sure love that girl! 

What you all might not know is that after an event or wedding is all over, sometimes those who helped put on the celebration throw their own after party.  So when the doors closed Saturday night, we pumped up The Cupid Shuffle and miss Judy was the one showing us all up on the dance floor.  My favorite part was when Audrey went over to call her sleeping husband and had to scream in the phone that she would be home late due to the dance party that had broken out.  What a fun way to end the night! 

I really hope all of our brides enjoyed this event as much as I did.  It seemed to be such a success that my wheels are already turning to think of what our next event could be!  

Any suggestions?

Bring A Little Downton Abbey Into Your Wedding

I have quickly become a huge fan of Downton Abbey, although I jumped on the train much later than everyone else.  That seems to be pretty typical for this Idaho girl though in almost all trends.  Since my recent found love I am longing to see that complete vintage inspired wedding and am also in love with the new trend (or perhaps it's old hat to those in So. Cal) of having a lounge area at your Reception.  

http://pinterest.com/pin/527343437587445538/

Having a lounge area is the perfect way to keep all of your guests entertained.  You could have a game area set up nearby featuring horseshoes, croquet, etc.  Guests could sip on cool drinks as they watch others play.  This is also a great spot for the men to congregate.  Set up a fun cigar bar, or brewing station next to this and you suddenly have an outdoor man-cave. 

A lounge area is also perfect for winter weddings to help break up the space.  Look at these great examples of how Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals and Styling transformed our cottage and Wagon Barn this past winter with gorgeous sitting areas. 

 What I love about this recent find is that it isn't something that is outside the average Brides budget.  You would be amazed at how affordable it can be to have a one-of-a-kind vintage piece at your wedding.  It's a statement piece that guests will be talking about for years to come and it is one more way to make your wedding unique and special.  Every Bride I talk to longs for their guests to have a great time.  What better way to do that than to give them the feel that they are walking into your living room? Yes, it may be a much classier, sophisticated, drop dead gorgeous version, but nonetheless it will help set the tone that you want them to make themselves comfortable and enjoy the night far past sunset! 

What's A Bridal Social?

We are extremely excited to be hosting our first annual Bridal Social this year on March 2, 2013.  This is an event to ultimately thank, inspire and encourage all of our upcoming Brides as they begin planning their wedding here at Still Water Hollow.  This is an exclusive event for Still Water Brides and will hopefully turn into a grand tradition! There are many wonderful sponsors for this event, so read on and find out how each sponsor will be making this years Bridal Social extra special.

Thanks-

We wanted to create an event that would bless all those who have chosen to say, "I Do" on this beautiful piece of country land.  What better way to do that than to tantalize your taste buds for food, art, decor and more? Raedeans Catering will be serving an absolutely mouth watering array of dishes for Brunch and Dinner.  We will also have our new Bridal Information Packets available for you.  These are going to be your life line as you plan your wedding because all the little details you may need to know about your venue will be in one convenient place!

Inspiration-

In the DIY world of weddings it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how and where to cut costs so that you can have the things you have always dreamed of.  We've compiled some great tips over the past year as well as asked some of Idaho's top wedding professionals to help give you creative ways to save.

Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals and Styling will be transforming our Reception Hall to give every Bride amazing ideas for their wedding decor.  Whether you are wanting to create an atmosphere that exudes a rustic/country, shabby-chic or vintage glam feel; you will find an idea outside of any Pinterest box. Each season will be represented so June and December Bride's alike will find ideas that spark the imagination.

Will, from Flowers at Will, is designing all the arrangements and floral decor for this event.  What we love about his arrangements is his ability to bring the natural beauty of Idaho into any event.  Even if it means cutting down the gorgeous aspen himself!  Will is known for using creativity to create a million dollar look for anyone's budget, so he's sure to have some great tips for your floral flurry!

I don't know about you, but as I saw the invitations for the Bridal Social I became a little giddy.  I hope you had the same feeling as you opened up your envelope.  Abigail from Chapter & Page did a wonderful job designing them and will have even more stylish ideas for using signage at your wedding for a more personal touch! She has some great tips on how to make your stationary look personal without spending a fortune.

Memories-

Our prayer is that Still Water Hollow won't simply be a place where you held your ceremony and reception.  We want you to create many wonderful memories here before and after your wedding day, starting with this Bridal Social.

Nothing captures those memories like photos, so I am so pleased that we will have two photographers at the event to capture all the joy and love that fills the room.  Afterward, you will have the opportunity to view all the images and even choose some for your mantle at home. Two amazing photographers are going to be involved in helping showcase the beauty of this event. Stephanie Mballo Photography and Audrey Choate from Raft Media are incredible photographers from the Treasure Valley.  Their ability to capture the essence of an event is priceless.  I am so thankful that they are blessing us with great images of our first annual Bridal Social!

We will be taking RSVP's until February 25th, but since the event will be held inside our Reception Hall we do have limited space available.  Please respond as quickly as possible to ensure you may attend the event.  All 2013 Still Water Hollow Brides are invited and Still Water Hollow is taking care of their admission.  Each Bride may bring up to two additional guests for $10 each. This would be an incredible event to share with your mom, sister, bridesmaids, or other special women in your life.

Wednesday Wishes- Reusing it all

My biggest wish for all Bride's is to not go into major debt!  So the next couple weeks I am going to be giving some tips on how to utilize things in your wedding that won't just be good for your wedding day, but can also be great additions to your new home with your new hubby!

One of this biggest pains is addressing envelopes, but one of my favorite things to do is stamp! I love the look of a stamp in comparison to the labels.  And instead of purchasing 200 return labels you could have a personalized stamp made that will not only be great for your wedding invites, but for thank you's, your first Christmas card, and everything you mail as husband and wife.

My second tip will help you save hundreds. One of the most expensive things couples cash out for on their wedding is alcohol.  I know for my wedding I was not expecting the bill to be as high as it ended up being, so it's one of those shockers the day after! It also isn't cheap buying all of those plastic cups that will never be used again.  I know that couple's want their guests to have something fun to drink besides the regular water, lemonade or soda choices.  So, why not come up with a signature drink or two for your wedding (alcohol free) that all your guests can enjoy!  If you want to put a personal touch to it- get a bunch of mason jars and straws to really complete the look.  My husband and I still use mason jars for our glassware, so the ones you purchase for your wedding can just transfer right to your new cupboards.  I found these cute striped straws priced $36 for 500 at Paper Straw Sale.  Pick colors that match your wedding decor and you instantly brighten up every table with colorful straws and liquid in a glass!

Wishing for a Snow Day in life

"Snow Day" is every kids dream!  A day that was supposed to be filled with schoolwork, activities, learning, homework and if all those things get done perhaps a little fun.  A Snow Day makes for a day with absolutely nothing on the agenda.  Free to run around in the crisp air and make the largest snowman on the block.

Sometimes we need a Snow Day in life to give us the time to completely focus on something we love, but always gets put to the bottom of our priority list.  Whether you are so focused on work you don't have the time to plan your wedding or event.  Or if you're like me you get so wrapped up in other people's live you don't make the time for your own.

Lately, I have been realizing that even though I am with my kids...I'm reall not With my boys.  My focus and attention is on other things.  So, let's all take this opportunity to create a Snow Day for ourselves! My wish is that we all would take a day this next week to focus on something or someone we love, but rarely have time for.

Where will you Splurge & Where will you Save?

So, this is a question to all you married ladies to help out these Bride's.  Where did you choose to splurge for your wedding?  Was the splurge worth the price?

The splurge I chose for my wedding was a photobooth.  I had grown up loving those boxes of fun hidden in the corner of stores.  My girlfriends and I would hit up Kmart every weekend in high school to create life long memories with a photo strip and some giggles.  So, for me this splurge had some history and meaning behind it.  

Now, I have a guestbook that is filled with smiles and laughter in a four photo strip of those we love dearest and surrounded us on our wedding day.  I also heard lots of feedback that the photo booth helped make for a fun night, especially for the kids! 

So, was it worth it?  YES!  I am so happy that we save up our pennies and chose to take the plunge for our photo booth.  

What can be difficult for Bride's is the overwhelming feeling that you have to splurge on everything.  But you don't.  Sit down, write out a list of what matters most to you and that will help narrow down where you should splurge and where you should save.  Perhaps you are dying to have that 5 tierd cake at your wedding, but not so worried about the music.  Or maybe that cake would taste just as good to you from the local grocery store (because I have to say the one down the street from us has some of the best frosting ever) and that way you could splurge on a wedding coordinator to make sure your friends and family don't have to stress about what goes where and who needs to be in this spot and this time wearing those shoes.  There are many ways to save money, diy, and cut the costs, which is wonderful because then it frees up some extra moo-la to spend on something you've always dreamed of having at your wedding!

So share with us on Facebook what you chose to splurge on to help future Bride's make a decision to splurge or diy! 

I'm Wishing for a Surprise Proposal!

I keep hearing these amazing stories of men surprising the loves of their life with a proposal and best of all getting it captured on film!  

Check out this one on Style Me Pretty.

It is a beautiful snow covered winter wonderland out here at Still Water Hollow right now and I would absolutely love to see someone get engaged out here and have it all captured by a photographer!  

There are so many great photographers who are more than willing to go James Bond on you & be in on a secret proposal. Oh, how incredible to have that special moment in print forever!  

I am telling you I would give anything to have photos of that moment my husband slipped down on one knee and asked me the question I had been longing to hear.  It was priceless and words can not describe, but pictures, pictures can capture those 

special moments! 

So, let's get this blog out there!  

Share this on your Facebook page and title it, 

"Ask her to marry you...

GREAT IDEA!"  

Maybe we can have one of these surprise engagements that we can share photos of in a few weeks and see the benefit of our hard Facebook sharing work!

Picnic Wedding

Who doesn't love a picnic?

I can just picture the most intimate wedding taking place in our Country Village.  This has been a dream of mine for some time and I would LOVE to see someone do it.  What I love about this idea is there's many ways you could make it your own.  If you're a cheapskate like me, you could hit the thrift shops.  Find blankets to sprawl out for your guests to cuddle up on.  Go on a hunt for picnic baskets and fill them with goodies like cheese and crackers, or really splurge and throw an entire meal in the basket for them to enjoy along with your favorite bottle of wine.  You're ceremony area could instantly turn into your reception area after you say,

 "I Do!"

If you would rather have your guests sit at tables for the reception use the baskets down the aisle for decor.  Fill them with wildflowers and set them next to the blankets.                          For the reception decorate the tables with picnic style table cloths.  Add some wildflowers to the center to really give that picnic feel.

And if you really want to make your ceremony breathtakingly beautiful, line up the aisle to have the sun set right behind you.  Set the ceremony time just right and you have the most gorgeous alter with the sky painted by our creator.  

If you're lucky, right when you kiss the sun will shine through and create that picture perfect moment!

Wednesday Wishes

I have always wanted to take up blogging, but it's becoming increasingly clear that with two little ones, under 25 months, blogging won't be on the top of the priority list for some time.  It's been really fun this last year to see all of the wonderful weddings that took place and I wish that I could write about each one, so I will periodically make the time to tell romantic, sweet and funny stories recapping the events that have taken place at Still Water Hollow.  For the meantime though I have an idea....

Wednesday Wishes. 

What is Wednesday wishes?  Each Wednesday I am going to make a short and sweet post about something I wish we could see out here at Still Water Hollow.  It might be a decoration idea, a pose for a picture, some creative way to utilize the space, a unique event that hasn't taken place out here, and so on. So, here's the good part.  You won't have to hear me rant on for 20 paragraphs because I won't have time to get that detailed.  What you will find are some fun, unique ideas. I'll attach photo's and I'll give a brief little blurb of why I chose this wish.

So stay posted every Wednesday for the newest wish and maybe you can think of a way to utilize it for your event or you can pass it along to someone who might just love it to pieces for theirs.

Here we go...