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.