Friday, March 26, 2010
New Mentor Program!
As mentioned in the March Meeting-- the mentor program is starting.. Do you want to pick the brains of established wedding professionals? looking for some free information? come to our first mentor Coffee Talk on Tuesday, march 30,2010 at 10:00am at the offices of Babara's Brides. Come one come all! The mentor panel for March is Amy Mader and Barbara Hearne. Email barbara@barbarasbrides if you are coming. There is no fee!
Being a wedding planner
I recently was in a meeting where someone suggested I write about my life's lessons. Not weddings but life. This is a little odd for me since I feel most people coming to a wedding consultants blog will want to read about weddings. Trust me, there are enough wedding blogs where consultants showcase their work and that is fantastic. But sometimes there needs to be more. What is that consultant about? who are they as a person? and why are they truly doing this as a profession? These are very important questions each bride needs to answer. Therefore I am going to start to do this or maybe something of the sort. Welcome to unconventionality!
Being an event/wedding planner does have many perks, however it also has its downs. Over the past 20 or so years, I have learned how to be a better person. Through working with the bride on her most special day, you truly realize one of the many marvels of life. Passion. I have been able to find passion in what I do and I truly believe that you need to be passionate about life. If your passion is sitting in a cube job and answering phones during the day for 30 years so you can retire, more power to you. I personally would be on the brink of suicide. I cannot imagine doing the same thing day in and day out and hating going to work. My job is fun because I make it fun. I have had the distinct pleasure of seeing some bat sh** crazy things happen at weddings. I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting almost every type of bride there is out there (notice I do say almost since, well , quite frankly I am constantly given new opportunities to deal with special brides). Why do I smile about this since weddings are not always puppy dogs and rainbows? I have a unique quality of being able to make the best of a situation. The reason why I say that it is unique is because I have come to learn that many people to not have it. I could be stuck in a funeral home and most likely make friends with everyone (if you are getting my sense of humor-- that means the people are dead). Why? because just the thought of sitting amongst dead people would depress the heck out of me! You make the best of what you are given. No one will make your life better for you, except you. If you do not like what life has dealt you, then move on and find something else. Life is too short to be upset!
I try to begin each day with the feelings I had on my wedding day. Passion, love, excitement, happy fear of the unknown, adventure and fun. It is possible to say that "well today will be a sucky day" and then it most certainly will. We are in control of our own destiny. On the days that I wake up in a bad mood, my husband and kids are in a bad mood, my clothes look awful, my email will not work, the car is falling apart, and my hair is sticking out all over. So how is it that the days when my attitude is bad, everything is bad? Well, I can only believe that I dictate how my day will be. By losing the passion, excitement, love, adventure, fun and the happy fear of the unknown, I have predetermined myself to miss out on the best things in life! I will miss the joy of my husband, kids and my personal successes. Man that is a big thing to miss out on. It is not easy so do not think that "well she is just one happy freakin' ray of sunshine" because that is not true. I feel that I make a conscious decision to take on my day and be the best person I can be. That one small act will make the most extraordinary impact on your day.
Make sure you are extremely aware of your surroundings. That will allow you to internalize the most crazy of craziest things! There is always going to be someone better than you, wealthier than you, skinnier than you, fatter than you etc. but if you are no dead, you are contributing something to society. I was at the grocery store the other day when there was a bagger packing groceries. He thought it was a good idea to pack break underneath cans of soup. The customer went nuts on him. She said insults that were so impressive I had to listen. Sure, he should have thought about how he was packing the groceries (afterall it is his job) but I truly wanted to record her on my phone since the insults rolled off her tounge. As I carried on through my day, I looked at the silver lining and thought "well at least I do not have to go home with that lady tonight" and I hugged my husband as he walked through the door. See, you have many opportunities during the day to see life. Good/bad/indifferent? That truly does not matter. It will allow you to appreciate what you have and how you can be a better person.
So, I will wrap up my first entry patting myself on the back (since that is quite frankly what consultant blogs do:)). I had a wedding featured on the Style Me Pretty Blog. Go to Ashley and Drews wedding. It was in November 2009 at Laguna Gloria Art Museum and it was pretty fantastic! Sure, it was a bang out event-- but most importantly, they were a truly unique couple. What I appreciated most about them was that although there was a fantastic wedding planned, paid for and executed, they truly had passion for each other and I look forward to attending their 50th anniversary party.
Being an event/wedding planner does have many perks, however it also has its downs. Over the past 20 or so years, I have learned how to be a better person. Through working with the bride on her most special day, you truly realize one of the many marvels of life. Passion. I have been able to find passion in what I do and I truly believe that you need to be passionate about life. If your passion is sitting in a cube job and answering phones during the day for 30 years so you can retire, more power to you. I personally would be on the brink of suicide. I cannot imagine doing the same thing day in and day out and hating going to work. My job is fun because I make it fun. I have had the distinct pleasure of seeing some bat sh** crazy things happen at weddings. I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting almost every type of bride there is out there (notice I do say almost since, well , quite frankly I am constantly given new opportunities to deal with special brides). Why do I smile about this since weddings are not always puppy dogs and rainbows? I have a unique quality of being able to make the best of a situation. The reason why I say that it is unique is because I have come to learn that many people to not have it. I could be stuck in a funeral home and most likely make friends with everyone (if you are getting my sense of humor-- that means the people are dead). Why? because just the thought of sitting amongst dead people would depress the heck out of me! You make the best of what you are given. No one will make your life better for you, except you. If you do not like what life has dealt you, then move on and find something else. Life is too short to be upset!
I try to begin each day with the feelings I had on my wedding day. Passion, love, excitement, happy fear of the unknown, adventure and fun. It is possible to say that "well today will be a sucky day" and then it most certainly will. We are in control of our own destiny. On the days that I wake up in a bad mood, my husband and kids are in a bad mood, my clothes look awful, my email will not work, the car is falling apart, and my hair is sticking out all over. So how is it that the days when my attitude is bad, everything is bad? Well, I can only believe that I dictate how my day will be. By losing the passion, excitement, love, adventure, fun and the happy fear of the unknown, I have predetermined myself to miss out on the best things in life! I will miss the joy of my husband, kids and my personal successes. Man that is a big thing to miss out on. It is not easy so do not think that "well she is just one happy freakin' ray of sunshine" because that is not true. I feel that I make a conscious decision to take on my day and be the best person I can be. That one small act will make the most extraordinary impact on your day.
Make sure you are extremely aware of your surroundings. That will allow you to internalize the most crazy of craziest things! There is always going to be someone better than you, wealthier than you, skinnier than you, fatter than you etc. but if you are no dead, you are contributing something to society. I was at the grocery store the other day when there was a bagger packing groceries. He thought it was a good idea to pack break underneath cans of soup. The customer went nuts on him. She said insults that were so impressive I had to listen. Sure, he should have thought about how he was packing the groceries (afterall it is his job) but I truly wanted to record her on my phone since the insults rolled off her tounge. As I carried on through my day, I looked at the silver lining and thought "well at least I do not have to go home with that lady tonight" and I hugged my husband as he walked through the door. See, you have many opportunities during the day to see life. Good/bad/indifferent? That truly does not matter. It will allow you to appreciate what you have and how you can be a better person.
So, I will wrap up my first entry patting myself on the back (since that is quite frankly what consultant blogs do:)). I had a wedding featured on the Style Me Pretty Blog. Go to Ashley and Drews wedding. It was in November 2009 at Laguna Gloria Art Museum and it was pretty fantastic! Sure, it was a bang out event-- but most importantly, they were a truly unique couple. What I appreciated most about them was that although there was a fantastic wedding planned, paid for and executed, they truly had passion for each other and I look forward to attending their 50th anniversary party.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March Madness Meeting...!
As always, our monthly NEAWP meetings are a great time and a wonderful way to meet new wedding professionals as well as hang out with good friends. This month, our focus is on mentoring, charity, and raising the bar for professionalism in the wedding community!
Thanks to the fabulous Perry's Steakhouse for hosting our monthly meeting.
John John The Wedding Butler and Stacey Hogge of Petal Pushers.
The best part about the meetings is always the food :)
Amy Mader, our fearless leader, giving us the lowdown on all the charities we're helping this month! "Keep the Change and Pay it Forward" is a program that benefits "Toys for Tots". Plus next month's charity will be "Safe Place", which collects daily essentials for people in need. To get more involved, contact our Donor Diva Amanda Dudley of Big Day Event Productions.
Also, congratulations to our "Featured Coordinator of the Month" Britt Roth of Clink Events! And, another kudos to Myra Adkins of Word of Mouth Catering for being our "Featured Vendor of the Month"!
A very special thanks to Christie Mueller, owner of CLM Business Etiquette Consulting for her extremely informative talk about improving our businesses as well as client experiences and relationships!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Dell Children's Center Valentine Delivery
I would like to thank each of you for the beautiful valentine's that were designed at our March meeting. I received a wonderful thank you from Ashlee McGuire (Dell Children's Hospital) who distributed them to the children at the hospital. Thank you to Amanda Dudley our very own Donor Diva who delivered them to the hospital.
I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day and thank you for making it a little bit brighter for some deserving children!
Amy Mader, PWC
President
NECI and NEAWP
I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day and thank you for making it a little bit brighter for some deserving children!
Amy Mader, PWC
President
NECI and NEAWP
Friday, February 12, 2010
Austin Firebats Rodeo Fundraiser 2010
It is time for the 2010 Austin Rodeo! At our February meeting, we had some "little" guest speakers who spoke to our large group for their very first time! Noah Mader and Garrett Abeel are the captains of the Austin Firebats Baseball Team. They are raising money for equipment and tournament fees (short term goal) and money for their trip to play in the 12 U tournament in Cooperstown, NY in 2011. The Austin Firebats and their families are hosting a rodeo trip to the Austin Rodeo. All the information regarding the rodeo is listed at www.firebatsbaseball.com/rodeo.cfm. If you have never been to the rodeo, it is a worthwhile experience! Here is a brief synopsis:
1. We are going to the rodeo on Monday March 15th. The concert entertainment is Gary Allen.
2. The preparty begins at noon- 10133 Planters Woods Drive Austin Texas 78730- The Mader Residence.
3. Buses will arrive at 4pm and return to Planters Woods at 11pm.
4. Everyone is invited- Kids and Adults (you just need to keep track of your own chickens)
5. All ticket sales will go through the Firebats website. The funds will directly go to the Firebats Baseball Team.
6. Tickets are limited to the first 100. After we reach 100 (we had 78 in 2009), a waiting list will start. If we need a third bus, we will get one.
We are not selling popcorn, cookies, candy bars or wrapping paper. With your ticket you will get a evening of fun while helping out this group of kids attain their dream in select baseball!
If you would like to make a donation and not attend, you can do that as well!
Best-
Amy and Matt Mader
1. We are going to the rodeo on Monday March 15th. The concert entertainment is Gary Allen.
2. The preparty begins at noon- 10133 Planters Woods Drive Austin Texas 78730- The Mader Residence.
3. Buses will arrive at 4pm and return to Planters Woods at 11pm.
4. Everyone is invited- Kids and Adults (you just need to keep track of your own chickens)
5. All ticket sales will go through the Firebats website. The funds will directly go to the Firebats Baseball Team.
6. Tickets are limited to the first 100. After we reach 100 (we had 78 in 2009), a waiting list will start. If we need a third bus, we will get one.
We are not selling popcorn, cookies, candy bars or wrapping paper. With your ticket you will get a evening of fun while helping out this group of kids attain their dream in select baseball!
If you would like to make a donation and not attend, you can do that as well!
Best-
Amy and Matt Mader
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Growing, Learning, and Giving
Our latest focus for NEAWP this year is to select a charity every month and provide support for each organization. On top of that, this month's meeting hosted by the beautiful Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel also focused on helping out the Firebats Junior League baseball team as they make their way to nationals. With a new team of board members, Nuptial Essentials has decided to remain not only a leader in event planning education, but also to become a leading resource for brides in the wedding industry.
our junior guest speakers...
Congratulations to Amanda Dudley of Big Day Events for receiving Planner of the Month...
Many thanks to Simon Lee Bakery for providing the delicious petit fours!
Our guest speaker Mike Rinehart provided insightful advice on taking charge of your life...
and of course, everyone created their Valentine's Day cards for the children of
Dell Children's Hospital, our charity of the month!
Monday, December 7, 2009
'Tis the Season - NEAWP Holiday Meeting
Please pardon the silence... we've been a little busy in NEAWP world. Yes, Colin Cowie came to Austin and we all (barely) survived the "Chic in the Heart of Texas" conference. It was awesome and thanks to everyone who came, contributed and made it happen!!
More conference posts to come, but if you didn't catch the Colin Cowie party pics, check out these fabulous shots taken by Anthology Photography over on the BZ events blog. Thank you sooooo much to Laura for capturing this awesome evening!!
The NEAWP December meeting was our second annual gift exchange. It was a beautiful and festive meeting hosted by the AT&T Conference Center (thank you, Amanda + team!) with lovely decor by the fabulous Premiere Party Central team. Chris Bell and his Belltower Trio entertained us with sounds of the season while we enjoyed a delicious lunch and some well-deserved down time!
Thanks to everyone who brought donations for Coats for Kids and to Barbara for dropping them off!
Amy's question to the group -- what are you thankful for this year?
Some of the answers:
* That we survived 2009...
* NEAWP (awww... thanks, John John!)
* New baby nephews + healthy twins (congrats, Dawn!)
* Being involved with great charities -- Glimmer of Hope, Meals on Wheels, etc.
* Completing a marathon (guess who?!)
And so many more! We are a thankful bunch :)
Our yummy lunch -- very festive!
We can't get enough of our favorite Delysia Chocolates!! These make a great holiday gift or the perfect no-cook addition to your dessert displays. Check out their yummy holiday flavors.
Happy Holidays to everyone! Enjoy the break and we'll see you in January.
Remember to check the website for meeting notices. No more Evite!
~NEAWP
* Images courtesy of Austin wedding photographer, Dustin Meyer
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