Amy & Andrew Sauder - March 21, 2009

Planning a wedding in Northwest Ohio in March can be tricky. You never know what you are going to get with regard to the weather. But that didn’t deter Amy Kramer & Andrew Sauder while planning their March 21, 2009 nuptials at Archbold Evangelical Church followed by a fun Hawaiian-themed “Luau” at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Wauseon.

Andrew and Amy wanted their guests to keep the date in mind for their wedding by sending out invitations that also served as magnets. I personally love the idea because for a month before their wedding, guests get excited about the date every time you went to your refrigerator, because you were reminded by the Invitation/magnet.

Amy looked amazing in her deep V-cut gown and sexy shoes. The bridesmaids’ chocolate dresses were such a great fit for all of the maids that each one looked perfect in her own right.

The flower bouquets stood out and just shouted happiness as they were held against the chocolate backdrop. As the ladies got ready, all of the guys met in the church parking lot and tried to calm Andrew’s nerves.

I would be amiss if I didn’t mention how much fun these groomsmen were. The weather was sunny and 65 and you could not see a single cloud in the sky. No one wanted the day to end!

For the entrance of the bride, all of the lights dropped down, and a spotlight was placed on Amy as she entered the sanctuary on her father’s arm. A fitting touch for a beautiful bride. Pastor Stuart Rex offered such wonderful instructions to the new couple during his sermonette and the most touching part of the day had to be when Andrew went down off the stage and took the hand of Amy’s daughter, Amya, and brought her up so she could join in the ceremony. They presented her with a keepsake necklace that she couldn’t wait to show EVERYONE after the ceremony.

The wedding guests were offered rose petals to toss as the couple exited the church and boarded one of Archbold’s Fire Department Fire trucks. Among his many jobs, Andrew is also volunteer with that department, following in his father’s footsteps of over 35 years.

The party began at Fulton County’s Junior Fair Building at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Wauseon. While the flowers at the wedding were elegant and candlelit, the decor at the reception was fun-filled and bright! The homemade margaritas didn’t last long once the wedding party arrived and had fun sharing memories and stories of our couple.

I love the “word” cakes. Amy & Andrew’s baker, Kristi Clouse of the Bake Shop chose words to live by and our couple found a “bling-filled” letter S which served as the topper.

I’ve known Andrew and his family for over 35 years and consider them family. This was my first time, however, in meeting Amy. What a pleasure. Welcome to the family Amy!!! Thanks guys for letting me share in your special and fun-filled day.

DETAILS:

Ceremony: Archbold Evan Church (amazing AV & Lights)

Minister: Pastor Stuart Rex

Photographers: CK Photo - Napoleon

Cake: The Bake Shop, Kristi Clouse 419-237-2393

Florist: Weeping Willow, Connie Nofziger 419445-7773

Reception Entertainment: Noony Molina 419-446-4043

Reception Location: Fulton County Junior Fair Building

Caterer: John Weber 419-337-1948

Kristin Volk and Ben Harper

May 3, 2008

I began meeting with Kristin's parents in February, 2007. Yes, I did say parents as her dad and mom both had significant rolls in Krsitn & Ben's spectacular day.

The wedding ceremony was held at St. Michael's in the Hills Episcopal Church. The same church where Mr. & Mrs. Volk were married several years before. The wedding ceremony was very sentimental and elegant. Obviously, I could not plan for the sudden and quick downpour of rain during the ceremony but it litterally quit as the couple said I DO and exited the sanctuary.

Their reception was held at The Toledo Club. Guests were greeted at the Motor Pool entrance by Ron Prebe's duet leading everyone into the Main Lobby and setting the tone for the entire event. The Toledo Club out did themselves in the cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Then the party moved upstairs. This photo shows a display of "booklets" that were each personally addressed and signed by Kristin & Ben and mentioned something about each recipient and how they impacted the couple. These booklets also served as a "schedule of events" for the evening and each guests' table assignment.







I would be amiss in not mentioning the flowers. They were spectacular. Frank & Sandy Vivivano of Bartz Viviano did not miss a petal. They made sure the floor length linens were the exact shade of lavender to meet all of Mr & Mrs. Volk's expectations.
The cake...was amazing. You could literally smell the sweetness of it when you entred the building. It tasted as terrific as it looked.














I have to comment on this last photo...This is Kristin about 10 minutes before she walked down the aisle. A perfect example of what a bride who has Bee for the Day wedding coordinators helping her with her wedding day. Complete calmness and relaxation. Stress free. Thanks to the Volks & Harper families for allowing us to share in YOUR special day.
DETAILS:
Flowers: Bartz Viviano - Frank & Sandy Vivivano
Reception entertainment - Cleveland's Park Place Band
Cake - Myles Baker Street, Bowling Green
Photographer - Grand Lubell
Videographer - Fordham Footage, Dale Fordham

Jenn & Brian Creque

Jennifer (Noonan) and Brian Creque - August 16, 2008

I cannot tell you how much fun I had at this wedding. I think they even have a shot of me on the

dance floor...you will find that I NEVER mix business with pleasure and dance at any weddings. So, if you see me out there, you better get a shot of it because it happens so rarely.

Jenn is such a tiny, petite, cute as a bug gal and wow can she "wear" a dress? Don't you think? They did a lot of things themselves and I worked with Jenn from July the year before until her wedding in August. That's what I love about my job, the bride decides how much she uses me and determines her bill. I just "show up" when they tell me to. :) That is all decided by you, my bride.

Jenn's ladies wore two different style dresses; four ladies in one style (spaghetti straps) and the other four in another style (halter top).

She also had various herbs wrapped in burlap at everyone's place settings as favors for guests to take home and plant. Very "green" and eco-friendly. I loved the pin-tuck overlay on the dinner tables.

Thanks for letting me be part of the "best day of your life."

DETAILS:

Ceremony: Toledo Riverfront Hotel now the Crowne Plaza

Reception: Franciscian Center at Lourdes College

Photographer: Decisive Moments, Bridget Adams

Flowers: Flowers by Andrea

DJ: Decorative Sound,

Videographer: Showcase Video - Aaron Baginski

Chair covers: I Do Chaircovers, Alice Kemmer

Common Kindnesss...it's not that hard

Friday afternoon as my assistant, Christina (you'll meet her soon) and I were watching the reports of the plane "splash" landing on the Hudson River andwe were both brought to complete silence in our usual chattiness of everyday wedding things that go on in our office.

As Charlie Gibson discussed what was happening right before our eyes we were just praying that everyone would survive the crash. With the heroism and complete compassion and kindness of strangers everyone did survive. Without hesitation that amazing pilot, Sully, did what he knew he had to do in a flash of a second. He wans't sure he could make it to the next landing strip so he made the decision to land in the Hudson. Then he did what every one of us should challenge ourselves with..."would I do it?" "Could I do it?" He made sure everyone was off his plane and safely on to safety and then went back and checked the aisle again. Only then did he exit his sinking plane. There were people giving shirts off of their own backs to keep each other warm. People helping people. Doing God's work.

Christina turned to me and said, "in this day and age it seems odd to hear, women and children first" She's right, we are in such an everyone for themself attitude. It warms my heart and soul to see others putting their neighbor first.

I challenge you my friends and readers to put others first in our daily lives. Let that person in the lane ahead of you at the stoplight, maybe at the grocery store, hold the door for someone as they are coming into the store behind you. Just be kind. It will pay off...

Have a great Saturday and stay warm....
Hugs, B

Starting Again....

Well, it's that time of the year again; time to regroup and start anew.

I love January.
It gives me so much hope for the new year. Even with all of this cold weather.

I've said to many brides that I had hoped to blog after their wedding day and post a few "special" things about their wedding. Well, it was a good intention, however, not so easy to accomplish. But, I am committed to blogging and sharing with all of you all of what I've been up to and what's new and exciting in the world of Bee for the Day....

So stay tuned, as my husband, Jeff, always says....more to come......