Heidi & Keith, October 11th, 2008

10/14/08


Absolutely Stunning!!! That is how I would describe this wedding. Heidi & Keith are so extremely fortunate to have had the beautiful day they did for their Oct 11th outdoor wedding. The trees were in their peak and the temperature was perfect. I started working with the two of them over a year ago on the vision of a wedding that was full of nature, warmth, and that was truly exceptional. We definitely achieved this with the tranquil garden, sugar spun cake, and a head table glistening with crystal trees and satin linens. They were such a fun couple to be around, their ideas were open and creative and it was well displayed on Saturday! The colors were immaculate, their friends & family knew how to party, the Ceremony location serene and the reception so elegant. This was such a Beautiful day and I am so grateful that Heidi & Keith had me apart of it!!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs Brenner (and Buckley B), please keep in touch!!


I will post more pictures as I get them, these are from my camera!!








Open Dates for 2008

10/5/08

As I review my calender for the remainder of the year I have the following weekends still open for Day of Coordination. Contact me today if you are looking for some assistance at your Event!

November 22nd, 2008
December 6th, 2008
December 13th, 2008

The Economy & Weddings

I was recently interviewed by the Star Tribune on how the economy is affecting the wedding industry. It got me thinking a lot about the state we are in and how it will affect the newly engaged or those in the middle of planning!

The biggest thing I have seen in the last couple month's are couples who are very budget conscious and that are reallocating where they are spending their money or cutting things out completely. I think now more than ever it is so beneficial to have a Wedding Coordinator to help you find the most for you money, cut back on costs and help keep you with in your budget. Some see hiring a wedding planner as an extra expense when in all reality the expertise and knowledge that we have on the industry and the vendors that are out there you can actually reduce your costs.

So much time is spent researching venues, vendors, decorations, invitations, etc and comparing them to figure out who is offering what and what seems like the better deal. A good coordinator will get to know you, your style, vision and budget and should have a handful of recommendations that fits all of these topics. This results in you not paying more than you planned on or end up with a vendor because it is convenient and you are going cross eyed trying to decide between them....

As the uncertainty of the economy is upon us there are still celebrations to be had and to their fullest. Planning a wedding you have always dreamed of does not have to change based on the economy and rising prices. There are many ways to still incorporate your vision and dreams without having to shell out all the dollars.

I would love to hear from you!! How are you being affected? Are you worried your planning or wedding will be? What are you doing to side step some of the high costs? Let is know if you are in the process of planning your wedding, just getting started or are already married. Feel free to email me at info@cmaries.com
Subject: Economy and Weddings.

Don't stress, you can still spend less and have a phenomenal wedding!! (especially with the help of a wedding planner)

Mel & Linny September 20th, 2008

Wow was this group too much fun!! There were Bridal party members, family and friends from all corners of the Country. I had a blast with you guys! I met Mel and Linny over a year ago when they signed up for a full Planning package and I enjoyed every minute of planning with them. The ideas were endless and when it all came together a few weeks ago it was such a special day with lots of laughs and smiles. The pink and black was splashed everywhere and gave the room and detail such a loving feel. Highlight of the day was trying to round up the Wedding party for their Grand March and looking out the window to see a bridesmaid digging in the pond with her hair in the water..... don't worry the Bride's shoe was recovered. This bridesmaid sure did know how to live up to her duties and then some!


I had a blast with you ladies up to the end!! Mel - I may have to call your Dad and hire him as an assistant = )


Congratulations Mel & Linny

More pictures will be posted soon!! Stop back!

Ruth & Rick August 23rd, 2008

The weather was perfect, the wedding party a ton of fun, and the couple in love and ready to be married!! And who would have guessed we had to switch their Reception location 5 weeks out from their Wedding date. With the Jeune Lune announcing its decision to close the doors, the uncertainty of service and quality was too great of risk to take on such an important day! To our surprise Hazeltine golf course had it's doors still open for their August 23rd date! I think Ruth & Rick would agree with me that their Ceremony and Reception were exceptional at this pristine location and I doubt they even thought once that day about where it should have been!!



Congratulations again Ruth & Rick, I enjoyed your wedding, friends and family so much!


PS. Those cakes were Awesome!












Kristen & Dan - July 19, 2008



I had a blast at this wedding and working with such a fun laid back couple!! I first met Kristen and Dan about 7 months out from their wedding!! Both of their families were wonderful and knew how to have a good time. Their ceremony was at a very neat church in Minneapolis and their reception at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. I love this spot for Summer and Fall weddings right on the river and it gives your guests so many areas to mingle inside and out. Kristen was an absolutely stunning bride!


Congratulations Kristen and Dan, I hope your first few months of Marriage have been exceptional. Keep in touch = )









Photography by: Stephen Geffre

Destination - Riviera Maya, MX January 18th, 2008

Mya & Joel - January 18th, 2009

This was such a exciting wedding to be apart of and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to spend it down there with them. It was not only being on the beach of Mexico in sunny warm weather in January but to see two people so in love and that show so much compassion for each other that made this Wedding one of a kind.

The Ceremony took place at the Oasis resort in the Riviera Maya on the roof over looking the ocean. The scenery was breathe taking as some dark storm clouds were coming in off the ocean, the colors were magnificent and the weather was great. The rain held off all day until the party moved inside for their dinner and dance. The food was delicious and the entire group of 40+ all had a blast together. The bonding that happens amongst you and your guest while traveling makes destination weddings so intimate.

The destination wedding is such a neat way to express your style and creativity. Most destinations have multiple options for packages that make it easier for your guests to decide what works for them. Typically you can offer 3, 5, 7 and 10 day packages that allows your guests to plan properly. Make sure if you are planning a destination wedding that you try to allow at least a year for your guests to start making arrangements. Get those save the date out there early so they know what dates to ask off from work, find sitters, and start saving for your Destination Wedding! Cmaries does offer Destination planning services that help make planning from a distant easier, if interested please inquire about our package!


Thank you Mya and Joey for asking me to be apart of your very Special day!!




Ceremony site on the roof!