Best of Both Worlds

Reylena was my first friend I met at Biola University over seven years ago and she quickly became one of my dearest friends. Reylena has the most beautiful heart for serving those in need, is an incredible listener, and woman of grace. When she met James in grad school where they were both working on their Master’s in Social Work at USC, I knew there was something different about this guy. She would call me and tell me about this amazing man and the conversations they were having. I knew it was only a matter of time until he would pop the question and we could start planning her wedding together!

During their engagement, James finished school, Reylena worked full time, completed her internship, moved, planned a wedding, and finished school a few months after James. Needless to say, this woman is amazing! Their wedding day in the desert where Reylena grew up was the absolutely perfect day! Every detail fell into place, the weather was beautiful, and Reylena was the most calm bride. Her family coming together with James’ family was so special to witness.

Not only did I have the privilege of being Reylena’s coordinator, I also got to be a bridesmaid and stand next to one of my best friends on the most exciting day of her life! I got to celebrate with her in her bridal party, but also serve her doing something I love! What a special gift it was to part of her day! It truly was the best of both worlds for both of us!

Wedding Tip Wednesday: Choosing a Venue

Once you’ve settled on a budget, the first thing to get squared away is a venue. It’s important to know what your wants and needs are before you start the search. Consider things like if they’ll let you choose your own caterer, how long they give you for set up, do you get along with the venue manager. All these things will really affect your wedding planning and wedding day experience. Once you reach out to venues and get preliminary pricing, I recommend only visiting venues in your price range. You don’t want to fall in love with a venue you can’t afford! Keep in mind some places may be higher in price but include more. Be sure to thoroughly read through the contract before you sign anything! And although a venue will tell you they provide a "wedding coordinator" keep in mind this coordinator knows the VENUE well, not necessarily every detail you've been dreaming of. They will know where light switches are, when it was built, what the name of that tree is, but if you hire a wedding coordinator they will know EVERY SINGLE DETAIL about your entire day from the minute you wake up until you leave for your honeymoon. A venue coordinator knows details pertaining just to the venue. When you hire a day-of coordinator they work solely for you! Their main goal is for you to have the most seamless, relaxing, and wonderful day possible. Obviously I'm a little biased but I always say a day-of coordinator is a priceless piece of your budget;) 

Here are my top 5 things to consider when choosing a venue:

1.       Price Range: Is it within your budget? What does the price include? Is it reasonable compared to other places you’ve looked?

2.       Atmosphere: Do you absolutely love it? Can you envision your wedding pictures (that you’ll have FOREVER!) being taken there?

3.       Location: How far will the majority of your guests have to travel? Do you need to do a room block at a local hotel? What about unexpected weather options? Heat? Rain?

4.       Size: Is it big enough for your guest count? Comfortably? Is there space for you to get ready? Do a first look? Are there separate cocktail and reception areas?

5.       Catering: Is catering included? Do they have a preferred list you must choose from? Can you bring in your own? If you’re set on a certain restaurant/caterer, make sure the venues you look at allow outside vendors to be brought in.

xoxo,

Amanda Grace

Palm Springs Getaway

Ashley & Drew

1/9/16

Being a part of Ashley and Drew’s wedding weekend was such a joy for me! About a year before her wedding, Ashley and I met one night to start dreaming up her Palm Springs wedding. We had always kind of known each other in college through mutual friends but never really had the chance to get to know each other. Little did we know that after one night talking about wedding details, we would soon grow to become dear friends in such a short amount of time. When you get to do what you love for people you adore, it makes creating the day of their dreams so special!

Growing up, Ashley loved going to the desert to visit her grandparents and it meant so much to her to have antique furniture from her Grammie’s house and memories made in the little town she loved to visit. When Ashley found The O’Donnell House, she instantly fell in love with the quaint home nestled into the hillside overlooking the desert. After about a year and half engagement, a new job for Drew, and an almost completed Master’s Degree for Ashley, friends and family traveled to Palm Springs in crisp January to celebrate their much anticipated wedding!

Their wedding day was so perfect! Ashley had thought through every single detail, her photographers were sweet friends from childhood and there were personal touches on everything from welcome table down to the escort cards. Despite rain in the forecast, Ashley kept her cool and guests still had a great time! With a live band and food from the best Mexican restaurant in the desert, the night was flawless!

This wedding was so special to me because one of my dearest friendships today grew out of it! What’s even more fun is four months after coordinating their wedding, I got to be on the team that coordinated Ashley’s graduation from Chapman University with her Master’s Degree. What’s next…baby shower? ;) I hope so!

xoxo,

Amanda Grace

Venue Spotlight: Quail Haven Farm

Quail Haven Farm is one of my favorite venues to work at! Not only is it adorable, the staff is amazing, the owner is the sweetest and the space is perfect! My very first wedding in 2014 was there and ever since I’ve been in love. The owner of the property, Lindy, is great and we hit it off right away! I love working with her and getting to do weddings on her farm. The first wedding I did there it was pouring rain but with the help of Lindy and her staff, we were able to keep everyone dry! (read more about that wedding here) A year later I had the privilege of working with Lindy again for Meagan and Cory’s wedding and it was perfection!

If you’re looking for a quaint, rustic, down to earth atmosphere, look no farther! Quail Haven Farm has everything you’re looking for with an antique barn in the backdrop, bridal cottage for you to get ready in, outdoor ceremony, a newly built cocktail terrace and covered reception space. You work directly with Lindy and she helps you with layout, rentals and all the details for your wedding day on the farm. Lindy and I are in touch too to make sure we are all on the same page and your wedding day is seamless! She books quickly so reach out to her today if you are interested in a tour and a date for 2016 or 2017!

Below are some pictures from the weddings I’ve done on the farm!