Jul 8, 20174 min read

A Pool-Side "I Do"

36 days! That is exactly how long I had to pull off a full-coordination for Brenda and Craig's July 8, 2017 wedding. When I walked into their gorgeous home for the initial consultation I fell in love. The ceremony and reception would take place in their beautifully lush, landscaped backyard that wraps around a gorgeous sparkling crystal clear pool. This was definitely a wedding I was willing to take on. Upon discussion, we both quickly realized there were many details we had to tackle and didn't have a lot of time to do it. Let's get started.

Day one began with searching for the rental items, a baker, caterer, photographer, and florist. Many vendors weren't available (remember, we are a month away from the wedding date) so we had the odds stacked against us. Luckily, Party Pro Rentals of Tulsa was able to secure our white century frame tent, the port-a-coolers, 60" round tables, and white chairs. My sigh of relief could have been heard across the room.

The progress continued moving forward upon selecting the florist. Gaylyn at Mary Murray's rose to the challenge of this wedding. Upon our consultation we decided on bountiful arrangements that would sit atop restored custom oak columns that came out of an old mansion. They were exquisite and the perfect pieces for the ceremony area. Centerpieces would be held together by silver mercury vases filled with greenery, blush, lavender and ivory flowers sitting on top of silver Connie Duglin table linens. The candlelight coming from inside the arrangements, as well as those that were to lay around it, would look divine. I left this meeting feeling inspired and couldn't wait to see it come to life! Off to the baker.

Centerpieces of Greenery, Blush. Lilac and Plum

When you need a perfect cake and have high expectations you can't call just anyone. Ashley from The Cake Lady in Collinsville came to the rescue. Not only did she allow me to come in for a personal taste-testing but she worked with the several changes and additions that came up along the way. Her beautiful three-tiered textured butter cream cake with fresh flowers was one meant for bakery windows. Side note, her lemon cake is seriously mouth-watering and the guests were raving over it. The groom's cake was custom-made by the bride's daughter. It was an exact replica of a wine bottle lying in a wooden crate that bore the couples new last name. Every bit of the cake including the crate's lid was edible. The detail and work she put into this was so touching the bride and groom had the sugar wine bottle preserved.

The ceremony and reception was captured by Abby of Abby Sweet Photography. She is known for pictures showcasing the small details while delivering them with clear and concise precision. Not only was she a gem to work with but she delivered quality photographs that will be enjoyed by the bride, groom, family, and guests for many years to come. She was a perfect addition to the team.

The last decision was crucial. It's the one thing that will make or break a reception: the catering company. Heather of 624 Catering is the best of the best. She made the menu changes, guest count additions, and location issues come together seamlessly. The constant communication and professionalism was second to none. Brenda and Craig chose a steakhouse buffet dinner consisting of mini crab cakes, apple and brie bites, hand-carved prime rib, stuffed chicken breast, garlic smashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and sweet corn maque choux. The smell of the food was a gift in and of itself. I am still have dreams about those delicious potatoes!

Day thirty-five we finished booking the last vendor. Yes, day thirty-five!

Day thirty-six arrived and it was go time! The tents were staked, the chairs were set, the arrangements sat fresh, the music was ready, and the bride had her father by her side. She entered from a stone walkway lined by landscaped flowers, with her nearest and dearest family and friends gathered around the most beautiful pool you have ever seen. Her groom smiled with his entire heart and his love for her could be felt by everyone. When the officiant finally said, "You may now kiss the bride" there was cheering, clapping, and even some tears. They exited the ceremony hand-in-hand knowing that forever wouldn't be nearly long enough. The night went on to gentle music in the background, family and friends socializing around the patio, the dinner being raved about, the cake being swooned over, and the bride and groom having the night they had always dreamed about.

It has been about two weeks since this wedding and now, looking back, this was one of the more challenging weddings I have worked on. Between the time constraints and it being an outdoor wedding (in Oklahoma's blazing hot July sun) on personal property there were so many pertinent details that had to happen in order to pull this off. Every day was decision day. It pushed me in both my creativity and my confidence. I couldn't have done it without my team of vendors, Melissa, and Brenda and Craig. They were the most relaxed bride and groom I have worked with and great at communication. At the end of the day, their only concern was that the guests had fun and they were happily married. Mission accomplished. So, this leads me to think. If I can pull off a beautifully executed wedding in thirty-six days, imagine what I could do with six months!

Challenge accepted!