Allyson and Michael's wedding was my last wedding of 2008 and it was a true "Winter Wonderland" wedding - every detail was so gorgeous! Which is why I had such a difficult time picking photos from the many sent to me by their uber-talented photographer Neysa Ruhl for this blog post! But I think I've finally chosen my favorites, so away we go -
I first met with Allyson, Pam (Mother of the Bride) and Carly (sister and Maid of Honor) in December of 2007; they were referred to me by the wonderful Robyn Jones of the Hilton Netherland Plaza. (A year out may seem far to some people for "week-of coordination", but with professional consultants "day of" and "week of" often starts at minimum a month out, and many of us offer unlimited email and phone contact throughout planning, starting from the moment you sign on). Allyson was so "on it" even that far out - she already had the majority of her major vendors booked, and I could already tell it was going to be a great night!
As the planning went on, I learned all about The Dress. Allyson found and fell in love with a gown designed by Project Runway's own Austin Scarlett! It was every bit as stunning as I expected it to be, and I love the fur stole Allyson added, it was the perfect touch for this winter wedding. Fast-forward to December of '08 and I finally met Michael at our tie-down meeting with Robyn at the Hilton! The next week at the rehearsal I was dubbed "Agent Alison" (I'm sure something to do with my all-black attire and ever-present clipboard?) and we were at last able to get the celebration started. Many thanks to all of the vendors who worked so well as a team and helped the day go so smoothly...
My assistant Amanda started the day early with me as we picked up lunch at Servatii for the bridal party. When we arrived at the hotel, Kelly Ledford of CinciMakeup and Missi and Kelly from Allyson's salon were already there working their magic. Your Chauffeur Limousine transported the bridal party in separate limos to the ceremony site: Norman Chapel at Spring Grove, where Kristen Sekowski and her team at Yellow Canary had just put up their finishing touches. Pro Art Music's quartet greeted the guests with music as they arrived. Pastor Tammy Jo Reiser of Waynesville United Methodist Church officiated the ceremony, and a classic 1964 Rolls Royce awaited Allyson and Michael to whisk them off to their reception at the Hilton's Continental Room. The cutting of the beautiful (and delicious!) cake from Dessertworks started off the reception and Fred Caldwell, owner of DJ Butlers and friend of Allyson's family, kept everyone on the dance floor. Keeping with the time of year, Allyson & Michael provided small ornaments to all their guests as favors. Neysa Ruhl and her fabulous second shooter Karen were there to capture it all...
Allyson and Michael, Amanda and I had such fun working with you and your wonderful families! We hope you enjoyed your wedding as much as we did and then some! Congratulations!
