It was a perfect fall day for Kelsy and Nick's vows at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard in Mackinaw, Illinois. The bridal party got ready at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Morton, Il. While Taylor and Jenny got their morning coffee, they scoped out a few downtown locations for bridal party photos, and those locations did not disappoint!
After finding those key locations for photos, Taylor and Jenny made their way back to check on the bridal party. The ladies were getting hair and makeup done, but didn't have any water, so we took care of that detail for them. TIP: Hydration is key on the wedding day! We then met the photographer and videographer, and showed them to the room location. While they prepped detail photos (don't forget a box with your invites, ring boxes, rings, other jewelry, etc.), Taylor went to check on the guys. While Taylor was helping the gentlemen organize their things, Jenny started steaming the dress and veil. Jenny also made sure she knew how to put the veil on, and take it off easily so she could assist the Maid of Honor in that duty if needed.
Taylor was coordinating with the Mother of the Groom to get dressed and ready so she could have her first look with the Groom. After all the ladies in the bridal party were dressed, Jenny and Taylor helped set up the first look between the bride and her father. We then collaborated with the photographer and videographer for the first look of the Bride for the Groom. Once all the first look photos were finished, Taylor and Jenny worked quickly to pack up the bridal parties items that needed to go to the ceremony location. Taylor and Jenny also thought to bring the bouquet vases with them, so they could be used at the reception site as decoration. We then helped them find the photo locations downtown and assisted in getting everyone place for the photos.
Taylor and Jenny then went to the ceremony location, at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard. Once they arrived, they went into detail mode. Met and clarified DJ questions, made sure the correct number of chairs were present, moved floral arrangements into place, set up signs to welcome guests, and made sure the bridal suite was ready for the ladies once they arrived. The bridal party then took more photos and videos, while we completed all the details.
Once all the details were set, the bridal party was tucked away in the cutest bridal suite. Taylor and Jenny guided the ushers through their duties, and made sure to check in with the flower girls and ring bearer. TIP: Helping the ushers know where to seat guests, and also telling them how to greet guests, makes a huge difference in the feel of your event. Working together, Taylor made sure the family members were in the correct placement to walk into the ceremony, while Jenny worked with the bridal party. This allowed for everyone to be confident in when they were suppose to enter the ceremony. Once everyone was up front, Jenny and Taylor were able to snap a photo to document their first official wedding ceremony as wedding coordinators!
After the ceremony concluded, Jenny met the bride and groom and got them secluded for about 5 minutes to have a little one on one time. Brides would be shocked to know that on the wedding day, there is little to no time for the bride and groom to connect. TIP: Having a coordinator make this happen for you is a moment in the day that you will never forget.
While the guests filed out with Taylor's help and direction, family photos were taking place. Jenny helped to call the brides list of family photos. This made the process go quickly and smoothly so as to not put the reception behind schedule. Taylor got all the signs that needed to go the reception site during this time, along with the flower arrangements that needed to be transferred. As the family photos wrapped up, the ladies got on the road to the reception site at 5 Points Washington in Washington, Il.
After arriving at the reception location in Washington, Jenny and Taylor once again started making sure all the details were taken care of. They got out the signs from the ceremony, met the reception vendors, confirmed any last minute needed items, and made sure any other details were in place before guests arrived at the location. As guests arrived for cocktail hour, the bridal party made their way to 5 Points Washington. During this time, Taylor and Jenny secured them a secluded location within the building, so they could freshen up, have a drink, and enjoy a little time with those important people on their special day. Taylor and Jenny worked with the DJ, photographer, and videographer to make the bridal parties entrance to the reception exciting and seamless. After everyone found their seats, a plated meal was served, Jenny worked with the photographer to get the Bride's request of sunset photos taken. They turned out absolutely spectacular as you can see from Jenny's behind the scene photos below.
Thanks to the Martin's for their trust in us to take care of all the details! We wish both of you a lifetime of joy, happiness, and adventure on your journey of love.
Sincerely,
Taylor and Jenny
Vendors:
Ceremony- Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
Reception-5 Points Washington
Photography-Holly Birch Photography
Videography-Hoop House Creative
Wedding Coordinators-Events with Taylor and Jenny
Floral Arrangements-J. Blu Designs
Cake- Janet's Cakes
DJ-Live Audio & Events
Cookies- Sweet Kreations by Michelle Brucker
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