April 2009 Archives

I was recently looking at building a new home and began working with Josh Vining from the The Vining Family Builders.  They are a premiere (or at least I think so) Custom Home Builder for the Dallas area.  They also develop Commercial Real Estate.  I got an opportunity to see some of their homes and was blown away by the quality.  These guys are Amazing Dallas Home Builders!

Check them out:  Dallas Home Builders

Sunday, April 26, 2009, the Dallas Sheraton North held a really special event to honor our military and give a little back to those who give so much to us.  The event was called the Battle of the Brides.  Circle Park Bridal shop located in Addison partnered with the Sheraton Dallas North Hotel and transformed it's Grand Ballroom into a wedding gown extravaganza with over 100 gowns priced at just $99 to $299 (most gowns at the sale had suggested retail prices of $1,000 to $3,000).  This event was open to all brides and Circle Park Bridal donated a portion of the proceeds from the event to anysoldier.com (an organization dedicated to sending care packages to our troops overseas) There was also an incredible tradeshow with twenty of DFW's best wedding professionals represented, including yours truly. :) 
For three lucky military brides, it was a very special day because Circle Park Bridal was giving away three wedding gowns to deserving military brides. These three prize winners were allowed to pick out their dream wedding gowns one hour prior to the event opening to the public and Dallas wedding photos donated free wedding day photo coverage to the grand prize winner.  It was a really fun and special event. 
Special thanks to Christina Oickle and her team at Sheraton Dallas North who made the event happen.  Andrea Porter and her team at Circle Park Bridal for their gracious generosity!
Check out the photos that I took here!

For ALL of you soon-2-be brides....Here is a Bridal Checklist that should help you out so nothing is overlooked or forgotten......


Three to Six Months

    * Confirm ceremony content
    * Secure tuxedo rentals and obtain measurements
    * Choose bridal accessories
    * Determine mother's attire
    * Order invitations, personal stationary, announcements and thank-you notes.
    * Discuss musical selections with musician
    * Order cake
    * Arrange transportation for the bridal party
    * Complete bridal registry
    * Select wedding rings
    * Meet with hired professionals including caterer, florist and photographer.
    * Arrange necessary fittings of wedding attire
    * Plan bridesmaids' luncheon and bachelor dinner/party
    * Finalize rehearsal dinner details
    * Secure any rental items needed
    * Secure accessories (unity candle, toasting glasses....)
    * Confirm lodging arrangements for out-of-town attendants.
    * Hire photographer
    * Make or order favors

One to Two Months

    * Arrange final fittings of all wedding attire.
    * Make necessary appointments for bridal portrait, hair, nails and makeup.
    * Address and mail invitations (Guests should receive invitations four to six weeks prior to wedding).
    * Begin seating charts
    * Buy gifts for wedding party
    * Obtain marriage license
    * Schedule attire pickup
    * Send wedding announcements to newspapers, including photos
    * Send rehearsal dinner invitations
    * Send bridesmaids' luncheon and bachelor dinner invitations
    * Finalize wedding day agenda
    * Arrange transportation to and from the airport for out-of-town guests
    * Investigate moving arrangements for transfer to new home (as needed)

The Week of the Wedding

    * Relax
    * Give caterer final count and finalize seating arrangements and place cards
    * Give wedding day agendas to photographer, videographer and musicians
    * Pack for honeymoon

At Rehearsal
    * Remind attendants of duties, give necessary equipment and confirm dressing and      photograph times
    * Give ushers a list of special guests and review seating instructions
    * Present gifts to attendants

The Wedding Day

    * Bring an emergency kit filled with items such as needle and thread, safety pins, extra    panty hose, clear nail polish and other toiletries
    * Bring phone numbers of professionals you hired
    * Bring your marriage license, rings and money for clergy
    * Enjoy your day as it will be over before you know it :)

God, I love Chicago!  The city is filled with amazing architecture, history and tons of restaurants. It's easily one of my favorite cities to visit and I hope to get back there soon! Here's the latest from the magazine shoot.  Special thanks to David Haberkorn for the tour, hospitality and professionalism.