Today is officially An Event Less Ordinary's first birthday. 2010 has been an amazing year. We've learned so much and had our ups and downs, and all in all, WHEW! A whirlwind success that we hope continues.
We've started a tradition of taking a photo with all of our couples (though we've missed a few, sadly!) so here is a year in photos:
And we can't forget the wedding that started it all:
We've also learned some very valuable lessons!
30. Buy your booze from Binny's, but double what you think you'll need! Don't worry, all unopened bottles are returnable.
29. Giving the bride and groom private moments throughout the day is a must.
28. Check the sound and microphone situation WAY before the wedding.
27. ALWAYS have a back-up plan when there is a cab company involved.
26. The bridal emergency kit is INVALUABLE.
25. Make a practice centerpiece BEFORE the day of the wedding. They're heavy and take a while.
24. Be prepared for every personality type on the planet. Weddings are microcosms of the world.
23. CHECK THE SEATING CHART and all the other tiny details that are supposed to be done. Because when it isn't, you'll have a very, very bad day.
22. The catering manager can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare.
21. Sometimes things really do go off without a hitch.
20. Bring up every tiny detail with the bride - even the calmest and coolest stress out and forget things.
19. Obtain a copy of the floral contract. Always.
18. Get the Best Man's and Maid of Honor's phone number immediately.
17. Tell the bride not to take instructions from anyone but us - even their mother.
16. Learn Spanish.
15. Making sure your vendors have eaten is essential - photographers never want to take a break and they need to eat!
14. Filipino time. It exists.
13. Check the escort cards and plan on alphabetizing for half an hour if they aren't already.
12. Families, despite all warnings, are generally perfectly delightful on the wedding day.
11. Have umbrellas. It's gonna rain.
10. Learn how to pin a boutonniere. Make sure they aren't wrapped in wire and that the women get corsages.
9. Get the photographer a specific list of people for family photos. And make sure they're okay with yelling at people to get in them. :) Also, make sure you have the time frame available for the amount of photos you want to take.
8. Catholic ceremonies always - ALWAYS - run long. Prepare.
7. Check with the ceremony musicians meticulously. And prepare the DJ for all the special songs.
6. If you are doing something special for the wedding (a special dance, candy jars, etc...) COMMIT to it!
5. Your kids are SO cute! They aren't the star today, though. Sorry.
4. Wedding coordinators don't eat much.
3. Renting a giant, awesome, empty space rather than a hotel is a great idea for atmosphere - but be prepared to rent EVERYTHING! Down to the last fork.
And our top two lessons?
2. Make sure the bride and groom introduce the wedding coordinators as the people in charge who know every detail about the wedding day. There is ALWAYS one person involved who thinks they are in charge - and they aren't always pleasant.
1. This is the best. job. ever.
We've learned so much and we are so grateful for our family and friends support this past year. But most of all, we bow down to our AMAZING couples for taking a chance on our little endeavor. Here's to many more years to come.
Cheers!
Amy + Carolyn
