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Always Planned – Elegant Weddings and Events, Full Service Event Planning Company with locations in Lexington, KY and Louisville, KY. Lexington Wedding Planner. bio picture

Welcome to Always Planned!

Always Planned is a full service wedding planning and design company located in the beautiful area of Central Kentucky.  With offices in both Lexington, KY and Louisville, KY, and serve the entire state of Kentucky for beautiful weddings, corporate events, social gatherings and commitment ceremonies. 

Rayna Ortwein, owner of Always Planned, is from a small town in eastern Kentucky and has lived throughout central and eastern Kentucky her entire life.  She incorporates her passion for entertaining, elegant design and interior decorating into every event she plans. 

Now Hiring – TWO OPENINGS!

Good Morning!

Always Planned is growing and thrilled to be on the hunt for two spectacular people.  If you, or someone you know is looking for something that is fun, fast paced and unique then you simply must send us your resume.  We are looking for someone who is personal, organized, friendly, honest, fantastic communication skills and willing to learn.   If you are up for this fabulous opportunity then send your resume to me at rayna@alwaysplanned.com.  Please no phone calls.

We will be conducting interviews immediately, deadline for resumes is March 20th.

Office Manager/Client Services Director

This position is approx. 20-30 hrs per week.  You will handle all scheduling and daily office procedures.  Organization and development of procedures.  Quickbooks knowledge is a major plus! No need to have wedding/event related experience.

Floral Designer

We are looking for someone who is experienced in the floral industry with style and flair!  If you have no knowledge of flowers, please do not apply.  This position will be required to work weekends and have the experience in the wedding industry.

Always Planned is a Mac based and an eco-friendly company.  ;)

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Short Wedding Dresses are all the rage!

Short and Sweet! Inspired by A.P.’s own Amber Boozer, this post is a dedication to the short wedding dress!

It used to be that short wedding dresses were reserved for beach weddings and second marriages, but this easy to wear style has recently gained popularity.  Designers like Oscar de la Renta have added them to their collections and Amsale has there own “Little White Dress” line.  Available in varying lengths (Tea, knee, above-the-knee and anywhere in between) there is a short wedding dress to flatter every shape.

Short dresses work particularly well on shorter brides, as a full gown can sometimes overwhelm them.   Short dresses can save some cash, as they have less fabric and are usually less expensive.  You also have more options since any little white dress could your little white dress. Not only do short dresses give you the opportunity to show off your fabulous shoes, but (BONUS!!) many short dresses come with pockets, who doesn’t love that!  Can’t shake the dream of walking down the aisle in a long gown with a flowing train, but still interested in a short dress too?  Not to worry you can always change into a short dress for the reception.

Not only can you dance all night comfortably but showing off a lil leg never hurt anybody. Above all your wedding dress should reflect your style and make you feel like a million bucks!  Check out these classic looks from J. Crew, Dolly Couture, and Amsale.

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Simply Love Studio, LLC!!

I am so in love with the latest concept in planning your upcoming wedding!  The wedding and event industry can seem so stale at times and it is nice to have a new and refreshing approach to a relaxed planning experience.  You will hear a lot about Simply Love Studio, LLC from your favorite wedding professionals and of course I cannot stop raving about it!  Why?  Well if you are sick of meeting to discuss your upcoming wedding at Starbucks or Panera then you already know.  Simply Love Studio, LLC is a fantastic place to meet with pre-selected wedding professionals in a relaxed, intimate and quiet space.  Have to see for yourself?  No problem!  Here are some pictures on their blog and you can email info@simplylovestudio.com to schedule your complimentary planning session.

They are also having a public grand opening on March 25 from 6-9pm.  RSVP to the same email info@simplylovestudio.com

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Twirl Grand Opening Event!

It was only a few months ago when I met Ty, but I instantly knew we would hit it off!  Ty has an infectious smile and genuine heart.  I have adored getting to know her and feel honored to help plan her grand opening event and to consider her a friend!

Now to the amazing pictures by Alex with Angela Anderson Photography.

I simply could not resist that last picture!!!  I think it just shows how much we all love what we do and love working together!  Tony is a riot!!

Here are the wonderful details!

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Simply Love Studio, LLC!!! Preferred Vendor!

OMG!  I am oh so excited to bring to you Simply Love Studio, LLC.  The wedding planning resource you have been waiting for!  The ideal place where vendors have been pre-screened and selected based on experience, style and impeccable reputation in their fields of expertise.  You can breath easy knowing that the vendors you need are all in one location.  AND OF COURSE!! Always Planned is a preferred vendor!!! Check it out! Here is our cute button!

If you are a vendor and interested in becoming a preferred vendor of Simply Love Studio, LLC – click here for more details!

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Finding the Perfect Planner for Your Wedding!

Notice how I said YOUR wedding?!

There are many types of wedding planners and they are called many things – from Bridal Consultant and Event Planner to Event Designer, Event Coordinator and many more.  It doesn’t matter what your wedding planner is called – what matters is what your wedding planner does and their background.

When you meet with a wedding planner there are a few questions you need to ask.  Here is a great list to get you started.  This list would also be great for almost any vendor.  Please do not leave your entire wedding day to be dependent on someone who is not 100% qualified.

  • How long has you been doing weddings?

Make sure this does not include their own wedding and that of a few friends.  This could be one of the most important questions to ask any vendor.

  • How long will you be with me on my wedding day?

Some planners know that your wedding day could be a 16 hr. day.  Others may only be there to get you down the aisle and start your reception.  It is very important to know what type of service you will receive on your actual wedding day.

  • What made you want to be a wedding planner?

I love this question.  No Joke- I love when a bride asks me this!  I think it shows in the way that my face lights up that I love what I do.  This is an important questions because an answer like “I planned my own wedding, my sister’s wedding or a friends wedding…. ” could spell disaster!  Why?  Just make sure you are not their first wedding outside of family and friends.

  • What makes you stand out from other wedding planners?

Everyone should know their competition and have an answer waiting for this at all times.  There are plenty of wedding and event planners out there, but only one that is perfect for you!

  • Are you certified? If so, with what organization?

This will show that the vendor you are interviewing is serious about what they do and this is not just a glorified hobby.

  • Have you won any awards? Been recognized throughout your industry?

This will indicate his/her concern for staying on top of the latest trends and styles, as well as recognizing the importance of continued education.

Hope this little list of questions to ask will help you in your search for the perfect wedding planner.  If you happen to be looking in the Lexington, KY or Louisville, KY market then give us a call.  I am sure you will not be disappointed!

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Morgan Day Photography – Vendor Spotlight!!

A few weeks ago I met a wonderful photographer who is new to the Lexington, KY area.  While she does not do wedding photography she definitely is the perfect gift for the newly engaged or newly married couples.

Morgan Day Photography specializes in bridal boudoir and glamour photography. As a photographer and advocate for romance, she encourages “bringing sexy back” to marriages new and old.  She loves working with wives and brides to create a sexy and memorable gift to give to their husbands on their wedding day, honeymoon, or anniversary.  She shoots “glossy-magazine” style portraits (as you might see in W, Vanity Fair, or Vogue) and believes every woman should feel like a Hollywood starlet.

Always Planned clients get a special 10% off all boudoir packages. You can see more of her work and hear about special promotions on her Facebook fan page and get information on booking a session and learn more about who she is as a photographer, wife and mother on her website.

I am seriously thinking I may need to surprise my honey with a little something sexy for our next Anniversary!  Oh-la-la!

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Fun Details for Summer Weddings! Love-it!!

We adore Spring and Summer weddings!  There is just something about the colors of the new flowers and how fresh and green everything is.  Love-it!! As I was searching for some blog inspiration I happened upon MarthaStewartWeddings.com.  Seriosly the team over at Martha Stewart has some pretty fantastic ideas!  Here are a few of my favorite fun details for a Spring/Summer Wedding.

I simply love this adorable favor idea, especially living in the South!!  And who doesn’t love pie?!

A fun take on the ice cream cart – Ice Cream Floats!  We have done several ice cream carts and smores bars over the past couple of years and this is a fun way to be a little different.  Love-it!

Ok- does it get much cuter than this?? Oh so cute and edible!  I am a firm believer in favors that are edible or actually usable.  A very fun and rustic favor idea.  Love-it!

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Martha Stewart Weddings at Sandals

OK… I admit it.  I am a HUGE Martha Stewart fan.  No joke, I seriously think we would be best friends if she knew me!  There are so many reasons I love her that I cannot even begin to tell you.  But know this-you will never hear me say a bad word about Martha.

All of that being said, when I learned that the Sandals and Beaches resorts (that I also adore and sell) was about to release Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart my heart went all a flutter.  No joke, imagine this.  I was sitting in one of those lush board rooms at Sandals Dunn’s River and the screen I looking at just said “Sandals Wedding by Martha Stewart”.  OMG I almost jumped out of my seat!!  To imagine I could be a part of the Martha Stewart empire!

Well back to reality.  That was a couple of months ago and I am finally getting around to posting it on my blog.  This means you can call me today and we can discuss your very own Martha Stewart wedding at any Sandals and Beaches location! All you have to do is look at these amazing pictures to know that you would be honored to have Martha and Rayna plan your amazing Sandals or Beaches wedding!  Martha and Rayna… I like the sound of that!

Beautiful Beginnings – Complimentary with any 6 night or longer stay in a Concierge Catagory or higher.

Sandals Martha Stewart Wedding

Flutter Of Romance – investment begins at $1,500

Martha Stewart Weddings-Flutter

Vision in White – investment begins at $2,500

MS Weddings

Chic and Natural – Investment begins at $3,600

Destination Wedding

Island Paradise – Investment begins at $6,000

Destination Weddings

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Kara and Jeremy – Fall Kentucky Wedding

While looking back at the pictures of Kara and Jeremy of their wedding day I am reminded why I love what I do.  The special moments caught by the camera still bring tears to my eyes.

I met Kara exactly one year before her wedding day when Nicole (of Nicole and Byers 10/17/08) grabbed me by the hand and introduced me to Kara, who had just gotten engaged!  Working with Kara and Jeremy was such a delight! I loved meeting their wonderful families and all of the special details they added to their wedding.

It takes amazing vendors to pull off such an amazing wedding.  It was a pleasure to work with each one of these quality vendors!

St. Peters Cathedral Lexington KYPrograms Romantic Bride and GroomBride and Groom St Peter ChurchRomantic Couple Kentucky WeddingKissing Newlyweds and BentleyFunny Wedding ToastAlways Planned Wedding Couple

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