The very first time I talked to Brittney, I knew she was going to be a lot of fun!  She had so many ideas and thoughts and she definitely needed someone to take all of her wonderful ideas and create the wedding day of her dreams.  I believe we did just that!

Brittney and Patrick have such a romantic love story – they met in the Lexington, KY airport!  While she called Kentucky her home, he was just traveling through.  Their eyes met and sparks flew!  This just makes me smile!  (I romanticize everything and especially airports.  I think back to the days when you actually got dressed up to fly and it was magical.)

Brittney and Patrick live in New York City and we began their planning over the phone.  A few quick trips to Lexington and their wedding day was here before we knew it.  It’s funny to look back on all of my notes from the many times we met and chatted over the phone and see how everything grew into the perfect celebration.

The Amazing List of  Wedding Professionals Used for Brittney and Patrick’s Wedding Day!

Wedding Venue: Talon Winery
Planner: Always Planned
Wedding Décor/Flowers/Linens: Always Planned-A Perfect Posy
Photographer: Todd Nichols
Hair and Makeup: Ana Crane Simpson
Caterer: South Van Catering
Cupcakes: Babycakes
DJ: Bluegrass Beat
Videographer: March Media
Band: Girls, Guns and Glory
Transportation: Wombles Charters
Transportation: Gold Shield

I could go on and on, but instead I want to actually show you some of the beautiful images that the talented Todd Nichols captured!  Enjoy!

Could Brittney be any more gorgeous in this photo?!  She is totally feeling this whole white dress thing!  :)   I love it, you rock it Brit!

I love this image!  I think Brittney looks so confident and by showing a little leg under all of that tulle – totally a sexy bride!

This last image is my favorite!  I love that the bow shows their mutual respect for each other.  It feels like we are looking into someone’s most perfect moment.  I hope that Brittney and Patrick enjoyed their wedding as much as we enjoyed planning it and making it all happen.  Cheers to a happily ever after!

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We are so excited it is Engagement Season!  :) Congrats to all of you that are newly engaged or those that have finally started the planning!  YAY!  We wanted to make sure you knew about all of the amazingly fun things happening in Lexington for brides.

THIS Sunday!!! There are two bridal shows and the Simply Love Studio open house.  Here are the quick details.

FREE!! - Simply Love Studio Open House  11am  -  5pm  Visit us there for free coffee and sweet treats! 128 N. Broadway, Downtown Lexington

FREE!! – Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show – this one is at the Downtown Hilton and should be super fun!  Be sure to check out the fabulous cake samples and tastings from various wedding vendors.  Noon-5pm.

$12 for each person. Jacki Allen has her annual bridal show at the Lexington Convention Center from Noon-5pm.

AND Don’t forget that NEXT SUNDAY is the Diamond Rings and Pretty Things bridal show at the Embassy Suites on Newtown Pike from 11am-5pm.  This one is so much fun and the girls from Simply Love Studio will be there so be sure to stop by and say Hi!!

Happy Planning!

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Anytime you ever mention the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa in front of any AP staffer… you will then get a five minute explanation of why they are so wonderful. Everything about the Marriott located on Newton Pike here in Lexington is stupendous… their staff, the service, the food, the spa, their fantastic room suites and beautiful tents, ballrooms and The Mansion to host a party or your wedding…. IT IS ALL AMAZING. So, you can imagine how excited we were to be invited to a Chef’s Table for Wedding Planners and have been talking about it for days!! Well today was the day we went and the snow and ice were not going to stop us from attending this wonderful lunch.

When Rayna and I arrived we were greeted by Susan and Courtney who are part of the helpful sales team who were going to be joining us for lunch. Then we got to see behind the scenes in the kitchen and then escorted into the office of renowned Chef Sharon where she was waiting on us with already poured glasses of wineJ

We started out with four samples of different appetizers: mini hot browns, crab Rangoon, beef mushroom cap and crab cakes. The mini hot browns were by far the greatest I have ever put in my mouth and the crab Rangoon was absolutely to die for!

Next, we moved onto entrees where we had samplings of four different types of plated entrees that you can have for your wedding or event.

Sliced Tenderloin                    Almond Crusted Chicken         Spiced Shrimp                         Porkloin

Marriott Steak Sauce              Champagne Cream                     Cheddar Grits                          Apple Brand Chutney

Garlic Mashed Potatoes         Wild Rice                                        Brown Butter Sauce               Roasted Polenta

Asparagus                                   Carrots, Zucchini,

Yellow Squash, Peppers

Yes…. We really had everything listed above!!! YUM!!! My favorite was the porkloin with the chutney and polenta. I was literally scraping up every last bit of it. Pork is a hard meat to get just right and this porkloin was cooked perfectly!

Finally, it was time for dessert which is my favorite!! We had butter cake with bourbon sauce! It was seriously heaven on a plate! I don’t care if you do have a wedding cake… if you are having your wedding reception at the Marriott you should definitely treat your guests by serving them this scrumptious dessert!

So, in between stuffing our bellies full we did a lot of talking as you can imagine four women can do. We talked everything from business to cats to tv shows and all in all had a wonderful time with smiles on our faces throughout our lunch. Just another several reasons for me to add to my list of why I love the Marriott so much!

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It always brings a smile to my face to think back to when I was a kid.  Not only was life must more simple and carefree, but I felt so very loved.  My brother and I grew up in an incredibly small town, playing in the yard walking to school and visiting everyone in the neighborhood.  Now that I think about it, it seems as if we grew up in Mayberry.  For those of you that remember the Andy Griffith Show, you know exactly the place.  Where old ladies bake pies, local crimes consisted of kids pulling pranks on people and everyone knows who you are or who you are related to.  No, I did not grow up in 1960, it was the mid-late 80′s and Dirty Dancing was all the rage (Nobody puts Baby in the corner!).

That seems like so long ago, yet only yesterday.  Time really does fly.  On a recent surprise trip to visit my family, Andrew and I decided to check out my old stomping grounds.  Keep in mind that we left when my brother and I were only 10 years old, but those are the best memories I have and I am incredibly grateful for the years we spent in Maytown, KY.  We grew up playing at the local feed store and visiting with Herb.   I must admit it has changed very little from what I remember when I was a little girl.

So ignore the flip flops in the next photo!  I had much nicer shoes, but had those on for the trip and walking around.

Oh no, by pointing them out, I just realized I made you look at them.  haha

It was such a cool experience to go back home, and to take Andrew.  It is always nice to show him that underneath this city girl is a small town girl at heart.  ;)

More later about why we surprised my family with this mini reunion!

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Always Planned was out of the office on Monday and Tuesday morning at an overnight stay at Belterra  Casino Resort and Spa to discuss some future endeavors. All I can say about our experience is…. WOW!!! Never have I seen such impeccable service at a nearby resort or hotel. It was amazing. As soon as we pulled up, there was a valet guy waiting on us to open our doors to park our car. A bell hop was also there waiting to load our luggage, take it up to our room and then unload it. Every employee we passed on our way to our room had a smile and a kind “hello.”

My amazing boss had made us appointments at the spa, so we headed straight there after check in. We experienced a relaxing Swedish massage. Ahhhh, I never wanted to leave!

That night, the wonderful folks of Belterra treated us to dinner at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse where we had the best food that I have ever eaten. (Be ready to be amazed by all the food we ate.) We had crab legs, crab cake, salad, bread, fillet mignon, mashed potatoes, creamed corn and creme brulee. Below is a picture of one of their signature deserts, a chocolate mousse in an edible chocolate teacup. So cute!! We barely made it back to the room, but when we did we all had a gift waiting on us with a handwritten card:-)

Tuesday morning, we were given a tour of the facilities and treated to breakfast. The resort is perfect for any size wedding or event. It’s beautiful, the staff is amazing and the amenities of the resort would give your guests an amazing experience. Whatever you are planning…. weekend away with your honey, girls night out, wedding, holiday party…. whatever it may be, BELTERRA CASINO RESORT AND SPA would be the perfect place.

We definitely didn’t want to leave:-)

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Just about anytime you see us Always Planned girls working you can about guarantee that we will be munching on a piece of candy, sipping on a mocha latte or eating something that most likely contains a lot of sugar. So, last week I was so excited when Rayna came in with a bunch of goodies from Martine’s! We had a cake decorated in celebration for the World Equestrian Games, cupcakes, cream puffs and chocolates! It was soooo yummy!!! Martine’s has always offered wedding cake services, but now you can stop by their shop throughout the week and buy their pastries, brownies cupcakes and more!! We love it!!! Be sure and stop by and visit them!!

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It is with total and complete excitement that I tell you all about the upcoming Lexington Venue Hop on Sunday October 17.  Presented by Simply Love Studio and sponsored by yours truly Always Planned.  Check out the AWESOME flyer below and REGISTER NOW!

Be one of the first 25 to register early and get a FREE Deluxe Gift bag – STUFFED with amazing items!

All brides that register early are entered to WIN one of our fabulous Grand Prizes!  So REGISTER NOW!

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OK, I can seriously tell you that I love to be around woman who inspire me.  The attendees at Eventology honestly rock the free world and the unbelievable amount of determination, dedication, integrity and sheer girl power at this event is overwhelming, but in the best of ways.  I love it!

Here are a few photos to show the relationships formed as well as the beautiful ladies (and one guy) that inspired me.  Enjoy!

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We are beyond excited about the grand opening event this Thursday March 25 from 6pm-9pm!  I really hope you can make it out for this fun and over the top evening.  Of course Always Planned designed it and we are ready to shine… can you say pink carpet, cottton candy martinis and a sugar tree!  So much fun and pink my head may explode!

If you plan on coming, be sure to RSVP to info@simplylovestudio.com  Oh and if you are a bride interested in this amazing concept in wedding planning feel free to call and schedule your first meeting.  Every meeting at Simply Love Studio is completely FREE!  So let the planning begin!  Their number is 859-317-9023, you can also check them out online at www.simplylovestudio.com.

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25

Feb

Simply Love Studio, LLC!!

vendors, weddings // No Comments

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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