Lexington, KY Wedding Planner and Event Designer - Always Planned » destination wedding

Vendor Spotlight – Jeremy Gilliam

Rayna — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:28:39 +0000

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a HUGE advocate for amazing photographs. We seriously build our timelines around whatever the photographer wants and give them enough time to be creative. Let’s just say that if you see a photographer spotlighted here – they must be super fabulous!

I met Jeremy at the wedding professional conference, Eventology, last year. When he told me that he specialized in Awesome, I knew we would hit it off and we have been great friends ever since. Check out a few of his images!

Jeremy Gilliam is a destination wedding photographer and travels to any location around the world. This is totally awesome and means that wherever you are or whatever location you decide upon you have have the most amazing, romantic and ultra-fabulous images that swiftly become the most gorgeous heirlooms and should instantly go on your largest wall! I know, I went on and on there for a moment. Anyway, you get my point. He really does specialize in Awesome! Investments for his services begin at $4,500. I totally think he is worth every penny!

You will always here me say that great design deserves a great photographer. We love working with Jeremy! Stay tuned for special collections involving Always Planned, A Perfect Posy and of course Jeremy!

West Baden Springs Hotel

mallory — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:34:33 +0000

The Always Planned Team had the pleasure of visiting the West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick, IN. Many locals from the wedding planning industry were invited to experience this magical venue and everything it had to offer.

When we first arrived we were treated to an hour long Swedish Massage. HEAVEN!!! I could have laid there forever. It was perfect timing in the midst of all the stress from the beginning of wedding season. After our massage we lounged in the tranquility room for quite some time just enjoying the quiet! We don’t get that a lot around the studio!!

Finally, we made it to check in. The staff was very inviting and each member of our team was given their own luxury suite to stay in for the night. The room was seriously big enough for 10 people to stay in… it felt funny having that big room all to myself.

That night a cocktail party with dinner was held in their presidential suite. Drinks were flowing, the food was amazing and it was so nice to be able to have relaxing conversations with other wedding professionals that did not have to pertain to work!!

The next day we toured the property of West Baden and were able to check out all of the amazing gardens and rooms where ceremonies and receptions can take place. We also got a look at the second property… The French Lick Resort which also is a hotel with a spa, has restaurants, a casino and even a bowling alley. We were able to see all of it’s fantastic wedding locations as well.

I was honestly taken aback by the beauty of these two resorts. If you are bride looking for a perfect destination wedding location without going too far…. then you should definitely take a look. If not a wedding…. than it would be a fantastic place for you and your honey to take a romantic weekend getaway.

Below are some pictures from our trip from the amazing Melanie Mauer who was also on the visit. She did an amazing job of capturing these amazing resorts.

What to do about Swine Flu?

Rayna — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:29:18 +0000

First the drugs were getting out of control at the borders – now it’s the swine flu. Seriously, what next??

If you are like me, you may have already made vacation plans to Mexico or you have planned your destination wedding to the beautiful country of Mexico. I honestly have no idea what to tell you. Andrew and I have not yet canceled our trip, not saying we won’t. I really don’t want to cancel, so we shall wait and see.

But- if you were planning on getting married in Mexico in the next few weeks or even months you may want to reconsider your plans. There are several places you can travel to if your heart is set on a destination wedding. Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica and Jamaica are just a few places that come to mind. You can always stay in the states and go to South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and of course Florida. There are so many options it is easy to get overwhelmed.

If you feel the tension creeping up- just give us a call. I adore destination weddings!!

Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts – LOVE-IT!

Rayna — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:27:07 +0000

It is so nice to hear of someone doing a good thing. It is especially nice to hear of a company doing a good thing, even when our economy is in a recession. I had already been impressed with The Ritz-Carlton family of Hotels and Resorts, but when I recently heard of their generous donation I just had to spead the word. The Ritz-Carlton’s “Vow to Help Others” program enables couples hosting their wedding reception at a Ritz-Carlton Hotel or Resort to donate five percent (5%) of the total food revenue from their wedding to a charity of their choice AND to The Ritz-Carlton’s Community Footprints Fund (For wedding events booked prior to December 31, 2009 – taking place prior to December 31, 2010).

The Ritz-Carlton has long been supporting the communities around them with their Community Footprints Fund. The money they donate focuses on Hunger and Poverty Relief, Well-being of Disadantaged Children and Environmental Conservation. Last year alone they donated over $7.4 million in products and services to charitable organizations as well as over 40,000 hours of volunteer work.

I hope you are considering The Ritz-Carton for your wedding celebration, next vacation or business trip. Their extraordinary service, gold standards and community envolvement is reason enough – but now that you know the Ritz-Carlton is doing more for the communities around them I know they will become the first choice for all of your travel and celebration needs.

The Ritz-Carlton has many locations throughout the US, Cananda, Mexico, Carribbean, Asia, South America, Europe and in the Middle East. (Wouldn’t it be great to visit each one — with over 80 different locations it could take a while!) Just another reason to add it to my LOVE-IT folder!

Side-note: Andrew did mention Hawaii last week…

We LOVE Destination Weddings!

Rayna — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:44:50 +0000

A romantic beach wedding or a truely KY farm wedding, whatever your wedding style is Always Planned can handle all of the planning, organization and the many details involved in your upcoming destination wedding. While most locations have someone staffed to assist you with your destination wedding, that person is not available for the many personalizations you may want. From custom favors and gift bags for your guests to the programs, invites and save the dates we have fantastic ideas done with style, class and southern charm.

Call us today for a complimentary consultation to discuss your destination wedding.