05

Jan

Morgan Day Photography – Vendor Spotlight!!

vendors // 2 Comments

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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20

Apr

Meet Our Team – Sarah Burton

Uncategorized // No Comments

I met Sarah through a mutual friend last year.  She is a dear friend and has a fun personality while getting straight to the point.  As you can see from her answers she she is witty and charming.  A great addition to Team AP!

1.  Where are you from/background? Monticello, KY
2.  What is your favorite …. place to shop, food, drink, etc.. Talbots & Macys, My Grandmother’s make the best food ever!  I am obsessed with Sweet Tea, but you aren’t allowed to put lemon in it!
3.  When did you start with Always Planned? June 2008 – Wow, almost a year!
4.  How did you meet Rayna? Through a mutual friend
5.  What is your specialty at events/weddings?   I do a lot of the random stuff: taking the dogs home, finding the Maid of Honor & Best Man for the toast…
6.  Favorite part of weddings? When people make their toasts to the Bride & Groom
7.  Most memorable wedding? Definitely Megan & Daves!  It was absolutely stunning and Mallory, Leigh & I had a blast.  It is so much fun looking back on that wedding!
8.  Best part of Team AP?  The detailed meetings are hysterical!
9.  Where do you fit in in the Future of AP?  Right in the middle of it! :)

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15

Apr

New Blog Series_Over-it!

Uncategorized // 4 Comments

So over the past couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of traveling with an amazing group of ladies.  First we went to Chicago!! then we went to Indy!!  and now I get to spill all of the dirt we dished about.  ;)

One of the things we chatted about was things we are so over.  Because of this I have decided to dedicate a new blog series to just that- Over-it!  I guess I have to give the following disclaimer:  this is the opinion of some highly educated and sassy ladies and is only our opinion.   You may disagree- and that is completely ok, please keep in mind that there are some situations where a few of these things are ok.  This is rare, but it does happen.

Over-it!!

Seating charts! Why?  With large parties it can just cause even more confusion and people will sit wherever they want by the end of the night anyway.

Bubbles! I know- this one is crazy… how can we be over bubbles!!  Well to start they are messy and it is extremely hard to get people to blow them at the same time…

Traditional Receptions! Add some spice, flavor and personality.  Make your event memorable!!  Some traditions are great and we love a little tradition but….

So you see where we are going with this?  Like I said in some cases these things are ok and will work out great!  What are you over??

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17

Mar

Budget Weddings, Invitations and decor- $10,000

weddings // No Comments

This week we are discussing invitations for our $10,000 budget wedding.  I know it has been a little while since our last budget wedding post so in case you forgot our Remaining Budget is: $5,539

We have covered the bride and groom’s attire, the linens, tables, chairs and food.  We still have some big ticket items left.  So lets get moving.

Invitations – your wedding invitations can be as elaborate as you want or as simple.  The key is that they dictate the overall style of your event.  Since our wedding is simple garden elegance and a brunch at that we need nothing more than a simply elegant invitation.

To continue with our garden theme and the colors we have chosen the Climbing Sunflowers invitation from Anne’s Bridal Bargins.

100 invites, with lined envelopes and rsvp cards all printed with return addresses – $164

Decor:

Flowers are the most often used centerpieces, however non-floral centerpieces are becoming incredibly popular.  Since we are going with a summer garden theme in KY it is only fitting that we use flowers.  So here are our centerpieces. A collection of roses, delphinium, sweat pea and greenery.  8 guest tables and 1 larger arrangement in a similar style for the buffet.

Floral arrangements done by Always Planned!

Total cost of reception decor: $750

Ceremony decor to consist of rose petal aisle and two large arrangements – total cost $250

Remaining Budget: $4,375

centerpiece

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19

Jan

Bride Wars!! LOVE-IT!! Love-IT!!! LOVE-It!

General, weddings // No Comments

Bride Wars…..  OK, can I say it enough??!?  I seriously loved this movie!  Maybe because I am a wedding planner, maybe because I so desperately needed a girl night or maybe because I went with my fab friend Sarah.  Who knows-  but I am thinking it’s because this movie is just that good.

Bride Wars is also filled with tons and tons of wedding eye candy!  I absolutely adored the Vera Wang gown the stunning florals and the great comedy.  A total must see for anyone, especially the bride-to-be.

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28

Oct

A VERY productive week!

General, vendors, weddings // 1 Comment

I am so excited about this blog entry!  There are a few new/renovated venues I MUST tell you about.

King Room

Last week I went to the Hyatt downtown Lexington and was amazed with the renovated suites, rooms and ballrooms as well as the amazing food.  I have become a food snob lately.  I was spoiled at the Hyatt with a variety of stations, my fav. was the pasta bar and the banana’s foster!  As we toured the new suites with the plasma tv’s and bose surround sound I was secretly wishing I could be one of those people that actually live in a hotel, order room service for dinner and grab a Starbucks in the morning as the valet grabs my car.  Hey, a girl can dream!

OK, now to Monday.  I have a fantastic new couple and we are in search for the perfect venue for their wedding.  When we met the previous week I had mentioned the UK Boone Center.  I have been dying to check this place out since their Millions of dollars renovations.  I was definitely not disappointed on Monday when we arrived! There is a private parking lot right behind the main entrance and a large patio on the side.  As we walked in, we all realized this was the perfect place for their hip reception.  The entry room has a grand piano with views of the interior patio.  The patio is perfect!  With doors and windows that open from all four sides letting your guests mingle in and out of the main hall, entry room, dining room and the bar/lounge.   The menu looked fantastic as well.  You must be a member or be sponsored by a member to host an event here.  Not a UK student/alum/faculty, not a problem – Always Planned is eligible to become a member!

On to tonight – I could not wait until tomorrow to post this…… ;)

Derae & Friends Catering had their open house tonight for their new venue – I know!!!  It was fabulous and I am so excited for Always Planned to do an event here!!  Keene Run Clubhouse in located on Harrodsburg Rd. just outside of Man O War Blvd.  The food was delicious – as usual, and the atmosphere was grand.  There are a few main areas available for use.  The main bar was beautiful, the dining hall was romantic and there was a tented area with a live band (I am a HUGE sucker for a live band – Love them!!!).  Each area was decorated for different kind of events, the large tent setup was for a wedding with small cakes on each table.

As if all of that was not enough – I ran into some of the area’s most fabulous vendors.  Just to mention a few.

OK, enough for tonight.  Until next time, have a fabulous evening!

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24

Oct

Did I mention we do gift bags?

Corporate, weddings // 1 Comment

Fall is our busiest time of year for weddings.  This year has been no different and many of our fabulous weddings have been customized by Always Planned.  The wedding of Mary and Billy had many adorable personalized items and their gift bags carried the theme.  Here are some pics and details.

Included in gift bags:

Homemade cookies, two KY bourbon balls, 2 Ale-8′s, 1 Bottle of KY Wine and opener, 2 bags of chips, Directions to venue, Lexington, KY Visiter’s Guide, Tops In Lex Magazine, an area restaurant guide and a personalized notecard from Mary and Billy.  All in green bags with pink/green tissue paper and pink with green dot ribbon.

If you are interested in custom gift bags for your guests, bridal party or out of town guests be sure to give us a call.  Always Planned will gather all items, assemble your bags and deliver them to the designated hotels or venue.

Custom gift bags… another one of the many things we have in our Love-it folder!

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23

Oct

Referrals!

Corporate, General, vendors, weddings // No Comments

Want to know the best way to say “thank you”?….   Referrals!  ;)

We work very hard to make sure you, your bridal party, your family and your guests have the very best experience when it comes to your wedding.  While we love to hear all of the praise at the end of the night (and we really do appreciate it-I promise!!), there is something a little more rewarding about an actual referral.  When a potential client calls and says “so and so referred me”, well it just brings a sweet flutter to my heart.  I know- how corny!!  But it’s so true.

You may be a vendor, a client, a potential client or just someone who reads this blog.  Whoever you are and wherever you are (oh, did I mention we travel?) always know that we love referrals and we would love to refer to you as well.  Just send us your info and we will gladly refer to you too.

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21

Oct

2009 Dates already going fast…

Corporate, General, weddings // No Comments

It really is hard to believe that 2008 is 2/3 of the way over and the holidays are fast approaching.  Always Planned has been swamped with some wonderful weddings, anniversary parties and even a great ladies retreat coming up (YEA!! 2008 Darby Hen Party!).

2009 is looking to be a busy year as well.  We already have 4 fabulous weddings on the books for next year and May only has one date available.  If you, or someone you know, is planning on getting married in 2009 or even 2010, be sure to give us a call for a complimentary consultation – 859.619.1841 – or email me at Rayna@AlwaysPlanned.com.  Talk to you soon!

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20

Oct

It’s about time!

weddings // No Comments

Sorry for such a long delay in postings.  We have been very busy with some truly southern weddings.  Kentucky weather has been perfect lately and October 10th was no exception.

When I met Mary and Billy in Feburary, I knew we were going to have a great time doing their wedding.  Imagine an outdoor fall wedding with pink and green everywhere!  I know, it’s not your traditional fall wedding colors but this is not your traditional wedding.  Mary and Billy are still in Ireland, on their amazing honeymoon, and I can’t wait to chat with them when they get back.

Here are some details.  More Pictures coming soon.

Wedding Planner/Designer:  Always Planned

Photographer: Clay Jackson

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