A Special Event Every Day! Welcome Home A Hero at DFW Airport

There are few events that I think could mean more than a big WELCOME HOME for our men and women of the United States military. DFW airport and many other locations across the U.S. give us all an opportunity to show support for and love on those who have sacrificed so much for us. Take the time to get involved. Military arrivals at DFW consists of 150-250 service men and women EACH DAY! Schedules are available so you know exactly when to arrive and won't be standing around waiting. With parking and greeting you can expect to spend approximately an hour, but will likely want to stay much longer. Call 972.574.0392 for volunteer schedules.

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kubly!!!!

(Pic 1) The wedding (Pic 2 above) Rachel with Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kubly


(Pic 3) setting up the reception (Pic 4 above) family photo on at wedding site

(Pic 5)Mike proposing to MJ mid-reception. Congratulations!

What a week! It was full of excitement, love, laughter and many friends and family. Sharon and Jason were awesome and enjoyed the days up to the wedding although the weather wasn't in our favor. All of our prayers were answered with the safe arrival of guests and weather that allowed the wedding AND reception to take place on the beach! The ceremony was lovely with bride and groom clearly and loudly shouting "I Do". The sound of crashing waves couldn't cover up their love for each other :) The mariachi band ushered in the bridal party by playing Cannon in D, followed by the traditional bridal march. Sharon was escorted by both her mother and father. After the ceremony, guests were presented with glasses of champagne for a toast on the beach prior to many, many family pictures.

The reception was set atop a sandy ridge covered in palm trees overlooking the beautiful water and beach. All were treated to an elegant dinner including salad, lobster bisque, fillet mignon and lobster tails. Sheila, the maid of honor and Paul, the best man, gave lovely toasts to Sharon and Jason. There was also one other special toast. Mike, one of the groomsmen proposed to M.J., one of the bridesmaids! She was totally shocked. It was quite a moment.

Congratulations Sharon and Jason! It was an honor working with you to create a week that was Absolutely You.

Love and Blessings,
Rachel

Destination Wedding:Sharon and Jason Part III

Storm rolling in. Guest check in for rehearsal dinner.

Sharon and Jason and some family members at rehearsal dinner.

Bride and Groom Massages: Check
Bride and Groom Mani and Pedi: Check

Guests: Check, Check, Check..... They are loved by many. Most destination weddings here have approximately 20 guests. Sharon and Jason have 47!

Bachelorette Party: Check Playa Del Carmen....baby!

Bachelor Party: Check hitting the resort bars down the beach

Rehearsal Dinner: Check

Sunshine: 50%

Rain: 50%

Destination Mexico: Sharon and Jason Part II

Another wedding at our resort. Relocated due to storms in Tulum.


Me checking out the wedding and rain rolling in.


Snorkeling in the rain. Why not? You're already wet :)

Flowers: check
Chair covers and bows: check
Wedding and Reception Locations: check, check
Backup locations: check, check
Arch: added
Mariachi Band: check
Ipod hookup: check
Sand: check, check
Hair appointments for bridesmaids: check, check, check, check, check and check
Hair appointments for flower girls: check, check
Massage appointments for bride and groom: check, check
Mani and Pedi appointments: check, check
Rehearsal dinner invitations placed in rooms: check, check,check, check........
Relatives MIA: found at a different resort
Relative doing make-up MIA: found
Food for all: check (still trying all the restaurants and buffets :)
Margaritas: still counting
Number of pools: about 6 so far just in our area of resort
Bachelorette party in Cancun: being planned
Bachelor party in Cozumel: pending

Destination Mexico Baby:Sharon and Jason Part I

Bubbles. Check

Kissing Bells: Check

Napkins: Check

Guest Favors: Check

Wedding Dress: Check, Check

Flower Girl Basket: Check

Bride and Groom: Check, Check

Parents of Bride: Check

Parents of Groom: Arrival Soon

Guests: 75% have arrived

Weather: Questionable but plan B is on reserve

Number of planes for planner and bride and groom: 3

Number of luggage for Absolutely You planner alone: 4 checked bags, 2 carry-ons, one wedding dress and assistant

Number of changes to our plan so far: about 4

Number of margaritas: still counting :) (Thanks Stephanie! The frozen mango margarita was yummy)

All are in good spirits. Two days and counting. We're on our way!

Congratulations Mark and Ryan!

Working with Mark and Ryan was great. We were able to make their vision come true. One of the best things were the fun surprises Dad had in store! We had a 20 minute fireworks display and presented Ryan with a photo album. Her father, Scott had taken photos from through out her life and we put it together in a beautiful album which he surprised her with at the toast. It was definitely a fun night of great music, dancing and surprises!

~Stefani~

Lead Consultant /Arizona

Congratulations Erin and Pierre!

Erin and Pierre were a blast to work with. Patti, mother of the bride, and Erin knew what they wanted and added many special little details. The ring bearer's pillow was made by Patti and included buttons from Erin's great grandmother's button box and they had a grog ceremony at the reception. (It's a military thing :) The most talked about piece of the wedding coordination was Erin and Greg's (father of the bride) entrance. As the bridal party entered from separate entrances and met at the top of the aisle, it was fun to watch all guests looking to see where Erin was going to appear from. Then the moment appeared as they walked over the hill directly toward the guests. It was magical and looked like they were being ushered by a breeze over a hilltop you would find in areas such as the likes of Ireland, but instead found in sunny Casa Grande, AZ. (check back for professional pictures of this moment in a few weeks)

The reception took place at the home of the bride's parents. It boasted of soft, billowy curtains dancing in the evening breeze with a glow from paper lanterns swaying in the trees plus the shimmer of floating candles dancing off the water in the pool.

They were blessed with approximately 120 guests from California to New York and all were treated to the beautiful voice of Sarah, Erin's dear friend, who is an opera singer in New York. It was a beautiful day filled with much love for a beautiful couple. Congratulations Erin and Pierre!

Wedding in the sky? Couple weds atop airplanes

I just had to tell you all about Katie and Darren McWalter's wedding. This couple really did it their way....atop airplanes. Yes actual flying airplanes. Check out their video on

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26044556/

How can the honeymoon top that? Well it will be a challenge, but their African safari should be the icing on the cake (no pun intended :)

Congratulations Katie and Darren on making your wedding Absolutely You.

FREE Destination Wedding

Okay. Destination weddings are on my mind. One of my couples, Sharon and Jason will be wed in less than 50 days in Mexico. Oh how time flies! They currently have more than 30 guests that are eagerly awaiting their upcoming celebration. I am too!!!

Destination weddings are becoming the affordable wedding option. Did you know that for the price of most U.S. weddings you could pay for you, your sweetie and 20 or so guests to celebrate your wedding in a tropical paradise? Most guests would never expect you to pay for their trip, but you could treat them to a cocktail reception, sit down beach dinner and spa treatment per guest for less than most local hotel weddings. There are also several beautiful resorts offering FREE weddings at their locations. Contact us today for more information on your wedding in paradise.

Happy Planning!
Rachel

http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/

602.930.9584

Wedding Hairstyles

Looking for the perfect hairstyle? Check out a few of these looks.

Cutest little flower girls ever!

This photo was taken by Jessica Claire. I thought these were the cutest little flower girls ever! You all know I love those special touches that make the day Absolutely You!

~Rachel

www.AbsolutelyYouEvents.com

Dallas Bridal Show at Dallas Market Hall July 12-13, 2008

Bridal Show Specials! We're your destination and hometown specialists!

Visit http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/

• Book a "Full Service" wedding planning package and receive a 5-7 night resort stay in the Bahamas or like location on us.


• Want to plan your wedding on your own? Hire us for "Day Of" services and receive a 3 day 2 night stay in Las Vegas, Disneyland or Tahoe on us.


• Book a full service Destination Wedding and receive a 5-7 night resort stay in the Bahamas or like location for your first anniversary. We will handle all booking arrangements for your bridal party, family and friends for FREE.

FREE Services

• Let us book your honeymoon! This service is free. You need not purchase an event planning package.


• Order your invitations, personalized ribbon, invitations, save the dates, etc. through our website, http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/ and receive 30% off your entire purchase *excluding precious moments and disney

Christmas in July! Book your office or family Christmas party today!

Can you believe 2008 is more than half over? The Thanksgiving and Christmas season will be upon us soon. As a gift to yourself book an event planner today to take care of all the busy details of your family or office holiday parties so you can enjoy your guests. Book now as dates will book quickly. Locally serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Area and greater Phoenix areas.

Contact us by visiting http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/

Want to plan a destination event? We can cover that too! Travel arrangements are booked at no cost to you! Visit http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/ to contact Mike.

Arizona clients get your Christmas family photos taken early this year. Mandy Hank Photography is offering a Christmas in September special. Your family session will be half off! That's right only $150 instead of $300. Book today!

http://www.mandyhank.com/

Free Honeymoon! Bridal Show Special Extended

We're extending our bridal show special. Book a full service event planning package for your wedding or business and get a 5-7 night resort stay in the Bahamas or like location on us! Limited time only. Contact us today!

www.AbsolutelyYouEvents.com

A Wedding That Gives Back

Easy, elegant ideas from the I Do Foundation

Your wedding is a time of great celebration and generosity. You and your partner can share some of the joy of your marriage by finding socially conscious ideas to give back as a part of your wedding. Use the I Do Foundation’s Tips to find ways to make your wedding both more meaningful and personal.

Before Your Wedding:1. Identify a reception location that makes an impact: Consider an event space owned by a non-profit organization, where the rental proceeds go to a good cause. Botanical gardens, museums, and historical sites can all make for a picture-perfect reception.2. Think green: To create a wedding that is both beautiful and environmentally responsible, incorporate earth-friendly practices into your special day. From sending invitations made from recycled paper, to hiring caterers that use organic ingredients, there are a variety of ways to ensure your wedding is as healthy for the earth as is it for you.3. Consider donations in place of gifts: Already have a fondue pot? Give your guest the option to donate to your favorite charity. Make it easy for everyone through websites like IDoFoundation.org and JustGive.org.4. Choose gift registries that give back: When you start your gift registries at IDoFoundation.org, up to 8% of purchases made from stores like Target and Linens ‘N Things is donated to the charity of your choice. Make your wedding make an impact … without giving up that new kitchen appliance or set of sheets.

The Day of Your Wedding: 5. Donate leftover food: Locate your local food rescue program and arrange ahead with your caterer to ensure that left-over food gets put to good use. For a great resource, visit SecondHarvest.org. 6. Add power to flowers: Check with your local nursing homes or assisted living centers to see where your centerpieces could add some sunshine to someone’s day.7. Give charitable wedding guest favors: There’s a new tradition in favors that’s lasting long past the wedding day. At IDoFoundation.org, it’s easy to make a donation in honor of your guests in place of wedding favors for a truly inspiring and personal “thank you” from you to your guests.

Looking for a special wedding or event location?Check out Adriatica in McKinney, TX

We had the opportunity to visit a very special and unique wedding and event location this week in Texas. Adriatica. Adriatica, whose design is inspired by Croatian villages with a mix of Italian flare, is sure to become one of the most desired wedding locations in North Texas. Once complete, Adriatica will host a beautiful chapel to seat approximately 145-154 guests and an elegant hotel to accommodate guests and receptions. These are just the wedding specific features of Adriatica. It's so much more. It's about community and family.

When my husband and I travelled oversees last year to visit our family and meet with wedding and event location property managers and vendors, everyone wanted to know about Rome and Venice. We preferred to talk about Croatia, Turkey and the small towns of Italy that captured our hearts. Most don't think of the smaller, quaint villages for destination weddings. That is where we really experienced the heart of these regions, their family and daily lives that we miss out on in much of the United States. We are so quick to grow up, move out and move on, that we tend to miss out on the true sense of community. Let me encourage you to slow down. Enjoy the planning process. The wedding isn't about one day. It's about an entire life with the one that you love.

*Note: Adriatica is not currently booking. Completion is expected early 2009. Stay tuned for more information.

To learn more about Adriatica visit http://www.AdriaticaMckinney.com/.

We visited a Croatian home. They would love to host your rehearsal dinner or reception!

The picture below is a breezeway at the home on a rainy, romantic day.


This is my mother-in-law's home village in Italy. Absolutely breathtaking!

Arizona and Texas Bridal Shows **Arizona Bridal Fashion Debut June 8, 2008**

ARIZONA BRIDAL SHOWS

**VISIT STEFANI AT OUR BOOTH**

Book your complimentary consultation at the show. When you book a "full service" package with us get a FREE 5-7 night stay in the Bahamas or like location for your honeymoon or first anniversary

Sunday, June 8, 2008 PURCHASE 2-FOR-1 TICKETS
Bridal Fashion Debut Phoenix Convention Center3rd Street & Jefferson, Phoenix, AZMap Grooms Ring Drawing http://www.bridalfashiondebut.com/

TEXAS BRIDAL SHOWS

July 12 & 13, 200810a ‑ 5p
The Dallas Bridal Show Dallas Market Hall2200 Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TXMap Coupon

Come See The Premier Bridal Event InNorth Texas!Over 300 wedding businesses to meet your every wedding need. Tickets are available at the door, and no advance registration is needed. Entry is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 14 - includes toddlers & infants. (No credit cards accepted for admission.) **Register to win fabulous prizes including a diamond ring from Dallas Gold & Silver. No cameras, video cameras or solicitation material allowed from attendees.

July 19 & 20, 200811a ‑ 4p
Fort Worth Bridal Show Amon Carter Exhibit Hall3400 Burnett Tandy Dr., Fort Worth, TXMap Coupon
Come See The Premier Bridal Event InTarrant Country!Over 125 wedding businesses to meet your every wedding need. Tickets are available at the door, and no advance registration is needed. Entry is $7 for adults and $3 for children under 14 - includes toddlers & infants. (No credit cards accepted for admission.) **Register to win fabulous prizes including a diamond ring from Dallas Gold & Silver. No cameras, video cameras or solicitation material allowed from attendees.

September 14, 2008Noon ‑ 5
Plano Bridal Show Plano Centre2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TXMap Coupon

Come See The Premier Bridal Show In Plano!Over 100 wedding businesses to meet your every wedding need. Tickets are available at the door, and no advance registration is needed. Entry is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 14 - includes toddlers & infants. (No credit cards accepted for admission.)
Register to win fabulous prizes, including a beautiful diamond ring from Dallas Gold & Silver.

First daughter gets married & Test your wedding trivia

Few times in history has a "first daughter" been married during her father's term as president. Saturday, May 10th, Jenna Bush made her mark in history when she married at her parent's ranch in Crawford, Texas. It's pretty cool when you can say the President of the United States gave me away on my wedding day. Congratulations Jenna and Henry on making your wedding Absolutely You!











Let us know what you would have chosen: White House Wedding or Private Wedding?

Wedding Trivia

1. President Bush's daughter, Jenna, is not the first twin to be married while their father was in the Oval Office. Andrew Jackson Jr., a twin boy born to President Jackson's sister-in-law, was adopted at birth by the president and his wife, Rachel, and raised as their own child. He married Sarah Yorke in 1831 while his father was president.
2. President Nixon's daughter, Tricia, is the only child of a president married in the Rose Garden.
3. The wedding celebration of President Monroe's daughter, Maria, was marred by murder. One of her wedding receptions was held near the White House in the home of American war hero Stephen Decatur. After Decatur was murdered, all the other wedding receptions were canceled, and flags were flown at half-staff across the country.
4. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt's daughter Alice received scores of wedding gifts, including a string of 62 matched pearls with a diamond clasp from the Cuban government; a mosaic representing paintings in the Vatican from Pope Pius X; and from Empress Dowager, the early 20th century Chinese monarch, a hand-carved, teak chest filled with jewelry, an ermine coat, a fox coat, valuable Chinese paintings and jade carvings.
5. Dorothy Bush, daughter of President George H.W. Bush and sister to President Bush, is the only presidential child married at Camp David.
6. Nine children of sitting presidents have held wedding ceremonies at the White House. The last two were Tricia Nixon in 1971 and Lynda Bird Johnson in 1967. President John Quincy Adams' son John Adams II, who wed in 1828, remains the only son of a president married at the White House.
7. Jenna Bush is the 22nd child of a sitting president to be married, but there have been 23 weddings of presidential children while their fathers were in office. Elliot Roosevelt, son of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was married twice — once in 1933 and again in 1944.

Celebration Earth Day

You can always find a reason to celebrate and gather with friends. Earth Day is a great day to celebrate! Invite friends to the bash with invitations made from recycled paper or invitation options such as Evite. Ask guests to bring an idea to share on earth friendly products or habits.

Just a few to think about:

• Print on both sides of computer paper (on wedding invitations use the same card for accommodations and directions by simply putting the directions on the back instead of using a separate directions card)


• Turn off water when brushing teeth instead of letting it even drizzle


• Purchase a groovy water bottle or mug for the gym or office instead of purchasing bottled water (this is a good idea for business travelers and honeymooners who tend to buy beverages in plastic bottles once through security)


• Purchase grocery totes to use on every grocery store visit

Feel free to respond to this post with your favorite tips :)