LAUREN- LEAD PLANNER:

Lauren Crump has been hard at work for Victoria Canada since 2008. Lauren is an Arizona native and graduated from Chaparral High School and Arizona State University where she received her degree in Tourism Development and Management. Over the last four years, Lauren has been putting her talents to work organizing and designing events. As the daughter of a police officer and entrepreneur she is able to be tough and creative. Lauren’s pleasant attitude, strong organizational skills and motto of “never let them see you sweat” make her a perfect fit for the Victoria Canada Weddings and Events team. When Lauren is not perfecting timelines, organizing transportation or managing your event with a smile, she loves to work out and is always training for something, be it a local race, marathon or Cross Fit competition. Lauren knows that on our wedding days we are always carrying something and staying in shape helps us with our long but rewarding days. Lauren is a calming force at weddings and our client’s love having her around. Victoria is never surprised to hear our clients rave about how much they enjoyed working with Lauren.

BRENDA- LEAD PLANNER:

Brenda was born and raised in Arizona and is also an ASU graduate. Brenda is comfortable with the ladies as she has two sisters and was raised in a traditional Latin Family. Her bilingual skills have been essential for many of our weddings that blend cultures. She is always on the hunt to find the best Mexican food. When she is not at a wedding, you can probably find her in the kitchen or at the newest restaurant with her husband. Brenda and Jimmy have been happily married for 7 years and are adoring former clients of a Victoria Canada Wedding. Before her engagement Brenda never thought about the wedding. Now, weddings are always on her mind. Six years later, she still receives bridal magazines and watches every wedding show on TV. Yes, even her husband knows all about “Say Yes to the Dress”.  Brenda says, “It gives me so much satisfaction to help the bride and groom enjoy their day as much as I enjoyed mine. I still find myself crying at toasts and laughing at the wedding party’s creative entrances. Every wedding is different but the joy and love felt that day is the same. That joy is contagious and I take it home with me.” Brenda is so dedicated that she even has her “wedding suit” ready to go at a moment’s notice. Her smile is contagious and she will is a joy to have at any wedding.

 KAYTIE:

Kaytie Rifley is a communications major at the University of Arizona. She grew up in the Central Corridor and graduated from Xavier College Prepatory. She loves weddings so much she drives up on many a weekend to craft, paint and organize for Victoria Canada Weddings and Events. She loves to express herself through art! When Victoria yells “craft”, Kaytie comes running! She enjoys dancing, music of all kinds, and making people laugh. Her friends and family are her world. She says, “it’s so exciting to see a vision of the perfect day become a reality.”  Her warm personality make a lasting impression on our wonderful clients.

BRENNAN:

Brennan has been assisting Victoria with weddings and events since 2008. Brennan is currently attending Arizona State University. She admits to being the “biggest hopeless romantic”. She loves to hear about your proposal and all the romantic details. Brennan not only helps brides, she helps Victoria oversee that the candy bars do not get destroyed by a group of Mitzvah guests, that the guests received their correct card and is ultimately one of our go to gals. She will love everything about your big day!

KATIE:

Katie is our “extra set of hands” on the wedding day. She is a fabulous help to our lead planners to with the extra details that make any event special. She is also a staunch but friendly rival to Victoria during football season. Much to Victoria’s dismay, Katie always roots for her Alma Mater The University of Texas Longhorns. Katie is also a happy past “Victoria Bride” that was bit with the wedding bug. She is organized and a valuable addition to the team.

All images courtesy of: Melissa Jill Photography

What do you get when you pair a funny, sweet, and beautiful bride with a handsome, kick ass groom?  Well, you get one heck of a good time planning a wedding.  Daisy and Ryan were so kind, always laughing and light- the perfect match.  Of course, we are no fool- one look at them and you know they are stunning.  But then you get past their Hollywood good looks and realize they are down home, good- hearted and we know why everyone wanted to attend this wedding.  If Daisy’s Handsome groom Ryan looks familiar you can check out this UFC / MMA Fighter here  Check it out!

Above- Ryan getting ready for the ceremony

Below- Did we mention Daisy is stunning?

We love this shot that Hollye took.  The sparkle with the strong lines in the background make for a great shot!

We can not take credit for these amazing details.  Patti, the Mother of the Bride, had just about anything you needed to create this stunning altar for the ceremony.  She not only had a treasure trove of beautiful items but her stories were pure entertainment themselves.  A cross from France, items “picked up” in Santa Fe, New Mexico…. exquisite taste runs in the family.

I love the numerous purple hues that are sprinkled throughout the wedding.

Style Tip:  Matchy Matchy is Tacky Tacky.  Create interest with having layer of colors.

The Happy Couple!

Below: Yet another treasure from Daisy’s Mom.  I love how Jan Dekker created a way for guests to leave a wish or prayer but softened it with floral.

Above:  The wedding reception was a stunner!  We designed the room to have three colors of purple and lavender on the tables.  It is a great way to lend some visual interest to the room without straying to much from the design.

Below:  Daisy’s Niece helped spray paint the mini pumpkins with Gold, Bronze and Silver.  We used them for seating cards and the pin was crucial.  Queen Creek can be a bit windy!  Victoria grew up in West Texas, so the wind does not intimidate her- but you must think ahead!

Check out the different linens below at the reception.  We had three different shades of purples.  It added a fun twist that was not garish or out of sorts.  Creating a mood again with the layers.

Photography: Hollye Schumacher Photography/ Ceremony and Reception Site: Encanterra Country Club/ Bridal Gown Store: Uptown Bridal/ Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Floral: Jan Dekker Designs/Ceremony Vocalist: Katy Brady/ DJ: Desert House Productions/Caterer: Encanterra Country Club/ Linens: Southwick Linens/ Videography: Serendipity Videography/ Make-up Artist: Jenn White /Invitations: Definitely Debra/ Officiant: Father Mike DuPre/ Wedding Planning and Event Designer: Victoria Canada Weddings and Events

Heather’s Vintage Veil, the Favors placed at each setting from the brides family brought in from Lebanon, Adorable flower girls, and the fun festive atmosphere.  Check out the video below and sit back to ooh and ahh over the beautiful pictures from Kimberly Jarman photography.

Heather + Dave 11. 20.10 from Serendipity Videography on Vimeo.

Photography: Kimberly Jarman Photography/ Ceremony Site: Brophy Chapel/ Reception Site: The Arizona Biltmore/ Rentals: Classic Party Rentals (Tri-Rentals)/ Floral: Petal Pushers/ Ceremony Musician: String Serenade/ DJ: MT Sounds/ Cake: The Arizona Biltmore/ Videography: Serendipity Videography/ Cigar Bar: Ford and Haig/Invitations: Paper Soiree/ Valet: The Arizona Biltmore/ Wedding Planning and Event Designer: Victoria Canada Weddings and Events

Here’s the feature:

My thanks to the vendors below who worked many, many, many hours to make this event a success.  I am so thankful for the dedication and collaboration that I experienced with this wonderful group of vendors.  I know the amount of time and customer service it takes to make any event a success and thank you so much from the top of my creative brain to the bottom of my tired feet after this events 17 hour day… : )

Photography: Phyllis Lane Photography/ Event Site: Montelucia Resort and Spa/ Rentals, Linens and Lighting: Cre8ive Event Rentals/ Catering: Montelucia Resort and Spa/ Floral: Camelback Flowershop/ Music: Desert House Productions/ Cake and Desserts: Julia Baker Confections/ Videography: Serendipity Videography/ Classic Car: World Limos/ Makeup Artist: Glam Lounge, Diane Aiello/ Wedding Gown: Amsale, Destiny’s Bride/Reception Dress: Marchesa/ Officiant: Pastor Rory Clark/ Ice Sculpture: Armitage Ice/ Fireworks: Firework Production of Arizona/ Comedian: Funny Business Entertainment Agency/ Guest Transportation: Maxim Limousine/ Live Photobooth: Keith Pitts Photography/Wedding Planning and Event Designer: Victoria Canada Weddings and Events

Part 3 features tips from: Phyllis Lane of Phyllis Lane Photography, Jennifer Bowen of Jennifer Bowen Photography, Ben Quillinan of BQ Photography, Andrea and Greg Reeves of Artisan Photography, and Kimberly Jarman of Kimberly Jarman Photography

Phyllis Lane Photography:

VC: What is your top tip on how people should pick a photographer?

PL: People should pick a photographer by first loving their images/their style and then by feeling connected to the photographer.

VC: Could you describe your style in a sentence or two?

PL: My style woud be described as the combination of fashion and journalism. Capturing essence.

Jennifer Bowen Photography:

VC: What is your top tip on how people should pick a photographer?

JB: I believe the key to picking a photographer is finding one whose photographic style makes you feel something, or makes you feel a connection to the images. I think it is equally important to meet with the photographer to see if you feel comfortable with that person and to get a sense of their professionalism. You will spend a lot of time with him or her on your wedding day and you want to find someone who will be an added value; meaning someone who is professional, respectful, unobtrusive and has a good reputation with vendors and previous clients. The last thing a client needs is a vendor who will make them feel more stress on their wedding day.

VC: What is the biggest mistake people make when interviewing a photographer?

JB: The biggest mistake people make when interviewing photographers is basing their bottom line decision on price alone. I can’t tell you how many calls I get from former brides in tears who hired someone who was “cheap”, or despite not feeling comfortable with them in the booking meeting, had them come on their wedding day only to have an awful experience. Every couple has a budget and there are photographers for all those budget amounts, but like any other industry or big ticket purchase, you need to do your research. What info do they share on their website or blog? What do others say about that person in reviews? Have other vendors you have hired heard of them or worked with them? Did you actually talk to the person before you hired them? Better yet, met with them? If they don’t have a website, active business license, or any web reviews, I would steer clear. You really do get what you pay for. Deals that are too good to be true usually cost you a lot more in the end.

VC: Can you describe your style in a sentence or two?

JB: My style is best described as natural, modern, and timeless. I give my clients the perfect blend of candid and emotive photojournalistic images that truly capture the moment, along with artistically stylish and modern portraits that make them look their best.

BQ Photography

VC: What is your top tip on how people should pick a photographer?

BQ: My top tip for choosing a photographer is style. The look of a photographer’s work should be the main deciding factor because the pictures need to reflect the couple’s personalities. The photographer’s personality is also important but a close look at their work will unveil who they are. Of course, budgets need to be kept in mind but I caution placing too much importance on the package details. Packages are flexible and can be adjusted even after the wedding but the pictures are forever.

VC: What is the biggest mistake people make when interviewing a photographer?

BQ: The biggest mistake people make when interviewing a photographer is not interviewing them enough. We’ve all had clients that just weren’t a good fit and the outcome as a photographer, unfortunately, can be not fulfilling their desires

VC: Could you describe your style in a sentence or two?

BQ: My style is timeless, warm, fun and very natural. I’m unobtrusive yet open and friendly to bring out the best in people and keep the emotions flowing.

Artisan Photography

VC: What is your top tip on how people should pick a photographer?

A&G: 1) Definitely pick someone you like whose personality does not clash with you and your fiancé; after all you are going to spend one entire day with your photographer.

2) Experience does matter, make sure to choose someone that has done it enough times to be able to easily overcome difficult situations, keep their calm and still get you the images you are expecting without losing their temper or upsetting you or your guests in the process.

3) It goes without saying, you have to like the photographer’s work!

VC: Could you describe your style in a sentence or two?

A&G: Our style is dynamic, creative and fun. There is so much happening at weddings that if you just do one style the photos become one-dimensional. So we do a mix of several styles, we document the entire getting ready, we are photojournalists during the ceremony catching that tear coming down the bride’s face during the exchange of the vows and all the other unique moments of each bride and groom, we are classic portrait photographers during the family shots when it is important to get that perfect light for the family photo, we are creative and fun when we take the bride and groom for their own little photo session and finally we are always looking for new angles and different lighting techniques to get great images throughout the day including the reception.

VC: What is the biggest mistake people make when interviewing a photographer?

A&G: 1) Most couples don’t take notes, after meeting with two or three photographers things will start to blur and it will be difficult to remember who said what, making the task of choosing a photographer a lot harder.

2) They are not specific enough on their question, it is all about the details. Don’t assume anything, make sure you ask everything that is important to you even if you think it is a silly question, ask it again if you did not understand the answer. It also will helps set expectations right.

3) Don’t be afraid to voice any concerns during the meeting, now is the time.

Kimberly Jarman Photography

VC: What is your top tip on how people should pick a photographer?

KJ: When choosing a photographer there are a few items that you should look for. 1) Do you LOVE their work? When you look at their website or blog do you love every picture and HAVE to have the same pictures for your wedding? 2) Does the photographer match your ideal photography style? There are a lot of “styles” of photography, photojournalism, traditional, edgy, romantic. Some photographers can have multiple “styles”, but each photographer has something different and unique about them. Make sure you love that about them. 3) Do your personalities match? You will be with your photographer more than any other vendor the day of the wedding. You should make sure that you get along and feel comfortable with your photographer. It’s all about feeling comfortable and trust in getting amazing images. 4) Professionalism. In the end, will you get the products you ordered? Will everything be delivered as said? Will you be happy?

VC: Could you describe your style in a sentence or two?

KJ: My style is Creative Photojournalism. I’m a lifestyle photographer, meaning that I LOVE to capture life, but in a way that is creative, a little edgy, and unobtrusive. I love to look at things differently and provide images that tell a story, but in a way that really hits people emotionally.

VC: What is the biggest mistake people make when interviewing a photographer?

KJ: I think the biggest mistake people make in hiring a photographer is that they go off of price and hire someone because they call themselves a photographer. There are a lot of people that have cameras and are calling themselves photographers, but good photography and quality photography take a lot of work. There are a lot of new photographers out there that are good and I don’t want to discredit them, but I think that there is much more than just owning a camera. There is a lot of work that is involved in photography, it’s an art, a craft, and also takes a lot of business skills to make sure that products are delivered with quality in mind and that people can survive the business side of things. When choosing a photographer make sure you are choosing them because of their work and you LOVE the photographer, not just because their “price” is good.

 For Parts 1 and 2 from this series, click here and here!

Let me also explain that Kristy was a great ally in planning this event.  We also were lucky to embark on this adventure with Rick.  He is level headed, smart, funny and I know why Janet loves him.  He was a great sounding board and that man knew what his future wife likes.  I was lucky enough to gain some great clients, a gasp worthy wedding, and some wonderful friends in this little adventure.  I hope you enjoy this post as much as we enjoyed planning it.

The result is ethereal and I am proud to share it with you today. I am also proud to tell you that it was recently featured on Style Me Pretty! Click here to see their take on the wedding.

The letter press paper suite was created by Los Angeles graphic designer, Rebecca Baltutis, who has worked in the entertainment and fashion industries her entire career. She is best known for her art direction and editorial design for numerous Southern California magazines. The paper used for Janet and Ricks Invitations came from an Italian paper mill that started creating paper in the 1700’s and today is still considered one of the highest rated papers for both quality and environmental standards.

Janet LOVES shoes.  Her shoe closet would shame the shoe department at Neiman Marcus.    

This image is of Samantha and how darling is it?  Captured by the talents of Phylis Lane Photography!

I love that all of her ladies are wearing dresses that they chose.  As you can see, Janet runs with quite the stylish crew (including her stunning twin sister!).  TIP:  If you know your ladies have some serious style, trust them to pick stylish and appropriate dresses that highlight their best assets.  

The Ring Bearer Bowl was created in Austin, Texas. It states “You Lucky Dog”- a phrase uttered by Kristy to Janet, the bride, quite often regarding her match to Rick. We all agreed, they were both lucky dogs!

The bride and groom wanted to incorporate a sand ceremony into their wedding ceremony. The main bottle was an antique bottle with a handmade cross sodered to the bottle by an artisan that works with Janet. It gleamed with the background of the McDowell Mountains. The perfect touch was the rustic original ranch table that the bottles rested on.

We embraced every opportunity to add design elements; we designed a flower petal carpet, a signature concept by Events by Showstoppers, for the ceremony but guests also enjoyed a thoroughly designed cocktail hour as well

We did not use the typical tie for the cocktail tables- we kicked it up with tassles and kept a classic feel.

I would LOVE to be a guest and attend this cocktail hour!  

I love the blue-ish light photographer Phyllis Lane captured during dusk

The best part was that guests had walked across this lawn to the intimate ceremony area.  When they crossed it again, our crew and the crew from Showstoppers had been hard at work transforming the lawn.  Rose petals and a dramatic staircase lit with candles created its own magic.

This cake was designed to reflect Janet’s gown and her shameless adoration of shoes!  Thank you Andrea from Sedona Cake Couture for your talents.  

A chocolate candy buffet was set on a rustic wood ranch table. Centered was a massive floral piece of hammered metal. Glass containers were filled with toffee covered pretzels & oreos. Assorted truffles from World Famous Julia Baker Confections. Bags to fill were made of a soft linen- perfect to get just the right amount of chocolate.

The children’s table had customized games with each child’s name. To keep the wedding lively for them, I created an “I Spy” game.

The Groom’s cake was a surprise for our groom. Rick collects vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles and we wanted to reflect it in the end product. Victoria commissioned a piece of art to be drawn for the couple which was then hand drawn onto the cake by Andrea Carusetta-Blaut of Sedona Cake Couture.

The outdoor courtyard at the Country Club at DC Ranch is so beautiful and fit Janet and Rick’s design aesthetic perfectly

Here I am with Janet and her best friend- love these ladies!

Photography: Phyllis Lane Photographer / Flowers: Events by Show Stoppers / Event Design: Victoria Canada Weddings & Events / Event Planning: Victoria Canada Weddings & Events / Ceremony Location: The Country Club at DC Ranch / Reception Location: The Country Club at DC Ranch / Invitations: Rebecca Baltutis, Square LA / Linens: Wildflower Linen & Southwick Linens / Cake: Andrea Carusetta-Blaut of Sedona Cake Couture / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Dress: Meriah, Monique Lhuillier from Casa Di Novia / Bridesmaid Dresses: assorted gowns from Monique Lhuillier and BCBG / Flower Girl: Custom Dress by Jenny Kim Couture / Band: The Groove Merchants / Hair & Makeup: Glam Lounge Artists / Calligraphy: Jennifer Schmitt

Concept:  one of my infamous sketches (ha ha!)

Creation: And here is the beautiful result with the help of Sedona Cake Couture!

And for the ultimate in cake drama:

(Images Courtesy of Keith Pitts Photography, Cake by Sedona Cake Couture)

This year’s awards party was just as fabulous as years past and we are proud to announce that we took home the coveted Best Wedding Planner Award for 2011!!!  Industry Professionals and Clients vote for the winners and we are always honored that our peers and clients think so much of our company.

Of course I couldn’t do it all by myself so I have to thank my team who sleeps, breathes and dreams weddings almost as much as I do!  Lauren was able to attend with me and I was super excited to share this great honor with her.

We want to congratulate each and every winner on the recognition of their hard work. For a complete list of the winners, click here.

Concept: my sketch of how we could blend ivory and champagne without the 2 colors being too quiet- I thought we woudl punch them up a bit with candlelight and impressive floral

Creation: Here are the beautiful results!

(Floral: The Flower Studio Photography: Keith Pitts Photography, Location- Intercontinental Montelucia)