Child's PlayThe Meeting:
Most people only hear this kind of love story, in a book, movie, or a great Oprah show. Growing up, Melissa was the little girl who dreamed of a fairy tale romance. She was always envious of the stories she heard about a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
Little did she know, her love story, her fairy tale romance, was right under her nose for almost 20 years.When she was 5 years old, she met the man she would marry, Michael Votaw.It all started when they were in elementary school holding hands during reading time in Mrs. Sanchez’s 2nd grade class.
Michael was officially Melissa’s first boyfriend. They grew apart as young kids in love and into a good friendship they knew would last.
Michael used to tell Melissa, even in elementary school, that he loved her and was going be her husband some day.
In high school the two had grown even farther apart. After graduating high school, it was 6 years later before Michael and Melissa would meet again. They met at a local coffee house near their hometown. It was scary, but Melissa felt like she had to go see him. Were the feelings they once had just silly, children in love? It had been too long, and there was nothing expected. Little did they know, this coffee meeting would change their lives. They talked for about 30 minutes catching up on family mostly. But like old times, there was something Melissa felt that day that she hadn’t felt in 20 years.
There was a mutual feeling of, “Duh! Why didn’t I see this before?” Both of their families and friends even said “duh.” Where did the skinny little boy go? Here was a man standing before her with the same love in his eyes she saw so many years ago. Could she be in love with a childhood sweet heart? Was this the fairy tale coming true?
The Proposal:Yes and YES! Melissa is not only marrying the man of her dreams but her true soul mate. After almost a year of dating, on November 18
th 2007, Michael proposed to Melissa in front of family and friends, in a way any girl would dream of.
He planned a fake surprise birthday party, which turned into a surprise engagement party. It was birthday cake time and Michael walked out with a mini cake spelling “Will you marry me?” The beautiful ring was sitting inside of it. She was shocked!!
Her prince charming, best friend, childhood sweetheart, and soon to be husband was in front of her for almost 20 years and she didn’t recognize it. Melissa quotes and truly believes, “Love needs no map, for it can find its way blindfolded.”
The Wedding Day:Neither Melissa or Michael were nervous on the day of their wedding. They were anxious to see each other and commit solely to one another after almost 20 years of friendship. The wedding was fantastic with a heartfelt ceremony set up for all to see, with guests surrounding them on both sides.
The reception was amazing with photos displayed of family members wedding days, a wedding wish tree, beautiful florals with draping crystals, hand rolled cigars, a hot dog stand, candy station, chocolate dipped strawberries and more! Melissa and Michael's wedding day was absolutely a fun filled event that was enjoyed by all in attendance. Their wedding day was more than they could have anticipated and all they imagined.
Ceremony/Reception Site: Wine & Roses, Lodi
Coordinator: Arcularius Events
Officiant: Kevin Brown
Photographer: The Memory Journalists
Videography: Jensen Wedding Films
Caterer: Wine & Roses
Hair stylist: Kathy Upton, Studio 3
Make-up: Jeff Jarwin, Article Salon
Tuxedo Rental & Formalwear: Men’s Warehouse
Invitations: Bella Vita Invitations
Music (Ceremony): Camellia String Quartet
Music (Reception): Sound Trax
Transportation: Limousine Club
Florist: Big Bang
Bakery: Village Cake Shoppe
Rehearsal Dinner: Wine & Roses
Party Favors: Candy Buffet
Wedding Night Accommodations: Le Rivage
Photos provided by The Memory Journalists
Why follow suit? Choose an offbeat theme for your wedding reception. Maybe invite your guests backstage at a rock concert.
Photo provided by The Memory Journalists; design by Blooms by Martha Andrews & Arcularius Events
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists
If you're not sure that a wedding coordinator is in your budget during this rough economy, we still suggest setting up consults with a few coordinators. You may realize that their insight could prove instrumental to making sure your day goes smoothly and consider reevaluating your budget to make room for them. Another good reason to set consults is because most coordinators are eager to help and may give you a few ideas or things to think of that never would've crossed your mind. While your budget may be forcing some budget decisions to be made later, establishing a relationship with a coordinator now could prove to be a real stress reliever later.
Colin Cowie, party planning professional, tells Modern Bride about some recent reception trends he's been seeing. "Wedding design has gone from minimalist to a lot more embellished, but with modern shapes and clean lines. Beading or fabric trim on a table overlay is beautiful, and crystals on linens, place cards or menus is a wonderful way to add sparkle. Couples are also editing their guest lists more to have a smaller wedding that's high quality. And instead of black tie, it's cocktail attire. More fun, less stuffy!"
Kudos for putting in so much time and effort to make sure that your day goes accordingly. It's getting close to the big day and while you've arranged coordination of vendors, venue, wedding party, etc., you don't want to be bothered on your wedding day to be asked for final payment or where the extra glasses are being stored. Arrange for day of coordination; it will be so worth it! You worked so hard to create this perfect day and now it's time for you to enjoy it.
Kendra, Lora, Catriona, Darcie and Michaela
Catriona & Colin
To learn more about each of these dynamite coordinators, visit their dynamite contributions to Dynamite Weddings:
Not into pinks and lavenders like some of your girlfriends? What about mixing gold and/or silver with black? Black may seem an ominous choice for a wedding, but when combined with metalics you add reflective surfaces for light to bounce off. Chargers, centerpieces, and favors all add to the drama. Add a splash of candle or theatrical light and you have a dazzeling event that not only will be glamorous and memorable it will help you express your more edgy rockin' style.
Eu naturale has been upgraded to hippie chic with fringe and soft femine spring colors. Again, fringe is a wonderful way to add movement and texture. Table skirts and centerpieces in shades of lilac and teal will be seasonal without feeling like Easter.
We've discussed the trend toward vivid color before. This trend is continuing and expanding. Borderline neon shades of green, orange, yellow and pink. Chartreuse, electric blue and tomato red. Ultrabright hues and explosions of color are a to work dramatic color into your special day. Flowers are, of course, the most natural choice, but why not pick one or two vivid colors for your table linens and then go with shades of white for your flowers? Summer screams for color. This would be particularly dramatic for an outdoor wedding with verdant lawns and trees providing a lovely green backdrop for pinks, oranges, yellows and blues to pop!
Floral prints, both oversized and tiny are back. I didn't think the day would come, but these prints are splashy and abstract and, again, in the vivid colors of spring. Think about Monet gone punk. Punk flowers? Why not??!! White and red peonies with splashes of vivid yellow callas or spiky dahlias.
The wedding industry is great about the decorative touches, feathers, beads, and all things sequin and glitter have never gone out of style. Now they are going mainstream. When used in moderation they can add texture and flair to your event.
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists, Flowers by: Blooms, Design by: Arcularius Events
Get creative with your ceremony set-up. If you’re not having a church wedding, why be limited to where you stand, where your guests sit, or where your minister officiates from? Try standing at the top of a few stairs with your minister at the bottom of stairs looking up at you. This way your guests will be looking at your faces the whole time instead of your back or side.
You will end up with a unique loose fabric tent with romantic lighting. Add a few floral blooms or hanging amaranths for more powerful impact and color. This is a very simple touch that can be added for a few hundred dollars, but will add romance and design to the overall look.
Trend provided by Arcularius Events
Participating vendors
Watch out for vendors trying to sway you to miss some part of your wedding reception to capture a shot, sign a form, or ask a question that can wait. If being a part of your wedding reception is important to you then forgo that sunset photo to have a lasting memory of the extra time you got to celebrate with your guests.
Don’t forget to assign someone to take the photos so that couples are not forced to take their own photo. As always, direct guests with cute color coordinated signs that tell them what to do!
Fabric is in, tulle is out. There really are few reasons to use tulle when you have multiple textures and colors of fabrics to choose from. 
Ask your coordinator or site coordinator to let you view the reception before your guests enter. It is amazing to see all of your dreams and time devoted to the design of your wedding come to fruition. It will literally take your breath away, bring a tear, and give you goose bumps all at once.
Arcularius Events came to life in 2005 with a passion for service and creativity. We will ensure the success of your special day by encapsulating your dreams, loves & life and showcasing this in your special day. Capturing you and your relationship in these moments that will live with you forever is our primary goal. From etiquette to dramatic design, Arcularius Events can assist in the planning process.
