Alyson & Terence Married! - BB Jean Events Bellingham, WA Wedding Planner

It's been a busy few months here at BB Jean and we have a few more months to go before things slow down! Lots of photos coming soon, but in the meantime, here's a shot of one of my favorite couples of the summer thus far. Alyson and Terence were married a few weeks ago at the Hotel Bellwether and they were awesome! Loved every second working with these two and hearing how much they enjoyed their wedding made my day :) More photos by Selena of Blue Moon Photography to hopefully be posted soon!

Annie & Jake: Details - BB Jean Events, Bellingham, WA Wedding Planner

A few detail shots of Annie and Jake's wedding last Monday at Lairmont Manor - taken by the lovely Jen of Jen Martin Studios. This couple was all about keeping things simple but elegant and that translated into garden rose themed stationery, garden flowers and roses for the bouquets, classical music in the background and some amazing food!

Wedding Planners rock! But that's not why you should hire us first... BB Jean Events, Bellingham Wedding Planner

... or maybe it is :) Every year I get a mixed variety of clients-which is fun. I like variety. But inevitably there are always 1 or two that hire us at the last minute because they didn't realize they would need a wedding coordinator until the inevitable happened-they couldn't figure out who was going to handle set up, vendor schedules, timelines, final decor pieces ...and heaven knows they weren't going to trust the groomsmen or their 14 year old cousin to handle those details for them.

I sometimes call my work with late bookings damage control-I'm often fixing issues that have come up, having to re-coordinate with vendors what is going on, working under some looming deadlines to make changes happen, and calming down an overly stressed bride who is about to fall to pieces from trying to figure it out on her own. Not my favorite way to work. I like happy brides. Hiring a wedding planner sooner solves that.

The average wedding isn't what it used to be and there are a lot of details to cover in a finite amount of time. If you're engaged, you most likely haven't done any of this before, and that's ok. It's why I'm here. But if you're worried about financially affording a wedding planner, let me provide a bit of insight (insight at least with how we roll over here at BB Jean).

First, our prices don't go down because you've waited to hire us. In fact, sometimes last minute bookings can be significantly more because we have to get a lot of things taken care of in a very short amount of time. There are also situations where clients have booked vendors that were too expensive, beyond their budget or just down right not working for them. This can cause a lot of headaches and financial issues that could have been solved had we been brought in from the beginning. Coming in at the beginning makes us happier campers and you a much more relaxed person. Helping you pick the right vendors for your style, budget and wedding are one of the biggest reasons couples should bring us on-and more times then not, it's a decision that can pay you back.

When it comes to what your wedding looks like, well, sky's the limit. You can literally do whatever you want-which can be tons of fun when you two get started, until you get to that one thing that you would love to have, but just don't know how to coordinate. Another little perk we offer our clients-your wish is our command and we do whatever it takes to make it work. We also have an eye for making sure your wedding looks cohesive and the overall look is on par with what you want. You're shelling out oodles of money for your wedding photography, how about we make sure what's in the pictures looks stellar? What's that? You want a rad wedding with incredible pictures? Fuinny, I want you to have that too! And I would love to help you get it!

Blog Love: Kaylee Eylander Photography-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA, Wedding Planner

How much do I love weddings?

Wait for it...
Wait for it...
There you go! Alot, if you haven't figured it out. And for the list of all of the people, places and things that I love about what I do, Kaylee Eylander Photography is pretty high on my list. In fact, to be quite honest, I'm smitten with all that Kaylee creates and when she offered some new company head shots and a shoot with my husband, I was touched, and excited, appreciative, and giddy all wrapped up into one.

I'm not the biggest fan of posting pictures of me-I prefer to showcase my work instead. But in this instance, I had to offer some kudos to Kaylee's way. She did an awesome job and is one of only a few photographers that I've had the privilege of working with professionally and personally. The time spent with her was just as much of a treat as the rockin' photos she created. Below are a few recent snaps-with many more available at her blog.

Thanks again, Kaylee! Can't wait to work with you again :)

John+Geraldine-BB Jean Events, Bellingham WA, Wedding Planner

Two and a half months ago, Geraldine sent me an email thinking that she might need assistance planning her january wedding that she hadn't really started putting together. After a few consultations, we got underway making up for lost time. We first got an idea of what they wanted: shades of purples, hints of green, simple, traditional somewhat elegant. From there, we ran with it and two months later, John got in his tux, Geraldine dressed up in her gorgeous gown and we made sure there was a beautiful reception awaiting their arrival!

Geraldine's bouquet in shades of purple: lavender roses, schwartzwalder callas, fern curls, seeded eucalyptus, lavender spray roses and scented geranium.

The cake and cupcakes were created by a friend of the couple.

Custom made paperweights with the logo from the invitations.

We lined the dome with hanging bubble tealight holders that looked like twinkling stars when night fell.

Drew Graham of Wannadance Mobile DJ teaching 35+ guests how to do the Electric Slide-One of the many features and services included when you hire Drew for your wedding!

Photos were taken from BB Jean's camera and I promise to share some professional photos when I get them.

John and Geraldine, you two were a delight to work with and the enthusiasm and excitement that bubbled out of you both as the day grew closer was contagious! Congratulations!

Expo Shots from Jen Martin Studios-BB Jean Events, wedding planner, Bellingham WA

More expo shots from the fabulous Jen of Jen Martin Studios! She was the official "expo photographer" and while I love my new camera, I always love getting pics from photographers and sharing their work!

Marissa is our new intern for 2010 (on the left) and she did an amazing job yesterday talking with brides! Keep an eye out, you'll be seeing more of her throughout the year!

This year, we handled every aspect of our booth except for a few things. The mini cakes in our display were from Andi Vann of Pure Bliss Desserts and the white draping backdrop, silver pintuck linens, white chairs and white plates were from Pacific Party Canopies (and a huge shout out to the guy that put of with me and my neighboring vendor and for getting us all set up amidst the chaos! Whoever you are, you rock!).

And to all the brides that fell in love with those tealights-yes, we rent them out!

Expo Sneak Peak!-BB Jean Events, Bellingham, WA Wedding Planner

I just got home not to long ago from participating in the 2010 Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo here in Bellingham! After a long day and meeting hundreds of brides I'm tired but content :) had a great time connecting with all of the new brides, loved reconnecting with some awesome vendors and all in all it was a fantastic day!

Special thanks to our new intern Marissa who did a rockin' job at her first event with us! Also thank you to Erin and Mackenzie for helping us throughout the day and being some of the #1 supporters of BB Jean :) You are very much appreciated!

Here are a few sneak peak pics of our flowers that we created for this shindig. I hope you enjoy and I'll have more pictures to share soon!

BB Jean Events' Giant Expo Info Blog! Wedding Planner, Bellingham WA

Wedding expo season is right around the corner and if you're engaged but have never gone, it's an excellent opportunity to meet some incredible local vendors, get ideas and information and score some awesome deals on services. This year at the Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo in Bellingham, there will also be plenty of appetizers and desserts to try, prize drawings for free engagement photo sessions, gift baskets, spa services and more and a bridal fashion show! You'll also find info seminars to getting some wedding how-to info, wine and plenty of inspiration to get you started with planning your own day!

Sunday, January 10th, 2010 Noon-5:00 pm The Lakeway Inn, Bellingham, WA

www.bridalinspirations.info

Event Schedule

12:00 pm-Doors Open!

1:00 pm-Learn the basics regarding Wedding Music presented by WannaDance Mobile DJ

1:45 pm-Prize Drawing!

2:00 pm-Easy mistakes to avoid to plan the perfect fete presented by BB Jean Events

3:00 pm-Bridal fashions and how to find the perfect dress predsented by Alicia's Bridal Shoppe

3:45 pm-Prize Drawing!

4:00 pm-Fashion Show begins

Tips for Attending

1. Dress the part: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a sturdy tote bag with you to stash all your goodies.
2. Register online if available: For the Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo in Bellingham, this means being automatically entered into all of the fabulous prize drawings AND saves you precious time registering at the door.
3. Bring pre-printed address labels: They'll save you time entering drawings that vendors offer. Include your first and last name, address, phone number, email and wedding date.
4. Stock your purse: Include one or two pens, your checkbook and datebook in case you've found the perfect vendor.
5. Bring your fiancee, your mom or a few friends: Talk to them throughout the expo to get their feedback and get their help gathering information and items.
6. Take your time: The expo allows you to meet and greet vendors that you may want to use for your wedding. Talk to them, ask them questions, see if they may be a good fit before setting up a consult. It's a little legwork that can help you narrow down who you will work with.
7. Remeber first come, first served: This includes events like wedding seminars and the fashion show. These events often have limited seating so keep that in mind if there's an event that you want to attend.
8. Make it an all day thing!: There's a lot to see and do at an expo. Make the ticket price worth your while, attend as many things as possible and take advantage of everything there is to offer! It's all there to help you have the best wedding possible!

Mike+May: A Beautifully Rainy Bellingham Wedding!

In the world of wedding folklore and tradition, it's said a couple will be very lucky and blessed if it rains on their wedding day. Well, if this rings true, Mike and May are going to have the greatest life ever (although the fact that they're crazy about eachother doesn't hurt either!). It sprinkled, it poured with everything in between on their wedding and yet the whole day turned out beautifully!

As before, photography created by Zinchuk Studios in Seattle!

Congratulations to the both of you! We wish you a very happy and long life together :)