Archive for the ‘Destination Wedding’ Category

Maggie & Micah Lansford; A Midwest Tent Wedding

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

As I reflect on what a wonderful year 2011 was, I think back to all my fun, eventful and HOT weddings!  I can’t think of 2011 without this amazing tent wedding I was able to plan for a very special couple, Maggie and Micah.  Planning is never easy, but planning from another state, now that’s a challenge!  Not to mention this wasn’t a St. Louis wedding, this was a Richland, Missouri wedding (2 hours west in the middle of the rolling hills of  Missouri- this is also where I saw my first ever armadillo!)  Here is a “brief” story (I tried but they’re just too many details I couldn’t stop!)

Maggie and Micah chose the Levi Place to be married.  The farm was purchased by Maggie’s Great- Great Grandfather in the early 1900′s and became known as the Levi Place.  The farm has always stayed in the family and it is where they all gather to celebrate everyone’s company.  They now call it the Nickens and Sons Farm and has been the home of holiday parties, engagements and now Maggie and Micah started a new wedding tradition!

Their wedding festivities took place on July 4th weekend.  We are talking golfing, brunch, group float trips along the river, swimming, paddle boating, four wheeling, a large welcome party (I should mention hotdogs, s’mores and sparklers by the campfire- perfect touch!) and ended with a massive firework display thanks to Mr. Nickens, which we agreed it was a must have!

They really wanted this party to go for hours so we started off with a pre-ceremony welcome hour (it was 100* so we opt to do this one inside the Big House).  Guests were soon asked to take their seat on hay bales (don’t worry we covered them with hankies and pillow cases, as well as fan programs).  The very intimate ceremony took place in what they call the Secret Garden, also where they planted a tree just after they declared their promises to each other. (tearing up yet?) Following the ceremony we had cocktails on the main porch which had Spanish influences to it.  Maggie and Micah met in Spain while studying abroad, so they really wanted a small part of Spain tied in to their day. After cocktails, guests were able to enjoy a variety of food stations, music by the well-known St. Louis band, Downtime Productions and swoon over this whimsical fairytale outdoor wedding…

The details on this wedding are endless.  Maggie wanted her guests to feel like they were coming to just another one of their family get together’s, this one just happen to be extra special.  Her colors consisted of plume, fuchsia, lilac, rose, gold, ivory and burlap.  We had an amazing tent that was set up by Traube Tent on the parking lot and a beautiful fountain just happen to stand in the middle, which made a peaceful center piece.  Maggie loved the idea of hanging mason jars and lanterns to make up for a majority of the lighting, but what really made it dazzle was the extra lighting and draping brought in by St. Louis’s, Exclusive Events.  We had a variety of colors, textures and experiences that their friends and family got to adore.

Emily, from Slice of Lime created some of the best paper goods I’ve ever seen.  Guests were welcomed with a Welcome Booklets which consisted of a hand drawn map (made by Maggie), History of Land, Things to Do and Weekend Festivities


Can you just take a second to enjoy the view…thanks.

This tree was painted by a dear friend, “Leaf Your Thumbprint and Name”

To make sure the placecards didn’t fly away we painted their numbers on the rocks.  Perfect cocktail drink on a hot summer day a Sangria (of course).

Now, normally I would NEVER post a picture of a bathroom.  But listen up, if you are having an outdoor wedding, in the middle of July with 100* temperatures, you need a bathroom with AC people! There was simply no argument on this one…treat your guests right and they will forever be thankful for it :)

Photos by C. Lynne Photography and Tana Nickens

OH AND PLEASE…let’s not forget about the photo op! We pulled Ol’ Greener from the shed and fancied her up for this great little area guests could come take pictures and take home their own token from the wedding.  What’s not to love?!

Maggie and Micah, it was a wedding I will never forget.  Thank you for letting me be apart of it… good luck with your next chapter in life!

Team

Full Planning Services- Kristin Ashley Events

Photographer: C. Lynne Photography (services were donated for 2011 Wish Upon A Wedding; c.lynneproductions@gmail.com)

Florist: The Flower Merchant; Springfield, MO

Tent:  Traube Tent; St. Louis

Décor: Exclusive Events; St. Louis

Location: Richland, MO

Caterer: ReRicogrill

Desserts:  ReRicogrill

Music:  Downtown Productions; St. Louis

Paper Goods:  Slice of Lime; St. Louis

Linen & Rentals: Connie Duglin & Fabick

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Posted in Destination Wedding, Kristin Ashley, Outdoor Wedding, St. Louis Event Coordinator/Coordination, St. Louis Wedding Planner/Planning, Summer Events, Tent Wedding, Wedding Blog, Wedding Design | 3 Comments »

Maggie and Micah Engagement Pictures

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

I must admit this is probably one of the most fun-loving couples I’ve ever met.  Maggie, Micah and families will travel from New Mexico and Texas to the rolling hills of Richland, MO for their July 2nd Rustic tent wedding.  Maggie spent much of her life visiting with family and friends at the beautiful Nickens family country home just outside of Waynesville, MO.  I can’t wait to blog about the details of this wedding!  I have been waiting to explore my Midwest country-side wedding design for years now… make sure you bring your dancing boots and Yee-Haww’s – because Kristin Ashley Events is going country!

Cristy Cross captured Maggie and Micah’s Engagement pictures in New Mexico.







 

All photos by Cristy Cross Photography

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Posted in Destination Wedding, Engagement Pictures, Kristin Ashley, St. Louis Event Coordinator/Coordination, St. Louis Wedding Planner/Planning, Wedding Blog | 1 Comment »

Ditto/Wellington Wedding

Friday, December 17th, 2010

Laura and I go back…way back!  We grew up in the same town, Lafayette, Indiana.  We went to the same high school and shared many of the same friends. When Laura told me she was getting married, I knew this was going to be an Indiana wedding I did not want to miss out on.

Even though Laura went to Indiana University and I went to Purdue University, we still had something in common, we joined the same sorority (Pi Beta Phi)!  It was just before her birthday when she attended a Sigma Chi function and was introduced to the man she would soon marry, Matt Wellington.  After undergrad, Laura went to Northwestern to get her masters in Speech-Language Pathology.  It was a cold Friday evening in February when Laura had a long day and was really looking forward to seeing Matt.  Little did she know Matt took the day off to prepare for what might be the most romantic engagement ever.  Matt surprised Laura with roses, scattered rose petals, candle light and champagne…he dropped to one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him.  I can only imagine it being like the scene in Serendipity.  After a nine month engagement Laura and Matt said their vows on November, 20th in Lafayette, Indiana.

The place cards were just one of the little DIY Laura and her mom worked on!

Laura is the youngest in her family so when she told me she was going to include all NINE of her nieces and nephews I had no idea how cute and fun they were going to be!

Laura wanted nothing more than to have photo’s taken at her house that she grew up in.  She comes from a very close family who loves and adores each other (I almost asked if I could be their adopted daughter).  Laura grew up in the most historic neighborhood of Lafayette.  The Ditto house was built in 1929-30 by a wealthy couple who started Ross Gear and Ross Stone.  It’s an English Tudor style.  Part of the upstairs was the “maids’ quarters” and they had a buzzer to call the maid in the dining room.  Her parents bought it from them in 1977–only 2 previous owners.  It is on the Wabash Valley Historical Trust.  These pictures were taken in their library and front door steps.

Images by: Jennifer Driscoll Studio

The Church:  Covenant Presbyterian Church (West Lafayette, IN)

The Venue: Lafayette Country Club

The Photographer:  Jordyn Kirtley of Jennifer Driscoll Studio (Indianapolis, IN)

The Flowers:  Rubia

The Dress: Birnbaum and Bullock -The Wedding Studio (Indianapolis, IN)

The Shoes: Me Too

The Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff

The Jewelry:  Designed by Mother of Bride, made in Pentwater, MI

The Cake: Kelly Chaffin (Lafayette, IN)

The Band: Indy Express

The Stationary:  Two Tulips

It doesn’t matter if I do a St. Louis, Chicago or  a Indiana Midwest wedding.  I love working with couples that make an impact on my life. Laura and Matt, thank you for letting me be apart of your special day.  You make a beautiful couple inside and out, I wish you all the love and happiness life has to offer!

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Posted in Destination Wedding, Indiana Wedding, Kristin Ashley, St. Louis Event Coordinator/Coordination, St. Louis Wedding Planner/Planning, Wedding Blog | No Comments »

Distances Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Monday, November 29th, 2010

Kristen Castens and Frank Simek are hands down one of the most amazing couples I’ve ever met. Her genuine personality and his witty laugh has everyone in love with them and their story.  I have been able to watch this unique relationship grown over the course of the past four years, even though they are separated by the Atlantic Ocean!  Frank moved to England at the age of sixteen to continue his career in professional soccer (football).  He currently lives in Carlisle and plays for Carlisle United.  Kristen recently graduated with a degree in occupational therapy and will say good-bye to the states after their June 4th wedding.

Even though Kristen and Frank will get married in St. Louis, they wanted to do their engagement pictures back in England. These pictures were taken not far from where he lives, in an area known as the Lake District, Kewsick.  Kate Shuttleworth with Reinvent Photography helped out with their engagement pictures overseas.  Their photographer/videographer for their St. Louis wedding will be Switzer Film.

pictures by Reinvent Photography

Tip: Most men don’t really understand engagement pictures or care to participate in doing them.  Try and make it fun and go to places that are enjoyed by the both of you. Don’t wait for the photographer to tell you where to go, provide some places that mean a lot to you instead!

Posted in Destination Wedding, Kristin Ashley, St. Louis Event Coordinator/Coordination, St. Louis Wedding Planner/Planning, Wedding Blog | 1 Comment »

Our trip to the Dominican Republic

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

Last November I attended one of our industry conventions with my previous boss, Ali Phillips with Engaging Events by Ali, to Indianapolis, IN for the ABC Annual conference for wedding planners and industry vendors.  It was, without a doubt, one of the best networking events that I have ever attended.  To top off this incredible conference, they even had a drawing for some amazing prizes, one being a trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.  I have never even won a game of Bingo, but just as I was saying goodbye to the wonderful people at the event, I heard my name announced as the winner of this amazing trip!

Still surprised by my luck one year later at the end of wedding season, my husband and I found ourselves off for a one week stay at the NH Royal Arena a Luxury all inclusive resort.  Although the trip started off rough (my luggage somehow missed the flight and the next ten flights after that), we were greeted with smiling faces and cocktails as we waited to get to our room.  After checking out the resort, I informed Ryan that I wanted to spend much of the vacation reading (Emily Giffin and the one and only Drew Brees; Coming Back Stronger) and sipping umbrella drinks while listening to the crystal clear waves roll across the white, sandy, adult beach.

For the people like me who love to relax, my plan would be perfect, but not everyone can sit still and enjoy themselves very long.  My husband asked, “Since we don’t have any excursions planned, do you think we will get bored?”

Clearly opposites attract.  Even though Ryan loves to be active, and I like to relax; this vacation was perfect for the both of us.  Each day Ryan and I started the day with one of many activities: a yoga class, a dance lesson, sand volleyball, wind surfing, snorkeling, a painting class, a food carving class, and more!  When finished with the activities, we got to relax my way.  In the evening, I really enjoyed getting all dressed up for one of the many different restaurants the resort offered.  My favorite was the Asian restaurant; the chef actually prepares the food for a group of people , it was such a treat! After dinner we often went to the evening activity scheduled for the night.  Without a doubt in my mind, the Michael Jackson show was my favorite; these guys can dance!

Of the many places I have seen and explored, I can honestly say that this is by far one of my favorites.  This is five-star customer service from the cooks, to the entertainment staff, to the property itself, and it will not be forgotten when choosing our next vacation.  I highly recommend NH Royal Arena in Punta Cana for those who are looking for a vacation, destination wedding, or honeymoon.

Admittedly, we were skeptical going into the trip due to Hurricane Tomas, so a special thanks to Orlando and Akon from the resort for giving us an amazing trip that we will not forget; we truly enjoyed your entertainment every minute we were there (even when it rained)!

Posted in Destination Wedding, Kristin Ashley, St. Louis Event Coordinator/Coordination, St. Louis Wedding Planner/Planning, Wedding Blog | 1 Comment »

Mr. and Mrs. Teach, A Military Wedding!

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

photos by Gina Miller

In honor of Independence Weekend, I decided to blog about a dear friend who I met at Purdue.  Beth Gauck and I were in the same pledge class at the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Although we never shared the same room, we got to know each other pretty well over the years.  Beth is a very loyal, enthusiastic, smart and hard working person who many of us admire.  I recently got to catch up with her and discuss the many obstacles she faced when planning her wedding… hundreds of miles away…here is her story!

Nick and Beth met just after the 4th of July weekend over three years ago at their first duty station in Pensacola, Florida.  Nick took Beth to a famous southern Alabama beach bar, Flora-Bama and coincidentally they both wore their cowboy boots. With the beers in both hands and country music jamming, they danced all night and called it fate.

After Nick proposed to Beth on Christmas of 2008, she knew she would be up for a challenge but little did she know how big!  Nick had no idea where he would be after he finished flight school and Beth was in San Diego starting her service duties.  After booking several vendors she was faced with changing the wedding date three times, they were able to settle for May 8, 2010.

The Wedding:

Church- St. Mary’s in Lafayette, IN (also where her parents said ‘I DO’ 26 years ago)

Ceremony Song- Eternal Father Strong to Save (a military prayer)

Hot Spot- Frozen Custard (a local summertime treat)

Good Luck- the same boots they wore the coincidently wore on their first date

Special Touch- A handmade veil by her mom

Cake- made by Grandma Rose

Flowers- Rubia Flower Market

Venue- Lafayette Country Club

Photographer- Gina Miller Photography

After Beth left for deployment May 22nd and Nick checked into his first Fleet Squadron on May 23rd they will spend much of their first year apart.  Beth is currently deployed with Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 aboard the USS Peleiu as a Public Affairs Officer.  The Peleliu and two additional ships will be the ready-duty Amphibious Ready Group in the Middle East, she will spend a total of seven months away from their home port of San Diego, CA. Nick is a pilot in the Marine Corps, flying the AH-1W Super Cobra.  He will be deployed this fall to Afghanistan.

Thank you Beth and Nick for letting me share your story, we are all thinking of you!

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Posted in Destination Wedding, Kristin Ashley, Wedding Blog | 1 Comment »