We have been featured on Montages For You!!

We have been blessed to be featured along with other event planners in a blog post on Montages For You!  I hope you enjoy!

https://montagesforyou.com/top-10-reasons-to-hire-an-event-planner/

Top 10 Reasons to Hire an Event Planner

Congratulations! You have something wonderful to celebrate. It may be a wedding, a bar or bat mitzvah, anniversary, birthday or other special event.

Celebrating life’s special moments with family and friends is one of the greatest joys for many. So where do you start?

Some people love planning all the details and others are completely overwhelmed with so many decisions to be made.

Many people have a vision, but just don’t have the time to research options with the demands of everyday life.

Planning an event on your own can be one of the most stressful things you’ll do – and that is where event planners can come to the rescue.

We asked event planning experts from across the country for the top reasons why you should hire an event planner for your upcoming celebration. This is what they said:

Why You Should Hire An Event Planner

1. Save Time
2. Save Money
3. Reduce Stress
4. Have More Fun
5. Experience
6. Process
7. Smile More
8. Personal Advocate
9. Knowledge
10. Creativity

Save Time

“A planner will cut down the time every single step in the planning process will take you. Their relationships and industry connections will save you hours and HOURS of researching, contacting vendors, going back and forth on details and thinking of those little things that you don’t know to ask. A good planner can also save you money by connecting you with the right vendors at the right price points, as well as provide special vendor-only discounts.”

Brynne Magaziner

Based in the DC metropolitan area

Pop Color Events

 

Save Money

“Many times I am able to save my clients money and time because I know where to purchase things for a better price and I can negotiate with venues and other vendors on their behalf. Also, because I work with so many vendors I know which vendors will fit their budget and vision the best.”

Ramesh (Yaffa) Soleymani

Serving Chicago and North Shore area

Couture Event Planning

 

Reduce Stress

“Working with a planner can save a family time, money, and a lot of extra stress. We love checklists, and will go over them thoroughly to make sure that the client will have everything they need for the celebration. We are prepared to handle many different situations as they arise during the planning process and the event itself. We think on our feet, think outside of the box, and make sure the client and their guests have a truly memorable celebration experience.”

Kimberly Lehman

Based in Canton, Ohio

Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning

 

Have More Fun!

“One of the best benefits is that on event day, they get to enjoy the day’s events without stress or responsibility or worry. There are no set up or break down tasks to worry about. They get to enjoy the fun stuff.”

Tanya Costigan

Serving Southern New England

Tanya Costigan Events

 

Experience

“Planners are thinking about events every day. It’s their full-time job, so they know all the many tasks that need to be done at specific points throughout the planning process.”

Janice Blackmon

Serving clients in Atlanta, Orlando & Sarasota/Tampa Bay, FL areas as well as destination planning.

Janice Blackmon Events

 

Process

“We are very knowledgeable in respect to the process of planning an event. We know everything that needs to be done, from venue, theme, invitation details, event design, and vendor coordination such as hiring caterers, rentals, florists, photographers, etc. We would save them time & money through these processes.”

Allison Welch

Based in Denver, Colorado

As You Wish Colorado

 

Smile More

“We are there to make sure we do everything possible to have our clients and their guests smiling and having the best time of their lives. We work with all the vendors to create “magic” based on the client’s vision and budget.”

Amanda Hudes

Based in New Jersey Serving clients in PA/NJ/NY/CT

Smiling Through Chaos

 

Personal Advocate

“Events should totally represent the best of a couple or host, showcasing their personalities, experiences, and extraordinary bond to one another, therefore I provide oversight and execution while being my client’s personal advocate with their vendors.”

Ruth Bajimi

Serving clients in Travis County Texas

SPC Event Management

 

Knowledge

“Working with us, or someone like us, gives peace of mind to the couples. We know the industry, the best locations, we can generally access little “extras” (working with preferred vendors has its perks). We have knowledge of venues that the couple may not know about from using Google and we know the industry well.”

Shannon Mackenzie

Planning events in Cancun, Riviera Maya, and other parts of Mexico & Canadian Rocky Mountains

Riviera Reflections Weddings & Events

 

Creativity

“Planners help come up with creative solutions and present ideas you may have never thought of. They assist in any emergencies or last minute changes. My job is to create the most inviting atmosphere with the least amount of stress and create a memory that will last a lifetime. I think anybody can plan an event however it may not go as smoothly, or have the special little touches without a planner.”

Alyssa Belanger

Serving clients in Arizona

The Event Genies

 

While it’s never too late to hire a planner, and many offer “day of” services, all our event planning experts agreed that it’s better to bring them into the planning process as early as possible.

If you want to enjoy your celebration and not be stressed out about the details, hiring a planner is the best way to go.

Montages For You is your personalized montage service. Order a montage for any occasion. Our professional staff is here to help build your perfect montage.

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We have been featured on Layers of Luxe!!

The cake from our Earth Angel styled wedding photo shoot, that was featured on Layers of Luxe, has been named one of the best of the best for 2019!!  This was one of the most elaborate styled shoots we have produced, and one of my favorites!  The stunning cake was made by Debbie Wright of Cake Wasted, and the photos were taken by Stephanie Uptmor of Imagine It Photography.  In the Layers of Luxe feature, the cake was listed as photo #9.  Enjoy!!

The following link will take you to Layers of Luxe’s blog page:

https://www.layersofluxe.com/bestlayersof2019cakes?fbclid=IwAR2lmhO1LlSfx7u5peZQpQIgGYLLsjnxl3fOSVxOBpsLSC0076ifDowXPBM

The following excerpt is from Layers of Luxe’s Facebook page:

Layers of Luxe

BEST LAYERS OF 2019// WEDDING CAKES…We’ve rounded up 16 of the most beautiful creative wedding cakes designs for your big day…Click the link to see beautiful and delicious cake…https://www.layersofluxe.com/bestlayersof2019cakes
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(#pink)-Photographer: L’Estelle Photography // Cake: Table & Company Canada
(#white)- Photographer: EC3 Moments // Cake: Staij and Co …

See More

Our Vibrant Country Villa shoot is featured on the Southern Celebrations Blog!!

In December of 2017, Southern Celebrations Magazine announced a Creative Challenge.  Those interested were to design a styled photo shoot, featuring one or more of Pantone’s Spring 2018 Top Twelve Colors.  The photo shoot had to feature several styled vignettes, including a tablescape, cake/dessert table, and fashion.  The winners of the Challenge would be featured on the blog and in the upcoming Volume 7 of the magazine. We answered the Challenge!  

On Sunday, February 4th, 2018, my team of very talented vendors and models gathered at the Sunset Vista Ranch, LLC.  The results of our Vibrant Country Villa styled bridal photo shoot were absolutely amazing!  Our team’s collaboration was one of the top 3, chosen from over 70 entries!  We are very excited to share the blog post from Southern Celebrations with you!  Enjoy!

​VIBRANT COUNTRY VILLA

Styled Inspiration

Creative Team: ​Planning/Styling:  Kimberly Lehman of Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning Styling Assistant:  Michal Elaine Johnston Venue:  Sunset Vista Ranch, LLC Photography:  Stephanie Uptmor of Imagine It Photography Videography:  Volodymyr Kashuba of Video Memories, LLC Linens:  L’Nique Florist:  Jessica Colon of Blush Custom Weddings Stationery Suite:  Angela Giaco of A Pink Sunset Cake/Desserts:  Ann LoParo of Annie’s Signature Sweets Decorative Signs and Items:  Trish of Lola’s Design Loft Jewelry:  Susan Kurtz of Susie Kays Design Bridal Gown and Veil:  Radiant Bride Bridesmaid Gown and Glass Floral Crown:  Doreen Leaf Designs Makeup Artist:  Heather O’Boyle Erman of Heather O’Boyle Makeup Models Bride:  Lauren Simpson Groom:  Brandon Klaehn Bridesmaid:  Sammy Kay Smith

​This styled inspiration created by Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning and her amazing Creative Team was inspired by Pantone’s 2018 Top 12 Spring Colors.

Even in the Spring, it can snow! And when it does, you got out and take pictures!

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FVideoMemoriesLLC%2Fvideos%2F1725840420802247%2F&show_text=0&width=560

We have been published in Southern Celebrations Magazine!!

It is with great excitement, that I am finally able to announce that the very first styled bridal photo shoot I produced in July of 2016, has been published nationally, in Southern Celebrations Magazine!! We are currently featured in volume 6, on pages 72 -75. 

Thank you to Virginia Conaway Buckner for sharing this project with your readers! It’s Gorgeous, Y’all!!!

I would like to thank my wonderful vendor team, who worked so hard to bring my vision to life! I love you all!

Venue: Sammy Kay and Spring Hill Historic Home
Planning/Styling: Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning
Photography: Jessica Sonmore J Sonmore Photography
Videography: Joseph S Testa Joseph Testa Productions
Florals: Amy Chupp Bouquet Studio
Stationery: Becca Hadley Hadley Designs
Bakery: Rachel Chiavari
Jewelry: Stefanie Deddo-Evans SDE Designs Ltd
Wardrobe/Accessories: Mandy Altimus Stahl
Models: Beth Ann and Taylor Marie Scott

 

Sharing a bit of Family History!

In August of 2017, I had the pleasure of coordinating the wedding of Betsey and AJ.  They were such a lovely couple to work with!  They held their wedding reception at Michauds Event Center in Strongsville, Ohio.  One of the fun things about Betsey and AJ, is their love of history, especially US Presidents, and visiting libraries and museums.  They incorporated this passion into their table decorations at their reception.  Each table was named after a specific US President, including the eights Presidents that came from Ohio.  In my family tree, I am a direct descendant of the Nineteenth President of the United States, President Rutherford B. Hayes.  He was one of the eight presidents from Ohio, hailing from the Fremont area, in Northwestern Ohio.  President Hayes is one of Great-Grandfathers, a few generations back, on my mother’s side of the family.  It’s pretty cool having this relation in my family.  You can visit President Hayes’s estate and library, Spiegel Grove, in Fremont.  You can also hold weddings and events there. I highly encourage you to check it out!

Many thanks to Betsey and AJ, for sharing their photographer’s fun shot of me!

We have an article featured in Nanny Magazine!

We have been blessed with the opportunity to have an article featured in the October Celebrations Issue of Nanny Magazine!!  Our topic was “Organized & Stress-Free Wedding Planning” on page 33.  The layout is gorgeous! Thank you!

Be sure to check out the website:  Nanny Magazine

 

We were mentioned on WeddingWire.com!

We have been blessed to have been mentioned in an article on WeddingWire.com!  Thank you, Jenn Sinrich, for your great work!

(https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-etiquette-dos-most-people-forget)

ETIQUETTE

9 Wedding Etiquette Must-Dos Most People Forget

Written by Jenn Sinrich • Photo: Anna Simonak Photography

The concept that there’s a right way to do something (and a wrong way), a.k.a. etiquette, has been around since the dawn of time. But, in today’s day and age, especially when it comes to weddings, much of the old-school protocol has gone out the window. Sure, it may have to do with changing times, or type of wedding you’re attending—i.e. a ceremony in a church with hundreds of people will likely hold you to a higher standard than a beach wedding with a handful of the bride and groom’s close friends—but that doesn’t mean etiquette in its entirety no longer exists (at least we hope not). “Etiquette was created so people would know how to act and be accepted by the rest of society, which, when you get right down to it, is no different than trying to get a ton of likes or hearts on your social media posts,” says Larissa Banting of Weddings Costa Rica in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

So what rules should you remember at your own wedding—or as a guest? We talked to top wedding and event planners to get the inside scoop on which elements of wedding etiquette still matter today.

If you’re getting married…

Treat your guests like guests.

“Since you’re inviting people to celebrate your passage into wedded bliss, it’s your responsibility to make sure they are taken care of and made comfortable,” says Banting. “That means having enough seating for the ceremony so people aren’t left standing, having fans or cold drinks available if it’s hot, and having sufficient food and drink for all.” Of course, this is why you hire a wedding planner—to make sure you can sit back enjoy on your big day while ensuring your guests are taken care of. “It may be your day but once you’ve included other people along for the ride, you need to worry about their comfort too,” Banting adds.

Don’t keep people waiting.

You’re going to be pulled in a million and one different directions on your big day, which is why it’s crucial that you create a realistic timeline that you can stick to — and one that won’t keep guests waiting. “Hair and makeup is usually the area that can send the best-laid plans off the rails, so pad in an extra hour to ensure you’re ready on time,” suggests Banting. “If you have a long photo session between the ceremony and reception, offer guests a cocktail hour to keep them occupied—and, if you’re planning on having touchups done or changing into another outfit before or during the reception, just be aware of the time.”

Photo: Andrea Hallgren Photography

Play music that will appeal to all guests.

You and your crew might be into Beyonce’s latest single, or those 90s throwbacks that you mentioned to your band or DJ in your pre-wedding meeting, but remember that you’ve likely invited guests of all ages. Consider what some of the older crowd (your grandparents, uncles, aunts) might want to listen to as well. “Select a wide range of music to be played so everyone has a chance to get up on the dance floor and have some fun,” says Banting. “Save the hip hop for later in the night once the older crowd has cleared out.”

Be thankful for your toasts.

As the focus of all the wedding toasts, the couple shouldn’t toast to themselves, says Banting. “Proper etiquette is to remain seated, smile and not raise your glass, then thank the person who made the toast.” Although it’s not required, she points out that it’s a nice gesture to finish the toast session with a small speech from you and your bride or groom. “Make sure to thank your guests for coming, your parents for their support and then say something gracious about your newly betrothed before raising a glass to all and taking a sip.”

Send thank-you notes.

Even if you had the chance to thank someone verbally for attending your wedding or giving you a gift, handwritten thank-you cards are still definite dos. “Guests spend considerable amounts of time and money in choosing a gift, selecting attire to wear, finding child care, and traveling to and from all of the wedding-related events,” Kimberly Lehman of Love, Laughter & Elegance in Massillon, Ohio, points out. “A heartfelt message, written to the giver of the gift, is much appreciated—just a few lines stating how nice it was to see them and spend time together at the shower or wedding, and how much the gift is appreciated and may be used is fine.”

Photo: Hyde Park Photography

If it’s not your wedding…

Give a gift at each event you’re invited to.

Traditionally, as a guest, if you are invited to the shower and the wedding, then yes, you should bring a gift, says Lehman, though the bachelorette party is usually more informal so a gift is not necessarily required. “If you are a member of the wedding party, you are expected to contribute financially to the shower and bachelorette party, as well paying for your attire, accessories and/or grooming for the wedding,” she adds. Of course, this can be a bit overwhelming for some, especially when you’re still in school, but Lehman points out that it’s your choice to say yes or no to being a part of the wedding party. “Another solution is to have the wedding party contribute one large gift, for example the stand mixer the bride has had her eye on for months.”

Don’t assume you can bring a plus-one.

“Many guests don’t realize that when they are invited to a wedding, the couple and families are paying for each individual person to attend, to eat and drink and be entertained, rather than one blanket fee,” explains Lehman. “This is why accurate head counts are so crucial to keeping the budget under control.” In other words, if the invitation sent reads “Mr. Jim Smith and guest”, then yes, bring said person, but if the invitation is addressed only to “Mr. Jim Smith,” only Mr. Smith himself is invited to attend.

Always RSVP by the deadline.

There’s a good reason invitations, especially ones to weddings, have a deadline for when you can RSVP by. Head counts are important people! Whomever is planning (and paying for) the wedding seriously needs to know how many people to expect far before the one-month countdown. “If you happen to see the bride before the wedding and end up telling her your RSVP in person, don’t think that got you out of sending your response in,” says Jessica Janik of The Invisible Bridesmaid in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “As soon as you know you will or will not be able to make it, be courteous and send back the RSVP card if that’s what is requested.”

Don’t get in the way of the photographer or videographer.

You might consider yourself the master photographer, thanks to your skills on Instagram, but the couple hired professionals for a reason. “Don’t stand in front of the hired personnel so you can get the perfect shot of the bride and groom on their big day,” warns Janik. “And, if you did happen to take that perfect shot, wait until the ceremony starts to post a photo—you don’t want to beat the bride and groom and post before they have a chance to.”

Tabitha and Jason -A Love Story

One of our favorite, and most memorable couples that we have worked with over the course of our career is Tabitha and Jason.  They had a very strong love and a care for each other that transcends time and physical bonds.  We felt that their story deserved to be shared.  Women’s Health Magazine online featured their story this month.  Please keep the tissues handy.

 

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/planning-wedding-partner-has-terminal-cancer

 

 

Day of Wedding Coordination Giveaway!

***Special Announcement!***

We are giving away a FREE Day of Coordination Package to one Lucky Couple! May be applied to any wedding in 2017 or 2018. All you need to do to enter, is send us a brief essay of 300 words max., of why you should be chosen. Please email entries to lleweddings@aol.com.

Contest is limited to weddings in Ohio, and immediate surrounding states. Entries must be in by midnight, April 1st, 2017. Winners will be announced by April 3rd, 2017. Those who are not selected as the winner of the Free Package, are still eligible for an offer of a discounted price on above stated package, or any other services that we offer. Good Luck!

Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning

Happy Engagement Season!

Happy Engagement Season! Check out our Holiday Specials!!

Engaged Couples: Take advantage of our best deal! Save 50% off of our Full-Service Wedding Planning Package!! This is only good until December 31st, 2016. Hurry!!

We offer Gift Certificates! Starting at $25 and up, these can be used for supplies or services for your next event!

Christmas Special: Book any wedding, party, or other event before December 31st, 2016, and receive either a FREE Candy Buffet or Popcorn Buffet for your guests, or save $200 on Planning Services! Please message us for more details or questions. Cheers!

Phone: 330-313-6030 or email: lleweddings@aol.com