Motivation Monday

It's no secret I'm head over heels for those who inspire me. I'm constantly on the lookout for creative minds to pick and talented individuals to celebrate. My visions wouldn't be half as refined as they are without the motivation, and LOVELY detail inspiration provided by fellow event vendors & clients.

Here are a few that have caught my eye:

*MINDY WEISS*

You'll probably see this beauty's work being highlighted a lot on my site. She is an INCREDIBLE planner, known all across the world, and never fails to make my jaw drop.

Vanity Area

 

How positively sweet is this?! This was an outside tent wedding that took ivory and white to a new, glamorous level. The combination of ruffle and rich lifted this event to all time high. I love how she took the basic girly needs of the bride and her 'maids and clustered them into a pretty little vanity area fit for royalty. Bravo, Mindy. Bravo.

-More of Mindy's fabulousness can be found HERE on her event blog-

*SWEET-N-FLOUR & THE ANTI-BRIDE*

 THESE two. Okay... SEPARATELY they make my morning so much sweeter as I browse their current creations each day. 

TOGETHER... mind=blown. 

Sweet-N-Flour's adorable Marisa stays on TOP of the baked goods game. Catering to all sorts of dietary needs, keeping it organic, and adding a special touch of class to all of her clients, Marisa turns up the heat in the baking industry. The Anti-Bride's mastermind, Jeanne, wears many hats. One of them happens to be a fabulous FLORAL hat... one that could make the gardens of the Netherlands droop in jealousy. 

AND WHEN THE SWEET HEAT OF SWEET-N-FLOUR ADORNS HER BAKED CREATIONS WITH THE FLORAL TALENT OF THE ANTI-BRIDE, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS:

Key Lime Butter BLAST OFF

 

WHOA... I know, right? The intricacy of the arrangements combined with the classic cream covering of the Key Lime cake sends me into a state of grace. I'm positively charmed by this collaboration. Right on.

*EXQUISITE EVENTS*

Just like Mindy, this team of LA designers create such stunning ambiance and detail, that they become the go-to guru's for the area's largest events.

As a fairly new event planner and coordinator, one that knows no boundary to any place or face, I am like a little sponge... soaking up knowledge and values that come with a multitude of religions, customs, preference, personality and guidelines.

Exquisite Events put on quite a show for a sweet couple in Southern California. They beautifully merged the bride's Mexican heritage with the groom's Indian heritage, and created a celebration that will make you swoon. The colors popped, the flowers embraced the venue, and the ceremony customs were illustrated flawlessly.

The groom's ENTRANCE

ARE YOU SERIOUS?! An ELEPHANT?! A beautifully adorned ELEPHANT!? I have GOT to get with these girls on their connections! HOW FUN! I got so excited about this LARGE detail. Could you imagine such a sight?!

\\Claps hands and bows with praise//

 It's just... so... beautiful. Once I got past the misty eyes that came with the ceremony photos, my emotional roller coaster charged down the track toward motivation. 

I am truly inspired, and hope to display such extravagant talent throughout my journey as a planner myself. These teams deserve every ounce of recognition they get. 

Learning from you and loving it...

Love & Best Wishes!

-Les 

Rockin' the Registry!

Okay. So...

I have been getting a lot of buzz from my brides (and I've been shooting them reminders) regarding their wedding registry.

There are SO many places to choose from... and what should be a fun ride through giftville can quickly turn into a massive pile of indecisiveness and conflicting needs. 

I decided to whip up a tri-batch of registry richness and feed you some good vibes for your hungry hearts.

KOHL'S

Kohl's is one of my top suggestions during the registry process and here are some reasons why:

1. It's SO versatile. Everything from kitchenware to sports is covered in this magnificent place. It makes it easy for your guests to purchase with confidence.

2. REWARDS, PEOPLE! From the day you register until the day of your wedding, you will earn 10% on each purchase. That means, if Gram and Gramps decide to treat you to that sweet $200.00 cookware set you want, BOOM... you get the gift, PLUS $20.00. $200.00 is the limit, but hey... those are some bodacious bucks, guys!

3. Whatever is left on your registry after your big day is discounted for your purchase! If you didn't get it from them, get it at a steal for yourself!

BLOOMINGDALE'S

"Like no other store in the world." Got some posh taste, my dears? This is your one stop shop... for a few reasons:

1. Vera, Ralph, Kate & Calvin, and 10% completion discount until 6 months post-vows. Enough said.

2. FREE MONOGRAMMING. If you must know, monograms are a coordinator's best bud, and a bride's mark of territory. They just personalize so beautifully.

3. Invites to exclusive events. If you're interested in keeping up with New York's latest styles, or treat your beau to a personal lesson in The Art of Shaving, look no further. Although locations are limited, the savings and seminars are bountiful. If you've got one of these babies in your 'hood, I'd suggest looking into it!

POTTERY BARN
The next step (traditionally) after getting married is working on buying a house and making it a home. These peeps are good to have on your team because:
1. The "whole home" feature in their registry neatly categorizes and allows for you to request specifics for every room in your home.
2. Gift cards have got some extra punch here. It's excepted at Pottery Barn's sister stores, such as Williams-Sonoma, West Elm and Pottery Barn Kids, AND can be applied toward big ticket items!
3. Private appointments with their registry experts available and they're ALWAYS on call!




Of course, the list doesn't end there.
Bed Bath and Beyond is really great about their return policy and allows two years of an active registry POST vows. Crate & Barrel holds wedding party events for the modern brides,  Macy's racks up rewards points, Target is already one of your regular stops, Williams-Sonoma qualifies you for bonus gifts, MyRegistry.com mixes big name and small independents for an online purchasing frenzy, Best Buy (although not a legitimate REGISTRY, but great for requests) rocks the appliances, TravelersJoy.com allows for monetary gifts to cover your honeymoon... and there are many, many more!

Let me give you some advice, ladies & gents:
-THINK about what you'll REALLY USE... luxuries are nice, but necessities are key. Get those covered first, then go for that shiny new chandelier.
-DO IT TOGETHER. Yes, the chicks usually build the beauty of the nest, but the beau bird needs to give his insight as well! These gifts are for the both of you, as a team, a married team after all!
-Do it as SOON as possible. You'd be surprised how many productive Patty's there are on your guest list! Your friends and family members are searching for gifts as soon as he pops the question. BELIEVE IT! Give them something to browse that YOU approve of from the start.
-FULLY understand the return policies. It's inevitable, you'll need to return things.
-Hit ALL of the price points. It's the ultimate considerate thing to do for your guests. The economy may be cyclical, but not everyone has money to blow.
-UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE! If you don't want 30 towels, (and your registry is not one that automatically updates) update your registry as gifts are bought for you. Even if this is taken care of for you by the specialists at your locations, check in with them as often as you can to be sure everything is accounted for, and add to your list if you'd like!

And last but NOT least...
-SAY THANK YOU. I can't stress this enough. I have heard from and seen some serious disgruntled or worried guests who feel as if their gift was undesired, lost, stolen, or given without recognition. As SOON as your guests gift arrives, or you get the chance to open it, let them know. Promptly. Thank you notes should be sent within two weeks of the arrival. Be sure to mention by name, and be gracious. They were there to celebrate your love, celebrate the gift of theirs!

Love and Best Wishes!
-Les.

Lisette & David Andrews' St. Augustine 'Nuptials

I first met Lisette when I was at the fresh age of 13. Her daughter Hannah was a lil bit I used to baby sit. Many, many years later, I was given the honorable opportunity to plan Lisette's big day. I finally had the chance to meet and greet her with the heart and mind of a woman, as opposed to the simple admiration of a young girl. As it goes with a lot of beautiful souls I've known and loved... she hadn't changed a bit. She still wore a beautiful smile and giggled that contagious laugh. Hannah had grown into a stunning teenager with the same wit and heart of her mother... and was now playing the role of "big sis" to David and Lisette's sweet little girl Isabelle. I had missed so much, yet felt so comfortable and at home. I just knew from the start David was going to be a wonderful man. Lisette was so happy and so in love, and it glowed all over her face. As my instincts had hinted, David WAS and IS an incredible man. So passionate about his lady and unbelievably kind. He even checked in on me periodically throughout the whole process to be sure I was doing okay. It's always so wonderful to have such an involved groom! I was truly fortunate to have fast forwarded into such a beautiful family.


Throughout a mere 3 months, faced with many challenges and changes, Lisette and David were able to execute extreme courage and resourcefulness in order to play out their dream day on November 10th, 2012. They chose the Pena Peck House (Women's Exchange) in St. Augustine, FL as their venue. Attending classes at Flagler College, I was able to scoot over often and work out the details with our WONDERFUL vendors. A budget conscious bride in her TRUE form, Lisette, her family and I worked our fingers to the bone putting together a lot of the handmade details displayed at the wedding. From the candied apples to the sign in sheet, each piece of their puzzle was beautifully illustrated and made with the deepest of love.

Venue: Pena Peck House-Women's Exchange, Saint Augustine, FL

Catering: Anthony's Gourmet Catering

Cake: Sugar Rush Confections

Lighting: Jim Duggard

Photography: MJV Photography
Coordination: Worth Wiles Events

Pena Peck is a beautiful, but smaller property, so we split the garden coquina stone deck with tables and chairs to separate the ceremony and reception spaces.

The wine was homemade by Lisette's brother Joey, and it was DELISH!

The centerpieces were gifted by mother nature. Pine cones, moss, vine and wild flowers.

The programs were DIY (by yours truly) and turned out so adorable!

"Here's to sharing the beginning of our life as husband and wife with you-our friends and family. Having you here with us today has made our wedding truly wonderful, understanding that life holds so many momentous commitments, we thank you for sharing in one of our happiest."

Each guest was given a bottle of wine, a candied apple and puzzle piece to fill out with best wishes and advice. They were given to Lisette and David to piece together their night later on!

The kids table was embellished by straw mustaches, mason jars full of crayons, coloring books, stickers and play dough! Needless to say, they were occupied most of the night... 'til it was time to BOOGIE down on the dance floor! They were my dancing partners all night and I couldn't have chosen a better group to get down with!

She was so beautiful... and SO excited!!

An intimate crowd that displayed the love and excitement of thousands!

Exchanging their vows...

His shoes were labeled "She's Mine," and hers "I do."

First Dance

They were so gentle with each other!

Spirit fingers to send them off! 

What a momentous night, Mr. & Mrs. Andrews! I am so honored to have been a part of it all!

Love & best wishes,

Les.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something YOU.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something YOU.

Some of my proudest moments in my career have been a lot of the most recent. Although I've been planning and executing events for years, both on my own and along side with Florida's Wedding and Event Specialists and magazines, I have just recently launched myself into building a serious foundation for this company. 

With that being said, I would like to begin here, and now. Starting with my most recent wedding, to ensure all of you are able to go along this journey with me. As I begin to bloom and grow not only as a planner, but as a companion and professional entity, I want to display myself with all of the browned leaves trimmed, fresh soil, and the TLC of each and every client that is to make Worth Wiles the beautiful, well rounded and desirable company I envision it to be. 

Welcome.