The Sky is Purple

I was perusing Pinterest this evening and I realized how different all of us are. Yes, I know we are all different, but I think we tend to live in our bubbles and forget that each person has a different flavor about themselves. Our tastes, our perspectives, our likes/dislikes, how we perceive beauty and color – this is what makes us, well, us. For me, I like to think the color of the sky has various shades of blue but the next person may think something completely different.

And you know what? That is okay. That’s why I love people!

So why are engaged couples trying to emulate the weddings they see on TV or in a magazine?

I get it, without these publications, there wouldn’t be much of an industry to “hype” up. They show us what is possible with an unlimited budget and a dream team of wedding professionals. But how many engaged couples do you know that have a high or even unlimited budget?

Weddings are beautiful, fun to plan yet I see so many couples stressed out over the planning process, enough to just elope to a remote island where they can’t be found.

And this is fun, why?

Here’s what I propose –

Figure out why you’re getting married, why you want to spend a butt-load of money, and why you want to invite everybody that has ever crossed your path.

Then, hire professionals to help you plan your wedding event. Even if you have an informal backyard wedding, I recommend that you hire a professionals. Decide on your top three priorities for your wedding and budget accordingly.

Finally, remember the reason why you’re getting married in the first place.

(A Fine Photographer)

The Art of a Simple Thank You

Tags

colorado wedding planner, denver wedding planner, thank you notes, wedding thank you, Wedding thank you notes

(My grandparents in the early 50’s)

I watched my grandmother work over a hot stove as she feverishly worked to cook her family a wonderful holiday meal. Every holiday, we gather at my grandparent’s house and every time, my grandmother is in the kitchen 80% of the time, cooking and working so hard. Regardless of how many times the family attempted to step in and help, she would shoo us out of the kitchen by whipping her dish towel at us.

Audrae has done this for 30+ years and continues to do it to this day. She doesn’t take praise very well and always refuses credit for the beautiful meals she magically creates.

I decided that the only way I could tell her how much she means to me and the family (and to get her to listen!) was to write a heartfelt thank you note. In the letter, I told her that I loved her and have always appreciated her abilities to create harmony out of chaos and all with a smile on her face. A week later, I received a very loving letter from her expressing her appreciation and love for me. It instantly melted my heart.

Why is it that the simply art of a thank you has seem to go lost amongst today’s generations? I remember being taught from a very early age that when somebody goes out of their way to do something nice for you, you say thank you.

When a nice gesture is exchanged between you and another person, you say thank you.

When somebody opens the door for you, you say thank you.

When you receive a gift from somebody, you say thank you.

I’ve been debating on whether I should write this post because to me, this seems like common sense and didn’t feel the need to *announce* this to the world. Quite frankly, I am surprised with the inability of some to formulate two simple words :: THANK.YOU.

And that makes me sad.

You never know how a handwritten note, a quick text or simple email of thanks will be met by the other person. They could be having the crummiest of days and they get your quick note of thanks, and then all of a sudden they have a little spring in their step. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty cool.

So engaged couples, I have a few tips for you to make sure you don’t forget to say thank.you.

1. Tell each other thank you often; if your fiancé folds the towels and puts them away for you, without being asked. Say thank.you.
2. Send a quick note of thanks to your wedding vendors who are helping you throughout the process. We LOVE to hear a simple “thank.you” if we’re doing a great job.
3. Let your family know how much they mean to you during your wedding planning process. Make it heartfelt and personal. Even though you think you’re the only one going through the process of getting married, sorry friends, this isn’t the case. Your entire family is going through this with you and these events are a huge change for them as well. Say thank.you.

If you’re worried about *how* to say thank you in a more formal way, take a peek here.

When in doubt, send it out.

(thedtales.com)

*Heather

Big Cheese, Are You There? April’s Thoughts

I started this “Big Cheese” series with the ambition of closing out each month with a quick blurb about what I thought, things that moved me, or random Heatherism’s

Needless to say, I failed miserable for February & March.

Why?

To be honest, I think I was either blocking out a lot things that were important and I was too scared to post, or frankly, didn’t think you would care to take a few minutes of your day and read it.

The last few months have been about deriving clarity about my business and developing a service that is valued and needed. Often times business owners *think* they know what you want, but in reality, it’s a far reach that we ever see eye to eye. At least that is what I have learned by the couples I have met with. I was not the right fit for them nor were they for me. And that’s okay.

So, La Dolce Vita Weddings will be re-branding and re-organizing our services to provide a better match for what you are asking for. And to align me as a person with the personality of the business.

Shouldn’t you know who you are working with? Shouldn’t you feel a connection and trust that person?

Exactly.

So, things I have learned this month ::

1) I never knew what *love* really felt like until I had to say goodbye to Shelby on 4/14/2011.

• She was born on the 14th,
• She was 14 years old
• Was let go on 4/14, exactly 14 days after she was diagnosed.

I don’t believe in coincidences. Loss is indescribable. Trust in the higher plan for you.

My little Shelby-girl…I love you and miss you every day.

2) Clarity is everything. How can I move forward if I don’t know who I am and where I’ve been? I believe we all struggle with this question but keep at it. The journey never stops.

3) Sometimes you just need to take a break and enjoy life. The last year I have been so busy that I’ve neglected other areas of my personal life. We always strive to find that perfect “work-life” balance but I believe that life is what you make of it.

4) Keenan Cahill is beyond inspirational. He was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease at the age of one called MPS Type 6. He has turned into a internet sensation by lip-synching to popular songs and posting his videos on YouTube. Any time I’m feeling down in the dumps, I take a look at Keenan and put my big-girl shoes on and realize that I’m so very lucky.

Here is his YouTube Channel – check it out.

What keeps you going? Would love to hear from you!

Cheers,
Heather

Face Feeling Like Sandpaper?

I wanted to share with you one of the BEST finds for your skin…

Introducing the Tourmaline Charged Skin Care Line by Aveda.

I have always loved Aveda and their products – organic, they support green practices and support local communities. However, I had hit a plateau with my skin care and felt like it wasn’t doing anything anymore. So, I asked one of my favorite make up artists to clue me into what I could try. It just so happened that she is a Certified Aveda Make Up artist as well.

(Shameless plug for her :: she did my make up in this picture :) )

She suggested I try the Tourmaline Charged line by Aveda. And I have to tell you, this is the BEST product for dry skin and dry climates.

1) You start with the exfoliating cleanser to remove makeup, impurities and even out the skin.
2) Next, you use the radiance fluid serum to coat your face and sooth after exfoliation. {oohh ahhh}
3) Then, you finish with the delicious hydrating creme, which can also double as a make-up primer. I use this system at night when getting ready for bed and I wake up to silky and soft skin.

I see immediate results (within 1-2 days).

What skin care products do you like to use?

A Little Bit O’ Country Ain’t Never Hurt Nobody

This a little bit of homage to my roots…many of you may not know that I’m originally from South Dakota by way of Wyoming by way of Denver. And Jack-a-lopes do NOT exist my friends, sorry to burst your bubble.

As a kid, I never took the time to really understand the history that my grandparents shared, not only individually, but together as a couple. As a little girl, I remember making the two hour trek to my grandparents house in the heartland of South Dakota – Sturgis to be exact.

(at their home….beautiful Black Hills behind them)

My parents would pile my sister and I in their car and head into SD from Wyoming. Trust me – the trek was not worthy of any pictures unless you like that wide-open space, friendly drivers and a lot of antelope. Nothing fancy here. But it was my reality and I miss the simplistic life that area has to offer.

My grandparent’s house has always been Grand Central Station. Everybody knew Red & Andrae’s house was always open – day or night. Friends would pop in, sometimes with liquor in tow and plenty of food to feed a village. And my grandmother, whom I called the original Martha Stewart, would always prepare a full meal and would not let you leave without sending food or goodies with you.

Even if you just wanted to borrow a cup of sugar. You were not leaving without something in your belly or in your hands.

You see, my grandparents supported themselves by playing in a country-western band most of their young adult lives – they would work their “regular” jobs during the day and play at night – until 2:00 AM.

My grandmother played the piano and my grandfather played the guitar. They still play to this day. In fact, my grandfather was playing his guitar recently and trying to hum a tune and my grandmother, who was about 6 feet away from him says “Don, that’s not the right key”. And she used her voice to get him to the right tune. And she went back to what she was doing. Just like that.

I was amazed. After all these years…they still have it.

As I’m getting older (well, I’m not dead yet) I realize how important my family is to me. We always spend New Year’s Eve with them and we make it a point to get to Sturgis as much as possible.

And I treasure every moment with them.

G&G – I love ya…thanks for showing us how it’s done.

Hug your families, appreciate your history, and your future.