Congratulations on your engagement! The first few steps in getting prepared for your big day is determining what your overall theme, look and feel is going to be. One of the best things about the start of a new year is the introduction of new and exciting wedding trends. 2011 was a year for innovation in the wedding industry and we will continue to see an expansion of that in 2012. Get creative take a look at some of our favorite things for 2012!

INTERACTIVE
There is an increase of wedding vendors that are taking old-fashion services and turning them into an interactive and engaging activity for you and your guests. For example:

1) Bike Caffe: www.bikecaffe.com: Make dessert interesting by offering your guests the chance to order from a coffee bar. These bike cafe's can be decorated and designed to match your color palette and theme! Denver brides – contact Brandon or Jay at 303.875.1508 for information on how to book this totally unique vendor!

2) Red Door Photo Booth: www.reddoorphotobooth.com: Your guests will have a chance to let loose and take a little something home with them as a keepsake of your big day. With a photo booth you can email pictures to yourself and post them to your personal Facebook page right there from the booth! Complete with fun props and various backgrounds, this is truly one of our favorite ideas. Contact Kassi Hovey for more information at kassi@reddoorphotobooth.com.

PERSONALIZED
Ok we admit - this is nothing new to the wedding industry... BUT here is an up and coming vendor that is taking personalization to a new level....and we love it!

1) Bridal Shoes: www.thepaintedshoe.com: We can't tell you how many brides come to us venting about how they cannot find the perfect shoe for their gown. Look no further! Jessica & Jennifer Myler can personalize any shoe to match your bridal gown. Check out their amazing gallery and contact them at thepaintedshoe@gmail.com for more information.


Remember, as you embark on the beginning stages of planning your big day...JUST HAVE FUN!


Happy planning,
Benjamin

The vows have been exchanged. The rings have been placed on your fingers. The stressful part is over, right? Well, maybe. Did you forget about that short amount of time between the ceremony and the actual start of your reception? It's alright – this is the time I call “cocktail hour”, and it is surprisingly left off of the agenda more often than not. What to do about it? Here's the answer:

Create a playlist that you can start after the ceremony is over. My favorite genre for cocktail hour is Jazz. The style of jazz music provides melodies that are up-beat and slow, PLUS you can mix it up with instrumental songs too.

Some cool facts about designing your jazz playlist:
- Save money by putting these songs on your ipod
- Music makes it feel like time is moving quickly
- Find Jazz CD's at places like Target and Best Buy



But before you go out and venture upon the world of music, take a look at my playlist below. These are my top 20 favorite cocktail hour jazz songs. You wont be disappointed. And the best part – these 20 songs equal 1.5 hours of music...just enough to cover your cocktail hour and then some!

1. Sophie Milman – “I Can't Give You Anything But Love”
2. Rick Braun - “Sao Paulo”
3. Renee Olstead - “A Love That Will Last”
4. Oscar Peterson - “Easy Does It”
5. Norah Jones - “I've Got to See You Again”
6. Michael Buble - “The Way You Look Tonight”
7. Juan Carlos Quintero - “Alma Libre”
8. John Stevens - “I Only Have Eyes For You”
9. Frank Sinatra - “In The Still of the Night”
10. Erin Boheme – “What Love Is”
11. Diana Krall - “The Look of Love”
12. Deborah Cox - “What a Difference a Day Made”
13. Dean Martin - “Just In Time”
14. The Chris Sidwell Quartet - “Satin Doll”
15. Chris Botti – “La Belle Dame Sans Regrets”
16. Billie Holiday - “More Than You Know”
17. Taylor Eigsti - “Love For Sale”
18. Caro Emerald - “A Night Like This”
19. Etta James - “Sunday Kind of Love”
20. Corinne Bailey Rae - “Breathless”


Cheers,
Benjamin

The holiday's are in full swing and as a wedding planner that means newly engaged couples are popping up by the day!! And the first thought that goes through their minds is usually “what do we do now?” My response: talk to a wedding planner and go to a bridal show as soon as possible!!

There are several reasons for this. The most important reason is that you will be inspired on determining ideas that relate to your theme, colors, menu styles and so much more! The other great thing is that you can meet and talk with so many vendors that can help answer any questions you have about what to do or how to get started. Additionally – those vendors usually have some great discounts and offers to hand out.

Warning: these shows can be intense and sometimes too much to handle, but remember why you're there (to gather ideas and just ask questions). No decisions have to be made while you're there. In fact – I would not recommend making any hard fast decisions. Why? The world of weddings is grand and there are so many websites and companies to choose from. Take your time and make sure you are truly happy with what you sign up for.

Here is a listing of the upcoming bridal shows in the Denver area according to the Perfect Wedding Guide. Good luck with the initial steps of the planning process! I look forward to meeting with you and your loved one soon.

1) January 8, 2012: Rocky Mountain Bridal Show: Denver, CO

2) January 8, 2012: Bridal Festivals: Loveland, CO

3) January 15, 2012: Colorado Bridal Show: Denver, CO

4) January 22, 2012: Bridal Festivals: Colorado Springs, CO

5) January 28, 2012: Crystal Rose Bridal Show: Colorado Springs, CO

6) January 28, 2012: Crystal Rose Bridal Show: Littleton, CO

7) January 29, 2012: Quality Hill Bridal Show: Denver, CO

8) January 29, 2012: Starry Nights and Twinkle Lights Bridal Show: LaPorte, CO

9) January 29, 2012: Bridal Festivals: Denver, CO


Yours in planning,
Benjamin

For most wedding planners the winter season is a time to slow down and revamp for the upcoming season. However – as a professional in Colorado the winter season is one of my favorite times to do weddings. Why? The scenery. Snow capped mountains and white-dusted evergreens can be the perfect backdrop for your big day.

One of my favorite wedding spots in Colorado is The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek. I recently had the opportunity to witness all of the great things going on there and was not only impressed – I was sold. Ok brides...listen up because if a winter setting is what you're looking for then there's no need to look any further.

The Westin Riverfront is located in Avon just at the base of Beaver Creek. The resort offers stunning views of the mountains and streaming rivers from virtually everywhere. Upon arrival you and your guests will instantly be transformed into an atmosphere full of warmth, relaxation and excitement.

The event spaces in this resort are nothing less than ideal for your wedding. The main ballroom features high ceilings and spectacular views and is easily accessible from all of the verandas and patio areas. Its flexible layout can accommodate intimate or large wedding and can be decorated or setup any way that you want it. You can also choose to host your ceremony on the lawn or one of the many patios that each provide mountainous views. A cocktail reception is always fun for your guests and The Westin Riverfront offers the perfect space for it. Located just outside of the main ballroom you will find a built-in bar with plenty of space to setup tables and food. If you are like most of my brides then you are probably looking for unique and creative ideas to bring your wedding day to life. Luckily the resort works with many local vendors, including wedding planners like myself, to help you design and execute those ideas.

My favorite things about The Westin Riverfront are its style and color palette. Whether you're lounging by the fire, dining in the restaurant, indulging in a massage or working out in the fitness center you will feel completely at home. Additionally, the guestrooms feature all of the Heavenly bed + bath products that your guests will love.

Some other great things that are coming soon are an expansion of the fitness club to include hot yoga classes and other activities. The Westin Riverfront is also in the process of expanding their event spaces. A new state-of-the art ballroom will feature glass walls and a kitchen making it perfect for your event. Also coming soon is a new private dining room fit for your rehearsal dinner and other intimate gatherings you may have planned.

The sales and catering staff at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa are not only knowledgeable about weddings and events, but are also enjoyable to work with. For more information contact Meredith Brewer at Mbrewer@westinriverfrontbeavercreek.com or at 970.790.2004. Tell her Benjamin sent you!


Here's to a perfect winter wedding,
-Benjamin

I've had the privilege of working with brides and grooms who have every detail figured out. The cake is ordered, the flowers are fresh, and the menu is perfect. Her gown fits just right and the vows are written in stone. And just when they think it's time to relax, I ask the million dollar question, “What are your favors going to be?” The reactions to this question never cease to entertain me, because most couples struggle with what to do in this department. On one hand you want the favors to have an impact, but on the other hand, you don't want to spend a whole lot of money on them, right?


Here's what I say: Go Edible, Go Personal! Favors are just a simple way to say “thank you for coming”. And, in my experiences guests love taking something home that they can eat later.


Here are a few of my favorite edible favors that also add personalization:

Candy + Chocolate
Websites like www.beau-coup.com offer a variety of favor boxes that you can fill with these sweet endings. Choose a local bakery that is known for a special dish, or have them create one just for your big day! To make it even more personal – try adding personalized ribbon to seal them. Choose from different styles and colors at www.namemaker.com to make the perfect personalized ribbon.

Beverages
There are several companies that offer you the chance add personalized labels to their product. Here are couple that are fun: www.myjones.com , www.weddingwinefavors.com

Recipes
Give each guest a fun cookie cutter with your favorite cookie recipe attached to it. Print it on nice card stock to match your color scheme. Add some ribbon or other accents and you have an attractive piece to add to your place settings. Try www.coppergifts.com for some fun wedding-style cookie cutters.