I’ll be totally honest–Andrea wasn’t 100% sure she needed to hire wedding planner. She’s a type A personality, good at planning, takes care of details, organized and has great style. She could handle planning quite a bit of this Mandarin Oriental wedding on her own. SPOILER ALERT: she hired a planner. It took a few email conversations, a Skype session and a long chat with a bridesmaid to weigh pros and cons before it was official, but it happened! I’m not sure if it was our shared Canadian citizenship, our bonding over new home decor (house remodel for me, building a house for her) or just the stars smiling down on me, but I am forever grateful to whatever it was that made her decide to bring Scheme on board for her wedding. Andrea had an idea of what she wanted for the wedding: winter inspired colors in light blues and neutrals, branches in the decor and romance and glitz and glam and a fun time for friends and family. We used her inspiration to create a winter wedding with velvet touches in greys and blues and lots of sparkle in rose golds and mixed metals. We have J. Anne Photography to thank, not only for the gawg-eous photos, but for referring Andrea to us in the first place. Working together was a match made in wedding heaven!
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Getting to know Andrea was easy-breasy. She’s a girl’s girl and knows how to get things done. Every email, phone call and text was friendly, kind and quick answers or decisions. No drama, no trauma, no anxiety (at least that she let on about!). Getting to know Brian took a bit longer. We only met a few times before the wedding, but Brian was not one for excessive chatter; he was reserved and quiet. Each time they left town I would tell the girls, “Andrea is such a doll. I love working with her! And I just can’t figure out Brian. I have no idea what’s going through his head at anytime.” That’s my super over-analytical brain going in turbo speed trying to crack this nut! I was unsuccessful.
During the tasting at Mandarin Oriental, Brian was more talkative and chatted about the food (he and Andrea travel the world eating at amazing restaurants), and we could tell his interest was piqued when a bachelor party consisting of racing Lamborghini’s was discussed. A few times during the tasting, Brian would make a funny quip, teasing joke or sarcastic comment…but he always seemed in on a joke with himself and the rest of us weren’t quiiiiite sure what he was thinking. Fast forward to the night of the wedding and by the time Andrea & Brian left the party I had an entirely different view of the groom! He’s caring and loyal and hilarious. And any groom that picks up his bride for their first kiss as husband and wife is anything but reserved! It’s takes a minute to get to know Brian, but when he’s surrounded by his closest friends and family he clearly emerges as the leader of the pack!
I’m eternally appreciative to Andrea for the trust she put in her team of vendors. She gave us a vision and then let us run wild with it. Winter velvet details were incorporated in the specialty linens, ceremony aisle decor, invitations, table numbers and bouquets. Touches of glamour and sparkle were used in hanging mercury votives, glass charger plates, sequin linens and pin-spot lighting on every table. Not to mention, the Las Vegas Strip as a backdrop! Andrea & Brian are big into golfing. And that’s putting it gently. I wanted to include a touch of their golfing hobby without being goofy. We worked with She Paperie to create personalized golf pencils on wedding ceremony programs for guests to do a quick word search while waiting for the ceremony. Brian’s request for the wedding was for everyone to do a shot of alcohol during the ceremony. Angie Kelly of Peachy Keen Unions evolved the idea to champagne toast joined by all the guests. As guests walked into the ceremony ballroom they picked up a champagne flute from a vintage bar cart and yelled, “Cheers” as the bride and groom were announced as husband and wife! Always remember, “Ain’t no party like a champagne party!”
To Andrea & Brian, I can’t thank you enough for your kindness, friendship and generosity. I expect to hear all about your new home, new travels and your future together. I know you’ll be back in Vegas at some point and I can’t wait to reunite. Cheers to more parties, more celebrations and more champagne! xoxo
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Las Vegas wedding planner: Scheme Events | Venue: Mandarin Oriental | Photographer: J. Anne Photography | Videography: Caterpillar Weddings | Floral: Layers of Lovely | Stationery: She Paperie | Linens: La Tavola | Chargers: BBJ Linen | Lighting: LED Unplugged | Cake: Peridot Sweets | Entertainment: Mike Fox & Co | Officiant: Peachy Keen Unions | Hair and Makeup: Your Beauty Call | Chairs: Classic Party Rentals | Dance floor & ceremony stage cover: Sit on This | Transportation: AWG