Vendor Spotlight: Kristine Galli of In Love, Engaged
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
The fabulous Kristine Galli of In Love, Engaged Wedding Planning & Marriage Preparation
As a business owner, it is so important to attend conferences and seminars to learn from other experts in the wedding industry. And so many times when we attend these conferences you end up meeting so many amazing people that you just want to share their business with everyone. This was definitely the case when Jay & I attended the ISS (Inspire Smart Success) Conference in Chicago last month. During lunch I sat next to Kristine Galli, owner of In Love Engaged Wedding Planning & Marriage Preparation, and I wanted to share her unique business with all of my soon to be brides.
Tell me about yourself and your business. The short of it is that I run a wedding planning and marriage preparation business. The wedding planning piece is pretty straight forward—I help brides and grooms-to-be plan their weddings. But I also believe that a couple should use their engagement to prepare for marriage and their long life together. So I offer marriage preparation as well—I have a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and I am certified in Prepare Enrich, an assessment and counseling tool for engaged couples. Education is key—learning about yourself and your partner and how the two of you relate to one another—as is communicating about topics that may cause conflict later on. In addition to the planning and preparation business, I also write a wedding blog providing inspiration, planning tips, and relationship advice. In a way I play three roles—planner, counselor, and writer. Those three words describe my personality very well!
How did you get started in the Wedding industry? Like so many planners and bloggers, I got started in the industry after my own wedding. But for me it was more than just enjoying the planning aspect {which I definitely did!}. I was working as a therapist for a group practice at the time and feeling like I wanted to do something different. While I was planning my wedding, I realized that I could combine my talents—my organized, detail-oriented, Type A side with my counseling, love for people and relationships side—by starting my own wedding planning and marriage preparation business.
Where is your business located? I am located in Chicago but I work with couples all over the Chicagoland area as well as Northern Indiana and Western Michigan.
What type of event makes up the majority of your business? Weddings! I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What sets your company apart from other wedding planners? I believe I offer something unique to couples planning a wedding. For couples who choose to use my planning services, I attempt to keep the wedding day in perspective for them and encourage them to enjoy their engagement and focus more on their relationship instead of the details of the wedding {since that’s why they hired me!}. For couples who choose to use my marriage preparation services, I walk them through the Prepare Enrich assessment and help them learn about one another and communicate with each other about important past, present, and future topics in their relationship.
What are some 2012 Wedding Trends? Oh gosh, there are so many trends out there at any given moment. I actually think there’s going to be an increase, or comeback if you will, of classic, elegant weddings. And I really loved all the dresses that were revealed at this year’s Bridal Market—especially the lace sleeves (modeled after Catherine of course!), colors (blush pink!), and beautiful details like layered tulle. But I think the real trend is doing whatever you want with your wedding! Your wedding is a celebration of your marriage and should be all about you and your to-be spouse.
What are some of your favorite menu items for wedding receptions? It’s funny, I love going to weddings with a traditional meal like salmon, green beans, and mashed potatoes (because that may just be my most favorite meal to eat!) but I also love when brides and grooms do something different—BBQ or family-style or even brunch. I think it’s great when couples get creative. I always love seeing those s’mores bars and milk and cookie shooters. And it’s great when the season is incorporated—like pumpkin pie for a Fall wedding or hot chocolate and donuts for a winter wedding. There are just so many options out there!
Do you have a favorite color palette? I think I have to say no to this one. There’s no way I could choose a favorite. I go back and forth every day, with every new wedding I see! I love colorful weddings or weddings with a color that really pops like orange. But I also love, love, love muted palettes and all-white weddings. There’s something so romantic about blush pink, light blue, and soft gray. In fact, those were my wedding colors! So maybe I do have a favorite?
If you could only have one song on your I-pod, which song would it be? My favorite song to dance to is I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston. There’s no other song that gets me the dance floor faster. My husband requests it whenever we attend an event with dancing—he knows I can’t resist it!
To learn more about Kristine & In Love, Engaged please visit her at: www.inloveengaged.com
Kristine transformed a historic barn for her very own wedding reception!
Kristine's travel themed wedding complete with a Map Seating Chart for the guests.
Who wouldn't love a homemade Pie Dessert Station...yummy!
Kristine's travel themed Gift Table complete with a suitcase for her wedding cards.
Tags: ISSE, Kristine Galli
11-11-11: The Perfect Wedding Date!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
TIffany & Drew Say "I Do" on 11-11-11!
11-11-11 has finally arrived in much anticipation for so many of us in the wedding industry! The perfect date for so many Brides & Grooms around the country. But for Jay’s bride & groom Tiffany & Drew the number “11″ has a much deeper meaning in their journey together.
Tiffany and her best friend from college had started a fun game where they would text one another at 11:11 am or 11:11 pm and they would each make a secret wish. Tiffany’s wish was simple…she always wished that things in her life would work out the way they were supposed to. On October 11, 2009, Tiffany caught the bouquet at a friend’s wedding, and at the time she never really thought much about it, as she wasn’t dating anyone. Fast forward a few months later when Tiffany and Drew’s high school friends helped connect them on Facebook. Tiffany was living in Nashville and Drew was living in Naples, Florida, and when I asked about their first date, Tiffany said she flew out to visit Drew in February. At that moment, a light went off in Drew’s head and he went to his phone to look up the date of the visit…sure enough it was on February 11! Neither of them had realized that there was yet another connection to the number 11 until now! They fell head over heels in love and Drew proposed on September 11, 2010, exactly 11 months to the day that Tiffany caught that bouquet. And as no surprise they selected 11-11-11 as the perfect date to say “I Do.” I think we can all agree that 11 is a beautiful and magical number for this couple!
And another added bonus on this date as Tiffany reminded Drew, “No excuses for forgetting our anniversary!” Congratulations to all of you who are saying “I Do” today!
Tags: Jay Sims
Tarragon Catering creates magic for your Wedding!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Seasonal Fall Salad from Tarragon Catering
So many of our Brides today are planning non-traditional weddings either outdoors or in a unique space where hiring a caterer is needed. It can be difficult finding a Chef who will work with you to bring your culinary vision to life. I recently had the pleasure of planning my own event with Executive Chef Douglas Yeomans, owner of Tarragon Catering in the Fox Valley, and all I can say about his food is WOW! Our event had a New York City theme and Chef Doug worked with us to create an upscale, yet delicious riff on New York street food. His Unique twist on pizza and brisket had our guests coming back for more. He even made homemade pizza dough that was absolutely delicious. Every ingredient used was either locally sourced or came out of his own garden! I had the opportunity to ask Chef Doug some questions about his business and love for cooking.
Tell me about yourself & your business: I have been a professional chef for over 20 yrs. I am a St. Charles native who has travelled the country and worked in multiple kitchens throughout the West Coast. I bring that regional diversity back with me making me widely versed in a wide variety of cuisines, cultures and techniques. I am probably the most passionate chef you will ever meet, I do what I do because I love it. I eat, sleep and breath food!! I am the epitome of the guy who gets paid to do what he loves and my customers taste my passion for cooking in everything I serve.
How did your culinary career begin? I am a culinary school graduate who graduated at the top of his class with both culinary and pastry degrees, which adds a diversity to my menus that most chefs don’t bring to the table. I have had the opportunity to work with multiple celebrity chefs doing high profile menu design projects as well as preparing food for multiple high profile celebrities including President Obama. I was selected to the US Austrian Culinary Competition team and I am also certified in HACCP and sanitation. Tarragon Catering is the only Catering business in the Fox Valley who is an upstanding member of the BBB and I was also a recent recipient of the Talk of the Town Award.
What sets Tarragon Catering apart from other companies? Tarragon Catering is the personification of my passion for food and customer service. I started Tarragon 5 years ago while I was working as a corporate Executive Chef for American Airlines. I wanted my own food service business where I could focus primarily on food quality with constantly evolving menus, pulling on seasonal and local product as much as possible while staying on the cutting edge of culinary trends.
How would you describe your catering style? I would describe Tarragon’s catering style as healthy fresh menus thats are constantly evolving and focus on showcasing the flavors of the highest quality ingredients through exacting preparation and our extensive culinary experience. We prepare everything from scratch to ensure every menu item is amazing and every event is unforgettable.
How would you approach working with a Bride for her Wedding? Tarragon Catering creates amazing seasonal menus that are custom tailored for each and every event. From a bride who wants a Pig Roast for her casual backyard reception to an upscale plated dinner of filet and shrimp, I will create the menu in your vision. I truly provide a personal touch for every Bride & Groom. When you care about your wedding and what you serve your guests you will call Tarragon Catering.
If you had to choose your last meal, what would it be? My last meal would have to be a huge 20 oz slice of prime rib with a chili relleno on the side…don’t ask questions…LOL Its my last meal!!!
I would not laugh at all as my last meal would include banana pudding, ice cream, and probably a black & white cookie from NYC!
If you would like to learn more about Chef Doug and his amazing culinary delights, please visit www.tarragoncatering.vpweb.com
Beautiful presentation from our New York themed event by Tarragon Catering.
