Wednesday, April 30, 2008

New weddings!

I am so excited to announce a couple of new clients! On June 28th, I will be directing Staci & Zach's wedding in Fort Smith. The plans sound amazing! Staci, Zach, and I all grew up in Fort Smith together, and now they are practically neighbors. It is going to be a lot of fun helping friends enjoy their wedding day!

Also, Kylie & Brett are another fun couple joining the J.Bailey family. We are currently in a new stage of planning, since the couple has decided they may want to travel to Italy for their ceremony. Don't worry--we will still be celebrating back here in Arkansas. Their wedding will be sometime in the Fall!

For those of you considering a destination wedding outside of the US, be sure to check all of the requirements first. For instance, did you know that France has a residency requirement before you can get hitched?

Be on the lookout for more great pics coming next week. Lauren & Dusty's wedding is this weekend, and it is going to be one for the books! And, I have a new love in my life...a new fabulous light fixture in my office. I'll post her picture soon, too! :)

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

{New Policy}

Hello brides-to-be!

I just wanted to let everyone know of our new 12 month policy we are beginning to use. We are happy to discuss working with you on your wedding at any time, but from here on out we will no longer be signing contracts for weddings over 12 months away. This allows us to better serve our clients, to assess our calendar, and to give you a more accurate estimate of your investment in this service. It truly is all for YOUR benefit! We will gladly pencil your date into our calendar and will follow up with you when your 1 year mark arrives. Our number one priority is your experience, and we know without a shadow of a doubt that this policy will enhance your time with us and provide the best value for you.

Happy planning!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Meet the Team!

I am so excited to introduce my assistants for the 2008 year! After their interviews and finishing up their event coordinating courses, these girls are ready to work. Each brings an individual style and spirit to the team and I couldn't be prouder to have them on board. Together, we achieve great events and provide you with exceptional service every time! Special thanks to Dale Benfield for the great photos!

Meet the girls...

Ki Matlock


Kristen Dugan


Haleigh Millwee

On your mark...get set...Race for the Cure!

We had such a fantastic time at Race for the Cure this weekend! We couldn't have asked for better weather, and our team had a lot of fun! Read on for the winners...

After our gorgeous morning at the Race we were excited to announce the winners of our fabulous prizes! And they are...
"Wedded Bliss" for the Bride with the Largest Race Wedding Party
JESSICA HASTINGS

For the close race in wedding parties, (only 1 less person!) we awarded STACI STEC with a second place prize!

"Blingin' Bride" for the Highest Fundraising Bride
SUZANNE WORSHAM

"Aisle Runner" for the Bride or Groom with the Fastest Race Time
BROOKE HIGGS

Mother of the Bride
REBECCA SMITH, Mother of Jessica Hastings

Drawings for Everyone
Preston Bailey Autographed Book Set, KERRY MITCHELL
Preston Bailey Couture Vase, SAMANTHA GAY
Hudson Photography Bridal Portrait Sessions
LINDSAY JOYCE
SUZANNE WORSHAM
LINDY MCCORMACK
BROOKE HIGGS
CHELSEA MYERS

We would like to thank all of our brides, grooms, moms & dads, and friends for taking part in our Race for the Cure team! Together we raised $2510 and counting for breast cancer reasearch! We finished in the TOP 10 TEAMS out of over 200 in the Race, and couldn't be prouder!

Check out Dale's Blog for lots of great photos from the weekend! (And a slideshow!)

Congratulations on a job well done!

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!
Sincerely Yours | Benfield Photography | J.Bailey Occasions
Eventures Party Rentals | Harps Bakery
GLO Limited | Mr. Tux | Hudson Photography | East Meets West Spa
Rose of Sharon Event Florist | Elayne's Art of Social Dance | The Event Group
Focused Exposure Photography | bridalpartytees.com | NWA Wedding Ideas | Preston Bailey

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Brides for the Cure has Arrived!

That's right, the Race is THIS WEEKEND!

Join our team Friday night for a Party in the Park for healthy smoothies and yummy snacks before the race. All team members will be able to pick up their t-shirts and goody bags at this time. Party in the Park will be Friday, April 18th from 6:30-7:30PM. We will be at the Pavilion at the Randal Tyson Recreational Complex in Springdale. The address is 4303 Watkins Street.

DIRECTIONS:
Take the Highway 412 Exit in Springdale and turn East, traveling toward Springdale (away from Tontitown). At the 48th Street stoplight, turn right (south). Continue past Marketplace Grill. At the next stoplight, you will see Tyson Park located on the left; continue on 48th past the park, and turn into Rotary Park on the left which will take you to the back side of the Tyson Park. You may either park in the Rotary Park lot OR you may park at either of the church parking lots located on the right (west) side of 48th street. The Brides for the Cure tent will be set up in Rotary Park!

Saturday is Race Day! Wear your Brides for the Cure Team T-Shirt!

Harp's Bakery will be providing our team with a complimentary breakfast at 7:15 AM. This will be located at our team tent, in the same area as our Party in the Park. You can check out parking locations at race.komenozark.org. Our tent is centrally located between Tyson Middle School, Randal Tyson Recreational Complex parking, St.Thomas Episcopal Church, and Victory Family Worship Center.

Next, it is off to the Race! The Race for the Cure begins at 8:00 AM. Shuttles will be available to catch a ride to the starting line.

Finally, at 10:30 AM all of our prizes will be awarded at our team tent. Please join back up at the tent for the exciting results!

Don't forget that you can continue to fundraise up until the Race Day!

If you have any questions, please contact Jenessa at 479.883.9073 or via email at jenessa@jbaileyoccasions.com.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

A fabulous night! Introducing...Stuart & Lauren Baber

You may have noticed that I haven't been blogging this past week--I have been out of the office, preparing for Lauren & Stuart's wedding! The wedding was held last night at The Inn at Carnall Hall. We had the blessing of the perfect spring day, with the sun shining down on us. Festivities provided the tent, linens, lighting, and decor. Shirley's Flowers provided the gorgeous arrangements. Molten Lava had the crowd dancing all night long, and Mario, our cigar roller, was a hit with all of the guests! Jason Hudson was the photographer, and Simple Pleasures provided the oh so cool get-away car.

Some favorite moments of the day:
1. Stuart & Lauren seeing each other for the first time and Stuart saying "hey baby!"
2. The father & daughter dance turned into the family dance, with both sets of parents and the couple all dancing together.
3. Of course, the Pi Phi Ring Ching!
4. Seeing "The Babers" drive away smooching & waving!

Here are some photos that I snapped throughout the weekend:

Our clearspan tent...


Getting ready to hang over 70 lanterns...


The lanterns are hung and the chairs are set...


One of the centerpieces for the dining rooms inside of The Inn...


The larger centerpieces, used both inside and outside...


Inside dining...


The ceremony aisle...


The guest book, program, and favor table...Notice the pictures! Lauren wore her mom's wedding dress, but modified especially for her!


Molten Lava takes the stage...


Their favors, packets of Texas Bluebonnet seeds, designed together with Amy Hannon of Sincerely Yours...


A few more fun shots from the night...
Grandma & Grandpa


Lauren's House Party


Stuart's mother, Janie, and Lauren's mother, Susan, looking stunning! The cakes were made by Stuart's cousin, Sidney, and they were wonderful!


A few of the bridesmaids under the arch for the ceremony...


I would like to say many thanks to Lauren & Stuart, and their parents, Barry & Susan and Mark & Janie, for allowing me to be a part of this special occasion in all of their lives. Every day we worked together was so much fun! You challenged me to do and be my best, and I received a great experience in return. The wedding was wonderful, gorgeous, and everyone had a great time. Thank you for giving your children, friends, and family such an amazing day!