A Monday Morning Cup of Joe with Samantha McCulloch from Porridge Papers!

Your name (and title/position): Samantha McCulloch / Manager

Business Name: Porridge Papers, Inc.

Location: 1422 South Street, Lincoln NE 68502

Service or Product Offered: handmade, imported, and specialty papers, as well as custom invitation and letterpress services. Coming soon: DIY classes for letterpress, paper making, and bindery arts.

How long in business: Porridge Papers has been bustin’ out the awesome handmade papers since 1996! 16+ years!

How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding? Since the beginning, we’ve created custom and specialty papers for our clients, not long after, we picked up custom letterpress for printing options. Brides and Designers have actually been drawn to us for the flexibility and one-of-a-kind nature of what we do. The combination of handmade paper an letterpress printing makes for wedding stationery that is lush and tactile, it really can’t be compared to standard invites!

What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? As far as the invitations go, I would say the design process. Since everything we do is custom, our clients provide us with their designs and ideas, and it can be a lengthy process to get everything nailed down just right. Its common for a couple to be working on their design up until the due date, and they don’t realize that the papermaking and printing can take several weeks after the design is final.

What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day? We know our papers and we know our processes well. We work with our clients every step of the way to make sure they get the most impact out of their design and materials. We also have a wealth of past experience of working with well know designers and brides directly which allows us to help them incorporate components important to them while staying within their budget.

Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen? We think it’s important for the groom to be involved in the planning of the wedding, if for no other reason than to just take a bit of pressure off of the bride to get everything together. This makes for a much less stressful wedding planning, and a better celebration in the end.

Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how? Many more couples lately are concerned with being environmentally friendly so they come to us because our papers are 100% recycled. We also feature plantable papers that grow when planted and soy and water based inks for our printing services.

Are there any changes for your business in the near future you would like to share? We’re working on adding more of a selection to our retail area, as well as offering DIY letterpress, papermaking, and paper arts classes and workshops!

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Set a budget, and talk about what your priorities and wants are before you meet with your vendors.

What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? Patience. And time for yourself to take a breather and relax before the big moment!

If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why? We would be the DJ booth and the turntables! Because we rock and know how to make an impression!

What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings? “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin! .. or something by the Cure.

What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus) For us it would be the amount of time and energy that goes into making custom invites. Many of our invitation packages feature paper that is made by hand, and each one is printed one by one – by hand – on a machine that’s over 100 years old. Many people are used to putting in an order and being able to pick it up the next day, with us it’s closer to 4-6 weeks before we’re finished with a package (though we can do it much sooner!)

Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information: We offer custom paper and letterpress printing for invitations and stationery. We’re also a source for great imported and specialty papers including plantable paper. Our website is www.porridgepapers.com or www.plantableseedpaper.com, we can be reached by phone at 402.742.5415, or you can come by our studio at 1422 South Street in Lincoln. Our hours are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.

A Monday Morning Cup of Joe with Lori Miller from Lincoln Tent!

Your name (and title/position): Lori Miller, Advertising and Marketing

Business Name: Lincoln Tent Inc

Location: 3900 Cornhusker Hwy Lincoln NE 68504

Service or Product Offered: Tent rentals

How long in business: I've been here 3 years, the company began in 1971

How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding? We have always done weddings, but in the recent years they have become bigger and more extravgant. I just felt it was neceseary to be more involved in their day and know all the other vendors they're using. That way if I ever need anything I can call upon them!

What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? As they say “location, location, location!” Get your venue booked early. The hot spots, even tents, book up 12 to 18 months out.

What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day? I'm totally a perfectionist, but I also know how to pick my battles. If the tent will look better one way, but the mother is set on it another way, you just have to go with it and know its something that they'll remember was done perfectly.

Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen? Get in the back seat, buckle your seat belt and shut up. Honestly, its safer for you. The bride really does consider it her day, don't ruin that for her. If you do, theres a nasty crash ahead and you're not going to want to be a part of it.

Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how? No, just gotten bigger. With so many options out there to make your wedding “different” they spare no expense at wowing their guests.

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Remember that your planning a marriage too. A life together, not just a wedding.

What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? Bobby pins, tape, safety pins, headache medicine.

If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why? The here comes the bride moment. The tent is really the whoa moment when you walk into a reception and realize this outdoor wedding stuff is amazing and have never seen in more beautiful.

What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings? At Last by Etta James. So timeless.

What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus) Tents, like anything else, aren't cheap. Since we manufacture our own products. We have the vinyl, steel, cost of sewing it together, cost of transporting it, set up, take down and cleaning it in between sets. A tent from start to finish probably takes 5-7 full business days to manufacture, thats a lot of man hours in just making it, let alone setting it.

Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information: We offer tents, tent liners, lighting, dance floor, staging, carpet and décor.

Lori Miller

lmiller@lincolntent.com

www.lincolntent.com

402-580-8562

A Monday Morning Cup of Joe with Sarah Pfeiffer from Sarah Pfeiffer Photography!

Your name (and title/position): Sarah Pfeiffer

Business Name: Sarah Pfeiffer Photography

Location: Lincoln, NE

Service or Product Offered: Wedding and Portrait Photography

How long in business: 5 years

How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding? I photographed my first wedding in rural Iowa, and display their album to this day because I think it’s important to remember where you started and never take it for granted. This wedding was the first of several my first year and I simply fell in love with being able to capture the raw emotion on such an important day.

What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? Never underestimate the power of booking vendors early. The more time you have to get to work with them, the better you will know them and the more excited they will get about your big day too. Choose your top vendor and make sure they have your date available before putting down other deposits. We always hear brides saying they wished they would have booked with us sooner if we’re not available because photography is one of the top three vendors who will make your wedding day extra special!

What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day? As photographers, we understand that the day is about the bride and groom, not about us. We try to stay unobtrusive and photograph the day as it unfolds. At the same time, some couples like more direction. We are more than happy to help keep the day as scheduled so they don’t feel flustered or in a rush. Either way, the images are what you have in the end and we want ours to tell a story.

Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen? Of course! We love working with the guys! If they keep a positive attitude and stay patient during photos, we will all have a blast. If you have ideas for images, tell us! We want you to remember that this day was all about fun!

Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how? I have seen a change in the way couples plan their weddings. The grooms are more involved these days. They want to have more say in the types of images they see in the end. And that’s wonderful! The more involved both parties are, the better the images and the more fun we all have!

Are there any changes for your business in the near future you would like to share? We are upgrading our albums to have more modern and contemporary designs. For example, we have an album today that is 8x20 in size, our “long skinny.” These album choices let the couple choose the album that best fits their personalities and their home décor.

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? As you plan your wedding, remember, this is YOUR day. Don’t plan it for anyone else!

What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? A digital camera of course! It would be so much fun to see the wedding through the brides eyes…because half of what happens on this day you might not remember. The photographer will capture all the important pieces of your day but a quirky smile from a bridesmaid or a picture of a groomsmen’s white socks would have me laughing out loud as I looked back through my images.

If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why? Lip gloss! We want to make you look your absolute best on your wedding day. We make you feel a sexy and confident.

What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings? “Celebration.” It always gets people moving on the dance floor and never gets old!

What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus) The amount of time you will spend with us. We are the vendor you will spend the most time with…before, during, and after your wedding. Make sure you click with your photographer and feel comfortable with them. Take a good look at their albums and make sure the quality is to your standards. This is your new bible. You will have this wedding album to pass on for generations.

Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information:

We photograph pure emotions with real photography.

Sarah Pfeiffer Photography

www.pfeifferphotography.com

402.792.2323

A Monday Morning cup of Joe with Corey Rourke from Corey Rourke Photography!

Your name (and title/position): Corey Rourke Owner

Business Name: Corey Rourke Photography

Location: 5042 Sherwood Dr. Lincoln NE 68504

Service or Product Offered: Wedding Photography

How long in business: 11 years

How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding? My start came while going to photography school. The pressure and attention to detail gave a challenge that I needed in my life. As a wedding photographer it is my job to capture emotion and document life. Besides a video, my photography is a concrete example that a couple had a dream wedding.

What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? Communication is key, with a photographer. At our studio we listen, ask questions and give ideas. Before the wedding day I strive to know what style of images a couple wants.

What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day? A couple years ago I had a wedding couple tell me about my personality. “ Corey your laid back put professional” I ask them to elaborate. They mention I’m not in there face and that I was interacting with the entire wedding party and having fun and getting the job done.

Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen? Do something for you and your guys. You knew who was going to be in your wedding and why. However you envision you and your guys lets create it.

Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how? Priorities have change. Couples are wanting more relaxed and fun images. We make sure to get some traditional images and offer a good balance of imagery from traditional, photojournalistic, and photo illustrative.

Are there any changes for your business in the near future you would like to share? Our studio is always showing new styles in wedding photography. We are always up for something new and creative.

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Enjoy your wedding day and I’ll make sure to capture it.

What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? Tissue, Compact and a umbrella.

If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why? Our wedding albums are the best way to document your wedding day.

What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings? Jack Johnson

What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus) I usually spend about 40 hours per wedding from meetings, proofing and photographing the wedding. A professional photographers, hidden cost, insurance, equipment can add up quickly.

Wedding Photographer

Corey Rourke Photography

5042 Sherwood Dr.

Lincoln NE 68504

402-466-4644

contact@coreyrourkephotography.com

www.coreyrourkephotography.com

A Monday Morning cup of Joe with...Janine Beken from Petal Pushers!

Name: Janine Beken, owner and lead designer

Business Name:Nebraska Petal Pushers

Location: Southeast Lincoln

Service: Upscale wedding florist serving eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa

In business for: 2 years

How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding? I got started in the wedding industry when I made the move from southern CA to Lincoln... I had been a florist in CA and decided that weddings were what I wanted to do, so I went into business for myself here in NE. In CA I worked mostly with resorts, so weddings are a nice change from the hotels!

What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? I would advise a couple to get a jump start on hiring a good wedding florist of course! There are so many cheesy ones out there, so find the best one, not the cheap one... It's totally worth the little bit of extra money... and don't settle!

What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day? I think a personality trait that is beneficial for me is that I am pretty easygoing and I don't get panicked... It's much easier to work out any sort of a crisis (and there are plenty on the big day!) if you keep a level head.

Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen? Advice for the groom... Relax and enjoy the day! And don't steal her thunder or you'll be sorry you did :)

Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how? I have found priorities to be different from CA to NE... brides in CA will hand you a picture and say "it better look exactly like this! I don't care about cost!"... brides in NE are more open to suggestions, which makes it more fun for me because I can be creative and help them come up with their own unique wedding that didn't come from a magazine. It's way more fun!

Are there any changes for your business in the near future you would like to share? Changes for my business... I hope to step up my advertising. As of now 90% of my business is word-of-mouth... So I hope that may bring some positive change!

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Advice for brides and grooms... Cheap isn't best! You absolutely get what you pay for whether it's food, photogs, flowers, etc. Don't go cheap on everything because you want 700 people at your wedding. I think it's much better to scale down and get the best of the best of everything, you'll be so glad you did! You want people to remember your wedding as one that was special and unique, or else what's the point?

What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? Wedding day survival kit... Being a florist i need WIRE!! Lots of wire! and water tubes... But as a bride, I would need a Tide-to-go stick, safety pins, and SNACKS!!!

If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why? I would describe my company as the bridal bouquet, of course! It's colorful, creative, unique, elegant...all those cool things that I'm all about!

What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings? I love love love to hear (it's so cheesy but I love it) Mariah Carey- Music Box. That dang song has me in tears every time let me tell you! I don't think it's an especially popular song but it should be, its beautiful!

What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus) The biggest misconception that I run into every time is that all flowers are available at all times, and all a florist has to do is order your flowers and make them! There are seasons, and peonies are not available in fall...sorry! "But I saw them in the fall issue of Martha Stewart weddings and I neeeeeed them!!!" Nope. Martha lied. It's a lot of disappointment on behalf of the bride because she has envisioned carrying peonies since she was 3. But It can also be a really cool opportunity for her to expand her horizons and open up to new ideas that she will most definitely like better.

Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information: Nebraska Petal Pushers is an upscale wedding and events florist located in SE Lincoln... I offer consultations by appointment only, and I'm available 7 days a week! 402.304.2000

Breathtaking Bouquets

Brides! Check this out! I found this website a couple days ago and am utterly impressed with this woman’s work and creativity! Amanda Heer, a Professional Floral Designer made her company, Fantasy Floral Designs and has received recognition from common bridal websites- 2008 Pick from The Knot: Best of Weddings.

Amanda Heer makes brooch bouquets, and they are incredible. She takes brooches, cuff links, ear rings, pins, whatever you can think of and will put them all together to make a one of a kind brooch bouquet for your wedding day. This item is something that you can keep after your wedding and it will not wilt like other bouquets.

The bouquets can be made out of virtually anything, however, Amanda does not pick out the pins, or brooches for you- you have to find them yourself at local antique shops and send them to her. If you interested in using Amanda Heer and her brooch bouquets make sure you have about 50-60 items-again that can be earrings, cuff links, brooches and pins. Once you have your 50-60 items simply go to the post office and place them all in a flat rate shipping box and send them to her in California. Please give her enough time to complete your bouquets, don’t send her your items with the wedding in a week-you wont get it back in time.

As far as pricing goes, Amanda Heer says she usually runs one bouquet at about $350, AGAIN, this does not include the price of buying all the pins, brooches, and cuff links you buy yourself then send to her in California.

I personally feel that this is an item that not everyone in the bridal party needs to have-this could definitely be something ONLY for the bride. These bouquets are so amazing, I cant even describe how I truly feel about them so I will let all these pictures speak for themselves.

For more information about Fantasy Floral Designs visit their website: www.fantasyfloraldesigns.com

Rain Rain Go Away…Can't you see it's My Wedding Day?

Love is unpredictable and unexpected...and so is the weather. There is no guarantee that there will be a 100% chance of sunshine on your wedding day. So if there is ANY chance of rain on your wedding day - don't get discouraged - just embrace it!

There are lots of really adorable accessories you can dress up with when rain is in the forecast. These accessories will make for some really cool photos, too! Take a look at all these fun boots. These can give you an idea of what options you and your bridal party could have...should rain show up on your wedding day. Pick the bolder brighter boots to liven things up with color! These bright pink rain boots would look adorable on your bridal party regardless of the color of their dress! Target has some fabulous options for rain boots. They are cheap, cute and come in a rainbow of colors and patterns!

(Black and White Boots: target.com $24.99, Pink Polka Dot Boots: target.com $24.99, Yellow Rain Boots: target.com $19.99)

Rain boots are not the only way to add color and shine to a rainy day. Consider adding an umbrella to your rainy wedding day attire. The color combination between your rain boots and umbrellas are bound to bring  attention to you and your bridal party on your special day. Another great thing about umbrellas is that they can be appropriate at any age. You could use an umbrella like the frog one below for your ring bearer and flower girl. Look around on this website, they have umbrellas that are pink elephants, lady bugs, and yellow lions! These are too cute to pass up for your youngest attendants. (www.platesplus4kids.com)

For your slightly more mature attendants, check out the umbrellas below. Again, don't worry about color matching exactly - have fun with it! Who knows, maybe the more colors the better! Who says you cant have blue dresses with a pink umbrella and yellow rain boots? (Pink umbrella: wholesaleaccessorymarket.com $14.50, Blue umbrella: target.com $12.99)

Brides, after looking at these cute boots and umbrellas how can you be afraid of rain on your wedding day? The look of different colors, or matching boots with dresses will make your wedding day rainstorm seem like a light sprinkle.

And, if you are leaving the church and it suddenly starts to rain, don’t fret! With Events Refined on the scene, we will have the umbrellas and rain boots ready to go! 

A Monday Morning cup of Joe with...Lynn Hay from Chez Hay!

Your name (and title/position): Lynn Hay, Owner

Business Name: Chez Hay

Location: 210 N 14^th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508

Service or Product Offered: Reception Venue & Catering

How long in business: 10 years

What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? Selecting a reception venue should be one of the first things couples do when they get engaged. Venues book up quickly and the space you select may determine other factors such as your wedding date, décor and rentals.

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Relax. Enjoy. Have fun.

What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? Scissors, scotch tape, water bottle, needle & thread, tissues, hard candy

What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus) Many clients do not realize the importance of having an accurate guest count. Giving us an accurate guest count for food reduces waste and allows us to charge clients less.

Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information: Chez Hay Catering opened in the Spring of 2000. We use the freshest ingredients to provide high quality meals. Chez Hay has a beautiful reception facility in downtown Lincoln. Our newly renovated facility is the perfect location for your next event.

For More Information about Chez Hay:

402.489.7445

www.chezhay.com