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

Flowers 101

When you first start planning your wedding, all the tasks that have to be completed can seem, well, overwhelming. There is the lighting, the reception vanue, the food, the flowers., the music, the transportation, the entertainment... the list goes on and on. However, one of the most overwhelming tasks that a bride encounters can be picking out your flowers.  Most brides didn’t go to school to major in horticulture or botany, so brides might not know all the information necessary when it comes to picking out your flowers. Relax, you don't need to. This is why you hire a professional for your big day!

What you NEED to know BEFORE meeting with the florist: It's helpful to have your ceremony and reception venues picked out before you meet with you florist. That way, they can get an idea of the space, colors and lighting they are working with that way. Also, if you know what colors/shades your wedding party will be wearing and what color scheme you’re interested in, the florist can give you some specific suggestions for type of flowers and design that would be complimentary.

What you DON’T need to know BEFORE meeting with the florist: You don’t need to know the technical names of flowers or when your favorite flowers are in season. You also don’t need to have a list of every flower you want at your wedding or every flower you have ever liked. You florist will be armed with knowledge and ideas- so let them do their job.

What to bring to your first floral consultation: PHOTOS! Florists love visuals so they can get an idea of what you are interested in. They can also use these photos as a guide when designing your bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnières. You will find millions on photos on-line - TheKnot.com is a great resource for ideas. Be sure to bring a photo of your dress and the bridesmaids dresses. It will be important for the florist to know the color and style of the wedding day attire.  Also, think of some words to describe the wedding you are envisioning. Is it playful? Classically romantic? Traditional? Wild? Those words will help the florist get their creative juices flowing which in turn will help make your arrangements for that day more YOU.

What to look for in a floral designer: When inteviewing potential floral vendors it's important to make sure your personalities are a match. Pick a florist that is willing to listen to YOUR ideas and then be willing to offer their own ideas and opinions to reflect your vision. It can be especially helpful to come prepared to the consultation armed with photos of designs that are appealing. While you're there, ask to see their portfolio. You can often get a feel of what kind of a designer they are based upon their previous jobs. Are the responsible for bringing the centerpieces to the reception? It will also be important that you feel you can be honest with them. If there is something you DON'T like - don't be afraid to tell them! Oftentimes, by finding out what you DON'T like... they can help you figure out what it is you DO like. If you are really concerned about what the final floral design is going to look like, you can request that the florist create a "mock" bouquet, centerpiece, etc. Of course, you will be charged for the florist's materials and time... but it will be worth it to ease your worries.

There are a few questions you will want to be sure to ask your florist at you consultation. Does the florist deliver the flowers? If they do, do they then stick around to pin flowers? Not every florist will do this, so be sure to ask. (Luckily, if you have hired Events Refined for your event, we can deliver your flowers... and then pin them on everyone!)

You now have some information to help you pick out your flowers for your wedding day. Flowers can bring so much life and beauty to a wedding, so have fun with it! Don't be afaid to think out of the box... you might be surprised with what you end up falling in love with!

Winter Weddings

Every little girl has an idea of her dream wedding- the perfect dress, the perfect man, the sun shinning down on her abs

olutely perfect day. However, we don't all live in Florida or California where the sun shines every day... Instead, we live in other wonderful states like Nebraska, Wisconsin or Colorado; so then the question arises, how do you take the idea of a sunshine perfect wedding day and convert it into a less than warm 40-50 degree wedding day?

Many women might panic at the idea of a winter wedding, but I personally feel these weddings are some of the most beautiful, elegant and stunning weddings any bride could have. When pulled off correctly a winter wedding can really impress! To make your wedding “winter friendly” is a lot easier than one may think.

The first way to make your wedding more appropriate for winter is to pick the right color of the bridesmaids dresses. For instance, you don’t want to have a bright pink dress for your bridesmaids. That color would wash anyone out that hasn't seen the sun in forty days. A better choice for dress color might be something as simple as a brown or navy. When you take your wedding pictures these colors will really POP against the crisp white snow.

Secondly, keep in mind a light shawl will not keep you warm while outside taking photos and going from the ceremony to the reception. Look for something that will provide warmth like a fur shawl, your fiancés tuxedo jacket (as long as he doesn't mind sharing!), or a heavier shawl could be custom made to compliment the style of your dress. Here are a few examples of fur shawls... in a variety of colors.

(photo courtesy of The Leekers Photography)

Thirdly, focus extra attention on your centerpieces to compliment this winter wonderland. Centerpieces with birch wood will bring the snowy feeling inside. Focusing your attention on bringing more white items can help place emphasis on the winter wonderland that is your wedding. Now, if you feel as if there may be too much white, use accent colors such as silvers and light blues. Play around with different items- silver ribbons, silver table clothes with a white or blue runner, even the silver wrapped Hershey kisses could work on the reception tables (and double as your favor)! Try adding some pinecones for added dimension (and festivity). Take a look at these pictures and just see how this natural item can add to your winter wedding.

Fourth, a woman always looks stunning in a strand of pearls and they are sure to compliment your winter theme. You could also incorporate some stylish gloves. Some might say gloves are outdated and old fashion but isn’t getting married one of the oldest and most fashionable events of your life? White gloves on a bride in winter could not look more chic!

Here is a photo of Joan River's daughter's winter wedding. Absolutely breathtaking! Brides, don't be afraid of the winter months when planning your wedding - winter weddings are incredible and rememberable.

A Monday Morning cup of Joe with...Crystal Jaeger from The Apothecary!

Your name (and title/position): Crystal Jaeger, Facilities Manager

Business Name: Apothecary Lofts and Ridnour Room

Location: The Apothecary Building, 140 N. 8^th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508

Service or Product Offered: Reception facilities

How long in business: The Apothecary Lofts were completed in 1997 and the Ridnour Room was completed in 2001. I started working for the business in July of 2008.

How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding? These facilities were created to provide couples with a 1^st class facility in which they will create everlasting memories to cherish for a lifetime. Since they were first created, numerous events have been held in the facilities. Not only for wedding activities, but also many other different types of events. The Apothecary is a widely known building here in Lincoln and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to work here and help couples plan the wedding of their dreams.

What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? I definitely advise couples to choose their wedding ceremony and reception location right away. It can be very stressful trying to figure out where you are going to host your activities, but once you make that crucial decision, you will feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. But do your homework first. Many reception facilities will require you to use their on-site catering and beverage services and if you don’t ask a lot of questions about what they offer, you may be locking yourself in to food and beverage prices that are much higher than you would initially expect. We take pride in giving all of our couples the flexibility to choose their own caterer and beverage provider because that is where they can literally save thousands of dollars versus other reception halls.

What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day? I love to help people anyway possible and it is a joy for me to see these couples relax and smile when I am able to help them make these big decisions. I recently became engaged myself so I am going through the exact stages that these couples are. I know that planning a wedding can become very stressful and so I am able to put myself in their shoes and help them make these huge decisions without forcing them into doing something they really don’t want to do. I try to make all the aspects that go into planning a reception as fun and exciting as possible.

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? Just enjoy the experience! I know some brides can be very emotional and stressed during the planning stages, so the groom should always offer to help with the decisions that are being made and show your bride that you really care about this important day. This is one day that you will both remember for the rest of your lives and you want it to be a pleasant experience so lean on each other for your opinions and support. There are a lot of guys out there that have great ideas but don’t show them because they aren’t asked. Believe me, girls love to see that their groom is excited and interested in the wedding planning as well!

Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how? I have only worked in the wedding industry for 2 years but the business itself has been going strong since 1997. But I can say just from these past 2 years, I have noticed a some major changes, and most are from the technological advances that have been made. One big change is that many couples now choose to provide their own wedding dance music by using an iPod instead of a DJ. They like to be able to play only the songs they want and it becomes one less expense for them to worry about. Slideshows are another change from the past. Years ago, no one ever had the ability to show photos of the couples past and present to the entire reception, but now this has become almost a staple at receptions.

Are there any changes for your business in the near future you would like to share? We are constantly looking at ways to improve our business. Just this last year, we have done many new additions to our facilities that have been a huge success and I know that even more new additions are yet to come. You will just have to come see for yourself what our next surprise is going to be!

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Ask lots of questions. In most cases, you won’t be told the whole story unless you ask. We take pride in providing the couple with all the information they need to know to make an informed decision.

What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? EVERYTHING! J Just think about everything that could possibly go wrong, and plan for what you would need in that case. More than likely though, everything will turn out perfectly in the end but you can never be too prepared.

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 Dress—When you think about the wedding dress, it is usually that one item everyone talks about and remembers. Our company and facilities are what everyone will walk away remembering and talking about at the end of the night.

What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings? For the ceremony, I absolutely love Canon in D for the Processional. And for the reception, since I am a country girl at heart, it isn’t a wedding unless I hear Cotton Eye Joe!

Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information: The Apothecary Lofts and Ridnour Room are the premier reception facilities in Lincoln. We take pride in providing you with 1^st class facilities that will help you create everlasting memories for a lifetime. Because we allow you to control the food and beverage services, you are able to hold an amazing reception at a very economical cost. We offer packages of all types, including overnight accommodations, to give you the opportunity to host any and all your wedding activities in one central location.

For more information contact Crystal Jaeger at 402-474-1812 or email to crystaljaeger@lincolnhaymarket.com