I Do Wedding Vows

03/23/2020

03/19/2020

This is a challenging time, no doubt. Stay safe out there. If your wedding date is being affected by social isolation, remember everything happens for a reason. I know it's difficult given all of the planning & anticipation to wait for your wedding day but trust the wedding industry is working hard to accommodate everyone at this difficult time.

Your love will endure.....

02/15/2020

Congratulations to all of the happy couples who said YES on Valentine's Day! Take time to savor this moment. It's easy to get caught up in the planning & not enjoy this special time in your relationship.

If I can be of service on your wedding day, it would be an honor to perform your ceremony. Please keep me in mind. Katie

02/04/2020

I've put off this announcement thinking I might change my mind, but the time has come. Event planning has been my passion for more years than I care to even count. The last wedding I coordinated was an incredible experience. The family of the bride was wonderful to work with & the day went like a dream. I coordinated the ceremony at The Jewel Box, set up & coordinated the reception at the Wild Carrot. Typically I wouldn't attempt to do both the wedding & the reception, feeling it is risky business timing both aspects & meeting expectations, however everything went without a hitch!

Having said that, it is good to go out on a high! It's time to exit as a Day of Coordinator. I tend to go far beyond the contract & have realized I'm not a kid anymore. The boxes, the ladders, the lists, loading, unloading, checking details, checking again, carrying out the timing & making sure the bride & mother of the bride are as happy as can be has drained me. My lack of stamina/strength could potentially cause me to drop the ball & disappoint a client. That is not an option.

It will be a pleasure to continue acting as a wedding officiant! Writing vows & being a part of one of life's most important moments an honor I treasure. I look forward to participating in many wedding ceremonies in the years to come.

04/29/2019

What to ask your officiant….
If you're not affiliated with a church and tasked in finding someone to perform your wedding ceremony (officiate), be sure you ask the following as everyone has different priorities:

1) Why do you officiate? This will give you insight to how your ceremony will flow. If the answer is too deep...or too shallow for that matter...it might not fit your needs.

2) Will there be scripture readings? For some it's mandatory but for others it is optional. Be sure you know ahead of time what to expect. Will there be a sermon? Everyone has their own feelings on this topic...be sure you're on the same page.

3) If you're writing your own vows, will the officiant be available to help you? Many couples like the idea of personalizing their vows but when it comes down to it....it's difficult! Is the minister able to give you some direction?

4) Are they willing to perform the ceremony in the location of your choosing? Be sure your officiant is willing to travel to where your ceremony will take place & are there additional charges.

5) Is there a fee or donation? Are there any variables? Know this upfront.

6) And probably most importantly...will the officiant allow you to personalize the ceremony with readings of your choosing, poetry, music, humor or even your pets?

Feeling comfortable with your officiant is so very important as these are the words to which your life together begins. It's more than just paperwork.

It would be an honor to help you begin your lives together with a personalized ceremony! Call, text, or email...let's talk about your "I Do!"

Katie Dean Bartnett 314.303.0559
[email protected]

04/05/2019

One of my favorites.....of course I wouldn't recommend doing it....but would SO love to do it....

I'll never understand what's so hard about RSVPing. You're available or you're not....You WANT to go to the wedding or you don't. It's an age old problem & to my knowledge it happens to every bride....some people just don't understand the importance of RSVPing.

One groom was stunned when he realized the impact to the budget over creating the guest list & people who don't RSVP. Watching the expression on his face as he realized the money lost on people who were a no show was priceless. It certainly changed his mind on being a more courteous guest!

In fact, the whole education session with him was wonderful. It's easy to forget not everyone understands the details involved in planning a wedding. From the very beginning & the creation of the guest list, budget is impacted by who should be included on the very special day. It's not just the catering affected...it impacts the size of the venue, count on the Save the Dates, invitations, place cards, the size of the cake & in some cases can mean renting more chairs & linens.

When creating your guest list....be realistic. How much do you socialize with Ms X or Mr Q? Do you think you'll still be socializing a year from your wedding date....3 years? Is it truly necessary to invite all of your coworkers? Is the $100 per person cost going to be worthwhile? It can sound a little cold hearted....but it's the reality. It can be the difference between having 5 couples you may not even associate with by this time next year or the photo booth you wanted so badly.

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02/05/2019

Amazing wedding luncheon this weekend at Edgewild Winery! The staff, food & setting were all perfect. Highly recommend it for a smaller event. Also....this FANTASTIC cake by Celebrating Life Cake Boutique....as delicious as it was beautiful!

01/18/2019

Clustering or grouping has always appealed to me in my home. My mantle, tables, meaningful signs on my counter, I've always loved to have little bundles of items. When working with a bride recently we made the decision to do small groupings for her centerpieces because of the size of her tables. She's not doing traditional banquet tables, rather rectangular, 6 & 8 tops. You might consider this both for the impact....AND the expense. There are some beautiful ideas out there. Many of them can come in at a cost significantly less than "traditional" centerpieces. For the DIY bride this idea is also a great option. Begin collecting vases at estate sales in varying shapes & sizes. Just remember to keep them compact so guests can easily talk across the table. Have fun with it! It doesn't have to be limited to flowers & candles.

01/10/2019

Yeah....it seems corny...but Nicholas Sparks does write beautiful sentiment.

Researching for vows I've found a treasure trove of true words & realized yet again, how blessed I am to have found a man like mine. He tells me I'm beautiful even on days when I know darn good & well I'm not...but he knows when I need to hear it. That girls.... is love!

01/09/2019

It's true....the secrets to a happy marriage never really change...

12/29/2018

Congratulations to all of the newly engaged couples! Take the time to savor this moment in your story. There's time to plan....