Meredith & Jason | Manquin, Virginia | 10 Year Vow Renewal | Honored

WORKERS PERMIT

When I was 14 years old, I was eligible for a work permit, I remember walking into Sterling Middle School's office and filling out the paperwork. You know how some things you can remember so vividly? This day was one of those moments. I think because I knew it was gong to be life changing. I did not know why then, but I do now. I am so very thankful that my mom urged me to get that work permit. I learned as early as I (legally) could the value of a dollar. Yes, my parents bribed me for chores when I was younger too, but let's be honest, the value of chore money and the value of hard earned working money are two different things. Chores you can do in your pajamas, going to work requires waking up, showering, getting dressed, getting there and putting in 100% effort the entire time. Ask my mom, when it comes to chores... I was terrible. I was very good at pretending to sleep, and having selective hearing. To many a long story short, I never looked back on the day I got my workers permit. Since I turned 14, I have not known a year without having a job, or two, ok ok ok, for my friends reading this three and sometimes four at a time. I love to work. I do not idle well. It drives my husband insane, but he loves me for my drive and my passion to go and do, and I think secretly likes when I have long days just so he can have a few minutes on the couch! =)

MY FIRST (PAID) WEDDING

Fastforward to 2013. I had just started my business. I was not "new" to the field by any means. After many years of joking that I would always end up as a wedding planner, I finally decided to take the jokes seriously and instead of "talk about it", "be about it". The first year of my business was a huge learning experience. Not from not knowing about weddings, but learning about me as a person and how I saw and valued myself as an entrepreneur.

I had spent many years in and around weddings and special events, Seeing them from the back of the house, planning, working, bussing, serving. I knew how they operated. I had successfully planned and executed events and golf tournaments for other people for companies that I worked for, but never for myself for MY business. In the first part of 2013, I partnered with an experienced planner who let me shadow and work alongside her overseeing from a planning perspective and executing on the day of. It was eye opening, and full of excitement for me. I knew this was something that I would love and could stick with for a while. 

July 6, 2013 was my first PAID wedding. I was so excited that after just a couple of months I was being paid to do something that I loved. There were so many things about this wedding that I loved, I met FUTURE clients Zari and Sean, got to see their love grow, into an engagement and then work with them on their own wedding. I still stay in touch with Zari to this day! The friendships that I have gained have been incredible. Maris and Kevin's wedding was also the FIRST time that I worked with Katelyn James. Was this real life? My FIRST paid wedding and KATELYN JAMES was the photographer?! Yes, I am a total fan girl. I was thrilled.

MY FIRST VOW RENEWAL

In 2016, a great colleague and friend Meredith of Meredith Ryncarz Photography and her husband Jason decided to have a 10 year vow renewal.  I was honored that such great friends asked me to help them with their day, and guess what? Katelyn James was their photographer! Even after a few years of running my own my own business, realizing my self worth and establishing a name, even though small, for myself I was very excited to be working with Katelyn and Michael again on another one of my firsts! Yes, I am still a fan girl. 

HONORED

I am in my fifth season with Two River Events and I have so much to be thankful for. As I have mentioned, the friendships I have gained with clients and other wedding professionals have been the best part of this for me. I am honored to be included in the start of new beginnings for so many. I am honored to have met so many incredible wedding professionals who quite honestly, help make my job easier. I am honored to have been able to learn from my couples and gain different experiences that make me better for the next couple. I am honored each time my business is considered, even if it does not turn into business. Each moment can be used as a learning tool and a way to better yourself, for you, and for others. 

Thank you to each of you who have trusted me, worked with me and helped push me to be better. 

Check out more of Meredith and Jason's STUNNING renewal here.

Venue: Seven Springs

Photograohy: Katelyn James

Florals: Aleen Floral Design

Cake: Bella Cakes

Coordination: Two River Events

Catering: The Green Kitchen

Invitations: Kalos Designs

Leanne & Phil | Williamsburg, Virginia Wedding | Do I need a generator? | It's Virginia

VIRGINIA WEATHER

I say this all the time, "It's Virginia." What does that mean, well it could mean a lot depending on the context, but usually when I am referring to it while speaking to a couple, it's referring to the weather. As I sit here now, its a blustery, cooler day, I would expect that in March. Last week, we had multiple days reach 70 and even 80 degrees in FEBRUARY! Two Saturdays ago, it was 80 degrees one minute, a THUNDERSTORM with HAIL (in February!), and then a low in the 30's that night. Simply stated, "It's Virginia". 

Virginia can be beautiful, different areas of the commonwealth have jaw dropping beauty to them. If you have not had a chance to see Skyline Drive in the Fall, you must. Our Spring brings welcomed warm air from what can be a cold, snowy Winter and do I need to mention all of the amazing beaches and waterfront along the many coastal waterways? 

HURRICANE MATTHEW

On October 8, Hurricane Matthew made landfall in South Carolina, what was forecasted, was that it would miss our area for the most part. What we got was a little different. While there was not direct landfall on our area, we received A LOT more rain than expected. The storm slowed down over night and left us with more rain that anticipated. 

The morning of October 9, it was a new day. In standard Virginia fashion, other than the ground being moist and some debris scattered, there were bright blue skies and abundant sunshine. If it was your first day here, other than the news, you would not have known a hurricane had passed through in recent hours. Living in a coastal area, when people say hurricane, it usually means something more serious to residents than those who reside further inland. Residents tend to take more precautions and take storm prep more seriously. We flood easier, we lose power for days sometimes weeks and property damage is something not to mess with. We had localized flooding and some power outages, but for the most part, we missed a big one here. We were very lucky. Power outages were not as widespread and were very random, due in part to fallen trees. 

Things were running smoothly that day until I got the call. The call that the venue had no power. A power line close to the venue became a victim of one of those fallen trees from the storm. What to do! The only thing I knew to do, was to react! Thanks to the incredible support of some of Leanne's family, friends and her boss, funds were not an issue. The only thing on anyone's mind was to make sure the day was perfect. I started making phone calls, and searching the internet for anyone who had a generator left. Can you believe there was not a single one left on the peninsula? Well, there wasn't. I ended up finding three at Home Depot in Gloucester. On the way from Williamsburg to Gloucester, I called my husband, he met me there with the truck. Helped me get all of the extension cords that I needed, brought me extra gas tanks and sent me on my way! While I may be a one woman show, this little business is definitely a team effort thanks to my wonderful husband. His support... ok, ok... his muscles and truck make my life so much easier in times of need. 

THE WEDDING

The staff at the Williamsburg Winery were ready to go as soon as I arrived. With some quick thinking, we were able to run less extension cords than we needed to and were able to get the band, catering and lighting all running on their own separate generators. It was truly magical. A wedding was running on back up power, with limited light, and it was just as romantic and intimate as if nothing was wrong. 

Leanne and Phil were so easy going about all of this. They knew, at the end of the day they were still getting married. Being an event planner herself, Leanne knows that events going off without a hitch are rare. Usually there aren't extremes such as this, but her ability to stay calm and trust that everything would work out made my job so much easier. To be honest, I spoke to Leanne I think once after I found out about the power and that was it until I got to the venue. She knew I had a job to do and let me to it, just like I knew she did not need to know about the behind the scenes stuff, she just needed to know I would make it happen.

TEAMWORK

Have you heard the saying, "teamwork is the dreamwork", well this was truly a team effort. From the family, friends, my family, the staff at the winery and the talent among the vendors that I did not have to check up on to make sure they were ok, this wedding was perfect. And guess what, the power come back on about 8:30 that night! So, do you need a generator? Chances are, you may not, but worth asking the question, so you can have a game plan just in case Virginia decides to be... Virginia. 

Eventfully Yours,

Kari

Venue: Williamsburg Winery

Floral: Aleen Floral

Photography: Amanda Manupella

Catering: Chef by Design

Band: Bachelor Boys Band

Videography: Keith Raegan

Photo Booth: Shutterbooth

To see more images, click here: Leanne & Phill - Williamsburg, Virginia Wedding

Sammy & Justin | Purcellville, Virginia Wedding | It is not Goodbye | Virginia Wedding Planner

DO NOT WATCH THE WEATHER

We rehearsed inside the barn at Shadow Creek on September 30, but we didn't let it put a cloud over the day (no pun intended). I was very clear with everyone that we would be getting married outside the next day. I arrived extra early on the day of their wedding to make sure that I had everything taken care of so that I could just wait... and that's what I did. After I had placed all of the details I could, and alphabetized mason jars, I assisted with catering and floral set up and delayed. I delayed on the question of "Where are they getting married?". My answer was always outside, but I just needed some time. In case of inclement weather, I always remind my brides not to check the weather, "just don't", I say. I'm doing enough of that for you, so is your family, your friends and your bridal party. There I was, watching it every five minutes. I set a drop dead decision time and stayed optimistic. That time arrived, I delayed everyone again. Just needed a fewwww more minutes.

We started setting chairs outside about 20 minutes later. It was drizzling just a little, but the wind was blowing just hard enough to keep everything dry. We soaked up the water off the ceremony site with a mop, continued to set chairs and sure enough, the right amount of clouds moved out to give us the break we were all waiting for. It wasn't sunny, but it wasn't raining and that's all we needed. 

Guests started arriving and shortly after, their ceremony began. Honestly, it could have been raining sideways and the only difference for Sammy would have been a soggy dress. She was radiant. The excitement and enthusiasm that I had grown to love getting to know her throughout her planning process was all anyone needed to make the overcast afternoon that much brighter. 

IT IS NOT GOODBYE

I received a wonderful piece of mail a couple weeks ago from Sammy and Justin. In the card was a sweet note thanking me for everything that I had helped them with over the last year getting ready for their wedding, there was also a sentence that read "I'm sad its over and I can't randomly bug you anymore." I literally laughed out loud. Sammy always felt like she was bothering me with "stupid" questions, but honestly, she was always a bright point in my day any time that I spoke with her. She had a way of turning my busy days into just fun each time we got to chat. Maybe it was because she was so excited to marry Justin that, that emotion came bursting through the phone each time, or just because she is so fun and happy spirited anyways. Either way, the comment made me sad at the same time. I almost picked up my phone to send her a random text just to say hi... I didn't, and I plan to (I PROMISE Sammy!), but it got me thinking that I didn't want our relationship to be over just because her wedding was over. Over the last year and change, I have gotten to know Sammy and have truly enjoyed the time we have spent talking and getting to know her and Justin's relationship. I do stalk her at least once a week for cute baby pug pictures and just to see what she is up to... kidding. No, sadly I'm not (keep the pictures coming)! Make sure to take one under the Christmas tree, and stuff Jenkins into a stocking because it would be adorable.. haha! But seriously, it's not goodbye, please stay in touch, text me randomly whenever you want! 

Venue: Shadow Creek

Floral: Rick's Flowers

Groom's Cake: Gateau Distinctive Cakes

Catering: A la Carte Catering

Coordination: Two River Events

Photography: Stephanie Messick

Transportation: Road Yachts

Photo Booth: Peekaboo Photo Booth

Hair: G5 Salon

Makeup: Johnathan Curtis

DJ: Will Gralley

Ceremony Music: Mason Musicians

Ashley & Blair | Gloucester Virginia Wedding | Kids at a Wedding

HISTORY

Ashley and Blair have been friends of mine for a few years. Blair and I were introduced through some volunteer work with a local non profit organization and of course I met Ashley through him. When they got engaged, I was thrilled when Ashley reached out to me for help with their wedding. 

DETAILS

One of the coolest details (for me) at Ashley and Blair's wedding was the inclusion of children. I have been to a few... ok, ok a lot of weddings in the last few years and children haven't necessarily "included".  Kids at a wedding can mean a lot of things. Only immediate family members, none at all, just at the ceremony, adults only receptions or they can be included from start to finish. It was so refreshing to have kids included from start to finish in this case. I think every parent there was grateful they did not have to line up babysitters on a weekend. It can be stressful! As a mom of two myself, I always struggle with this when we have weekend plans that do not include kids. My husband and I have always been on the same page, if our kids can't go, we probably won't go. It's just, s.t.r.e.s.s.f.u.l. We always leave early, never really enjoy ourselves because we wonder if the kids are ok, and honestly we like our tiny humans more than most grown adults and want to hang out with them instead.

So what happened with Ashley and Blair's wedding:

Were kids screaming at their ceremony? No.

Were kids having a food fight during the dinner? No.

Was their a poopy diaper smell hanging in the air all night? Not even a little bit.

Were there parents enjoying their night a little more because they actually got to bring their kids to a "formal" event? Yep. 

Were their moms who were excited to dress their kiddos up in cute little outfits and take selfies and family pictures all night. Absolutely.

Were there cute tiny humans dancing and keeping the dance floor full all night. Yes! They kept the party going all night long!

Kids were allowed to be kids. Ashley and Blair provided a metal bin full of coloring books, race cars and party noise makers! There was even a buffet just for kids, complete with strawberries, grapes, watermelon slices, chicken tenders and mini pizza puffs! Did the kids have to wait until their table was dismissed to eat, nope! They could eat when they were hungry. No hangry meltdowns meant happy and less stressed parents.

KIDS FOR YOU?

Of course, kids at every event  would be an unfair and unrealistic assumption. Sometimes it works and sometimes is doesn't. Ashley and Blair's three year old, Jackson, made it easy for them to include kids. The ONLY tears from a kiddo at this wedding, wasn't even at the wedding, it was at the tail end of the rehearsal. When Ashley and Blair were walking out of their rehearsal practicing their exit out of the front of the church, Jackson erupted into tears screaming "Mommmmmmy!". He thought she was leaving. The result, they included him in their first walk as husband and wife. Perfect.

Rustic Fall Wedding Inspiration | Williamsburg, Virginia | Virginia Wedding Planner

JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Fall is JUST around the corner, could have fooled me the other morning as I sat outside at 7 something in the morning on the porch with the dogs. If you know me, you know there are very few things that I enjoy in the morning... but that cool crisp air that was teasing us the last few mornings was just enough to get me to sit, and just enjoy it... until one of my dogs decided a dip in the marsh mud seemed like a good idea. Fall is my favorite season hands down. I love the cool air, the fact that the mosquitos go away and I can be itch free for a few months, the colors (oh the colors), cool crisp mornings in a tree stand and football!

RUSTIC FALL INSPIRATION

Our rich autumn wedding inspiration was featured on Tidewater & Tulle yesterday. The Williamsburg Botanical Garden provided a stunning setting for our intimate shoot. If you are looking for a hidden gem in Williamsburg, this is the place to be. Perfect for outdoor ceremonies, bridal lunches or tea with the ladies. My favorite part of the shoot, the cake, and yes we ate it! To see more images from the shoot, be sure to read the blog post here. 

VENDORS

Venue: Williamsburg Botanical Garden

Event Coordination & Design: Two River Events

Hair and Makeup: Makeup by Vega

Brial Gown: Janie's Bridal

Grooms Suspenders: No Slip Suspenders

Cake: Bella Cakes

Rentals: Nathaniel's Unique Events

Stationery: S Squared Designs

Florals: Aleen Floral Design

Photography: Meredith Ryncarz Photography

08.25.16 | Virginia Wedding Planner | Two River Events | Branding

NEW BRANDING

Well, I guess you could say this makes us "official". I am so pleased of the collaboration with April of PaperDolls Design. Our new branding is pretty spiffy if I say so myself. She totally listened to what I wanted and needed for a fresh look for Two River Events. If you are in the market for branding, website design or just want to talk about pretty stationery, she is your girl! 

WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG

I had been holding off on taking the plunge on a website for this little business because I wasn't sure that I wanted to. Is this something that I wanted to take to the next level? Is it something that I wanted to continue for years... after A LOT of thinking, late night chats with my husband, quite a few Dr. Peppers, I realized that the answer to all of those questions was yes. Running a business is stressful. I don't think it was ever a question of confidence, or worrying IF I could do it, because this side "hobby" has already turned into so much more than I thought it would. I just wanted to be sure. Like a lot of things in life are you really sure? So, after months of hesitation, stalking other branding and website design people, I reached out to April and it began. 

FEEDBACK

Yes please!! I am so excited to share this with everyone! I can't wait to hear your feedback on the new logo, and of course how the site looks. I am eager to share what has been going on with us over the last six months all in ONE place.

THANK YOU

Thank you to all of the couples who have trusted me with your weddings. It is such an HONOR to be trusted with one of the most important days in your lives. I am so thankful for the friendships that I have gained with each of you. 

To my friendors, you all have made this business what it is for me. Working with me and some of my crazy ideas, and trusting me to work with you and YOUR businesses has been incredible. I am so thankful to call you more than "coworkers". 

Now, excuse me while I go off to celebrate with twelve of my closest friends! 

Eventfully Yours,

Kari