The crystal plates with white linen napkins were placed on beautifully draped floor-length tablecloths with cylinders of floating white candles in tall spherical vases, the look was simply stellar. Raising my eyes to the ceiling, strands of round white bulbs and white drapes hung from oak rafters as they hit the floor and framed the floor-to-ceiling windows showing off watery white caps upon silvery grey waves.
The staff almost glided along to the sounds outside perfecting table settings, repositioning chairs, and lining the middle of the tables with fresh greenery and white flowers. As I placed the bridesmaids’ bouquets, already held by the wedding party, in tall vases to act as centerpieces, I was careful not to disturb the orderly plating around them. White nameplates in silver cursive writing noted guests’ seats for this extravagant affair.
As musically as the waitstaff decorated the tables, the 8-person band set up and tuned its instruments for the celebratory part of the reception. Every note was perfected, the volume adjusted, the voices rehearsed, and the space was overcome with musical splendor.
When the bride and groom stopped in the elegant event barn for a quick look before guests saw it, they motioned the band to begin their first dance song so they could practice it one last time. Their smiles, giggles, and soft looks of love at each other spoke of their true feelings. Their joy, became my joy, seeing how much they wanted to perfect this “gift” to their guests. The gift was their practiced dance and one they proudly wanted to showcase to their family and friends, and that is how the band announced it when it happened – a gift.
The Bride and Groom rehearsing their special dance
When the reception was in full swing, as the night grew dark and finally the lake outside calmed down, the photographer and videographer danced among the party or stood on chairs to document the jubilant explosion of movement and joy. Their enthusiasm for their duties made me beam even more as I listened to the band, watched the couple dance, and sipped champagne to signal a job well done. As the bride and groom were encircled by their family and friends as the last song played, sparklers filled the room.
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is to share a keen lesson I learned Saturday night at this wedding – surround and emerge yourself in stellar occasions whenever you can. Create stellar events, programs, and occasions, and invite a bigger group of people than you might. Hire the best vendors to support the event – from the manager to the venue, food to the music, and even “cold sparklers” like my clients had to end the ceremony. Be so joyous in your hosting, you make everyone else smile with you.
The word stellar comes from the word stella which means to shine brightly. This wedding will be a forever shining moment for me based on every event element, including the endearing clients, and staff who made it a grand affair. I say “Shoot for the stars” next time you plan anything. Sparkle. Be Stellar.
Women TIES 