Le Blog

Venue Coordinator Got Your Back?

Amy Rubins — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 02:09:34 +0000

There’s been a lot written about the differences between a venue coordinator and an independent wedding planner/coordinator but I like to boil it down to this…a venue coordinator is looking out for their own best interests (the reception venue) whereas an independent planner/coordinator is looking out for their client’s (bride and groom) best interests.

I hear couples say their venue provides a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator so I don’t need to hire one… this drives me crazy. I really wish venue coordinators would stop to think how much assistance they’ll receive from the bride and grooms independent planner and realize it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.

Indy’s (independent planners) deal with big picture items such as room set, vendor deliveries, schedules, problems and changes as well as little details such as place cards, favors, escort cards, gifts, guest book, guest arrival among other things. Running and overseeing weddings is a big job, sometimes with complex logistics so why not work side-by-side with the Indy whose been with the couple for close to a year? It can’t hurt can it?

Besides, is the venue coordinator going to help pick out stationery, wedding cakes, linens, floral, centerpieces, decor, manage the budget and guest list, run a rehearsal, oversee the ceremony and provide discounts and complimentary upgrades?

I love venue coordinators who “get it” and actually recommend independent wedding planners. I can’t leave this post without posting a photo of two of our favorite venues that recommends indy’s – Jules Meyer at Interlachen Country Club in Edina and Nicole Aronson at Nicollet Island Pavilion…you guys are the best!

Interlachen Ballroom with a touch of glam by BachmansNicollet Island Pavilion

Nicollet Island Pavilion

Remembering 2012 Weddings

Amy Rubins — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 21:02:26 +0000

2012 was a wonderful year full of amazing and memorable weddings for us at Fete Perfection. Anna and I both traveled many miles to help plan and coordinate some gorgeous weddings in exotic locations. Here’s some photos I want to share from some of our favorite places:

Grand Cayman

Deb and Patrick in Grand Cayman

Portugal

Port Wine and Cheese Tasting in Sintra

Lisbon, Portugal

Atlanta

Gorgeous bride in a gorgeous venue

Maleah and Erin in Atlanta

Dessert Buffet

Puerto Rico

Jack and Jen at Hacienda Siesta Allegre

Getting married in a rain forest

Guest Dining at Hacienda Siesta Alegre

Scouting Paris for Venues

Musée d'Orsey

Grand Palais

Paris in the rain is still beautiful

I haven’t received photos from our other destination weddings but as soon as I do, I’ll get them posted here. Thank you to all our couples and their families who made me and my team a part of your family as we traveled together and celebrated such wonderful occasions.

Why Choose Fete Perfection for Your Wedding?

Amy Rubins — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 02:39:15 +0000

That’s a simple question with a very simple answer…confidence and experience! My team and I have over a decade of experience planning and coordinating weddings of all sizes and budgets all over the world. One of the main reasons couples hire wedding planners is to make sure that someone else is in charge on the wedding day. Bride’s don’t want to hear that their DJ can’t make it because his car broke down or that his equipment isn’t working. They also don’t want to adjust their timeline because the best man’s toast is clocking in at 23 minutes and still going strong, while the chef is cooling his heals in the kitchen with 200 medium-rare filets, turning well-done.

We have the skills, confidence and experience to problem-solve anything that comes at us, including Mother Nature, party-crashers or long-winded but well-intentioned microphone-hogs and we do it with calm demeanor and a common-sense approach. I’m always so pleased when I hear another wedding professional comment on how calm we are even in the midst of chaos, like the summer when 4 tornadoes decided to make unscheduled appearance at 3 of our weddings. Yes, we had two tornadoes 2 hours apart at the same wedding on Gull Lake in Brainerd but after a brief clean-up and fishing our DJ out from under one of the collapsed tents, the reception continued with rave reviews.

Besides trouble-shooting we have valuable resources and relationships in the wedding industry. We can call upon any of our trusted colleagues to help out in a pinch or provide their expertise and skills at any time. Our relationships mean we can secure complimentary upgrades or receive discounts which we pass directly to our clients.

For all the newly engaged couples, please consider hiring a planner who’s experienced enough to take on a tornado…and win.

Thank You Amy!

Anna Senrick — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:24:08 +0000

After many years with Amy Rubins and Fete Perfection, it’s nice to become an author on Le Blog. You always have such kind words and I feel the exact same about you: detailed, particular and a perfectionist.

From the first event Amy and I executed to wedding bookings into 2013, I’m going to start collecting and posting many of the weddings I’ve done over the years. I can’t wait to share my couple’s celebrations which will showcase a 600 guest wedding, vintage farm wedding, Chinese fusion wedding, a few Indian weddings and so many more.

Here is a sneak peak from one done back in 2007 at the Minnesota Boat Club. I just love working at a historic venue with an outdoor ceremony space, then adding the vibrant Asian colors in the decor. Thanks to Mintahoe, Buttercream Cakes, Apres, and Kelly Brown Weddings for making this wedding so stunning.

Introducing Anna Senrick

Amy Rubins — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 18:38:07 +0000

Anna Senrick, one of our Senior Planners at Fete Perfection is a lot more than just a “planner”. Anna has a mechanical engineering background which means she is very analytical, organized, detailed and particular. In other words, another “perfectionist”. She is also very creative as a designer and has been successful in designing some intricate cultural weddings this year.

Anna is going to start showcasing some of work, especially of several Indian weddings she’s handled in 2012 so look for some of Anna’s posts in Le Blog over the next few weeks.

One last word about Anna; she’s been working with Fete Perfection since our beginning almost 7 years ago. Clients, wedding professionals and I can’t say enough about Anna’s energy and enthusiasm for all things wedding. Just check out some of her reviews on Wedding Wire.

Jackie-O Classic, Timeless, Elegant Pink & Gold Wedding

Amy Rubins — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 03:01:07 +0000

I had the delight and privilege to assist with this gorgeous wedding this past weekend. Our bride Nicole has impeccable taste which is clearly reflected throughout the wedding details. I’m happy to share these photos as a teaser and can’t wait to see the professional ones.

Many thanks to all the fabulous wedding professionals that came together to make this wedding magical for Nicole & her charming prince, Ryan: the reception venue Nicollet Island Pavilion, the caterer Mintahoe, our phenomenal band Synergy, Buttercream Cakes provided a delectable dessert buffet, Just-Bloomed provided the bouquets and floral, Apres our stunning linens, chairs, base plates and other special decor, DJ Soulset our DJ between breaks and Brandis Alves our photographer

To make the festivities even more magical, we had a front row seat to the Aquatennial fireworks which were literally shot from right over heads on the 3rd Street bridge.

Close up of details from Just-Bloomed

Dessert Buffet by Buttercream

Nicollet Island Pavilion with Cafe Lights - Tres Chic

Gorgeous Head Table in Pink and Gold

Fireworks!

Our Couple Enjoying the Finale

Vintage French Inspiration

Amy Rubins — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 13:42:23 +0000

While reviewing Facebook this week I came across this gorgeous and inspirational photo that compelled me to create this design board. If these photos and creations move you the way they move me, let me know. I would be thrilled to design a wedding around this photo by Léon Gimpel of the first air show at the Grand Palais in Paris on September 30, 1909. Thanks to Today’s Pretty for sharing.

Perfect Portugal

Amy Rubins — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:06:13 +0000

At the risk of sounding a little cocky, I have to say our wedding in Portugal was absolutely perfect in every way. Jessica and Lucho had 66 guests fly to Lisbon from all across the US. The weather was unseasonably warm which was wonderful for the times we spent outdoors, our tour guides were charming and friendly and most of all, the entire three days of activities ran smoothly and without a single hiccup.

Here’s the video from the oh-so-talented John Hoel of Vibrant Films. John and his trusty assistant/wife Emma were troopers in hauling along tons of equipment to capture the essence of Portugal. Enjoy!

Jessica and Lucho Get Married in Portugal

How We Feel About Weddings…

Amy Rubins — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:53:33 +0000

That pretty much sums it up!

Mexico Weddings

Amy Rubins — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:33:59 +0000

I was invited to speak before 250 wedding planners and travel professionals at the Love Mexico event in the Riviera Maya area south of Cancun in early December. The event was wonderful and I had the opportunity to meet and make new connections with some talented wedding pros in Mexico.

I also had the good fortune to tour many luxury resorts and properties as well as stay at one of the leading 5 diamond properties in the area. Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive family-friendly property with gorgeous views, food and amenities fit for a queen.

My room was spacious and thoughtfully laid out with an extremely comfortable bed, down pillows and luxurious down duvet. The bathroom was also large with double-sinks, deep jacuzzi soaking tub, separate shower, vanity and make-up mirror. All the things I look for in a great room.

I had my own private concierge and whenever I needed anything, she was there. The mini-refrigerator was fully stocked with soft drinks, bottle water, beer, wine and snacks. In addition, there was a very large balcony overlooking the pools and beach with one of my favorite treats, a lounge bed on the balcony.

I will not hesitate to recommend Grand Velas Riviera Maya to any couple wanting a truly luxurious experience and memorable wedding. Here are just a few photos of this glorious property.