Travel professionals versus the on-line booking engine.

Travel professionals versus the on-line booking engine.

Why you should seek the professional

In this day and age of internet websites, you can find anything you want, at anytime - day or night.  Travel professionals are up against the on-line giants who claim they have the best prices and “hottest deals” anywhere to be found. But, do you really know what you’re purchasing? And are you sure you have a real person you can contact when your once-in-a-life-time trip isn’t at all what you had expected? The fact is, on-line booking engines won’t tell you if a property is in need of renovations, in the midst of construction, or any other inconveniences. What about locations, best time to visit, local events? What if you missed your flight? The list is endless.

 Travel professionals have the tools that are needed to ensure your Honeymoon is all you expect it to be. We know what is going on at your destination and the surrounding area. We Are The Experts. We go to seminars, have routine meetings with tour operators, and daily drills that cover the latest specials. We go on educational trips to experience the wonderful places we can recommend to our Brides and Grooms.  We know the destinations, and if we haven’t personally experienced a particular location we have tools and resources to contact the experts who have.  I personally send a message to the manager on property informing them of your arrival, and letting them know you’re celebrating your honeymoon. Our partners are happy to give our clients the VIP treatment and prepare ahead of time for your special occasion.

     When planning a vacation, please choose the professionals. We have been were you want to go!

Kathleen Schultz

Professional Travel Consultant
Visit Kathy and see travel options here!

CHOOSING AN OFFICIANT FOR YOUR WEDDING

CHOOSING AN OFFICIANT FOR YOUR WEDDING

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! This is undoubtedly an exciting time for you and your beloved as you plan the special event that marks the beginning of your life together as a married couple. 

At the heart of your wedding celebration is the ceremony that unites the two of you before your family and friends. The vows of love and commitment that you exchange on this day set the stage for your happy and successful marriage. Your wedding ceremony should be special, unique, and perfect for you. 

The most important consideration, when choosing a wedding officiant, is finding someone with whom you feel comfortable and who feels honored and delighted to be sharing your special day with you.

Here are some questions to consider as you make this important decision:

1. Is he or she available on your date? (If not, do they have a referral list?)

2. What is the officiant’s spiritual background, and would he or she be incorporating those beliefs in your ceremony? (If you prefer no spiritual references, would the officiant be comfortable with that?)

3. How much experience do they have performing weddings and do they have references available?

4. Can the bride and groom write their own vows, or any other part of the ceremony?  

5. If you have special needs, such as interfaith, family blending, cultural rituals, etc., do they have experience including those elements in a ceremony?

6. What is their fee, and what does it include?  Such items to be included could be: prepare and perform the ceremony, attend the rehearsal and filing the marriage license. Are there any extra fees, such as for travel or extra time? Will you be able to sign a contract with them?

7. Will you be able to review the ceremony before the wedding? If you wish to make changes, are you allowed to do so, and is there any extra cost for changes?

8. Approximately how long will the ceremony last?

9. Is the officiant available to attend / conduct the rehearsal?

10. Do they offer (or require) pre-marital counseling?

11. In case of emergency, do they have a backup person to perform the wedding?

12. Will he or she meet with you, at no cost or obligation to you, to see if you are “a good fit”?

May you find the perfect officiant for your wedding, and may you enjoy a long and happy marriage!

Kaitlin and Jason DuBray Wedding

Kaitlin & Jason DuBray

October 10, 2010

"Magical, Perfect, FUN!"

Ceremony Site: Grand Sierra Pointe, Forest House Lodge 







Officiant:  Judge Tom Cecil

"Judge Tom made us feel so comfortable and really customized the whole ceremony so that it was truly about the two of us and not just a cookie cutter ceremony. He even suggested a few pieces for the ceremony that we would never have thought of otherwise like presenting flowers to our mothers during the ceremony to thank them for raising us and teaching us about love." 

Ceremony Music:  Gary McAlister, First Class Entertainment, www.packeddancefloor.com 

Photographer:  Allison Lal, Pin Up Weddings, www.pinupweddings.com 

"We absolutely adore Allison from Pin Up Weddings, and recommend her to everyone – she made us feel so comfortable and created so many beautiful pictures."

Reception Site: Forest House Lodge 
Hair:  Bride’s Aunt
Make-up:  Bride

Bridal Attire:  David’s Bridal; ivory lace strapless gown with a pick up skirt & a champagne sash

Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal; eggplant strapless with a knee length skirt & pockets

Bridesmaids gifts: Black pashminas, silver necklaces, purple flip flops
Groom's Attire:  Men’s Warehouse; black tux, white shirt, black vest, black bowtie, & ivory pocket square

How did the Groom differ from the Groomsmen?: Black vest & tie instead of brown
Groomsmen Attire:  Black tux, white shirt, brown vest, brown bowtie & ivory pocketsquare

Groomsmen Gifts: Engraved Magnum flashlights, engraved money clips
Bride's Jeweler: Zales

Groom's Jeweler:  Rogers

Save-the-dates: www.vistaprint.com – "we used magnetic business cards"
Invitations: Dear Violet Design (Etsy) -
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DearVioletDesign?ref=shop_sugg
Place Cards:  "We used various shades of purple cardstock and a printable cootie catcher template.  The cootie catcher instructed people to do fun things during the reception (get a drink, hit the dance floor, etc.) and in the very center was a thank you for celebrating with us. They were fun and turned out amazing."

Thank You Cards:  'Plain and Simple' – "I think we got them from Target or Office Depot"

Ceremony site décor: Mother Nature

Flowers:  Cheryl Porter

"Cheryl created absolutely gorgeous bouquets for my bridesmaids and I, and our centerpieces were exactly what we had envisioned."

Favors:  Jordan almonds wrapped in purple tulle  
Table Linens: Ivory with brown napkins; provided by the Forest House    
Caterer: Forest House Lodge 

Cake: Forest House Lodge; Flavors: White Chocolate Raspberry and Triple Chocolate
"Monica’s cake was a masterpiece – even a year later, and we loved how our cake turned out. We saved our top and Jason’s mom preserved it (after a lot of research online).  When we ate it on our 1 year wedding anniversary it was still AMAZING."

DJ/Entertainment:  Gary McAlister, First Class Entertainment, www.packeddancefloor.com 

"Gary kept the dance floor fun and exciting which is hard to do at a small wedding with an open bar. He even stayed late for us since everyone was still dancing when he was scheduled to leave." 

First Dance Song:  'Soulmates' by Josh Turner
Father/Daughter Dance Song:  'Then They Do' by Trace Adkins
Mother/Son Dance Song:  'A Song for My Son' (Country Version)
Money Dance Song: 'If I Had a Million Dollars' by Barenaked Ladies
Cake Cutting Song: 'I Wanna Grow Old with You' by Adam Sandler
Bouquet Toss Song: 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' by Cyndi Lauper
Garter Toss Song: 'Cherry Pie' by Warrant

Signature Drink: "We had over 30 people take a Purple Hooter shot at 10:10 pm since our wedding date was 10.10.10"

Colors: Eggplant & Dark Brown

Guest Book: "We used three photo mats and had people sign those, inside the mats was one baby picture of Kaitlin, one baby picture of Jason and the third mat had one of our engagement photos."

Honeymoon Location:  Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Dreams Resort

Quotes/Feedback about vendors or Forest House: " Kathryn was a lifesaver and we were so lucky to have her with us to help plan our day. We loved every minute of working with her."  

Advice to upcoming/planning for Brides and Grooms: "During all the craziness of planning, never forget why you are doing what you are doing – because you love each other.  Stop and take time to be a couple, go on dates and DON’T talk about the wedding.  It will be good for you."

Special Delivery...

CHAIRS, CHAIRS, CHAIRS!!!

You spoke and were heard; an upgrade from our current selection of folding banquet chair was purchased this week and delivered today! 

Constructed from hardwood, lacquered and then topped with a padded, vinyl upholstered seat, this classic and neutral colored chair will keep your guests comfortable and happy for hours!