It's that time again - the wonderful holiday season is upon us, and that means...
Amazing Holiday Goodies
Snow, Holiday Lights, Trees and Mistletoe
Holiday Parties
Family get togethers
Giving
Shopping
Celebrating
ENGAGEMENTS!!!
It's true, during this time every year - more and more people choose to get engaged!
So, with that, we've decided to offer a new promotion - as a way to say Congratulations! Happy Holidays and to start the New Year off the right way - with more rewards!
We are now offering 1 Starwood point for every 1 dollar contracted for all of our weddings! That means - book your reception here, and use the Starwood points towards your honeymoon!
Contact me today! 515.457.2106!
Have a blessed holiday season,
Jess Jorgensen
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Believe.
Most weddings that we have involve a few basic things - a bride, a groom, dancing, family, friends, cake, toasts, laughter and fun.
The wedding that we have for this weekend will have all of those things.
But, it has something extra.
You see, Barb and Lou are not my typical wedding couple. Both have been married before. Both have gone through the painful experience of losing that partner. Both have experienced what life was like on their own. Both didn't believe that they COULD find love again. But, they both knew that something was missing.
They had talked many times on the phone before their first date. They were still nervous for their first time actually seeing the other. So? What does she do? Primps and prepares and thinks about how he'll be....and what does he do? Cleans up his convertible and puts on a new shirt. They had dinner, talked for a long time, and took a drive in the car.
And there it started. July 7, 2007.
Just two people.
Starting to believe again.
Over the next three years, they spent time talking, traveling, listening to their favorite music, learning about each other and sharing their lives together. Even started to plan a trip to Hawaii!
But, Lou had something that he wanted to do first. He wanted this amazing woman to become his wife, and to realize how much she means to him. Even if they could have just dated forever. Even if they were already 60 years old.
On Saturday, November 6th, 2010, they'll make it official as they become husband and wife. They'll promise to love each other for the rest of their lives, and they'll be surrounded by their family and friends. They'll eat cake and dance, and share laughter and joy.
They'll know that they believe.
The wedding that we have for this weekend will have all of those things.
But, it has something extra.
You see, Barb and Lou are not my typical wedding couple. Both have been married before. Both have gone through the painful experience of losing that partner. Both have experienced what life was like on their own. Both didn't believe that they COULD find love again. But, they both knew that something was missing.
They had talked many times on the phone before their first date. They were still nervous for their first time actually seeing the other. So? What does she do? Primps and prepares and thinks about how he'll be....and what does he do? Cleans up his convertible and puts on a new shirt. They had dinner, talked for a long time, and took a drive in the car.
And there it started. July 7, 2007.
Just two people.
Starting to believe again.
Over the next three years, they spent time talking, traveling, listening to their favorite music, learning about each other and sharing their lives together. Even started to plan a trip to Hawaii!
But, Lou had something that he wanted to do first. He wanted this amazing woman to become his wife, and to realize how much she means to him. Even if they could have just dated forever. Even if they were already 60 years old.
On Saturday, November 6th, 2010, they'll make it official as they become husband and wife. They'll promise to love each other for the rest of their lives, and they'll be surrounded by their family and friends. They'll eat cake and dance, and share laughter and joy.
They'll know that they believe.
Vendor Appreciation
Planning weddings involves working with a venue, photographer, DJ, videographer, florist, church, among many others!
Choosing the perfect vendors makes a huge impact on your day. Period. They will combine your ideas with their expertise into making your day go off without a hitch, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Caleb Jamin Photography is a vendor that goes above and beyond for his bridal couples. I know this first hand. He was the photographer that captured my brother and sister in law's wedding day with complete perfection.
From meeting us in the morning at the salon to standing on top of a chair at the reception to get just the right angle - the man did it all. They have the most incredible pictures that celebrate their day and show who they are as a couple.
As a wedding coordinator, I've had the pleasure of working with Caleb and his staff mulitple times, and I can't tell you how impressed I am. CONTNUALLY. Caleb has a passion for photography, for creativeness and for the wedding business in general. He doesn't just want to photograph, he wants to make an impact with the images that he takes.
I could go on forever. But, seeing his images is a lot more fun than listening to me.
www.calebjamin.com
Choosing the perfect vendors makes a huge impact on your day. Period. They will combine your ideas with their expertise into making your day go off without a hitch, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Caleb Jamin Photography is a vendor that goes above and beyond for his bridal couples. I know this first hand. He was the photographer that captured my brother and sister in law's wedding day with complete perfection.
From meeting us in the morning at the salon to standing on top of a chair at the reception to get just the right angle - the man did it all. They have the most incredible pictures that celebrate their day and show who they are as a couple.
As a wedding coordinator, I've had the pleasure of working with Caleb and his staff mulitple times, and I can't tell you how impressed I am. CONTNUALLY. Caleb has a passion for photography, for creativeness and for the wedding business in general. He doesn't just want to photograph, he wants to make an impact with the images that he takes.
I could go on forever. But, seeing his images is a lot more fun than listening to me.
www.calebjamin.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Twice as nice...
It's always wonderful to hear from our couples after their wedding day, but yesterday was twice as nice!
Kelly Jeseritz and Matt Danilson's reception on Saturday was perfect. Just ask them.
Everything was perfect. Jess, I know that Kelly will email you but I would like to say that everything was great. The place looked fantastic, staff were great, and food was amazing. Could not have imagined having it any other way or location. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. ~ Matt Danilson
EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We absolutely had the perfect wedding day!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for everything!!!! The reception was BEAUTIFUL!!!! Everyone loved the food and the dessert station! Matt was bummed we had run out of chocolate pudding. :) But what do ya' expect when he had been talking it up to everyone! Of course that was the first thing they were going for! :) We really appreciate all that you did for us and making our day so incredibly wonderful!!!! It was just awesome!!!! Thank-you so much for everything! We'll never be able to thank you enough! ~ Kelly (Jeseritz) Danilson
Nothing compares to hearing back from our couples and knowing that their wedding receptions were exactly what they hoped for. And more.
Kelly Jeseritz and Matt Danilson's reception on Saturday was perfect. Just ask them.
Everything was perfect. Jess, I know that Kelly will email you but I would like to say that everything was great. The place looked fantastic, staff were great, and food was amazing. Could not have imagined having it any other way or location. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. ~ Matt Danilson
EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We absolutely had the perfect wedding day!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for everything!!!! The reception was BEAUTIFUL!!!! Everyone loved the food and the dessert station! Matt was bummed we had run out of chocolate pudding. :) But what do ya' expect when he had been talking it up to everyone! Of course that was the first thing they were going for! :) We really appreciate all that you did for us and making our day so incredibly wonderful!!!! It was just awesome!!!! Thank-you so much for everything! We'll never be able to thank you enough! ~ Kelly (Jeseritz) Danilson
Nothing compares to hearing back from our couples and knowing that their wedding receptions were exactly what they hoped for. And more.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Inspiration
Well, Good Morning!
I know it's been close to forever since my last post (okay almost a month) but we've just been so busy with Ah-MAZE-ing weddings and events that I haven't had a chance to write!
As I'm waiting to get my hands on those oh so lovely pictures from the weddings that we've recently had here, I'll leave you with some websites that I use for inspiration when planning!
http://www.stylemepretty.com/
http://www.weddingchicks.com/
http://www.projectwedding.com/
Good luck!
Jess
I know it's been close to forever since my last post (okay almost a month) but we've just been so busy with Ah-MAZE-ing weddings and events that I haven't had a chance to write!
As I'm waiting to get my hands on those oh so lovely pictures from the weddings that we've recently had here, I'll leave you with some websites that I use for inspiration when planning!
http://www.stylemepretty.com/
http://www.weddingchicks.com/
http://www.projectwedding.com/
Good luck!
Jess
Thursday, September 16, 2010
LOVE.
I hope by now you've realized that I LOVE what I do.
I LOVE meeting newly engaged couples as they tour our property.
I LOVE meeting with families to help in the decision process.
I LOVE learning more about each couple - seeing them interact and hearing them tell me about how they met and how they got engaged.
I LOVE planning all the details with them.
I LOVE getting to know their parents.
I LOVE being able to comfort them in the months before their wedding when they can't see just how it will all come together. (And I LOVE knowing that it will.)
I LOVE seeing the brides and grooms on their wedding day when all the worries fade and they have faith that we will take care of them.
I LOVE being there for them on the day of their wedding.
That's why it's so hard. It's hard on weekends like these. When I have three amazing weddings, and I am not able to be here for them.
I know that each bride wishes I could be here; to congratulate and hug her when she arrives, to celebrate her marriage, to see how amazing the ballroom looks and how every detail was worth it, and to witness just how beautiful she is on her wedding day.
But what she doesn't know is that when I can't be here on those days, it's always harder on me.
I LOVE meeting newly engaged couples as they tour our property.
I LOVE meeting with families to help in the decision process.
I LOVE learning more about each couple - seeing them interact and hearing them tell me about how they met and how they got engaged.
I LOVE planning all the details with them.
I LOVE getting to know their parents.
I LOVE being able to comfort them in the months before their wedding when they can't see just how it will all come together. (And I LOVE knowing that it will.)
I LOVE seeing the brides and grooms on their wedding day when all the worries fade and they have faith that we will take care of them.
I LOVE being there for them on the day of their wedding.
That's why it's so hard. It's hard on weekends like these. When I have three amazing weddings, and I am not able to be here for them.
I know that each bride wishes I could be here; to congratulate and hug her when she arrives, to celebrate her marriage, to see how amazing the ballroom looks and how every detail was worth it, and to witness just how beautiful she is on her wedding day.
But what she doesn't know is that when I can't be here on those days, it's always harder on me.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
I'm famous.
Yesterday afternoon, I was working away, doing some diagrams for the upcoming weddings, when my boss came to my desk.
How would you like to be on Channel 13 tomorrow morning? They are doing a piece on the wedding show, and wanted to know if you'd like to represent the hotel.
(Insert nervousness now)
How do you say no to your boss? How do you say no to a TV debut? After all, I did have dreams of being an anchor at one time...
Last night was spent programming my DVR, picking out my outfit and tossing and turning all night. Finally, I arrived at Channel 13 around 8 am this morning, ready to put my best foot forward. (Still incredibly nervous)
Luckily, the amazing Sandy Davis from Your Wedding Iowa was there to represent the Bridal Show, and has done this many times in years past. She's the nicest woman (reminds me a lot of my adorable mother) and would ease anyone's nerves.
And, Dan Winter (who just had his own wedding reception at the Sheraton last June) the Channel 13 anchor, couldn't have been easier to talk to. What a good guy. I guess I won't hold it against him that he is a Cyclone...
Without much instruction, there we were, lipstick on, microphones tested, smiles ready. Dan carried the conversation and asked Sandy and I questions throughout the interview. Overall, it couldn't have gone better. Our 2 minute feature was quick and painless...(Why was I so nervous again?) And, we got our message across...
Bridal Show - Sheraton West Des Moines
Sunday, September 12th - 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Inspiration. Vendors. Prizes. Fun.
I walked outside the studio and laughed a bit to myself for being worked up in the first place. Our 2 minute feature had come and gone so quickly, there was nothing to worry about.
"So, are you up for it again in January?" Sandy asked....
And that's when the nerves started again....
How would you like to be on Channel 13 tomorrow morning? They are doing a piece on the wedding show, and wanted to know if you'd like to represent the hotel.
(Insert nervousness now)
How do you say no to your boss? How do you say no to a TV debut? After all, I did have dreams of being an anchor at one time...
Last night was spent programming my DVR, picking out my outfit and tossing and turning all night. Finally, I arrived at Channel 13 around 8 am this morning, ready to put my best foot forward. (Still incredibly nervous)
Luckily, the amazing Sandy Davis from Your Wedding Iowa was there to represent the Bridal Show, and has done this many times in years past. She's the nicest woman (reminds me a lot of my adorable mother) and would ease anyone's nerves.
And, Dan Winter (who just had his own wedding reception at the Sheraton last June) the Channel 13 anchor, couldn't have been easier to talk to. What a good guy. I guess I won't hold it against him that he is a Cyclone...
Without much instruction, there we were, lipstick on, microphones tested, smiles ready. Dan carried the conversation and asked Sandy and I questions throughout the interview. Overall, it couldn't have gone better. Our 2 minute feature was quick and painless...(Why was I so nervous again?) And, we got our message across...
Bridal Show - Sheraton West Des Moines
Sunday, September 12th - 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Inspiration. Vendors. Prizes. Fun.
I walked outside the studio and laughed a bit to myself for being worked up in the first place. Our 2 minute feature had come and gone so quickly, there was nothing to worry about.
"So, are you up for it again in January?" Sandy asked....
And that's when the nerves started again....
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Imagine...
Three daughters. Three weddings. Three years in a row.
Last weekend we were able to host the third wedding in three years for the Sandersfeld family. All three daughters had three TOTALLY different weddings that all took place at our property.
I was lucky enough to help plan the last wedding, as the littlest Sandersfeld, Kendra, got married last Saturday to her long time boyfriend, Tyson Muhlenbruch. Working with Kendra, Tyson and the whole Sandersfeld family made me wish that I had been here for the other two as well....
I was able to talk with some of the Aunts and Uncles the morning of the wedding, and they joked, "We are just in a routine, knowing that at least one weekend every year, we'll be staying at the Sheraton."
Kendra and Tyson are so sweet, both very soft spoken, incredibly kind people that you love to work with. And, incredibly organized. (Which I credit mostly to Kendra, but I do think planning 3 weddings in 3 years might have helped the family a bit.)
Their wedding is one of my favorites so far. Mainly because it was unique. Pink and Orange aren't the colors that many brides choose, and yet, the wedding reception was definitely one of the most beautiful that I've seen. Kelly from Bella Flora Event Design has a team that brought in decor, florals, vases, candles, everything! The room truly sparkled. I wish the pictures that I took would do it justice....but here's to trying!
Thanks again, Sandersfeld family, for raising three amazing daughters, and for allowing us to take part in some of the most memorable times in your lives. Now, sit back and relax! You are off the hook for next year!
Jess
Last weekend we were able to host the third wedding in three years for the Sandersfeld family. All three daughters had three TOTALLY different weddings that all took place at our property.
I was lucky enough to help plan the last wedding, as the littlest Sandersfeld, Kendra, got married last Saturday to her long time boyfriend, Tyson Muhlenbruch. Working with Kendra, Tyson and the whole Sandersfeld family made me wish that I had been here for the other two as well....
I was able to talk with some of the Aunts and Uncles the morning of the wedding, and they joked, "We are just in a routine, knowing that at least one weekend every year, we'll be staying at the Sheraton."
Kendra and Tyson are so sweet, both very soft spoken, incredibly kind people that you love to work with. And, incredibly organized. (Which I credit mostly to Kendra, but I do think planning 3 weddings in 3 years might have helped the family a bit.)
Their wedding is one of my favorites so far. Mainly because it was unique. Pink and Orange aren't the colors that many brides choose, and yet, the wedding reception was definitely one of the most beautiful that I've seen. Kelly from Bella Flora Event Design has a team that brought in decor, florals, vases, candles, everything! The room truly sparkled. I wish the pictures that I took would do it justice....but here's to trying!
Thanks again, Sandersfeld family, for raising three amazing daughters, and for allowing us to take part in some of the most memorable times in your lives. Now, sit back and relax! You are off the hook for next year!
Jess
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Beautiful!!
Another reason why I love my job...
It always WOWS me. (And I know all the details beforehand)
A special thanks to BELLA FLORA FLORALS AND EVENT DESIGN. With Kelly and her team, you are always in for the best decor!
I'm off to get the party started!
Jess
It always WOWS me. (And I know all the details beforehand)
A special thanks to BELLA FLORA FLORALS AND EVENT DESIGN. With Kelly and her team, you are always in for the best decor!
I'm off to get the party started!
Jess
Friday, August 20, 2010
Mmmmmmm....
What draws all of our future brides and grooms together on a Friday night?
Our wedding tasting that is!
Twice a year, we hold a wedding tasting and invite all of the future brides, grooms and their parents to taste some of our menu items, see options for decor that we have in house, and meet the rest of our staff that will make their day come together.
I know that the brides and grooms are always excited for tonight's event, but I wish that they knew how much all of the Sheraton staff gets just as excited to meet and learn more about them as well!
Happy Tasting!
Jess
Our wedding tasting that is!
Twice a year, we hold a wedding tasting and invite all of the future brides, grooms and their parents to taste some of our menu items, see options for decor that we have in house, and meet the rest of our staff that will make their day come together.
I know that the brides and grooms are always excited for tonight's event, but I wish that they knew how much all of the Sheraton staff gets just as excited to meet and learn more about them as well!
Happy Tasting!
Jess
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Feedback from the Vanden Hull & Linder Wedding ~ July 31
Good Afternoon!
I just received this wonderful email from the Mother of the Bride, Rhonda Vanden Hull, in regards to her daughter's wedding that we hosted on July 31st. Thought I'd share!
"I would like to thank the Sheraton and their WONDERFUL staff for all that was done to make my daughters wedding a dream come true! Everyone went above and beyond what they were required to do, and they made this once in a lifetime event SO enjoyable. Jess Jorgensen/wedding coordinator helped immensely in the planning process as well as the decorating and the set-up. I cannot thank her enough. The whole staff worked together, as well as with our vendors, and the total flow of the whole evening went off without a hitch. As well as Jess, I would also like to thank Halim, Sarah, Toni, and Kelly. The room set-up was great. Loved the fact that everyone was close to the dance floor, thus creating a unified, fun atmosphere. Dancing started for everyone at 8:00PM, and the dance floor was still full at 1:00 AM. No one wanted to stop!! Typically, I would have a tremendous amount of anxiety, hosting such a big event as this. However, with the help of the Sheraton staff, I was SO relaxed and totally enjoyed the entire day, and because of this I have so many wonderful memories!! I would strongly recommend the Sheraton to anyone who wants to have a very nice reception with no hassles of set-up or take down. Anything we needed, all we had to do was ask. What can I say...they do it ALL...and all you need to do is ENJOY!!!"
Thanks, Rhonda. What a pleasure it was working with you and your entire family!
Jess
I just received this wonderful email from the Mother of the Bride, Rhonda Vanden Hull, in regards to her daughter's wedding that we hosted on July 31st. Thought I'd share!
"I would like to thank the Sheraton and their WONDERFUL staff for all that was done to make my daughters wedding a dream come true! Everyone went above and beyond what they were required to do, and they made this once in a lifetime event SO enjoyable. Jess Jorgensen/wedding coordinator helped immensely in the planning process as well as the decorating and the set-up. I cannot thank her enough. The whole staff worked together, as well as with our vendors, and the total flow of the whole evening went off without a hitch. As well as Jess, I would also like to thank Halim, Sarah, Toni, and Kelly. The room set-up was great. Loved the fact that everyone was close to the dance floor, thus creating a unified, fun atmosphere. Dancing started for everyone at 8:00PM, and the dance floor was still full at 1:00 AM. No one wanted to stop!! Typically, I would have a tremendous amount of anxiety, hosting such a big event as this. However, with the help of the Sheraton staff, I was SO relaxed and totally enjoyed the entire day, and because of this I have so many wonderful memories!! I would strongly recommend the Sheraton to anyone who wants to have a very nice reception with no hassles of set-up or take down. Anything we needed, all we had to do was ask. What can I say...they do it ALL...and all you need to do is ENJOY!!!"
Thanks, Rhonda. What a pleasure it was working with you and your entire family!
Jess
Monday, August 16, 2010
Katie and Nate Hinkeldey
Katie (Reichling) and Nate Hinkeldey were married on June 26th. With their ceremony taking place in Ames at the church that they went to throughout college, we were honored to have them choose our property for their reception.
Katie and Nate are an amazing couple. They support each other fully, and are so wonderful to each other, their energy together is mAgNeTiC.
There were so many things that I loved about their reception ~ from the "Grandmother's cookie buffet" that served as favors to their guests, to the thoughtful prayer that Nate shared before their meal was served. Most of all, I will remember the carefree attitude that each of them had; just so happy to be celebrating their love and starting their new life together. They had a blast!
Caleb Jamin, (www.calebjamin.com) their INCREDIBLE photographer, captured the day so well; as he was able to show the couple's true personalities in every shot. A special thank you to Terrie Reichling, Katie's mother, for letting me have a full cd of the pictures from their day, and another thank you to Caleb, who is incredibly talented, and always wonderful to work with.
Take a look at our facebook page: www.facebook.com/sheratonwestdesmoines to see the full gallery from their wedding!
Katie and Nate are an amazing couple. They support each other fully, and are so wonderful to each other, their energy together is mAgNeTiC.
There were so many things that I loved about their reception ~ from the "Grandmother's cookie buffet" that served as favors to their guests, to the thoughtful prayer that Nate shared before their meal was served. Most of all, I will remember the carefree attitude that each of them had; just so happy to be celebrating their love and starting their new life together. They had a blast!
Caleb Jamin, (www.calebjamin.com) their INCREDIBLE photographer, captured the day so well; as he was able to show the couple's true personalities in every shot. A special thank you to Terrie Reichling, Katie's mother, for letting me have a full cd of the pictures from their day, and another thank you to Caleb, who is incredibly talented, and always wonderful to work with.
Take a look at our facebook page: www.facebook.com/sheratonwestdesmoines to see the full gallery from their wedding!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Director of Sales Promotion
We are so excited to announce our new Director of Sales...Tara McFarling!
Tara has been with our team as a Sales Manager for the last 6 years, and brings to the Director of Sales position her positive energy, drive, and a new sense of direction.
As a team, we couldn't be happier for her, and we know that our clients will enjoy working with her in this leadership position as much as we do.
So, Congrats, Tara! We can't wait to see what the future brings for you and for the hotel!
Tara has been with our team as a Sales Manager for the last 6 years, and brings to the Director of Sales position her positive energy, drive, and a new sense of direction.
As a team, we couldn't be happier for her, and we know that our clients will enjoy working with her in this leadership position as much as we do.
So, Congrats, Tara! We can't wait to see what the future brings for you and for the hotel!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Bridal Show ~ September 12th!
Twice a year we have the pleasure of hosting a bridal show at our property. It serves as a chance to showcase our hotel and provides TONS of inspiration for brides, grooms and prospective brides and grooms! (Even couples that aren't engaged yet are encouraged to attend!)
There are all sorts of vendors at the Bridal Show ~ from photographers and videographers to decor and wedding dress stores.
This year we are VERY excited to show off our site, serve up some delicious goodies and meet over 2,000 people who will be coming in our doors!
Here's just a little insight into what we have planned for our booth....
Stop by on September 12th to see it all come together!
Jess
There are all sorts of vendors at the Bridal Show ~ from photographers and videographers to decor and wedding dress stores.
This year we are VERY excited to show off our site, serve up some delicious goodies and meet over 2,000 people who will be coming in our doors!
Here's just a little insight into what we have planned for our booth....
Stop by on September 12th to see it all come together!
Jess
Friday, July 23, 2010
A beautiful day in May
Regi and Jodi....May 15th
Regi and Jodi were our May 15th wedding. Jodi, (one of the sweetest women that you will ever meet) is an Iowa girl who now lives in Dallas. Though we communicated a lot over email, we were able to set up a few appointments during her trips back to Des Moines which worked out so well. Not only did I get to know her through our meetings, I also got such a great feel for what she and Regi wanted for their day.
I know that they wanted to bring a part of Texas to Iowa,
and show some Iowa to the Texans...
They accomplished both of those things, and so much more. It was a day filled with great joy, love and an underlying sense of togetherness.
**A BIG THANK YOU TO FRANCZYK PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THEIR AMAZING PHOTOS FROM THE DAY**
Regi and Jodi were our May 15th wedding. Jodi, (one of the sweetest women that you will ever meet) is an Iowa girl who now lives in Dallas. Though we communicated a lot over email, we were able to set up a few appointments during her trips back to Des Moines which worked out so well. Not only did I get to know her through our meetings, I also got such a great feel for what she and Regi wanted for their day.
I know that they wanted to bring a part of Texas to Iowa,
and show some Iowa to the Texans...
They accomplished both of those things, and so much more. It was a day filled with great joy, love and an underlying sense of togetherness.
**A BIG THANK YOU TO FRANCZYK PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THEIR AMAZING PHOTOS FROM THE DAY**
Friday, July 16, 2010
Sweetness.
Yesterday we had a party.
Yep. At work.
It invovled these....
Cheescake - filled Ice Cream cones....To.Die.For.
Why?
Because ice cream melts.
Ha. The real reason?
To try some new desserts for our menus!
Mmmmmmm.......
Jess
Yep. At work.
It invovled these....
Cheescake - filled Ice Cream cones....To.Die.For.
Why?
Because ice cream melts.
Ha. The real reason?
To try some new desserts for our menus!
Mmmmmmm.......
Jess
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
That feeling....
As I had previously mentioned, the Mason/Penisten wedding turned into a CEREMONY and reception just one week shy of their big day. I was thrilled. Thrilled because I get to plan many wedding receptions here, but not nearly as many wedding ceremonies.
After meeting with Jen and Scott, they decided on an all white ceremony space (with a pop of red) and then wanted tie in more of the black and red to the reception space. I knew that it would look amazing! The rooms were unique, and beautiful.
But, Jen and Scott's day will stand out in my mind is because I got that feeling. The feeling that you get when something truly pulls at your heart, and everything else around you stops. All the stress of changing their ceremony space, rearranging vendor schedules and notifying their 200+ guests the week before the wedding, faded once the music started and the beautiful bride walked down the aisle to "Make us One" by Cindy Morgan.
http://new.music.yahoo.com/cindy-morgan/tracks/make-us-one--38692107
Children beloy
Fresh from the foe
Hand´ neath the moonlight
Lord please make us one
We hear the tide
Roll throught the night
Come lead the weary
Lord please make us one
Children rejoice
Come to the voice
Song of the angels
Healing the broken ones
Seasons of Rain
Battles Unwon
Lead to the fountain
Wash and make us one
All hearts rejoice
With might voice
Make us a rainbow
Lord please make us one
Light in the sky
Breath of our life
Unite the rainbow
Lord please make us one
Make us a rainbow
Lord please make us one
Along with all of their guests, I witnessed that it wasn't about WHERE these two said I do.
Thank you for allowing me to help plan your day; I'm so glad that I got to experience it.
Jess
After meeting with Jen and Scott, they decided on an all white ceremony space (with a pop of red) and then wanted tie in more of the black and red to the reception space. I knew that it would look amazing! The rooms were unique, and beautiful.
But, Jen and Scott's day will stand out in my mind is because I got that feeling. The feeling that you get when something truly pulls at your heart, and everything else around you stops. All the stress of changing their ceremony space, rearranging vendor schedules and notifying their 200+ guests the week before the wedding, faded once the music started and the beautiful bride walked down the aisle to "Make us One" by Cindy Morgan.
http://new.music.yahoo.com/cindy-morgan/tracks/make-us-one--38692107
Children beloy
Fresh from the foe
Hand´ neath the moonlight
Lord please make us one
We hear the tide
Roll throught the night
Come lead the weary
Lord please make us one
Children rejoice
Come to the voice
Song of the angels
Healing the broken ones
Seasons of Rain
Battles Unwon
Lead to the fountain
Wash and make us one
All hearts rejoice
With might voice
Make us a rainbow
Lord please make us one
Light in the sky
Breath of our life
Unite the rainbow
Lord please make us one
Make us a rainbow
Lord please make us one
Along with all of their guests, I witnessed that it wasn't about WHERE these two said I do.
Thank you for allowing me to help plan your day; I'm so glad that I got to experience it.
Jess
Friday, July 9, 2010
Enjoying the experience...
Happy Friday!
During some meetings this week, I've had a few brides mention to me that they are stressed. I always feel bad when they say this, because planning a wedding should be a fun, memorable time...and not a stressful one!
Here are my keys to avoiding the stresses that go along with wedding planning:
1. Talk to your vendors. We specialize in areas so that you don't have to! We can be your biggest resources for inspiration and problem solving. If you had a tooth ache, you'd go to the dentist, right? Why not go to your wedding coordinator to get ideas for your wedding favors then?
2. Trust your vendors. Once again, though I love what I do, it is also my job. Therefore, it is my responsibility to know what works the best in our space - what the room can hold, and specific ideas for set up, flow of the night, etc. Trust that your vendor knows creative ways to problem solve and ease the "stressful" plans for your day!
3. Take notes. Brides and grooms are bombarded with ideas for their big day. Getting to see your reception site AFTER you've made your decisions will make you feel more at ease with the layout, and flow of the day. Call your coordinator, ask him/her if you can stop by when the space is set up for another wedding reception or event. Then take pictures, take notes, and ask questions! You'll be happy that you did!
4. Remember the real reason why you are planning this event - to get married to the person you love. Take time out to focus on your relationship, because after all of the cake has been cut, the songs have been played and your guests have returned back home, you get to start the beginning of your lives together...and that's where the true beauty of the day is.
During some meetings this week, I've had a few brides mention to me that they are stressed. I always feel bad when they say this, because planning a wedding should be a fun, memorable time...and not a stressful one!
Here are my keys to avoiding the stresses that go along with wedding planning:
1. Talk to your vendors. We specialize in areas so that you don't have to! We can be your biggest resources for inspiration and problem solving. If you had a tooth ache, you'd go to the dentist, right? Why not go to your wedding coordinator to get ideas for your wedding favors then?
2. Trust your vendors. Once again, though I love what I do, it is also my job. Therefore, it is my responsibility to know what works the best in our space - what the room can hold, and specific ideas for set up, flow of the night, etc. Trust that your vendor knows creative ways to problem solve and ease the "stressful" plans for your day!
3. Take notes. Brides and grooms are bombarded with ideas for their big day. Getting to see your reception site AFTER you've made your decisions will make you feel more at ease with the layout, and flow of the day. Call your coordinator, ask him/her if you can stop by when the space is set up for another wedding reception or event. Then take pictures, take notes, and ask questions! You'll be happy that you did!
4. Remember the real reason why you are planning this event - to get married to the person you love. Take time out to focus on your relationship, because after all of the cake has been cut, the songs have been played and your guests have returned back home, you get to start the beginning of your lives together...and that's where the true beauty of the day is.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Erin and Adam Christensen
Hi!
Since our wedding season began in May, I didn't want to leave out weddings that took place before this blog was created! And without further ado...
Erin (Miksich) and Adam Christensen were our May 28th wedding. Talk about an amazing couple. It was a pleasure to work with them, and to get to know their families. Here's a little insight into their day....
400 guests.
40 tables.
20 person head table.
6 bouquets of home grown peonies.
2 college sweethearts.
1 candy bar. (double sided of course)
Perfection.
Since our wedding season began in May, I didn't want to leave out weddings that took place before this blog was created! And without further ado...
Erin (Miksich) and Adam Christensen were our May 28th wedding. Talk about an amazing couple. It was a pleasure to work with them, and to get to know their families. Here's a little insight into their day....
400 guests.
40 tables.
20 person head table.
6 bouquets of home grown peonies.
2 college sweethearts.
1 candy bar. (double sided of course)
Perfection.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Welcome!
On behalf of the entire Sheraton West Des Moines staff, welcome to our blog! We are excited to share with you what we work so hard at perfecting everyday!
I am Jessica Jorgensen, the wedding coordinator here at the Sheraton. Most of the time, you'll probably be hearing from me!
We have a busy week at the hotel, with the Mason/Penisten wedding here on Friday. They are expecting around 220 people, and just last week had a change in plans, so they will now be getting married in our ballroom as well. So, in one week, we have planned their ceremony to take place in a portion of our ballroom, with their reception in the other half! We've got the chair ties ordered, along with the stage cover and aisle runner - it's going to be a stunning set up! Don't worry, I'll post pictures when we get them!
Thanks for stopping by,
Jess
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