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'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....

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