Featured: "Perfect Catch" Styled Shoot!

Our sweet couple, Brett and Angela, who won second place in our Styled Engagement Shoot contest has been featured on DIY Bride! Their love for the outdoors inspired this photo shoot by The Nomad Photography, styled by Stratford Events. 

See the entire feature here: DIY Bride

Planner: Stratford Events

Photographer: The Nomad Photography

Venue: Le San Michele

Engaged in Austin, Take 2!

I had a great visit with Cheryl from Austin Weddingday Style yesterday! While she was here, she dropped off the GORGEOUS photographs that Jerry Hayes took of our Whimsical Woods room at the Engaged in Austin, Take 2 event. We had a fabulous group of contributers, so check them out!

Design + Coordination: Stratford Events

Floral Design: Sweet Magnolia Floral Studio

Bridal Gowns: Signature Bridal

Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery

Photographer: The Nomad

Entertainment: Hill Country Strings

Stationary: The Pink Tulip

Rentals: Whim Events Rentals

Specialty Rentals: Furbish

Party Animals: The Festive Fox
Venue: Austin Marriott South
Custom Chalk Board Signs: Stratford Events

FAVORS are FUN!

Why are favors important? 

Although not necessary, favors can be a great touch to acknowledge your guests for making the effort to attend your wedding and celebrate with you and your spouse. Each person cleared their schedule for the day or sometimes two, bought a gift, got fixed up and many times, traveled to get to your wedding. 

So...what are some favor options? 

Something Sweet

Smores
(Packaged items are easy to take home)

Honey
(With a cute phrase or locally made)

Candy Bar

(Because everyone loves to make their own goody bag)

Source: Mazel Moments

Something Practical

Glasses or Fans
(Great for outdoor weddings)

  

Source: Rifle Paper Co.

Coozies
(Customizable-Usable-Fun)

Something Fun

Bubbles
(Dual purpose- the grand exit and to keep)

Plants
(To watch grow as your marriage does)

Something Charitable 

Donation
(Instead of giving an actual gift, spend the favor money on a cause that is important to you)

Just Remember to say "thank you!"

Event Planning Internship

Stratford Events Internship

We are looking for some who is creative + organized, fun + focused, and excels in blogging + social media. If you are seeking a great place to intern with over the next year, and meet the qualifications below, please apply! We can't wait to meet you!

 Qualifications:

·      Currently enrolled in undergraduate/graduate coursework seeking internship credit or looking for event experience

·      Professional in appearance and all communication

·      Available on weekends and weekday evenings for potential events (minimum 1-2 per month)

·      Ability to use Word, Excel and do research

·      Office hours 6-8 per week

·      Type A personality (typically)

·      Can communicate effectively written and oral

·      Ability to listen and complete tasks that are assigned in a timely manner

If you believe you are a good fit based on the information above, please submit your resume and cover letter to Lindsey@stratfordevents.com with which semester you are applying for. 

Intern Time Frames (2013-2014):

Summer: Now – August 23

Fall: August 26 – December 21

Spring: January 13 – May 15 

We Honor You

Honoring Lost Loved Ones at Weddings

 Of all the pieces to a wedding, there is one that can be difficult- honoring a loved one who has passed. I have seen this displayed in many forms for couples wishing to recognize family members or friends who were close to them who could not be present to share in their celebration of life together. It is an extremely personal decision and is completely up to the couple to decide.

Here are a variety of ways during the wedding ceremony and reception that a couple can acknowledge lost loved ones privately or publicly: 

~During the Ceremony~

1. Wear or Hold Something
Whether it is a grandmothers hair pin, a grandfathers handkerchief or your great-grandmothers dancing shoes, wear or hold an item of importance to you and your loved one and remember them on your day.

 

        Source: Intimate Weddings

2. Kind Words in the Program 

A tribute in the ceremony program allows for recognition without drawing a lot of attention. Something as simple as "We wish you could be standing here with us today, but we know you are here in spirit. You are in our hearts always. We love and miss you."

3. Dedicated Reading or Song

Walk down the aisle to a shared favorite song or have someone close to them do a special reading.

4. Moment of Silence

Speak with the person leading the ceremony to determine at what point in the ceremony a moment of silence can take place. Everyone can stand and recognize those not present.

5. Save their Seat

Have a special row with individual flowers or bouquets where loved ones would be sitting.

~During the Reception~

1. Release a Balloon 

The couple can release one or multiple balloons representing the loved ones are remembered.

2. Candle on Guest Sign-In Table

An flameless candle with a small description represents that their memory will live forever.

  

                                                                    Source: etsy

3. Use a Gift 

Incorporate something given to you- champagne flutes, a bible or a sign in book, etc.

4. Photo/Memorabilia Table

Display old photographs with your new engagement photos displayed at the reception.

Source: Maida Vale

5. Include in Toast

Have this person mentioned in the toast so that he or she may be recognized.

BEST new WEDDING PLANNER is Austin!!

Stratford Events was awarded 

"BEST new WEDDING PLANNER in Austin" 

for 2013 and we want to celebrate with YOU! 

Book in June and receive 10% off our "Final Details" package... that means you get the BEST wedding planner in Austin for $1,080!!

"Final Details" Wedding Package (Normally $1,200)

‐ Respond to unlimited emails and phone calls 30 days from the wedding

‐ Meeting 3‐4 weeks before the wedding to review timeline, plan ceremony

(including seating, processional, and recessional), as well as reception details

‐ Create comprehensive timelines of the ceremony and reception

‐ Provide timeline to vendors, family members, and members of the bridal party

‐ Confirm vendors (delivery times, items being delivered, etc) prior to the wedding

‐ Act as point of contact for the wedding day vendors

‐ Attend final walk‐thru meeting with ceremony and reception venue

‐ Conduct the rehearsal so that the wedding ceremony runs smoothly

‐ Up to 10 hours of assistance the day of the wedding

‐ Coordinate all dynamic facets of your day into a seamless and polished event:

vendor management, attend to guests needs and inquiries, facilitate solutions to

unexpected challenging situations that may arise, etc.

‐ Assist bride and groom as needed throughout wedding day

‐ Oversee all wedding day deliveries

‐ Ensure the design of the venue appears as anticipated

‐ Direct the wedding party so they are in the proper place at the proper time

‐ Deliver remaining payments to vendors the day of the wedding

‐ Coordinate events and announcements throughout the reception

‐ Monitor clean up, return of rental items, and insure personal belongings are given

to the right person

Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation in our design studio, and let the BEST wedding planning team Austin help you plan the wedding of your dreams!

Stratford Events

(512) 827-7617

info@stratfordevents.com

3105-C Manchaca Road

Austin, Texas 78704

Tuesday Tip: Maps!!

Austin has been named one of the most desirable destination wedding spots for couple's looking to give their wedding guests a full weekend of entertainment. So what is the best way to show out of towners where to go? A map, of course!

Check out some of our favorite designs:

Find this on Etsy

Medley Invitations

Source Here

Buy this on Etsy