This week we're all about the sweets. Sweet Rides!, Sweet Cakes, and a prize drawing for some Sweet Bling Bling! Enjoy and thank you for using IowaBride.com for your wedding planning.
Be sure to tell your Vendors you saw them on IowaBride.com!
IowaBride.com Dream Series: Wedding
Our Wedding Shows are a Dream
We've got several wonderful Bridal Shows lined up for 2006.
Our Bridal Shows are a unique experience. We have the Dream Series shows at one of our vendors facilities so you are able to see what they offer. We feature 25 to 30 vendors in a casual, elegant atmosphere.
We also have our shows for 2 to 3 hours after 5:00 at night. They are designed so you and a friend can take your time to visit with the vendors in a relaxed atmosphere. You can actually take some time to learn what the vendor offers.
Join us at our next Dream Series show. You'll see the difference.
Come preview some of the season’s best wedding ideas as well as visiting with area premier wedding vendors. The Cedar Falls Woman’s Club House, 304 Clay Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Free Admission, Door Prizes, Tasty treats and Cash Bar. Bring a friend and enjoy a great afternoon planning your wedding!
For Limos on the East side of the state it's Express Limo!
Express limousines is dedicated to providing prompt & professional chauffer driven vans, sedans and limousines throughout the Midwest. They are centrally located in North Liberty IA, and have been providing service for Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and all of Eastern Iowa for over 25 years.
We've contacted Express Limousines' Erin Hutt- Director of Operations.
Hi Erin! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit with us today. Tell us what is the name of your company? The name of our company is Express Limousines.
How long have you been giving rides to Brides? We have been in business for 25 years.
What puts Express Limousine Service on top! We strive to meet all the demands of our customers. We guarantee to be prompt,professional and knowledgable.
What is your favorite part of your job? The best part of this job is seeing everyone in such great spirits on this very special day. It's great to be a part of that. We are the " wedding specialists " and we here at Express understand how memorable this day is! We take pride in seeing your wishes come true.
Do you have any specialties or hidden secrets? Our specialty is making sure our customers receive the best in ground transportation, with new cars and suv's. "Exceeding the industry standards" is one of our key phrases. Our hidden secret is our customer service, we do anything for each and every one of our customers in order to provide the most flawless service.
Our vehicles set us apart from our competition, we have late model Lincoln's to Ford Excursions or Denali's. Our fleet is non-smoking, you will not find rips or tears in our interiors. The outside of our vehicles do not have rust or dents.
The rides and the service sound fantastic! Do you have any advice for Brides planning their weddings? Our advice for a couple would be two things, be sure to book your limousine at least six months out and to go view your limousine. There are a lot of companies using some very poor equipment.
Remember at Express we offer professional chauffeurs and a diverse fleet that provides a level of unsurpassed performance. Our attention to detail will give you the confidence that your transportation needs will be handled in a timley manner.
Don't stress choose...EXPRESS
Thanks Erin we appreciate the advice and love the limos!
Yummy Yummy Yummy we've got love in our Tummys! Along with Chocolate, and Cookies & Cream, and Lemon Mist, and Red Velvet, and Boston Cream Cake, and Chocolate Hazelnut, and Chocolate Raspberry Royale, and Almond Marzipan and YUMMY so much more!
This summer IowaBride.com gave away a $24,000 Dream Wedding at the Iowa State Fair. We had contestants hold their hands on a Limo until only one couple was left standing!
Yummy's Cakes owner Jill Dahlstrom helped to keep our contestants filled up and on their feet with wonderful cakes! Yummy's Cakes were one of the things the contestants all looked forward to when we let them drop their hands from the limo during their 5 minute breaks!
Hi Jill. We've had hundreds of people sample your cakes at the Iowa State Fair Hands on a limo contest last summer! Tell us about your company! What is the name of your company?Yummy's Gourmet Cakes
How Long have you been in the industry? 4 years.
Who are the principals of the company? Jill Dahlstrom, I am the owner.
Tell us about yourself and how Yummy's came to be! I have 20 years of a small business background. I learned baking from my mom. I always wanted to have my own business and enjoyed baking so this seemed like a good fit.
What is the favorite part of Making Yummy Cakes? Making people happy.
What is your companies specialty? Gourmet cakes and desserts.
What is the best "hidden secret" people would be surprised your company offers? Yummy's Cakes is an upscale bakery with midwest pricing. On the east or west coast wedding cake goes for double what we charge. We also offer wonderful cheese cakes, cookies, brownies, and pies.
What sets you apart from your competition? We have top notch ingredients and customer service, customer service, customer service.
What Expert advice do you have for a couple planning their wedding? Don't leave things to the last minute unless you are really easy going. Or the stress of bringing it all together will bring you down.
Any other thoughts about your company we didn't ask or should know? How often do you write a business on a product and or service? We get thank you notes all the time which make us very happy I always post them on the employee board for all to see! So everyone will know that the customer loved what we have done as a team.
Thanks Jill, We love your Yummy's Cakes! When you supplied the individual gourmet cakes we were thrilled, amazed, impressed, overwhelmed and never hungry with the wide variety of delicious cakes! WOW, they are truly Yummy Cakes!
Get Cool Stuff ONLY YOU will have like this "Hot Bridesmaid" Shirt. Note: Purchasing this t-shirt for your Bridesmaid does not imply she is hotter than the Bride!
The IowaBride.com Fun Shop features quality apparel and fun items that make great gifts for your wedding party or just a neat way to say "Hey I'm the Bride"
Check out our exclusive "Hot Bridesmaid" line.
These quality shirts and gifts are a fun way to let the world know that "Hey I'm the Bride! But I hang with the hottest friends! !
Did you know that Nicole from Nik Nak Designs has created some of the coolest designs exclusively for our brides? It's true and you should snap up a couple of goodies today!
Classic Mistake!!! Too big of ring foiled the first attempt at proposing. Lesson to be learned: Guys only buy small diamonds! :)
Hi Happy Couple! What are your names? Kevin and Andrea.
Where are you from? Kevin is from Holstein, Iowa and I am from Runnells, Iowa
Tell us, How did you meet? We actually worked together as computer programmers for about 3 years before we started dating. We had no idea each was even interested in dating, until a friend did some 'investigating' and found we'd both secretly had crushes on each other for years.
Wow! 3 years of crushes!!! What is your proposal story!We actually purchased our rings on The Kain Family Cruise, May 2005, in Grand Cayman. (The Kain's are a large group of Andrea's mothers family.) In July of 2005, we were on another Kain family vacation to Okoboji when Kevin proposed.
Kevin had originally planned on proposing on the beach at Arnolds Park while watching the July 4th fireworks, but the ring box was too big to hide in his pocket, and he was terrified he'd lose it if he took it out. So, he waited until a few days later (07-06- 05, easy date to remember) to propose at our hotel. Afterwards, we went to lunch with the family at Mrs. Lady's, where they bought us an ice cream sundae and serenaded us with a 'Happy Engagement' song. (They're so sweet!)
Are you planning on going on a honeymoon if so where?Yes, Jamaica. probably during Jan/Feb, so we miss hurricane season!
Your big day is coming up! When is the wedding?September 9, 2006
What is the worst part of planning your wedding? Haven't found anything yet!
Good for you! Enjoying the planning time is great! Do you have any secret wedding tips to pass along to other gals planning their wedding? Never forget the real purpose of the ceremony, no matter how many details you have to plan.
Any Vendors you've been working with that have provided exceptional service so far? We were looking for wedding favors that were fun and unique. We decided on small bottles of sparkling grape juice that we would put our wedding info on with the saying "Eat, Drink and Be Married". Meier's Wine Celler provided fabulous service, answered all >of our questions, and were very affordable. They even shipped our whole order to us from Ohio.www.meier swinecellars.com
My brother-in-law has a professional dj service, and he has generously offered to dj our reception as our wedding gift. His website has lots of valuable information on "How to Pick Your DJ", that I think every bride should read. He provides a fabulous wedding package, and we know the night will be unforgettable with him as our dj. www.listenupdj.com
We were looking for an affordable/creative way to send 'Save the Date' cards. We choose to go with 'Save the Date' magnets from www.vistaprints.com They were very affordable, and were shipped quickly.
Where do you each work or attend school? Kevin works for Communications Data Services (CDS), a division of the Hearst Corporation, which is where we first met. Andrea works for Nationwide Insurance.
When you started your wedding did you have a budget in mind? Are you able to stay within it? We definitely have a budget in mind, since we are taking care of all of the expenses. We are trying our hardest to stay within budget, but also have everything we've always dreamed of in our wedding.
Tell us about your wedding.It will be a fairly large wedding and reception. We will each have 5 attendants standing up with us, 2 ring bearers, and a flower girl. The reception will be at the Willow Creek Golf Club, where we'll have dinner, drinks and a dance.
Who is going to walk you down the aisle? My dad.
Thanks so much Andrea and Kevin You two sound like you make a great couple! We're excited to be able to help you plan your special day! Thank you and best of luck with the rest of your planning!
We'll have to talk to that Brother- n-law of yours and ask him to join our community so A LOT of other brides will utilize his services!!! I bet you didn't know this...We're KWGG alumni too! No kidding!!
Brides: If you would like to have your story featured, send an e-mail to Dan@IowaBride.com. We will pop a note back with the questions and other info!
IowaBride.com - Ask the Expert
Colors? Time of Year? Weird Cousin Eddie? We've got the answers
Got a pressing dilemma? We'll pass it along to one of our IowaBride.com experts and send you an e-mail. We'll also publish the question in a future newsletter! Just go to our ask an expert page on IowaBride.com with your dilemma or question!
Dear IowaBride.com It's not that we hate kids, we just don't want them at our wedding and reception. Are we bad people?
The screaming children at my sister's wedding practically ruined the ceremony and the kids were completely untamed at the reception. On top of that our caterer has offered little discount for children and most of those at my sisters wedding ate nothing. Is there a way we can eloquently non- invite children to the wedding? Most of our friends do have young kids and we don't want to be monsters! Help!!! Cheap and Childless in Eastern Iowa.
Hi Cheap and Childless. We tend to resort to the idea that your wedding day is YOUR day and you have a right to be happy and have it your way on this day.
One Caveat: Weddings are not typically grown-ups only events - children have traditionally played an important role in the symbolism associated with weddings - and therefore some might be offended that you are dictating that they must leave their little ones at home. With that in mind if you do choose to keep it grown-ups only, we've formulated a few ideas for you to handle it as graciously as possible
Indicate that the wedding/reception is to be adults only by having the words "Adults Only Wedding/Reception" or "Adult Wedding/Reception" printed along with the reception location and time on the invitation.
Steer clear of phrases such as "No Kids" or , No Children", etc. This phrasing only lends itself to inflaming. This "non-vitations" information should be printed by the printer on all invitations. You shouldn't write ANYTHING by hand onto the invitation itself - Doing so is considered tacky and inappropriate.
If you are excluding some children, the rule is that you must exclude all children. There must not be different rules for different people or some individuals will be offended or hurt The only possible exception to this would be any children who are in the wedding party.
A final thought is to remember your friends from out of town may not be able to attend your wedding if they have to leave their kids with a sitter or an overnight situation.
Next week we'll offer up some suggestions that we've seen done that allows the kids to be at the wedding and yet keeps them occupied and out of the way! Enjoy your planning.
Here is a brain tickler for those monetarily challenged and even those who are fiscally gifted!
The Big Question:
If you could only afford to have one service or vendor for the day what would be your choice? Would you take photographs to remember it? Would you wine and dine your guests so they appreciate it and have a great time? Would you sneak off to honolulu and just send a postcard?
Take a moment and pop an e-mail back, we'll post the thoughts and comments in next weeks bouquet!
IowaBride.com surveys and ask fun questions to our members all the time. Take a moment to answer some of our polls and fun surveys. If you would like to participate, just send a note to Dan@iowabride.com!
IowaBride.com knows that planning your wedding consumes A LOT of your time, you also have a life outside the planning. This business can help you make the next transition in life!
Now may be the perfect time to purchase a home. Visit Stephanie Reed today to see how much you qualify for!
We know that many couples purchase a home within a year of their wedding. Many couples buy just prior so they have a new place to share from the beginning. Many others make the transition after their first few months and decide that it's time to start building some equity and a strong financial plan!
Stephanie Reed is one of the top mortgage professionals in Iowa. She has a wide variety of programs available to help you secure financing for your dream home. It is never too early to get pre-approved, whether just to check the credit score or before you start working with your Realtor to find a home.
COMMITMENT! Going above and beyond the call of duty to accomplish your goals and your dreams.
This is what my team stands for each and every day. We give you the Power of Choice. With over 1500 loan products and the skilled and experienced staff to guide you through them, you can find the home mortgage loan that fits your lifestyle: the right monthly payments, the right down payment and ultimately the right home for you.
You decide. You control your finances. You have the power of choice. The best part is - we are not a broker. We are a mortgage banker. This gives you piece of mind. We have our processing, underwriting and closing in one place.
If you would like to work with our team please give me a call or e-mail me today.
Ensuring that you make the right choice for you and your family is my ultimate goal. And I am committed to providing my customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. I hope you’ll browse my website, check out the different loan programs I have available, use my decision-making tools and calculators, and apply for a loan using the online application.
Stephanie and her team offer exceptional customer service and the follow through to make your home purchase transaction a smooth one. Call her today! It's a great time to start. 515-224-0204 [office] 515-988-7074 [cell phone] 515-274-8504 [fax] sreed@americanhm.com
American Home Mortgage is an Equal Housing Lender.
Great Prizes and Gifts from our Great Wedding Vendors! This week Old Schoolhouse Candy Factory treats us!
Tell your vendors you saw them on IowaBride.com!
Last weeks IowaBride.com Winner was Michelle Parker of Davenport, Iowa. It is $50 worth of wonderful mints from Old Schoolhouse Candy Factory including shipping to your door! Visit the website and order up some of the tastiest mints you'll find anywhere!
Congratulations Michelle! Michelle's wedding is coming up on June 10th. That is just around the corner Michelle!
This week's IowaBride.com prize drawing is good for some Bling Bling which is always good!
Just listen to these Testimonials! "There probably aren't enough positive words in the dictionary to describe Noel Fiscus and his work as a jeweler and designer!" "His design work is unique and high class, and has put a lot of effort into getting his pieces exactly the way I have wanted them as a finished product". "He is very knowledgeable in his field and his integrity as a person and business owner is of the utmost importance to him, which shows in his work".
Visit his website and enter the prize giveaway. Just send an e-mail with Week 5 Prize in the subject. You'll be entered!
We'll randomly draw from all the entries received in our e-mail box by Midnight Friday 3.03.06. Then, watch next weeks Bouquet for the winner! There is no purchase necessary. Please only enter once so our mailbox doesn't get overloaded! Good luck!
Send an e-mail to Dan@IowaBride.com please put WEEK 5 PRIZE DRAWING in the subject line
