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| May 9, 2006 |
The IowaBride.com Bouquet |
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Dear Dan,
Welcome to The IowaBride.com Bouquet.
We're going to over 900 Subscribers and members today! in just 15 weeks! WOW! Thank you so much for using IowaBride.com to plan your wedding and for using our vendors in that process! We thank you and truly appreciate it.
Be sure to tell your Vendors you found them on IowaBride.com! | |
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IowaBride.com Dream Series: Wedding | |
| Our Wedding Shows are a Dream! They are unlike any Bridal event you've attended and IowaBride.com developed the idea! |
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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 IowaBride.com Dream Series show. You'll see the difference.
September 21, 2006
Old Brick Church and Community Center
Iowa City, Iowa
More Info!
October 12, 2006
Hoyt Sherman Place
Des Moines, Iowa
More Info!
October 22, 2006
Vincent House
Fort Dodge, Iowa
More Info!
Remember, Bring a Friend! Our Bridal shows are not just for Brides! You can find great ideas for Parties, Anniversarys, Weekend Getaways and more.
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Life is all about that Moment of Indulgence! | |
| Tom truly creates some of the best moments your wedding guests will experience! |
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Every now and then you've got to indulge. Your wedding cake is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. Today we visit with Indulgent Moments owner Tom Carmichael to find out how to sweeten up your wedding day!
What is the name of your company? Indulgent Moments, Inc. Specialty Cakes
How Long have you been in the industry? 22 yrs
Who are the principals of the company? Myself
Any background or personal info you want to share with our audience about your company? When I was in college I apprenticed under a good friend and an accomplished baker. Later I wound up managing that bakery at the college and taught vocational baking there. We also won awards at state culinary competitions in Dallas with the Texas Chefs Assoc. Baking is a unique blend of chemistry and art. It has a way of getting in your blood and evoking a passion I can't explain. Perhaps its the rich tradition that goes back centuries.
What is the favorite part of your job? It is multifaceted--Paying attention to the details that add up to a top-notch experience, and always innovating ways to improve the service I provide. I just love to bake and work to master the art.
What is your company's specialty? Providing a service that is truly world-class like the 5- star chefs of our industry but in an unassuming and inexpensive way. I am always touched and flattered that someone would invite me to be a trusted part of one of the most important events in their lives.
What is the best "hidden secret" people would be surprised your company offers? Aside from our unique frosting that you have to taste to believe, it would be a deeply systemized process. No detail is too small and every aspect is meticulously planned out. When the bride meets for the design appointment there is a delightfully easy method that is efficient yet relaxed, focused yet creative and inspires confidence that her wedding cake will be perfect. I've had a number of brides comment on how professional the process is and how much comfort and confidence it gives them.
What sets you apart from your competition? Although I bake from home, the product and service might as well be coming from the Waldorf. I have hundreds of ecstatically pleased wedding and specialty event customers in Des Moines, alone.
What Expert advice do you have for a couple planning their wedding? Don't just base your choice on price. Shop around and base it on quality for the price range you have in mind. A little extra effort on the front end will bring great rewards on the back end. Remember vendors are your employees. You're paying them to do what you've asked. Get all the details you can and make sure they answer your questions satisfactorily. And if it is an especially big-ticket item or service, get references.
Any other thoughts about your company we didn't ask or should know? I bake cakes exclusively. I choose not to bake cookies, or make mints, etc. I prefer to specialize and make sure the specialty is truly superb. Aside from wedding cakes I do other special event cakes like anniversaries, baptisms, showers, graduations, etc. Many of them are works of art. I use colored sanding sugars to create scenes, logos, and images of all sorts. Some photos are on my web site and they are updated every month.
Thanks so much Tom!
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8 Answers from Stemmed Creations! | |
| Here's 8 things we bet you didn't know about Matt Chandler! |
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8 Points from Matt Chandler of Stemmed Creations! Enjoy a quick look then take some time to explore Matt's website, then be sure to call him for details on making your wedding beautiful!
1. Flower arranging has always been a hobby of mine for about 8 years... I finally decided to officially go into business January 1, 2006
2. I am a one man show..I like to be able to have that one on one contact with my customers
3. The favorite part of my job would have to be Flowers...There are all varieties and colors..I'm always amazed at what the growers will come up with to make a new hybrid flower.
4. My specialty is Tropical arrangements. I love the vibrant and odd colors.
5. So many florists want to be really big one day... so they get a lot of big accounts and get so busy and big that they forget how they got that big to begin with. I have made a vow that I will never forget my loyal customers. They're the ones I know by name, and some of their family. I like to get to know my customers so I can do a better job for them...Not just flowers, flowers with a purpose!!
6. When doing a silk arrangement I have often been asked...Are those flowers real? People are really shocked when I tell them they're silk. I've even had customers bend down to smell silk arrangements. When choosing silk flowers for an arrangement I always choose the best flowers. Anybody can get a bunch of flowers and stick in a vase, But I will buy that same bunch of flowers and cut it apart to make a live looking bouquet.
7. The only advice I have for couples requesting my services, is that I like to know as much as possible about the big day you're planning. The more I know, the better job I can do to make your dream come true.
8. You can contact me by calling me or visit my website.
Matt Chandler 515.554.1381
www.StemmedCreations.com
Thanks Matt!. Your work on display at our Bridal Event was awesome! We're sure a wedding will be even more so! |
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IowaBride.com Fun Store | |
| Get Cool Stuff ONLY YOU will have like this "I Heart Kenny or Bob or Amanda or Stephanie or Bill or whoever you want!" Shirt. |
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The IowaBride.com Fun Shop
features unique, Custom 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 "I Heartline.
These quality shirts and gifts are a fun way to let the world know that
"Hey I'm the Bride! But I Heart my Man (Or Kenny) as well!
Did you know that Nicole from Nik Nak Designs has created some of the coolest designs exclusively for our brides? Plus We've got hundreds of more ideas for your wedding party! It's true and you should snap up a couple of goodies today!
Want something Customized? Check out our customized section! Stuff Exclusively for your day!
Pop us a note and we'll design and post for you! |
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Meet Pon Thipyothin and Minh Nguyen | |
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Hey Soon to be Married couple! What are your Names? Pon Thipyothin and Minh Nguyen
Where are you from: Both are from Des Moines (Minh was born in Madison, WI and Pon was born in Vientiane, Laos). I'm Laotian and he is Vietnamese.
How did you meet? We met at East High School, her sophmore year. She was 16 and he was 17.
Your proposal story? He didn't propose, we just knew we would get married and informed our parents and they told us to get engaged - but he will have to write his wedding vows. We got engaged on October 31, 2004.
Planning on going on a honeymoon if so where?
We would like to go to Hawaii because we've always wanted to go there.
When is your wedding?: The wedding is tentatively set for May 19, 2007, but nothing is set in stone yet! The planning process will officially begin sometime in June 2006.
What has been the toughest part of planning your wedding? Sticking to your plans, there are so many great ideas - but you can only pick one! Deciding on a location and setting a date was quite challenging and also negotiating with vendors to get the best deal!
What is the Best part of planning your wedding? Being the main decision maker and being able to delegate tasks and making the wedding your very own unique taste and style. It's when you get to show your creative side.
Any secret wedding tips to pass along to other gals planning their wedding? I don't have any advice yet, but the best one someone passed on to me would be to get started with a budget in mind and then setting a date and location, then you can work everything else around that. It really helped me find a place to start.
Where do you each work or attend school? I will be graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelor's in Finance in May 2006 and will be working full-time at Principal Financial Group starting June 5th. Minh is attending DMACC part-time, majoring in Business Administration and is also working full-time at Wells Fargo Financial.
When you started your wedding did you have a budget in mind? Yes, we would like stay below $10,000 if possible.
Tell us about your wedding! We are anticipating about 400+ guests and we would like to get married in a church, possibly the one we both attend (Trinity Lutheran Church) and would like to have our reception at a hotel (either Mariott, Embassy Suites, etc..) We will have a live asian band and would also like an American band to perform a couple songs.
Who is going to walk you down the aisle? My uncle.
Anything else special you care to add in? There's something unique about and special about us because we have been together for over six years now and have never broken up. We were a young couple, but we made it work. I think we're a good balance for each other and we both know that we truly deeply love each other and will always stay to each other no matter what. Our relationship works because we both value trust, honesty, and commitment. We lean on each other for support and interject positivity into our every day to cherish every moment we share. Our love grows along with our knowledge and personal growth. We couldn't be much happier with anyone else!
Thanks so much Pon and Minh! You two sound like you're going to have a great start to your marriage!! We're excited to be able to help you plan your special day! Thank you for visiting with our vendors and best of luck with the rest of your planning!
Brides: If you would like to have your story featured? It's simple. Fill out the form here Send in a digital photo and we'll feature your story! |
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Exciting things happening at IowaBride.com | |
| We've got a couple of great announcements! |
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Iowabride.com is pleased to announce that Cynthia Betts has attained the prestigous honor of becoming a Professional Certified Wedding Planner with the American Academy of Wedding Professionals.
Cynthia is the Director of Iowabride.com and is available to answer all of your event and wedding questions from which vendors to use to etiquette for all types of functions.
What does this mean to you? On our staff we've got a professional that has contacts through a wide network of some of the best wedding vendors in the state! Cynthia can answer or find answers to almost any of your wedding dilemma's, ideas, problems, conflicts and more!
Take a moment today to visit our Ask the Expert section and we'll help you right away!
Congratulations Cynthia on your achievement. We're proud of you and glad you're part of the best wedding planning website in the state!
Read more about Cynthia and her new company further in the newsletter. |
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Brides! We're going to ask for your input! | |
| Have a favorite Photog? Here is their opportunity to showcase their work and have an opportunity at great prizes! |
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IowaBride.com presents The First Annual IowaBride.com Wedding Photography Contest! as a way of saying Thank You to our Photographer Vendors!
We've got Thousands of dollars worth of Prizes!
Brides. We'll be coming to you to help in the voting! If you've got favorite photog, call them, e-mail them or forward this onto them. We've got great prizes and more! Photographers: Get your photos ready and keep an eye on the site, we'll be opening up the site soon for entries! |
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WOW!!! New Features on IowaBride.com | |
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We've just instituted a bunch of great new features on IowaBride.com and we invite you to check them out.
If you've not recieved your BRIDAL MEMBERS INFO You simply must sign up. We've got the best vendors in the state with great ideas and money saving specials that they want to share with you! Sign up today and get information delivered to your home or to your e-mail!
Share your thoughts on our forum! BRIDAL MESSAGE BOARD
Announce your engagement and upcoming wedding! Send us a digital photo and some info and we'll announce it! ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED
Share in one of our POLLS
Check out the past issues of the IowaBride.com Bouquet in our NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
Keep track of what is going on! We've put together a Calender of events. If your business has something special, send it to us and we'll announce it and post it on our CALENDER OF EVENTS
Need Directions to one of our events? We've got MAPS TO OUR EVENTS!
Do you have a question, dilemma, planning problem? Just ask us at our ASK AN EXPERT page. Our experts help hundreds of brides each year with solutions to those vexing issues!
Thanks for Using IowaBride.com. Be sure to tell your vendors you found them on IowaBride.com |
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Radisson/Johnny's Italian Steakhouse | |
| Finding a great place with awesome food to host the Rehearsal dinner can sometimes be a challenge. It is the one time to really say "THANK YOU" to all of your family, friends and have a wonderful convivial time in the process. They've been with you through it all! They deserve a great night. We've got just the spot to say WOW! That was beautiful. |
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Meet Cathy Chastain, Sales Executive. Hi Cathy What is the name of your company? Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport & Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
How long have the Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport & Johnny's Italian Steakhouse been doing business on the South Side?
The Radisson Hotel has been here since 1998 in 2002 renovations on the hotel were done and at that time Johnny's Italian Steakhouse was added.
Who is the Management company?
Heart of America, who also manages 3 other hotels and 1 other restaurant in the Des Moines Metro area, including Wildwood Lodge, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn & Iowa Machine Shed
What is the favorite part of your job?
Constantly meeting new people and happy couples. Each couple has their own unique style about the planning of their wedding and it is exciting to have the chance to help them.
What is your company’s specialty? With Heart of America's variety in hotels and restaurants we can accommodate any couple at one of our locations, all in one phone call.
What is the best "hidden secret" people would be surprised your company offers?
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse now does outside CATERING! Call today they are booking up fast for receptions in all Des Moines locations. Johnny's Chefs will work with the couple to create a menu that caters to their taste.
What sets you apart from your competition?
The Radisson Hotel and Johnny's Italian Steakhouse offer each and every guests award winning service from the heart in a fun, sophisticated yet relaxing atmosphere.
We have the ability to accommodate a couples guest accommodations & rehearsal dinner all in one location. And our relationship with reception locations like Echo Valley and Blank Park Zoo, they are close enough that our complimentary shuttle service can come in very handy for guests.
What Expert advice do you have for a couple planning their wedding?
Enjoy the whole planning process and stay organized.
Any other thoughts about your company we didn't ask or should know?
Remember to mention Iowabride.com when booking your guest accommodations, rehearsal dinners or catering for special deals!
Thanks Cathy! How do our Brides find you for an awesome Rehearsal Dinner? JOHNNY'S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
6800 Fleur Dr
Des Moines, IA 50321
ph: 515/287·0847 fx: 515/287·0850
Cathy Chastain
Sales Executive
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Life Inside The Planning! | |
| Take off the pressure and put it in the hands of a pro! |
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What is the name of your company
Special Events, LLC. We specialize in Wedding Planning, Events of all kinds, Public speaking, and Elegant Life Style Living.
How Long have you been in the industry? Over 20 years with sales, marketing, business, wedding and event experience.
Who are the principals of the company? Cynthia Betts
Any background or personal info you want to share with our audience about you and the principals? I have a college background in Sales, Marketing and Business and am also a Professional Certified Wedding Planner with the American Academy of Wedding Professionals as well as Executive Director of Iowabride.com.
What is the favorite part of your job?
Dealing with people and using my organizational skills. I love to throw parties, so being able to plan, direct, and decorate wedding shows, events, and weddings is not really a job. I don’t work---just have fun!
What is your company’s specialty?
Excellent client service with attention to detail and a very personal touch. Making sure that your event goes smoothly and to your specifications.
What is the best "hidden secret" people would be surprised your company offers?
We are very affordable and have a hands-on approach; each client is treated with courtesy and respect as well as a listening ear.
What sets you apart from your competition?
Excellent organization and devotion to detail. Special Events will also go anywhere in the United States and help with any part of your event or wedding.
What Expert advice do you have for a couple planning their wedding?
Many couples think that hiring a wedding planner is not in their budget, when the exact opposite is true. We can save couples hundreds of dollars by directing their budgets where they will get the biggest return on their investment.
We work with professional vendors and know the ins and outs of the industry so that the client ends up with exactly what they want---a perfect wedding filled with a lifetime of memories.
Any other thoughts about your company we didn't ask or should know?
Special Events also does public speaking about “the Elegance Factor” and is available to help a client reorganize their life so that they are gaining the most that life has to offer.
We truly feel that the client’s whole being is important, not just little parts here and there. Who we are and what we do affects all parts of our world around us.
Special Events cares about people!
How do our couples reach you? Cally anytime and we can meet by appointment 515.201.8070
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Meet Jenny Christensen | |
| New college grad joins IowaBride.com! |
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We're growing every day! 
Jenny is joining us as an Account Executive covering the western portion of the state! She is a fresh graduate from Iowa State University with degrees in Marketing and International Business.
Jenny is from Sioux City and will be attending Drake Law School in the Fall. She loves to travel and lived in Italy while studying international business last year!
We're proud to have her join IowaBride.com! She'll be finding the best wedding vendors in the western areas of the state for our Brides getting married there.
Feel free to contact Jenny anytime at Jenny@IowaBride.com
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A Note to Wedding Vendors | |
| A Note from Dan Maiers - President of IowaBride.com |
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Vendors! We need your info!
Vendors! We need your info sent in on your business. We've got over 900 Subscribers actively seeking the information on your business. Showcase it to our wonderful subscribers.
Send us a note, we'll send you the questions and showcase your business in an upcoming newsletter!
Do you have a friend that should advertise on IowaBride.com? You know the results you achieve, send us a referral to help your friend grow their business. Ask Cynthia, Jenny, or Dan about our awesome referral program that pays!!! to give us great referrals!.
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Reach IowaBride.com HERE!
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