Project Wedding- an Update! The Richmond Wedding Community Joins Forces

What a week- I can hardly catch my breath or stop smiling.

To catch those up who may have not read my last post, I had caught wind of a story of a local bride and groom facing terminal illness and a short time to put together a wedding for 150+ people. The mass email to my wedding industry network went out Tuesday afternoon and before you knew it, my inbox and voicemail were flooded with those who wanted to help.

Suddenly I felt like Santa Claus, calling the Mother of the Bride (and often!) to share with her the awesome response and amazing vendors who are pitching in for what I have affectionately dubbed Project Wedding, on February 21.

I've had many people ask me to keep them up on the latest so in attempt to reach the masses, I thought I'd update everyone on my Blog.

Where to begin?

No sooner had I sent the email, and I had received an email from Lisa Bemusa, owner of the lovely Mill at Fine Creek (http://www.themillatfinecreek.com/) who has graciously offered to host both the ceremony and reception. Party Perfect (http://www.partyperfect.com/) and Classic Party Rentals (http://www.classicpartyrentalsva.com/) has offered to donate any and all rentals needed for decor, while Champagne Taste Catering (http://www.champagnetastecatering.com/) instantly donated their services.

Another one of my first emails was from Monica with By Invitation Only (www.gobyinvitationonly.com), who offered several of her wonderful products. PhotographersMeghan McSweeney (http://www.meghanmcsweeney.com/) quickly offered her services along with Micah Berry, videographer with Guestroom Media Productions (http://www.guestroommediaproductions.com/). Icing on the cake came in the form of a complimentary Photo Booth from Lisa Ann Setchel with Freeze Frame Photo Booth (http://www.freezeframephotobooth.com/).

I've also received notes from those who heard of our story from others- Natalie with avenue 42 designs (http://www.ave42.com/) has offered her make up artistry services.

Speaking of cake, there is plenty! Kara Buntin with A Cake to Remember (http://www.acaketoremember.com/) will be taking care of the wedding cake with Graham Haddock from Cakes by Graham making the Groom's Cake (http://www.cakesbygraham.com/).

If that wasn't enough on the sweets front, Pat with River City Bean Company (http://www.rivercitybean.com/) and Jeanne-Louise Womble with de Rochonnet delights Chocolatier (http://www.derochonnetdelights.com/) will be handling the favors.

When the couple was in need of an officiant, I looked no further than Mr. Meredith Winn, a staple at many of my weddings over the years (www.goingtogetmarried.com/officiant).

I am overwhelmed by the number of wedding planners who have come to our rescue. While we will have many wonderful ladies on hand the day of the event, I did select Lindsay with LK Events and Design (http://www.lkeventsanddesign.com/) as the lead planner to help pull this together in such a short time.

We've also seen a joint effort in the florist community- with assistance offered by Floraculture (http://www.floracultureonline.com/), Flowers Make Scents (http://www.flowersmakescents.com/) and Flower Girls (http://www.flowergirlsinc.com/).

My post is becoming a virtual "Who's Who" of Richmond Wedding Vendors and you'll have to forgive me- I am just thrilled to have such great people on board and wanted to make sure to give credit where credit is due.

Up next- more planning as we go full steam ahead into the Big Day. Many have asked what they can do to help and as I've told others, we would certainly appreciate anyone who can lend a hand the weekend of the wedding- I'd love to try and offset some of the labor costs for our vendors if possible.

Also- Catering. While Lisa and Whitney have both been extremely generous in donating food, I'd be thrilled if I could also offset these costs with other Caterers perhaps willing to donate a tray or two of food.

Above all, I am grateful for the kindness showed to this family in the last week, and can't wait for February 21 to arrive.

My cup runneth over.

Until next time,
Meghan

http://www.ofdconsulting.com/

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.