All-aboard the Hedges/Steenwyk Wedding Train

By Lisa; This past Saturday the 24th of October, at precisely 4:00 pm the nuptial train pulled into Kansas City's historic Union Station for Ahli Hedges and Mark Steenwyk to tie the knot before family and friends. Millie's Event Designs; www.millieseventdesigns.com was chosen as the day of conductor to insure safe passage for Ahli and Mark's wedding ceremony and reception.

The couple's ceremony exemplified their passions for books and trains. They said their "I do's" under beautiful book arch engineered by one of the groom's closest friends. The officiant, Stephanie Breaker a close friend to the bride, announced to the passengers for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Steenwyk. It was now time for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres being served in the "Dinning Car" as the couple, family and bridal party took some after ceremony photos at the station. The DJ came on the PA to inform passengers to take their seats as the bridal party was boarding the train.  Upon boarding, the new Mr. and Mrs. Steenwyk went straight back to the dinning car to cut the wedding cake and do a traditional wedding toast.

The buffet was opened for passengers to begin dinning on a three course meal prepared by Brancato's Cateering; www.brancatoscatering.com. As the dinning was coming to a close, the DJ spoke once again on the PA asking Mr. and Mrs. Steenwyk to come to the "Front Car" to have their first dance together as husband and wife. This was followed by the father/daughter dance (Ahli and her father), then mother/son dance (Mark and his mother).  The  conductors then came thru the train asking passengers for their "Dollar" tickets as the DJ was beginning the dollar dance with bride and groom. The train was picking up speed as the passengers enjoyed dancing from car to car to the music mix by DJ Connor.

Set up in the "Caboose" passengers could dine on the beautiful display of cupcakes made by; The Sweet Nook.  The train was right on schedule pulling back  into Union Station at 11:00 pm. The happy couple and their guests walked off the train and made their way into the starry Kansas City night.





When your find your special someone and are ready to take your train ride of a lifetime, contact Millie's Event Designs;
www.millieseventdesigns.com to be your "Day of Conductor".  We will ensure that you and your special guests have a safe and entertaining passage to "happily ever after".
All Aboard!

Thank God I’m a Country Boy

By Lisa: It was picture perfect country day for third generation farmer Jake Tynon and new bride Ashley Vogel to start their new life together.  With over 200 friends and family gathered at Rosie’s Cabin outside of Fort Scott, Kansas, Jake and Ashley pledged their vows of love. The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Ryan Kaplin and Millie's Event Designs; www.millieseventdesigns.com was there to coordinate all the festivities.

Ceremony at Rosie's Cabin

The ceremonial pergola beside the pond was decorated with white hydrangeas and nosegay white roses accented with baby’s breath and surrounded with dark green foliage.  These were designed by local florist; Savannah Flory; www.tlcgc.com. On this beautiful afternoon in October, Ashley and Jake shared their vows as guests gathered around on hay bales or on the wide porch of Rosie’s cabin to watch.  The guests stood and applauded as Pastor Kaplin announced the couple for the first time as “Mr. and Mrs. Jake Tynon”

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Tynon

As the new couple and bridal party retreated to the pastures for pictures, the guests were treated to a country style cocktail hour with beer, wine and all kinds of homemade cookies.  At exactly 5:20pm, after a blessing by Pastor Kaplin, the guests made their way into the reception hall for the buffet style dinner.  The menu consisted of tender smoked BBQ brisket, al dente green beans and lots of home grown “sweet” corn with rolls and butter.  Constantly updated pictures of the wedding streamed across a big screen in the corner to make sure no one missed a moment of the event.

After the guests had been served, it was time to introduce the couple and their wedding party to the reception hall.  As the guests watched, the new couple cut their four-tiered wedding cake and made an intimate toast to one another.  They then shared their first dance together as husband and wife. 

After the couple and the wedding party had eaten, it was time to kick the festivities into high gear.  Father of the bride, Edgar Vogel gave a sentimental speech and toasted the new couple with chilled champagne that had been served to all guest tables.  This was followed by a dance with his daughter to “I Loved her First” by Heartland.  Next, Jake took the floor with his mom to the song “A Mother’s Song” by T. Carter music.

Cake and Champagne Toast

Next, the guests were invited to the dance floor and to indulge themselves on wedding cake or a chocolate groom’s cake.   The dancing was broken up only to allow for the single ladies in attendance to vie for the traditional bridal bouquet toss.  The single gentlemen all vied for the bride’s garter tossed by the groom.  All then danced into the starry country night in celebration of Jake and Ashley.

When you’ve found your sweetheart of a lifetime, be sure to contact Millie’s Event Designs; www.millieseventdesigns.com to coordinate all of Your wedding and reception related festivities.  We strive to make your day picture perfect in every way!

Old Fashion Vows in Old Town Shawnee

By Lisa; Friday night, October 2, 2015, the turn-of-the century atmosphere of Old Town Shawnee provided a picturesque setting for the exchange of wedding vows between Jennifer Short and Jake DeBrabander.  With clear skies, no wind and sixty-five degrees, it was a picture perfect evening as family and friends gathered around the Old Town Shawnee gazebo to celebrate Jennifer and Jake’s special moment.  With bride’s maids dressed in gorgeous navy dresses, Jennifer made her way down the aisle to be presented for marriage by her father and mother, Bo and Caroline Short.  As Jake’s parents Mike and Mary DeBrabander watched from the front row, even Jake’s one-week old nephew joined the ceremony as the ring-bearer as he was gently carried forward by his father, one of Jake’s groomsmen.

Following a traditional exchange of vows and prayers, Jake and Jennifer shared the first kiss as man and wife and were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. DeBrabander.  From the Old Town Shawnee gazebo, family and friends strolled south through Old Town Shawnee to the town hall for the reception.  Once there, guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres and other treats until the bridal couple was ready to begin the festivities.  After cutting their beautiful three-tiered cake and exchanging toasts, the bride and groom along with the bridal party made their way to the scrumptious buffet prepared by caterer Pam Smith (Catering by Pam).The menu consisted of mouthwatering chicken marsala, succulent smoked brisket, cheesy au gratin potatoes, tender green beans and the always popular cheesy corn.

As the guests were finishing their dinner, it was time to begin the traditional dances.  With Connor from DJ Connections; www.djconnections.com orchestrating the dance floor, the bride and groom shared their first dance as husband and wife to the tune of Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley.  Afterwards, Jennifer and her father Bo took to the dance floor for the father-daughter dance.  Then it was Jake and Mary’s turn for the mother-son dance.  Then DJ Connor opened the dance floor to all.  The dancing was highlighted by the Anniversary Dance, which finishes with the longest married couple on the dance floor alone.  There was also the fun filled “money” dance where guests pay for the opportunity to share the dance floor with the bride or groom.

As the dancing continued, guests were served wedding cake with their choice of traditional white cake from the wedding cake’s first tier or delicious strawberry cake from the wedding cake’s second tier by Barbara Baird; www.classiccakesandmore.com The evening finished with the traditional tossing of the bridal bouquet by Jennifer and the bridal garter by Jake.  From there, the newly married Jennifer and Jake DeBrabander made their way into the starry Old Town Shawnee night to begin their “happily ever after”!

Millie’s Event Designs; www.millieseventdesigns.com was honored to serve as Jennifer and Jake’s wedding day coordinator in picturesque Old Town Shawnee on this picture perfect night for a traditional wedding ceremony.  When you have found your special someone and are ready to start planning for YOUR “happily ever after”, contact us to ensure that your special moment is picture perfect in every detail!

A Walk Through Time...

By Lisa; Everyone has asked themselves at one time or another, where has time gone? For Makensie Davis and Curt McDonald, their time was on display this past weekend.  Makensie and Curt first met when they were sophomores in high school.  Fast forward ten years and this past Saturday, on September 19, 2015 the two were joined in Holy Matrimony.  The ceremony was performed before God, family and friends at St. John’s Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri by Reverend James Hoffman.  Millie’s Event Designs; www.millieseventdesigns.com as wedding planner and day of coordinator was there every step of the way to ensure that everyone had the time of their lives!

At the conclusion of the short but elegant ceremony, the couple and family posed for pictures before the newlyweds and their groomsmen, maids of honor and ushers boarded a bus to take pictures at other Kansas City landmarks on this beautifully perfect Saturday evening.  Meanwhile, the guests travelled over to the historic Hobbs building in Kansas City’s famous West Bottoms area to a reception at the “Feast of Fancy”; www.feastsoffancy.com. Once there, the guests were treated to a sunset courtyard cocktail reception and delicious passed appetizers.  As the seven o’clock hour approached, the guests began to find their assigned seats for the main reception.  Each of the 25 tables was identified by timely pictures of the bride and groom as they aged from their first birthday, through their first date at age 16, the high school prom, college and their engagement.  As the clock chimed seven, the Michael Beers Band; www.michaelbeers.com began to introduce groups of the wedding party who danced their way in to specifically chosen songs for the occasion.  The Band then announced Mr. and Mrs. Curt McDonald to a standing ovation. The couple made their way to the center dance floor where they cut their traditional wedding cake and toasted to their new life as husband and wife. The bride’s father, George Davis then gave the blessing and invited the guests to enjoy the evening’s fare of fine food and drinks. 

The buffet style dinner consisted of home-style mac and cheese, a three cheese and garganelli pasta topped with herbed bread crumbs. There was also seasonal roasted vegetable platter of green beans, cauliflower and roasted red peppers.  Other delicious dishes included imported Italian pasta tossed with basil pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella as well as whipped garlic potatoes with herbs & rosemary.  The main course was chicken roasted whole then cut into portions or beef short ribs in a natural port wine sauce.  As the guests to continue to dine, once again the bride’s father George took center stage to give a sentimental toast to his daughter and new son-in-law.  After wiping away their timely tears of joy, the new couple danced their first dance to Alan Jackson’s, “Remember When”.  Their dance was followed by the traditional father and daughter dance then the mother and son dance.  The Michael Beers Band then opened the dance floor to all the guests who enjoyed dancing to a wide variety of tunes.  

 

At the close of the evening, after wedding cake had been served and the traditional toss of the bridal bouquet had occurred, it was time for the guests to bid farewell to the new couple.  As the guests line up inside and outside of the Hobbs building with colorful light sticks glowing in the perfect night, Curt and Makensie walked down the red carpet and were whisked away by chauffeur Percy in a timeless 1955 Bentley limousine.

Your wedding day should always be a special moment in time for you, your family and your friends.  At Millie's Event Designs; www.millieseventdesigns.com we can help you plan that unforgettable and timeless wedding of your dreams!  More importantly, we can execute your plans as the day of wedding coordinator so that everyone involved has the “Time of their Life!”  

Elegance and Class on a Perfect Summer Day!

By Lisa; On an absolute fantastic late summer Saturday afternoon, Katie Fields and Brad Wilkinson kicked off their wedded life with elegance and class.  Millie's Event Designs; www.millieseventdesigns.com was on site to make sure their day was just a perfect as the weather.

The ceremony was held in the The New Life City Church where family and friends www.heritageeventspaces.com where cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and elegant decor were awaiting. As cocktails were coming to a close, the guests were asked to take their seats, so  the wedding party could make their grand entrance.  Mr. and Mrs. Brad Wilkinson were introduced as they made their way to cut their one of kind, specially made just for them cake by designer Rama Sola. Then they picked up their champaign flutes to do a pictorial toast.  Brad then welcomed family and friends to this special occasion. He gave a very heartfelt thank you to Mr. and Mrs. David Fields (Katie's parents) for the beautiful reception. Dinner was served as the DJ announced for the head table to begin the buffet lines followed by the families and then friends.  The meal was provided by Blue Pot Cateering; www.thebluepot.com with a delectable menu of; Mixed Greens, cucumbers, Grape Tomatoes, Shaved Carrots, and Herb Croutons with Green Goddess Dressing.  The main course was Cracked Pepper Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken Breast Served with Boursin Cheese Cream and Crispy Leek Garnish, Garlic Herbed Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Balsamic Onions, and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. 
gathered to witness Katie and Brad exchange their wedding vows.  As the sun was setting, guests greeted the newly married couple as they walked a few doors up the street to site of the reception, The Monarch Room.

As the dinner came to a close, Katie's father David came up to give his toast for the couple.  When he finished, there wasn't a dry eye in the house as he welcomed Brad to the family.  The Best Man and the Maid of Honor then followed with memories and toasts of their own. It was now time for the first dance for the newly married couple and the guests expressed their sentiments with a standing ovation. Katie and her father David then took to the dance floor, followed by Brad and his mother.  The DJ then opened the dance floor as he announce the wedding cake was being served. Keeping with tradition, it was time for the bouquet toss. Katie's uncle Tom Fields who was the chosen florist, designed a very special toss bouquet. All the single ladies surrounded the bride as she tossed her bouquet in the air.  The beautiful arrangement was caught by Katie's lovely niece, who was part of her processional as the flower girl. 

The newlyweds and their guests then danced late into the beautiful summer night.  When you meet your perfect match and you want to celebrate your blessings with family and friends, contact Millie's Event Designs; www.millieseventdesigns.com and let us start your wedded life with elegance and class!

Old Traditions and New Venues

By Lisa; On the last Saturday in August of 2015 Brisa Ileana Izaguirre and Jake Brady Wolfe celebrated the sacrament of marriage at Our Lady of Sorrows, in Kansas City, MO.  Millie's Event Designs; www.millieseventdesigns.com was on hand as the couples' wedding coordinator to ensure the families enjoyed the day, while we took care of all the details.

Our Lady of Sorrows is one of Kansas City's older parishes just west of Crown Center.  It is also like stepping back into time with its ornate three-story sanctuary protected by marble alter rails.  The nuptial mass and ceremony was also rich in tradition by having the "Lasso and Coin" blessings.  "This Lasso symbolizes an infinite bond of love you share, may this lasso remind you to face life together courageously and to support one another as a couple binding you thorough the years."  The lasso was presented by the brides parents, placing one half over their daughter the other half over the groom.  Once the priest had said the blessing over the couple, the parents then removed the lasso as the ceremony continued. A Coin Exchange is a tradition that involves the gift of coins to the Bride.  These coins are a reminder of good stewardship for couples.  The couples will mutually support each other, their children and the world around them.  May God bless these coins that symbolize mutual support and responsibility.  The symbolism of these age old traditions is that of a bond between families and religion founded in faith, hope and future.

The reception was held on the scenic
15th floor of the Brass on Baltimore, in downtown Kansas City, MO.  As the guests arrived, they picked up their place card in the lobby of the Baltimore Club and were then escorted to the 15th floor. Upon departing the elevator, the guests were treated to an open bar and delicious hors d'oeuvres especially created by Delish catering; www.delishcatering.net. The guests were then asked to take their seats as the wedding party was introduced.  The Brides father, Jose Izaguirre, welcomed friends and family to the celebration of Brisa and Jake.  The bride and groom excused themselves from their head table as they had their first dance as husband and wife.  They then proceeded to cut the beautiful four tier wedding cake designed by Dolce Bakery; www.dolcebakes.com and make the traditional bride and groom champagne toast.  The bride's grandmother; Ida Mae Jordan, then gave a very sentimental blessing.  It was now time for dinner service to begin, starting with iceberg lettuce wedge topped with brunoise vegetables and a blue cheese wedge drizzled with creamy buttermilk dill dressing.  The entree' was a double roasted garlic chicken breast in an herbal jus and beef bistro filet with red wine demi-glace.  These were accompanied by parmesan and black peppercorn smashed potatoes and fresh green beans with caramelized shallot butter. Fresh rolls and whipped butter rounded out the meal.

As the guests were dinning on their delicious meal, the Maid of Honor made her way to the dance floor to give her heartfelt toast.  She was followed by the Best Man and then the bride's father, who gave a tearful, sentimental toast to the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wolfe. The evening continued with the traditional Father/Daughter; Mother/Son dances.  Before the dance floor was open, the DJ asked for all the single ladies to come forward for the bouquet toss and then it was time for all single gentlemen to circle around while the groom sling shot the bride's garter.  Once the tradition tosses were complete, it was time for the DJ to announce the wedding cake station was available; with each guests having a choice of vanilla, chocolate or carrot cake with vanilla or chocolate cream cheese icing.

As the guests were enjoying some late evening dancing to the music mix of DJ Kate; www.djfernandokc.com and photo booth fun, Delish catering; www.delishcatering.net delivered a show stopping hot dog snack station with all the works.

Whether Your wedding plans call for old traditions or the newest venues in town, Millie's Event Designs; www.millieseventsdesigns.com stands ready to coordinate and execute, so You and family can truly enjoy seeing Your big day come to fruition!