Not all Weddings are the same

CMT Event Planning is proud and excited to announce that we have paired up with The Hampton Roads Wedding Planner Magazine as their new Editorial Director!

With the Fall/Winter issue set to be released soon, brides from all across the Hampton Roads area will be able obtain valuable insight on what it takes to plan a wedding from a local coordinator with over 10 years of experience in the industry. From venue selections, to the do’s and don’ts and personal experiences from Malissa herself, this Magazine will be the ultimate Wedding Planner. So be sure to pick up your copy when it  hit the stands, and learn some helpful tips and creative suggestions to make your wedding one of a kind.  

Potts/Bueno Chincoteague Island Wedding June 8, 2013

The Potts/Bueno Chincoteague Island Wedding…I don’t know where to start with this amazing wedding.  I have enjoyed working with the entire family!  Lacey and Pedro are high school sweethearts; the love they share is strong and truly amazing to watch! I have never met a more laid back bride when dealing with such a large wedding and so many details either. For instance, after two long days and 18 appointments, we went out to dinner with everyone. I had asked Lacey, "Do you have any questions for me, about the day, wedding, details, anything?" She says, “Nope, I trust you.”  

The Planning…it was so much fun planning every detail. Watching it all come together is something that I cannot express in words. We had a civic center room with grey walls, white and green floors, large grey air ducts and well, a civic center. People who lived on the Island where trying to sneak in to see the transformation.  

The team…truly this wedding would not have been so successful if it wasn't for the team effort each and every vendor put into this VERY important day.

 

Catherine’s Floral Design…     with her 4588 stems of flowers (not including the greenery) was at the Civic Center early Thursday morning along with the CMT team.  Her and her wonderful staff worked each day and night to complete all of the arrangements.  The largest arrangement was over 7’ tall and 4’ wide.  Even when everything was coming together, I had suggestions to add a few things here and there. Catherine was willing and ready to do anything extra to make it happen.  Thank you! 

Cake Delights…Jessica and Catherine worked very hard to make sure the cake was going to stay standing.  With a 6 tier wedding cake and fresh flowers between each tier, the cake stood, without a stand, more than 6’ tall.  Planning a cake like this took time and detail.  Not only did it look amazing it tasted amazing, you know cake is good when all the guests' plates are empty and asking for more.  Thank you!

Chef by Design…arrived on Thursday to setup all the tables, chairs and linens.  Having this completed a few days prior helped us so much.  The food was incredible. The guests went on and on about how great the food was.  The family owns a catering company and restaurant on the Island and they were highly impressed!  Chef by Designs has an staff worth mentioning, each person worked hard and with a smile.  For a wedding that took 3 days to setup, Chef by Design team took a total of 18 minutes to take it all down.  AMAZING – Thank you!

Distinctive Event Rentals…Norma – truly the best!  The rentals were an area that was the most concerning. Just making sure we had everything we needed plus extra was so important.  With a two hour travel time, we didn’t have room for error.  Norma worked so closely with me to assure every detail was looked over several times and that every detail would happen according to plan.  The men arrived Thursday and spent the entire day hanging draping, putting up a tent, and unloading rentals– couldn’t thank them enough for all the hard work!  - Thank you!

Classy Covers…They arrived early Thursday so we could get things setup on time, which was wonderful.  Classy Covers provided all the champagne pintuck overlays, chair covers and sashes.  Thank you!

Astro DJ…Larry rocked the rehearsal dinner under the tent at the families home!  The groom loved learning the "Wobble" for the first time at his rehearsal.  He ROCKED it at the reception with Roger – true professional Wobble Dancer!  The guests LOVED taking memorable photos in the photobooth!  Also having a personal montage playing during the special dances made a few guests tear up a little.  They were true professionals and really went the extra mile to help assure every detail was on point. Thank you!

Eleise Photography…Capturing the beauty was very important to the family, you did it!!  They will always have these amazing photos of one of the most important days of their lives!  Thank you for arriving early and doing so much extra work, above and beyond your contract, to make them happy!  Thank you!

Affinity Limousine…They arrived an hour early to get familiar with the Island, so they knew where they were driving the entire time.  Prior to the ceremony beginning, Al, one of the drivers, opened the door to the church for all the guests as they arrived.  Professional, beautiful clean limos, on time, great to work with…Thank you!

Blue Steel Lighitng…They had provided the bead draping over the dance floor.  Uplighting around the entire room and pin spots.  Thank you!

Civic Center…This blog would not be complete without me giving Dan the Man at the Civic Center a HUGE thank you!  Honestly so many things would not have happened if it wasn’t for always having Dan and his family there to help us.  If something needed to be fixed, he did it…cleaned, he did it…bar tended, he did it.  He was willing to help with anything we needed.  It would not go without saying…THANK YOU!

CMT Team…Thank you couldn’t be enough to the girls that helped me with this big weekend.  I was still in Virginia Beach on Thursday and Friday planning another amazing wedding.  I was not able to arrive into Chincoteague until Friday night.  When I arrived, both girls were passed out in bed asleep after setting up all day Thursday and Friday then coordinating the rehearsal then dinner to follow.  It had been a long couple of days.  It was so important to them that I walked in to a room complete and every detail on the list checked off.  I know this wedding meant just as much to them as it did to me…THANK YOU!

When I arrived, they could not wait to show me the room. They got out of bed and we drove to the Civic Center so I could get my first look.  Yes, I felt a little like a bride.  It made me feel so good when Kevin, like another dad to Lacey, met me at the Civic Center at 2:30 in the morning, just so he could see my face when I saw all the planning and details come to life.  To see him smile and know I helped make Lacey’s dream day come to life…again is something I just cannot express.  

Kevin, Steve, Lacey and Pedro…I am so lucky to have extended my family with yours.  I cannot thank you enough for trusting me with your VERY special day.  I loved every minute of the planning, I loved every fax I got from Kevin…some would make me laugh while others put a little fear in me.  Watching how happy everyone was brought such joy to my heart…            Thank you!  

January 13, 2014 Jessica and Justin

January 13, 2014

Jessica and Justin…Such a wonderful…In Love Couple!!  I also had the honor of helping Justin’s sister plan her wedding in May of 2013, so I know the family well. 

Jessica and Justin had their ceremony and reception in the amazing Cavalier on the Hill.  Jessica was hoping for a nice snowy, cold day – but the temperature was really warm and nice.  This didn’t stop her from wearing her leg warmers!!  So Cute! 

Jessica was a do-it yourself bride, she had made just about every detail of the ceremony and reception.  She did such an amazing job pulling in all the details to make things feel like a winter wonderland. 

Thank you to Diana at the Cavalier, Dustin Lewis Images, Astro Entertainment for the T.V. and uplighting, Flower Child Bakery, Classy Covers for the overlays and chair covers and Brian the DJ!

In honor of March and St. Patrick’s Day, here are some inspirations from one of the top wedding trends of 2013: Emerald. You can incorporate emerald or other greens into your wedding in a variety of ways. Add succulents to your bouquet or place card table. Make your cake a statement piece by adding emerald flowers. Add a pop of color to your invitations. Get a cute pair of emerald heels to add a little color to your ensemble. The best part is, you don’t need the luck of the Irish to add this hot new trend to your wedding. Below are some simple ideas and inspirations on how to incorporate Emerald into your special day!

   

Whether you are having cake or cupcakes you can add some emerald touches for flair. Make your cake a statement piece by adding some bold emerald designs or accessories. If you are having cupcakes you can find or make cute, sparkly cupcake wrappers.

 

 

 Emerald accessories are a fun way to add some color to the day. Have all of your bridesmaids wear a signature piece or you can wear a stunning pair

of emerald green shoes that you can show off in pictures.

The jewelry shown below is custom order. To place an order call 757-457-1801.

 

Green succulents can make simple, yet beautiful centerpieces.

Succulents can also be used as a unique bouquet, décor for the place card table, or one of a kind favors for your guests.

 

Picture taken by Joyeuse Photography

 

If you are considering a signature drink incorporate the green by having a

Midori Illusion, Apple Martinis or Jade Mojitos.

 

Midori Illusion

2 oz Midori

1/2 oz triple sec

1/2 oz vodka

1 oz lemon juice

Shake in shaker,

pour over ice,

garnish with slice of lemon.

Apple Martini

1.5 ounces of Vodka

1 ounce of Green Apple Schnapps

Add ice to the shaker
pour in the vodka and schnapps, shake,

and strain into martini glasses.

Garnish with green apple slices.

Jade Mojito

1 oz Mojito mixer

1 oz green Midori

1 oz rum

2 oz club soda

Combine all ingredients except soda in a shaker with ice.

Shake and strain into a highball glass filled with ice,

top with club soda and stir.

Garnish with mint and a slice of lime.

You can also add emerald to personalize your invitations, save the dates, or napkins. Looking for custom save the dates, invitations, or napkins?

Call Something New today (757-457-1801).

Check us out online! www.somethingnewstore.com. Not all invitations are shown online.

I am very excited on being voted by Virginia Living in their first annual Top Wedding Vendor as one of the Top Wedding Planners in the Eastern region. Thank you Votes aka Couples - You make me truly LOVE my job!

Wedding Wire Award 2013

 

This would never had been possible if it wasn't for my couples and families!  Thank you to each and every one of you!  I truly love every minute of what I do and when I get to see you enjoy every minute of your special day...it is so rewarding to me!  Thank you!

Bride’s Choice Awards 2013™ winners represent the top 5% of Wedding Professionals nationwide.

Chrissy and Scott from jeremy mitchell on Vimeo.

I had a lot of fun at Chrissy and Scott's Wedding!  Thank you Jeremy for the great video!

Jill and Joe December 15, 2012

Jill and Joe…where do I begin with this fantastic couple!  While I was saying goodbye to the family at the end of the night, I was telling Joe’s parents how great it was to watch the two of them plan their wedding.  They were both so calm and worked well together; they collaborated as a team, as one!

Jill and Joe had a beautiful catholic ceremony at the Oceana Chapel. The priest flew in from Florida to marry them.  He called me the day prior and was worried because his flight was delayed. However, I wasn’t worried because we went over every detail on the phone, so I knew what he wanted at the rehearsal. 

The reception was to follow at the beautiful MOCA!  The couple had a private cocktail party for the wedding party and parents.  Then the reception ended with DJ Larry from Astro!  He even had Grandma doing the Cha Cha Slide! 

Thank you to Sam Hughes Photography, East Beach Catering, DJ Larry from Astro, Photo booth from Astro Entertainment and Lamarv Production Video!

Michele and Daniel November 9, 2012

 

 

 

 

Linda (aka Mom) and Michele had been directed my way from Irene at MOCA.  Linda was starting to stress about all the details and, most importantly, that her daughter was going to have the day to remember.  Linda was so much fun to get to know and work with, what a huge heart!  She would bring me gifts, as well as gifts for my kids, which they just loved! 

Michele and Daniel were married at The United Methodist Church on 19^th Street, with the reception at the beautiful MOCA.  The centerpieces made the room glow!  Palette of Petals did an amazing job designing the centerpieces and then adding different heights of floating candles.  As you stood back, you could feel the warmth in the room.

Thank you again Linda for all that you had done for me and my family!

Thank you to Palette of Petals, Myra Cakes, Shelley for catering, Macon Photography and Snack Bar Jones Band – you Rock!

Kelly and Micah October 20, 2012

 

Kelly and Micah, what a great couple!  At our first meeting, the groom knew what he wanted and had a request.  I love when the groom has requests because it is normally something completely new to me. Grooms don’t often request much, so when they do I always try to make it happen. I hope that I was able to do that for him!

Both the bride and groom where so relaxed on their wedding day, just full of smiles.  They were married at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk.  Everything was so beautiful and the guests were wonderful.

I know Kelly and Micah have a great future ahead of them!  Thank you for letting me help with one of your most special days!

Thank you to Kurt at Astro DJ, Chrysler Hall, and Dustin Lewis Images for the pictures!

Dana and Matt October 12, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Dana and her friend Kristen came to me because they wanted to have an amazing wedding but Dana was also opening her own business at the same time and knew she was going to be limited on time. 
Dana and Matt had first selected a venue but then fell in love with the Chrysler Museum!  Dana was so easy to work with, she has such a warm heart.  It was nice to watch the two of them have their “first look” together.  The way Matt looks at her is amazing and you can see her heart warm more when he is around.      

Dana now owns North End CrossFit on Pacific Avenue!  This gym is amazing, even if it is your first time working out or you already workout you will LOVE this gym!  I have been a member know for a month and I am hooked!  Start now and I know by summer you will be loving the way you look in a bikini or your wedding dress! 

Thank you to Roger at Astro DJ, Astro Entertainment for the photobooth and uplighting, Stage Right Lighting for the pin lighting and gobo, Chrysler Museum, and Sam Hughes Photography!

Chrissy and Scott October 13, 2012

 

 



Chrissy contacted me about three weeks prior to her wedding. She lived on the West coast, so our only communication was through email and phone; we had to get to know each other pretty fast.  Chrissy was incredibly organized, so I understood her vision right away.  She would email me both pictures and descriptions of every detail she wanted; trust me, there wasn’t ONE detail left out of their wedding day.  Even the shoes had a personal touch! 

Chrissy and Scott were married at Scott’s family church, Galilee, in Virginia Beach.  The reception was at the beautiful MOCA and her theme was ‘Halloween’.  Chrissy was very blessed to have a great friend, who lived locally, to help make a few of her centerpieces, décor, and candy station.  Everything was so elegant but so unique all at the same time.

Chrissy and Scott had a blast at their reception; in the short time that I got to know them, I had a lot of fun.  It was great to help pull in so many details and give the bride everything she wanted.   One of the many special touches Chrissy had was Jesse Chong. He sang and played the guitar for the first few hours of their reception.  What an amazing talent Jesse has!

Thank you to DCPD Photographers, Jesse Chong, Jeremy Videography, Montero Catering (YUM!), Broadwalk Photobooth and all the fabulous vendors!


Katy and Ben October 6, 2012

Katy and Ben…I did not meet Katy till later in the planning because both of them are in the military and are stationed outside of Virginia.  But Katy’s mom, Sara was starting to worry about the wedding.  She had so much to do in a little time, plus with the bride working hard on her career a lot of the decision she had to make.  I was very happy when she left my office after our first meeting saying, I already feel better. 

This wedding was not about the couple but about the couple and the entire family!  She had almost 200 guests and everyone was family, one of the closest families I have seen.  Uncle Bob had honey jars made and personalized labels to the couple for favors from his bee farm.  Another family brought in Chinese take out boxes and had everyone write a fortune for the couple.  Then she hand folded each note into a fortune.  Others helped with makeup, dress, you name it. 

One thing Sara told me, Katy is fine with whatever, her only request was not to leave any family off the guest list.  She wanted everyone to be a part of her special day.  I can see why now that was the most important thing to Katy and Ben.    

Thank you to Larry at Astro DJ, Astro Entertainment for the photobooth, Ft. Eustis for the chapel and reception hall, and Dicky for the amazing 1920’s Ford getaway car!

Allison and Brian September 29, 2012

 

 

I first met Allison and her mom while I was helping them with the wedding invitations.  After the invitation had been printed and ready to go, they started talking to me about coordinating. 

The ceremony took place at Haygood United Methodist Chapel.  They chapel was perfect for this couple and family, cute and quaint.  The church was filled with beautiful flowers by Black Iris Floral Events! 

The reception was to follow at Yacht Club at Marina Shores, Black Iris Floral Events again had amazing centerpieces, candy bar, ice sculpture and lighting.  Her guests loved the outdoor patio and cigar bar! 

It was fun getting to know the wedding party at the rehearsal dinner, I got to hear a lot of fun stories about Brian! 

Thank you to Haygood United Methodist Church, Black Iris Floral, Marina Shores, Macon Photography and the amazing band!