Thank you from the Mother of the Bride

Dear Malissa,

I want to shout it from a mountaintop for everyone to hear!! “It” being that you are the most FABULOUS wedding planner there could ever be! You left no stone unturned, went beyond the call of duty and did so much MORE than you promised before, during and after our wedding. You made one of the most stressful days and events of our lives so easy for us. We didn’t have to do a thing other than be there and enjoy our guest and the celebration, and then just drive home! You did it ALL, and I do mean ALL!

However, it is so much more than that you made a hectic day so smooth and easy. As you know, our wedding planning hit a really rocky road when our venue unexpectedly decided to do a major renovation. The renovation was supposed to have been completed well before our date but ran way over the deadline by months. With less then 12 weeks left we had to shift gears quickly and find and acceptable “stand by” venue in the event the first one was not ready. Malissa, when you got word of our dilemma you jumped in with both feet to come to our rescue and helped with our negotiations. We actually had to plan two separate weddings in two separate locations! In the end, we did not get the “official” word, until 1½ days before the wedding, that we could NOT have the reception at our original venue! The disappointment, headache and stress of all this would have been a ten fold without wonderful you and your very special ways.

The testimonial that these words are sincere is that we have booked another wedding with you in June of 2009. We could never ever fell that anyone else could fill your shoes – you have set the standards extremely high!

Malissa, words cannot express our gratitude for all that you have done for us. A million heartfelt thank you’s.

Yours truly,
Marti and Bill Teague

Sisino's Halloween Party! October 25, 2008

I have been very happy to help Barbara and Marc plan their family events for the past two years. When they asked me to help plan a Halloween party I have to admit I was very excited, who doesn’t love Halloween!

The first party of the day was a kid’s party with 50 children. I divided the kids into seven groups for seven different activities, after 15 minutes each group would go to another activity. At the end they had snacks, drinks and got to go home with lots of activities and goodies. Each kid was smiling the entire time, I think even the parents had a great time!
Thank you to Barbara's Dad - he made a great scarecrow!

Thank you to Lighting and Sound for the great special effects!

After the kids went home, it was time to change the house over to an adult only party. Outside was a graveyard and the driveway outlined with luminaries. As guests entered they got a scare out of the human scarecrow. In the dinning room was a candle lit room with Halloween décor all around. Downstairs was the “Cobweb Club” with dancing in a blacked out club. Upstairs was fun and games that included, Cornhole, Beer Pong, Pool, BlongoBall and the UFC Fight. The upstairs had special effect lighting to give the room a glow.

Thank you Barbara and Marc for letting me be apart of another fun family party. I am looking forward to 2009!

A very special thank you to all those who helped me make this event possible.
Kristie, Tim, Kelly, Carrie, Dina, Stephanie, Shea, Anita, Jasmine, Abby

October 11, 2008 Michelle and Chris

Michelle and Chris had been referred to me from a past bride and groom. I knew how much fun the past bride and groom was, so I was very excited to start working with Michelle and Chris. We worked together from the very beginning with me helping them find the perfect reception location. After talking with them I knew the Lesner Inn was the right place for them.

They had a romantic ceremony at Saint Stephan, Martyr in Chesapeake. The church required them to memorize their personal vows, which made it a little nerve racking. But that soon faded into smiles of joy.

Michelle and Chris enjoyed pictures with the wedding party at Fort Story near the lighthouses before the reception. The reception was glowing with candles and touches of lighthouses throughout the room.

October 11, 2008 Heather and Matt

Heather’s mother who lives in New Jersey and wanted to make sure her daughter had help planning her beautiful wedding. When I first met with Heather and Matt I could see how very much in love they are.

With the great weather they had it made getting married in the Renaissance Court at Botanical Gardens that much better. The reception was fallowed with fun and dancing in the Rose Garden Hall.

I want to thank Adrianne, Shea and Maleka for all their hard work and time making sure every detail was complete for Heather and Matt.

It is always so nice to hear from the family after the wedding.

Malissa,
Just a small note to thank you and your staff for the wonderful wedding that you helped plan and coordinate for Heather and Matt. I would never have been

able to pull this off without your help. Your staff was absolutely fantastic and I would have never known they were there to make sure that things got done. I would be honored to give anyone a recommendation to use your services. I just could not say enough.

Thank you so very very much
Sincerely,
Bonnie (mother of the bride)

Pictures coming soon from Del Haven Studio.

Married October 8, 2005 Sallie & Steven

Hey Malissa,

Steven and I going on three years in October and traveling the world together. We just wanted send you some pics and say Thank You for all your help with the wedding!

:-)Sallie

Thank you Sallie and Steven you both look great and it is wonderful to hear from you! Happy Anniversay!

Baby Girl Hannah

Another wonderful Congratulations to Vickie and Eric to there beautiful baby girl Hannah! Vickie and Eric had gotten married May 20, 2006 and are now living in Florida where Eric is stationed in the Navy. Vickie and Eric you both are going to be wonderful parents with the warm heart you have for each other and Hannah. Thank you for keeping me apart of your lives.

Baby Shower for Chris and Anna

Thank you and congratulations to Chris and Anna Hobbs, they are expecting their first baby girl November 11, 2008. Her name is Coral Elizabeth. Chris and Anna had gotten married on September 15, 2005 and were the very first bride and groom to let me help plan their special day. It was so nice of the both of you and your family to think of me at another special time in your lives. I cannot wait to meet Coral she may come out wearing a hat just like dad.

In Loving Memory August 22, 2008

In Loving Memory to Michael Sullivan Jr. he was a groom from a past wedding on October 20, 2007 at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. His wife, Rian Sullivan is in my thoughts and prayers, I will always be here for you.

August 2, 2008 Carrie and Adam

Carrie and Adam have been together since their senor year in High School, they both went to College together and now are husband and wife.

I first met Carrie and her mom at the beginning of the year, they had most of the wedding planned and ready to go. They both loved the processes and details of planning the wedding. With everything going smoothly and the wedding around the corner we all soon found out her reception location was under construction and may not be completed in time for Carrie’s wedding date.

The family held themselves together and handled the situation better than I think I could have done if it was my wedding. We booked a backup plan but kept hoping for the best, it was not till Tuesday before the wedding when we got the news. The reception would have to be moved to the other location. Again the bride, groom and family pulled together and we made the change happen smoothly.

Carrie and Adam got married at the beautiful Coleman Place Presbyterian Church in Norfolk. Following the ceremony was a fun, dance all night reception at the Vista Point on Norfolk Naval Base.


At the rehearsal dinner I was adopted into the family as a new sister, I am so looking forward to the family vacations. I am also looking forward to spending more time with the family again planning the bride sisters wedding in June of next year. Too the new son in laws you are very lucky and blessed to have the Teague’s as your new family.

August 2, 2008 Courtney's Graduation

Courtney took her Pre-Law classes at James Madison University then finished Law School at William and Mary University. With hard months and years of studying, classes and more studying, Courtney took the Bar last week so a graduation party was well deserved – finally!

Courtney’s mom called me 9 days before the party and asked me to help plan the event, within 2 days we had the caterer, rentals and all decisions planned and ready. Everyone had a great time playing Cornhole, beer pong and swimming in the pool, because we all know how hot it was this weekend.

Congratulation Courtney good luck to you in the future!

Thank you on an Anniversary

Today I received something I have never received before, a thank you a year after a wedding. Yesterday was Lyntisha and Greg's one year anniversary and they thought to thank me on such an important day in their lives.

Yesterday, Greg and I celebrated our one year anniversary and we I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for all of your hard work. It was a joy working with you and I am so grateful to you for stepping in when you did. You constantly amazed us! You kept our sanity in line, and allowed us the security of knowing that we were in good hands. Our wedding was a day I'll always treasure. I really appreciate all that you did for us, we can't thank you enough. I do hope that all is well with you and your business. I'm sure this a busy time for weddings! We wish you all the best in the future, and we're so glad to have met you! With warm regards, Lyntisha & Greg

Thank you Lyntisha and Greg for bringing a smile to my day!

July 12, 2008 Trinity and Scott

Trinity first came to me with her fiancé out to sea, her son very sick, going to school, taking care of the other kids plus planning her wedding. But throughout the entire planning process Trinity stayed ahead of scheduled and always had an uplifting positive attitude.

When Scott came back from overseas we finished up the last of the small details and they where ready to get married. They were married at the Hilton Norfolk and the reception followed with an ice sculpture, dancing and nothing but a great time.

Trinity and Scott enjoyed the next couple of days on the beach with family from out of town.

Thank you to Veronica Dana Photography.

July 5, 2008 Carolyn's Debut

Vicki, Carolyn’s grandmother, contacted me about two months ago to help plan Carolyn’s surprise Debut Party. She wanted something very nice and elegant for her special granddaughter.

Vicki had lots of ideas and plans, so getting started right away was important. Deciding on the Chesapeake Conference Center and ordering invitations on the same day to be mailed out. Vicki wanted Carolyn to have a surprise entrance, so she popped out of a clam shell. Following was photo montages, dinner, Filipino Dancers, and everyone having a good time dancing.

Happy Birthday Carolyn!

Carrie and Cesar June 21, 2008

Fun and in Love, is the best way to describe Carrie and Cesar! I first met this couple over a year and a half ago, but this was a bride on a mission and she knew what she wanted.

The couple lives in the DC area but always wanted a beach wedding. They had an almost rained on wedding at First Landing State Park, but we had a rain backup of a tent on the beach. Which worked out perfectly because the water was in the background, all their guests witnessed them get married and her dream came true, her feet was in the sand as she said “I do.”

The reception followed at the Festival Center, the guests had tons of fun dancing and enjoying each others company. Later in the evening the lights went out for techno dancing with glow sticks. Most of the guests followed the couple to the after party across the street.

The next day the groom’s family had a fun picnic at Redwing Park, soon after the new husband and wife are off to their honeymoon.

Thank you to Genevieve Leiper Photography, both you and Megan where great to work with.

Austin's 7th Birthday Party May 31, 2008

Austin’s 7th Birthday Party – What a blast Pokemon can be! From face painting, balloons toss, egg relay race, eating apples from trees and so much more. With 33 kids running and having fun Austin had a great time turning 7! Happy Birthday Austin!

Priscilla and Ernesto May 25, 2008

“I met a smoking hot chick today, she’s the bomb Yo! I’m going to marry her!” These are the words from the groom at the age of 13. Priscilla and Ernesto met at the age of 13 and started dating at 15 and have been together ever since. With a long distance relationship through college and other life changing events, they where always there for one another.

The couple had beautiful Catholic Mass at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens in the Renaissance Court with a fun large reception following at the Cavalier on the Hill. This reception is going to be talked about for a long time to come with one special couple. A guest at the wedding caught the garter, she caught the boutique, and down on one knee he went to place the garter on her leg. But instead slipped a ring on her finger asking her to marry him.

Priscilla and Ernesto, I will miss you both always keep the wonderful smiles you have for one another.

Pictures coming soon!

May 24, 2008 Elizabeth & Erich

Family is most important to this couple! Elizabeth and Erich wanted both of their kids to feel important in this special day. Each one of their kids was in the wedding along with each having a special task. Some of their kids read scriptures or sang during the ceremony. With a son or daughter by their side during the ceremony it was easy bringing these two families together as one.

Elizabeth and Erich had gotten married at The Founders Inn Resort and had a lovely reception with close family and friends to follow. The couple was soon off to have a wonderful time in New York City followed by a romantic cruise.

Patricia and Chris May 10, 2008

Patricia and her mother first hired me to keep peace between the both of them. The stress of planning the wedding was starting to take over. A few months later they both where very happy to report they have not had one disagreement or heated moment since they had hired me. I was happy to know I was taking the stress from them.

The ceremony was at a beautiful church, Miles Memorial Church in Norfolk. All weddings warm my heart but this one had brought tears during the ceremony. Patricia’s father had written a poem since the day she was born till the day he handed her hand to Chris. The groom, Chris could not hold back his tears as well. I think many of the guests had the same problem.

Candle light warmed the reception at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club where guests had a wonderful time dancing and seeing each other.

Trisha and Chris you are a wonderful couple, all evening I could see the happiness you both bring to each other. Keep each others hearts warm.

Lisa and Jonathan - April 19, 2008

I first met with Lisa and Jon about a year ago, Lisa wanted to start early to have all the details done. She wanted to enjoy the week of the wedding, leaving her time for the out of town guests. The couple and family were wonderful to work with, when they decided what they wanted they stuck to it.

The ceremony took place on 9th street on the beach. The ceremony arch and decoration would take your breath away. The reception was a fun time with loving family from all over.

Lisa and Jon left the next morning on a cruse then back to Virginia to head off to live in Germany. I wish you both the best!!

Pictures coming soon!

Helen and Josh March 22, 2008

Where do I begin with Helen and Josh, meeting with the couple would take a little longer than usual because they would block out the world within each other. Josh always had a hard time looking away when gazing into Helen’s eyes.

With little done and little time remaining I helped the couple finish their final details. With the theme from the movie “Enchanted” a castle to get married in was what they found. They had found the perfect church at Jamestown Settlement to get married in. Then an intimate reception with candelabras and hearts to following at The Ford’s Colony.

Laughter is something you cannot go without with this couple, I will miss the fun times and laughter. It was truly enjoyable to work with the madly in love couple!

It is always a delight to work with Christine Bruggeman at Del Haven Studio, she has the eye for romance.

DaVonna & Kendrick Williams March 15, 2008

I first met DaVonna and Kendrick at Tiffanys by Maya when she purchased her dress. DaVonna was just finishing up when Kendrick walked in the door. When he walked in and their eyes met we, all could see the love they had for each other. It was like they just met for the first time, but I soon found out they have been together for 10 years.

From our first meeting I knew this was going to be a fun reception, and that is what it was. DaVonna and Kendrick had a loving first dance which changed over to an upbeat fun dance. Soon nobody was sitting, everyone was on the dance floor doing the “Cupid Shuffle.”

I FINALLY got to work with Keith Cephus after all these years. He was a pleasure to work with, I know DaVonna and Kendrick are going to have a hard time choosing their pictures – too many great ones!

I truly enjoyed meeting all of her warm hearted family and friends. I wish the couple the very best in there future, I am sure great things will keep coming their way.

Thank you for letting me be apart of your wedding day!