A few months ago I was getting my hair done by my good friend and GOD of hair/make-up to brides by Armando Sarabia from Get Your Do Up. We had recently worked on Ashley and Roger's August 22, 2010 wedding at the Palm Event Center and were discussing how happy we both were with their wedding. They were such a sweet couple - not to mention a hoot to work with! I have come to realize that when I am getting my hair done - this is one of the many times that my creative event juices start to flow. As Armando and I proceeded to discuss all of the wonderful highlights of the day from the decor, cake and overall ambiance - one thing truly stepped out which made me compelled to blog.
After every wedding/event that I coordinate I reflect back to not only how the event was unique and different but how I can apply the couples' positive attitude, taste and values to my life. I realized (and through the discussion with Armando - must always give credit where credit is due) that if there is only one thing that you ever do with your child that one thing should be to dance with them and to make sure that it is captured on video.
Ashley's father passed away 5 years earlier due to cancer. Most girls dream about their wedding day and most of us ladies do in fact dream BIG! Moreover, most of us look forward to the father-daughter dance. This symbolizes the last dance with our father as we are swept away by our new husband to embark on our new life together.
Now most of you are probably thinking, "Oh my gosh! How sad - no dance with her father!" Yes, one would automatically think this because Ashley's father passed away.
However, Ashley did have a dance with her father at the wedding.
How you ask? Prior to her father's passing Ashley and her family took at cruise. During the captains' dinner Ashley and her father danced and this special dance was captured on video. This same video was played at Ashley and Roger's wedding during the father-daughter dance segment of the wedding. The video was edited by O'hara Productions - who did a splendid job! The song Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross was playing in the background as Ashley, her mother and sister along with their guests watched the beloved dance. You can view the dance below
http://www.vimeo.com/21932306
After being in the wedding industry for close to 10 years I have seen it all. I don't tear up easily because you need to have extremely tough skin to be in this line of work.
However, when I saw this video I could not fight back the tears. I am the mother of a soon to be 4 year old beautiful boy. This dance that Ashley and her late father shared made me realize how precious life is. Things can change in the blink of an eye! Ashley was so lucky that she had this special dance captured on video to not only show case at her wedding but also to have this memory forever embedded in her mind. As I originally stated if there is only one thing that we do with our children that is to simply dance with them and to make sure this is captured on video. It does not matter if you are dancing fast or slow or just simply being silly... dance with your children and capture this moment on video. All you brides and grooms out there - this goes for you too! Grab your parents (or loved one) before your big day, set your video cameras and dance! Trust me - you won't regret it!
It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle we call life (especially if you are planning a wedding) - believe me I am so guilty of this. I want to thank Ashley and Roger for not only allowing me to be a part of their special day but for also reminding me that it is the simple things in life that are worth holding on to.
From Custom Celebrations Wedding Planning & Event Design to everyone who reads this blog post.... I hope you dance!
Below are the list of vendors who were part of the fabulous team
Venue
Palm Event Center
www.palmeventcenter.com
Photographer
Laura Parker Photography
www.fairytalephotography.com
Videographer
Dan O'hara Films
www.oharafilms.com
Hair & Make-up
Armando Sarabia
www.getyourdoup.com
Florist
Nicole Ha
www.nicoleha.com
DJ
Fantasy Sound
www.fantasysound.com
Cake
Not Just Cheesecakes
www.notjustcheesecakes.com
Ceremony& Cocktail Music
Elegant Touch of Strings
www.baysbest.com
Rentals
Classic Party Rentals
www.classicpartyrentals.com
Lighting
Enhanced Lighting and Sound
www.enhancedlighting.com
Bottle Dancer
Pasternac Productions
www.bottledancers.com
Photo Booth
Party Booths
www.partybooths.com
