This week 14 years ago I was eagerly awaiting and preparing for the 50th 
Annual Tulip Festival.  This week I am now eagerly awaiting the 64th  Annual
 Tulip Festival.  I feel almost the same nerves I did back then.  In 1998 I
 was selected as one of 5 finalists to be crowned the City of Albany’s Tulip
 Queen.  The week leading up to the festival was full of interviews, meeting
 City officials, picking out our wardrobe and being showered with
congratulations.  This year as the Co-Chair of the Tulip Luncheon I am 
anxiously checking in on the RSVP’s and hoping that every day we receive 
more positive responses in order to fill the room, reaching out to friends 
and family to encourage them to join us and support the Tulip Fund.

Being crowned the Tulip Queen was an honor that significantly changed my 
life for the better.  I was selected to represent the City of Albany for an 
entire year as a volunteer ambassador and I wanted nothing more than to do
 the best job I could.  I was focused on inspiring my 4 court members to
 work together as a team and made sure that they knew that just because I
 wore the crown didn’t make me any better than them. Rather, “we were a team 
and all members shared the spotlight.”  We worked together the entire year
to support Mayor Jennings Literacy campaign, held story hours at Lauriets’s
 Bookstore with local celebrities like John Gray, Yolanda Vega and many
 more, we raised over $1,500 through the “Open your Heart, Buy a Book”
campaign.  At the time the “Tulip Fund” did not exist so we purchased books 
through the store and gifted them to the Tulip Queen Reading Room at the
 Albany Public Library.  We made an impact, we made a difference, we were a
 team and it impacted me forever.

My experience as Tulip Queen opened so many doors for me and helped provide
 me with opportunities that I otherwise would not have had.  I developed my
 organizational skills juggling my schedule of appearances while working
 full-time, I became a better leader working with my fellow court members, I
 honed my public speaking and interview skills and I developed a stronger 
appreciation for the City I call home.  
All of the skills I learned helped me become the small business owner I am 
today.  As a wedding and event planner I have expanded my business with the
 help of many people who I met during my reign.  One of the best things
 about my current role is that I am able to provide my planning expertise to 
help coordinate the 64th annual Tulip Luncheon this year.  I remember
sitting at the luncheon in 1998 thinking “maybe I could plan this event
 someday.”  I am proud to join my Co-Chair, treasured friend and former
 Tulip Queen Amy Kaplan as we put the finishing touches on months of
 planning for the event on May 11th.   We would love to have you join us as 
we celebrate this amazing tradition and set the stage for future
    luncheons.  We will have a delicious lunch from the Hotel Albany, a
 presentation from Mayor Jennings and a fun fashion show by Fancy Schmancy.

Contact me today for reservations: 518-275-6813 or katieo@katieoevents.com

Two of the “teachers” I respect and admire the most taught me that giving back is just as important as loving what you do.  I first met Donna and Yono Purnomo when I was crowned Albany’s 50^th Annual Tulip Queen in 1998.  Shortly after, I became “Katie the Brick Lady” running the Hudson River Way Brick Campaign for the City of Albany.  I joined the Albany Rotary (one of the youngest members ever I think!) and meetings were held at Armory Center when Bumpers was still open!  Yono was a member and participated in meetings, Donna was always there “running the show” as she continues to do today at Yono’s/dp in downtown Albany.   The Purnomos are the type of people who remember your name, rarely say “no” when you need that donation for your silent auction and always did everything with a smile and grace.  Donna and Yono taught me that as a small business owner, there are things more important than just making money and being successful… it is about giving back to the community that was with you as you became the success you are.  It is about integrity and giving the customer more than they deserve and making them feel special.  I was lucky enough to work with this beautiful family as they celebrated their son Dominick’s wedding to his amazing wife Carolyn.  Dominick and Carolyn were the first official “Katie O’ Couple.”  Donna and Yono have always been constant supporters, cheerleaders, and friends to me and I am so grateful for all the lessons I have learned from them and hope to continue to make them proud as I continue to grow this little business of mine!

Dominick ("dp"), Katie O' & Carolyn at KOWE Launch Party, Nov. 2009

So many momentous occasions in my life were celebrated with the Purnomo’s, being with them feels like home. I toasted the launch of my company with them, hosted my 30^th Birthday, my 1-year anniversary celebration and countless other accomplishments both personally and professionally.

Team KOWE celebrates a very sparkly 1 year anniversary at dp!, Nov. 2010

I am beyond excited to be able to put into practice this important lesson of giving back that Donna and Yono have taught me. Please join the Purnomos and me on Thursday, April 26, 2012 when I will be an Ambassador for the Aids Council “Dining Out for Life” event.    Dine at Yono’s or dp for lunch or dinner and a portion of your meal will be donated to the Aids Council of Northeastern New York to fund LOCAL services.  I will be there for lunch and then again starting at 5pm (until close!) celebrating this amazing cause and the very special “Sparkle-tini” created in my honor (100% of proceeds from this signature cocktail will go to the AIDS council.)  Please call today and reserve your spot for lunch or dinner 518-436-3737.

If you can’t join me this evening but would like to “toast” from afar please consider making a tax-deductible contribution on my donation page: https://aidscouncilneny.ejoinme.org/?tabid=355037

One of my favorite reasons is that it is truly one of my proudest accomplishments since I started my business.  When I first met Ashley & Eric (at my “office” aka Panera Bread at the time) they did not really know exactly what they wanted or where they wanted it just yet.  They were fun, down to earth, and perfect for each other.  They also happened to be BRAND new proud parents of a 2-month old son named Jackson.  Needless to say this was a couple that needed and wanted help planning the big day.  Like all of my consultations, I made sure they knew that I was here for them for as little or as much as they needed and happy to help take them from overwhelmed to overjoyed.  When I left the meeting, I felt good but knew they still had some decisions to make with moving forward.

Ashley toured a number of different venues with her Mom and sister.  Considered many options with a ceremony and celebration out in California, a ceremony and celebration here in New York and everything in between.  When she finally got to the point where she didn’t know how to make a decision, had toured a number of venues, and was feeling overwhelmed we talked.  I said to her “Take a break from planning and thinking, sleep on it and then close your eyes, and tell me where you see yourself exchanging your vows with Eric.”

The very next day I was officially hired and planning an intimate wedding ceremony and celebration in Montecito, California and a huge party and celebration at Saratoga National in Saratoga Springs one month later!  Ashley knew that the location for her intimate ceremony and celebration was their family home in the Montecito hills and a laid-back party back home with all of their friends was what she and Eric had always dreamed.  I was excited, nervous, and so ready to get started in making their dream come true!

Now the reason why this is one of my proudest accomplishments in business is simple…they put all of their trust and confidence in me to make it happen.  Ashley and Eric were certainly involved every step of the way with the planning and details.  They truly worked together in making the decisions from the color foil used on the invitations, the entrée served at dinner, the cupcakes for the welcome bags and all the details in between.  Overall, they trusted me to bring the options, create and set the scene for the overall day and make their wedding day dream come true.  We did it.  We absolutely did it and from the picture below you can see how happy both Ashley and I were with the result.  Hands down one of my favorite pictures with a bride ever.

Showing Ashley the reception space at San Ysidro Ranch

Maybe not the most flattering pic but I LOVE this so much...

Kind of a funny story about the picture above.  I made it to the San Ysidro Ranch in advance of the bride and groom.  So, I was able to see the amazing transformation by Mindy Rice before Ashley & Eric had the opportunity.  The feeling I had when I saw that space was indescribable, it was a physical reaction to over 1 year of planning (from afar) and wanting everything to be perfect for my couple.  I cried, yep, I kinda wept like a baby.  I went to meet Ashley and Eric and was still a little emotional….Ashley was worried something was wrong and I told her “no nothing it is just really amazing!”  We still joke about this today!

I have come a long way in the past 18 months since I met Ashley and Eric in Panera that night.  I have a studio space where I meet clients, I have witnessed so many beautiful couples get married, I have doubled my business from year one, I have been blessed with an amazing team of coordinators who help me make it all happen and for all of these things I am so grateful.

I remember when the Style Me Pretty blog was first up and running and pouring over it, in awe of all of the talented and amazing weddings and vendors featuredthere.  I am so proud to say that Katie O’ Weddings & Events is now one of those vendors!  Thank you Abby & your team for highlighting this very special couple and making me sparkle!

Big sparkly “thank you” also goes out to:

My talented, patient and sparkly assistant Megan who traveled with me on this one and helped to make the entire wedding flawless.  You are the best and I am so grateful to have you on my team!

Clark+Walker Studio for the stunning images, The Pink Orange for the creative and beautiful custom designed invitation suite, Mindy Rice Floral and Event Design for taking our ideas and running with them, Something Bleu Bridal for taking such good care of my bride and putting her in her dream wedding gown, Nikhi Korula for his amazing talent and providing the perfect music and voice to make the celebration fun (check him out he is awesome!),  Miriam Lindbeck for creating an absolutely meaningful and perfect wedding ceremony, Penny Beavers the harpist who even played “It’s a Small World” when Jacks made his way down the aisle, the staff at San Ysidro Ranch for their hard work and TEAM hair & make-up for making everyone look even more beautiful!

Photo by Elario Photography

I really believe that as the Wedding Planner/Coordinator, I am the luckiest wedding vendor out there!  Now, I am not saying that any of my photographer, videographer, DJ or florist friends aren’t lucky but I guess I am really saying that as the planner/coordinator we really do have the absolute honor of being involved in so much of the planning and spending time with the couple before the big day that it makes the wedding day even more special for us.

Photo by Elario Photography

There is something about that feeling of taking a client into a wedding venue that you have hand picked for them and having them turn to you and say “yes this is it!”  Something about witnessing those special moments between the couple when they are in the thick of a planning meeting and they just look at one another and laugh or smile at something silly that makes it seem like they are the only two people in the room.  Something about being there and learning the inside workings of the family dynamic and being prepared on the wedding day, knowing the ‘players’ and everything that makes them tick.  Something about getting a text that just says-”thank you so much, we don’t know what we would do without, this can get so crazy and just knowing you are taking care of everything makes it all so much easier.”

For me, all of the months and hours of planning, meetings, stressful late nights staying up to make sure every last detail is tended to is made worth it for “the moment.”  I like to call it the “Katie O’ Moment.”  This perfect point in night when all of the formalities are complete, it is time to really celebrate, be surrounded by your closest family and friends and be dancing the night away.  Without fail and at every wedding Katie O’ couples get their “moment.”

Photo by Elario Photography

It is at this time of the night when I can be found on the outskirts of the dance floor, beaming from ear to ear and taking a picture to capture their moment.  I feel the biggest sense of pride and accomplishment.  This is why they trusted us with their most special day, so they could be here in this moment and not have a care in the world.  We truly feel so blessed to get up every day and actually make a living by making a couples dream come true.  We look forward to a truly amazing 2012 wedding season and are so excited to kick it off with a very special moment for Brian & Sarah!

“Like” Katie O’ Weddings and follow the wedding today of Facebook!

Brian and Sarah will certainly be arriving in style to their wedding day.  Mike over at Today’s Limo is providing their brand new 18 passenger Escalade for the happy couple and their bridal party!

Transportation for the bride and groom on the wedding day is definitely something to consider when planning a wedding.  You should be treated like royalty on your big day and having a nice ride and helpful driver to get you from place to place is just what you need.  While managing transportation on for the wedding day can at times be difficult, trying to determine pick-up times, drop-off and how many hours you need..it is worth it.  Plus if you hire a wedding coordinator we will worry about all those details for you!

Today’s offers so many different vehicles types for weddings and special occasions.  They are extremely professional, reliable and easy to work with.  We are proud to day that many Katie O’ couples have used Today’s and have been extremely happy with their service!  Check them out on Facebook today at Today’s Limosuine.

When it comes to the wedding day there is that old adage “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue!”  Well one of the best places around for “borrowed” items is event and party rental company Total Events!

Sarah knew that she really wanted gold chiavari chairs for her wedding reception, as many brides do.  I would definitely say that chiavari chairs are one of the hottest rented items for many couples who book venues that they need to provide chairs for or have a venue where they prefer to bring in their own chairs.  The Franklin Plaza does provide chairs and they will use them for the ceremony but adding the chiavari’s to the dinner adds a little sparkle!

Fun fact:  The Chiavari chair is named after the coastal Italian town of Chiavari from which the design of the chair originates.

Overall Total Events will be adding some pretty amazing design elements to the big day in addition to the chairs.  There will be a custom lighting element, a classy and swanky lounge and some sparkling gold votives.  When it all comes together it will help to create the fairy tale that Sarah and Brian have been hoping for.

A fun image with Total Events & Party with Mia at the Franklin Plaza...image by Elario Photography

We are excited to work with our friends form Total Events and know that there will be some fantastic images to share after the weekend!  So stay tuned for more great details!

Check out all the great items Total Events can provide for your wedding day or like them on Facebook today to keep up to date on some really great promotions!

I am really looking forward to working with Julia on this wedding.  We have not had the chance to work together yet so we both are looking forward to the opportunity.  When Brian and Sarah and I met at first they were still up in the air on who they would have take their wedding photos.  It was something that was important to them both but they didn’t have their heart set on a certain photographer.

Julia has taken photos of Brian for work and also shots of some of Sarah’s fights, so it seemed like a perfect fit to have her be their wedding photographer.  They decided to have Julia take some engagement photos and get a feel for her style “outside the ring” and “outside the studio.”  Once they saw the finished product they knew that Julia was their girl!

The happy couple...I love this shot from their e-shoot!

She made them feel comfortable and at ease and they both knew that is what they wanted to feel on their wedding day.  I can’t recommend having an engagement shoot enough to my clients get to know your photographer better and feel more comfortable in front of the camera.  This really does help on the wedding day to get even better images!

So stayed tuned as I am certain you will be seeing a lot of fabulous images from Julia coming soon!

Like her Julia Zave Lifestyles Page here!

There were very few things that Brian didn’t get involved in throughout the planning process.  One task that he had nothing to do with but will definitely like the end result on the wedding day is hair & make-up.  Sarah is a beautiful person, both inside and out, so she doesn’t need too much help in this area…let’s be honest!

With all of my clients I refer 2 or 3 different vendors for them to try out, meet with and learn about their work.  Sarah had a couple of trials and ended up loving her make-up from Kaitlin Bray and hair by Janette Nammour from Salon Onaj.

I absolutely believe that on your wedding day you should be pampered and treated like a queen, so please opt for the beauty team to come right to you at your home or hotel where you are getting ready.  This is the one day you are not going to want to be stressed about doing your own hair and make-up and also if they come right to you it means you can just roll out of bed and start enjoying your day right away!

We will definitely have some beautiful images of Sarah and her bridesmaids to share after the big day so you can see first hand the amazing talents of Kaitlin & Janette.

When Sarah and I started discussing the flowers and décor, I was excited because she selected a color palette that was elegant, classy, and timeless.  Sarah and Brian met with a couple of florists but in the end, they knew that Maria from Party with Mia was going to be the perfect fit.  From the initial meeting with Maria, you could feel her excitement, energy and  it was hard to keep up with all of her amazing ideas for the big day!

Sarah did not have an exact look or feel in her mind when it came to flowers, she likes them but did not have her heart set on roses or peonies or anything for that matter!  She knew that she wanted it to be classy, elegant and incorporate one her favorite colors- pink- without being too much.  She felt comfortable with Maria, put trust in her to create a wedding day vision that would represent them as a couple and be an amazing sight for her guests.

I promise you that you will not be disappointed when you see the photos of what Party with Mia has come up with for their wedding day.  Maria has been a true joy and blessing to work with on this wedding.  It is tough to match her amazing energy and passion but I have learned working with her on this one that together we will make it SPARKLE for this couple.

So what does a DJ do for music on their wedding day?  I was really interested to find out what Brian was thinking when it came to music.  When we initially met, he wasn’t completely certain on what the plan was.  On one hand he had plenty of people who were willing to DJ for the wedding, but on the other hand he and Sarah liked the idea of a live band.

Music is certainly a huge part of any wedding day or celebration.  If having a live band is a priority for your and you fiancé then you should definitely check out some of the options in the Captial Region.  Brian and Sarah looked at various websites and also were able to go see their wedding band, Grand Central Station, live at a public gig.  As a wedding planner, I always try to keep up to date on when local bands have public shows and always encourage my clients to go and check them out to get a feel for how they sound and perform live.

Brian and Sarah knew they wanted a fun party, talented musicians and a band that could keep the dance floor packed all night.  When they saw Grand Central Station at Katie O’Byrne’s they instantly knew it was a perfect fit.  In addition to being a group full of talented musicians, they are complete professionals and have been working alongside throughout the planning process to make certain that they are completely happy with all the music selections.  Paul, Jenry and Mia have been consulting with them to make certain that they are happy with the ceremony music selections, have learned new songs at their request and overall have been committed to making this a great party for the couple.

We are really excited to get the party started on Saturday and can’t wait to see what Grand Central Station has in store for the big day!

For more information please check out: http://www.gcsband.com/