RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY PLEASE…………….

Hilary and Clay
May 11, 2008
Happy Mother’s Day

I started praying the moment I woke up to thunderstorms and gushing winds on Sunday morning that I would have a window of opportunity to have this Mother’s Day wedding outside (Private residence tented wedding). For the first time in CCP History we were rained out. I was talking with my dad earlier that day and told him I was rained out. He wanted to know if the wedding was cancelled. “We don’t cancel weddings dad,” I explained, “just like in show business, the SHOW MUST GO ON!” And that’s exactly what we did. Most of you know how much I love the theatre and this show was one I will never forget with lots of FUN Drama! Hilary and Clay are from LA, originally from Indiana and high school sweethearts. This couple of 14 years had one wedding everyone will remember for years to come. With PLAN B in place, my dream vendor team truly came together to get this wedding started. At 9:00 AM Mike Wiggins from A Classic contacted me at home (as I was enjoying my morning Mother’s Day Starbuck’s with my kids J) to notify me the kitchen tent was under water. Luckily the guest tent was installed on Wednesday before the major storm hit Cicero. Way to go Mike! Jennifer from Thomas Catering was ready to move to Plan B with her crew as soon as she arrived. Julie from Royal Creations saved the day by creating a perfect ceremony setting inside the tent. I kept saying Rain, Rain Go Away but that never happened. With our cute lime green umbrellas we just continued on like it was beautiful spring day (Indiana weather UGH!). With the smile on Hilary’s face, I knew nothing was going to stop this wedding. Guests started arriving and were dropped directly off at front of the tent. The charter bus was running a few minutes late with several guests coming from Keystone at the Crossing, so we decided to serve a few drinks to allow the early guests to socialize. 15 minutes behind schedule finally the bus arrived. We were ready to get started. With the help of Brian Whitis and Julie the umbrellas were ready to go (team players). Finally, we had everyone in their seats and the bridal procession began. The guests sitting at their seats cheered as the groomsmen and bridesmaids as they entered the tent. We created the perfect ceremony on the dance floor (PLAN B) with the arbor, lemon uplighting, and private seating for the family members. Clay’s facial expression said it all when he saw his beautiful bride. After the ceremony, the guests were served lemon drop martinis and hors d’ouvres. The cruditA display was spectacular and devoured by the all. The Carl Hines jazz band entertained the guests as the bridal party went out by the lake to take pictures. Jamie from JScott Photography ignored the rain and took awesome pictures outside by Morse Lake. We were finally back on schedule. Introductions by Eddie, the bride’s friend, created a FUN atmosphere. He was the hit of the night on the dance floor. Food stations were open and the winds started picking up. After a few cocktails and plenty of tasty food, the cold evening warmed up as Brian Whitis filled the dance floor. The guests didn’t want the evening to end. At one point you could see your breath when you were talking to someone, YIKES. Despite the weather Hilary and Clay enjoyed their evening and were husband and wife at the end of the night. The father of the bride walked up to me at the end of the night and said, “Tonya, you’re my hero!” Another great testimonial for why you need to hire a wedding planner to make it happen whether RAIN or SHINE. Happy Mother’s Day! After 6 years of marrying couples, this is one I will NEVER forget!