A Wedding in a Week? Yes, It CAN Happen!

For most weddings we have more than a year to plan, while other weddings are on the fast track with only a few months to plan. Recently I was challenged to plan Allison and Jim's wedding in just a week! Allison inquired through our website on Tuesday February 1st, the day of the ice storm. When I first read her inquiry I thought she wanted to get married February 11, 2012, but after speaking with her I quickly realized that I was wrong. February 11, 2011 was the date. Allison had nothing planned- no venue, no cake, no flowers, NOTHING. I loved the thought of this and I was up for the challenge. Tonya and I have always said that we could plan a wedding in a week if we had to and now was the time to prove it. Allison and I decided to meet on Friday. I already had many options for her as far as venues, photographers and officiants. She loved the Conrad Indianapolis! So that's where the ceremony and reception site was set. After a little tweaking of the photographer's package, Openfield Photography was chosen. Allison spoke with her fiance and they decided on Reverend Greg Smith for their officiant. Next up was ordering the cake, the flowers, booking the hair and makeup appointments, deciding on the reception menu, and finally, a special after-the-reception dinner for the couple and their kids. By Wednesday everything was set, and I devised a timeline for the wedding day and sent it out to all the vendors involved.
Thursday was a national holiday- MY BIRTHDAY and I took the day off. However, that evening, Jim had emailed me and he wanted a bouquet of roses delivered to Allison's hotel room. HOW SWEET!! I took care of getting the bouquet delivered on Friday morning and we were all ready to go for the wedding that night.
My assistant and I set up the ceremony and reception site, while Allison and her daughter had their hair and makeup done. After the ladies got back to the hotel suite, Allison told us the story of her wedding dress. Basically, Allison ordered it from J.Crew on Wednesday and had it overnighted to her. Lauren and I had to do a few alterations with safety pins but Allison looked AMAZING!!! Once Jim and the boys arrived at the hotel, we were ready to get the ceremony started. Jim's 7 year old son Drew stood up with him as Best Man, and Allison's daughter Madi and son David escorted her down the candle lit aisle. The ceremony was short and sweet but it still brought a tear to my eye. After the couple said "I Do", they went off for a short photo shoot. This gave me and the Conrad staff time to transform the ceremony space for the reception. The decor was simple but absolutely beautiful. Tiffany at Circle City Designers did a great job on such short notice. After the family sat down for dinner, the photographers and I left them to enjoy their meal. After dinner, the family took a horse and carriage ride around the city. It was a perfect end to a perfect evening.