We've said it before and we'll say it again. When you take something you love, teach it to others- empowering them to spread their wings. The BEST THING in this life, is seeing them fly! How many are with me? I am so honored to have the BEST team on earth. Although, I am bias, I'm not wrong. My planning team blows me away with their attention to detail. Their unwavering customer service, and dedication to loving EVERY SINGLE PERSON THEY MEET. If there is an example of how Mostly Becky strives to serve others, take a look at my wedding planners.

They teach me something everyday.

So it is with GREAT HONOR to introduce another blog by our very own, Elizabeth. She planned this event of 270 ON HER OWN, Executed flawlessly, and trained up a team of assistants. Being proud is an UNDERSTATEMENT! Elizabeth is not one to take charge, being the youngest of 4. She tends to hide in the background. But, times have changed! Congrats to you Elizabeth, we are excited to watch you fly!

Remember her here?

By Elizabeth Thomas

Ryan & Johanna Jolivette

Meaningful and sentimental; those are the two words that kept coming to mind as the wedding plans and day unfolded for Johanna and Ryan in rural Iowa.

Let’s start with the venue; Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp. On the surface, this quaint camp, snuggled next to the river is the perfect place for a day of celebration with loved ones. The rustic A-frame chapel with massive amounts of natural light to the beautiful old oak trees all around camp make the whole scene feel beautiful and cozy. For the couple, however, Riverside Bible Camp meant so much more.

It was the first place they met while playing soccer as campers.

Camp was the place they both grew closer to Jesus through time set aside at camp to meeting people who encouraged and challenged them in their faith. Not only was camp beautiful, but it was infused with memories from every step of their relationship. The sentiment did not end their either.

The main meal was catered by a family friend from the bride’s hometown. Florals and baked goods were all done with local vendors.This was one of my favorite parts of the day. All the vendors this day brought a relaxed hometown feel to all they did. Their attention to detail and genuine care for the couple was evident in the services they provided.

Specifically, the photographer, Less Traveled Photography, took the rustic and quaint backgrounds of camp and created beautiful backdrops for the gushing with love couple. Having met the couple at camp as camp counselors, he knew exactly the personalities and desires of the couple. This genuine relationship brought out the vibrant photos the couple will have to remember their special day forever.

Early on in the planning, the bride made it evident she wanted to eat a hearty meal with loved ones and dance the night away. The bride and groom were able to keep the traditional aspects such as a father-daughter dance and mother-son dance while also incorporating their families famous polka dance.

With this being my first solo wedding and a guest list projected of 300, calling in backup and an extra set of professional hands was a must.

My assistant Kari for the day, a communications major from the University of Northern Iowa, blew me away. Many people think of being a wedding planner as a glamorous job when actually it is a lot more. From getting a table dropped on her toe early in the day to dealing with worst case scenarios, Kari handled the day with as much grace as an experienced assistant. The day would not have happened as smoothly if it was not for her proactive personality and genuine care for all those she encountered.

The day was beautiful filled with so much joy! The vendors and guests raved about Elizabeth and all her hard work! We couldn't be more proud to have her on our team.

“Elizabeth was extremely professional, but also extremely friendly. Would recommend her to all of my friends. Elizabeth and the Mostly Becky team were so supportive to not only us, but to our families and friends.

Thanks for an amazing day!”

— Ryan

This day would NOT have happened with out these AMAZING Des Moines area vendors who made the magic happen!

Flowers: Story City Floral

Photographer: Less Traveled Photography

Catering: Hy-Vee

Rentals: Celebrations

Planning: Mostly Becky Weddings

Real Commitment Begins When Things Start to Really Suck!

Working for yourself is an everyday, every moment commitment to yourself to stick with it. Most times, there is no one around to motivate you when the light at the end of the tunnel is disappearing. We get up, set our schedule, and do. Even when there is no immediate reward. There is no easy way around this. You have to make up your mind and STICK TO IT.

Consistency = Influence

Anyone can start. Most people will even try for a while. But, being consistence with the little things; the everyday things. That is when you've got something. The struggle is inevitable. The pain is inevitable and the DOUBT IS ABSOLUTELY INEVITABLE. But, when you choose to be consistent, in time, you will reap what you have sown. And boy, that is when it all becomes worth it.

Wish You were better

There will be moments of doubt. But, never has any successful entrepreneur wished it was easier. When things get easier you stop growing. If you're not getting better, your business is not either. Never wish it was easier. Only wish YOU were better. When you grow you open opportunities for advancements, ideas and influence. You just never know where it may take you!

They never lose

Any successful person, especially entrepreneurs, never lose. They either win OR THEY LEARN. Each set back to them is praised. They take moments of struggle, opposition, and conflict to reflect. They use those moments to grow and create something new. Nothing is wasted. And honestly, those moments are usually the favorites. They become irreplaceable moments in time that leave a brand on us that will forever define who we are becoming. Entrepreneurs never lose.

Exercise

Results require effort. Period. There is not a single professional athlete who has not put in more effort than most can even dream of. They know that without physical excellence there is no mental excellence. And without an excellent mind, there really is no competition. As an entrepreneur they understand this basic and very simple principle. This simple act of consistent repetition cultivates HUGE results.

Forgiveness

When you blame others you are just wasting time which in return delays your growth. When you blame others it simply makes you stuck. Successful entrepreneurs know how to forgive and move on. They don't allow anyone or anything to keep them in the same place or take them backwards. Sometimes, that means moving on without someone or without a resolution. They forgive. They don't place blame. They above all endure.

They Set Boundaries

The final point is one of the most important. Every single time you get serious about making a change you set boundaries. Most entrepreneurs find that especially in the beginning of their business they spent days, weeks, and nights justifying their decisions to those around them and unfortunately, most stop there.

But, when you get serious about living out your purpose you get serious about setting boundaries.

When you set boundaries with those who are a negative influence you start to dismiss unnecessary hurdles. You create a new growth and in return attracts a new tribe. Those who don't come with don't deserve where you're headed. Let them go.

Ryan & Jo Story City, Iowa