Casey & Chris Orlando, Florida

Casey is an old friend of mine. She and I lived together in Florida after college. She is one of the strongest and kindest people I've ever known. She and I had moved away and life seemed to just be going. Then one day, she called "I've met someone." 

Chris and Casey met online. They immediately shared a connection that Casey had never described to me before. '"He loves everything about me." 

I did get the pleasure to be apart of their event both behind the scenes and in front. Casey had originally just asked that I be apart of her wedding day as a bridesmaid. She wanted a simple, family oriented day with just a few loved ones around her. But, after planning out every detail, she had found out that friends who had committed to helping her on the big day dropped the ball. There were tears streaming down her face as she and I sat outside her bachelorette dinner. "What am I going to do?" 

The wedding planner in me set a plan in motion. I asked if she minded that I step up and ensure her day was exactly what she had planned. Right there, we created a plan and a timeline. I cannot imagine what it must have felt like thinking all the hard work you have been planning for may not even happen. 

Well, of course the day was beautiful and smooth! We loved the simplicity of their special day. Because it was filled with just so many answered prayers, tears, and laughter. This day really was her dream come true. 

Take a look at the beautiful Orlando, Florida outdoor wedding. 

Images By: The Way We Were Photography 

Design and Planning By: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events

"Becky is one of my dearest friends! I asked her to be a bridesmaid and she was so much more than that!! She jumped right in and went right into full planner mode when I needed her in an unforeseen circumstance. Everything turned out more beautiful than I could've imagined it! She saw my vision and ran with it in less than a 24 hour notice! Girls with upcoming weddings--you NEED Becky!" - Casey

5 Questions to Ask When Booking your Wedding Venue

Have you ever toured a home that was for sale just because? I KNOW I HAVE! What is it about snooping in where someone else has made memories and a life that we just want to see?

Human nature kicks in and I think we all, if we are honest, at one time have snooped where we should not have. I think of the best parts of searching for wedding venues is being able to take a look around. See what each space has to offer, and then asked. Can I see myself here? 

Besides all the FUN it is to venue shop. There are 5 important questions, every searching couple needs to ask!

ASK TO SEE THE CONTRACT.

This may seem like common sense, but take time to read it at home when you are not distracted by the view. There may be stipulations that just wont work with you and your event. If you can send a copy to your wedding planner, DO IT. They will be able to read through things and help guide you to the next questions. This may even save you time AND money!

 ASK WHEN THE PARTY HAS TO END. 

Make sure to get in writing the time that every personal item has to be out of the rented space once the event is over. There are TWO things I want to bring up here. One, a longer night creates a longer day of drinking for your friends, and usually if the night is too long there is more to handle at the end of the night than just finding an Uber home. Second, define what "end time" means to the venue. Does that mean the time everything and person has to vacated? Or does that mean last call and last song? This makes a HUGE difference to the vendors that you may chose to work with you on your big day and this question clarification will allow you to give your contributing vendors accurate information for the proposals they will be sending you. No one likes surprise fees!

ASK TO SEE WHERE THE ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE.

Probably, at the time of your initial visit you may not even be close to thinking of details this small. But, there will be plenty of logistical things that solely depend on your power sources. That perfect layout may not be as perfect with a large extension cord running through the middle. Ask, make a mental note and even write it down for reference. 

ASK ABOUT ONSITE MANAGEMENT DURING THE EVENT.

Most wedding venues may have a designated event coordinator onsite to make sure the doors are locked up at the end of the evening. But, there are plenty of venues that we create into wedding dreams that do not have this staffing option. This can cause a lot of headache if things are not where they are supposed to be upon your arrival. There are plenty of times an extra table or chair is needed last minute and if your wedding planner does not have access to the storage of these items it can cause a big nightmare over a small thing. If the venue of your dreams does not provide a onsite event coordinator, tell your wedding planner as soon as you can. They will help you navigate the needs of this space and help book professional vendors who will be well worth the investment!

ASK ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY OF SET UP AND TEAR DOWN.

Most venues will want to tell you all the options their day of pricing includes. But, just having access to chairs and tables does not mean it wont be a ton of work to use these all inclusive items. Ask if the venue not only provides the those items but ALSO sets up and tears down. If your venue includes this service; you have a great start. If not, make sure to speak with your wedding planner about what options you may have. Their expertise on the logistics of your big day will be invaluable to you. 

There are always things that may come up when visiting your wedding venue. So don't be afraid to ask questions! Even after your initial visit, follow up and get things in writing from any wedding vendor or venue. This could save you a lot of stress later on!

Happy venue viewing! 

Country Lane Lodge

Small town Iowa doesn't seem just as small anymore. Driving through Adel, IA you would never know the venue of your dreams is hidden behind a timber of trees. What was once a cow pasture has now been transformed into an event venue holding up to 400. The venue includes a dreamy BRIDAL SUITE with every accommodation a girl imagine! And of course, gentlemen your space is equip with couches, TVs and it is only a few steps up from the bar.

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Country Lane Lodge may speak to the small town look you've been dreaming of for your wedding day. But, make no mistake this venue is high powered with a outlets and USB drives on every corner for your and your guests; also equip with flat screens to showcase any technological experience you have envisioned.

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The chandeliers lining the ceiling will draw an elegance to any event and allowing any mood to be set. So if you're just a small town girl looking for THAT place to make your dream wedding come true. Country Lane Lodge in Adel, IA is just that. 

Late this summer I joined a team of some of the best Des Moines area wedding vendors to showcase this space for you! We wanted you to experience and see the birth of your dream day come to life. Our styled event at Country Lane Lodge featured a small ceremony, dinner and of course dessert! What is any event without cake?

We feature some of the best photo opportunities available to anyone who chooses to make Country Lane Lodge their memory. Come dream with us as we take you through a dreamy whimsical boho-chic inspired wedding day. 

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Dream Team of Vendors who helped create this beauty:Floral, Decor & Design: Shelly Sarver Designs.  Venue: Country Lane Lodge. Planning & Design: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events. Wedding Gown: Pure Bridal. Chairs & Decor: Unique Events. Makeup: Ivy Boyd Makeup. Hair: ElevenCherry. Hair Accessory: Something Blue. Invite Suite: Gatherie Creative. Cakes: Little BlackBird Bakery. Groom’s Attire: Jacket: Michael Kors, Bow Tie: Two Guys Bow Tie, Boots: Tradehome. Photography: Brooke Pavel Photography.

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Working alongside our team of creatives was truly an honor. An honor we hope you cherish, enjoy, and scroll through time and time again. 

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Planning & Design: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Florals, Decor & Design: Shelly Sarver Designs. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Venue: Country Lane Lodge. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Wedding Gown: Pure Bridal. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Chairs & Decor: Unique Events. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Makeup: Ivy Boyd Makeup. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hair: ElevenCherry. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hair Accessory: Something Blue. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Invite Suite: Gatherie Creative. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cakes: Little BlackBird Bakery. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Photography: Brooke Pavel Photography. Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Zach & Elizabeth Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Sometimes when you meet someone you just know. You know they were meant to be together, you know they love each other. One of the best parts of planning weddings is getting to see this over and over. 

The first time I met Zach and Liz their welcoming spirit was contagious. Everyone around them feels it! They are kind, generous and most of all fun! With these two we couldn't have anything but a beautiful wedding day! We organized and designed this amazing day in Cedar Rapids, IA. The beautiful Ceremony was in the backyard of Zach's grandparents home. We danced the night away at the Downtown Double Tree in Cedar Rapids. We could not have done this without the help of all the amazing vendors! 

I am so happy to share some of their beautiful and fun day with you all. 

Congrats to you Zach & Liz- Wishing you the best! 

XO

Becky 

Many thanks to the following: photography by @emilycrall, coordination and design by @mostlybecky, videography by @nepoproductions, florals by @piersonsflowershopgreenhouse, cake by @julesbakery, hair & makeup by Jo Sweet, DJ by @uniqueeventsiowa, paper suite by @andisinvites, bridal gown by @morileeofficial from Iowa Brides & Weddings, maids' gowns by @verawangbride from @davidsbridal, menswear by @skeffingtons_formalwear, hosted at & catered by @doubletree. #pairofparsons