A Dream Come True

As I was standing in the back of a church sanctuary listening to the bride and groom say their vows and exchange rings I was reminded of the first time I thought about becoming a wedding planner. Little did I know that it would actually happen.

I was a Sophomore in high school on a church trip. We were staying overnight in a Microtel close to the airport. The girls in my room and I decided to order the movie The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew Mcconaughey. At that moment I remember thinking what an awesome job! Of course at that stage in my life every girl I knew wanted that job, because we all dreamed about getting married one day and the romance of it all was so intriguing.

I truly thought it was just a phase and a ridiculous fairytale. So why even try to work towards it? Well, I didn't. I graduated from college with a degree in Business and Marketing planning to make it big in the world as the youngest CEO of a Marketing Firm. Obviously things didn't pan out in that way, but I'm so thankful they didn't.

Throughout high school and college I planned all sorts of events and participated in numerous leadership teams. Out of college I volunteered planning a celebration event for a non-profit (truthfully I was hoping to get a job working for them). I loved it! Well, I didn't get the job so I went somewhere else and was given the opportunity to plan other small events. At this time I realized my passion for event planning and my God given talents seemed to coincide.

I've always been a "jumper." What do I mean by that? Ya know the phrase "a leap of faith." Well I "jump off clips." I quit my full time job to pursue Event Planning full time. And that's how Compliments of You got started and God keeps it going. Thank you God for you provision and for blessing this business.

I pray that I work with many more brides and grooms to plan their weddings because every time it's unique and special and I feel so privileged to be a part of that special day.

May Wedding

On May 15th, I was privileged to be a part of Jessica & Allen's Wedding. It was a formal 6pm wedding at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, Mississippi.

Wendy Putt, Fresh Cut Catering & Floral, did the flowers and the church was absolutely stunning. The flower sprays on top of 6 columns were filled with gladiolas, Gerber daisy's and other white flowers, but not roses.

The Bridesmaids were dressed in Black floor link gowns and the Groomsman in bow ties & tails, it was quite the "Southern Affair."

A few elements to this wedding that you don't see everyday . . . three bell ringers, yes bells rang out throughout the church as the Bride's entrance became imminent. She also asked her College Social Tribe (similar to a sorority) to be Honorary Bridesmaids, they each held a Gerber Daisy and marched in two by two with an usher in front and one in back.

At this particular church the side doors are often used for the entrance of the Bridesmaids and Groomsman. For this wedding we used 4 doors. Each Bridesmaid was met by a Groomsman at the front of the steps or in the middle of the center aisle. It was a great picture to see all these people begin entering the sanctuary and engulf the guest. Heads were spinning as people tried to figure out what door the next person would enter from. The Bride also used the song "Shine" by Matt Redman for the processional. A great symbol of what she and her husband have done throughout their lives. Congratulations Jessica and Allen!

Crazy Days

On Friday I worked on an event for Mission Mississippi called the Mississippi Mayors' Prayer Luncheon. It's quite the event. It's truly a great way for Christians in Mississippi to say to our leaders that we appreciate your work (even if we don't always agree with you) and we are committed to praying for you.

My favorite part of the event was a the power point presentation that we showed of the Mayors that came, kind of a "thanks for coming" scroll on screens throughout the convention center. As I was showing Mayors and distinguished guest to the reception area several mayors stopped to look at the screen and find their picture. What a priceless moment because our goal was to make the mayors feel appreciated and it that moment I knew the directive had been accomplished. That's an awesome feeling for me because I feel as though I'm not just planning an event, I'm helping people feel important and appreciated.

Ya know the saying "the devil's in the details?" We'll that feels so true prior to the event when my mind is drowning in the details, but at the end when all is done, the details make the memories and they separate good events from fabulous events! I guarantee that each mayor that attending may not remember the keynote speaker, the meal or even Mission Mississippi, but they will remember seeing their face on the big screen and that feeling of pride in their position.

Have you thanked your state leaders? Have you voiced your opinions/concerns to your leaders? More importantly, have you prayed for your leaders?

The memories are made in the details!

Until next time . . . God Bless

-Paige