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PORTFOLIO FUSION

VOLUME 1 | AUGUST 2010

MAGAZINE FOR: MODELS | ACTORS/DIRECTORS | PHOTOGRAPHERS | DESIGNERS | MAKE-UP ARTISTS | MUSICIANS | ARTISTS | CHEFS/ HOSPITALITY | EVENT PLANNERS/ENTREPRENEURS

SIMPLY PERFECT BY MELISSA


CHICAGO EVENT COODINATOR+ENTREPRENEUR+EDUCATOR

MELISSA PHILLIPS
INSIDE: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS & BIOGRAPHIES

MY ALMOST WEDDING STORY

25 MUST CAPTURE WEDDING DAY DETAILS

TOWN & COUNTRY GARDENS |JAMIE LEA BATES

HAZELTON PHOTOGRAPHY | CAITLIN HAZELTON

A WEDDING STORY | COREY & RUTH


ADVERTISEMENT

HAZELTON PHOTOGRAPHY
AUGUST 2010

CONTENTS
PORTFOLIO FUSION MAGAZINE VOLUME 1

PUBLISHER
IDEAL PERSPECTIVE INTERNATIONAL, INC.

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RUTH OMANYA

EDITOR AT LARGE COREY O’DONNELL

CONTACTS
ADVERTISERS
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READERS
feedback@portfoliofusionmagazine.com

WRITERS
write@portfoliofusionmagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTION
subscribe@portfoliofusionmagazine.com
13 23
CONTRIBUTE
submit@portfoliofusionmagazine.com

GENERAL INQUIRIES
info@portfoliofusionmagazine.com

15
26

ON THE FRONT COVER Simply Perfect by Melissa:


13 | Event Planning Inspirations 23 | Flowers, tips and Ideas
Event Planning Inspirations by Chicago event planner
Melissa Phillips. Photo Credit: Duron Studios
15 | Wedding Photography-Interview 25 | K9 “almost” wedding story

CONTRIBUTORS

Melissa Phillips Jamie Lea Bates Caitlin Hazelton Corey & Ruth
ON THE BACK COVER A Wedding Story by Corey &
Ruth. Photo Credit: Hazelton Photography. IMAGES: Hazelton Photography | Duron Studios | Jennifer Kaye Photog-
raphy | Artisan Events | |Belvedere Banquets | Pret a Poser Photography
Copyright: ©2010 Portfolio Fusion Magazine and its respective copyright holders.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction, distribution, reposts and modification prohibited |Yeager Fotografix | EB Creative Photography |Jennifer Mordini | Michael
unless express written permission is granted by Portfolio Fusion Magazine and its Roberts Photography| |Image Studios | Steve Garrett | Yaromir Mlynski
respective copyright holders.

EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 3


EDITOR’S LETTER
RUTH OMANYA
IMAGE BY YAROMIR MLYNSKI

Dear Readers,
Beautiful weather is here, and the wedding season is
still on! Just in time for our event planner edition Volume
One, August 2010 launch. It is also the month that
marks history: Chelsea Clinton gets married!
Our event planner edition features professionals who
make it happen at wedding events. This edition is
packed with insights on event planning, inspirations,
tips, stories, and exclusive interviews with professional
event planner Melissa Phillips, wedding photographer
Caitlin Hazelton, and florist Jamie Lea Bates. Portfolio
Fusion Magazine is all about exposing aspiring and
professional talents while opening up opportunities for
them to network and advance in the industry of their
fields.
Our features include talents in Acting & Film Directing,
Modeling, Photography, Fashion Stylist, Designing,
Make-up Artistry, Music & Art, Culinary, Event Planning,
and Entrepreneurship.
Get Exposed!

Ruth Omanya

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BIOGRAPHY
MELISSA PHILLIPS

Event Coordinator and Owner, because she gave us incredible service, anticipated all
our needs and was always so patient and easy to work
with.” Melissa draws inspiration and energy from the
Simply Perfect by Melissa people she has met in her life and from her diverse
hobbies (adventure travel & eco-tourism, bungee &
base jumping, mountain climbing, sports, cooking/

M
baking and reading). She holds multiple degrees in
elissa Phillips is the founder and creative force (genius)
Education from Loyola University, Dominican Universi-
behind Simply Perfect by Melissa. Melissa is a unique
ty and National Louis University. Melissa credits her
combination of right brain and left-brain skill sets – she
early career as an educator as the reason she loves to
has a creative mind that manifests itself in tasteful, stylish, well-
share knowledge and for giving her unwavering
designed events that delight and wow clients, guests and vendors.
patience.
Her analytical and organizational skills are exactly what you need to
deliver an event that is on budget, run with efficiency and without Melissa has been creating simply perfect events for
stress. over 10 years. Melissa and her events have been
featured in numerous publications including Chicago
Melissa is known for her passion, great listening skills, industry
Style Weddings, CS Brides, Chicago Sun-
knowledge and for being a trusted and reliable partner in the process
Times, and The Daily Herald. Melissa is an active
of creating and delivering your event. Her satisfied clients often rave
member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.
about her - describing her as “the gem that we didn’t know about, but
IMAGE COURTESY OF MELISSA PHILIPS/NKE_9818
are so glad that we discovered her,

EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 5


EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

MELISSA PHILLIPS
SIMPLY PERFECT PORTFOLIO SPREAD

IMAGE BY JENNIFER MORDINI BOTH PAGES

6 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


SIMPLY PERFECT BY
EXCLUSIVE
As for my inspiration, I’d have to say my family. My parents are
entrepreneurs, so I’ve had wonderful role models growing up, which
ultimately inspired me to venture out on my own and become an entre-
preneur myself! I have always been encouraged to set my goals high and
to work hard to achieve them. The event planning industry is not your

INTERVIEW WITH typical job, so having my family there to support me and work with my
crazy schedule has allowed me to do what I love and most importantly,
be successful at it!

MELISSA PHILLIPS
RUTH: How long have you been a planner and
what inspired you to become a planner?

MELISSA: I’ve been a planner for over 10


years, yet started Simply Perfect by Melissa in
2006. Since my childhood, I have always been a
planner of sorts, yet I began true event plan-
ning 12 years ago at Loyola University. After
college, I taught high school for seven years – I
enjoyed teaching and my content area of
science, but just wasn’t sure I was cut out for
the public education system. I dabbled in
school-wide event planning with students and
had a lot of fun with it. While thinking about
what I would do if I was no longer a teacher, it
was obvious to those around me before it even
became obvious to me – event planning! I love
the excitement that goes into fine tuning details
and the challenge of making it all come
together on the day of the event. Through all of
the preparations, last minute adjustments, and
obstacles that develop as we put it all together
on the day of the event, a surge of adrenaline
rushes through me at each and every event I
coordinate. I think I often get just as excited as
my clients. The vision that has been clear in my
head throughout the planning process comes
to life on this one special day – I just love to see
their reactions!

EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 7


MELISSA: Both share many qualities-
communicating, teaching, detailing, and
organizing. I love event planning because
I get to plan a celebration with my clients.
Weddings and life’s celebrations are joy-
ous times, and being part of such happy,
momentous memories is a privilege and
such a thrill. With each event there is a
rush of excitement as we brainstorm,
plan, and ultimately pull everything to-
gether to culminate with an event that is
more than a client could expect. It is their
reaction when they first see themselves in
a mirror with her wedding gown on, or a
first glimpse when they walk into their

Simply Perfect by Melissa event space and see what was created for
them<all of those moments make the job

Event Coordination Solutions amazing!

RUTH: What challenges do you face in


your business or event planning in gen-
eral?

MELISSA: Lack of education in an event


planner’s role. I think there are many that
assume it is a job of party hoping and,
essentially, being a professional guest at
events. I think many do not realize the
time and energy that goes in behind the
scenes to work with clients, manage their
IMAGES BY STEVE GARRETT

events, and execute them when the day


comes. As a result, others in the industry
as well as those who have participated in
many weddings as attendants want to
assume the role. Not that any of those
individuals are incapable, but I am con-
stantly learning, reading, attending con-
RUTH: What is the story behind simply perfect, what inspired you to name it
ferences and workshops. This is my ca-
“simply perfect”?
reer and I have to stay up to date with the
MELISSA: When I began brainstorming business names, I did not want any- latest in the industry. It is very challeng-
thing overly bridal to give me more flexibility in the events I could plan and ing to do this job to its fullest potential
execute. I asked myself how I wanted to remember my wedding day or special success fully when there are other roles to
celebration, and with that, I felt I would want to look back and think of it as focus on such as the kitchen crew, enter-
simply perfect- no changes or regrets<”simply perfect” as it was. taining music, or being a participant in

RUTH: As a former teacher, and now a successful event planner, which of the the event. As a professional, I strive to be
the best at what it is I do.
two professions would you say you enjoy the most and why?

8 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


IMAGE BY JENNIFER MORDINI

RUTH: Indulge me more on the creative force behind RUTH: As an educator and a planner, what advice or tips
simply perfect. can you share with readers about event planning?
MELISSA: I love coming up with new ideas and ways to MELISSA: Give yourself plenty of time- There is no need
present the more traditional components of an event. I to rush with your plans. When you budget the appropriate
spend a great deal of time reading blogs, looking through amount of time, you tend to make better choices, there are
all sort of magazines from bridal, interior design, enter- more options available to you, and you simply enjoy the
tainment, and/or furniture catalogues. Several times a process much more. Educate yourself- Do some research
week I type in various key words related to events and and learn what questions to ask, key qualities event pro-
search through Google images and flickr just to see what fessionals should possess, ask questions and look through
is happening. I keep inspiration books which I often refer portfolios, and check references. Be an educated planner
back to as I design events with my clients. That is defi- just as you would if you were making a home or car pur-
nitely my most favorite part of my job! chase.
RUTH: Does your event planning extend to other forms RUTH: From experience, what are some of the lessons,
of events or is it solely wedding planning? facts or observations you have made along the way in the
MELISSA: We do all sorts of special events- Bar/Bat Mitz- industry that you can share with readers?
vahs, non for profit events, showers, birthday parties,
anniversary parties<they are all different and I love be- Simply Perfect by Melissa
ing able to try new and different things with each that
may not fit with a wedding. Event Coordination Solutions
EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 9
IMAGE BY MODERN IMAGE STUDIOS
MELISSA: This industry is constantly changing. Being suc- MELISSA: I was always encouraged to set goals and reach
cessful in the industry requires time and a commitment to for them. That means having a strong work ethic, a value in
stay well informed and connected. Balance<this profession education, and being an honest, ethical worker to achieve
requires a great deal of balance. Not just in balancing a my end result. I think it is very important as a parent to
work load, but in balancing a career, family, and personal practice what you encourage, and I am a very fortunate to
time. Achieving balance is not easy and something I always have parents who have done just that and have been suc-
work towards. It is very easy to sacrifice personal and/or cessful from it. I am extremely close with my family. Their
family time, but the challenging comes in maintaining a support and encouragement is what gives me strength dur-
good amount of all three. On a personal note, since I am ing stressful times and when I get a new challenge that
constantly coordinating events, attend them as a guest is a seems overwhelming. I have seen what they have achieved
challenge. I think I am the worst wedding or event guest and that provides me constant encouragement.
because I cannot just relax and enjoy the party<I am look-

EVENT
ing at the details. I also am the worst at RSVP’ing on time
for the events. It makes my friends and families laugh.

RUTH: You come from a family of entrepreneur parents


who also happen to be your role models and support sys-
tem; please share more about the support and influences
you have had from your family.
COORDINATION SOLUTIONS
10 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER
IMAGE BY MICHAEL ROBERTS
IMAGE BY JENNIFER MORDINI

EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 11


RUTH: What is next for Melissa and simply perfect,
where do you see your growth in the next 3 to 5 years?

MELISSA: Simply Perfect by Melissa is expanding to


the Milwaukee area, so we will be spending the next 2
years growing our business there. We will continue
EVENT
working hard here in Chicago creating new and inno-
vative events. We will be bringing a couple of new COODINATION SOLUTIONS
staff members to assist with events and our overall
growth and expansion. I would love to see us get in- www.simplyperfectbymelissa.com

volved in more local non for profit work, as well as TEL: 312.576.7910 | FAX: 847.5431585
expand our special events division. The past 4 years
has brought me more than I ever thought<I cannot
wait to see what another 3 to 5 years will deliver us!

IMAGE BY DURON STUDIOS

12 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


EVENT PLANNING
INSPIRATIONS
From my childhood, I’ve always been a planner, yet back in college The vision that has been clear in my head throughout the entire
is when I truly began event planning at Loyola University. After I planning process comes to life on this one special day and I just
graduated, I taught high school for seven years – I enjoyed teaching love to see their reactions!
and my content area of science, but was not sure I was cut out for
I was inspired to venture on my own and become an entrepreneur
the public education system. I always participated in school-wide
from my family. My parents are entrepreneurs, so I have had won-
event planning with students and really enjoyed it. So after thinking
derful role models and always been encouraged to set my goals
about what I would do if I no longer taught, it was obvious to those
high and to work hard to achieve them. The event planning indus-
around me before it even became obvious to me, event planning! I
try is not your typical job, so having my family there to support me
love the excitement that goes into fine tuning details and the chal-
and work with my crazy schedule has allowed me to do what I
lenge of making it all come together. Through all of the prepara-
love and be successful at it. – Melissa Phillips
tions, last minute adjustments and obstacles that develop day of, a
surge of adrenaline rushes through me at every event I coordinate –
PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA PHILLIPS/NKE_
I think I often get just as excited as my clients!

EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 13


STUDY U.S.A!

Do you Enjoy:

Expressing yourself in a visual media,


creating images from ideas, helping people see and
understand subject to which they might not otherwise have access?

Explore your interests and apply to the right college at:

WWW.IDEALCOLLEGEPLACEMENTS.NET/APPLY
CAITLIN HAZELTON
A WIFE | A NEW MOM | PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

RUTH: How would you describe your photography?

CAITLIN: It's really a mix of styles - photojournalism, traditional and


non-traditional portraiture, commercial (fashion and product) orient-
ed

IMAGE BY JENNIFER KAYE

HAZELTON PHOTOGRAPHY
WWW.HAZELTONPHOTO.COM|630. 405.8105

314 E. STATE ST. SUITE A GENEVA, IL 60134

EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 15


RUTH: How long have you been a I know that I need to leave as much RUTH: Where do you see Hazelton
professional photographer? time as possible to spend with my photo 3-5 years from now as far as
family - that is my number one - I growth is concerned?
CAITLIN: I have been shooting pro-
think that is why I am so passionate
fessionally for about 11 years, full time CAITLIN: I would like to continue to
about what I do, because I am creat-
for about 4 grow the wedding portion of the busi-
ing visual memories for families.
ness, and possibly have that separate
RUTH: What inspired you to get into
RUTH: What challenges do you face from the portrait side. As a boutique
photography?
in the photography business and studio, I have a limited client base but
CAITLIN: My family has always been how have you overcome them? I would like to be able to provide even
into art, in high school I took all of the better customer service to my existing
CAITLIN: A lot of it has to do with
art classes we had available, but pho- clients and new clients so they know
what I charge people - sometimes
tography was not one of them - when I they don't just have great photos, but
people do not see the value in pro-
got into college I was able to take it as a new friend! That may mean taking
fessional photography, because it's
an elective and I just fell in love with it on new employees to help assist me!
so easy to go out and buy a camera
RUTH: Other than weddings, and en- these days. They don't see the work RUTH: As a photographer, what tips
gagements what other categories do that is put in behind the scenes can you give brides to be preparing
you photograph? though -- the knowledge of how to for their big day?
CAITLIN: I do headshots and family capture a photograph and make it
CAITLIN: Pick someone you get along
portraits as well, and some commer- look a certain way, the ability to take
with to photograph your wedding!
cial (mostly tabletop product shots) charge and explain what I want in
That doesn't mean your Uncle Bob
the photographs and be able to cre-
RUTH: How do you achieve the com- who just bought a new digital SLR
ate it, the editing process, the time it
bination of creativity, artistic and and wants to "experiment" with it - it
takes to keep up with the business
timeless images? means someone who is passionate
part of it too (invoicing, emailing,
about what they do, has some
CAITLIN: I really draw on my back- updating website, etc.)
knowledge of the flow of a wedding
ground in art and my influences from
RUTH: What tips can you give as- day and is excited about your day too
what I learned in school. When I am
piring photographers? - and whose imagery you can see
setting up an image or want to capture
yourself in, if that makes sense—that
something, I usually see an image in CAITLIN: I would definitely work
way you know you have a similar
my head and try to recreate it. I also on a style and learn how to use the
style. Also, de-stress! If that means
use the environment I shoot in to find equipment you have to the best of
hiring someone to plan your wedding,
new angles. I also pay a lot of attention your ability - either through school
do your hair and makeup take care of
to lighting, especially on location. or through another photographer -
all the timing and details so you can
being passionate about what you do
RUTH: As a professional, a mother have an awesome, memorable, stress-
and having the knowledge of how
and a wife, do you find it difficult to free day; then do it! Use those brides-
photography and lighting work is
balance your schedule? maids. That’s what they are there for!
way more important than having
CAITLIN: More difficult than I I really emphasize stress-free photog-
the best equipment out there. Also,
raphy at my company, I want to make
thought it would be! I definitely had know that your time is valuable—
sure your day goes exactly how you
my schedule down as a wife and busi- your work is probably worth more
ness owner, but once my son was born want, or if there are a few bumps in
when you are just starting out than
I have realized I need to rethink the the road, they seem like no big deal!
you think it is.
The most awesome day of your life is
way I do things again - I am slowly
but surely getting there. my #1 goal.

16 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


amazing mentor and teacher. Once I
JAMIE LEA BATES graduated high school, I began taking
classes in business management and

INSPIRED working full time as a wedding plan-


ner at the flower shop. It was quite a
BY MY HIGH SCHOOL work load and I always looked for-
ward to the weekends, weekends
SWEETHEART... meant delivering weddings! The shop
was getting so busy that I was given
the opportunity to meet with brides
and turn their ideas into reality. Up
until then I thought delivering a
wedding was a rewarding experience,
I was about to learn that working with
brides one on one was even more
rewarding. This was the start to my
floral design and planning career.

I have since switched floral companies


and am blessed to now be a part of
Town and Country Gardens. I was
given such an amazing opportunity
here to continue doing what I love
doing, plan and coordinate flowers for
weddings and events.
IMAGE BY EB CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

TOWN & COUNTRY

GARDENS

I
guess it starts with Mike, my arrangements at a beautiful church I have learned so much along the way,
high school sweetheart (still and reception hall and then I cried from the designers I have worked with
together today), encouraging me with joy at how beautiful it looked! to all of the brides and grooms I have
to come work with him at a lo- That day I remember thinking this is helped. I continue to learn new things
cal flower shop when we were in high the most rewarding experience I everyday from the owners, designers,
school. It began as just a high school have had and I need to do it again. I interns and staff at Town and Country
job until I was given the opportunity began delivering weddings week- Gardens. I have all of my clients to
to deliver a wedding. I brought the end after weekend. I began to learn thank for inspiring me with new ideas
bride her wedding bouquet and she all of the design and coordination and visions that I help turn into reality.
cried with joy at how beautiful it was. that goes into wedding flowers with I have an amazing job and it is truly
Then I got to decorate and set up sev- the help of Lori, who was an rewarding everyday!

EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 17


IMAGE BY BELVEDERE PHOTOGRAPHY

18 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


IMAGE BY ARTISAN EVENTS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH showers, corporate meetings and


events.

JAMIE LEA BATES RUTH: How do you achieve your per-


fectionism and attention to detail in
RUTH: What memorable and best ex- enough to play a role along with the your work?
perience have you had in this business owner of Town and Country Gar-
JAMIE: By taking my time and treating
and what r wards have you received dens, in the design and creation of
every event as if it were my own. I con-
from it? our new website. It was a lot of work
nect with my clients and take the time
and hours of effort but to see the end
JAMIE: In 2007, the floral shop I was to not only listen to their vision but to
result was incredible. I am being
planning events for was honored with see it as well.
completely honest when I say that
the award "The Best Of" from the
every one of my events holds a WWW.EVENTSBYTCB.COM
Knot.com. This was such an honor for
unique memory for me and are all of
both the shop and me personally, and 847.742.1135
the reasons that I enjoy my career.
was very recognizable to our clients. 936 E CHICAGO ST. ELGIN, IL 60120
Many brides respect the publication RUTH: what other events do you
and we almost immediately saw an service?
increase in our wedding sales. Anoth- JAMIE: Bridal showers, rehearsal
er very memorable experience for me dinners, anniversary and birthday
was the design of our website, parties, baptisms, christenings, baby
eventsbytcg.com I was lucky
EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 19
IMAGE BY PRET A POSER

20 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


IMAGE BY YEAGER FOTOGRAFIX

EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 21


RUTH: What challenges do you face RUTH: What tips can you give as-
in the flower business and how piring florists and shoppers?
have you overcome them? JAMIE: To an aspiring florist never
JAMIE: I feel the biggest challenge stop learning; I continue to learn
in our industry is meeting each cli- from my coworkers every day. Our
industry is always changing it is

IMAGE BY PRET A POSER


ent’s budget and their expectations.
Every client has a unique vision of important to keep up! Have an
what their special day should con- open mind and never lose sight of
sist of with no exception on the dec- each client’s vision. Listen to each
orations. We want to give our cli- client and give them your atten-
ents everything they dream of and tion. Be enthusiastic and always
remember this is not only your wedding/event and everyday busi-
sometimes we are the bearer of bad
career but your passion, enjoy it! ness. We continue to keep our quali-
news that their vision unfortunately
ty superior and our service excep-
doesn't fit their budget. We then RUTH: Where do you see Town &
tional. We will continue to grow the
have to creatively find a way to bal- Country Garden 3-5 years from
shop in the years to come by always
ance budget and dreams. I over- now as far as growth is concerned?
putting our clients first. Focusing on
come this by listening; understand-
JAMIE: Town and Country Gar- our client referrals and overall client
ing what is most important and to
dens continues to improve on our satisfaction will keep us growing for
then turn a vision into reality with-
procedures when it comes to our many years to come.
out compromising the budget.

IMAGE BY ARTISAN EVENTS

22 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


TIPS AND IDEAS BY
JAMIE LEA BATES
DIY
SELECTING A
It does not always make sense to try and
do things yourself. Flowers are perishable FLORIST
and should be prepared right before your
big day. Talk to your florist, be sure they There are many factors that should play a part in book-
know what your ideas are and let them ing your florist. You should feel comfortable with your
consultant right from the start. You will need to work
help you. A good florist will create decora-
with them for months leading up to the wedding. They
tions that fit both your style and budget.
should have both knowledge of flowers and experience
servicing weddings and events. Some great questions
to ask are:
COLORS
How many weddings do you take in a typical weekend?
Choose colors that fit your personality. Do you have multiple designers on staff? Do you pro-
There are so many colors to choose from vide samples if needed? What delivery options are
when selecting wedding flowers. The flow- available and do you have enough staff and vehicles to
ers should always compliment your handle delivering my wedding?
dresses.

BUDGET
Create a budget for your wedding flowers.
Be realistic with your expectations, keep
your florist in the loop and be honest right
from the start about your budget. It is best
to inform the florist of your budget and
the things you need that are most im-
portant to you. Everyone has a different
vision for their special day and letting your IMAGE BY YEAGER FOTOGRAFIX
florist know yours will help them give you
everything you are looking for at the price
that is most comfortable for you. There are
a lot of options when it comes to flowers
and a good florist will give you ideas that
not only fit

EVENT PLANNER | AUGUST 2010 | PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM 23


BIOGRAPHY
JAMIE LEA BATES

IMAGE BY EB CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY


J
amie’s been in the floral industry for 12 years. She was given a
unique opportunity to grow and expand a suburban flower shop’s
wedding business. In 7 years her attention to detail and customer
service helped get her shop the prestigious award “Best of” from the
Knot. However, Jamie does not take all the credit. She admits that she
has had the opportunity to work with amazing floral designers and coor-
dinators, which has contributed to her knowledge in both planning and
coordinating all events, intimate or grand. Her perfectionism and atten-
tion to detail shines through in the hundreds of events she has been
blessed to be a part of.

In 2007 Jamie joined the Town and Country Gardens team and has con-
tinued to use her creativity coordinating events. “I believe listening and
understanding the vision of each client is the first step to creating unfor-
gettable floral décor.”

24 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


I was rescued from Texas where I was go-
K9 “ALMOST” WEDDING STORY ing to be put down! I had heart -worms -
yucky! But together, 4Paws 4 U4Ever, my
vet at Wheaton Animal Hospital, and my
new parents Corey and Ruth nursed me
back to health just in time for the wed-
ding!

Oops I lied. I couldn’t make the wedding,


but Mom and Dad made sure I made it to
the engagement session photo shoot! How
about that? I’m pretty happy at my new
home! My hobbies are:

MOM +DAD=
Morning & Evening

ME!
Walks
Rolling on the grass
IMAGE BY HAZELTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Sniffing stuff
Basking in the sun
Sleeping all day
Barking at other dogs
Breezy car rides Oh
Hanging out with Charlie
yeah,
“Charlie”
is my boyfriend, I
think! He is always happy to see
me when I walk by his house. He is also
the only dog I get along with; at least Mom
and Dad think so.
Just Kidding…

M
My most embarrassing moment was when
y name is Cami! I’m 6 yrs
I got nervous and peed at a pet store when
old. Mommy and Daddy
shopping with Mom and Dad for the first
adopted me from a Rescue
time. Since then, I have never had any acci-
when I was 4 years old.
dents.
Yes, I know, I look like a puppy - I get
What I’m I afraid of? Thunderstorms! I
that a lot! Thanks for noticing! Okay,
shake and run to cuddle by Mommy for
let’s focus - there is more to me than
my looks < protection every time it storms.

–. Cami O’Donnell

P.S.: I think I’m a princess; I just haven’t been crowned yet


(maybe soon!) I’m very optimistic!

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OUR WEDDING DAY
COREY & RUTH
IMAGES PAGE 26-48 BY HAZELTON PHOTOGRAPHY

26 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


25
OUR WEDDING

STORY

MUST H
aving lost many of my
siblings & both my par-
ents, and my three sisters
CAPTURE WEDDING DAY in different corners of the world, I

DETAILS
did not really want a wedding at all.
I did not want to subject myself to an
emotional situation of not having my
own father give me away, or looking
around at the attendees on my wed-
11. Gift table ding day and realize that none of
12. Guests during cocktail hour
them were my close family mem-
13. Bride and groom’s arrival at
bers. So six years ago, my husband
reception
14. Cake cutting and I decided to get married in court
15. Best man toast to protect me from the heartache of
16. Maid of honor toast not having my family at our wed-
17. Bride & Groom Speeches ding. If one would have told me that
18. Father and Bride dance we would be having a wedding six
19. Mother and Groom dance
years later, I would have not be-
20. Bride and Groom dance
lieved it.
21. Guest on the dance floor
22. Flower girl and ring bearer
23. Bouquet toss
24. Fun moments
25. Details, details & more details

1. The ceremony and reception


OUR WEDDING
venues Corey & Ruth
2. The groom’s arrival at ceremony We wanted Simple Elegance with a
3. The bride’s arrival at ceremony
Historic touch!
4. The bride and groom getting
ready
5. The bridal party walking down
the isle
6. The groom at the altar
7. The bride walking down the isle
8. The ceremony (“I DO” moment)
9. Bridal party, family and Friends
10. Guests receiving/Guestbook
signing
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It has been over seven years since we I remember when we went to meet I also learned that having a great
married in court and over a year since our florist; she said that she rarely wedding photographer is vital. Creat-
our wedding. One thing was for sure. met a bride and groom in most her ing memories of your wedding that
Even though we were married, there appointment, that many times it you can cherish for years is a very
was always something missing - that would just be a meeting with the important aspect of your wedding
wedding day magic, the excitement bride alone. We thought that was a day. It is a huge blessing to have a
sending and receiving an invitation sweet compliment! My husband’s photographer who can capture your
card, the whole planning process! It involvement in the whole process day’s moments and details that brings
took me feeling the emptiness made me realize that my old outlook joy to your heart every time you look
“something is missing” feeling to or negative attitude due to my past at the images.
gather courage to warm up to the idea must have been robbing us of what
of having a wedding. Most important- we really needed to do for ourselves,
ly I think my husband’s side of the our families, and friends: a wedding
family really expected a wedding celebration!
from their Son/Brother.
A few things I learned from the entire
“Our day was really magical
Honestly speaking, I dreaded the wedding planning process is that one
Everything fell in place and we were all
planning part. It seemed and felt like cannot successfully do it alone with-
very happy with how everything turned
such a chore and very intimidating as out some guidance from an event co- out. It was everything we ever dreamed
such, especially since I never dreamed
ordinator, family, friends, and even of and more. Simple elegance with a
I would have a wedding, let alone
plan one. The most amazing thing is
the tremendous understanding and
wedding vendors. Consulting and
getting the necessary guidance simply
historic touch! Our Wedding Story!”
support I received from my husband makes the entire planning process a
and once we decided to go through much more fun experience and less Corey & Ruth
with it, he was very much involved daunting!
with helping plan for the wedding!

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What I do know is that our wedding day turned
out to be a beautiful day! It was truly magical! My
parents or my siblings may have not been there
with me, but I know they were all looking down on
me! It was supposed to rain all day that day, but
for some amazing reason it was sunny the entire
day. It was simply a beautiful day! In fact, at the
end of the night, the DJ played a Karaoke version
of “Beautiful Day” by U2, and my husband Corey
sang the entire song to me! This was after he had
danced the entire John Travolta solo dance routine
from “Saturday Night Fever”, along with enjoying
the famous ” Raiders March” tune earlier that day
from the ceremony.

FAMILY
It was a great honor to have my aunt and
our close family friend Dr. Kang’ethe give me
away on behalf of my late parents.

Ruth Omanya

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THE
GROOM
Corey O’Donnell

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THE GROOM &
RING BEARER
Corey O’Donnell & Carson

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BRIDE &
GROOM
Corey O’Donnell & Ruth Omanya

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GROOM & HIS
GROOMSMAN
Corey O’Donnell & Rich Staron

FRIENDSHIP

There is nothing as great as a lifelong friendship; but


what's even more wonderful is having that friend as
one of your groomsmen!

Corey O’Donnell

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BRIDE &
BRIDESMAIDS
Betty Mburu, Ruth Omanya & Leslie Tiongco

M
y bridesmaids were more than my
maids; they were new sisters I gained!
I was truly blessed that they were by
my side on our big day on behalf of my siblings who
couldn’t make it to the wedding!

– Ruth Omanya

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RECEPTION

VENUE

W
e chose Hotel Baker for our
wedding reception because we
knew we would get the simple
elegance and historic touch we wanted for our
wedding!

– Corey and Ruth

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GROOM & HIS
GROOMSMEN
Rich Staron, Drew Habas, and Corey O’Donnell

I
t’s a complete “double the fun” having both of your
best friends stand at your wedding as groomsmen!

-Corey O’Donnell

36 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


FLOWERS
By Town & Country Gardens

W
e chose Town & Country Gardens because they listened, cared,
and delivered our vision! We were amazed at how fresh the
flowers remained many days after the wedding! We received
countless compliments about the flowers from our wedding guests too! We
definitely made a wise choice by work with them!

- Corey and Ruth

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CENTERPIECE
This was probably one of the highlights of our
day!

Our centerpieces were photos of characters


Favorite TV Shows Theme… from our favorite TV shows. They included
Family Guy, Friends, Will & Grace, 24, The
Simpsons, The Office, and House. At first it
sounded like a silly idea. But on the wedding
day, the centerpieces not only looked great at
the table, but they also turned out to be great
conversation pieces amongst our guests. Look-
ing around the room, we could tell that our
guests felt comfortable and were probably talk-
ing about episodes from the TV shows! Our
guests thought the centerpieces were a very
original idea!

-Corey & Ruth

38 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


THE
WATERFRONT

ROOM
T
he waterfront room was amazing! It was elegant,
light & bright with amazing architectural details
throughout the room and, a beautiful view of a
waterfall feature on the Fox River! This room definitely
completed our vision for our wedding day!

-Corey & Ruth

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AMAZING
ACHITECTURAL DETAILS
WATERFRONT ROOM
Ruth & Corey’s Guests

40 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


THE GIFT TABLE

T
his is probably the only place you will see
your wedding gifts neatly wrapped before
you unwrap them. Your guests take the time;
some may even spend money to have those gifts pro-
fessionally wrapped. Why not keep a memory of that
to cherish for years to come.

Ruth

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THE
VIRTUAL BOUQUET TOSS

O
ur photographer did an amazing
job of capturing every virtual
moment of the bouquet tossed!
It was amazing to see the facial reactions
on everyone involved on an image after
the fact. These are the types of moments
that happen in a split second that if you
don’t capture, you will never know, let
alone share the memory.

– Corey & Ruth

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WHAT’S ON
THE MENU??

This is funny! It was such a busy


day. I don’t even recall eating, let
alone what had to eat. Apparently
I had Salmon according to this
photo, ha-hah…!

-Ruth

44 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


DESSERT
ANY ONE?

Oh, wait! I think this was my


piece of cake.

-Ruth

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SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
DANCE ROUTINE BY

THE GROOM

The groom danced the entire John


Travolta solo dance Routine from
“Saturday Night Fever”! Another
major highlight of the day! I think I
was surprised, I never saw this side of
Corey! I know he has no shame, but I
never imagined he would pull this off
on our wedding day, wow…!

-Ruth

46 PORTFOLIOFUSIONMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST 2010 | EVENT PLANNER


MORE DANCING!!

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