Simple Inspirations

Inspirations Boards are one of the easiest ways to show your vendors your personal vision of your Big Day! Not only are they extremely helpful, they are super easy to make:

1.Search on Google Images for general wedding terms. Example: “wedding cake”, “wedding flowers”, “celebrity weddings”

2.Use the color tool on your left to find pictures in the different colors. This will help you develop a color palette or theme for the wedding.

3.Simply copy and paste images on to a Word Document and arrange the pictures so they tell a story of how the night will come together.

4.Add details such as wedding date, time, venue, and an inspiration title, to give your own personal touch.

Here are a couple of examples of Inspiration Boards we have created for our brides.

Sassy and Classy: Top 10 Things We Love About Dallas Brides

Photo by JosephMark Photography

1. Style - Women here know exactly what they're after. It makes our job so enjoyable! Dallas brides have a great sense of style and aren't afraid to do something that hasn't been done before. It could mean a new color combo, or creative, interesting floral, or crazy shoes underneath the gown. No matter what, brides have a clear vision of what their wedding day should look like, and we love to help them make that a reality!

2. Hair - It goes without saying, but we'll mention it anyway: Texas brides have fabulous hair. From long tresses to beautiful updos, Texas and big hair go hand-in-hand. We love it!

3. Bold Use of Color and Light - Mood lighting is huge at the reception. Also, fireworks and sparklers for the send-off make for eye-popping photography!

Photo by Jennifer Yarbro

4. Fun, fun, fun! - Between photobooths, signature cocktails, all-night dance parties, hosting after-parties, serving late night cookies and milk, Texas brides know how to throw a reception!

5. Drama-free Brides - One major characteristic that sets Texas brides apart from, say, some type of New Jersey-esque reality drama is that brides here really are level headed! We never see cat fights or major freak outs like we all love to watch while on the treadmill at the gym ... major kudos on this one, ladies!

6. Southern Manners - Although Texas brides are spunky, smart and savvy; their momma didn't raise no fool. Dallas brides are polite, have manners, and make it a point to do things "by the book" a la Emily Post. There's a reason why some traditions never change, and Texas brides embrace tradition well.

7. Attention to detail - Nothing goes unnoticed: a penny in her shoe for god luck, messages of love and luck written on the soles of her shoes, handwritten vows, an antique lace hankie or grandma's rosary beads wrapped around the bouquet ... personalized details make for a more meaningful event.

8. Amazing Wedding Pros in DFW - Ok, this one isn't why we love brides, but it's why we love to work in DFW - there's a bevvy of exceptionally talented and creative florists, designers, djs, and entertainers in the Metroplex. If variety is the spice of life, then collaborating with awesome vendors makes our job very flavorful, indeed!

9. Focus on What's Important - Many of our brides are opting to take "first glance" pictures before the ceremony. They get a few precious moments with their husband-to-be, and that intimate time is captured forever. We love how it gives the couple a few minutes before the craziness begins to focus on each other. That's what it's all about!

10. Fabulous Food - Weddings in the 'Plex feature masterful menus by some wonderful chefs. Gone are the days of serving pastel mints and cashews in the church lobby. Lord knows, the guests appreciate it!

Come See Us This Weekend!

This Saturday, January 22, As you wish... will be downtown at the Belo Mansion Open House.

Come by and get to know Shari and the team - we'd love to meet you! If you are currently planning your wedding, this is a great opportunity you don't want to miss. Come check out a beautiful venue, there will be tasty food, and tons of other area-wide vendors. Hope to see you there!

Saturday January 22

12-2 p.m.

2101 Ross Avenue

Dallas, TX 75201

Parking in the Pavilion Garage will be complimentary

Meet our Team: Take Two!

Today we are featuring a Q&A with our very own lovely Amanda Moore. She is a fabulous addition to the As you wish… team. Our brides love her and we think you will too!

How did you get into planning weddings?

I grew up loving weddings; Father of the Bride has been one of my favorite movies for as long as I can remember! Wedding planning started for me by getting certified through AACWP, and surrounding myself with amazing mentors.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve ever worked on – what made it so amazing?

08.08.08 was definitely one to remember! No stone was left unturned, and I loved how unique they wanted everything to be! An Alice in Wonderland wedding would be the only way I could think to describe the décor and cakes, nothing was what it would usually be!

What do you do in your free time?

I like to read and play with my dog, Mr. Barrett. I also enjoy planning for Christmas all year long!

What is a wedding trend you’re seeing a lot of lately?

Lately I have found more grooms taking an active role in the planning process, which I love!! The wedding truly is the first day of the rest of the COUPLES life, and it’s great to see both bride and groom participating in the planning! Style wise I love that vintage is in! A little old Hollywood glam, with cage veils and bridesmaids headpieces, mixed with trendy bow ties on the men, is a classic look with a little bit of edge!

The As you wish… team works hard, how do you ladies “play hard?”

When all of us are together it’s a laugh a minute! We love good food and good drinks, while it is not always easy to find down time together, it is time well spent when we do!

What is one thing people probably don’t know about you?

I am the captain of the clean your plate club! It drives me crazy when people don’t finish their food! I don’t care if you don’t eat a huge plate, but eat what you take! If I know a meal if going to be huge at a restaurant I ask them to box half before they bring it out, that way I don’t make myself sick finishing my food!

Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?

I love Monique Lhuillier! Her use of textures and fabrics is timeless and flawless!

Thanks Amanda!

Happy Holidays!

From all of us at As you wish…we’re sending you love and cheer today! May your holidays be merry and bright!

Meet our team!

During the holidays we want to feature our awesome team and let you get to know us a little better! Today, we are chatting with our very own Heather Aston!

How did you start planning weddings?
I have always loved planning parties and organizing events, so in the spring of 2005 I began researching Dallas wedding planners who might be in need of an assistant. In April I met with Shari Johns, our personalities clicked; I knew we would have a ball together! The next fall, I worked my first wedding with Shari. Five years later, Shari and I still have a good time together as we work with our amazing brides to plan their dream weddings.

Which is harder - getting your Master's or running a giant wedding?
Both are challenging in different ways. Working on my Master's degree for 3 years was mentally exhausting; it requred hours and hours of reading and writing. Running a giant wedding is physically exhausting - but exhilarating at the same time.

What's your favorite moment during the wedding day?
I have two favorite moments. The first is at the ceremony just after the flower girl and ring bearer have walked down the aisle. The bride and her father are alone, waiting for the doors to open. I love this peaceful, intimate moment. The second is at the reception when guest walk into a space for the first time. Hearing the guests oooh and aaah as they see the room is affirmation that we have done our jobs well.

What advice or tips do you give brides for their big day?
I let my brides know I'm there to be a problem-solver. They do not have to find solutions - I will.

What do you do to relax?
I love spa days! Facials, massages, wraps, scrubs, manicures, pedicures...heaven!

What is one important thing you've learned from working with the fabulous Shari Johns?
Well, obviously that she's fabulous. :) Other than that, I've learned, well, everything. I knew nothing about the wedding industry before working with S hari, so I owe my entire knowledge base to her.

If a bride comes to you and has absolutely no clue what she wants for her wedding, where do you start? How do you help inspire her?
I start with words, asking the bride for words that would describe her perfect wedding. From those words, I move on to pictures, asking the bride to look for pictures of things she likes and things she does not. Combined, these words and pictures can begin to create a vision.

What's your favorite current wedding trend?
Specialty lighting is definitely my favorite current trend. Lighting can completely transform a space, and it is well worth the money.

What is one thing people probably don't know about you?
Most people don't know that I hate shopping. I absolutely loathe it, especially around the holidays with all the crowds and cars and chaos.

Thanks Heather!