Having planned their own 30th anniversary celebration, Rick and Jennifer, co-owners and principal planners of Tan Weddings & Events, experienced being "the couple". It reaffirmed the advice they give their couples to make wedding day  smooth and stress-free! Here are three of Rick and Jennifer's Wedding Day Do's and Dont's:

DO Have a Photography Plan.
So you want to be fully present with each other and your guests on wedding day, AND you also want quality photos and video to enjoy in the future. These two goals are not naturally compatible. It's like wanting your all-you-can-eat sushi buffet AND training for a half marathon. It's not that you can't do both, it simply needs planning!

Involve your planner, who will recommend: 1) Talk to your photographer and videographer about your priorities to balance portraits and candids, time posing and time partying; 2) Create a photo list and schedule to fit in the master timeline; and 3) Recruit a family member or friend who knows the people in your photo list to efficiently direct portraits.

DO Refine (REDUCE) Your Guest List.
Refine is a graceful way of asking yourself - "Do I really need to invite my brother's cousin's ex-wife and her plus one and toddler?" "Do I want my dad's golf buddies there?" "Should I allow random plus ones?" It is not an easy task to create a guest list, but reducing the number of guests has some real benefits. Let's talk budget. We are seeing, on average, couples spending $1000/guest (this is based on the total wedding costs). Do you want to spend that on someone you hardly know and will probably not even get a chance to talk to on your wedding day?

Less guests translate to less cost, but it also allows more venue choices that can host a smaller guest count, it opens more space on the dinner layout, it reduces the time guests get served their courses, it reduces the need for extra shuttle trips, it reduces all those part and pieces of wedding day - menus, favors, place-settings, room blocks, the list goes on.

The real question to ask yourself is - "Who do we want to spend this day with, to share in our joy and happiness, in our journey as a couple?"

DON'T DIY What You Can Leave to a Professional.
Being creative people, Rick and Jennifer naturally added in their personalities and their hobbies into the wedding day. It is who they are. Rick did the signage. Jennifer hand-crocheted her entire dress! They hand-woven runners for their tables. Their son, an engineer, created aluminum placecard/napkin holders. 

Yes, they DIY'd those elements, but it's also part of their professional lives, and it aligned with their vision and aesthetic. But those elements for sure impacted the planning and the getting ready part of their wedding day.

Bottom line, the more things you DIY, the more things you have to personally take care of, assemble, store, package up, transport, handle, and worry about! So leave what you can to the professionals to manage.

Keep these three tips in mind and you're sure to enjoy your celebration!

It's no secret weddings can be expensive. On top of that when you think about your wedding party (especially a large one!) We're here to let you know it's OKAY to have your wedding party pay for certain expenses. 

Attire. A bridesmaid dress can range from $50-500 and tuxes can be even more than that if you're not renting! There's no need to feel pressure to provide attire for everyone in your wedding party. We love the trend of giving your wedding party a color scheme and telling them choose a style of dress that they're confident in and fits within their budget! We love the variation this creates and it also eliminates a lot of the financial pressure of having a wedding party. 

Travel. If your wedding weekend involves traveling or staying in a hotel. It's completely acceptable for your wedding party to fund their own way. These people who are your chosen wedding party are likely very special to you and if they are unable to financially make it to your wedding, they will be open with you about that and understanding will exist on both sides! If you're able and comfortable affording these luxuries for your wedding party, by all means go for it, but know It's okay and it's not an expectation to buy a bunch of plane tickets and hotel rooms.

​Accommodations. Along with hotel rooms (as mentioned above), your wedding party's transportation accommodations, food, beverage, activities, outings, and more do not need to be taken on by your own wallet. It's a great idea to prepare a loose itinerary of local things to do surrounding your venue or hotel block! Giving your guests options is a wonderful way to make sure people can feel included, but also not feel pressured to spend if they're unable and makes it so you are also not overly spending on things that are not typical couple wedding expense. 

Ready for more advice and to begin planning with us?! Connect with us today for your free discovery call :)

We'd love to introduce you our first 2024 TWE Vendor Spotlight, Joe DeBorba with DeBorba Events! We hope you enjoy learning about Joe and his take on being a wedding DJ.

How long have you been in this profession?
"21 years"

What do you love most about your job?
"I enjoy crafting the ideal atmosphere by using music and lighting to make each moment unforgettable. Additionally, I take pleasure in spreading joy and positivity through music, fostering a celebratory environment for all."

If you had to have any other job in the world besides what you are doing, what would it be & why?
"If I weren't a DJ, I would certainly be mixologist at a high-end restaurant, crafting my own signature elixirs and artisanal cocktails. I relish the opportunity to engage with and meet new individuals. The thrill and perpetual energy of the bar scene are what initially captivated me and drew me to DJing."

What is one thing you wish couple's knew about your profession or field of work?
"One crucial aspect I wish couples understood about my profession is that we are more than just a playlist on shuffle. We serve as the Master of Ceremonies for your event, ensuring the seamless progression of the celebration to prevent any guest boredom and to optimize dancing time. Crafting the perfect dance floor experience involves more than just playing good music; it's selecting the right tunes precisely the right moments. The ability to maintain a smooth event flow and a lively dance floor comes with years of experience."

What is one piece of wedding advice you'd give?
"Enjoy the moments. Take the time to savor and relish each moment of your wedding day, as it passes by quickly. One way to achieve this is by hiring a professional team of vendors that you trust. By entrusting the details to them, you can remain present and fully enjoy the celebration, and ready to hit the dance floor!"

Please tell us one fun fact about you!
"We own a small flower farm, and it brings me immense joy to put in hard work and cultivate such natural beauty. I particularly love the moments when I get to ride on my tractor, surrounded by the blossoming fields, and listening to music. It's a peaceful and rejuvenating experience that fuels my passion for farming and creativity."

Joe is loved by many! Enjoy reading one of his stellar reviews. Interested in working with DeBorba Events or want to know more information? Visit the link below to dive deeper.

Vendor List

​Photography: Nicole Sepulveda Photography 
Planning, Design, Production & Officiant: Tan Weddings & Events 
Catering & Accommodations: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn 
Venue: Sonoma Golf Club 
Florals: J. Blooms 
Video: Jevin Films 
DJ: DeBorba Events 
Cake: Flour & Bloom 
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals 
Photo Booth: Giggle & Riot
Mariachi: Mi Tierra Linda 

One of the many concerns we have from some of our couples is, "We want to be able to enjoy our day and feel special, but we also HATE being in the spotlight!" If you have similar sentiments regarding your own upcoming wedding day or have already had this thought about your future wedding, here are some tips to help you enjoy your big day!

Decide how long you want the ceremony to be and work with your officiant on the elements that you are comfortable with. Whether it's minimal speeches, a shorter timeframe, or more guidance from your officiant, there are so many ways to remove some of the "pressure" surrounding your ceremony. Some couples will even legally get married at their local courthouse and just have a cocktail & reception with guests at a later date, skipping a super public ceremony altogether!

Do vows ahead of time privately. Personal vows are so special and are words to be cherished forever throughout your married life, but it may be too nerve-wracking at the thought of reading these in the presence of your family & friends. That's totally okay! We see couples share their vows in private to one another ahead of the ceremony in so many special ways. Face to face, back to back, through letters to one another, the options are endless to have these vows kept between just you two :) 

No receiving line or expectation to visit tables. We know a lot of couples feel pressure to visit all of their guests and make sure they say hi to every table. Yes, the people at your wedding are important and have hopefully impacted your life in one way or another. They are also there to enjoy & just celebrate with you! Let these conversations be natural and don't feel like you HAVE to visit every table, instead share a dance with some friends, have a drink with those coworkers, take a selfie with your cousins, it's okay to spend time with these people in more organic ways. 

Keep the guest list as low as possible so that those surrounding you are supportive and stress-free. Following up on the last point, keeping your guest list small or as low as possible will help a ton with being able to see everyone and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Be picky with who you invite and be 100% positive they will only add to good energy and positive vibes. Your day will be guaranteed to be enjoyable!

Let the planner know if you need time following ceremony and later in the reception to be alone. There's no moment in time like the few moments with your love right after the ceremony. To take in everything that just happened and let the adrenaline calm a little bit is often an overlooked idea. These moments will set you up to feel refreshed for the reception to follow! If you need a break during the reception or want to plan for one, your planner can help arrange this as well to make it as natural as possible where no one will even know you've stepped away for a few minutes!

Elope! If despite all of the above, the idea of a wedding just stresses you out socially or mentally, eloping is an amazing option too! There's something really beautiful about sharing your wedding with a select and intimate group. You can follow it up with a private dinner together or just call it a day with some cake & champagne.

We're here to make you as comfortable as possible with your wedding day, contact us today and book your FREE discovery call to find out how our services can be assist you!

Vendor List
​Photography: Nicole Sepulveda Photography
Planning, Officiant & Harp: Tan Weddings & Events
Venue: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
Cake: Let Them Eat Cake
Florals: Bloom & Vine
HMUA: Carrie Aldous 
Dress: Custom Kinkades 
Suit: Staud

We loved working with Carolina and Carlos to create the wedding day of their dreams! From the mariachi band to the ice cream truck, their day was a hit from start to finish. We hope you enjoy the week of love (happy early Valentine's day!) while reflecting on this couple's special day and their love story leading up to it.

How long have you and your spouse been together?
12 years

How did you two meet?
We met in undergrad at Sacramento State at a sorority & fraternity event called serenades. That evening we both must have met hundreds of people and in the midst of it all we briefly spoke and exchanged phone numbers. Shortly after that we ended up reconnecting and made plans to meet each other for lunch in between our classes. We became great friends and continued to spend a lot of time together and after a year of "hanging out" together, we both hit a turning point in our relationship and decided to make it official and begin dating.

How did they propose?
Carlos set up a surprise private and intimate wine tasting at Heringer Estates with our immediate family. It was perfect and incredibly memorable. We still get butterflies and giddy just thinking about it!

What was your wedding style? 
Bohemian, Elegant & Romantic

When it came to planning your wedding, what was most important to you?
We both wanted to feel stress free the day of and have the best time of our lives!

What was your favorite part of your wedding day?
Our favorite part was our first look and seeing the design aspect come together.

What was something that surprised you about wedding planning?
How many little details there actually are! It takes a great deal or coordination the day of with the venue, the vendors, and the wedding party.

What made you choose Tan Weddings & Events to be a part of it?
It was really important for us to have a fun and care free day. The Tan's were a fountain of knowledge, very responsive and attentive to everything we needed. Planning a wedding is extremely complex and the Tan’s helped us navigate through it all and referred us to our wonderful vendors and ensured our day was perfect!

When it came to your venue selection, why did you choose to get married there?
The grounds at the venue are immaculate and everything is very well taken care of. It was really important for us to have two separate places for the wedding party to get ready and Wolfe Heights had two homes on the property that gave us ample space to get ready.

If you could provide a tip to another couple planning their wedding, what would it be?
One tip would be to hire wedding planner :) and the second would definitely be to soak it all in, be present and enjoy ever bit of it because it does fly by. To the TWE Team, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! It was lovely working with the both you both and rest your team.

Ready to take the leap and start planning your wedding with us? Contact us today to book your FREE Discovery Call to find out more about our packages and how we can make your dreams a reality :)

Vendor List:
Photography: Juliana Aragon Photo
Planning & Coordination: Tan Weddings & Events
Venue: Wolfe Heights
Caterer & Bar: Jackson Catering & Events
Cake: Freeport Bakery
Rentals: Celebrations Party Rentals
Florals: Strelitzia Flower Co.
Paperie: Linda Wilmarth Designs
DJ: DeBorba Events
Mariachi Band: Mariachi Mexicali
Icecream Truck: Meltdown Ice Cream Truck
Hair: Noelle Radosevich
Makeup: Beauty by Dom
Officiant: Dearly Beloved Celebrations
Photo Booth: Snapshot360
Suit: Indochino
Dress: Martin Thornburg from Miosa Bridal

TWE had the pleasure of traveling out of state for Jayden + Logan's Scottsdale wedding! Fun fact - we planned Jayden's sister's wedding as well and we were absolutely thrilled and honored the family wanted to trust us again! We're rounding out this year with featuring some amazing photos from their day and we hope you enjoy reading about their love story :)

How long have you two been together?
"7 years"

How did you two meet?
"He was my older brother's best friend"

How did they propose?
"Logan proposed to me at my grandparent's house with a spectacular set up." (We love a sentimental moment in an equally sentimental location!)

What was your wedding style?
"Elegant, timeless, classic." The Omni Scottsdale Resort lended itself perfectly to fit Jayden and Logan's aesthetic.

When it came to planning your wedding, what was most important to you?
"Not feeling overwhelmed" At Tan Weddings & Events this is one of our main goals to have our couples feel relaxed on their wedding day so they can sit back and just soak in every moment.

What was your favorite part of your wedding day?
"The Party Bus ride we took from the Ceremony to the reception with our wedding party & family." This was such a great idea that allowed for some immediate bonding time with those closest to you right after the ceremony!

What made you choose Tan Weddings & Events to be a part of it?
"They did my sisters wedding and I saw first hand how easy and effortless they made the whole process, as well as the incredible results they produce."

When it came to your venue selection, why did you choose to get married there?
"We knew the minute we drive up because it was a big resort that felt small & personal & every inch of the property was perfect for pictures." I mean, the photos speak for themselves! Just see below :)
​
If you could provide a tip to another couple planning their wedding, what would it be?
"Hire a wedding planner -- aka Tan Weddings & Events!!!!" You heard it hear first!

Ready to take on wedding planning with us on your team? Contact us today for your FREE Discovery Call to learn more about how we can help you!

Vendor List
​
Photography: Emerald AZ Photography
Planning, Design & Production: Tan Weddings & Events
Ceremony Venue: City of Grace Phoenix
Reception Venue, Beverage Service, Caterer & Accommodations: Omni Scottsdale Resort 
Dessert: Crumbl Cookies
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals
Florals: Carte Blache Design
DJ: Vox DJs
Video: Something New Media
Signage & Paperie: Nikisha King Design House
Hair: Le Beige Beauty
Makeup: Makeup by Velvet
Officiant: Pastor Randy with City of Grace
Photo Booth: Modern West Photobooth
Marquee Letters: AlphaLIT Phoenix
Wedding Day IVs: ASAP IVs
Neon Sign: SacTown Neon
Set Up Staff: ETC by Emily
Suit: The Black Tux
Dress: Bella Lily Bridal Glendale
Transportation: Bigelow Limo

Our next vendor spotlight to help round out 2023 is none other than Phillip Alan Films! A talented, kind, and genuine videographer who we have the pleasure of knowing and working with frequently! We hope you enjoy getting to know Phill.

How long have you been in this profession?
Just over 21 years

What do you love most about your job?
The spice of life, meeting so many different people at these momentous crossroads in their lives. I've been so lucky to have traveled from just down the street to around the world to document life's most cherished moments. It is such an honor to be able to help all my clients capture some of their most important moments forever.

If you had to have any other job in the world besides what you are doing, what would it be & why?
I have always been a fan of renewable and sustainable energy, I feel my calling outside of filmmaking would put me in a role of exploration and development of those scientific disciplines.

What is one thing you wish couple's knew about your profession or field of work?
Audio and sound are equally important to the feel of a finished piece as is the visual aspect. Capturing high quality audio is so important and vital to the tone and context of the deliverables that we spend considerable time and effort on the wedding day to ensure we are able to record every relevant sound in the best quality. From having an officiant wear a microphone to working with a DJ's equipment to even hiding something small in a flower arrangement, we are proud of our efforts to get amazing sound for our wedding videos.

In your opinion, what are 3 reasons a couple should hire a videographer?
1. You get the sights AND sounds. Imagine seeing your grandparents wedding video and also listening to them share their vows...a powerful historical reference that will last forever for future generations. There might be no better keepsake!
2. Moments are so easy to share. A 60 second or even 10 minute clip is easily shared on social media so people who were there could relive the moments from the day, or it can delight those who weren't in attendance.
3. It captures all the moments, even the ones "in between" other moments. Entire vows, entire speeches, cake cuttings, and entire dances are all available to relive again and again. Video captures the entire context of the day from facial expressions, movements, and small moments in addition to the main events of the day.

What is one piece of wedding advice you'd give?
I always mention to my couples they should spend as much time as possible the entire weekend of their wedding with friends and family. This could be anything from a pre-wedding activity, rehearsal dinner, and farewell / day after brunch. This configuration of people will never be gathered in this way ever again and these moments should be celebrated and enjoyed as long as possible.

Please tell us one fun fact about you!
My bucket list goal is to visit all the National Parks in the country, only about 50 to go!

(There are 63 National Parks in the US for reference ;))
​
We'll leave you with this stellar review of Phill's services! We couldn't have said it better ourselves :) 

Outdoor weddings are especially popular, especially in California! More and more couples are tying the knot with a scenic background or at an outdoor venue. Below are our tips to remember if you find yourself wanting to host an outdoor wedding!

Tenting. If a venue does not have an indoor option large enough for the ceremony, cocktail, and reception, a tent is recommended year-round for outdoor weddings. Deposit is usually non-refundable and should become part of the overall wedding budget. Tenting will also require lighting inside.

Wind. Wind is common and affects signage, paperie, linens, florals, and decor. Consider place cards that are included on a menu with a napkin holding down the menu or another option to a typical place card. Signs must be secured to sturdy, heavy easels. Florals should be low and in heavy containers, especially smaller arrangements on cocktail tables. Linens on cocktail tables might need to be secured and should be extra long to accommodate being tied or tucked under the base. Consider no favors or having them set on a table at the end of the night. Table numbers should be made of a sturdy, heavy material and/or attached to a heavy, low base.

Heat. Tenting can prevent florals from wilting and guests from being overheated. Misters work with varying success and many guests do not want to get wet. Having fans and matching parasols available for a sunny ceremony is helpful – always check with the photographer regarding using parasols. Communicate weather predictions with your guests the week of the wedding.
​
Bugs. Mosquitoes = have repellent spray and wipes available. Flies = do not have a grazing board for cocktail hour or family style dinner where food is left out. Consider keeping cake inside. Wasps = do not have any appetizers sitting out with meat in them. Ask the venue to set up wasp traps the week prior to the event. Bees = they love lavender and seasonal blooming plants. Keep ceremony away from bee-loving plants. 

Cold. Pre-order heat lamps from the venue or rental company and work with your planner on where to have them placed to provide the most heat and work with the overall design. Purchase blankets and/or wraps for your guests and expect them to take them home. Have a plan for what to do with any leftovers. Remind your guests the week before about the weather so that they come dressed appropriately

Ready to jump into the planning process with our advice in your arsenal? Book your FREE discovery call today to find out how we can help!

TWE Luxe Package

The TWE Luxe Package is for the couple who wants to check every box, include every detail, and have their entire weekend be as luxurious as it is memorable! Our Luxe Package includes what we consider full-service planning, design, and production. We'll walk with you through all of the planning steps, assist you in detailing your vision and aesthetic, and of course, make sure your day goes as planned and runs smoothly so all you have to worry about is enjoying it! Not just for the wedding day, our Luxe Package includes full service planning, design, and production for your welcome reception or rehearsal dinner & your farewell brunch too! A weekend full of smooth running events, nothing can beat it :)

In addition to all of this, our Luxe Package also includes our shuttle organization service, wedding dress or attire fittings, hotel room block gift coordination, wedding website creation, and a dedicated wedding day concierge! Transportation is one of the most underestimated vendors to organize. From timing to size, to pick up and drop off points, to communicating all of the necessary details to your wedding guests - we'll take care of it all! These days there are a ton of ways to bustle a gown, we're happy to attend your final dress fitting to ensure you have someone to remember and be able to assist with this day of. For those who have room blocks and want to spoil their guests with welcome gifts, we're here to help organize and facilitate this! Most couples these days have a wedding website to communicate the early details to their guests, with our Luxe Package we'll create this custom site for you! Lastly, for the wedding day concierge, think of this as your own personal assistant day of the wedding, they can grab you food, help find your jewelry, take impromptu candids with your iPhone for you, or just keep you company to calm the nerves! Whatever you need, we got you :)

TWE Premium Package

Our TWE Premium Package includes our full service planning, design, production package for the main event, your wedding day! This is the truly the bread and butter of everything you need to make sure your day goes off without a hitch! We're here to help guide you, manage your rental orders, create a design layout and flow, assist with your RSVP management, and more! We'll help you source the best vendors for your vision and keep track of everything in our planning documents which you'll have access to 24/7!

Day of, we'll be the first there and the last to leave - we'll make sure your day goes as planned and you spend your time making the memories of a lifetime!

***Optional add-ons from the Luxe Package are available to add on a la carte to the Premium Package, but the Luxe Package is inclusive of everything for a better deal!***

TWE Essentials Package

Our TWE Essentials Package is for the couple that is comfortable with taking on a lot of the planning. This package is only applicable to specific venues with in-house full-service catering and also includes the necessary rentals, like tables chairs, basic flatware, china, and glassware. This package is ideal for couples who want a laid back, simplified wedding with minimal pieces to make up the project. By hiring these types of venues that offer these amenities, you're cutting down on some of the most time consuming vendors to coordinate! If you plan on getting married at one of these types of venues, possibly have a smaller guest count, or already have many of your vendors already secured and solidified, this might be the package for you! Contact us to discuss and find out if your plan is eligible for this selection!

TWE Elopement Package

Elopements grew in popularity over 2020 and they've stuck around for great reason! People realized they loved the intimate gatherings and the meaningful moment with their closest friends and family. Our TWE Elopement Package includes everything you need for this special moment. We'll officiate, have a live musician, provide personal florals for the happy couple, a cutting cake, champagne, and assist with creating the timeline and vision for your day. We'll also connect you with photographers or videographers to capture the moment and hair & makeup artists to make sure you're feeling your most confident! Perhaps you want to get married amongst the redwoods or the vineyards, whatever your vision - we've got you covered!

Ready to take the dive into wedding planning? Book your FREE discovery call with us today to learn more about our packages and how we can best help you create the day or weekend of your dreams!

Vendor List
​
Photography: Nicole Sepulveda Photography
Planning & Design, Signage & Paperie: Tan Weddings & Events
Venue: Arista Winery
Cake: Flour & Bloom Cakes
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals
Florals: Bloom & Vine
Video: Phillip Alan Films
HMUA: Veronica Marshall
Jewelry: Renewable Jewels
Suit: Suit Supply
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Models: Lisa Hale & Ian James