Betsey and Brian Review WPP!

Betsey and Brian were married this past Saturday and were kind enough to jump right online and leave this 5 out of 5 star review of WPP!  Their wedding was a dream day and I'm so happy that they were happy.  Congrats Betsey and Brian - and thank you so much for these kind words!!

To read more of our reviews on Wedding Wire CLICK HERE.

"Shannon was amazing!! Our day flowed seamlessly!! She sent all of our vendors a timeline for the day of so that everyone was on the same page. We did not need to worry about a thing because we knew Shannon had taken care of it all! A weight was lifted off our shoulders and my parents knowing that Shannon and Erin were there to take care of any last minute glitches! We truly had the wedding of our dreams!"

Alycia and Everett's Wedding Video Trailer!

Photo by Harlowe Studios

Alycia and Everett were married at The Inn at Erlowest on what turned out to be the rainiest day of this year - September 8, 2012.  But no amount of downpour could ruin the spirits of this bride and groom, even after having to change from ceremony location A to ceremony location B, and then finally to ceremony location C (yes it rained THAT hard!).  

Here is a link to the wedding video trailer produced by LaRose Media.  Sit back and enjoy!

To view Alycia and Everett's wedding video CLICK HERE.  

Betsey and Brian - Photo and Video Sneak Peek!

Betsey and Brian were married this Saturday in Albany, NY.  They said their I Do's at the First Lutheran Church and celebrated their reception at Wolferts Roost Country Club.  These two are hometown Albanians (that is, 'people from Albany') so it was perfectly fitting to not only have their wedding events in the city of Albany but also use downtown's amazing architecture as the background of a lot of their formal photos.  Here is a sneak peek photo from photographers Matt and Leah of Bailly Photography, as well as a video trailer done by Dave and his team at Bigler Productions.  Enjoy soaking in a little winter wonderland with both sneak peeks!!

To view Betsey and Brian's wedding video trailer CLICK HERE!

And here is just a little sneak peek of our own!  This photo collage was taken by our very own Erin McKee and I'm posting it here to give you a little taste of the details of Betsey and Brian's reception.  Can't wait to post you a full wedding recap to show you all their wedding goodness!

A+B - Wedding Photo Sneak Peek!

One of my favorite couples of all time, let's just call them A+B, were married this Saturday December 1st in Saratoga.  I was first contacted by them over a year ago to help plan their dream wedding and all I can say after the event was over is that they got their dream wedding and so much more.  I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to share this full recap with you - it was a wedding to die for and one that you readers will be drooling over for a long long time.  I mean her dress, her hair, the soft snow fall, his expression - omg I'm so crazy about these two I could go on and on.  So while we wait for the full set of wedding pictures I wanted to post this amazing sneak peek photo from photographer Tracey Buyce.  This one image has my heart racing, I can't wait to see the rest!!

Here are a few of the AMAZING details from A+B's wedding.  These pics were taken from WPP's own Erin McKee.  Just a little tease to start the drooling off early...  

Allison and Ed Review WPP!

Photo by Heather Bohm-Tallman

Allison and Ed were married at The Mansion in Saratoga this October and were one of my favorite weddings of this year.  I was hired by Allison in the very early stages of their engagement so we covered all of the wedding planning together over the last year and a half.  I could not have been more pleased with how their day turned out from the design to the weather to the quality of vendors - it was as near to a perfect event as you can get.  Allison posted this amazing review for me online today and as I read it I honestly cried.  I have the best job in the world and it's so rewarding and heart warming to have clients who are genuinely awesome people and who are genuinely appreciative of my help.  So thank you very much you two for these overwhelmingly kind words.  You are in my heart forever.  <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

To read more of my reviews on Wedding Wire CLICK HERE.

"When I hired Shannon Whitney of Wedding Planning Plus to help us plan our entire wedding I warned her that she would need to wear many different hats...

 

Having lost both my parents at a young age, I felt alone and completely overwhelmed at the thought of planning such a big and important event. More than that, I was sad at the realization that I would be missing out on many of the "typical" mother/daughter moments that comprise the experience of planning a wedding.

 

And so, I told her that I might be a little different from her usual bride. I would rely on her more to be everyone I needed her to be (best friend, mother, psychologist, wedding planner) and if Shannon wasn't any of those things before she met me, she certainly became all of them at one point or another in the year that we worked together. She was my “planner in shining armor” and now I can say with all sincerity, I truly consider her my very good friend.

 

I interviewed three different planners in person before finally choosing Shannon, or should I say, before we chose each other. Having seen some of her work online, and meeting her in person, I knew that I wanted to work with her but, like every budget conscious person, I thought I would have to give up on my dream of working with the perfect planner because of what it would cost. I was after the full planning experience after all and I knew it wasn't going to be cheap. After writing a very sad email in which I told her that she was wonderful but that I was hesitant on the price of the full planning package, she responded by telling me that she really wanted to work with me and that we could adjust the price to better meet my needs. At that point, I couldn’t ignore my feeling that this collaboration was simply meant to be.

 

Shannon's cool relaxed demeanor was apparent from our very first meeting and was, for me, simultaneously very reassuring (the “yang” to the “yin” of what can only be described as those "bridezilla" moments she must encounter during this crazy stressful, emotional process) and also just a tad worrisome (is she too sweet? Are we compatible? Will we get along? I will need someone to speak on my behalf, be honest and fairly assertive). We would be working very closely together on a pretty big project for the next year or more of our lives and I wanted to enjoy it! When I was doing research into wedding planners before I found Shannon I read in a book somewhere someone who advised choosing a planner wisely, after all, she said, they will mostly likely see you naked at some point during the process! Indeed, on my wedding day Shannon did see me in various stages of undress, and of course by that point it was no big deal. The truth about Shannon is that she's just naturally pretty quiet and calm. When you talk to her, she listens and she takes it all in. Her attentiveness is real because she is real. Having someone help you plan your wedding is not just for reality TV or movies. This is real life, so if you are looking for David Tutera or Franck Eggelhoffer you won't find that in Shannon Whitney and that is what makes her good at her job.

 

My experience with Shannon was wonderful in so many ways. I could go on and on about how organized she is (AND SHE IS) and how completely and utterly indispensable she was to have on the day of our wedding (SERIOUSLY) no but seriously…I don't care if you have the tiniest wedding budget on the planet, or if you think you're a master delegator, the truth is, no one, least of all you, wants to be worrying if all the pieces are in place and if everything is going smoothly. If you're reading this review you're already in the market for a wedding planner so just do yourself a favor and hire Shannon.

 

Before I conclude my review I want say another thing about cost. It's hard to know what to expect when looking for a planner because let's face it, if you're looking for one you probably haven't been married before. This was my first and hopefully my only marriage. Knowing what I know now, having just been through the process I wouldn't think twice about paying what I paid or more. Everyone’s planning needs are different. Not everyone is going to need or want full wedding coordination (sorry Shan! Hope that doesn't cost you the big bucks ;)) but no matter what your needs are you should feel confident that you're hiring the most capable person for the job. After working with Shannon on my wedding for over a year, I'm here to tell you that she is worth every penny you think you can spare and so much more. Unfortunately for Shannon, it is all too easy to take her for granted because you, the bride or groom, are lucky enough NOT to know what planning is like without her. For weeks after your wedding you and your spouse will agree that it was perfect, the best day ever and how it really was a dream. You’ll be left wondering what you would have done without her and the best part of wondering is that you'll never actually know."

Small Business Saturday Sale!

Support Small Businesses Today and Everyday

We want to help you support Small Business Saturday by offering you two amazing deals:

~ Winter Wedding Sale ~

Getting married between January and March of next year?  We love winter weddings and want to help celebrate with you.  Book before December 15th and take 15% off any of our planning and day-of wedding coordination packages.  

Photo by Tracey Buyce Photography

~ Wedding Stationery Sale ~

Did you know we carry a full assortment of wedding invitations, bridal stationery, and personalized gifts and favors?  Place your order before January 1st and we'll take 15% off your total purchase.

CLICK HERE to check out the products we carry.

Discounts only apply to new clients who mention these offers when booking/ordering.  The Winter Wedding Sale offer expires December 15, 2012.  The Wedding Stationery Sale expires January 1, 2013.  Discounts do not apply to NYS tax or shipping.  

We Give Thanks

From our families to yours, 

we hope you are all blessed with 

a very warm and happy Thanksgiving. 

This is a time to reflect and be glad, 

and we have so very much 

to be thankful for this year.

2012 has been a banner year for us.  This stands as the 

busiest and most successful year 

that Wedding Planning Plus has ever had.  

We would not be here without the support and love 

of our brides and grooms, their families, and our 

favorite vendor friends.  Thank you all for supporting us 

this year and every year - 

we are TRULY thankful for all of you 

who allow us to do what we love to do every day.  

Much love and thanks,

Shannon 

and the team at WPP

Photos above - Bailly Photography and Tracey Buyce Photography

and the

Alex and Vince Review WPP!

Alex and Vince were married this past weekend at Pat's Barn in Troy, NY.  I just received an email notification from several websites that Alex posted some glowing reviews of my services.  This is such a sweet bride and groom, and in their review had such sweet things to say!!  Thank you Alex and Vince for taking the time to post these for future clients to see.  And again, thank you both for choosing me as your wedding coordinator!!  

To read more online reviews of our work CLICK HERE.

"We hired Shannon from Wedding Planning Plus for day of coordination and I think it’s the best decision we made! She made the last few weeks up to the wedding stress-free. The week of the wedding she took over ALL of the details. Her assistance in coordinating everything with our vendors was invaluable. I think I would have been a crazy person if it wasn’t for her! I would hire her again in an instant! Moreover, her prompt and thoughtful responses to any and every question I sent her way really meant a lot. I can’t stress enough how great it was to work with her."

WPP is a Winner of The Knot's Best of Weddings 2013!!

Just announced today, Wedding Planning Plus has earned the distinction of being one of The Knot's Best of Weddings recipients for 2013.  This stems straight from happy brides and grooms so I want to send a big THANK YOU to all of our current and past clients who continue to love and support us and let us keep doing what we love to do.  

The official announcement from The Knot will come in January but there's no way I could wait that long before telling all of you...  ;)

Thanks again!  And happy planning!!

xoxo, Shannon

Sarah and Eddie Review WPP!

Sarah and Eddie just returned from their TWO WEEK honeymoon in HAWAII and what I think was their first night back they went and posted a stunning review of WPP online.  This couple is beyond cool.  Thanks Sarah and Eddie for not only rocking out your wedding day but rocking out this public review/kudos for me!!  Muah!!  :*

To read more reviews of Wedding Planning Plus please CLICK HERE

"I could not be more more impressed with the work that Shannon Whitney and her staff did for my wedding. I hired WPP to complete wedding day coordination, as well as flower consulting, and invitations; however Shannon and her crew went far above these items and truly worked hard to provide me with my perfect wedding day. Shannon was always very responsive to all phone calls and emails. I live out of town, and often work late hours, but Shannon was always available for a late phone call or for weekend meetings for when I was in town. 

My family and I could not get over the detail and the thought that WPP put into everything they did. They provided the wedding party with informational sheets (when to go where, etc) and provided me with a detailed itinerary so that my husband and I would know the flow of the wedding day. I also did not have to worry about following up with any vendors as Shannon took care of all that. 

I felt so much more at ease on the day of the wedding as I knew that Shannon was there to deal with anything that may come up. She is a professional through and through, but she is also very kind, sweet and was a joy to work with. I was so glad that neither I, or my family, had to worry about any logistics on the day of the wedding, and that we could really enjoy the ceremony and the reception. I knew I was in very good hands with WPP. 

My only regret is that I did not hire WPP to plan my wedding in full!! Thank you WPP!!! Love, Sarah & Ed"

Alexandria and Vincent - Photo Sneak Peek!

Alex and Vince were married this Saturday - yes yesterday! - at Pat's Barn in Troy, NY.  They had a super sweet wedding of 100 total guests where most of the invited were close family and friends.  The weather was outstanding for this time of year and the day went as smooth as silk - everything this couple planned for and deserved.  Their photographers Matt and Leah Bailly of Bailly Photography released this sneak peek image from their big day.  Check out that light - butter!

Thank you to Alex and Vince for choosing me as their wedding coordinator and allowing me to be a part of their big day!  Stay tuned for a full wedding recap to be posted soon!!

Wedding Planners in Action! Shanna and Scott - 6.30.12

Me with the bride and groom and floral designer David Michael Schmidt

There is a whole lot that we wedding planners do on a wedding day to make sure all of the details are done right and done on time and to the liking of the bride and groom.  With a wedding as detailed as Shanna and Scott's I brought two assistants with me - Ginny and Erin M - in order to ensure we had enough resources to make this wedding rock.  We spend most of a wedding day trying to stay out of the lens of the cameras as to not disturb great photos but sometimes we end of getting right in the middle of it all.  Photographer Bryan Yager from Beltrami Studios caught us in a few of his shots so here is a little behind the scenes access to what we were up to that day.

PS - We normally don't get in on the conga line but the spirit was high in that tent and we just couldn't help ourselves.  :)

Shanna and Scott - June 30, 2012

Shanna and Scott were married at The Sagamore Resort on June 30, 2012.  At first this couple came to me looking for day-of wedding coordination services but as their wedding date drew closer they decided to add on planning, as well.  I had a blast working with them - Shanna has a crazy good eye for style and Scott is kind enough to allow her to run after her dreams.  One of the things Shanna was really in to was beautiful fabrics and accents, as seen in the lovely ceremony and reception spaces.  With the ceremony being held right on the edge of the lake the summer breezes blew the linens on the chuppah table and the accent swags on the back of the ceremony chairs and gave the most elegant dreamy feel.  The bridal party held the four poles of the chuppah to give a personal connecting to the altar area and a beautiful backdrop for their photos.  Even their dog Stella got to enjoy in the fun with a front row seat for their 'I Do's'.

After the ceremony guests were whisked over to the terrace area for cocktails and later into the tent for the wedding reception.  Framed mirrors displaying hand painted calligraphy acted as the seating boards, and the numbers on each of the guest tables were written in the same calligraphy on vintage hand held mirrors.  The guest tables were dressed in custom linens while the head table was done in a Renaissance style with French chairs around and lush rows of soft pink flowers down the middle.  The couple added specialty items such as beaded chandeliers, a monogrammed dance floor, a custom retro style bar, and a delicious dessert display for their guests to enjoy.  And at the end of the night a screen came down and their videographers showed a same-day edit which recapped their entire wedding day.  It was truly a magical event.

A wedding of this scope took a large team of vendors to put together.  I give a big thank you and shout out to floral and event designer David Michael Schmidt from Renaissance Floral Design for the linens, flowers and all of the accent design pieces.  Assisting David on this was the team at Clifton Park Rental and Total Events, as well as event designer Angela Proffitt who came up from Nashville to assist with the set up of the tent and ceremony space.  Dawn Bennett and Jerid McKinney were my contacts from Sagamore and did a great job backing up all of the crazy idea and style elements that were brought in.  The New York Players rocked the dance floor all night, and stylists Amy Elizabeth Smith (makeup) and Andrea Reed (hair) made all of the girls look extra pretty.  Reverend Joy Burke performed the ceremony and string players from Penguin Music provided the ceremony music.  

A special thank you goes out to photographer Bryan Yager of Beltrami Studios in Burlington, VT for taking these amazing photos.  There was a lot going on at this wedding and Brian and his assistant managed to capture it all.  Also a thank you to the Tennessee boys at Full Frame who did all of the video recording and who showed the same-day edit to guests at the end of the reception.  I know I posted their video a while back but it's so good you just have to see it again:

SAME DAY EDIT VIDEO

This was a super fun wedding and I had a blast working with Shanna and Scott on all of their details.  Hope you enjoy these pics as much as I do!

Sarah and Eddie - Video Sneak Peek!

Sarah and Eddie had their photo sneak peek posted yesterday, and now today we are posting their video sneak peek!  Thanks to Moak Films for editing this and getting it out for all of us to enjoy this soon after the couple's big day.  

CLICK HERE to watch Sarah and Eddie's wedding video sneak peek.

Sarah and Eddie - Photo Sneak Peek!

Sarah and Eddie were married yesterday with their ceremony at St. Mary's Church in Albany and reception at River Stone Manor.  This was such an amazing wedding with a super cool bride and groom, great vendors, and this amazingly gorgeous wedding dress!  Even though the reception ended just 12 hours ago the talented husband and wife team at Bailly Photography cranked out this stunning sneak peek image that I am so excited to share.  Can't wait to post their entire wedding recap - soon!

Andi and Greg Review WPP!

Andi and Greg were married October 20, 2012 at the Farmer's Museum in Cooperstown, NY.  They started out by contacting me about invitations and then ended up booking Ginny for their ceremony rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and day-of wedding coordination.  These two were so fun to work with, and were kind enough to leave this review of us online.  Thanks so much you two, and super congrats to your new marriage!

To read more reviews of us on Wedding Wire CLICK HERE.

"The team at Wedding Planning Plus was outstanding from start to finish! After an overwhelming experience with a fancy invitation shop we found Shannon through a mutual friend and never looked back. She guided us to perfect (and affordable) save the dates, invitations, table numbers, and thank you notes which was no easy task given that we have some very specific visual standards in our new family! Shannon's attention to detail helped us get exactly what we were looking for. Throughout all of our meetings Shannon was patient and understanding, never judging or criticizing our decision making processes. She supported our vision 100%. Day-of wedding coordination services from WPP are another absolute must for anyone who wants to enjoy their wedding! We worked with Ginny, an expert planner, who was the saint of our wedding weekend. As a stickler for logistics there were very few people I would turn over the details of my wedding to, however Ginny is on top of the list. She gracefully navigated all of the contracts we had set up for our Welcome Dinner, ceremony & reception. She helped validate and confirm plans which was crucial in the weeks prior to the wedding when I was wondering whether my year of wedding planning would be truly worth it. As wedding weekend rolled around Ginny took over all responsibility so my parents, my in-laws, my groom and I could get down to smiling, laughing, talking with our guests and celebrating our marriage!"

Allison and Ed - Video Recap!

Photo by Heather Bohm Tallman

Allison and Ed were married on October 20, 2012 (yes three days ago) at The Mansion in Rock City Falls, NY.  I have had the pleasure of working with this couple for a year and a half on the planning of their wedding and could not be happier for them on how everything turned out.  Here is a video recap shot by their videographer and friend, Studio 94.  I love love love this - enjoy!!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THEIR WEDDING VIDEO RECAP

Allison and Ed - Photo Sneak Peek!

Allison and Ed were married on October 20, 2012 (yes 2 days ago!) at The Mansion in Rock City Falls.  They had their ceremony and cocktail hour inside the Victorian Mansion and held their reception in the rustic barn on property.  Their wedding was AMAZINGLY beautiful, from the gorgeous bride to the lovely bridal party to the historic elegance of the venue.  I had the pleasure of working with this couple for a year and a half in planning this event and I could not be happier about how well everything turned out.  This is a very special couple and they deserved every bit of this.  

Here are a few photos that photographer Heather Bohm Tallman posted as sneak peek images.  I am so in love with these pictures, I can't wait to see the rest!!

Stay tuned for a full recap to be posted soon!