Motown Birthday Bash

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We had the absolute honor of working with an incredible family to plan a 50th Motown themed Birthday Bash. This family was an absolute dream to work with and we had so much fun seeing them relax and enjoy the party with their family and friends. The dance floor was never empty and you could absolutely feel the love they all shared for the guest of honor. Some of our favorite details included the custom record guest book, the donut wall with personalized flavors and the custom centerpieces. The details were stunning, but the guests made the night unforgettable – from costumes to dancing this was a night we know our team won’t soon be forgetting!

This was my first time using a party planner. Going forward, I will always use one. I worked with Molly & Desirae from Kate & Company and I couldn’t be happier with the care, time and attention that was given to me and my family for my husband’s 50th Birthday Party. I had a vision of what I wanted and the team helped my vision become a reality! Very grateful for the professionalism and attention to detail. Thank you Molly & Desirae!!!
–Terrilyn, Event Hostess

Location: SoHo63
Photography: Ruth Jimenez Photography
DJ: Apollo Productions
Donuts: Fractured Prune
Donut Wall: Fancy Lou 
Catering: SanTan Brewing Company
Bar Services: Couple of Bartenders
Coordination & Decor: Kate & Company

Meet Skye Young

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Native to Arizona, Skye has spent time with her family as a mid-Westerner and also in Mississippi, Virginia, and North Carolina.  She has come “home”, returning to Arizona recently with her husband and beloved pet, a Jack Russell Terrier. While interested in elementary education and business management Skye presently enjoys the “hands-on” approach and creativity with wedding and event planning at Kate & Company. Skye loves family, friends (well actually everybody), her faith, being creative and she embraces the adventures that life brings her way. She has been able to focus on her lifelong dream of becoming an Event Planner over the past few years and hopes to continue working toward her dream career. She hopes that with each of her events she is able to bring as much happiness to clients and guests as her passion brings to her. Skye is our newest Kate & Co. team member, when she isn’t busy with events she likes being active outdoors, anything crafty and being with the ones she loves.

What is your current favorite wedding trend?
There are so many to choose from, but I think that having unique food options is one of my current favorite wedding trends. Along with that being said I also love how people are going back to the tradition and formality of weddings. Kind of contradicts each other but hey, it works!

What is the biggest piece of advice you would give a couple planning their wedding?
Don’t sweat the small things that can go wrong, they can always be fixed. In the end you are marrying the love of your life.

What is your favorite part of weddings?
May sound cheesy, but my favorite part of the wedding is the reaction of the bride and groom (mostly groom) have when they first see each other on their wedding day. Whether it be a first look or just seeing each other as the bride walks down the aisle it never fails to be my favorite moment.

Favorite season for a wedding?
I would have to say Autumn. This is just because it is my favorite time of year in general. Spring is a close second for my favorite wedding season.

What made you want to work in the wedding industry?
I wanted to work in the wedding industry because I love people and making people happy. It is what brings joy to my life.  Also, because a wedding involves so many of the things in life I enjoy to do. From the food, to being creative, the photography and helping people with the happiest day of their life.

What is your favorite “wow factor” décor item? (i.e. lighting, florals, specialty linen, etc.)?
The bride’s dress.

What is your current favorite wedding color pallet?
How can you choose just one?! I think it depends on the day and the wedding and the location.

Do you prefer a first look or for the couple to see each other for the first time at the ceremony?
I prefer the couples to have their first look at the ceremony. Although, I think the first look before is cute and sweet, keeping with traditions and what I have always known, at the ceremony is my preference.

Favorite bride in history? (i.e. Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, etc.)
I do not think I have ever had a favorite, but Grace Kelly was STUNNING!

Favorite flower?
Favorite flower hands down in a sunflower. For a wedding I love sunflowers but I also love anything pastel with a lot of greenery! Especially peonies, baby breath (or lily of the valley for something a little more large).  And not a big fan of roses.

Favorite wedding movie? Favorite movie?
Favorite Movie – it is a tie between The Wedding Planner, The Proposal well how can you choose? They are all great. But those two are most definitely a top two. And as far as favorite movie it depends on the genre. I just love movies!

Favorite book?
Nicholas Sparks and Thriller Movies!

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Real-estate agent, Just because that is what my mom did and I wanted to do everything she did.

From the Fingertips of Kate: Get Exactly What You Want

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As a bride planning her wedding, there are so many things to do, visions to plan, vendors to secure. Once your vision is in place (and your budget), the vendors you secure are those that are going to make your day seamless.  Your DJ is going to make or break your reception.  Please deeply consider hiring a professional wedding DJ, as your wedding Emcee, this person will keep your celebration not only on track but also create the tone for your wonderful evening.  I have experienced brides having a friend or a friend of a friend who may be a part time DJ and secured for a discounted rate, and while the music is good, the Emceeing and taking the lead of the event has often fallen by the wayside.

I’ll share a few examples:

A high profile athlete wedding who was flying in a friend who was a DJ that he liked – didn’t know anything about a Grand Entrance, while the music was fine, this guy completely ignored the timeline with all the dances, speeches etc.  It was a party, but all the traditional things went flat, thus all the photo opportunities just didn’t pop like a bride dreams of.

Hungry guest….well how about no DJ/Emcee announcement following the Grand Entrance but this: “Table 1 is released, Table 2”.  No one knew what they were released for or where to go.

Your DJ is a key vendor for a smooth flowing successful ceremony and reception.  While you are paying for his/her services, don’t forget to provide a gratuity to them as well.  Ask your wedding planner about appropriate gratuities for specific vendors, while these are never expected, they are much appreciated.

Jennifer & Tim

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Not only was Jennifer & Tim’s wedding day completely stunning – they were one of the sweetest couples to work with! The floral details by Sarah’s Garden were unbelievable and brought Jennifer’s dream of a garden wedding to life at the beautiful SoHo63. Charity Maurer did an incredible job capturing the beauty and all the charming details. Some of our favorites: draped cloth on the tables and from Jennifer’s bouquet, the incredible furniture from Glamour & Woods and Prim Rentals, the florals and the beautiful, candlelit ceremony!

I used Kate and Company for Day of Coordinating, and I am so glad I did! Kate and her team were so easy to work with and were very helpful with any questions I had even before the wedding day. The day of the wedding, I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Kate took care of all of the setup (and I had a lot of decor to be set up) and made sure I was able to relax and just enjoy the day. She even took food and our cards back to our wedding suite for us, so that we would be able to eat again and open our cards if we wanted to. Kate was so thorough and on top of things, and having her there really gave me peace of mind on my wedding day. If I had to do it all over again, I would use Kate & Company again in a heartbeat!
-Jennifer

Location: SoHo63
Photography: Charity Maurer 
Florals: Sarah’s Wedding Garden
DJ: Banda Brothers DJs
Cake: Piece of Cake
Videography: Sky Point Productions
Catering: Babbo Italian Eatery
Rentals: Glamour & Woods and Prim Rentals
Bar Services: Couple of Bartenders
Coordination: Kate & Company

Monique & Carlos

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Monique and Carlos were one of the most stress-free couples on their March wedding day. Their dream day and vision came to life as they were surrounded by family and friends full of love and joy. After all the planning that the family did, our Kate & Company team managed the final coordination and day-of logistics creating a (worry-free) day of enjoyment and fun filled memories for all.

Location: SoHo63
Photography: Genevieve Hansen Photography
Florals: Lena’s Flowers
DJ: Ray Mar Productions 
Cake: Piece of Cake
Videography: Royal Escape Productions
Catering: Lena’s Catering
LinenSouthwick Linens
Bar Services: Couple of Bartenders
Coordination: Kate & Company

Explore the Honeymoon Diet

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When it comes to the edible luxuries you will be enjoying on your honeymoon, each dining experience should be better than the next. Professional, culinary experts are what sets certain honeymoon all-inclusive dining options apart from all the rest.

Each Sandal’s all-inclusive resort has their own Culinary Concierge, who will easily blow you away. With special, one-on-one treatment for all dietary needs, this service is a step above to ensure a time you will always remember. All special requests are always handled with care, with the choice to even request new or different dishes, to suit your dietary restrictions or lifestyle. While there are multiple Caribbean and Jamaican options, Sandal’s prides themselves with hiring international chefs for each restaurant concept.

Thinking about cruising around the Caribbean or Mexico instead? The esteemed chefs who make up Carnival Cruise lines culinary team, are specially trained to accommodate every special dietary need. They know and understand the importance of getting your requests right. These services are included in the all-inclusive lifestyle of the Carnival Cruise fleet.

A honeymoon is going to be a dream of a lifetime. Making sure the meals suit desired dietary needs is always a challenging task. Customizable amenities and meals have always added the extra special touch to an already fantastic honeymoon experience. Enjoy a stress-free, pampering experience that allows relaxation and comfort beyond imagination! Perfect for a Meat-Eater, Vegetarian, Vegan or other special dietary needs, Sandal’s and Carnival always strive for exceptional service. Don’t be afraid to ask!

When you are ready to start planning your honeymoon, the knowledgeable team of Kate & Company awaits your call at 480-403-4611. Learn more about all the wonderful choices, and design a custom honeymoon that caters to all of your expectations and dietary desires! Au revoir!

– Allison, Wedding Consultant, April 25th, 2017

sandals

 

Carmen & Michael

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Carmen and Michael’s wedding in September 2015 was absolutely unforgettable. Not only were these two the SWEETEST people to work with, we loved how their personalities shined on their big day. This pink & orange, San Francisco, baseball themed weddings stole our heart! From their first-look dance surrounded by family and friends (he was blindfolded as they danced and she took off the blindfold when it was time to finally see her in her dress!) to their grand exit on a trolley this wedding was filled with fun, unique touches. We loved the baseball decor, selfie after they said ‘I Do!’, gelato for dessert, silhouettes of their pets on the cake, and fun, personal photo booth props. These two were smiling and so in love the entire planning process – we can’t look at these pictures without smiling too!

Location: SoHo63
Photography: I Do Photography
Florals: J. Barry Designs
DJ: Desert House Productions
Cake: Piece of Cake
Videography: Something New Media
Furniture Rental: Classic Party Rental
Photobooth: Snapbooth
Gelato: Frost Gelato
Catering: Atlasta Catering
Linen: Southwick Linens
Bar Services: Couple of Bartenders
Décor and Coordination: Kate & Company