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If you’ve been bingeing on wedding movies in preparation for your big day, titles like “The Wedding Planner,” “Bridesmaids,” and “Bride Wars” probably come to mind. We’ll admit, some of us enjoy a girls’ night in with these guilty pleasure films – but they’re not totally accurate in depicting the event planning world. Here are a few things the movies get wrong about what event planning REALLY looks like: The over-the-top weddings Movie weddings tend to be extravagant and exaggerated, which can set unrealistic expectations for brides-to-be. Many of the weddings shown in these rom-coms would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to recreate – some over a million dollars.  Since the average amount couples budget for a wedding in the United States is $33,900, these weddings aren’t feasible for most couples to recreate. The good news is that we can help you create a magazine-worthy wedding even if your budget is less than a sixth of that national average. The drama Sure, we’ve seen some drama, but not every bride is a Bridezilla, not every mother-of-the-bride has a vendetta against the couple, and not every corporate client is difficult to work with. In fact, we love our clients, past and present. Events are often stressful for clients. After all, it’s your big day, and there’s a lot at stake. But that’s why you hired us! Our job is to relieve that stress and keep the drama to a minimum so you can soak up every memorable moment. Still - sometimes real life is even MORE unbelievable What if the picturesque trolley you hired to shuttle guests to their hotels after your scenic mountain wedding can’t make it out of the icy parking lot? Or, what if a water pipe bursts in the wall just before your ceremony on a -20 degree day? Yes, we have seen those things happen. Event planning requires equal parts perfectionism and flexibility. You don’t want your event planner to be a deer in headlights when something doesn’t go according to plan. That’s why you hire us!  We don’t get involved in clients’ personal lives As tempted as we may be if our client were Matthew McConaughey, you won’t catch us out drinking and dancing with a groom-to-be. We help our clients navigate personal circumstances from a logistical perspective, but we won’t be hanging around outside of meetings or gossiping with family members. We work as a team Certainly, there are solo event planners out there who make it work. But we find that event planning works best as a team. Remember that burst water pipe we mentioned? While some of our team was collecting gushing water in trash cans and throwing it outside, the rest of us were seamlessly conducting a wedding ceremony in the next room – on time, we might add. Meet our team of talented women here. We don’t use code words Okay, we could do this if we really wanted to, but we find it works just as well to communicate discreetly about what’s really going on. We always strive for transparency when it’s appropriate. And when we’re trying to mitigate your stress on the day of your big event, we’ll handle it as a team behind the scenes.  The perfect vision takes planning – and lots of logistics If events magically fell into place, we’d be out of a job. Having a vision is great, but what happens when your dream venue doesn’t allow you to work with the outside caterer you had your heart set on? Weddings and all other events require juggling lots of moving parts. If you have an event planner from the start, you won’t run into these issues. But even if you come to us further along in the process, don’t worry – we are great problem-solvers. We don’t trash talk past clients with our current clients (and we certainly don’t take bets on how long marriages will last) These things are unprofessional – not to mention just in bad taste. We wish all of our clients – couples, families, small businesses, and large corporations – the best, and we strive to give you the best. We won’t be broadcasting your pre-ceremony breakdown or the frustration you expressed during a high-stress time. All this said, there are some films that do get it right. If you want to know what event planning is like behind the scenes, check out “Fyre” (a cautionary tale of event planning gone wrong), “The First Monday in May,” or “The Ultimate Wedding Planner.” Need more convincing? Read about our top 10 reasons to hire a wedding planner. P.S. – these reasons also apply to work events, concerts, and anything else you can dream up! Hire My Big Day – for business, for community, for love, and for fun.  Contact MBD Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken
For nearly 15 years, My Big Day has been serving Northern Colorado in unique and creative ways... events, business development, media buying, marketing, website design, fundraising.... For over 25 years, Realities for Children has been supporting abused and neglected children in Northern Colorado through a wide range of services and with large event fundraisers. In 2020, Realities reached out to My Big Day to see if we would be willing to take on their annual NightLights campaign. During such a difficult year, fundraising was not the easiest job in 2020 - but MBD Marketing & Events rose to the challenge. Not only did we reimagine the event, we far exceeded their fundraising goal!  Here we are in 2021, and MBD has committed to a long-term partnership with Realities to manage all events and event marketing campaigns. This year will certainly present us with many challenges, but we are eager to help make a difference in so many children's lives. Carrie Stadtmueller is the event lead who will be managing all of the initiatives with Realities for Children. "I'm excited and honored to be be the lead on this full time contract, and even more so, because of the organization we are working with! Be on the lookout for some incredible ways to support children in our community!
 Contact MBD Marketing & Events
Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken The My Big Day Marketing & Events team was thrilled to help The Humphrey's host their private event for the Cattle Baron's Ball for The American Cancer Society. Here are some of our favorite photos from the night. It was such a pleasure to work with Food for Thought Catering, On The Rocks CO (mobile bar), Flexx Productions and the lovely team at ACS! 
Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  My Big Day was honored to be responsible that this special day went off without a hitch during a time when everything is uncertain! Bryan & Cynthia had a beautiful COVID friendly backyard reception! With a private mountain ceremony at Sprauge Lake, and a carefully crafted socially distant reception plan, they were able to celebrate just as they wanted - with close family & friends and with all of the important traditions couples dream of.... plus sanitizer and face masks! Wedding Professionals: Event Planners: My Big Day Officiant: Todd Harding Ceremony: Spraug Lake, Estes Park Reception: Backyard reception in Loveland DJ: Suit & Tie DJs Event Rentals: Flexx Productions Cake: Colorado Rose Florals: Finishing Touches Photographer: Visual Poetry by Meghan Catering: Catering to You by James Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Small Business. Big Impact. Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  Many couples – including some of our My Big Day couples – are opting to elope rather than postpone or cancel weddings due to Covid-19. We did the work and searched lists of unique elopement locations in Colorado and Wyoming – here are our top 5 picks for each state.  Colorado
 2. Maroon Bells (Aspen) – These incredible mountains are Colorado’s most photographed spot. What to know: You must reserve the amphitheater for a $200 fee to have your ceremony at the Bells. Slots are released a year in advance, and regular Bells guests are still allowed to visit the site, so weekdays are your best bet. Plan for afternoon thunderstorms in the summer. If you want fall colors, aim for September. Consider going early for stunning sunrise ceremony photos and no tourists photobombing your wedding. If you have urgent questions about your wedding or conditions at the Bells, you’ll need to call the ranger station. 3. Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street (Denver) – The gardens offer a wide range of backdrops, from water and rose gardens to greenhouses. Another perk: The downtown Denver location makes this a convenient site for couples. What to know: Fees vary by location in the gardens, and it can be pricey, but you will save on travel fees from your florist, photographer, and officiant. You can bring your own alcohol for an intimate couples’ champagne toast. Click HERE to submit an inquiry.  4. Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) – This scenic mountaintop offers a view all the way to Kansas on clear days. What to know: No need to hike – weather permitting, you can drive to the top of Pikes Peak. No permits and no fees, but keep in mind that tourists can come and go throughout your ceremony and no décor is allowed.  5. Guanella Pass (Georgetown) – A valley with breathtaking blue-green hills and water features. This is a fantastic backdrop for moody photos that are even more stunning during cloudy summer afternoons. What to know: No permits, no fees, no reservations. Wyoming 1. St. Alban’s Chapel (Centennial) – Historic, open-air chapel surrounded by beautiful scenery, including a lake. What to know: The chapel is usually accessible only in the late summer. It must be reserved for a small fee through St. Matthew’s Cathedral. Despite being called a chapel, the structure is very old and not quite a building, so there are no restrooms. You will not be allowed to decorate the structure because of its age, but you won’t need to! 2. Lake Marie (Medicine Bow National Forest) – A beautiful, green-blue lake with a snowy mountain backdrop. What to know: This location is drive-up friendly, but only accessible during the late summer when Highway 130 is open. Click HERE to see whether the area is currently open. No permits, no fees, no guaranteed reservations.  3. Schwabacher Landing (Grand Teton National Park) – A spectacular viewpoint on Snake River with easy access to the water and reflections of the majestic Teton Mountains. What to know: Snowy spring and winter weather can make the gravel road impassable, so plan for a summer or fall ceremony. Bring your camera for wildlife sightings. No permits, no fees, no guaranteed reservations and no decorations allowed. Note that the area is popular with fishermen and tourists snapping photos. 4. The Wedding Tree (Jackson Hole) – Aptly named, the tree provides a natural arch to get married under with a view of the Grand Tetons in the background. What to know: You will need to take a trail from the parking lot (about 5 minutes), and then get off the trail to access the tree, so carry your heels and put them on at the tree. Camping is no longer allowed. A permit is required; contact the Bridger-Teton National Forest Office at (307) 739-5500. Aim for a fall or summer event so the roads aren’t snowed out. 5. Albany County Courthouse (Laramie) – If the wilderness isn’t your style, consider getting married at the Albany County Courthouse in Laramie and taking photos in front of the picturesque building. What to know: You will need to make your own arrangements for an officiant. If you would like to get married in the courthouse, there are several judges who perform marriage ceremonies, or you may bring your own ordained minister; contact information can be found HERE. As with any wedding in Wyoming, a marriage license is required prior to the ceremony. Ceremony fees vary by officiant. Same-sex marriages are allowed under Wyoming law. You don’t have to cancel your wedding if you were planning to get married this year. We believe the only ingredients required for a wedding are two people who want to spend their lives together. Contact us at mybigdayevents@outlook.com for help planning your elopement or micro-wedding!  Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  We wanted to express our sincere gratitude to each and every person who was part of our 6 week pop-up fundraiser, "The Loveland Drive In". We have received countless compliments from the public and amazing PR around this event. This was a BIG DEAL for Northern Colorado, and we were proud to have served our community. Some rough estimates worth sharing: In 6 weeks, we were able to....
Thank you for supporting the Thompson Education Foundation and the small businesses who put this fundraiser on. And thank you for being part of our strong community!  Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  The past two years, My Big Day has had the opportunity to work alongside the board and administrative team at The Family Center/La Familia. From our perspective, it has been an exciting, challenging, and fruitful partnership. The Family Center-La Familia hired our team of event planners to help them with their annual Fiesta fundraiser and party last fall. They were our first non-profit client, and the foundation on which we have built our new fundraising and non-profit support arm of our event business. Through our work with The Family Center-La Famila, we have also been able to grow the marketing side of My Big Day. We offer social media and overall marketing support for the non-profit, and have been able to use this experience to expand our business with other non-profits and organizations. We are extremely grateful that Deirdre Sullivan, the Executive Director of The Family Center-La Familia, took some time to offer feedback on our partnership, the work we’ve done together, and our goals for the future! What was it like for The Family Center-La Familia before you hired My Big Day to help plan fundraising events and provide marketing services for the organization? We were relying on volunteers and an overstretched Executive Director to do event planning, marketing, and donor development. After attempts to hire full time staff, proving costly and also lacking specific skills for these duties, bringing on content experts of MBD was the best decision we could have made! Events and marketing were unorganized, lacked consistency, took a back seat to all of the other priorities of the organization and ultimately wound up costing the organization (loss of donors, missed opportunities, etc.) What problem(s) were you trying to solve with our services? We desperately needed content experts for event planning, marketing and donor messaging support. In addition, because this work is sporadic based on times of year, month, etc. the ability to have a contracted firm do this, rather than a full time staff member, was a win-win! What was the obstacle that almost prevented you from purchasing our services? Funding for the nonprofit sector is ALWAYS the issue but MBD made its portfolio of services attainable for our budget and the return on this investment has paid off beyond what we imagined. What features sold you on buying this service/entering this partnership with My Big Day? Content expertise of team; efficiency of services; affordability; skills that NP sector don’t have; ability to have specific, task oriented services and not be paying for a marketing staff member to sit in unnecessary staff meetings, etc. MBD’s experience elevated the quality of our events and marketing significantly. What made you happiest about working with our company? Success with fundraising; independence in hitting the ground running with little to NO guidance, taking a huge burden off ED and board’s plate, increasing the professionalism of the organization through marketing and communications. What have you been able to achieve since using our services? Increased donor support and engagement, consistent messaging, increased social media presence, increased board engagement, incredibly successful and professional fundraising events What has exceeded your expectations since working with us? All of the above but mostly, the independence and leadership you’ve shown. I have never worked with a contractor who is so confident, able, and had the expertise to literally take the work off my plate and run with it...and succeed. What is the main reason you would recommend our services to another business or non-profit group? You (My Big Day) have expertise we lack in the sector and is hard to find in current Non-profit talent. You somehow straddle the perfect line in understanding the limitations, issues, etc. of nonprofits, how to communicate our message effectively, and you bring a professional skill set extremely needed in the nonprofit sector. You work efficiently, make the absolute best of our limited resources and need zero handholding of overstretched EDs/boards.   Contact My Big Day
Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  Covid-19 has touched and affected everyone. It has upended our daily lives and routines. It has separated us from people we love. It has forced our places of employment to completely change their systems and procedures – some even closing for good. It has minimized some of our favorite hobbies and pastimes, and the places in which we used to seek entertainment will be forever changed. This past month, our team has worked with a variety of clients – from large corporations, to nonprofits, to our wedding couples, and our loyal party people. We have worked hard developing Plan B’s, C’s, and in some cases Plan D’s for their previously scheduled events. From the beginning of this outbreak, My Big Day has made it their mission to support our clients – big and small – in the best ways we know possible. It has been frustrating to see pictures of last year’s Easter Keg Hunt come across our Facebook memories, knowing that there is a possibility that we won’t get to gather for this ultra-fun event this year. We’ve raced to completely change course with two of our large non-profit’s yearly fundraisers, moving everything online. And, we’ve conversed with our summer wedding couples, trying to help them make the heart breaking decision on whether or not to cancel or postpone their planned weddings. It has not been easy or fun.  The event industry in which we work, remains one of the hardest hit by the Coronavirus outbreak. Around mid-March, everything came to a screeching halt, and a lot of uncertainty still remains – about postponed events, and the future of corporate meetings and gatherings. Events are one of the few proven vehicles for spreading the virus. Therefore, we as event planners, have had to weigh the experiences gained from the event, with the health of our clients and coworkers. We’ve seen the articles suggesting suspending all live in person events until the summer of 2021. And while this is a disappointing prediction, we know that the health and safety of our family, friends, coworkers, and clients are of utmost importance. Many event resources have published a graphic similar to this, reflecting this scenario:  So what does this mean for you if you are planning an event, wedding, or have been looking forward to getting back to “normal”? Well, for starters, some meetings and events won’t take place. Some will happen over this summer and into the fall. We will be analyzing each event that we are planning. We will ask these questions: what are the conditions needed for our events to happen? What type of event is it? and What will the final event look like? In order to answer these questions, we will have to look at where we are as a country, and what stage we are in as we fight this virus. Have we flattened the curve enough? Can our event be adapted to include strict social distancing guidelines once shelter in place orders have been lifted? What kind of sanitation and disinfection can we incorporate into our planning to help minimize infection?   Some of our answers will include completely changing the logistics of an event. Corporate and Non-Profit fundraisers might have a larger online presence. Our Easter Keg Hunt – probably just called Keg Hunt, might include more outside stops and challenges. Our brides and grooms may be making changes to their guest lists, and they may be considering holding small ceremonies with plans for a larger celebratory party later down the road. In all our events, we will be taking event insurance negotiations; social distancing – including room layouts, food service (no more buffets), event activities, and travel; sanitation and disinfection into our planning process. We may even start incorporating innovative options such as thermal scanning for the virus, and having processes in place should someone attending start showing symptoms during our event. Bottom line is – the new normal for events after this virus peaks will remain a challenge. There are so many moving parts and standards that will have to be put into place before any of our events can happen. For starters, the size of our events will have to be minimized to know more than 50 attendees. Our venues will have to have policies, guidelines, and processes in place for social distancing and sanitizing rules. We know that all of this is scary – for us and for our clients. We also know that some of our clients will be leery of even planning events for the foreseeable future. We won’t be going into any event blind. You can be sure that our team will do due diligence. We will become the experts so that your mind and heart can be at ease. Someday, hopefully in the near future, we will all get to celebrate the end to this intense anxiousness. When that day comes, you can be sure that the My Big Day team will have a celebration to remember planned.  Contact My Big Day
"Dream Big, Live Big. For Life's Events!" Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner. ~Event Planning, Coordination & Management~ My Big Day llc Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Located in Loveland, CO As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken The My Big Day wedding business has been hit hard due to COVID-19. With all of the cancellations and changes, we wanted to highlight a couple who is a shining example of how to make lemonade out of the lemons they were handed. Zach and Samantha not only had their wedding cancel... their venue wouldn't offer a refund, they realistically cannot reschedule until next year, their family couldn't fly to them in Colorado to witness them say their vows to each other... but they had the right perspective. Love is what matters most.
No, their day is not what they had initially pictured, but it was "perfect!" They got married. They are in love. They have a great story to tell. And they can host a big celebration at a later date.
Today we raise our virtual glasses to Zach & Samantha! Congratulations on your marriage! -The My Big Day team
The Loveland Sweetheart Festival February 14-15, 2020 Spend Valentine’s Day at the free Loveland Sweetheart Festival Feb. 14-15, 2020. Bring the family or your sweetheart for free fun including a Special Effects Laser Light Show, LIVE entertainment, Palace of Sweets, Kids Street with games and activities, Tunnel of Love, interactive art projects, Sweetheart Classic 4-miler and Little Miss Valentine and Little Mr. Cupid contest. The festival is an extension of Loveland’s 74+ year history in the nation’s Sweetheart City. The festival features something for everyone – families, couples, beer, wine and chocolate lovers, running lovers, art lovers and forever loves. Open 5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 and 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Lovelandsweetheartfestival.com  Loveland’s Valentine’s Day Group Wedding Friday, February 14, 4:30 p.m. in the Foundry Plaza Say “I Do” in the land of love at Loveland’s Valentine’s Day Group Wedding. The wedding features a romantic, candlelit ceremony with music and readings voted on by wedding couples, a customized ceremony, keepsake photos, a love lock for the new love lock sculpture, gift bags, signature wedding cupcakes, and a chance to win a huge gift basket. Fun Fact: All marriage licenses that get issued from Loveland have a special “Sweetheart City” designation. Valentinesdayinloveland.com.  Valentine Hotel Packages
The Townplace Suites by Marriott – Loveland’s first downtown hotel – has a “Leave the key to your heart in Loveland” hotel package for valentine weekend. In addition to a one night’s stay in a luxurious suite and complimentary breakfast buffet, guests will receive a bottle of Champagne, a sweet treat, discounted movie tickets, and a love lock to place on Loveland’s two love lock sculptures. Sylvan Dale Ranch Romantic Sweetheart Getaway packages include a one- or two-night bunk and breakfast package Feb. 14-16 in a cozy fireplace cabin at the ranch complete with a dinner for two, hearty ranch-style breakfasts and access to 3,000 acres of hiking trails, game courts, game room, and horseshoe pits. Trail rides will also be available by reservation weather depending. |
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My Big Day Company LLC 2021 www.MyBigDayCompany.com
970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 EMAIL US
We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken
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