Kimbell Art Museum | Shannon Rose Event's Photos | Dallas Fort Worth Wedding Planner | Ellen Ashton Photography

Hi Friends! 

Last week was a bit crazy for me and I am still trying to recover. Obviously I didn't post a DFW wedding vendor interview last Tuesday because I simply didn't have the time. BUT it's a new week and I am back in the saddle again! 

I am so excited to share this weeks featured wedding vendor from Shannon Rose Event's! 

MEET SHANNON! 

I met Shannon a few months ago and I am so glad I did! Shannon is a very talented wedding planner and is a total rockstar at what she does. What I love most about her is that she is a down to earth, fun loving and genuine person. She is an amazing wedding planner who would be an asset to any couple who hires her. 

When I met with Shannon to take a few images for this blog we ended up sitting and chatting for over an hour. I very much enjoy her company and you will too! Her sweet spirit and funny sense of humor will make you adore her even that much more! I truly believe these elements are what make her a darn good wedding planner!

I am so very impressed with Shannon's good attitude and quick thinking skills. I am telling you guys, you will love having Shannon be apart of your wedding day! She is a true gem inside and out!

I have a special place in my heart for wedding planners because they do SO much for each couple to make the wedding day happen. Most of the time the things that they do are way above and beyond and 9 times out of 10 we never even see all that they do. They work long and hard before the wedding and after. Wedding planners do their very best to make sure that every couple has a smooth and worry free day. Who wouldn't want that?!

I can't wait for you to get to know Shannon through her interview, so lets get started! 

THE INTERVIEW

Ellen Ashton: Why Did you start your business? 

Shannon: When I first graduated college I had trouble finding a full time job in architecture and being an event planner was always something I had in the back of my mind.  After a few weeks I was able to find a random graphic design job and an internship with an event planning company in Dallas.  I knew I wanted to do this full time when I could not sleep the night before an event because I was so excited to get to work the next day and I was not even getting paid ( It was crazy I was driving one hour to her office and one hour back through $10.00 tolls and working 10-16 hour days and still loved every minute of it without making a dime). To be honest I really don’t know exactly why I decided to start my own business it just felt right at the time.  After my year internship ended  I started working for an Architecture firm and I was miserable working (55-60 hour weeks and not enjoying what I was working on) and my husband (a business owner as well) told me…”Why are you working all these hours working for someone else it is obvious you are meant to own your own business and do something you love” and then I decided to save money and just do it.  It was as simple as that!

Ellen Ashton: How did your first client find you? 

Shannon: My first client was someone I worked with at my old job.

Ellen Ashton: Do you service Dallas or Fort. Worth, or both?  

Shannon: Both 

Ellen Ashton: Best advice you could give a bride and groom looking for a wedding planner?

Shannon: Find someone that you feel like you can “gel with”. The wedding planning process is not only stressful for some, but it also involves a lot of trust.  You need to find someone you can trust, let go with, and maybe even have a few laughs with (it is a fun time after all!).  .  This will help relieve some of the stress and you can feel more at ease once you begin the wedding planning process.  You can’t do it all, and the more you let go and trust your wedding planner the more you will enjoy the actual day and all the weeks leading up to the big day.

Ellen Ashton: How do you survive the wedding day? 

Shannon: Coffee, LOTS of Coffee & breakfast burritos in the morning

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend? 

Shannon: Pops of bold color with soft tones in florals

Ellen Ashton: What is your most favored color palette for weddings this year?  

Shannon: Dusty Blue! I love how it be romantic and modern. 

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite show at the moment?  

Shannon: Bachelor & Bachelorette!

Ellen Ashton: Wine or Ice-cream? 

Shannon: Wine

Ellen Ashton: What is your most favorite package you offer to couples? 

Shannon: My full planning package, it is my largest package I offer and it assures I am able to be more involved in the process.  I assist with design, budget, vendor meetings, timelines, hotel blocks…etc. (you name it and I include it in this package). 

Thank so much for reading Shannon Rose Event's interview! Make sure to follow Shannon on her social media handles! 

FACEBOOK: Shannon Rose Events

INSTAGRAM: @shannonroseevents

PINTEREST: Shannon Rose Events

WEBSITE: www.shannonroseevents.com

Much love, 

-E 

a&be bridals Dallas Texas Photos | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers

A&Be Bridal 

A.K.A. my favorite bridal store! 

I am thrilled to share this wedding vendor interview with you all! 

A&be is a bridal salon that started in Denver, Co. and has migrated into Minneapolis and Dallas. As most of you know, my career as a wedding photographer blossomed in Minneapolis, MN. That is where I was introduced to this FABULOUS dress shop. I have been addicted ever since! 

Designer: Anna Campbell

As I have stated before, I love a&be! They carry all kinds of fabulous designers and I have had the honor and privilege of photographing a few of them. Because I love this company so much, I wanted to give all you Dallas brides the opportunity to get to know a little but more about the company and the girls who run the Dallas store.

Which; btw, the girls who run this shop are truly the sweetest women you will ever meet! I recently went into the shop to select a gown for a shoot and was blown away by how helped, hospitable, relatable and encouraging these girls are. They truly value and care for their brides! You will not be disappointed by the service or their gown selection! 

Meet the a&be babes 

DISCLAIMER: “The opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of a&bé.”

Meet Mandi 

Mandi is the manager of the a&be store in Dallas. She is a total doll and so good at what she does! We had so much fun getting to know each other the day I interviewed her and the other girls. It's clear that Mandi truly values the store and her workers. During our chat I learned that Mandi is going to be getting married soon, won't she make such a beautiful bride?! One thing is for sure, she has amazing taste! She showed me a few of her favorite dresses in the store and they were amazingly gorgeous! 

Mandi's Instagram: @mandi.e.smith

Ellen Ashton: How did a&be start? 

 Mandi: Our owners Anna and Bre had been in the wedding industry for a while running their first store, anna be. When they started to see a new wave of brides gravitating towards more indie and creative designs they had the idea for a second location that could serve this new need in the bridal industry. With that a&be was born in 2013 in Denver, and has since then grown to Minneapolis and now DALLAS!  

Ellen Ashton: What services do you offer?

Mandi: We offer bridal gowns, accessories (sashes, headpieces, jewelry) and veils. 

Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?

Mandi: So many things. I love working with my stylists, they constantly keep me laughing and watching them interact with the brides with so much love and care makes me so happy! I also love the numbers and forecasting that goes on behind the scenes. Staying on top of what is selling, what brides are wanting and what is trending and then turning that into a plan for market in New York is so much fun to me! And of course being able to share in such a big occasion for the brides; it's such a special experience to witness a bride find "the" gown! 

Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?

Mandi: Houghton - the designer, Katharine Polk, has made a major splash in the bridal industry. Polk's designs are unlike anything I've seen done before in bridal. Houghton speaks to the wild at heart, and the rock and roll spirit while staying true to timeless designs. Spoiler alert - I am wearing a Houghton gown for my own wedding this October :)  

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Mandi: When it comes to wedding gown trends - Texture. Whether that be in the form of embroidered details, floral appliques, fringe, etc. these elements bring just the right amount of interest to the typical wedding dress.

Ellen Ashton: If you had to pick a celebrity to be stranded on a deserted island with, who would you pick and why?

Mandi: Kevin Hart -- any unfortunate situation is instantly made better with a little laughter. 

Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?

Mandi: Kendall - I more easily relate to her style, and more down to earth personality. Plus she could introduce me to Gigi Hadid and we could all just be BFF's!!!! 

Ellen Ashton: cupcakes or ice-cream?

Mandi: ice cream always! 

MEET BETHANY! 

Bethany is one of the stylist at a&be and let me just tell you, this girl is truly one of the sweetest and most genuine girls you will meet! Well, all the girls are really! I worked with Bethany on finding a dress for an upcoming shoot and she was such a doll! She was helpful, kind and her taste was on fleek! She has this gift for being warm and truly wants to make all her brides feel special and beautiful. You will love working with her to find your perfect wedding dress! 

bethany's instagram: @ bethanyharkins

Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?

Bethany: Our brides and their inspiring visions we get to help bring to life! I think the bride should set the tone for her big day. And I love being a part of discovering what makes a bride feel most like herself.

Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?

Bethany: Tara LaTour - she's a dream! The quality is phenomenal, the dresses are hand made with so much passion, and the designs are each touched with the most unique twists. 

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Bethany: Neckline drama! I love both the deep deep v's and the high high necklines. 

Ellen Ashton: What do you think is the best season to buy a wedding dress?

Bethany: Depends your wedding date! We suggest 9-12 months out so that your bridal look truly sets the tone for the rest of your wedding day details and so you have peace of mind and no need for rush orders.

Ellen Ashton: How far in advance should you buy your wedding dress?

Bethany: 9-12 months if possible! We can always happily accommodate shorter engagements the selection might just be more limited.

Ellen Ashton: If you had to pick a celebrity to be stranded on a deserted island with, who would you pick and why?

Bethany: Ryan Gosling - 'cause he strikes me as the type that could actually survive on a deserted island if need be but he's also gorgeous and has a sense of humor. Doesn't seem like a bad situation at all.

Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?

Bethany: Khloe -- 'cause she's funny as can be and makes fun of herself as much as the rest of the world does. I love people who don't take themselves too seriously.

Ellen Ashton: Cupcakes or ice-cream?

Bethany: Tacos! I'm not much for the sweet stuff but I'll take tacos for breakfast, lunch, dinner, & dessert. (:

MEET ASHTYN! 

I so enjoyed getting to know Ashtyn! First of all, we share one of the same names so I knew immediately that she as going to be awesome. It's a proven fact that if you have the name Ashtyn/Ashton you are grafted in as a cool kid for life. I love her free and adventurous spirit! I think that's what makes her such a great stylist! I saw her in action helping a customer and she pulled some amazing dresses that were so flattering to the bride who tried them on. This girl for sure has it going on! 

ashtyn's instagram: @ashtynstringer

Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?

Ashtyn: Being apart of making someone's dream come true is pretty rad. I also love working with our close knit team and meeting new people all the time.

Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer? 

Ashtyn: Rue De Seine. First of all, its a husband and wife duo who kinda tackle different parts of the biz, which is just precious. I relate to their spontaneous life and her off-beat style, making her number one in my book!

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Ashtyn: I am a flowerchild. I LOVE seeing what florists make happen! From floral installations, to crazy bouquets, to flower crowns-- I am constantly in awe!

Ellen Ashton: If you had to pick a celebrity to be stranded on a deserted island with, who would you pick and why?

Ashtyn: Ellen Degeneres. Because she's hilarious. and I can build the fire.

Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?

Ashtyn: I don't really Keep Up With the Kardashians...

Ellen Ashton: cupcakes or ice-cream?

Ashtyn: uh. both?

MEET VICTORIA! 

Last, but certainly not least, is Victoria! Victoria greeted me as I walked in to the store to interview the babes and she was so welcoming and heartfelt. I absolutely love that about her! She has a super cute style (I secretly or not so secretly want her hair!) and personality to go with it. She made me laugh quite a few times which made for a fun interview! Just like all the other stylist, Victoria is so good at what she does! As we walked through the store and talked I could tell that she is a great help to the brides she works with because of her sweet, funny and helpful nature. You'll love working with her!

Victoria's instagram: @ victoriaexplores

Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?

Victoria: Helping brides find their gown for their big day! This is my absolute favorite thing! I love seeing people happy and helping take off the huge pressure of finding "the one". <3

Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?

Victoria: Well, we are all big fans of Rue De Siene here. We were already big fans and then we met the designers and fell in love even MORE with their sweet love story and how they started their company. I am a big fan of their gowns as well! The first wedding gown I ever tried on was Rue De Siene. So I feel like I have an allegiance of sorts to them.

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Victoria: I love the minimalist bridal look! White, greenery, and a touch of gold. It's lovely! Intentional little details, those get me.

Ellen Ashton: If you had to pick a celebrity to be stranded on a deserted island with, who would you pick and why?

Victoria: Christian Bale! First off, he is batman..so he could get us off the deserted island (i'm sure). Then he is just very intriguing, so we would always have something to talk about. Also, strangely enough I just feel like we could be best friends.

Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?

Victoria: I don't really care or know much about the Kardashians!!

Ellen Ashton: cupcakes or ice-cream?

Victoria: I SCREAMM FOR ICECREAAAMM! Ice cream. every.day. Anything Ben&Jerrys - more specifically.

One things is for sure, these girls are full of life and are rock stars at what they do.

Brides, you will LOVE shopping with them to find the perfect dress you have been dreaming of your whole life. 

DON'T FORGET! 

Social media is a great way to see all that a&be has to offer! Make sure to follow them! 

BE SURE TO FOLLOW A&BE! 

FACEBOOK: a&be bridal shop dallas

INSTAGRAM: @aandbe_bridalshop

PINTEREST: @aandbebridal

As always, 

Much love and many blessings, 

-E