a few Things I've Learned during my internship

Over the course of this internship I have learned a lot about this industry and what it takes to be a successful business owner and wedding coordinator. The staff at Knot Your Average Events have  been great with not only answering my questions, but also guiding me by demonstrating various tasks that are important to know in this industry. Many people think this is all fun and games, while it definitely is fun, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes to ensure an event runs smoothly!

1. Something will Go Wrong!

No matter how many precautions you take or how much you plan, sometimes things won't always go as planned. It is all in how you handle the situation that will determine the outcome of your event. It's important to assess the situation and then take the necessary steps to correct the issue.

Photo: Google

2. Have An Emergency Kit
This will help when things do go off-course! having an emergency kit, or several, will allow you to be more prepared in case something does happen. Weddings, and events in general, are organized chaos and things do happen, but if you your handy dandy kit, you'll feel less stressed and more equipped to handle any situation!

3. Always Ask The Venue If Outside Caterers Are Allowed.

Sometimes venues have partnered with specific caterers, no kitchen or have an onsite caterer that they use, so it's important to ask that way you'll know what your next move should be.

4. Always bring a change of clothes!  You never know what will happen!  Always have several comfortable pairs of shoes to change throughout the day.

5. Wedding and Event days are LONG!!! Pack snacks, lots of beverages and get plenty of rest the day before!

6.  Make sure to stay FOCUSED!  As staff we are there to ensure the guest's experience so we need to be "PRESENT" at all times... not hiding in the back, playing on our phone or talking amongst our other co-workers.  Someone is always watching you so always be positive and be ready to assist when needed

7. Listen to what your client's needs and wants are... and be patient when they change a million times (LOL)

8. Get to know your vendors.  These are people you will most likely work with over and over again so take the time to learn their names, who they are and what they offer.  Referrals are the key to success in the event industry!  It's all WHO you KNOW!

9. Be prepared!  Arrive EARLY and be prepared to stay LATE.

10. HAVE FUN!!! This is probably the most important thing of all.. if you are having fun you know the guests and your clients are too!  SMILES ARE Contagious!

Written by Raven our Summer Intern~

Raven: Final Farewell

It’s the final hour for a grand wedding at the Grandover. This also means this is the final hour for my time as an intern with KYAE. A bittersweet moment as I look back on all that has transpired this past summer. There have been so many opportunities, memories made, laughter shared, and knowledge gained. I told Blair today as I chuckled at her sense of humor that I was going to miss her. I feel as if I have established a bond with KYAE beyond a student-teacher relationship.

Furthermore, my experience with KYAE has advanced me professionally and personally.
I  learned technical skills such as moving tables properly, setting a table,
cutting flowers, packing equipment, and using social media. However, the most

important lesson I have learned with KYAE is to believe in myself. Nothing else
would be possible if I lacked that quality.  A person can have all the knowledge,
experience, and skills they may like to have; but they’re useless if that
person limits their power to excel in them. Through this experience I came to
the realization that I didn’t believe in myself. That sounds harsh but it’s
true. Our biggest enemy can be ourselves. There would be times when I failed to
complete a task because internally I told myself “ I’m tired, I’ll do it later”
or “I don’t think I can do that”. I put these limitations on myself but I have
the power to do otherwise. KYAE has taught me to believe in myself and do great
things by enforcing my professional responsibility. If I don’t do my part then
my team fails. I have a responsibility to make sure my team is winning. This
mindset of believing will take me and every believer to infinite lengths. I am
forever grateful for KYAE and i can’t wait to pass my experiences on to the
next up and coming professional


They are my family; and

from this point on I will be at the crab boil every year!

Love Always~ Raven

Raven~ We are sooooo proud of the coordinator you are becoming! BEST WISHES!! We will see you next year! (And hopefully at the Annual Christmas Party with Santa too!)

A Love Like This...

My first thought of this elegant wedding at the Penn House was “Wow, this is really extravagant! They must have spent a ton on this venue”. Nope!  Because it's own by the city...it has very budget friendly prices.  Well here’s one Reidsville best kept secrets. The Penn House located in historic downtown Reidsville once belonged to Charles and Stella Penn. The two built the 12500 square foot home on 3 acres of land in 1908. The house is a beautiful colonial style representative of the early 1900’s.

Charles Penn was a major figure in the American tobacco industry; and Stella was the daughter of Henry Edington, founder of Farmers and Merchant Bank in Fort Worth. Mr. and Mrs. Penn were very philanthropic. They donated largely to the Ashby Penn Foundation Cancer Fund and the Annie Penn Memorial Hospital (named after Charles Penn’s mother).

 One of the Penn’s final donation was their home to the city of Reidsville in 1980. The city has made the house available for special event rentals at an extremely affordable price. That’s the best kept secret. Unlike privately owned properties, city-owned properties go for a fraction of the cost.


Thus, Brenda & Adam were able to splurge on other details that truly made their wedding magnificent. The different spaces available for use at the Penn House allowed (name of bride and groom) to be creative with multifunctioning. Their use of space allowed guest to explore the property and enjoy a burst of something new at different points throughout the evening.


The sidewalk from the parking lot to the courtyard was used for the grand entrance and exit. The newlyweds showed showcased their union by holding hands walking up the extended sidewalk then posed for a kiss. Later that evening guest lined the sides of the sidewalk and waved wands to send off the couple on their happily ever after.



The gazebo and courtyard were used for entertainment. The band set up inside of the gazebo while the courtyard immediately a front of it served as the dance floor. Grassy areas on the side were set up with lounge areas, a photo booth, a memorial exhibit, and an appetizer table.



Continuing along the path lead guest onto the open front-patio which was large enough to host 20 and more round tables for dinning. The guest enjoyed an evening dinner on the front porch, southern style.

Lastly, along the path, guest end up inside the house itself. From the entry way there are two rooms, one on the right and one on the left. The room on the left was another socializing area for dessert and cake cutting. The room on the left is a small study that was the perfect set up for storing the couple’s gifts.

Then Penn house was an extraordinary venue that offers versatility and can be transformed into all kinds of events when you use your imagination!

The Penn House

Custom Floral Creation

Custom Floral Creations

Party Reflections of Greensboro

Party Reflections

Western Steakhouse

Western Steakhouse

Sweet Stuff by Meredith

Sweet Stuff by Meredith

Riley Photography

Knot Your Average Events

Knot Your Average Events

Written by our summer intern: Raven

My Sweet Leigh

I can remember the very first time meeting this Southern Bell Planner who little did I know would eventually “ROCK” my world upside down.  See I was site managing a venue in Mebane and she was their planner.  Her style was something new I’d never seen before out there, and I was intrigued.  We instantly hit it off.  She’d always share the story a little differently as remembering me flapping in the wind as I closed the flaps of their tent as “hurricane” force winds blew in… (really it wasn’t that bad) but I may have dangled from the ladder a few times lacing the panels up…LOL!  I can still see the menu cards on the table of peach/coral and mint green color scheme with woven burlap… YES Burlap!  Back in the day Leigh really knew how to enhance burlap and boots and take it to an elegant level.

I can even remember having lunch with her and having her slip her boots on for meetings afterwards if they were out at barn or farm… little did they know she really was more “Grits & Grace” than “Boots & Burlap.”  She’d eventually retire those boots and fully showcase her inner “Charleston Roots.”  She truly was our Southern Bell who loved her sweet tea & pimento cheese anything! 

She graduated about 7 years after me at UNCG, and although she was younger…she

was far beyond her years in wisdom.  She inspired so many throughout the wedding community.  I always asked her to come and speak to my class at UNCG because she showed that you COULD succeed after graduating… she’d always share her story how she worked several part-time jobs while starting her business and then finally got to where she could work less and less.  “Leigh, I hear you in my ear RIGHT NOW! I’m focusing more and more on our company and working less and less with my part-time gigs.”  She always pushed me to go solo and only do my company.  She always told me I should charge what I’m worth and never settle for less.  She’d always say to JUST BE YOU and YOUR clients will hire you because of YOU.  And she’s never been more right.  The more I showcase our designs, our style and our personalities…the more couples LOVE US!  I can also hear her in my ear every time I post: Give credit to every vendor in that photo!  And we’d have long debates about inspiration photos off of Pinterest vs creating a style shoot that’s all your idea… And I’d do anything to have one of those debates RIGHT NOW!!! Don’t worry Leigh, all the photos in this post were taken with my crappy camera phone lol! 

This past Saturday morning, my day was rocked after receiving news that one of my friends and mentors had passed.  Like many, I quickly questioned the information, Googled, searched, called and emailed to verify…. I went through every emotion I could…shock, questioning, and then numb for most of the day.  How could someone so incredible be taken so soon when she had so much left to do…. But then again Leigh did more in the few short years she was on this Earth than most do in a lifetime.  She enriched so many lives, impacted the wedding and event industry to strive and be better through networking, not to mention the numerous memories she created for couples, families and friendors.  I can remember grabbing dinner one night last year after speaking to my class and how much she would push me to inspire others.  So Leigh, I’m gonna do just that! 

This is the part that gets difficult and hard… How do you say goodbye to someone that has impacted your life so much and in so many ways?

You DON’T!  I refuse to actually.  Instead, I’m telling myself she WON the BIGGEST client… GOD just needed a kickass Party Planner up in Heaven… so Leigh, hold my RSVP, I’ve got to go out and do as you told me too  and inspire others a little more!  I’m going to do my best to be at your service… but honestly I don’t know how to say goodbye to someone who forever changed me, inspired me and encouraged me to be the best version of me.  So I may only make it the parking lot but know you are forever in my heart.  May tea be a little sweeter up there and may peonies forever be in season…and when the sweet tea ain’t hitting it…. May they have slushy bubbly easily accessible!  

I would love to ask friends, family and friendors to donate their love and support to:

https://www.gofundme.com/loveforleighp

The world will forever be changed since you embraced our presence…even if it was short lived!  See you soon my sweet friend.

Brunch Please!

This wedding was a change in pace for our staff as it was slightly more traditional than previous weddings. The ceremony was held in a gorgeous Catholic church. The exterior of the church was so beautiful and provided the bride and groom with a great background for their photographs. The weather was gorgeous and because the ceremony was in the morning, it wasn’t too hot outside. The bride made her grand entrance into the church and was escorted by her brother. 

The reception was held at the Weir-Jordan House, where guests were greeted with appetizers, tea and lemonade. There were games to occupy their time while Stephanie, Matthew and their bridal party took photos after the ceremony.

Photo: KYAE Facebook

Photo: KYAE Facebook

It was a little tricky setting the room to the floor plan because their were two poles in the room and a piano, but our team made it work. We managed to set 7 tables, a DJ booth and a gift table in the room and still had space for guests to dance and mingle with one another. We placed pictures and other decor on the piano and created a space for the couples' memories. During the reception, guests were served brunch! Guests were treated to fruit, quiches, veggies and cornbread! 

Photot: KYAE Facebook

Photo: KYAE Facebook 

Photo: KYAE Facebook

Stephanie and Matthew were such a great couple to work with. They were very easy going and really enjoyed their special day. We were so grateful to be apart of their wedding and have the honor to celebrate with them. 

(photos by KYAE (left) Ross Photography (right))

Thank you to all our wonderful vendors that helped make this day special for Stephanie and Matthew:

Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Grace

Reception Venue: Weir-Jordan House

Flowers/Centerpeices: ABBA Designs

Catering: Savory Street Catering

Cake: Delicious

Minister: Father Kowalski

DJ: A&A Disc Jockey

Limo Service: A Formal Affair

Coordinator: Knot Your Average Events

Photographer: Ross Photography

Party Favors: Loco For Coco

Programs: DIY

Hair & Make-Up: Instinct Salon

Until Next Time,

Intern Q J

Fun Honeymoon Activities

Most resorts and hotels have packages that allow couples to choose from a variety of activities and excursions while on their honeymoon. This is the perfect for the new couple to be adventurous and explore together!

Couples Massages

 

 If you're not into exploring, there's always room for relaxing! What better to way to enjoy your newlywed status than relaxing together. There is usually a spa package specifically made for couples. Imagine getting an intimate massage for two while looking out at the ocean!

Swimming with Dolphins

For the animal lovers, why not take a dip with dolphins! You’ll get to connect with nature and spend quality time with your new spouse! 

Luminous Lagoon in glowing waters in Jamaica

Food/Wine Tasting

For my foodies, wine and food tastings are the current trend, so finding a great place to experience new and exciting food and drink won’t be an issue!

Whatever you and your new mate choose to do, remember that the honeymoon should reflect who you are as a couple. The honeymoon is a chance to celebrate tying the knot and sharing those experiences with person who said I do! Be sure that when you’re booking a stay at a resort or hotel that you ask questions specific to honeymoons. Ask if there are any complimentary add-ons to the packages they provide. Also, don’t forget that Knot Your Average Events is a certified Sandals specialist and we would love to assist you with any of your honeymoon needs. I hope this has provided you and your honey with s few ideas and answered the dreaded what-to-do question!

Until Next Time,

Intern Q 😊

Ice Cream for everyone!

The venue for Lindsey and Brad's wedding was gorgeous. It provided a house for the bridal party to get dressed, a separate area for the groom and his crew to hang out, a ceremony space and a separate area for the reception.  There are horses on the property and they are so majestic, I really enjoyed watching them run around their enclosure during the reception. 

The weather was amazing the skies were clear and sunny throughout the ceremony and reception. The ceremony was held in an area that was closest to the house where the bridal party was getting ready. It's a covered space that provides a lot of shade during the ceremony.

  

After the ceremony, the party moved to the reception area, which was in walking distance. There the guests enjoyed cocktail hour followed by dinner provided by Western Steakhouse, one of our favorite vendors! After dinner it was time to party, the DJ was great, he did a great job with getting the crowd onto the dance floor.

The decor at this wedding was very elegant and they even had a secluded area for guests that smoked! 








Instead of cutting a cake, Lindsey and Brad had ice cream!! What could be better than ColdStone Ice Cream on a summer day?! Ice cream with caramel and chocolate toppings of course! Guests were treated to Cold Stone Ice Cream and they were able to create their own sundae with a variety of toppings.

My favorite part of the wedding was their "guest book". It was so unique and different. They had mini hearts for guests to sign and then drop into their photo frame. Such an awesome way to remember your special day!

 


Thank you Lindsey and Brad for allowing us to participate in your special day, you are an amazing couple and we wish you nothing, but the best!

Until Next Time,
Intern Q 😊

Venue: The Lily Pad

Florist: Flowers by Gary

Catering: Western Steakhouse

Ice Cream: Coldstone Creamery

Minister: Police Chaplain

DJ: Steel Impressions

Planner/Coordinator: Knot Your Average Events

Photographer: Megan Teague

Party Favors- Custom Chip Clips: AL Van

Invitations: DIY

Hair: Tiffany Shaw

Make-Up: Ansley Hicks

Cupcakes and Breakfast!

Cupcakes and Breakfast!

I know we say this a lot, but we really do have amazing couples! This wedding was at one of our favorite venues, Starlight Meadow. The staff at Starlight Meadow is always fabulous and always makes sure our guests have a fun and memorable evening. The weather was perfect and our bride was gorgeous! Caitlyn was the ultimate DIY bride, she made a lot of the decorations for her wedding including the “B” the hung above the barn! They had multiple party favors including customized M&M’s in the colors of their wedding and handmade wooden cross for their guests. Caitlyn was very creative with the designs and wanted to include lanterns into her decor. So we hung a mix of paper lanterns and burlap balls throughout the banquet area. 

 Caitlyn and Matthew chose to do a unity ceremony, which symbolizes the joining together of two lives and becoming one. Their faith is major part of their relationship so they chose to assemble a unity cross. It was such a beautiful part of the wedding and we're so glad we were able to be apart of their experience. We decorated the table with some lace and tablecloths to give it an elegant look.

For dinner, we had breakfast! There were biscuits with a variety of jams to choose from, eggs, bacon, and country ham on the menu. For dessert, there were cupcakes! Caitlyn amd Matthew had 4 different flavors of cupcakes for their guests to enjoy and they were delicious! 

We sent our couple off in style, with glow sticks and a newly decorated car (Courtesy of the bridal party)! Once again, we want to congratulate Caitlyn and Matthew and we look forward to working with them again in the future.

Until Next Time,

Intern Q 😊

Creative Partners:

Venue: Starlight Meadow

Starlight Meadow

Wedding Party Flowers: Roxie’s

Roxie's

Centerpieces: DIY

Catering: Above and Beyond Catering

Above & Beyond Catering

Southern Sweet Tooth Cupcakes

Southern Sweet Tooth Cupcakes

Minister: Father of the Groom

DJ: Holt Productions

Holt Productions

Planner/Coordinator: Knot Your Average Events

Knot Your Average Events

Photographer: Partin Shots

Partin Shots

Hair & Make-Up- I-Salon

I-Salon

Letters Creating Memories

We’ve had some really great inspirations when it comes to “themes” for weddings.  Our 2016September 10^th couple loved playing board games and Scrabble happen to be their favorite.  So why not have that as a theme for your wedding.  This bride’s eye for detail and clever ways to incorporate the Scrabble idea amazed us!  Sometimes with “themes” it can get cheesy super fast in a blink of an eye so being creative has to come with limitations. 

Some of our personal favorites were the small tiles in the boutonnieres, larger letters  used for table numbers for escort cards, customized cupcake holders in the shape of the letter holders from the game, mini game boards showing food buffet items and tiles spelling our bar menu and dessert flavors.  Here’s a few photos of these little details that made a huge impact…

However, our very favorite highlight of the day and night were the creative gifts our couple presented to us…including scrabble cheese-its, our favorite snacks and a traveling scrabble game…our staff had a blast playing with it once we returned to the office that night!

Vendors:

Durant Park

Western Steakhouse

Flowers by Gary-(live)

Simply Cakes

Dream Builder Productions

With Love and Petals(Etsy Shop)- paper flowers
Anything Music

Ruby Lane Photography

Alamance Party Rentals

Personal Weddings- Minister

Shan and Nathan Wang- Live Musicians (friends kids *amazing touch)

Flashbacks by Red- Photo booth

Tidbit Designs (Etsy)- Programs & Invitations

Dolce Vita Salon LLC

Clinique @ Dillards in Triangle Town Center

Knot Your Average Events