OCD and Me- Why I’m Never Late- Weddings With Wendy Wortham…

Yesterday evening at 6:00 my son and his wife were at a wedding in West Fort Worth at Artspace to take photos while I travelled to Samson Park to officiate a wedding.  Having a “team” is critical to covering events on the same day and since we offer photography, wedding officiant and event coordinating- I’m always careful when booking “in season.”

My wedding didn’t include a rehearsal, so I was expecting a “wild card” by not having met the couple or the wedding party prior to the execution of the event.

As luck would have it, rain continued to fall as I headed early to the park in order to find a back up plan in the event the rain didn’t stop prior to 6:30 PM.  I always leave an hour to an hour and a half early since even running a few minutes behind on my schedule would cause a panic attack.

I’m a Military Kid- meaning that being on time and treating everyone with respect as well as addressing them as Sir or Ma’am is standard for me.  I sent the Bride photos of a Pavillion nearby the park and advised her that I was em route to the park to verify that the rain has stopped enough for us to use her preferred venue.  Luckilly, the rain did stop within minutes of my arriving to double check.  The Groom had planted artificial flowers because the tulips hadn’t come in between two trees and added a swag of fabric.  The area looked beautiful with a rainbow right over the lake behind us. 

    
 Upon leaving, the Groom handed me a card that the Bride had written.  I was surprised and delighted that she had taken the time to include a personal note that read “thank you for coming and officiating our wedding- without you this day wouldn’t have happened.”

It isn’t often that the Wedding Officiant receives recognition.  My twin sister always reminds me that “without you- it’s just a big party!” However, weddings aren’t about me, they are about the couple.  

Arriving early is essential in removing anxiety for the Bride, Groom, Photographer, and Wedding Coordinator.  I’m always 30-45 minutes early at an event because I recognize that 11th hour problems can occur causing a panic.  

Carrying an emergency last minute items is essential in overcoming the lost boutenier, the torn hem, no batteries for the cameras, a damaged wedding bouquet or anything else that can go wrong.  In fact, I may be the only wedding officiant who plans and packs for anything that can go wrong because I’ve witnessed nearly everything that has and prepare for an on location emergency and more importantly- how to overcome the issue. I loan numerous items at nearly every event that were lost or damaged.  Preparing for anything isn’t easy- it takes planning.

Why do my entire family help me achieve excellence at weddings and events?  Because we’ve learned during the past five years that often are clients can’t afford a photographer or photographers, so I purchased camera equipment and enlisted my son and his wife (Robert & Stephanie Hafele) to “gift” photos to families in order to remember their Life Event.  No wedding singer and no music?  My niece Leigh Ann Blais will sing at your wedding.  No flower girls, ring bearers or ushers?  Our darling tiny Texas Twins aka Little Pawners, Maryssa and Makenna Mahaney will stand in for your wedding party.  No make up or hair stylist?  My other niece, Stephaney Mahaney is not only our bilingual translator but also an excellent makeup artist.  My twin sister, Cindy Daniel can whipstitch nearly anything on location and has often pulled out her roll of duct tape to repair a show or even fashion a rope to dangle a Chinese lantern while entertaining guests with her quick whit and Cindyisms that reflect her hilarious hillbilly humor views on life.

Splitting up my team in order to address client needs is essential to successfully achieving happy clients.  Addressing any unforeseen need has become our “calling card” at weddings and events.  We think of everything so you don’t have to! 

   

From finding the perfect spot for a wedding photo to bringing additional bouquets and boutenniers to the event (along with extra pins), at Texas Twins Events/The Pawning Planners we are “doing everything differently” to not only ensure that every aspect of your event is beautiful and smooth but also by taking trades when families have no money.  

To make an appointment for my team to come appraise your trade, visit my sister site Taking Trades For Wedding & Event Services- The Pawning Planners and use the “Submit Your Trade” link to upload a photo of your item.

As we look forward to another week of events, my team and I plan and prepare to ensure perfection because the gift of my business is the people we meet.

Wendy M Wortham