Some big personal changes are on the horizon and I simply cannot wait!  

1. My husband and I are currently in the process of relocating to S. Maine!  

2. My husband and I are currently expecting our first child in early/mid February!!  We are having a baby boy and we couldn't be happier!

What does this mean for the future of Kristin Mills Events?!
Even though there will be several changes in my personal life, I will continue to take on clients for the 2015 wedding season!!  Each season I only take on a select few clients to ensure that I can give them all of the attention that they deserve.  I will be doing just that this season as well!!

Since I am relocating to southern Maine, I won't be as central as I have been these past few years.  Travel charges will still apply according to where my home office is but my wedding planning and coordination rates will be staying the same!!

Each season, I reflect on each wedding I have worked and see what has worked best and what still needs improvement.  The industry is always evolving and I am too!!  I am currently in the process of revising and improving my materials to better assist future clients.  While I am in the revising process this upcoming month of November, please don't hesitate to inquire with Kristin Mills Events about your upcoming wedding or event!!  Like I mentioned before, I only take on a handful of clients each season so it is best to inquire sooner than later :)

HAPPY PLANNING!!
Kristin

**UPDATE: I am now taking event inquires for 2014 as of January 12th, 2014! I look forward to meeting new clients and vendors this upcoming year!!**

Hello friends, family, followers, and fans!! A quick update about this upcoming year and what to expect from Kristin Mills Events :)

I am extremely flattered by the flood of inquiries the past 3+ months about the upcoming 2014 wedding season!!  If you have been to my website lately,  you have probably noticed that I am currently not taking on any events/clients after March 31st, 2014.  Why, you may ask?!?!

My husband will (finally!) be graduating college in less than a month!!!  We are both so excited for the next chapter in our lives... but there is a possibility that he will get a job outside of Maine.  If this occurs, we will be moving and I will no longer work any events in the state of Maine.... boo!  He has been applying to several jobs in the state of Maine and in New England.  We are both crossing our fingers that we will be able to stay in Maine, close to friends and family. It wouldn't be fair to you, prospective clients, for me to commit to any events in 2014 (April-December) if there is a chance that I may not even be in the state of Maine.  If you have been waiting patiently to see if I will be available, I really appreciate your patience.  I really hope we find out soon about what lies ahead in our future!! 

While I am waiting patiently, my work here at Kristin Mills Events continues!  I am working hard these winter months to improve my services and efficiency of my work.  Things I am working on:

• Finalizing blog post of 2013 events
• Updating my client contract
• Updating and improving client materials so they are more efficient for the client and myself
• Adding more materials to assist clients in planning their event
• New offers! to better assist clients needs
• Improving website
• Creating a portfolio of past clients weddings/events
• Updating preferred vendor lists/networking with local vendors
• Planning a stylized photo shoot
• Maybe some headshots :)
• ... And more!

Also, I wanted to thank everyone who I worked with (clients and vendors) this 2013 wedding/event season!!  It was a pleasure meeting everyone and I am very thankful for their assistance and support!  I hope I can continue to grow (and learn) in 2014, see some familiar faces, and meet some new faces along the way!! Crossing my fingers :)

Ian and Amanda were married in September at a privately owned farm in beautiful Tenant's Harbor in Maine.  This amazing property has a farm house, a ceremony space with a breathtaking view of the ocean, plenty of field space to host a tented dinner, and a barn that was perfect for a rockin' reception!  This venue can be rented out only a few times during the summer for weddings so it's a certainly a spot you want to book fast, but it is also perfect for families who want to enjoy a quiet vacation in Maine. (Please, email me if you would like details on this venue.)
As you can see from the caption above, Amanda and Ian have such fun personalities!  Their creativity shined through the details of their wedding, from the ceremony booklets filled with pictures and jokes to their "Spike if you like!" tag on the bourbon bottle for pre-ceremony cocktails.  About 100 or so guests traveled from all over to celebrate their marriage.  It was great listening to their family tell such heartfelt stories during their speeches, even though Amanda's dad addressed Ian by the wrong name!  The tent filled with laughter and even a few tears.  It was an amazing day and I wish them all the best!

As usual, I was running around all day but I was able to snap a few pictures... Enjoy!

Venue | Private Farm in Tenant's Harbor, ME
Wedding Coordinator | Kristin Mills Events
Photographer | Lucy Cuneo Weddings
Caterer | Maine Coast Catering
Florist | Hoboken Gardens
Band | Toughcats
Baker | Rock City Cafe
Rentals | Wallace Rentals
Transportation | Bo-Mar

If you have any questions, please {Contact} me!!

Bennett and Lindsey's ceremony venue couldn't be more beautiful!  They said their vows with about 150 of their closest family and friends at St. Ann's Church in Kennebunkport, Maine.  The church was built just steps away from the ocean in 1887 and has been serving the community ever since.  The architecture and stained windows are incredibly beautiful and are a must see!  
After their ceremony, guests were taken by trolley just minutes away to The Breakwater Inn, also located in Kennebunkport, Maine.  Family and guests were wined and dined under an amazing tent with ocean views throughout the evening.  Bennett even surprised his bride with a special performance, as he sang to her surrounded by their loved ones.  The Jim Ciampi Band had everyone on the dance floor throughout the evening and I even heard the 'after party' was a huge hit!!  Their day couldn't have been more perfect!!  I was able to snap a few photos, so enjoy!

Ceremony Venue | St. Ann's Church
Reception Venue | Breakwater Inn
Wedding Coordinator | Kristin Mills Events
Photography | Russell Caron Photography
Band | Jim Ciampi Band
Cake | The Cookie Jar
Florist | Calluna Fine Flowers
Rentals | One Stop Party Shoppe
Rentals | Details Event Staging
Hair & MU | Fringe Hair Art/Laurel Wiley
Officiant | Reverand Canon Linton Studdiford
Tent | Sperry Tents
Transportation | In Town Trolley Co.
Transportation | Motor Land America
Transportation | HydiDrive

Phew.. A lot of vendors but they were all AMAZING!!

If you have any questions, please {Contact} me!!

While assisting Emily and Travis at their ceremony rehearsal on a beautiful Friday afternoon at The Little River Flower Farm in Buxton, ME, there wasn't a shortage of stories of how their wedding day came to be!  I learned that Travis works at a local news station and he was continuously harassing the weather men weeks in advance about what the weather was going to be for his wedding day!  He certainly had the inside scoop and the weather on his wedding day was perfect.  You couldn't really ask Mother Nature for a better day!!  
I also had the privilege of meeting Bruce and Nancy, the owners of The Little River Flower Farm.  It was interesting to hear that the wooded ceremony space for Travis and Emily's wedding hadn't always been accessible.  While visiting the 110-acre farm, Emily and Travis had visioned their wedding ceremony taking place in a nice wooded area along the river.  Bruce and Nancy made that happen by removing trees along the rivers' edge and creating wood benches for guests to sit.  Thankfully, the weather men and Mother Nature cooperated so guests could enjoy this new space as the sun poked through the trees on Travis and Emily's wedding day!  
(Oh, and there wasn't a shortage of flowers on the farm as well.  Such a beautiful place! They also grow an abundance of vegetables that they sell on their farm and to local grocery stores.)

Here are a few pictures from Travis and Emily's wedding!  Enjoy!

If you have any questions about this post, please contact me!

Venue | The Little River Flower Farm
Wedding Coordinator | Kristin Mills Events
Photographer | Justine Johnson Photography
Florist | The Little River Flower Farm
Catering | Dandelion Catering 
Bar | Linda Stilphen
DJ | Kevin Way

I had the pleasure of 'meeting' Emily and Andrew via Skype during one of the biggest Maine snow storms of 2013 and it was only fitting that they would tie the knot on one of the hottest days in the summertime!  
Emily and Andrew were married in the summer heat at Broadturn Farm, located in Scarborough, Maine.  Broadturn Farm is located only 10 miles outside the city of Portland, Maine nestled in the hills of the country side.  The farm is well known for their flowers (and floral designs) and their CSA vegetable shares.  They also host a children's summer camp providing education of agriculture and their love of the farm!  With over 100 acres of open land, it is certainly an ideal spot for a wedding in Maine!!
Emily and Andrew didn't hold back when planning their 'Wedding Spectacular".  They pulled out all the stops with lawn games, face painting for the kids, ice cone machine with homemade syrups (including alcoholic ones for adults!), and a pie buffet.. yum!  And who could forget an evening of dancing in the barn and s'mores at the bonfire!!  Their day was full of great fun with their family and friends... and great vendors!  I was able to snap a few photos while running around... enjoy!

Please feel free to {Contact} me if you have any questions regarding this post!

Venue| Broadturn Farm 
Catering| Foster's Downeast Clambake
Photographer| Justine Johnson Photography
Wedding Coordinator| Kristin Mills Events
Flowers| Broadturn Farm/Shauna Schroeder
DJ| Don Corman
Pie| Two Fat Cats
Bar| Private
Rentals| A Plus Party Rental
Hair & MU| Gallery Hair

For those of you who have never been to Peaks Island it is located in Casco Bay of Portland, Maine and is home to about 1,000 year round residents and about 5,000 residents in the summer. In the summer it is a perfect place to get away from the city life and enjoy the beauty of Maine's coastline either for a day, a week, or even the summer months!  It is only a short 15 minute ferry ride but it seems as though you are miles away from the city.  
Casie and Nate couldn't have chosen a more perfect spot for their Maine destination wedding than the Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association located on the 3 mile long island of Peaks Island.
It generally hosts summer sailing programs along with other programs for youth, but is easily transformed into the perfect spot for a Maine wedding with amazing ocean views!  I was lucky enough to work along side Casie and Nate as they planned their wedding here in Maine.  
I am generally too busy running around like crazy to take pictures, but had a few moments to snap a few pictures to share with all of you the details of Casie and Nate's wedding day!  Enjoy!

Feel free to {Contact} me if you have any questions regarding this post!

Venue| Trefethen-Evergreen Improvement Association
Wedding Coordinator| Kristin Mills Events
Catering| Dandelion Catering Co.
Bar Services| Bethany Fulton
Florist| Snell Family Farm
Photography| Brendan Bullock Photography
Rentals| One Stop Party Shoppe
Band| Pete Kilpatrick Band
Hair & MU| Tasha Zwickerhill
Transportation| Casco Bay Lines
Dessert| Cranberry Island Kitchen

Spring is finally here in Maine with temperatures in the 60's (most days) and with the sun shining, the flowers are certainly beginning to bloom!!  I am excited to list below my 3 favorite floral trends of the 2013 wedding season.

SUCCULENTS

Over the past year, I have been seeing more and more succulents used in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and boutonnieres.. the possibilities are endless!   I love how earthy and rich in color they are.  They come in several different colors and can really add depth to your wedding color palette when matching them with other flowers.  Here are three examples of how succulents can be incorporated with different wedding color palettes!

WHIMSICAL

I love the comeback that Baby's Breath has made in wedding florals.  It can be "dressed up" when used with vibrant colors or used in bulk to create large centerpieces.  It is also very pretty when it is "dressed down" creating small bouquets in farm-style weddings or used in small bud vases on a family style table at the wedding reception.  No matter if it is "dressed up" or "dressed down", I think there is something whimsical about Baby's Breath yet it's simplicity can add so much vibrance to a room!  

NATURAL TONES

Florals such as blush peonies or ivory hydrangeas can add an elegance and natural element to a space whether you are dressing up an outdoor, tented wedding or an indoor reception space.  They seem to make a sophisticated statement with their simplicity!  

Some helpful hints on choosing your florals for your wedding day are:
1. Research which flowers are "in season" the month of your wedding.  Florals will also vary based on your location.  Your florist will be able to find "in season" flowers that are grown locally and won't charge extra fees for shipping "out of season" flowers from around the world which is money in your wallet!
2. To save a few dollars, consider finding a local flower farm that allows you to pick your own flowers the day or two before your wedding.  Be sure to ask how to maintain your flowers for the day or two leading up to your wedding day!
3.  Sometimes spending a few extra dollars on larger flowers (such as hydrangeas) that take up a large amount of space in a bouquet or vase can save you some money in the long run versus buying smaller, less expensive flowers (such as carnations) that take up less space yet you will have to buy more of.

Be sure to {Contact} me if you have any questions or would like vendor recommendations on local florists and flower farms!!

Today is opening day for the Boston Red Sox!  I have compiled 9 photos of baseball inspired weddings, everything from the engagement shoot to table decor to thank you cards!

GO SOX!! Please feel free to {Contact} me if you have any questions or would like to know more about my services.

Find me @ Kristin Mills Events, on Facebook, or read reviews on WeddingWire!
Contact me: kristinmillsevents@yahoo.com

Wedding "season" is right around the corner!  Plan ahead and be prepared for any mishaps that may arise on your wedding day by creating a Wedding Day Emergency Kit! So just in case there is a seam separation, a stain, a broken nail, or you forgot to bring your lotion, you will have everything in one place to solve the unplanned mishap!



Beauty:
         mirror                                 hairspray               
         hair ties                               bobby pins              
         brush                                   floss            
         toothpaste                          breath spray 
         toothbrush                         q-tips
         blot papers                         makeup remover    
         tweezers                              deodorant                  
         lotion                                   nail file         
         clear nail polish                 tampons

Medical:
         aspirin                                 Band-Aids
         tums                                     Visine      
         Neosporin

Fabric related:
           tide pen                              white chalk            
           sewing kit w/scissors    double sided tape
           safety pins                         glue

Hardware, etc.:
           hammer                              candle lighter                
           batteries (AA)                    scissors     
           nails                                     flashlight
           umbrella

 Miscellaneous:
         lint brush                               sunscreen     
         tissues                                     straws          
         earring backs                         snacks/granola bars


As a wedding day coordinator, I keep a small stock of these items with me at every event I work.  These items have come in handy for not only the bride, but also the wedding party and the parents of the bride and groom.  Here are a few items that are in my wedding emergency bag!

TIPS:
There's no need to break the bank when pulling together your Wedding Day Emergency Kit.  You can find travel size versions of most of these items at places like Target and The Christmas Tree Shop!  

What happens when you don't use any of the products you bought to pull together your Wedding Day Emergency Kit?!  It's no surprise that most of these items can be packed into your suitcase and taken on your HONEYMOON!  



A Wedding Day Emergency Kit is also a great idea for a gift for the MOH or the bridal party to collectively give to the bride at her bridal shower!  Brides, a smaller version of this list can also be gifted as gifts for your bridal party as well.