The Things We Do, But You Don't Realize We Do, But We Do Them Anyway

It's 2014!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.... wait, what?! 2-0-1-4. There's a 4 in that number... are we dreaming?  Is this real life?! Somebody pinch us.

Being in events is a whirlwind, and we forget what day, week, month, and obviously, what year it is (cheesy? you know it). But, some of the things we will never forget are the moments during your event that are either gross, adorable or downright not right. Below is a list of some of our roles we have played with our clients... but don't worry, no names will be released, we promise!

1. Middleman Between Disgruntled... Anyone

    First, we realize that not everyone is going to get along on the "big day." We're all human and sometimes, the stress of everything becomes too much for people to bear, and, well, they just snap.  We have sat in a room with a bride and her mother as they hash things out, we have kept feuding families on opposite sides of the venue when the wedding didn't actually happen even though the reception did, and we have looked angry parents in the eyes as they have major meltdowns regarding their child's wedding as we are in the process of getting someone else's very important day together.  These things happen, we get it, and it's ok... sorta. Before spouting off at your coordinator of any kind, make sure you're actually upset for the right reasons, and know what's going on before blowing off the handle and feeling like an... ignoramus.

2. Wedgie Watchers

    That's right... just because it's your big day doesn't mean little things don't creep in there.  We've got our eye out for you, and even as we hold your dress up and you pick your seat in our face, it's ok, just doing our jobs.

3. Dress Bustlers/Holders

    Bustles.  They're great, right?  They really do transform a dress from this long, elegant, getting-in-the-way-train dress to the perfect getting-down-and-boogieing dress, but, they must be put together.  From bustles that have gorgeous buttons, to the ones that you spend twenty minutes trying to locate under all of the tool, we've been there, done that.
    Gotta pee? We've been there too. The last thing you want is toilet water all over your dress... or worse, pee itself.  Beauty comes at a price, which means brides have to depend on others to help them do all things the day of their wedding... including the little things you don't think about until they happen, like having to pee. It's ok, brides, we've got you! We are experts in holding dresses... because when you gotta go, you gotta GO.

4. Crowd Controllers

    Whether you know it or not, your guests can get rowdy.  They can do stupid things and you have no control over it... and boy, have we had some experiences with some guests.  Like the time our security guard had to take down a lady at a concert because she kept punching and kicking him.... or the time we found panties on the dance floor once the lights came on after a reception (yes... a wedding reception, and panties... gross, guys)... or the time we found out a boy had locked himself in one of our restrooms because he'd had too much to drink... or when we found a couple doing a little bit more than they should on the rooftop... and when a few kids were congregating on the Ice House's balcony area throwing silverware at the ceiling...  Those are just a few instances though. Doesn't even really scratch the surface of our guest experiences.

5. Groom Shovers

    Yes, it's true, sometimes grooms just can't get down the aisle... not necessarily because they don't want to, but because they just. can't. stop. talking. So, pushing, or shoving, grooms down the aisle is just another part of the job description.  At least the bride will never see... usually.

6. Secret Keepers

    Life happens, and we totally understand that.  Unexpected little miracles pop up and they're absolutely wonderful, but sometimes you'd like to just get through your wedding without anyone knowing.  We've definitely had a few "I'm pregnant but I need you to keep my non-alcoholic beverages and over-stuffing my face a secret... please." Hey, we grow to really love our clients and this is a no-brainer. Of COURSE we will keep your secret and pour you white grape juice to look like wine alllll night. Gotchu-gurr... gotchu.

7. Daycare Directors

    So, this isn't something we love doing, but we will do anyway. We have caught grooms smoking pot, and then had brides puking in the bathroom.  This does not make us love you any less, but, it doesn't make us love you more.  We also make sure that you are EATING.  Brides, everyone wants to look perfect on their big day, so you starve yourself leading up to your wedding... and during your wedding... and it never ends well.  So we are there, ensuring you eat at least something so you don't end up like the bride we had last weekend... that we found puking in the bathroom.

8. Family/Bridal Party Members

    We have had a ton of clients that we connect with... it's a perk of the job.  We love it and a lot of times we become part of your reception. We walk little ring-bearers and flower-girls down the aisle, we send our servers to dance with you when your guests leave and you just want one more song, and we even join in on the bubble blowing exit for you. We become part of your night if you need us to, and if not, we'll fade back into the shadows and look on like proud parents ;-)

9. We Cover for Vendors

    Look, if you think that our industry is perfect, to be blunt, you're wrong.  We mess up because we're human, and even though we try super duper hard, sometimes things happen.  There have been cakes that have needed fixing with just a few more flowers or icing that needed just a bit more smoothing. There have been DJ's we have had to take over for, and even centerpieces that have needed some tweaking.  Whatever it is, we aren't above putting in our own expertise.  We change nothing unless it's absolutely necessary... and you probably haven't even noticed it :)

10. Pyrotechnic Engineers and Exit Makers

    Sparklers: they're so hot right now. But literally. Lots of people are loving the effect that they give off for an exit, and the photographs are magical looking.  If you are ok with the minor dangers they propose, then have at it.  We have had a few sparklers to the face, however, and are very well prepared to throw anything and everything into buckets of sand/water.  There's also been edible sprinkles thrown... which is all very adorable, but man, what a mess, and from what I understand, they hurt when you're pelted with them! We will blow bubbles for you and gather all of your guests so that you have the best exit ever, but you have to exit and leave the premises... that's the point!

11. EMS

    From teenagers passed out in the bathroom (proms nowadays...) to men falling from cages, we are very well prepared to do anything and everything necessary to revive all of our guests.  Even our servers when they happen to slice their fingers and need immediate medical assistance. Blood? No problem! Ok, don't call Nikki for this one, or at least cover it up beforehand.

12. Weather Girls

    Mother Nature can be a b*tch and she doesn't really care what you have going on.  This being said, we are constantly checking the weather the day of your event.  We have had only one major storm threaten tornadoes during a reception, but we have had a couple of rather boisterous thunderstorms during events.  If we tell you that you shouldn't sit under a very large chandelier hanging from a tent outside with 40 mph winds, you might want to listen to us... we really are only looking out for you, after all.

13. Dumpster Divers

    Yes, you read that right.  We have dived into dumpsters for clients.  Special Note: hang onto that marriage license and don't let little kiddos get their little hands on it.  I can't say we were particularly thrilled to get into the dumpster, either.

14. Snowstorm Caterers

    We are dedicated caterers. DEDICATED. So while the whole world shuts down because of those little white flakes, WE WON'T. We might arrive two hours later than expected... but... we promise we will be there... in snow shoes, snow jackets and huge smiles :) Just give us some eggnog and we'll be happy campers.

15. LOTS AND LOTS OF THINGS

    We have sped down 64 back to downtown to get bacon for a party, we have moved ceremonies at the last minute, we definitely utilize your photobooth rental (because they're awesome), we are pack mules, janitors, bill collectors, and therapists (it's ok, every body needs one)... we make beer runs for your cocktail party, we are adopted into your families, and after it's all said and done, you can usually find us at the bar running into your wedding party for a little midnight release.  And we love it! We love our jobs. Who else gets to be all of these things??

Final Farewell

It's me again! The lovely intern from your very own Ice House & Crushed Ice Events!

I am writing this blog with a deep and aching sadness because it will be my last and final day here with these lovely ladies come today, August 9 at 5pm! =( 

These beautiful people here have taught me so much and have boosted my confidence in hopefully becoming a future event planner! I started from filing papers, to answering phone calls, to talking to clients and managing events on my own! Although there were times where I wanted to hide in a corner by myself and run, I say that I did a pretty good job handling my escalating responsibilities over the past few three months *pats self on back*. 

When it first came time for me to answer the phones, I would try to avoid it at all costs! The phone would ring, my eyes would widen, I'd stare at the phone, and by the time I talked myself into answering it someone else would pick it up and I would secretly wipe my brow with relief! Now I'm a phone-answering PRO (well almost). As if answering the phone was bad enough, when I had to speak with a client on my own...I suddenly discovered a stuttering problem that decided to show up that very day -_- yeah, embarrassing. But I survived and shortly after that I was talking to clients like I owned the place!!! 

Then came time for me to act as an Ice House manager. Now that was stressful but also very fun! I felt pretty darn official, not going to lie! The first event I worked as an Ice House manager was Allie Masterson's wedding reception.  Thankfully this was a pretty easy one and the crowd was great! I absolutely loved her and the groom's sweetheart table...

 I also loved their entrance table with their guest book accompanied by a grand flower arrangement. And their creamy, blush wedding cake that was to die for!

 

The set up and colors of her reception were one of the prettiest I've seen! Very simple and very elegant. Luckily for me the DJ made it clear to us he had it under control and by all means, with it being my first event as manager, I gladly handed it over to him!  Nobody passed out or died and the bride walked out with a smiling face and that's all that matters =).

I also got to hold the reigns in this past Saturday's wedding reception for Kristen Dugan. I really, really enjoyed this event minus the crazy set-up chaos.  First off the wind was ferocious and we couldn't get the mother of the bride's homemade airplane table decor to stay up on our terrace! Not to mention her fiance's pilot hat was on the display, so once that blew over we hoisted that thing right back inside! Luckily we found a way to fill the space. What better way than with food?!

After everyone started to show up 30 minutes early and our crew was running like their heads were cut off, we finally got everything situated and peace came over the venue! Whew!

Her stations included a mixture of our Bluegrass Station and our Comfort Bar which were decorated and plated in a homey, old-style fashion.

This was probably my favorite wedding I have worked.  Everyone there was full of energy and they danced the night away.  At the end the bride, her groom, and the family were all very pleased with everything. The mother even gave me hug! *tear* I felt like a real life manager for a second and had so much fun working with the Dugans.  I'm so happy that my last event was the best event! 

All in all, my experience here at the Ice House and Crushed Ice Events has been an amazing one. They definitely exceeded expectations I had of an internship.  Everyday I have felt like apart of the family here and I am truly saddened that the summer has to come to an end with them. I'm going to miss being in the office with everyone and especially...the DELICIOUS Crushed Ice Events leftovers!! Duh! I'm going to take everything I've learned here and use it in all my future endeavors! So long and farewell and like they say...

Eat, drink, & be merry!!!