From ABC’s Good Morning America (09/05/10): Tips on how to have the wedding of your dreams on a budget.

Drew and Ashley Hinrichs celebrated their happiness with a wedding ceremony and Kansas City wedding reception at the Boulevard Brewery in the crossroads of Kansas City, MO. It was an unforgettably fun evening as they were joined by over 150 of their closest friends and family. And, Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment was invited to serve as their Wedding Entertainment Director and Kansas City wedding DJ.

One of the coolest things about Drew &  Ashley having their wedding ceremony and  at the Boulevard Brewery (other than the fact that it was at a brewery) was the amazing backdrop created by the skyline of downtown Kansas City. We’re just as anxious as Drew & Ashley to see the photos taken by The Parsons Photographers and the video shot by Reclaim Creative Video.

While we wait, we thought we’d share just a few of the not-so-professional pics and home-style videos we were able to grab at the evening’s festivities.

Every couple is unique. It is those unique traits that can be (should be) incorporated into a Kansas City wedding reception to create a signature celebration…one that is exclusive to that couple’s personality and style.

As their Kansas city wedding DJ and Wedding Entertainment Director, helping Drew and Ashley discover those distinct qualities was easy and fun. Including those individual characteristics as a part of their one-of-a-kind Kansas City wedding reception was not only enjoyable for them…but will remain a lifelong memory for all.

One of the favorite surprises of their Kansas City wedding reception coincided with the cake cutting. Drew’s dad owns the franchise rights to Dairy Queen in Cass County, Missouri. As young men, Drew and his brother, Chris, worked in their father’s stores. That experience was a big part of Drew’s life. It was only natural to include his (and, of course, Ashley’s) love for Dairy Queen ice cream into their wedding day memories.

Once Drew & Ashley had cut their cake, the guests were told that “we need to pause for a moment for a word from our sponsor.” They were then instructed to watch the 2 video screens along the wall of the Boulevard Brewery ballroom. Their family and friends filled the room with laughter as they viewed one of the best and funniest Dairy Queen commercials ever produced along with a brief, vintage DQ slide show, accompanied by a Dairy Queen jingle.

At the conclusion of the video commercial, the guests went crazy as the servers entered the Boulevard Brewery ballroom with trays loaded with dozens of small, DQ cups filled with Dairy Queen ice cream for everyone.

To add to the excitement, Drew & Ashley also provided hot fudge and sprinkles.

New rule! Every Kansas City wedding receptionshould have Dairy Queen ice cream with all the fixin’s to serve along side the wedding cake.

You know those Kansas City wedding receptions you’ve been to where the Bride & Groom have their First Dance and nobody pays any attention? That didn’t happen at Drew and Ashley Hinrichs wedding celebration. No way! Their guests were so engaged in all of the fun of the evening that they couldn’t help themselves…they had to see what other special thing Drew & Ashley might have in store for them.

And, they weren’t disappointed as you’ll see in Drew & Ashley’s awesome First Dance video. They not only took a few dance lessons to make themselves comfortable on the dance floor and entertaining to watch, they also included a few words of love to each other throughout the song. Pay close attention to the reaction of their family and friends.

But, as much fun as the activities and formalities were, an unforgettably fun, Kansas City wedding reception has to include an awesome party with loads of dancing!  

We thank Drew & Ashley Hinrichs for allowing Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment to be a part of their Kansas City wedding reception as their Kansas City wedding DJ and Wedding Entertainment Director.

Over the weekend I received a comment to a post I made back in February, 2010, regarding the “Good Morning America Extreme Proposal Challenge.”  In that post I questioned whether the winner’s proposal was really “extreme.” Don’t get me wrong, it was nice and memorable. But, when I think “extreme,” I also envision so “over the top” that I want to tell all of my friends about it. 

Well…a reader of our blog has also taken exception to the “extreme” nature of the proposal that won the “GMA” challenge and has offered a friendly challenge of his own.

Although I really don’t want to get into the “judging” business, I’m always happy to share fun and unique ways for couples to celebrate their wedding, even if it goes back to the proposal itself.  In many cases, these are special, personal moments that can be (should be) shared at a wedding reception and incorporated into the fun memories of the celebration.

Here’s what our reader. Austin, had to say about his May 29, 2010, proposal to his fiancé, Sheri : 

“I wouldn’t call that an “extreme” proposal, but, but I give them points for being Colts fans. My fiancee and I are from Indianapolis. My proposal was probably more extreme than that – driving a Corvette at 90 mph by police escort to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, driving around the track, proposing on the bricks, being announced at a Corvette event in front of a couple thousand people then having Tony Kanaan (fiancee’s favorite driver), congratulate us. It was an amazing day for us! Check out our video below!”

So what do you think? Did Austin out “extreme” the GMA winner? You be the judge!

Create Advance Excitement For Your Kansas City Wedding Reception With A Save The Date Wedding Video.

At Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment, we have a tremendous respect and admiration for the imaginative spirit. We believe it is the primary ingredient to creating an unforgettably fun wedding celebration. Your imagination is the greatest tool you have to enjoy the Kansas City wedding and wedding reception of your dreams.

But, you don’t have to wait until your Kansas City wedding and wedding reception to show off your innovative style. Create a festive tone, well in advance of your celebration, by sending your family and friends a Save The Date wedding video announcement for your big event!

Save The Date wedding videos are a fun surprise for your guests that can also add an element of excitement to your special day…long before it happens. And, you don’t have to be an expert at film making to put together a wedding, Save The Date video.

What follows are some of our favorite Save The Date wedding videos.

Some are a bit more elaborate than others. But, you can easily incorporate one or more of the best ideas from these videos to make your very own creative and unique, Save The Date video for your fun, Kansas City wedding and wedding reception.

The only limits are your imagination…and maybe your access to a video camera. But, if you can take a photograph, you can still produce a slide show, Save The Date wedding video that your friends & family will want to watch over and over, again.

No Video Camera? No Problem!
Gather up all of the favorite, fun photos of you and your fiancè that you’ve stashed away on your hard drive throughout your relationship. Maybe take a few more pics with the 2 of you holding signs that give hints or lead the viewer to the finalè of your Save The Date, wedding slide show video.

Then, using a software program like Windows Movie Maker or Apple’s iMovie, add the pictures, along with transitions, text and music, to create a personalized, Save The Date wedding video slideshow.

Lights! Camera! Action!
Create an entire “screenplay” that highlights important points in your relationship then capture it all on video!

Let your imagination run wild.

The following example of a Save The Date wedding video is so creative and unique, with so many hits on You Tube that the couple (getting married in just a few weeks) was interviewed on the CBS Early Show.

Here’s the full length version of their “blockbuster,” Save The Date wedding video. Don’t let the “production value” scare you off. There’s more, less “explosive” Save The Date wedding videos to follow.

“Just ‘Roll ‘Em!’”
This Save The Date wedding video makes you wonder if it was scripted or if the couple improvised. It’s so “natural” that people that don’t even know these 2 will want to send them a waffle maker as a wedding gift! And, it’s pretty simple to create.

“Be Kind. Rewind!”
If you like cake, you’re going to love this incredibly fun, Save The Date wedding video. The best part…there’s no mess to clean up at the end of the shoot.

“String Them Along!”
Admittedly, this very short and sweet, stop-motion Save The Date wedding video is so well done that it looks really easy to produce. Our guess, however, is that you’ll need to invest a little bit of time in finding some magical string. Once you do, you’ll probably discover a creative side to yourself that you never knew you had.  The only way you’ll know for sure is to grab your camera and get started.

Words really can’t describe our final, favorite, Save The Date wedding video. It’s safe to say, however, that this couple had fun injecting their individual personalities and style into the final product. We don’t know for sure but we can surmise that their family and friends were probably amazed by the video but not totally suprised by the couple’s performance. It’s an excellent example of incorporating  the most recognizable things about “you” into your Save The Date wedding video to make it fun, entertaining and extraordinarily memorable.

Well, that does it for our favorite Save The Date wedding videos thus far. We’ll post others as they become available that you may find inspiring in creating one of your own for your Kansas City wedding and wedding reception . In the meantime, visit You Tube and check out all of the creative and imaginative Save The Date wedding videos that couples have posted. We were particularly amused by a number of Lego, stop-action videos…like this one!

If you’ve created a Save The Date wedding video for your Kansas City wedding and wedding reception , we’d love to see it! Email a copy to ron@ronruthweddings.com or post a link in the “comments” section.

The Old Spice guy is at it again. This guy is awesome! He’s answering tweets from fans, one that asked him to propose to a fan’s girlfriend for him. Don’t know if she said “yes” but who could resist a proposal from this guy?

Have you made plans to attend the Perfect Wedding Guide Fall 2010 Bridal Show?

Win A Pair Of Tickets

DATE: Sunday, September 19, 2010

TIME: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Overland Park Convention Center

Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment will be there and providing the sound and music for the runway show. Ron Ruth will also act as the Master of Ceremonies for the bridal gown give-a-way at the conclusion of the 3:30 p.m. fashion show. Our booth will be located directly behind the last row of seats in the center viewing area. 

Tickets are $10 at the door or $6 in advance, on-line or…

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE PWG BRIDAL SHOW!
From September 1st through the 14th, Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment will give you a chance to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS to the Perfect Wedding Guide Fall 2010 Bridal Show! No purchase necessary! Need not be present to win.

To be eligible to win, you must be a “fan” of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment on Facebook and live within a 50 mile radius of Kansas City.  Beginning Wednesday, September 1st, send an email entry to ron@ronruthweddings.com that includes your 1) name, 2) mailing address, 3) wedding date and 4) wedding reception location. Eligible entries must include the words “PWG Entry” in the subject line. Incomplete entries will be discarded.

One email entry will be selected through a random drawing at 5pm daily as the winner for that day. You may submit as many entries as you wish during the 2 week contest period but are limited to only one entry per person, per day.  Last day to enter is Tuesday, September 14, 2010.

Winners will be advised by email and posted on our Facebook page.

MEET THE AUTHOR OF “THE BEST WEDDING RECEPTION…EVER!”
While you’re at the PWG Bridal Show, stop by our booth to meet Peter Merry, nationally recognized wedding entertainment expert and author of “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!“

Since it’s original release in 2007, “TBWRE!” has received outstanding reviews and extraordinary media coverage, while over 10,000 Brides & Grooms and wedding professionals have used Peter’s book to create unforgettably fun wedding celebrations.

You’ll not only have an opportunity to pick up the updated edition of “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!”, with over 100 new, creative and fun ideas before it goes on sale in bookstores on October 12th, Peter will share entertaining passages prior to the PWG fashion shows. He’ll also be on hand to personally sign your copy. (Read More)

Peter Merry is the founder of the Wedding Entertainment Directors Guild™.

HOW TO CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLY FUN CELEBRATION!
In 2007, my friend and fellow Wedding Entertainment Director™, Peter Merry, released his self-published book, ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!,” the first wedding planning book for Brides and Grooms who want their guests to enjoy an unforgettably fun celebration.

Since its initial release, ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” has received outstanding reviews and extraordinary media coverage , while over 10,000 Brides and Grooms purchased the book to assist them with their once-in-a-lifetime wedding receptions. It also became a must-have reference for countless wedding DJs and other wedding professionals across the country.

MAKING THE “BEST” BETTER!
Peter Merry has now updated “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!,” adding even more valuable information. ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” features 230 creative ideas for planning a wedding reception celebration that will be filled with laughter and dancing and memorable moments that flow smoothly from one moment to the next.

COMING TO A BOOKSTORE NEAR YOU!
The good news is that it will be possible for nearlyweds to find this incredible resource at bookstores everywhere, beginning October 12, 2010! If you just can’t wait, you can pre-order “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” on the Barnes & Noble and Borders Bookstores’ web sites. 

Peter Merry, Author.

PETER MERRY IS COMING TO KANSAS CITY!
But, here’s the best news…ever! You can snag a copy of “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!“ before it goes on sale to the general public when Peter Merry comes to Kansas City for a series of personal appearances and a very special, “Sneak Preview Release.” You can catch Peter at a number of speaking engagements throughout the metro, from Wednesday, September 15th, through Sunday, September 19th…including the Perfect Wedding Guide Fall 2010 Bridal Show in Overland Park, KS.

CHECK OUT PETER’S BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE.
A short list of Peter Merry’s appearances has been listed in the “Events” section of the Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment Facebook page. Become a fan by “Liking” our page and we’ll keep you posted as to where and when you can see Peter and get your inaugural, signed copy of ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!“

Get Your Signed Copy At The PWG Fall 2010 Bridal Show

“The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” also has 101 full color images submitted by 32 highly talented professional wedding photographers…along with 22 real couple profile pages showcasing each couple’s uniquely personalized reception agenda and music selections.

GET A TASTE OF WHAT’S INSIDE!  
These are the Chapter Titles for “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!“…the first wedding planning book for brides and grooms who want their guests to enjoy an unforgettably fun celebration.

Chapter Titles for “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” from The Best Wedding Reception Ever! on Vimeo.

Few can argue that Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare has caused some people that may have, otherwise, lived a rather obscure life, to become more than a bit fanatical about making sure that the world knows of their every move. So, it should come as no real shock that these same social networking sites might cause an overly eager friend to “spill the beans” about a couple’s engagement on Facebook or Twitter before they’ve told their families. And, what about the guest that uses these same social networking sites to post status updates with real time, play-by-play, wedding commentary (the good & the not so complimentary) of everything from the Bride and Groom’s choices of attire, food and decor, complete with photographs, before the party has even begun?

Some newlyweds may be giddy knowing that anyone paying attention on the worldwide web can become a “virtual,” albeit uninvited guest at their wedding. It sounds fun, especially since these individuals (some strangers) won’t have to be fed or included in the bar tab!

Others, however, may be more than slightly aggravated that their special day has suddenly become the less than personal and intimate affair they had dreamed about.     

If you’re one of those couples that doesn’t want your family and friends instantaneously posting your wedding details to their Facebook wall and Twitter newsfeeds, the editors at WeddingChannel.com have put together a “Top Five Digital Wedding Guest Don’ts”.  Let your guests in on your wish to not turn your wedding into instant fodder for discussion or, worse yet, criticism by posting this guest guide to your (this part is so hard to write with a straight face) Facebook page, your wedding web site, your blog and/or Twitter newsfeed.   

 “DON’T GIVE A WEDDING DAY PLAY-BY-PLAY.

“Just checked into John and Jane’s wedding.” “Bride walking down the aisle now.” It may be hard to resist, but sharing minute-by-minute details about someone else’s wedding on Facebook, Twitter or foursquare is not okay. Let the bride check-in to her own wedding if she wants. And when it comes to the engagement — make sure you ask the bride whether the happy news is public yet — she might’ve only told a few friends so far and probably won’t appreciate you sharing her engagement news on Facebook instead of her. 

DON’T BE THE PAPARAZZI.

Just because you post what you eat every day on Flickr, doesn’t mean the bride wants her bachelorette party, bridal shower and wedding seen by the world. According to a WeddingChannel.com poll, 40% of brides said posting photos online without permission or even a heads-up was their biggest digital wedding gripe. So ask before posting wedding-related photos and videos, and don’t even think about posting unflattering wedding pictures and risqué bachelorette party videos. 

DON’T RSVP VIA TWEET.

Unless the bride said “RSVP on Twitter,” chances are she wants you to RSVP via mail. Not to mention, posting on your friend’s Facebook wall may trigger drama. Who knows who the bride didn’t invite! 

DON’T COMPLAIN ONLINE.

Bride’s being a bridezilla? Hate your bridesmaid dress? If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t post it online-because chances are it will spread like viral fire, and you don’t want the bride to find out. Or do you? 

DON’T FORGET THE GIFT.

In this digital age, it doesn’t take that much effort to go online and buy a gift—especially when you can easily find a couple’s registry just by entering the bride’s name on WeddingChannel.com. ”

Don’t be a wedding tweet twit. Give your fingers, friends, fans and followers a much deserved rest. The Bride & Groom will appreciate your consideration and undivided attention.

“Groomology” is a book every Groom should not only read, but keep with him as a reference throughout the wedding planning process. It’s an entertaining look at serious ways Grooms-to-be can be active participants in the planning while helping their Brides-to-be avoid so much unneeded stress.  

As a guide to “what every (smart) Groom needs to know before the wedding,” it’s filled with extremely helpful and useful information. Plus, did I mention, it’s entertaining!

Like the Grooms that have borrowed the book from me, most engaged guys will enjoy the rather quick read. One of its unique selling points is that it is written from another guy’s perspective. You won’t be hearing Martha Stewart or any other so-called, female wedding expert in your head as you get into the meat of information that is sure to win you accolades from your Bride for years to come. 

The author, Michael Essany,was the host of  “The Michael Essany Show” on E! Entertainment Television. As a recent groom himself, Essany saw the need for an intelligent guide that would help the couple plan their wedding together.

“Groomology” Contents:

Let “Groomology” show you how becoming a partner in the wedding process can make the whole event more enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable. Time and time again, soon-to-be husbands only tackle what the bride-to-be has told them to do. “Groomology” outlines these traditional Groom’s duties but goes a step further to instruct Grooms in the art of getting involved.

Grooms Will Learn The Best Strategies For A Happy Bride Including: Being Sensitive To the Bride’s Needs and Worries. Taking Over Tasks the Bride Doesn’t Want. Understanding How Much Work Goes Into It All. Reducing Her Stress. Giving an Opinion. Letting Go of an Opinion. Being Creative. The One Thing He Needs to Do…(More “Groomology” contents). 

For more information about “Groomology,” including excerpts from the book, visit the listing on Amazon. Then…buy the book! You AND your Bride will be glad you did!

The Overland Park Marriott
Proudly Presents:

An Entertaining Workshop For Every Bride & Groom!

Please Attend As Our Guest:
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
from
6:00pm-8:00pm

At the
Overland Park Marriott (Map)
Grand Pavilion

Admission: FREE

You and your guests will have the opportunity to meet Ron Ruth, owner of Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment and one of the most sought after Wedding Entertainment Directors™ in the Midwest.

Ron will share his helpful tips, creative ideas and insider’s secrets of using…

to design and create an extraordinarily fun wedding celebration
that your family and friends will rave about for years to come.

To RSVP please contact Christina Cook, Catering Sales Executive, at 913.338.8626
or Christina.Cook@marriott.com.

Come and experience The Overland Park Marriott’s Chef’s culinary delights and discuss your
Wedding Reception, Rehearsal Dinner, Bridal Shower, or Luncheon with a Marriott Certified Wedding Planner. Prepare to be inspired by the striking, contemporary design
that now embodies the Overland Park Marriott.

To RSVP please contact Christina Cook, Catering Sales Executive, at 913.338.8626
or Christina.Cook@marriott.com.

Recently Added: Exciting news from the Mojica Photography blog. Loraine Mojica McCall writes: “I will be there as well, and will give all attendees a free digital portrait after the workshop. Even if you think you’ve already planned everything for your wedding, it will be worth your while, plus you’ll get a free professional portrait for your FB profile.”