Dearest Marilyn,

I am writing this to you, not only as a thank you note, but also to express my deep appreciation for all you have done in the planning of my step-daughter’s wedding.  I want to tell you, with words spoken from the heart, how much you have meant to Mark and I and especially me, during all of this.  We appreciate the calm professionalism you expressed during the planning of this event.

When Andrea first got engaged, like most parents, we thought we would be able to do all of the planning ourselves.  I had planned our wedding a few years before and I felt confident that I could plan her wedding too.  But, it soon became apparent what an overwhelming task that would be!  Andrea wanted a garden wedding, at our home, but I soon realized it would become impossible to handle by ourselves, under the circumstances.  Not only is a home wedding more complicated but her dad and I were also going to be ‘host and hostess’, not just ‘dad and step-mom’ of the bride!  We felt, though, that if she wanted it at our home we should try to accommodate her wishes. After all, a "dream wedding" happens only once in a lifetime.

Besides all of the usual questions, there were the etiquette questions such as, “who ushers whom?”, “where do we sit?”, “which mom is ushered when?”, and that was just the beginning!  Then there were so many other questions like, “which grandmother’s necklace does the bride wear down the aisle when there is more than one grandmother, so as not to hurt feelings?”  It was apparent this was not going to be an easy task for us.  We needed to keep the peace between everyone and still make sure it was a happy event, in the end, for my step-daughter.  Trying to plan a “normal wedding” is difficult enough, but when it comes to “blended families” it becomes much more complicated. 

The best thing to do was to hire a professional wedding coordinator, someone that knew the answer to these questions.  After interviewing several consultants, it was obvious to Mark and I that you were right for the job.

Your calm demeanor and professionalism were apparent right from the beginning.  Also, the way in which you handled the most delicate of situations was wonderful, like the “necklace”.  What a lovely idea to have Andrea wear one around her neck and also weave one into her bouquet so as not to offend either grandmother!  And, little things like “how do we do the bouquet toss if there are no eligible girls present?”  All of your ideas and suggestions were such a welcome relief from what surely could have been a very difficult situation.  Whether you know it or not, you are a ‘great psychologist’!  Trying to deal with all of the weird psychology of all of this just made you a great shrink too!

Marilyn, you were so wonderful during our short time together in planning this wedding.  I was actually sorry to see it come to a close.  I found myself wishing we were still planning a wedding by the time everything was finished. 

Please feel free to use any or all of the above in your dealings with other brides and their families.  I would be more than happy and honored if you were to do so.  It is the least I can do to tell people how truly wonderful you have been through this whole process.  We knew when we interviewed you that you would be perfect in many of the aspects of planning such an event, but at the same time we also felt your diplomacy and understanding of a somewhat difficult circumstance would be invaluable.

Mark and I wish you well with all of the beautiful weddings yet to come and know in our hearts that any bride, groom, family or step-parent would be so very fortunate to find you to help plan their special day for them.   Thank you for all your hard work and for being a really good person.  You are truly a rare gem in life.

Thank you again,

Theresa Beaudry
Beavercreek, Oregon

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