Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Look for me in Spice Magazine!

I am thrilled to announce that myself as well as my beautiful home have been chosen to be featured in Spice Magazine's Bridal Issue! I feel so honored to have been selected and am extremely excited to have this opportunity.

The issue is due to be released on January 27, 2008.

*Don't forget to pick up a copy in the Sunday issue of the San Antonio Express-News

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Meredith & Nicholas November 24, 2007

Meredith and Nicholas were absolutely GLOWING yesterday! We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. The ceremony was held at the Chapel at Trinity University. The ceremony was filled with candle light and love. The bridesmaids looked wonderful in their mixture of dark to light Brown gowns. For the bouquets we chose ivory and chocolate brown peonies with rhinestone accents. These flowers done by our very talented florist William Garza were the perfect accents.


The reception site was Pearl Stable and it was perfect for the big plans this couple had. They really wanted to incorporate unique details that represented them as a couple throughout their wedding and reception. These details included a candy bar stocked full of sweet delectable delights as well as a variety of pizza for all to enjoy!



The center pieces for the reception were tons of candles, small arrangements of ivory peonies and beautiful LARGE trees with elegant crystals cascading down from the branches that together my florist and I were able to create. The overall feel was romantic and fun, fun, fun!





The cake that the couple chose was stunning. It was five tiers with chocolate brown swirl details all over the ivory icing.




The family and friends of both the bride and groom had a blast dancing to the fantastic live band!


This celebration of love was definitely not one to be soon forgotten!


Monday, November 19, 2007

Ashley & Martin November 17, 2007


Ashley and Martin were radiant and oh so in love! This couple had an abundance of fantastic ideas for their wedding and I truly enjoyed my time spent planning their union.



The ceremony and reception were both held at the International Center in downtown San Antonio. The city scape and dozens of candles lining the windows and tables made for an exquisite and unique evening!


The bridesmaids dress was black and she carried a small bouquet of flowers mimicking that of Ashley's she also wore a beautiful burnt orange chrysanthemum in her hair to tie the entire outfit together.






The French Connections wonderful guitarists played music requested by the couple to set the mood for cocktail hour.

It was really the little details that made this wedding so memorable. Ashley and Martin were filled with ideas about how they wanted to keep their day personal to them as a couple. These details included black and white photographs of them and family and friends strung around the room.



Ashley and Martin did not want just any wedding cake they wanted cupcakes! The cupcakes they chose were absolutly dazzling! The couple cut slices out of the cupcake to feed to one another at the traditional cutting of the cake.



The over all feel of the wedding was fun and relaxed everyone seemed to have had a blast! One of my favorit moments from this wedding was Ashley and Martin dancing in the center of a circle of their loved ones as bubbles floated around the room. What a truly memorable moment!




Ashley and Martin were such a lovely couple to work with I can hardly believe that their wedding is already over. I could not be happier for them!


Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Great facility for weddings and rehearsal dinners!



For anyone planning a hill country wedding then you must check out the YeKendall Inn located in Boerne, Texas. I recently had the pleasure of visiting this property and I think everyone should go have a look for themselves. I would have never guessed that they could accomodate a good sized wedding reception. From the outside you only see the inn. But they have cleverly added a banquet space that nicely fits this historic location. The property not only offers a nice spot for a reception but you can easily have your wedding ceremony there too.
And you must have a look at their sleep accommodations. Very cute. I think it would be so fun to have friends and family stay right on property. It would be so convenient.


Taylor is the catering manager and a joy to work with. Please tell her I said HELLO!

Monday, October 01, 2007

Valero Texas Open

What an honor! The French Connection and my wonderful florist William Garza were selected to provide the flowers for this year's Valero Texas Open. This is a big order to fill. The executives at Valero loved our presentation. They were all blow away by the design of our arrangements and the finishing touch was the organization of how we will accomplish the fulfillment for this huge event.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

San Antonio Weddings Magazine Article



Style; substance and success make Tracy French the perfect TV personality. Ready for Her Close-Up By Allison Bagley

“Today’s bride is a busy professional or a student--- she doesn’t have time in her day to run around making appointments and phone calls.”

Enter the wedding planner. But, not just any wedding planner. The Style Network’s go-to expert for wedding reality shows “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” and “Married Away”--- Tracy French, a San Antonio-based wedding coordinator who has won the hearts of network executives and viewers alike.

French, owner of The French Connection, has been making bride’s dreams--- no matter how impossible--- come true for six years. And, she seems to have mastered every aspect of the business. Her company has expanded operations to include wedding photography, floral design, hair and make-up, catering and music. She has even found the time to write a blog about wedding planning.

In 2004, French received a call from The Style Network requesting total access to one of her upcoming weddings for “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” When the show aired, she was a hit with viewers. Two series and eight episodes later, the network is still calling.

“Tracy has the perfect disposition for a wedding planner,” says Stephanie Eno Bianco, director of current programming planning for The Style Network. “She's articulate and sensitive, confident and capable and completely adorable. Our audience embraces her sweet Southern charm and likens her to their close friends. What more can you ask for in a wedding planner?”
Described on one episode as a planner “braced for a battle to satisfy her bride,” French says she doesn’t believe in alarm clocks, eats dessert daily and refuses to lead an ordinary life.
She attributes her success on The Style Network to her commitment.

“This is a full-time business and career for me,” French says. “I get really involved and I want to make a bride’s day exactly what she has always dreamed of. And, it doesn’t hurt that I like style and fashion. I think they like seeing that on their shows.”

“Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?,” now in its sixth season, reveals all chaos of wedding planning. From the tears about the tiara to the tight time constraints the day of, it’s a show anyone who has ever been involved in the process can appreciate.

“Weddings are about fulfilling a lifelong dream and the expectations that are put on these planners are amazing,” Bianco says. “We look for wedding consultants who we know can deliver the fantasy and make great television at the same time.”

French has not limited herself to planning weddings in South Texas. As destination weddings have become more popular, she also finds herself in exotic new locales.

“A lot of couples want a party,” French says. “When they envision their day, they see everyone having fun. Getting away means a weekend full of activities. That’s why we’re seeing more and more destination weddings.”

A wedding she planned in Hawaii was featured on the first-ever “Married Away,” The Style Network’s new reality show that follows planners who have the added pressure of pulling off a perfect wedding--- in uncharted territory.

Renay Wright and Joe Herter’s seaside wedding took place at an intimate Oahu resort--- the perfect venue for a couple who wanted to spend as much time as possible with loved ones before Joe’s possible military deployment.

“The network is always looking for a couple that has an interesting story,” French says. “When you start asking couples about their day-to-day lives outside of the wedding, you find out their stories are so compelling.”

French says programs like “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” and “Married Away” fill a need. “Brides are addicted to the planning process. When they become engaged all they want to do is sleep, eat and breathe weddings. They soak it all up. They want to find new and fun ways of doing things on their special day, and what they should and shouldn’t do.”

So what is French’s one piece of advice, for brides both on and off screen?

“Set your budget,” she advises. “You really can’t make another decision until it’s determined.”
She also recommends brides talk numbers over with all the key members who are going to contribute to the day and be realistic about what you can spend in creating your ideal wedding.
One of French’s recent weddings was featured on the season premiere of “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” Heather Whitney and Philip Atkins, the featured couple, watched their wedding footage for the first time along with an international audience.
Whitney learned about French while watching The Style Network. “I always thought having a wedding consultant meant you had to have a huge affair,” Whitney says. “But on this episode, Tracy was doing a ‘regular’ wedding. I fell in love with her from our very first meeting.”
There may have been an underlying reason Whitney picked French to plan her wedding. “I always secretly wished she would ask me to be on one of the episodes,” she confesses.
On the day of her bridal shower, Whitney learned that her wish might be granted. French received a call to fill in on an episode, and she recommended Whitney and Atkins’ wedding.
The couple quickly filled out the application, created a homemade audition tape and participated in a conference call with network execs to see if they were a match for the show. It wasn’t until four days before the wedding that they found out they had been chosen.

“They called us one day, and the next morning the crews were in San Antonio,” Whitney recalls.
Being followed by camera crews to all the appointments in the final days leading up to the weekend was exhausting, Whitney says, but exciting. “How much more stress do you need at that time? You already want to look good in your dress, but add to that the pressure of being on camera!”

The bride adds, “I was nervous when all the taping first started, but within five minutes it was really easy. They were very respectful and blended in.”
In the end, the couple says it was worth it. “I think it’s the coolest thing ever--- our wedding will be on TV!” Whitney says.

And how did Atkins feel about the behind-the-scenes taping?
“He knew it would complete my day, so he was very supportive. All he cared about was that the filming wouldn’t get in the way of his golf plans that weekend.”
As long as there’s a need for reality wedding programming, French says she is ready to answer the call. “It’s a chance to showcase my work and get the word out about my services, and I welcome that,” she says. “It has been absolutely wonderful and I’m very thankful.”

“Our programs are geared towards anyone who has ever dreamed of a wedding,” Bianco says. “I think single girls watch to dream, brides-to-be watch to be inspired and married women want to relive their wedding days. We all love to peek into others’ lives.”

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Anneliese & Gilead ~ September 2, 2007







The rain didn't ruin this beauitful day. I began working with Anneliese and Gilead just about 3 months before they tied the knot. We selected the beautiful and historic Marriott Plaza Hotel Conference Center for the site of the wedding and reception. The Marriott Plaza really does a wonderful job. This venue is one of my favorites. The ceremony was held in front of the fountain underneath the gorgeous oak trees. As the guests arrived they were greated to wooden fans and lemonade. The bridesmaids looked wonderful in their blue and chocolate colored dresses. And then men looked very handsome in their brown tuxedos. Anneliese was glowing as she walked down the aisle. I LOVED her flowers. They were so pretty. The French Connection did her flowers and my wonderful florist did a beautiful job at bringing to life our vision. Not many couples choose to write their own vows like this couple did. It was so special!!

Following the ceremony we had just enough time to get a few formal pictures before the rain began. It was not a problem though. We were able to quickly move the cocktail reception and everyone stayed dry.

One of my favorite things this couple chose to do was instead of having a traditional wedding cake they wanted pie! And lots of pie!! We had every single flavor of pie that we could get from Marie Callendars. It was so much fun.
The guests loved it.

Following dinner and pie everyone made their way into the dancing room where they witnessed the toast and the first dances. I could hardly keep from crying during the mother son dance. It was so touching. Once the slow first dances were done this group was ready to turn things up. It seemed like all othe guests enjoyed themselves on the dance floor. I really pride myself in working with wonderful vendors who will make my client's day special. The French Connection provided the DJ services and their guests danced until their shoes came off! Literally.
The gals all had their shoes off.
Everyone had a really great time.


Here is a note from the bride:

From: anneliese r.
Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 8:15 AM
To: Tracy French
Subject: Thank you

Good Morning Tracy!

First, I want to say thank you so much! Our wedding truely was perfect. I could not have asked for anything more. Your photographers even went out of their way to teach our guests how to line dance. It was wonderful! I can not wait to get the pictures back.

Well thank you again and if there is anything I can do, please let me know. You and Alex are the best!

Anneliese

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Marcela & PJ ~ July 14, 2007

I can not believe Marcela and PJ are married! I have been working with this family for the past 2 years!

When you plan a wedding for this long you have the time to plan out all of the little details that really make the day memorable.
The couple had a traditional wedding at the Little Flower Basilica.

Because of their love for Hawaii the couple decided on a seaside themed reception. As the guests arrived at the reception they were greeted by hula greeters and presented a lei. When the bride and groom arrived they were escorted in by dancers and the hula show began. Not too many people think about bring a little bit of Hawaii to their San Antonio wedding but we did and it worked. The dancers did a wonderful job of interacting with the guests and keep everyone entertained. Just as the hula show ended and the dancers exited the sound of mariachis began playing from the back of the room. Everyone faces lit up as they turned to see the mariachis enter the room in a seamless transition.










Another special touch we added to the day was a slide show that we played during the first dances. During the father/daughter and the mother/son dances pictures of the couple growing up were shown and then during the couple's first dance we played pictures of the couple together. It was enjoyable to see the entire room entranced by what they were watching.




With the wedding cake snowcones were served to the children and the big kids too!
The wedding was a huge success!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Savannah, Georgia

Destination Wedding
Well I just returned from working with my New York couple and finishing up the details for their wonderful Savannah, Georgia wedding. It was my first visit to Savannah but hopefully not my last. Savannah is a great location for a destination wedding.
My couple had 95 of their closest friends and family travel to Savannah for a weekend of celebrating. It was truly intimate.
The wedding was held at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. Stunning! And the service is superb!

Monday, June 25, 2007

Lori & Ben ~ June 23, 2007

This adorable couple came to my office needing photography services. And from there they decided they could greatly simplify their planning process by taking advantage of as many services as they could with our company.


Lori used our hair and makeup services, floral, DJ, photography and wedding cake services.

When it came time for them to finalize the details for their big day they decided they really needed to have us there to help them insure their entire day went as smoothly as possible.



So they hired us to set up their reception and coordinate everything so they could simply relax and enjoy!

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Are you planning a destination wedding?


Are you drowning in details? Are you ready to ditch your wedding plans? Do you only have a small amount of money but still want a great, unique wedding? Would you rather walk down the aisle - off the beaten path? We can make it happen! Say "I do" in Indonesia! Share champagne toasts in Colorado! Cut the cake in Cabo! We'll take you there!!

Yes I am looking for couples who are dreaming of a destination wedding! I want to feature you on the next season of MARRIED AWAY. This destination wedding show is hitting some of the world's most luxurious hot spots, and we want to take fun couples with us. We'll hook you up with an amazing venue and you leaving the planning to us. Even if you have your location set but you're in need of a planner, we'd love to hear from you. This is your opportunity to have the most amazing destination wedding imaginable, without breaking the bank!
All participants must be 21 years of age or older, have a wedding date set in 2007. Please get in touch with me at tracy@thefrenchconnectionevents.com or (210) 349-8301

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Michelle and Nimo ~ May 5, 2007



The sweetest couple!
Michelle's gown was so pretty! I think it is one of my favorites.

The wedding ceremony was at Our Lady of the Lake and the reception was at the Marriott Plaza Hotel. We originally planned to use the outdoor areas at the Marriott for much of the reception but the threat of rain and extreme humidity made us decide to move it in doors. I think it was a wonderful decision and everything turned out better than we had planned.

The bride and her bridesmaids got ready at the Marriott Plaza's Diaz House. This is such a great space to be to utilize. No messing up a sleep room and plenty of room to move around. Of course the bride utilized my on staff hair and makeup artist! We think every bride should have their hair and makeup artist come to them! No running around for our bride's!!

Once everyone was beautiful it was off to the church in trolleys. We really love using the trolleys to transport everyone. This way everyone is together and arrives at the same time!!!! And the trolleys are just fun!




Following the ceremony the guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hor'd outside of the ballroom at the Marriott Plaza. Once the bride and groom joined their guests the doors to the main ballroom were opened and the guests made their way to their seats. The dinner was wonderful. The Marriott has a wonderful chef and they go out of their way to make sure everyone is happy.


Picture of me helping my bride put her heals back on.


The bride and groom and all of their guests danced the evening away. Everyone was happy to see this special couple marry.

What a sweet couple!!!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Eva & Garrett March 31, 2007

This was a spectacular event! We utilized every part of the beautiful Southwest School of Art and Crafts Center for my couple Eva and Garrett's special day.

We began the day with guests arriving to a pre-ceremony beverage in the Convent Garden. This gave all of the guests who had rushed to get to the ceremony time to relax and mingle. During this time we set up a Martha Stewart inspired photo station where we hung a piece of floral fabric and took Polaroid snap shots that the bride will later place in her wedding scrap book.



We then escorted the guests into the beautiful chapel to witness the ceremony.


The romantic ceremony was followed by cocktails in the River Garden. Passed Pink Martini's and comfy lounge furniture placed in the middle of the gazebo created a mood that made guests gather and mingle.

Dinner was on the other side of the River Garden under hanging lanterns. We treated the guests to active stations to keep the mood of a very social event. Guests took their time and really seemed to enjoy themselves. We could hardly get them up from this area when it was time to move to the next phase of the event.


During dinner we transformed the chapel. After dinner the guests were led back into the chapel for wedding cake, chocolate fountain and coffee station. We created many areas for guests to sit and talk and other areas for guests to dance and watch. We had specialty up lighting throughout the chapel and illuminated the stained glass windows from outside. The cake was surrounded by floating candles and lights.


I always say that a wedding should be thought of many small events inside your large event. We created this by taking guests from area to area. This maintained interest throughout the evening. Also we created a very social environment for all of Eva's and Garrett's guests to mingle and enjoy one another.