12 Months of Giveaways, Just For You

Hey you! We know that you love giveaways, because we do too – especially awesome wedding giveaways. You’ve worked tirelessly to plan your wedding, or maybe you’re just getting started, but either way you’re looking for ways to 1) save money 2) get the vendors you want and 3) execute the best wedding possible. Hint: we’re about to give you some special giveaway news that you might not know yet and you’re in for a treat!

You might have seen a spread in our adorable little guide that looks something like the image above, and you might have wondered, “what is this all about?” The “12 Months of Giveaways” is the wedding community’s way of saying thank you for being you and congratulations on your engagement all wrapped up in one pretty package of giveaway goodies! Each participating vendor chose something special that they thought local couples will fall in love with, and to make it even more exciting, each giveaway prize is valued at $300 or more. A lucky couple is chosen each and every month (from April 2020 to April 2021) to select a prize from the list. Yep, it’s happening all year long, and you get to choose your prize.

Here is a list of this years amazing giveaway prizes:

1. Designer’s Luxe bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere package that includes a 1 hour complimentary “Wedding Overview” one-on-one coordination session – valued at $375, courtesy of Bosque Flower Studio.

2. “Couples Spa Day Away” including a 90 minute couple’s massage with choice of shea butter or hot stone enhancement, spa lunch for two, and all day access to spa amenities – valued at $350, courtesy of The Remedy Day Spa.

3. A hard side luggage set to be delivered right to your doorstep – valued at $350, courtesy of Lucky n Love Travel.

4. Ten complimentary table linen runners – valued at $300, courtesy of Simply Decor & Events.

5. A bridal bouquet and matching boutonniere – valued at $300, courtesy of The Flower Company.

6. A complimentary engagement session and an 11×14 matted print – valued at $375, courtesy of Briana Nicole Photography.

7. A 5 hour rental of any flower wall available in the Albuquerque Area including delivery, setup, and breakdown – valued at $450, courtesy of Wall of Enchantment.

8. A $300 gift card good towards any wedding decor (bouquet, hair pieces, table swag, etc.) – valued at $300, courtesy of Simply Sola Decor.

9. Complimentary engagement session and a custom framed canvas – valued at $360, courtesy of Moon + Midnight Photo.

10. Two complimentary makeup applications – valued at $300, courtesy of Betty Rose by Alanna.

11. Lash application – Vixen Initial Application + two (2 week) touch ups – valued at $307, courtesy of The Lash Boutique.

12. “Invite and RSVP Coordination” which includes invitation selection, design, assembly, mailing, and RSVP tracking – valued at $360, courtesy of Wild in Wonder Events & Design.

Ready to enter to win? Here’s how you do it:

1. Head over to https://www.weddingcollectivenm.com/deals-tips/12-months-giveaways
2. Peruse all of your awesome options.
3. Scroll down to enter to win!
4. Boom! You’re all done!

May the odds be ever in your favor.

Announcing the 2019 PWG Elite Award Winners!

Sadly, the evening of our 2019 Vendor Appreciation Party has come and gone and we are left with remnants of glitter on our faces as we sit here thinking about the fun that we had hoped would never end. The evening was filled with the most wonderful surprises around every corner, from ocean water blue cocktails to seafood themed hors d’oeuvres and goodies! All of the sea creatures seemed to be enjoying all of the attention and excitement, too.

The night would not have been possible if it weren’t for our amazing venue, the ABQ BioPark Aquarium and the mouth-watering goodness provided by Taste Catering. We are so grateful to have such incredible sponsors for the event that provided the most stunning “under the sea” themed elements that simply brought the party to life, starting with our invitations by Funky Olive that made a splash! We adored the creative centerpieces by The Flower Co. and the beach-y tunes provided by King Mobile Music and Rockin’ Piano Party. We can’t forget to mention those phenomenal cakes from Honey & Salt Cake Co. because we all know we were dying to taste when we saw them placed on display.

These local wedding professionals, from wedding coordinators to wedding travel agencies, show exemplary performance in helping local brides and grooms make their wedding day dreams come true. Since we think that all of our vendors are shining stars every day, we ask locals to vote for their favorites to help make the process easier and more exciting. Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, and the moment we can’t wait to share with all of you, the winners of the PWG 2019 Elite Awards!

Drum roll please…

Coordinator | Black Bow Events
Bridal Beauty Expert | Vixen Looks by Vangie
Best Place to Order Wedding Cake/Dessert | The Cake Boutique
Best Catering or Restaurant | Eloisa Catering
Bachelorette/Bachelor Party | Bombshell Fitness
Reception | The View Event Center by Simply Décor & Events
Ceremony Location | Sandia Resort & Casino
Officiant | De Novo Concierge Pastors
Floral Designer | Desert Flowers Co.
Event Décor | My Beloved Vintage Rentals
Rental Company | Simply Décor Tents & Events
Bridal Gown Shop | Bridal Elegance by Darlene
Men’s Formalwear | Suits Unlimited
Invitations | Funky Olive Invitations + Stationery
Disc Jockey | Cutmaster Music
Ceremony Musician | Cello for Weddings
Photographer | Maura Jane Photography
Cinematographer | Photographic Perspectives
Photo Booth Rental | Complete Weddings + Events
Unique Wedding Service | Urban Balloons by Dawn
Best Hotel Accommodations | Sheraton Uptown Hotel
Best Travel Agency | Connect Thru Travel

A big and super special thank you to the lovely T. Rayne Photography for capturing the evening and also having a blast with us while doing it. We can’t wait to share the night with everyone through her lens!

Santa Fe Celebration: Real Wedding with Maura Jane Photography

Well, well, well, another successful Front Cover Contest has come and gone yet again! Hopefully you’ve been keeping up with the competition via our Instagram, but if not, then have no fear. We offer local wedding professionals the opportunity to have their image featured on over 12,000 copies of our print magazine every year, twice a year. ‘Cause we love y’all like that.

This year was, by far, one of the most difficult go-arounds of the contest yet. Local photographers, wedding planners, videographers, and more sent in their strongest image, and we were totally blown away. With so many different styles and preferences on our team, nailing down our 3 finalists took longer than we’d like to admit. When we saw the gorgeous submission from Maura Jane Photography, though, we all nodded in solidarity. The ethereal, yet timeless photograph checked all our boxes: super unique, super New Mexican, and super, duper, unbelievably dreamy.

Caitlin + Justin, the newlyweds that we mistakenly took for models at first, grabbed our intrigue with the obvious love they have for one another. It nearly jumps off their wedding photos, and Maura Jane Photography captured the essence of their celebration to a stunning degree of accuracy. When Maura shared the details of their love story with us, too, we were absolutely sold, and knew we had to pass on the madly-in-love vibes to our fellow wedding nerds.

Without further adieu, Caitlin + Justin, as captured by one of Albuquerque’s favorite wedding photographers, Maura Jane Photography.

Caitlin and Justin met within their first month of medical school. It wasn’t that hard to find the time to fall for each other as they shared classes, tutoring groups, and studied together. Years later, Justin planned a weekend trip for Caitlin at a vineyard.  During their walk they ‘”found” a large heart on the ground made of flower petals, (Arranged by his family in advance.) and this is where Justin got down on one knee.  They started medical school by finding each other, and they were going to end it by getting married.

Maura, Maura Jane Photography

Caitlin and Justin chose to mix a classic and elegant style with a nod to hispanic culture. Since their wedding day landed on Cinco De Mayo, they made sure to add accents of bright warm florals, have a piñata for the kids, and serve margaritas and tacos. Inspired by the history of New Mexico, they gifted their bridal party beautiful turquoise cufflinks and necklaces, in homage to The City Different.

Maura, Maura Jane Photography

The bouquets by Bloomstream matched the coral bridesmaid dresses perfectly. Caitlin wore her late grandmother’s Tiffany necklace, and earrings gifted to her by Justin’s mother, as she stunned everyone walking down the aisle in her elegant lace gown. Later guests enjoyed themselves to a traditional New Mexico dinner while sipping champagne and wishing the couple well wishes.

Maura, Maura Jane Photography

Photographer: Maura Jane Photography

Venue: Gerald Peters Gallery

Planner:  Just Lovely Weddings

Florals: Bloomstream Flowers

Hair and Make Up: Madeline McCue Makeup

Dress Store: Julian Gold

Dress Designer: Christos Bridal

Tuxes: The Black Tux

Cake: ABC Cakes

PWG Elite Awards: Vote Now!

While it’s true that we, the Perfect Wedding Guide team, do have some authority when it comes to showcasing Albuquerque + Santa Fe’s local wedding professionals, we fully admit to not knowing everything. To stay humble, each year we reach out to hundreds of local engaged — or recently married couples — to get the full scoop on what it’s like to work with vendors like Matt Blasing Photography, Amor Ceremonies, or Prairie Star.

{Because, if we could get to see these professionals in action by having a wedding every weekend, we totally would. Unfortunately, half our team is already married.}

Then we take all this incredible info from real couples, and we bestow the Perfect Wedding Guide Elite Awards to the hardest working, kindest, and most deserving wedding vendors! And guess what?

Voting for 2018 is open NOW!

Here’s your chance to, with a few clicks, pass on all you learned while planning your own wedding, to other engaged couples! Your vote is essentially your recommendation to all the amazing love-birds of Albuquerque + Santa Fe. So if you really vibed with or were impressed by a wedding professional who worked to make your day special, here’s a super simple way to pass back some of the love they showed you!

{Not married yet? That’s alright too — feel free to vote for any vendors who have made your planning process a little more enjoyable, because that’s just as important too.}

You can vote for your favorite business owners HERE. 

Then, keep an eye peeled for the winners who will be announced later this year, and see if your fave team made the cut!

Oh yeah, and those amazing vendors we mentioned at the beginning of this post? {Matt Blasing Photography, Amor Ceremonies, and Prairie Star} They’re just a few of last year’s venerable winners. You can check out the rest of 2017’s PWG Elite Award Winners here, and follow the links included to book them for your wedding, too!

Matt Blasing Photography

Prairie Star by Maura Jane Photography

Kelly Atkin, of Amor Ceremonies

 

 

Inside Scoop on PWG Buck {$500!}

If you’ve had the opportunity to attend one of our PWG Wedding Shows, then you’ve probably heard the term PWG Bucks tossed around a few times. Sometimes we do little giveaways on our Snapchat {pwgnm} or Instagram too, but typically the $500 is reserved for the beautiful engaged couples who attend our Diamond Dash shows.

But wait… What are PWG Bucks exactly?

They’re basically like free wedding service coupons except — get this — you choose what service to use them on. Each participating vendor will have a special package or service available to you that you can take up to $500 off!

But how do you make sure you’re getting the most out of your $500 in PWG Bucks?

Our first tip is to start thinking about PWG Bucks when you register for the event. Come to the show already knowing which vendors you still need to connect with. That way, when you one of our lovely team members checks off your name with a smile and hands over your $500 in PWG Bucks, you’ll know where you’re going to use them.

The Bucks come in $100 increments, which means you can spend 5 on 5 different vendors, or 3 on 1 vendor, etc., etc. Big decisions, we know. After you’re all checked in for the event though, you’re ready to jump into the ballroom that’s packed full of local photographers, officiants, invitation companies, and everything else you need to plan a wedding. {Not to mention, snacks, champagne, a couture fashion show, and door prizes given away ever 30 minutes but, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.}

With your $500 in hand, you can peruse the incredible display booths, chat with vendors, and fill up on little freebies from the local wedding professionals. Each vendor who is participating in the PWG Bucks program will have a little sign on their booth clearly indicating that they will accept the Bucks as a form of payment. So here’s our next tip: if you see the sign, don’t be shy! 

Albuquerque + Santa Fe’s vendors are incredible, it’s true, but unfortunately they’re not mind-readers. If you think you might like to spend a few of your PWG Bucks on one of their services, let them know! They’ll direct you to whichever packages are available to you, how much you can save with the PWG Bucks, and really, it’s just a great way to get the conversation going. Essentially, the PWG Bucks are your icebreakers and your wallet-savers in one.

Lastly, don’t forget to ask when they expire. PWG Bucks themselves expire at 4pm, when the wedding show comes to a close. But luckily, because the local wedding professionals are ever so kind, most of them will allow you to redeem them up to a week — or even 6 weeks! — after the show. If you feel a connection with a vendor, but maybe need to talk it over with your partner before you book, just let your vendor know! It’s all about communication.

So there you have it, the briefest of rundowns on how to get the most out of your $500 in PWG Bucks. Because not ever budget is limitless, and not every bride is going to splurge or save on the same services. Use this cash however you’d like, so long as it’s going toward creating the wedding day of your dreams.

 

Questions? Leave your comment below!

 

Wedding Photography Grant + Nicole Bradshaw Photography

As you must know by now, we’re a little bit obsessed with giveaways. What can we say? We love to spoil local brides (and even local vendors too!). From the 12 Months of Giveaways, to free copies of the guide, to our free engagement announcements… So when we heard that one of our favorite local wedding photographers had a gift of her own to pass on, we were ecstatic!

The darling Nicole Bradshaw, of Nicole Bradshaw Photography, is hosting a Wedding Photography Grant!

Here’s what that means: any lovely + local couple who has demonstrated a personal commitment to community service is invited to apply for the Wedding Photography Grant. In exchange for the efforts they’ve made to better the community we all live in, one couple will be awarded free wedding photography service, courtesy of Nicole Bradshaw.

{We’re so inspired by Nicole’s generosity, we wanted to jump in too! As an added little bonus, the winner of Nicole Bradshaw’s Wedding Photography Grant will also be awarded 3 free tickets to our March 4th Diamond Dash Wedding Show, and a free wifey tank top!}

Throughout the years, we’ve met many, many admirable brides and grooms, from school teachers, doctors, to volunteers — Albuquerque + Santa Fe’s best of the best. We’re so proud of Nicole Bradshaw Photography for generously donating her one-of-a-kind talent to give back to a local couple, and can’t wait to see the magic they create together.

{Details on applying + some of our favorite photos from Nicole below!}

For more information and to apply for the Wedding Photography Grant, click here!

3 Days Left: PWG’s Front Cover Contest

Calling all brides + local vendors!

Here at Perfect Wedding Guide, you know that our favorite thing to do is to shake things up + challenge the status quo. {Right behind featuring our local vendors, that is!} But if something works — it works. We had SUCH an incredible turnout for our Front Cover Contest last summer, that we’ve decided to do it again.

Yes, that means you have ANOTHER chance to have your photo/collaboration featured on the front cover of the 11,000 guides we print + distribute in Albuquerque/Santa Fe. 

{Cue a little happy dance}

This time around, we want to feature an image that is not only ULTRA trendy + BEYOND inspirational for our sweet, sweet readers, but an image that is also unique. And not just in terms of the aesthetic, but unique to our magazine meaning that it has not been published yet. {But don’t worry if/when you win the contest you are free to submit for publishing via
other networks as of March 31, 2018}

Why participate you ask? The winner receives their image printed on 11,000 copies of the Perfect Wedding Guide, distributed amongst 500 locations between Albuquerque & Santa Fe over the next 6 months. And not to mention all the bragging rights and shine that come along with this amazing opportunity are yours for the taking!

Let’s get into the details shall we?

RULES

Email jenna.wagner@pwg.com your most powerful (exclusive) image from the styled shoot or real wedding that you would like featured on our FRONT COVER (OMG– this is huge guys- just had to reiterate) by Friday, December 29th. Please keep in mind that because the winning image will be our front cover, there are a couple of stipulations. We do maintain the right to pull an image from the contest if:

1.) The image is not high enough resolution or you do not have the original, high resolution image on hand. (feel free to send us the web optimized + high resolution version/s or just the high resolution file and we are happy to resize for you.)

2.) The image/s do not have adequate space to include copy and our logo.

3.) The image/s are not exclusive to this contest and our issue.

4.) You do not have full rights to the image/s submitted.

5.) The image/s do not include proper photo credit.
 
Include a witty caption and instagram handles for all the participating professionals {if available}. Each professional is allowed to submit up to 4 images for consideration.

The editors of Perfect Wedding Guide will review all images and choose the top 3 submissions that are most inline with our desired aesthetic and the chosen three will be posted consecutively to Instagram, on Monday, January 8th. The image with the most likes on our Instagram account by the following Monday at 10am wins!

If one of your images gets picked as our top three, you’re absolutely welcome to hype up your submission by reposting to your page and instructing your followers to like the post on our page @perfectweddinguidenm…and voilá you are on your way to adorning our front cover with your magic!

Check out last year’s final round of submissions for inspiration! 

Maura Jane Photography

Table Occasions

And from last year’s winner — The Flower Company!

 

We can’t wait to see what you send us!

Diamond Dash 2017: Recap

A lot of beautiful and wonderful things have happened at Perfect Wedding Guide this year. We got to publish dozens of local engagement announcements, host and be apart of tons of wedding shows, not to mention all the magical styled shoots + real weddings we got to share with you all. Really though, our favorite part of the year was our Diamond Dash Show.

Yes, we know, we always say, “This was the best show yet!” But seriously, this was our best show yet. 

The stunning and very accommodating Hyatt Regency Albuquerque was packed nearly to the brim with excited engaged couples and vendors. Between the free samples, goodies, and IRL (in real life) wedding inspiration, it’s no wonder everyone stuck around. We have our incredible local vendors to thank for that — from King Mobile Music‘s games and giveaways, to Cake Fetish‘s teeny tiny {but very delicious} cupcakes, to Charlotte’s Flower‘s touchable arrangements, each business reminded brides — and us! — just why New Mexico’s vendors are the absolute best.

Check out more photos from our Diamond Dash here. Thank you Photographic Perspectives!

{Psst… there are free tickets hidden below!}

Want in on the fun? Come hang out with local wedding professionals, get some Inso from the bridal couture fashion show, and $500 in PWG bucks! Who knows, maybe you’ll be chosen to jump into a giant wedding cake to dig around for diamond jewelry. Grab your tickets for the next show, coming March 2018, before they’re gone! Use the code blog when you register online for BOGO tickets.

Don’t forget to grab your tickets! 

Come One, Come All! Witness the Incredible 2017 Bride’s Select Award Winners!

Last night was a circus — literally! Thanks to all of you who took the time to vote, we had the amazing opportunity to show our appreciation and celebrate the accomplishments of our favorite wedding professionals in Albuquerque and Santa Fe for our annual Bride’s Select Awards at NOAH’s Event Venue.

More than 650 local brides, grooms and newlyweds voted in over 20 categories and the results are in! Covering everything from Best Beauty Expert and Best Floral Designer to Best Ceremony Venue and Best Photographer, we are pleased to present you with the best of the best!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, step right up to see the amazing, the talented 2017 Bride’s Select Award winners!

Best Unique Wedding Service: Frost Gelato

Best Photo Booth Rental: Cutmaster Music

Best Cinematographer: Southwest Wedding Films

Best Photographer: Matt Blasing Photography

Best Local Band: Entourage Jazz

Best Disc Jockey: Dream Factory Productions

Best Place to Order Invitations: Funky Olive Invitations + Stationery

Best Hotel for Guest Accommodations: Hotel Andaluz

Best Men’s Formal Wear Shop: Mr. Tux Formal Wear

Best Bridal Gown Shop: Bridal Elegance by Darlene

Best Floral Designer: Floriography

Best Rental Company: Simply Décor and Events

Best Event Decor: Black Swan Events

Best Wedding Officiant: Amor Ceremonies

Best Location to have a Ceremony: Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm

Best Place to Have a Reception: Hotel Albuquerque

Best Place to Have a Rehearsal Dinner: El Pinto

Best Place to have a Bachelorette Party: Uptown Funk

Best Catering or Restaurant: Prairie Star

Best Place to Order Wedding Cake: Simply Sweet by Darci

Best Spa or Place to Relax: Bliss Salon & Spa

Best Bridal Beauty Expert: Genica Lee

Best Wedding Coordinator: Alena Swanson, LLC

Congratulations, 2017 Bride’s Select Award Winners!

Photos by Sacred Life Photography

And, of course, a special thanks to our AMAZING sponsors! You made our Bride’s Select Awards Circus a huge success!

Ringmaster Brad of King Mobile Music | NOAH’S Event Venue | Occasion Services & Events | Conchita’s Creations | Bombshell Fitness | Sacred Life Photography | Charlotte’s Flowers | High Noon Restaurant & Saloon | Wise Fool New Mexico

Every year, your local Perfect Wedding Guide reaches out to hundreds of New Mexico brides, grooms and newlyweds just like you to get your feedback on your favorite local wedding businesses.

Stay tuned for dates to cast your vote for our 2018 Bride’s Select Awards!

For more on everything Wedding + Wedding Planning, visit us at: PerfectWeddingGuide.com

$10,000 Cash Giveaway {Don’t Miss This Opportunity!}

There is nothing you love more than your future spouse, but the cost to marry that special someone is getting pricey. That’s why Perfect Wedding Guide wants to help one lucky couple pay for their perfect wedding with this $10,000 Cash Giveaway. All you need to do is register; it’s as simple as that…

Head over to nm.pwg.com right now, and sign up for your chance to win!

Here are a few of the rules:

1. Prize: There is one $10,000 cash prize for this Sweepstakes which is not exchangeable nor transferable. The winner is solely responsible for all taxes associated with the Prize.
2. Eligibility: You are eligible to enter the Sweepstakes if you are a legal resident of the United States, are at least 18 years of age on the date you enter, and have had or will have your wedding between June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017.
3. Entry Period: The Sweepstakes entry period begins at 12:00 am Eastern Time on May 1, 2016, and ends at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 31, 2016

 

For more wedding planning tips and contests like this, visit us at perfectweddingguide.com. We wish you the best of luck!