Members and visitors of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association gathered at Geyer Rental in St. Cloud to mingle and discuss their wedding-related experiences.

One of the questions we discussed was, 'What is your greatest challenge'? Here are some of the responses.

A photographer said that his greatest challenge was not having enough time to take all of the photos that the wedding couple requested. Even though the photographer has explained ahead of time how much time is needed to take all the photos requested. The problem occurs when people aren't ready and things run late.

A venue event planner said a challenge she encounters is when family members try to overtake the wishes of the wedding couple. In such cases the event planner calls into play her expertise in diplomacy.

A venue owner said on rare occasions there can be a disrespect of the property even when the rules have been explained by word and in the contract.

A DJ said that he wishes to communicate with wedding couples by phone so he can get a good feel of their needs and personality and they of him. He said it is sometimes difficult to have couples respond to him by phone. It is important for wedding couples to find a DJ whose personality really clicks with theirs. Speaking by phone is a good way to experience the DJ's personality before investing time in actually meeting with the DJ.

As a wedding pianist I like to reach out to the officiant, wedding venue, and wedding coordinator ahead of time to make sure I understand their rules as they apply to me and I want them to understand my music needs as it involves them. Most wedding professionals are excellent in responding to my communication, but occasionally I receive a lack of response. When I do not receive a response, I gently persist and try a different avenue of communication. 

At the end of our discussions I came away with a greater respect for the other wedding professionals that I met with.

Each wedding professional has their own challenges. We are all striving to make our part of a couple's Wedding Day the best that it can be. It is helpful to realize that the other wedding professionals are striving to do the same!

Are you a wedding professional that would like to add your voice to this conversation? I would love to hear your comment!

Thank you to Geyer Rental for hosting the meeting. It was a beautiful Minnesota spring evening and the tent was perfect! Thank you to Megan Czycalla at Blue Sage Insights for sharing her updates on social media strategies. The appetizers, hors d'oeuvres and beverages provided by the St. Cloud Country Club were delicious! Thank you to Rollie Carlson our charismatic president at the Central Minnesota Wedding Association and to Nichole Winter at Destination Vacation for organizing and presenting this event. 

MN Bride Magazine's 'Best of 2015' party was in full swing on Weds., July 15, at the stunning A'BULAE event venue in Lowertown St. Paul.

I was excited to attend as a Finalist for Best Ceremony Music. When the announcer said, "The winner for Best Ceremony Music for 2015 is Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties", I was so excited and hurried right up to the stage to receive my award!

 I am humbled and grateful to all the brides, grooms, event professionals and others for nominating me as a finalist for the MN Bride Magazine 'Best of 2015' Ceremony Music. Your voices were heard!

There are many wonderful wedding musicians in the Twin Cities including the other two finalists the Four Voices String Quartet and the Lake Minnetonka String Quartet.

Engaged couples in Minnesota have great options for finding quality wedding professionals. A good place to start your search is at the Minnesota Bride Magazine Best of 2015!

Remember to pick up a copy of MInnesota Bride Magazine at your local newsstand or call 1-800-637-0334 for great planning tips and real wedding stories.

Pianist Sharon Planer was nominated as a finalist at MN Bride Magazine.

Couples getting married in Minnesota have a wealth of talent and dedicated wedding professionals to choose from. I love performing piano music at weddings where the professionals work together as a team to make a wedding couple's dream a reality. I recognize many of the Finalists at Minnesota Bride 'Best of 2015' to be exactly of that caliber.

I am humbled and grateful to all the brides, grooms, event professionals and others for nominating me as a finalist for the MN Bride Magazine 'Best of 2015' Ceremony Music. Many thanks!

There are many wonderful wedding musicians in the Twin Cities including the other two finalists the Four Voices String Quartet and the Lake Minnetonka String Quartet. Engaged couples have great options for live music! Check out the complete list of MN Bride Finalists for 'Best of 2015' at http://mnbride.com/minnesota-brides-best-2015-finalists

If you are planning a wedding and are looking for exceptional wedding services available in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota, the 'Best of 2015' Finalists list at Minnesota Bride Magazine is a great place to start your search!