top of page
Welcome to the SJ Coordination & Events Blog — a curated space where expert wedding guidance meets heartfelt inspiration.
Here, we share luxury planning tips, honest behind-the-scenes insight, and meaningful advice created to help you design a wedding day that feels effortless, personal, and unforgettable. Whether you're navigating timelines, styling your reception, choosing vendors, or exploring modern traditions, these articles are here to guide you with clarity and calm.
No question is too small, no idea is too big — this is your space to learn, prepare, dream, and feel supported every step of the way.
“Have fun, try new things, laugh out loud, and make memories that last a lifetime.” — SJ Edwards
Top Northwest Arkansas Wedding Venues with Breathtaking Nature and Scenic Views
Northwest Arkansas is home to some of the most scenic wedding venues in the Ozarks—perfect for couples who want breathtaking views, outdoor beauty, and a naturally elevated setting. Here are stunning venues worth touring for your NWA wedding day.
shaunaedwards80
7 hours ago4 min read
Northwest Arkansas: The Rising Star for Destination Weddings and Unique Venues
Destination weddings attract couples who want more than just a ceremony. They seek a place that offers natural beauty, memorable experiences, and venues that feel special without overwhelming guests. Northwest Arkansas has quietly emerged as a destination that meets these needs. Its rolling hills, mature trees, lakeside views, and thoughtfully designed venues create a setting that feels both elevated and relaxed. This region offers couples a chance to celebrate in style while
shaunaedwards80
2 days ago3 min read
Texas Airbnb Wedding Planning: The Ultimate Guide + Why You Need a Coordinator
Planning an Airbnb wedding in Texas? This guide covers everything: permits, guest count, timelines, and what most couples forget. Let’s be honest—Texas weddings are their own category. Everything is bigger: the guest lists, the heat, the logistics, the vendor schedules, and the potential for things to go sideways. Airbnb weddings in Texas are quickly becoming the go-to choice for couples who want privacy, style, and flexibility—without sacrificing a beautiful guest experience
shaunaedwards80
3 days ago4 min read
Corporate Event Planning in Northwest Arkansas: Stress-Free Coordination for Polished Business Events
Planning a corporate event in Northwest Arkansas? Professional coordination helps your event run smoothly with strong timelines, vendor communication, and an elevated guest experience—so your team can host confidently and stay focused on what matters.
shaunaedwards80
4 days ago4 min read
Wedding Coordinator in Northwest Arkansas
What We Do & Why Couples Hire Us Finding a wedding coordinator in Northwest Arkansas is exciting — but it can also get overwhelming fast. Between venue logistics, vendor communication, timelines, weather backups, and family dynamics, many couples quickly realize that someone needs to be in charge on the wedding day but finding who is the key. Hiring a wedding coordinator in Northwest Arkansas ensures your wedding day runs smoothly from start to finish. That’s where a profe
shaunaedwards80
4 days ago3 min read
Northwest Arkansas Wedding Weekend Itinerary: A Stress-Free Plan for Couples & Guests
Planning a Northwest Arkansas wedding weekend? Here’s a stress-free itinerary that keeps guests informed, reduces chaos, and helps your wedding feel elevated, smooth, and truly enjoyable from start to finish.
shaunaedwards80
6 days ago6 min read
Best Wedding Venues in Northwest Arkansas: And Why a Coordinator Matters at Each One
Best Wedding Venues in Northwest Arkansas (And How to Coordinate Them Stress-Free) Choosing the best wedding venue in Northwest Arkansas is one of the biggest decisions couples make when planning a wedding. From mountain views and lakeside ceremonies to historic inns and modern event spaces, this region offers an incredible variety of options — each with its own logistics, rules, and coordination needs. As a wedding coordinator in Northwest Arkansas, we’ve seen firsthand how
shaunaedwards80
Jan 183 min read
Common Elopement Mistakes Couples Make in Austin & San Antonio (And How to Avoid Them)
Elopements are meant to feel simple, but many couples unknowingly create stress by overlooking small details that have a big impact on the day. Here are the most common elopement mistakes couples make in Austin and San Antonio — and how to avoid them. Choosing a Location Without Checking the Rules Many scenic locations have: Permit requirements Time restrictions Rules about photography or décor Skipping this step can cause delays or last-minute changes. Underestimating Timing
shaunaedwards80
Jan 32 min read
What an Elopement Coordinator Actually Does on the Wedding Day
Many couples assume elopement coordination only matters if something goes wrong. In reality, elopement coordination is what keeps the entire day feeling calm, intentional, and unhurried — even when nothing goes wrong. This guide explains what an elopement coordinator actually does on the wedding day , and why that support matters more than most couples expect. Before the Day Even Begins Most of the work happens before the elopement day arrives. An elopement coordinator typica
shaunaedwards80
Dec 29, 20252 min read
Day-Of vs Elopement Coordination: What’s the Difference?
If you’re planning a small wedding or elopement in Austin or San Antonio, you may be wondering: Do we need day-of coordination, or elopement coordination? The two services sound similar — but they support very different experiences. This guide explains the difference clearly, so you can choose what actually fits your day. What Is Day-Of Coordination? Day-of coordination is designed for traditional weddings with a full planning process already in place. Typically, day-of coor
shaunaedwards80
Dec 24, 20252 min read
Best Elopement Locations in Austin & San Antonio (Planning Tips Included)
Choosing where to elope is one of the most exciting parts of planning — and one of the most misunderstood. Austin and San Antonio offer beautiful options for elopements, from outdoor spaces to private venues. But not every location works the same way, and what looks perfect online can feel very different in real life. This guide walks through popular elopement location types in Central Texas , plus what couples should consider before choosing. Outdoor Elopement Locations in A
shaunaedwards80
Dec 19, 20253 min read
How Much Does an Elopement Cost in Austin & San Antonio? A Realistic Breakdown
One of the first questions couples ask when planning an elopement is simple: How much does an elopement actually cost? In Austin and San Antonio, elopement costs vary widely — not because couples are doing something wrong, but because elopements can take many forms. This guide breaks down realistic elopement costs in Central Texas, so you can plan with clarity instead of guesswork. The Short Answer: It Depends on the Experience Elopements are not one-size-fits-all. A courthou
shaunaedwards80
Dec 18, 20253 min read
Austin & San Antonio Elopement Permits and Marriage Licenses Guide
Elopements feel simple — until paperwork and permits enter the picture. If you’re planning an elopement in Austin or San Antonio , understanding marriage licenses, permits, and local rules early will save time, stress, and last-minute surprises. This guide breaks it down clearly, so you can focus on the experience — not the logistics. How to Get a Marriage License in Texas To legally marry in Texas, you’ll need a marriage license issued by a county clerk. Basic Texas Marriage
shaunaedwards80
Dec 15, 20253 min read
Planning an Elopement in Austin or San Antonio
A romantic elopement wedding set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, capturing a couple's intimate moment as they hold hands and exchange vows amidst nature's splendor. Elopements are often described as simple. The best ones are intentionally supported. Whether your elopement is quiet or scenic, planned months ahead or kept beautifully small, the goal is the same — a day that feels calm, meaningful, and fully yours. If you’re planning an elopement in Austin or San Anton
shaunaedwards80
Dec 11, 20252 min read
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING A SPRING 2026 TEXAS HILL COUNTRY ELOPEMENT
This quick and easy guide for a wonderful wedding
shaunaedwards80
Dec 3, 20254 min read
THE ULTIMATE SPRING 2026 TEXAS WEDDING TIMELINE
Texas Wedding: For Austin, San Antonio & Fredericksburg Brides Spring weddings in Texas are pure magic — wildflowers, glowing sunsets, and soft breezes set the stage for unforgettable moments. But that beauty also comes with unpredictable weather, busy venues, and a fast-paced timeline that can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. If you’re planning a Spring 2026 wedding in Austin, San Antonio, or Fredericksburg, this guide will walk you through a calm, step-by-step timeli
shaunaedwards80
Nov 29, 20253 min read
How to Plan a Stress-Free Wedding in San Antonio, Austin, or Fredericksburg
A Calm Coordinator’s Guide Planning a wedding in San Antonio, Austin, or Fredericksburg should feel exciting, not overwhelming. But between venues, timelines, family expectations, and all those tiny details, it can start to feel like a second full-time job. This guide is written for you, the bride or couple who wants a beautiful Texas celebration and the gift of peace on your wedding day. I’m ShaunaJane of SJ Coordination & Events, and this is the same calm, step-by-step appr
shaunaedwards80
Nov 25, 20255 min read
Wedding Day Tips: Wedding Food Ideas |Stationary or Passed Hors d'oeuvres? Buffet, Plated, Food Truck or Stations
Charcuterie-style wedding cocktail hour food display with cheese, fruit, meats, and appetizers Wedding food ideas can be such a fun process! How important is your dinner to you at your wedding? Are you planning to go all out with stations at the reception, doing a plated meal or buffet style? All of this comes into play when deciding on a snack before the big meal. Believe it or not, a lot of couples have a hard time deciding on what is best for giving their guests a little
shaunaedwards80
Sep 24, 20254 min read
Keep Your Wedding Coordinator In Shape By...16 On Your Wedding Coordinator Checklist
So you just got engaged and you are getting MARRIED!! Whether it's your first rodeo or second, we have all been to THAT wedding where it was absolute chaos because there was no coordinator. Vendors were late, no one had a clue what to do and where to go, what is being set up, or who is setting what up? So many questions and so little time! Well you learned from THAT wedding and you decided to be smart and hire a day of coordinator. Great job! So now what? Well, it's time to
shaunaedwards80
Jul 11, 20254 min read
Reception Ideas: 6 Cocktail Hour Games and Ice Breakers For Your Guests
Taking photos many not seam long but it is for guests at your wedding who may not know very many people. Here are a few ideas to get the party started with breaking the ice. Wedding Cocktail Hour ideas for your wedding day! Axe Throwing - Yes, I said it and it works! What a fun way to get your guests cheering each other on and having fun. Just research awe throwing for weddings and I am sure you will get a number of places to show up! 2. Wedding Day Piñata - Now this is s
shaunaedwards80
Nov 4, 20242 min read
Don't Stress! Let Us Handle It!
Best Wedding Day Coordinator in
Fort Collins Colorado and Cheyenne Wyoming!
bottom of page