Happy Father's Day

Father’s Day has always been a little bitter sweet for me but I focus more on the sweet.  I didn’t know who my father was until I was 16 years old; right before I graduated from high school.  When he came into my life, I instantly gravitated towards him and became a sponge.  It was something that people didn’t understand, but I was happy to have him in my life.  The lessons he taught me, I was quick learn and have retained to this very day.  I felt they were important and that I had to make up for lost time somehow.  Now, 22 years later, you'll often here me cite something that my father has taught me.

At wedding receptions, the Father-Daughter dances get to me every time.  That’s the one moment that's sure to get me teary eyed or actually have me shedding a tear or two.  I’m always anxious to see what song the bride has picked out for her and her dad to dance to and how they will interact on the dance floor.  I’ve never been married before but I have a daughter and I see the bond between a father and daughter; and it’s even more wonderful to see when it’s time to give her away to someone else.

Image Courtesy of AislinnKate.com

Image Courtesy of CharlotteGeary.com

Image Courtesy of WeddingPlanningPlus-Shannon.Blogspot.com

Beauty Brains & A Bride

I’ve always said “Do you”, “Be you” and “Show your personality” and on your wedding day you most certainly should!  I just love it when a bride chooses a venue that does just that and this real wedding is all about a bride, beauty, and brains.

I was searching for unique venues and came across the Boston Public Library, via TheCateredAffair.com, and I must admit that it’s a beautiful place and a place after my own heart.  I’ve been an avid reader since I was a little girl and for the bride that loves to read as well, this is the perfect venue to combine the love of books with an elegant wedding. I love this striking color combination of black and red with hints of gold and the giving of books as favors; brilliant! 

Take a look for yourself and share your thoughts.

Image Courtesy of TheCateredAffair.com

Image Courtesy of TheCateredAffair.com

Image Courtesy of TheCateredAffair.com

Image Courtesy of TheCateredAffair.com

Courtesy of TheCateredAffair.com

Wedding Day Headwear

Having never been married before, I wonder what exactly will transpire on my wedding day.  Being so active in the wedding industry, I like to think that I have so many of the details of my wedding day already picked out but when it comes to what to do with the way I’ll wear my short hair style, their aren’t too many options. 

I’ve always loved hats and have toyed with the idea of wearing one on my wedding day, just like my brother did.  This one is to die for and will make any bride consider the idea of a hat on her big day!

Image Courtesy of Godroids.com

Here are some other options that represents the vintage bride, the modern bride, and the classic bride, yet still have the elements of class and elegant that all brides look for.

Image Courtesy of BklynBrideOnline.com

Image Courtesy of BrideChic.Onsugar.com

Sometimes a full veil just isn’t the right style for the bride or her dress dictates something different altogether.  A bride knows who she is and what she wants.  When she sees herself looking back in the mirror, she’ll know exactly what she’s supposed to wear down the aisle and that all that matters.

New Traditions at the Alter

Instead of the just the unity candle, sand ceremony, or tasting of the four elements, lately brides and grooms have begun to also show their commitment to each other by locking a few treasures into a treasure chest or box until a pre-selected anniversary.

I recently saw a wedding video where the bride and groom each wrote letters to each other and had their parents hand write letters to them too.  As they exchanged vows, the bride and groom put their letters, along with their parents’ letters, along with a bottle of their favorite bottle of wine, into their treasure box, to be opened on the anniversary of their choosing.

Image Courtesy of Etsy

Image Courtesy of ChristiWilliamsPhotography.com

I think it’s a great sentiment and a great way to remind each other of what brought you to each other in the first place.  I think love is precious and often taken for granted.  The treasure box is definitely a way to keep a piece of your wedding day just a little bit closer than your wedding album.  You can even put a little of your sand ceremony in there as well.

Blue & Yellow Wedding

Blue has always been my favorite color.  It reminds me of water (the ocean) and one shade or another is often associated with something tranquil. 

I share this wedding with you because I love the color combination of the royal blue and pale yellow.  There is something about it that reminded me of the water hitting the sand; pure tranquility for me!

 I love that the groom decided to choreograph a routine patterned after his favorite dance group for the bride as she walked down the aisle and that they chose to incorporate sand into their ceremony.  They really included their personalities into their wedding day and that's what's most important!

Thanks again to the talented Brian of OrlandoWeddingPix.com for sharing your pictures!

A Fruity Cocktail Hour

We’re now in the height of the wedding season and the cocktail hour is the time that’s typically used for the guests to mingle while the bride, groom, and family are taking pictures.  It’s also an area where people either skimp on or go overboard, so you want to ensure your guests are satisfied and entertained until the main event (the reception) takes place.

Considering that’s it’s nearly scorching everywhere across the globe, and fruit is always refreshing, here are some ideas that will keep your guests’ stomachs at bay until the main course.

Shrimp & Plantain Cocktails

Fruit Skewers with Mint Sauce

Apricot Bites

Of course we can’t forget the actual cocktail.  After all, the moment was named after a drink wasn’t it?  Here are a few fruity suggestions for a refreshing choice prior and even during your reception.

Banana Plantain Hua Moa

Strawberry Swirl

Mango Margarita

Fashionable Groomsmen

Sometimes the man of your dreams just isn’t the suit wearing kind of guy, even though you’d like him to wear a suit on your wedding day.  He’d probably prefer to wear something that more his taste and more him. Today’s fashion trends have changed and men are choosing to express themselves and show their true personality.

If the groom doesn't mind the suit but his groomsmen prefers not to wear one:

If the location just isn't suitable for a tuxedo or a suit:

If the groom doesn't mind the suit but hates to wear dress shoes or socks:

If wearing the whole suit is just too much for everybody:

From suits with not jackest to sweaters, from sneakers to argyle socks, from the runway to the aisle, the options are pretty much limitless.  The fashion he chooses can still blend in with the theme of the wedding for a day that still speaks to the aesthetics of the bride and groom and to a day that we will all remember. 

Pine River Ranch~A Beautiful B&B

I remember planning a wedding at a cabin in the North Georgia Mountains a few years ago and my first thought was, “this is going to be different.”  The bride wanted her wedding there because it was a retreat for her and the groom; a very special place to the both of them.  Who was I to take that away from them and insist on something different? So the planning began and the wedding was beautiful and exactly what they wanted.

With that being said, a wedding doesn’t always have to be in a ballroom, romantic garden, or on the beach to be beautiful or special.  It’s always about the couple, who they are, and how they’ve envisioned their wedding day to be.  Sometimes it’s at a Bed & Breakfast and you’ve decided to make a weekend out of it for you and your bridal party!

At Pine River Ranch, which isn’t the typical Bed & Breakfast, you can do just that.  It’s a Bed & Breakfast that’s set on 22 acres of manicured land and nestled among mountain ranges, meadows, rivers, and fields.   The one or two day wedding packages comes complete with exclusive use of the 22 acre facility and the staff on hand.  While there, you can partake in the festivities of river rafting, horseback riding, and golfing for some bonding time with your bridal party before the wedding day.  I just love that you have from 3pm the day before your wedding until 11am the day after your wedding to stay on the property, (if the two day package is chosen); after all they do have overnight accommodations for 12 guests.

For pre-ceremony set up, there are separate dressing suites for the bride and groom that are large enough for the bridal party, hair stylists, make-up artists and the like. The ceremony is generally held on the lawns, while the reception where all the amenities are included from tables, linens and chairs, to silverware, dishes and stemware, is held in the 1944 barn.  Once the festivities are over, the wedding party and guests can retreat to the beautiful bed and breakfast with 6 luxurious cabin suites inspired by the Pacific Northwest.  Each suite is complete with a 2 person Jacuzzi spa, river rock fireplace, and hand crafted pine log beds.

For more information on booking this beautiful venue, visit http://www.prranch.com/.  

Pine River Ranch

I remember planning a wedding at a cabin in the North Georgia Mountains a few years ago and my first thought was, “this is going to be different.”  The bride wanted her wedding there because it was a retreat for her and the groom; a very special place to the both of them.  Who was I to take that away from them and insist on something different? So the planning began and the wedding was beautiful and exactly what they wanted.

With that being said, a wedding doesn’t always have to be in a ballroom, romantic garden, or on the beach to be beautiful or special.  It’s always about the couple, who they are, and how they’ve envisioned their wedding day to be.  Sometimes it’s at a Bed & Breakfast and you’ve decided to make a weekend out of it for you and your bridal party!

At Pine River Ranch, which isn’t the typical Bed & Breakfast, you can do just that.  It’s a Bed & Breakfast that’s set on 22 acres of manicured land and nestled among mountain ranges, meadows, rivers, and fields.   The one or two day wedding packages comes complete with exclusive use of the 22 acre facility and the staff on hand.  While there, you can partake in the festivities of river rafting, horseback riding, and golfing for some bonding time with your bridal party before the wedding day.  I just love that you have from 3pm the day before your wedding until 11am the day after your wedding to stay on the property, (if the two day package is chosen); after all they do have overnight accommodations for 12 guests.

For pre-ceremony set up, there are separate dressing suites for the bride and groom that are large enough for the bridal party, hair stylists, make-up artists and the like. The ceremony is generally held on the lawns, while the reception, where all the amenities are included, from tables, linens and chairs, to silverware, dishes and stemware, is held in the 1944 barn.  Once the festivities are over, the wedding party and geuest can retreat to the  beautiful bed and breakfastwith 6 luxurious cabin suites that are inspired by the Pacific Northeast.  Each suite is complete with a 2 person Jacuzzi spa, river rock fireplace, and hand crafted pine log beds.

For more information on booking this beautiful venue, visit www.prranch.c om

Making a Statement

We all know that the bride is the center of attention but sometimes she just has to make a statement as she's coming down the aisle!  Sometimes the dress is very opulent and luxurious, very short, very sexy and revealing, or even very colorful.  I’m a big fan of “Say Yes to the Dress” and also a big advocate of being you.  Often times people choose dresses, among other things, for their wedding because it’s what someone else wants, but too many opinions can overshadow your own.  It’s ok to be true to who you are.

You know you better than anyone else and there’s nothing saying you can’t add your personality into your dress too.  Adding too many opinions into your wedding day decision making process can take away your personality and add theirs.  Just because mom, or someone else, is paying for the dress, doesn’t mean that her opinion is the only one that matters, so remember that when you’re going dress shopping.  Value mom’s opinion and consider it but remember it’s your day.

 

I just love it when the bride comes down the aisle with something on that’s totally unexpected but still so very elegant!

The Garter Toss!

The Garter Toss is one of the many events we look forward to at the reception.  Most of the time, the bride tends to “spice it up” by adding a touch of blue for her “something blue”.  Why not go a different route when “spicing it up”?  There are certainly many more options to choose from when it comes to choosing a garter that will certainly fit your personality and add a little more “you” into your wedding reception.  After all, the day should definitely be about you and reflect who you are!

For the bride that loves Bling!

For the bride who loves Feathers!

For the bride that may want a Pop of Color!

For the bride that has a little bit of Naughty Mixed with the Nice!

For more amazing garters, visit ArtFire.com.

A Beautiful Beach Wedding

I’ve always loved the beach and this wedding speaks to me.  It’s casual, yet elegant.  The bridesmaids words wore different colored dresses but each complimented the colors of the beach and the sea.  The flowers were those that would compliment the environment and still matched the dresses. Nature provided the perfect backdrop the beautiful photos.

 

Thank you Brian of OrlandoWeddingPix.com for sharing your pictures!

What's a Party Without Cake?

With every celebration, whether it’s a wedding, engagement, or birthday, there’s always a cake to commemorate the event.  I remember when cakes were just a circle with vanilla or chocolate frosting and a few flowers.  Now, cake decorators have pushed the boundaries of creativity.

Owing a custom gift basket company, this Basket of Flowers Cake by Cake-a-licous is one that allows me to combine the fact that I make gift baskets and still remain active in the wedding industry.

Courtesy of thebrideandgroom.com

I’m also a girlie girl who loves a great hand bag and a pair of shoes.  This cake allows me to literally have my handbag and eat it too!

Courtesy of Icedartcakedecorator.com.au

Your cake should definitely reflect who you are and your guests will certainly get a kick out of seeing the cake that you've chosen to represent your special moment.

What's Your Dream Dress?

As most women, I’ve dreamed of my wedding day since I was a little girl.  Now, being in the wedding industry, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of many weddings, but I still wonder what my special day will be like.  Naturally, as trends change, I flip-flop on what my color scheme will be, but I remain true to the type of dress that I love.  For me, I have to have something form fitting, classy, with a hint of sex appeal.  As the bride, you definitely want all eyes to be on you, and that’s how I want it to be for me.  What kind of dress will you choose?

Will it be a dress with spaghetti straps with a low cut back?

Will it be a dress with sleeves as was with the Royal wedding and now coming back in style?

 Will it be a strapless gown like most brides dream of?

Will it be a gown of color like that of some traditions?

Whatever you decide to do on your special day, make sure all eyes are on you!

Creative Entertaining

To most of us, the summer is our favorite time of year for family gatherings, cook-outs, and overall entertaining.  For me, it’s all about great food, great friends, and great laughs.  I wanted to share some of my favorite recipes from one of my favorite cookbooks. 

Spinach & Strawberry Salad

Being an event planner, naturally, I love to entertain, but many people don’t know that I also love to cook.  I wanted to be a chef when I was in high school so I spend a lot of time experimenting in the kitchen, especially when it comes to seafood and chocolate.  Besides, with my daughter only eating seafood and my son eating only seafood and chicken breast as their only source of meat protein, I have to be creative when it comes to feeding them as to not get bored at the dinner table!

Chocolate Whoopie Pie

You don’t have to be at someone else’s wedding or cocktail party to have great food.  Here are some recipes that you can do yourself and impress your guests.  Whether you decide to have to have a quaint dinner party with friends or a big celebration, enjoy some of my favorite recipes.

Tangerine Tequila Shrimp                                          

2 lbs raw shrimp cleaned & deveined                          

½ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves                             

1 large dried red chili cut in half                                             

½ red onion cut into 4 pieces                                      

2 fresh green chilies cut in half –stems removed                    

4 tangerines, peeled and cut in half – seeds removed 

1 teaspoon grated lime peel                                        

½ cup fresh lime juice – about 2 limes                                   

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

2 tablespoons orange flavored liqueur – optional                   

¼ cup tequila

1 tablespoon olive oil                                                 

3 cloves garlic                                     

1 teaspoon sea salt

3 tablespoon raw cane sugar                                       

Place shrimp on bamboo skewers. Lay skewered shrimp in flat container with tight-fitting lid.              

Place remaining ingredients in order listed and blend.  Pour marinade all over shrimp, cover container an marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator. 

Preheat grill.  Remove skewered shrimp from marinade and grill 2 minutes on each side.                

Note: May be served with guacamole or salsa for dipping.  

Tangerine Tequila Shrimp

                                                               

Mango Banana Foster

2 medium mangoes peeled, seeded & chopped

2 ripe, firm bananas, cut into ¾ inch slices

8 maraschino cherries, halved

4 sheets (18x12 inch each) heavy duty foil

½ cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoon dark rum

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Vanilla ice cream

Prepare grill for direct cooking.

Place mango, banana, and cherries in center of each piece of foil.  Stir together brown sugar mixture over fruit mixture.

Double-fold sides and ends of foil to seal packets, leaving head space for heat circulation.  Place on baking sheet.

Slide packets off baking sheet onto grid over medium-high heat.  Grill, covered, 3-5 minutes or until hot.  Carefully open one end of each packet to allow steam to escape.

Meanwhile, spoon ice cream into serving bowls.  Open packets; pour fruit over ice cream.

                      

Mango Banana Foster

Frozen Mojito

½ cup lime juice

1-2 drops green food coloring (optional)

1 cup fresh mint leaves

½ cup sugar

¼ cup light rum

2 cups ice

1 cup water

Lime slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish

Place all ingredients in blender; blend until smooth.  Pour immediately into chilled glasses. Garnish

with lime slices and whole mint leave as desired.                

                                                   

Frozen Mojito

Trending Brooch Bouquets

The bridal bouquet is on of the many details of a wedding that we look forward to and love to see.  Next to the bridal ensemble, it’s definitely one of my favorite things to look out for on wedding day.  Now, the trend is Brooch Bouquets and they are equally gorgeous and appealing.

Image courtesy of tainaeventsanddesign

Image courtesy of MontecristosJewelry.com

I remember the Cameo brooch my grandmother gave to me when I was a little.  Then, I thought it was the most beautiful piece of jewelry that I had ever seen.  It wouldn’t be quite right for a brooch bouquet, but I love that you’re able to add sentiment to your wedding by incorporating the little pieces of jewels and family heirlooms into a beautiful creation for your special day.  Besides, it’s definitely a bouquet that will last a lot longer.

Image courtesy of emmalinebride.com

Image courtesy of sheknows.com

Image courtesy of allaboutweddings.ie

There are many decisions to make when planning your wedding but any great wedding planner will tell you to that you should incorporate who you are into the celebration.  As much or as little as you like, as long as the day reflects who you are as an individual and as a couple.  A brooch bouquet is definitely a way to incorporate YOU into your wedding day.

The Shoes Have It

I love shoes!  Let me just put it out there.  I’m always looking for shoes that are different and unique; ones that will stand out on a daily basis and make a statement.  When it comes to your wedding day, the shoe has to be that much more special.  Brides are choosing to be more creative and non-traditional when choosing the shoes they will wear when they walk down the aisle.  Next to the dress, it’s one of the most important accessories, at least in my opinion.

From Zappos.com- Martinez Valero

From Zappos.com- Nina

It’s one thing to find the perfect shoe and another when you can design it yourself.  If you’re anything like me, you like to feel a little special when you get dressed and feel as though no one will be wearing the same thing.  A custom shoe means that no one else has it and it’s all about your creativity and imagination.  While searching for custom shoes, I came across the company Shoes of Prey, where you can design your shoe from beginning to end. From leather, suede, snake skin, Italian silk, and bling; to peep toe, platform, to ankle boots.  The options are endless.  

 

No longer are brides choosing simple white or ivory shoes.  They are expressing their style and personality with colors that pop, reflect their wedding colors, or even their traditions.  Whether wedding or everyday wear, a woman loves to make a statement with her shoes and Shoes of Prey is a great place to start and ruffles, bows, and flowers are in this year.

 

Inspired to Succeed

I attended the Inspire Smart Success Experience, hosted by Stacie Francombe (www.InspireSmartSuccess.com) and it was so much more than I expected!  Many times we sign up for up for conferences or seminars; wanting and eager to learn but are often turned off by the classroom setting, long hours, or the feeling of being “lectured” to.  This was so the opposite of any seminar or conference I had ever been to and I learned information about getting my company published in print and on TV that is by far the most valuable I’ve heard to date!

Registration and Place Cards

The awesome Swag Bags w/Name Tags!

The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting.  The panel included the amazing Wedding & Event Designers, Dianne Valentine and Tiffany Cook, Tony Conway of A Legendary Event, and the editors of some of my favorite wedding magazines!  They were seated on while leather furniture to give a relaxed feel.  We were provided with ISSE pens and notebooks to take notes and absorb all of the information, and when the AC got too cold, the awesome Swag Bags contained green shawls to cover our arms!  To stay connected, we were also given tiny profile books that included our picture, company, and Twitter ID!  How cool is that?

The Panel

Decorated tables w/ISSE notebooks & contact books

My place setting

We learned to important of a sizzle reel and how to write a press kit, the difference between an advertisement and an editorial, and most importantly, that we have nothing to lose so try everything you got!  Go after what you want as it won’t come to you.  Be persistent and doors will open.  Once they do, exude confidence in the brand that you’ve created.  I am Inspired to Succeed…Are you???

A Song For You

We’re often looking to add something new and personal to our wedding ceremonies.  Many times, couples choose to add that personalization by reading a poem, tasting of the four elements, adding their cultural elements, walking down the aisle to a favorite song, or having someone sing their favorite song.

I recently had the opportunity to meet Sauda Fuller, of Songs by Sauda, and she actually writes a special song for the Bride & Groom and performs it at their wedding ceremony!  I think it’s a brilliant idea to sit with the couple, find out about them, write a song, and then perform it at their ceremony!  How much more special would it be to have your own song sang at your wedding?  Just like a custom gift basket from Wrapped Couture, a song by Sauda is created specifically for the bride and groom and their love for each other, which is put on CD for them to keep!  They can also choose to have their favorite love song sang as another option. 

Photo Courtesy of KreativTouch Photography



Photo Coutesy of KreativTouch Photograpy

 Your guests remembers the fun they had and the food they ate but you’ll always remember the look on his face as you walked down the aisle or the moment when you two first danced; the little romantic moments that we may tend to forget over time.  A song can always take you back to those moments and a song that’s your own can make it just that much more special.

Photo Courtesy of KreativTouch Photography

For more information, on how you can have a song created visit the presskit: www.sonicbids.com/sauda or the website: www.saudamusic.com

The Destination Wedding Gift

The question's been popped and she said "yes".  Aside from setting the date, she decided on a location; which happens to be a destination outside of your local area…

Destination weddings aren’t new, but they are increasing in popularity and frequency.  For various reasons, couples are choosing to have more intimate and smaller weddings.

With that being said, guests are often left wondering what to do about gifts.  Since more than 91% of brides register for their wedding gifts, we would naturally gravitate towards their registry and start checking off items.  It’s a challenge for some when the wedding is local (even with a registry), so when the destination is out of the country, the joy of choosing a gift can be a bit more challenging.  For gifts that are being taken internationally, it’s suggested that money or gift certificates are taken to the actual destination or shopping from a registry local to the destination.  Or, you can also take the gifts to the couples’ home or someone that’s been designated to receive them.

Now, here is my suggestion.  There is generally a pre-destination party of some sort; the bachelor party or the bachelorette party, for example; a party to celebrate the journey and wish the couple much love and happiness.  Wouldn’t it be so much cooler to give the happy couple a Custom Gift Basket, specific to who they are, their wedding, or destination of choice; and full of the things that they would need while on the honeymoon?  In a Bridal Guide survey, couples stated that they are most likely to purchase the following:

§  Wardrobe

§  Swimsuit

§  Sunglasses

§  Sunscreen

§  Luggage

§  Video Camera

§  Camera

Of course, most registries and gifts are of items for the home; items to help the couple began their life together and I’m all for that too.  But, wouldn’t it just me a nice thought to show up at the pre-destination party with an unexpected gift that they can just pack away for their honeymoon?  I assure you, they’ll never forget it!