What Makes Your Heart Smile?

July 24, 2011 in Inspiration

I was watching a movie over the weekend and one line I remember the most is, "There may be more than one journey to the same destination, and although we may choose one over the other doesn't mean we've abandoned all the others." I really thought this was a profound statement and one I had to listen to twice.

Image Courtesy of Etsy.com

I've always believed that our lives are predetermined, but the path we take to get us there is up to us. We can choose the easy way or the hard way but often times we choose the more difficult one because we choose to listen to others by being more of a follower than a leader, by following someone else's dream rather than that of our own, and more importantly NOT listening to our gut instinct, which is what I refer to as God speaking to you.

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Of course life isn't meant to be easy. There are many lessons to learn along the way and bumps and bruises that we will receive. No matter what, it's the journey to be had and one to take with the bitter and the sweet and learn the lessons along the way. I've always been told that it's not about how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up swinging. I've had my fair share of bumps, bruises, and wrong advise but what I've learned the most is to follow my gut, trust God, and believe in myself. No one knows you better than you. Ultimately, you have to live with you and do what makes your heart smile.

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Wedding Day Make-Up

July 21, 2011 in Inspiration

I recently collaborated on an article with a colleague of mine, Erica Pitera of Borrowed and Bleu and provided my opinion on how a bride should look on her wedding day. I’ve always said that you should be you and your wedding day should be no different. If you’re bold and sassy and used to wearing bold and sassy make-up, then you may want to wear something a little sassy on your wedding day too. Maybe your outfit is more extravagant than most and you want your make-up to match.

Image Courtesy of WeddingVendors.com

Image Courtesy of Fulmasti.com

However, if you’re more subtle and natural, then doing something a bit more natural and following your natural hues is more you on your wedding day. You definitely want to look like yourself but a bit more polished and put together. If you’re like me, you don’t wear a lot of make-up and surely don’t want to walk down the aisle looking like someone else!

Image Courtesy of ALaMourofBarrington.Wordpress.com

Image Courtesy of RochelleRae.com

Image Courtesy of MyHeartistry.com

Whether you’re hiring a professional make-up artist or not, you want to have a clear idea of what you’re going to look like on your wedding day in your full outfit. Have a practice run so you know what to expect and you won’t have any unnecessary surprises on your wedding day.

It's Ok to Share

July 21, 2011 in Inspiration

“Because of your gifts, God will draw men unto you.” It’s a quote from the Bible and one said by the lovely Diann Valentine at the Inspire Smart Success Experience that I recently attended in Orlando, Florida, hosted by Stacie Francombe. I met and befriended some amazing people but this was one of the quotes that just stood out to me more than the others, because I've always said, what is for me is for me. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says or does in an effort to change that, and this quote pretty much said substantiated that.

The Welcome Baskets that the guests were provided upon check-in at the Hotel

The Letter Press Itinerary provided by ShopAnnabelle's

Our Individual Place Settings

In the wedding industry, we as wedding planners, designers, and the like are typically trying to hoard information. We aren't always willing to share our information with others in fear that our own businesses or client rosters will suffer if we do. I’m here to tell you that’s it’s ok to share, and your business can’t run without the strength of a healthy relationship with colleagues within the industry. This was also confirmed at the conference. When you have a great vendor-to-vendor relationship your business actually grows in the process, instead of it being hurt from it. There really isn’t a need to think that you can run a one-man or one-woman company. You’re setting yourself up for failure, and fast if you think that!

Once again, the amazing Swag Bags

The beautifully decorated panel

Karlena Wallace of Stiletto Woman Media & Leigh Duncan of Orlando Wedding Magazine

Lauren Grove of Every Last Detail

Tiffany Cook of Dream Design Weddings and Diann Valentine

The beautiful menu cards by Natural Impressions

The Success Is Sweet Dessert Bar

People have asked me why I took the time to come to the ISSE in Orlando after I had already been to the Experience in Atlanta. The answer is simple. As a small business owner, there is always something to learn, especially if someone is willing to share their knowledge and experiences with you. Someone once told me that a wise man learns from the experiences of others so that you can learn how to be successful yourself. For a small investment, I figured I’d learn a little more. Believe me, I did!

Myself and Tiffany Cook

Myself, Tiffany Cook, & Marilyn Martinez of Natural Impressions

Secondly, to be in a place where there is a group of people just as passionate about the same industry as I am is priceless. That’s how relationships are born and that’s really what it’s all about. We get to spread our wings and fly out of our own comfort zone of vendors and see what other talented people are in the world. As stated earlier, I met some amazing people, such as Mariana Herrera Mosli of Kismis Ink Photography, DJ Carl Williams, and Monique Turley of ShutterBooth Photo & Video Booths. I was reacquainted with Karlena Wallace of Stiletto Woman Media and Tiffany Cook of Dream Design Weddings and those that I just knew via Twitter such as, Lauren Grove of Every Last Detail, April Dorsey of the D-Tales, and Eileen Kanter of Diva With A Fork. All in all, it was a great experience and one I'd recommend!

If You Must Wear A Watch

July 15, 2011 in Inspiration

If you’re anything like me, you’re a stickler for time and always want to know what time it is; your wedding day won’t be any different. Even though your wedding planner is keeping track of time and keeping everything on schedule.

Many of us are aware of Badgley Mischka fashion and see a lot of brides wearing their fabulous shoes on wedding day. Did you know that they have watches too?

Men can get away with wearing a watch, anytime, anyplace, and for any event. If you’re a bride and really need to wear a watch, I found some great options that will compliment just about any wedding dress and not appear so obvious.

All images Courtesy of KenmarWatches.com via Badgely Mischka

Handkerchiefs~The Family Heirloom

July 14, 2011 in Inspiration

Sometimes having a piece of the past helps us step into the future. Often times that piece of the past is a handkerchief that’s been passed down by our loved ones. We may choose to incorporate into our bouquet or attach it to the wedding dress, if you’re the bride or hold it in the breast pocket of the tuxedo, if you’re the groom.

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Image Courtesy of Blog.BellaGala.com

It can hold some sense of comfort and security and bring a certain level of calmness when it’s our turn to walk down the aisle. When a loved one has passed on or if mom carried it on her wedding day, to be able to carry on the tradition and add sentiment to your wedding day is an honor. Besides, we are always looking to incorporate that “something old.”

Image Courtesy of PravadaPhotography.com

I spent a lot of time with my grandmother as a child, teenager, and young adult; we were so close. She was like a second mother to me. She always carried a lace trimmed handkerchief with her at church on Sundays, to wipe away her tears. Although, I’ve never been married, I’d like to carry one of her handkerchiefs with me on my wedding day and hopefully pass it down to my daughter as well. Sometimes the presence of someone is all we need to move forward.

Black and Purple Rock & Roll Wedding Ideas

July 11, 2011 in Inspiration

If your color palette is black and purple and Rock & Roll runs through your veins, then these wedding ideas are for you.

The invitation sets the tone. Surprise your guests with an unexpected invitation that looks like a they would be headed to a Rock concert.

Image Courtesy of OhSoBeautifulPaper.com

If you like flowers but don’t love them or can do without, how about a brooch bouquet to carry down the aisle?

Image Courtesy of ModernWeddingBlog.com

No one says that you have to wear white shoes on your wedding day. Add some of your love of Rock & Roll and your flare with these shoes.

Maybe you also want a dress that's not so traditional and fits the theme.

A cake to top off the evening.

A Groom and His Sneakers

July 11, 2011 in Inspiration

There is something about a man and his sneakers that he just have a hard time parting with; and his wedding day is no exception. Of course we know that the wedding day is mostly about the bride but when the groom can influence any part of the decision making, his wedding day footwear is usually at the top of the list.

Image Courtesy of TrueColorsEvents.Wordpress.com

It's no secret that I love to see individual style and personality incorporated into every wedding or event that I do, and I do believe that the groom should have some say-so when it comes to choosing some of the details of his wedding day. With a variety of options to choose from, sneakers are a fun way to incorporate his love of sneakers and a little of his style into his wedding day too.

Image Courtesy of UnitedWithLove.com

From high tops, low tops, checkered patterned Vans, or old school Adidas; the options are endless but the most important thing is to be you.

Incorporating the Blues

July 08, 2011 in Inspiration

We just celebrated the 4^th of July and today I felt inspired by shoes and the need to pay a little tribute, albeit a little late.

Image Courtesy of RandFWifey.Blogspot.com

I don’t know any woman that doesn’t love a good pair of shoes and now, more than before, women are choosing to add color to their bridal ensemble with the shoes on their feet. I saw this pair of shoes that was the blue for the (Something old, something new, borrowed and Blue) and blue for her to also salute her new husband. How cute are these?

Image Courtesy of Moonkissd

What a way to combine the blue from the tradition and the Blue of the Red, White, & Blue.

QR Codes For Your Wedding

July 05, 2011 in Inspiration

I remember when the computers were black with green block letters; nothing spectacular to say the least! Now, technology has changed in so many ways and has allowed us to take our computers with us and even have it on our phones.

Now, the latest in technology is the QR Code, which is a specific barcode that is readable by dedicated QR readers and camera phones. The information that’s provided can bring up more information on the product, a website, a telephone number, or other pertinent information on the brand.

Being a wedding planner, I’m always perusing Wedding and Bridal magazines and the codes are showing up everywhere to help brides gain more information on the things they may need for their wedding day; from bridal gowns, honeymoons, venues, caterers, florists, jewelers, and much more. I’ve used them before and it’s definitely a lot easier to have information right at your fingertips, rather than to hunt for it.

As an added bonus for me, being the chocolate lover and the business owner that I am, one of my favorite chocolate companies, Chocolate Graphics has come up with a way for you to combine chocolate and technology. You can market your company by incorporating your website, Twitter feed, online catalogs, and YouTube onto milk, dark, or white chocolate. How cool is that?! I’d definitely be the one to get the information I needed and enjoy the chocolate later. A brilliant way to combine technology and a sweet treat!

Thanks Michele for sharing this information on Chocolate Graphics and letting us know that chocolate can also be informative!

A Dress Above the Rest

June 30, 2011 in Inspiration

As I prepare to head to the "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta Season 2" Premier next week sponsored by Brides Magazine and Bridals by Lori, I can’t help but think of bridal fashions and all those newly engaged that will be out looking for the perfect dress. I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of something awesome, cute, and unique to wear, and a wedding dress should be no different. At least, that’s my opinion!

I know when it’s time to look for mine, it will be something jaw dropping and oh so fabulous, combined with the oh so elegant and classy, because that’s just my style. I saw these dresses and they really caught my eye and maybe they’ll catch yours too.

Whatever you do, stand out and do you!

A Man's Love

June 30, 2011 in Inspiration

It is always great when we literally stumble upon a photograph that stops us in our tracks and makes us think for a moment or two; maybe even dream a little. That’s how I felt when I saw this photo on the blog of the very talented Ross Oscar Knight, whose photography I’ve loved for quite some time, and a photograph that inspired me to write this post.

Image Courtesy of RossOscarKnightPhotography.com
© 2011 Ross Oscar Knight - All Rights Reserved

As I’ve said many times before, photography is one of my favorite forms of art. It has the capability to elicit such ranges of emotion and I find it amazing that one person can feel one thing while another can feel something different altogether.

Image Courtesy of JessicaMonnichPhotography.com

Love is one of the most powerful emotions there is and I feel there’s no greater time or place to show that emotion than, a man awaiting his bride on their wedding day. One of my all-time my favorite songs; When a Man Cry, by Tony Terry says “There’s nothing more tender than the warm and loving tear drops of a man. We don’t have to be strong all the time. So let it be known and let the truth be told. It takes a big man to let he pain show and a bigger man to let it go.” I certainly agree and it tugs at my heart strings every time.

Image Courtesy of JayMoorePhotography.com

Image Courtesy of SavannahWeddingProfessionals.com

A Purple & Gold Wedding

June 29, 2011 in Inspiration

This wedding comes to you today by the talented Leslie of LeslieMariePhotography.com The bride and groom, Chandra & Kalief were married just a few weeks ago and they used the color palette of purple and gold; very pretty for the summer. The bride wore a beautiful strapless, beaded, gown that flowed with ruffles; and she was adorned with all jewels and surrounded by lots of love. It showed in the ceremony.

The bridesmaids wore purple gowns and carried balls of yellow flowers instead of traditional bouquets; a true spin on the expected bouquets.

If you’d like to see a full slideshow of the photographs, you may view it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnFURfIS2I0

Thank you Leslie for sharing your photos.

Creative Napkin Folds

June 28, 2011 in Inspiration

My typical Tuesday Food post today is devoted to the creativity of the place setting instead of the meal itself.

At most weddings and events, the napkins are folded the same way, a square, rectangle, or triangle; with little or no creativity. Although it may me a tad bit more difficult and time consuming, I always like to see when a little more attention is given to the napkin, especially if the place setting and centerpieces are grand and opulent.

Have you planned are garden themed event that’s full of flowers and floral décor accents? Why not incorporate a rosebud folded napkin to top off the place setting?

Is it a Holiday party and you’re entertaining family and friends? You can certainly dress up the dining room table with this napkin fold.

Have you planned a cute baby shower that’s fun and whimsical? Why not have a cute little diaper napkin fold at the place settings?

Entertaining should appeals to all senses; the sense of sight, tough, smell, tastes, and sound. So when your guests arrive at your next event, make sure you’ve aroused all of theirs!

Unique Cuffs

June 27, 2011 in Inspiration

As many of you many know, I’m a jewelry fanatic, but I think, to a certain extent, men are often forgotten about on wedding day. We’ve seen them show their personality in their suits and choice of shoes, so why not their cufflinks?

There are some companies that I work with that have some amazing cufflinks but I also found some great pictures that could reflect the personalities of those in your bridal party.

Do they all have the same thing in common? Super Heroes perhaps?

Image Courtesy of WhitmeyerPhotography.com

Is he savvy about money or works in Finance?

Image Courtesy of CharlotteMagagize.com

Image Courtesy of CuffLinkScene.com

Does he love a good game of Scrabble?

Image Courtesy of EcoArtStudios.com

You can never go wrong with his name, can you?.

Image Courtesy of Maddox.net

Even though we know the wedding day is mostly about the bride, it’s very nice to incorporate the groom and his likes into it as well. It just makes it that much more special.

Destination I Do

June 26, 2011 in Inspiration

If you haven’t heard by now, blue is my favorite color, the ocean is my favorite place, and serenity is my absolute favorite thing! That’s one of the reasons why I love to see destination weddings on the beach or near the ocean, as it encompasses all the things that speak to me.

Destination weddings allow couples to plan a wedding and honeymoon simultaneously and their guests get the opportunity to plan a mini vacation. Many times guests are traveling from long distances or haven’t seen the couple for a long time and a destination wedding has given the opportunity for additional bonding and celebrating the joys of the event.

Image Courtesy of GorgeousWorld.net

Image Courtesy of Bridal-Bags.com

If you’re planning a Destination Wedding, just remember a few tips via DestinationWeddings.com:

· The average Destination Wedding saves on average $20,000 than the average wedding

· Guests for a Destination Wedding spend approximately $750 to attend for travel & hotel stay

· Destinations don’t have to be out of the country. The top spots are: Las Vegas, Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, and Bahamas.

· Guests should be notified 4-6 months prior to the wedding so they can make arrangements to attend (Save-the-Dates)

· Most importantly, you can honeymoon while you’re there! That's the main idea right?

The Argyle Craze

June 24, 2011 in Inspiration

Argyle is a pattern so distinct and one that originated in the 1920's on golf jerseys and long socks. We still see the long socks but the pattern has made its way into some serious fashion; more specifically wedding fashion.

Image Courtesy of ElizabethBailey.Blogspot.com

Image Courtesy of PaperDollRomance.com

Image Courtesy of Etsy.com

Image Courtesy of SandyAlaMode.com

I've seen the new Russell Simmions, Argyle Culture line and I really love it. He's even put the pattern on jewelry and we all know that I'm a jewelry fanatic! The argyle pattern is one that is timeless but also one that still can be fashion forward.

Image Courtesy of Kay.com via ArgyleCulture.com

Incorporating History Into Our Future

June 23, 2011 in Inspiration

I grew up in the decade of the 70’s and truly hating everything about the fashion, but there were a few pieces of jewelry and family pieces that my grandmother had given me that I absolutely adored that made it worthwhile. I just loved playing in my grandmother's jewelry box! Today, brides are choosing to incorporate Vintage fashion into their wedding day; just to incorporate their family heirlooms, pay tribute to family members, or simply because they love the fashion of the past.

Image Courtesy of NunnBetterDesign.Blogspot.com and KristaMason.com

I remember telling my mother that I couldn’t wait for the decade to be over so people could stop wearing the crazy clothes. I recall her telling me that at some point the past would all come back in style and I would see it (the past) all over again. I honestly thought she was crazy but she was so right! Now, I love seeing how brides incorporate the old with the new; the modern with the classic and create something that so elegant, unique, and totally them.

Image Courtesy of Glitzy-N-Glamorous.com

Image Courtesy of BarnesWeddings.co.uk

Whether we're inspired by our grandmother's jewelry, lace, or grandfather's car, it's always nice when we can pay tribute and incorporate history into our future.

Chocolate, Chocolate & More Chocloate

June 21, 2011 in Inspiration

I decided to dedicate this post to chocolate because I just devoured a bag of a bag of chocolate and I really should be ashamed of myself; but I’m not! I love chocolate and that’s really no secret. But, I’m always looking for more creative ways to try it besides the typical candy bar, cake, and ice cream.

I love when the food at an event is just as creative and imaginative at the event itself. As an event planner, I know that the food and entertainment are the two things that people will remember the most after the event has long ended.

I’m willing to try almost anything once and I wonder what the reaction to these chocolate menu suggestions will be.

Chocolate Soup.

Image Courtesy of ConsciousFeast.com

Chili Chocolate Soup.

Image Courtesy of EatWriteThink.com

Crab and Citrus Salad with Dark Chocolate Dressing.

Image Courtesy of HapysHawaii.com

Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream & Strawberries.

Image Courtesy of DishinandDishes.com

Chocolate Wine.

Image Courtesy of Medonthemed.com

Chocolate Wedding Cake

Chocolate, Chocolate, & More Chocolate

June 21, 2011 in Inspiration

I’m willing to try almost anything once and I wonder what the reaction to this chocolate menu will be.

Black & White Tuxedo Inspiration

June 20, 2011 in Inspiration

There is something about a man in a suit that just does something to me. No matter the man, he just always seems to clean up well when the jeans come off and the suit comes on. Sometimes his flare is just a little a little bit different and he takes his inspiration from things he loves.