Inspiration

The Unity Cross

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I just happened to be flipping through one of my favorite bridal magazines and ran across the Unity Cross.  I had to look more into it and I have to say that I love the idea.  A strong masculine cross joined with a more dainty and feminine cross, joined together with three brass prongs to create one solid statue. 

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This represents two lives joining as one and held together by God, the man, and the woman.  So often, we get caught up in the acutal wedding that we tend to forget that the marriage should last far longer than one night and something that should be worked towards everyday.  The Unity Cross can serve as a constant reminder of your vows.  Take a look at the video below to see firsthand.


A Princess & The Frog Baby Shower

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I received a request to design a baby shower with the theme of Princess & The Frog, since this was the theme of the nursery and purple was the mom-to-be's favorite color.  I was given several pictures to work with, asked to incorporate balloons, and only 10 days to pull it together.  Aside from that, I wasn't able to get in to see the clubhouse before the event date!!

I didn't take the theme too literal, but chose to stay with a lime green and lilac color palette and pull from the "swampiness" of the movie.  I used lime green table linen with lilac napkins, cool water roses and green pompns that I submerged in river rocks and bear grass that I sat atop a sheet of moss for my centerpieces, and I folded the napkins in a lily fold to add another floral element.

I'm looking forward to the photos but here are some that I snapped myself.  I hope you like!

Image via Mobile Phone
Image via Mobile Phone



Image via Mobile Phone



Image via Mobile Phone

Louboutins To Swoon Over

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I am a self proclaimed shoe-aholic and if I could have a walk-in closet just with shoes and the other with fabulous fashions, I'd be in girly girl heaven!  With it being fall, it's time to break out the boots and booties and put away the open toe stilettos.  I ran across these Louboutin booties and I almost flipped over!!  I LOVE to wear white all year round, regardless of what the fashion police may say and these would go great with some amazing white wide leg slacks!!  These are a must for my wish list!



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Chocolate Diamonds & Strawberry Gold

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What do you get when you combine the love of chocolate,strawberries, and diamonds?  The fabulous diamond collection from LeVian.  This is truly a way for a girl like me to have a decadent dessert every single day and not gain a single pound!  Chocolate diamonds surrounded by strawberry gold (the modern day term for rose gold, which has always been one of my favorites.)  What's not to love??  I've always wanted a non-traditional engagement ring and these are certainly right up my alley.  Take a look for yourself.


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Beautiful Photography

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Photography is one of my favorite forms of art.  It's amazing to me how an emotion can be captured in one photograph, causing you to pause for just a moment.  That's what happened when I saw these photos, I took pause.  A great photographer has a keen eye and finds inspiration in his or her surroundings to create something beautiful. 



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Tuesday Shoesday ~Suede Booties

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It's that time of year where the calendar says it's Fall but the weather says something totally different.  It's not quite cold enough for boots and you're just about ready to put away the stilettos.  Well, booties are the perfect choice to meet in the middle and can be paired with a great pair of jeans!  I'm a shoe-aholic and own a ton of shoes with several pair of them being booties.  This is a pair that I can definitely see in my closet! Can you?  You can't go wrong with a great pair of heels.

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From Sports Bar To Elegant Affair

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If you're planning a small intimate wedding or event, want the Country Club atmosphere, and the ballroom is too big for your affair, it can be done and done elegantly.  I was asked to transform the Bar & Grille of a Golf and Country Club into an elegant affair for 40 guests.  Here's a peak at how the room was transformed, using an all white palette with touches of silver and pale blue up-lights.  I used white hydrangeas, white roses, and white mini cala lillies to create the arrangements and various glass and white vases to give texture to the all white palette.  I hope you like!

Image via Jamie Osmanson
Image via Mobile Phone
Image via Mobile Phone

Vendors that made it possible: Venue~ Windermere Golf and Country Club, Lighting and Drapery~ Unique Event Management, China & Flatware~ TLC Rents, Linen~ Connie Duglin Linen, Photography~ Leslie Marie Photography, and Cake~ Sweet Infinity Cakes.

My Lab Contest Inspiration Board Submissions

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So I took my chance at entering an Inspiration Board contest hosted by The Lab and The Perfect Palette for a chance to go to California.  I'm always putting them together for my clients for their weddings or events and I even have an inspiration board for my own personal life goals  I figured I had nothing to lose, so I took a stab at it.  I think Chrissy from The Perfect  Palette is the Guru of inspiration boards and I'm always inspired by what she comes up with.  I hope you can find some inspiration from what I've done as well.


Images via Pinterest



Images via Pinterest


Images via Pinterest

Bow Tie Personality!

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Often times the groom is wearing a dark suit or tuxedo and a basic bowtie to his own wedding!  But, who's to say that he can't add some personality to his bow tie, just as he would when he adds a pair of sneakers to his ensemble?  The bow tie is a part of that ensemble and I feel it should all work together.  We say the day is more about the bride, but I feel it's a union of two and a collaboration.  So, I pulled a few options that could add some personality to any suit or tuxedo!

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Tuesday Shoesday ~Purple Patent Leather~

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For anyone who knows me, you'll know that I love a great stiletto and a pop of color any day of the week!  It's amazing how you can be searching for one thing and litterally find something else.  That's how I came across this cute shoe.  Growing up, I couldn't stand patent leather but I liked that they had a little shine to them.  I guess that's why I like things to have a little sparkle to them now.  I hope you like this shoe as I do.

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Prelude to Stiletto Woman in Business Awards

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I had the pleasure of joining my fellow advisory board members and attending the End of Summer Soiree.  It was our chance to mix and mingle with some of the nominees for the Stiletto Woman in Business Awards, which will take place in Atlanta on March 17th, and other local business women.  They also had the opportunity to mingle with Karlena Wallace, the owner and founder of Stiletto Woman Media. 

The event was a blast and I met some amazing and passionate people.  The atmosphere was energetic and fun, and the food was also very amazing and we had had the opportunity to try on and purchase fabulous jewelry from Juniper Blu Gifts.

Nominations are still being accepted for the Stiletto Woman in Business Awards, until October 1st.  So, you still have time to nominate yourself or an awesome woman that you know, here.  Keynote speakers will include, Shirley Strawberry, Stacie Francombe, Robyn Spizeman, and Danielle Knox Ross. 



The following women are eligible:
§  Women solo, micro, or independent business owners or founders
§  Women residing in the contiguous United States and Canada
§  Women must own at least 50% of their business or be founding members
§  Women must employ no more than 10 regular staff members
Nominees will be judged on the following criteria:
§  Creativity & Innovation
§  Professional Leadership
§  Supportive Community
§  Professional & Personal Presence
The winner will receive:
§  A feature spread in Stiletto Woman Magazine (2012)
§  An exquisitely engraved award plaque
§  Recognition at the 2012 SWIBA Ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia
§  A “Winner” award emblem for website, blog sites, and promos
§  A special discount on Stiletto Woman Magazine advertising
Event Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Atlanta Airport Hotel
                              3437 Bobby Brown Parkway, East Point, GA 30344
Event Time:       8:30-5:00pm
Ticket Costs:     Regular ($129.00) Late ($159.00)
Visit www.StilettoWoman.com for more information.

African Safari Inspired TableScape

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I had the pleasure of working with Roy of Unique Event Management and designing a tablescape to showcase some of his Intelligent lighting techniques.  As we sat down to lunch at Subway, I glanced over at a poster of "The Lion King" that was soon to be released in 3D and this is where the tablescape inspiration came from.

I chose a color palette of deep red, gold, and brown.  I found some amazing wood chargers that I accented with Ivory dinnerware and copper napkins, with gold plated flatware.  We all love a little bling so I incorporated wooden beads to tone it down a bit and still give it a little sparkle.  I also added a couple of treasure chests and copper napkin rings.  I wanted to keep it earthy by sticking with earth tones and the animal printed fabric.  Here's a sneak peak at a few of the photos by Leslie Marie Photography.



Photo Credit: Leslie Marie Photography



Photo Credit: Leslie Marie Photography



Photo Credit: Leslie Marie Photography



Thanks to wonderful vendors who help put this photo shoot together. Venue: Melia Hotel Linen: BBJ Linen Gold Flatware, Ivory China, & Chiavari Chairs: TLC Rents.

Selecting Your Wedding DJ

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As a wedding planner, all too often when it comes to selecting a DJ for the wedding reception, the bride already has someone in mind.  Someone that she knows personally knows , suggestions from friends, or referrals from someone that she knows.  Rarerly does that referral come from a wedding professional.

Many DJ’s know how to DJ and throw a party.  However, those same DJ’s forget that a wedding is a party of a different nature and that the music has to change tempo from time to time, not to mention specific songs that need to be played during key moments of the event.  Guests have to eat, which require softer music to be played, you have the first dance, the father-daughter dance, the bouquet toss, the garter toss, and the like, which all require specific songs that the bride and groom have chosen.  Sometimes the DJ is even required to be the emcee during the reception and introduce the bridal party, announce the cake cutting and bouquet toss.  All of these things need to be considered when selecting the DJ for your wedding so I’ve put together a few tips to help in your selection:


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§  Interview more than one DJ.  Ask how many weddings he/she have done.  Knowing that they have wedding experience is a plus.  Ask for references from previously married couples and find out what their experience was like.
§  Plan a meeting with the DJ so that you have a better understanding of how you’d like your reception to flow.  Make sure that you’re on the same page and that you’re completely comfortable with the arrangements that are made.  Also make sure that the person you’re interviewing is the person that will be DJing at your wedding.  Have these things clearly spelled out in the contract.
§  What happens in the event of an emergency?  Is it in the contract that a member of the staff or a backup will stand in if such an unfortunate even shall arise?  Anything can happen and you need to know and be prepared.
§  Know your budget!  As with any wedding vendor, you have to budget for this one too.  Some DJ’s charge by the hour and others have packages that include lighting and other amenities.  If you go by the hour, make sure you know what happens if the reception runs over.  If you choose a package, will the extra amenities really be necessary?  Be smart and stick to your budget, but don’t skimp on the entertainment either.
§  Does the DJ have an online catalog?  Your DJ should know what types of songs you like and also know what NOT to play.  The DJ should have a great selections of music and be able to read the crowd and know what songs will likely keep them on the dance floor.  A great mixture is always good.
§  The DJ should also have an itinerary of the wedding so that he/she can follow along and know what’s happening and when.  There’s nothing worse than having the DJ fumbling through the music looking for the right song while the bride and her father are on the dance floor waiting when he should have had the right song ready!
§  Will the DJ be dressed appropriately?  Remember, a wedding is a different type of party.  A tuxedo or black suit is quite appropriate!  If he objects, then you probably don’t want to select this DJ.

Fabulous Headpieces

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For brides, sometimes wearing a full veil just isn't an option.  Sometimes a full veil isn't the right style for the bride or the dress that she's chosen or the style of her wedding may dictate something different altogether.   Like most of us, a bride generally knows what she wants.  So, I decided to revisit a post and show that there are options available when you want to incorporate fashion into your wedding day and dare to be a little different. 

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Whether she's a modern bride, vitage bride, or a more traditional bride, when she sees herself in the mirror, she'll know exactly what she should be wearing and that's all that matters. 

A Colorful & Playful Spring

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My April 2012 bride comes to me and says that she can't pull her vision together.  She loves fuschia, wants the men in the wedding to wear khaki suits, and wants to have flip flops available for the women in the event that their feet begin to hurt from the high heels or too much dancing.  She also wanted it to be fun and festive wiht a touch of Morocco.  As always, I put an inspiration board together so she could see how some of her ideas would look, once they were all layed out...

Images via Pinterest


The venue has gold chairs and the caterer offers khaki linens.  To stay within her budget, I suggested pink roses and gerberas, and plenty of candlelight in lanterns and Moroccan tea glasses for her 6pm ceremony.  Now that she can see it all together, she loves the concept.  Now, it's time to pull it all together for Spring!

Tuesday Shoesday ~McQueen Platforms~

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As we head into Fall, I was looking for shoes that would fit the color palette of the season and litterally stumbled upon these Alexander McQueen Leaf Platform shoes.  I think they are truly stunning.  Anyone who knows Alexander McQueen, knows his style can be a bit out there at times, but this one is so on the money!!!  This shoe would be great for a Fall wedding, with gold, brown, or red accents.  Or, just to have in your closet.  You could also wear these after the wedding day, if you chose to do so.

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For more Tuesday Shoesday picks, you may also visit these blogs: Only Gorgeous Weddings, Modernly Wed, Ruffles and Tweed, Paper Moss, Bella Vista Weddings, and The Charity Wedding

Paper Boutonnieres!

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I was searcing for non-floral boutonnieres and came across two very unique paper ones!  I'm so impressed that they are made from simply folding paper until, what resembles a flower, was created.  We work in a creative industry for sure!  I'm still in awe at what talents surround us within the wedding industry and it just goes to shoe that whatever you put your mind to, you truly can do.


Origami Lily Damask Boutonnier
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Teal Boutonniers
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Tuesday Shoesday ~Orange Wedding Shoes~

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It's Tuesday and I'm teaming up with some of my blogging colleagues to share some great shoe finds.

As the season change from summer to fall and the color palettes begin to include more oranges and browns, I wanted to include a pair of shoes that would fit the season.  Last week I did a post on suede wedding shoes and this pair was left out.  I'm in love with this suede wedding shoes with the "flame" detail on the toe! 

So, if you're having a color palette with orange in it for your wedding, don't be afraid to add a pop of color with your shoes!  I'm not getting married but I just may have to add these to my closet!

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For more amazing Tuesday Shoesday picks, you may also stop by these blogs:

Rainy Day Inspiration

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I woke up today and it was all grey outside and even though we need the rain, I was wishing for a little bit of sunshine!  So, since it's so gloomy outside, I figured I'd put together an inspiration board that the "Fashionista" bride and a bride that was more of a "Southern Belle" could take inspiration from.





Whether it be the amazing grey Vera Wang wedding gown with the brooch bouquet or the more traditional wedding gown with grey sash and floral bouquet.  How cute are the tea cup wine glasses?  That would be a great detail for a Southern wedding, wouldn't you say?  There's inspiration everywhere!


Image Credits: Vera Wang Wedding Gown: VeraWang.com  Blue Bridesmaid dress: TheNeoTraditionalist.com  Brooch Bouquet: Etsy.com  Wedding Cake: TaraguerardSoiree.com Bracelette: Etsy.com  White Wedding Dress: Etsy.com  Grey Bridesmaid Dress: ModCloth.com  Floral Bouquet: StyleMePretty.com  Teacup Wine Glasses: Re-Nest.com

Selecting Your Wedding Cake

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Many of you know me as a Custom Gift Basket maker or as a Wedding Planner/Event Designer.  What many of you don’t know is that I love to cook and started my adult life wanting to be a chef.  With that being said, I’m very critical when it comes to helping my brides choose their wedding cakes.
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I’m a HUGE fan of it being beautiful because we eat with our eyes first.  But, what good is it if it doesn’t taste good?!  It should taste better than it looks!!  Kim K’s wedding cake is said to have cost $10K!  Now, I don’t know about you, but I definitely wouldn’t want to pay that much money for something I didn’t taste good.  Not. At. All!
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I’ve decided to put a few tips together to help you in selecting a wedding cake:
1.      Schedule a tasting!  All bakers should have a schedule in which you can come in and sample their flavors and view their work.  The cake should be moist and stick to the bottom of the fork.  Period!  I know that a wedding cake has to be made days in advance because of its size and the intricacy of details but there are methods that can be used to maintain its moisture.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take notes.
2.      Review their portfolio.  It should have a selection that ranges from low prices to high and from simply designed cakes to more intricate ones.  This will allow you to see if what you want may be possible and in a range of skill set.  Again, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3.      Wedding cake is priced by the slice, not the tier.  Prices typically starts at $1.50 per slice and can really go up to $15, depending on the flavors, fillings, icing, and decorations you’ve chosen.  Fondant is more expensive than buttercream icing but also looks cleaner and holds up better in the heat if you're planning to have an outdoor wedding.  So, keep all of these things in mind when ordering your cake.
4.      Consider your venue when choosing the size of your wedding cake.  Is it a grand venue with high ceilings?  Then a cake with more height and space between the tiers may be better.  If it’s a smaller room, then a stacked cake may be best.
5.      When selecting the flavor, of course you want to choose a flavor you like, or even love.  If you’re choosing a flavor that may be not so popular, like Key Lime or Banana, then you may want to use it on a smaller tier so your guests can try it, but it doesn’t go to waste because they didn’t love it as much as you did.  Remember, you paid per slice!
6.      Get the groom involved!  A grooms cake is a great way to incorporate his interests into the wedding and your guests love to find out that little bit of information that tells them more about you and him.  This shows his personality and also a little extra dessert.
7.      Lastly, Event Insurance.  I know it’s not something that we talk of often but worth mentioning.  It costs very little but covers a lot, and covers more than just a wedding cake!  It covers vendors not showing up or not delivering as promised, you recouping deposits if your wedding has to be postponed due to extreme circumstances, and even damages to your wedding gown!  Look into before your wedding day.