The Invitation Sets The Tone

When deciding on the style of invitation for your wedding or event.  Regardless of its style, shape, or color, your guests will be looking forward to an event that that will be just as unique as the invitation you chose. 

With that being said, the latest trend in invitation design is the circle and rotating style invitations.  They are different, they are unique, and they are totally non-traditional and almost bear no resemblance to the basic style of invitation from those days when I dreamed of getting married, which is almost 25 years ago!

Image via WeddingInviteLove.com

If you've chosen a round invitation for your wedding or event, what should your guests expect?  They should expect something different.  They should expect something different in your design, in your decor, and maybe even your color palette.  They should be expecting to see your style and personality throughout the event because you've decided to do away with tradition.

Image via BlueEyeBrownEye.com

What does it say about you as an individual or couple?  It may say that you love to think outside of the box and love to dance to the beat of your own drum.  What's more outside of the box than having an interactive invitation, such as the one below?  You can invite guests to your event and have them get excited about spinning the wheel to find out the pertinent details of the event, rather than just simply reading them, all at the same time.

Image via Burning-House.com

Your invitation is the start of your event.  When sitting with your stationer or designer to create your custom and personalized invitation suite, make sure it's one that speaks to your style and personality.  Happy planning!

Birthday Inspiration Board

I've decided to live a little and celebrate the big 4-O!  I'll be turning 40 in just over three months and I want to throw myself a party.  Below is the color palette for it and I want to tell you the reason behind it.

As many of you know, I was in a major car accident a year ago.  Not to rehash it, but so many material things were lost afterwards, yet so many things were gained.  The black represents the dark and rough year that I've had rebuilding life after the car accident and the yellow represents the sunshine that I am enjoying and anticipate having going forward.  I hope that you like it and hope that many of my friends will share the day with me!

Elegant Sweet Heart Tables

On wedding day, we all know that the bride and groom are the star of the show and is the center of attention.  Although some couples prefer to sit with their families or the bridal party at an estate table, some actually love the spotlight. An elegantly decorated sweetheart table can provide the perfect showcase for the happy couple.


If you're thinking of doing a sweetheart table for your wedding, here are a few for inspiration:

Image via Designs By Hemingway

Image via LeBonne Fleur

If you'd like a little lounge area for the two of you, here is an awesome "love nest".

Image via Maharani Weddings

A Wedding In A Winery~Pomar Junction

Who doesn't love a gorgeous scenery?  Combine that scenery with your wedding and you get the magical venue of Pomar Junction, which is nestled on a 100 acres of land in Templeton, California.  Many couples have their wedding under the giant oak tree, but you can also choose to have yours on top of the hill that overlooks the vineyard.

Image via Sam Lim Studios

Image via Sam Lim Studios

One of the favorite attractions for the guests of Pomar Junction is the tractor pulled gondola rides around the vineyards.  This attraction is most popular during the fall season, when the the colors of the vines are in full bloom, but it's equally enjoyed during the spring and summer.

Image via Sam Lim Studios

Image via Sam Lim Studios

For the reception, you can celebrate by erecting a tent and installing a dance floor.  When night falls, you can hang lights from the large oak tree or the tent that's housing your reception celebration.  Aside from that, you're able to use their full-service kitchen or choose your own.  If you'd care to have your rehearsal dinner there, you can do that too with the use of their large oak pit barbecue grill.


No matter what direction you choose to go in, your wedding is sure to be one full of simple elegance with amazing scenery!

Spring In Your Step

Are you looking to add a pop of color or a spring in your step during this spring wedding season?  Springtime is all about the beautiful colors coming back to life after the cold winter temperatures and the grey, white , or pale blue colors palettes!  Although many brides are keeping with the traditional ivory or white wedding gown, their shoes, as of late, have been something fun, festive, and bright.  Here are a few shoe options that are sure to be a conversation piece for your spring wedding.

Image via Cheap Wedding Shoes

Image via LookBuys

Image via Squidoo

Spring Inspiration

I've been gone for a while, but I'm back!!  April is here, Easter is a week away, and Spring is definitely in the air and this week, the blog is all about Spring.


Spring is my favorite season of the year.  It a time when life is rejuvenating with chirping birds and blooming flowers.  Tulips and cherry blossoms are my two of my favorites, by the way!  Being in the wedding industry, there is so much inspiration that can be gotten from the colors that have been "tucked" away all winter long.  I've put together an inspiration board that includes two of my favorite flowers, some classic elements, and of course a little bling!  Hopefully, it'll give you a little inspiration too!

Image Sources: Bridesmaids Dress, Pink Margarita, Cupcake, Pink Lemonade, Tulips, Save-the-Date, Hat, Shoe, Straws, Wedding Cake

Gazebos & Tents At Your Wedding

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get geared up again for some amazingly beautiful outdoor weddings.  Whether it’s an event under the sun, under a gazebo, or under a tent, the imagery can be quite stunning.  When I see an outdoor wedding, I love to see a greatly decorated gazebo or tent to house the festivities.  They can be simply decorated or very ornate in design, yet still be a source of wonder and elegance.  In the event you’re looking to have your event under a gazebo or tent, I’ve found some beautiful sources of inspiration.

Image via Designs By Indy

Image via St. Louis Wedding Insider

Image via God's Best Gift

Image via Best For Wedding  Day

Image via My Wedding Decorations

Tasting Of The Four Elements

In honor of Black History month, and since this is the last day of February, I wanted to touch on an African American ritual that's not often seen or heard of at the alter; tasting of the four elements.  We're accustomed to seeing the lighting of the unity candle or the sand ceremony, but not much else in African American cultural traditions or rituals.  Tasting of the four elements is a representation of how a marriage can have its ups and downs and the vow to love "for better or worse, for richer or poorer, and in sickness and health." 

Image courtesy of Nsdia D Photography via BetsyWhite

The four elements are often placed in small bowls or glasses for tasting.  They are:
~Sour (Lemon)- The couple tastes a bit of lemon that represents the individual sacrifice that each have to make within the marriage to be as one, which may cause sour feelings.
~Bitter (Vinegar)- The couple tastes a bit of vinegar that represents the bitterness that may develop within the relationship.
~Heat (Cayenne Pepper)- The couple tastes a bit of cayenne pepper that represents the heated arguments that a couple may have.
~Sweet (Honey)- The couple tastes a bit of honey that represents the sweetness in a marriage.  More than that, it's a showing of how the couple can "weather the storm" of the sour, bitter, and heat of their marriage and remain in love (the sweetness).

I don't often get to see it performed myself, but I do get excited when I suggest it to my couples and they love the idea and what it represents.  I think more couples should focus on the marriage and understand it takes work.  After all, the wedding is just one day!

Non-Traditional Wedding Venue-Thacher Winery

Shortly after the engagement, the date is set and a location is chosen.  When the couple is more non-traditional and unique, finding the perfect venue can be challenging.  If you’d rather strut in cowboy boots, see your guests in big floppy hats, or spend an evening tasting great wines, these things should somehow be incorporated into your wedding day; to be shared with your closest friends and family.  I was contacted about the Thacher Winery, and I was impressed with its rustic elegance.  The venue, captured so nicely by Peer Johnson, is located in Paso Robles, California, and has the perfect combination of rustic and elegance and the charm of a Southern Belle. 

For your wedding, you’ll have exclusive use of the 52 acre property, which includes their 1920’s barn, the winery, the tasting room, and the vineyard, all providing amazing opportunities for lasting photos.  Don’t be surprised if a cute little four-legged animal stops to join in.  If you’re looking for a venue that’s different, rustic, elegant, and unique, ThacherWinery is a great place to consider.

By the way, what an amazing way to showcase the style of a Southern Belle, than to have your guest show up in a big floppy hat?  I'm so loving it!

All photos courtesy of Peer Johnson.

Valentine's Day Wedding Inspiration

February has been deemed the "love month" and Valentine's Day is fast approaching.  For many of us, we're tying to plan the perfect evening and gift for our mates, while others are planning to marry their loved one in a Valentine's Day ceremony, which very well may be atop of the Empire State Building.  


For Valentine's Day, we're often stuck on red being the dominant color for the festivities, but it doesn't have to be.  I saw this photo and felt that it screamed love and romance with the delicate pink, cherry blossoms, ethereal drapery, and heart detailing on the aisle runner.  I've seen plenty of Empire State Building nuptials broadcast where the ceremony is outside.  This would be a great change of pace with the same sense of overlooking the city, especially if you're not the outdoorsy type.  This is definitely a win-win.  

Image via Manhattan Weddings

What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

Your Wedding Invitations

The invitation sets the tone.  How many times have you heard this?  Whether you've heard it once or a thousand times, it's true.  When it's time to announce to the world that you're getting married and request their presence, the invitation lets them know what kind of celebration to expect.  Is it a formal affair, casually laid back, or somewhere in between?  Those days where all invitations were white in color with a colored liner inside the envelope have all but disappeared and people have come up with more creative ways to express their personality while inviting guests to the wedding of their dreams.

Image via 1420 DeZigns and Alexis Sweet Photography

Image via 1420 DeZigns and Alexis Sweet Photography

Instead of choosing your invitations and wedding day stationery from a catalog, it's so much more personal to have a face-to-face consultation to discuss the vision you may have for your wedding with someone like the very talented Valerie of 1420 DeZigns.  You get the chance to play with color combinations, see various paper styles and types, see what might work, and make adjustments to those things that might not work so well.  You get to customize something that will give your guests a little peek into the wedding that is to come and have them eager with anticipation.

Image via 1420 DeZigns and Anne & Spencer Photography

Image via 1420 DeZigns and Anne & Spencer Photography

Customized does not always mean more expensive.  There are options to fit every budget.  Your guests get to see an invitations that's uniquely yours vs. one they may have seen a dozen times before.   Add ribbon, add sparkle, or incorporate your favorite fabric.  The thing to remember is that having a hands on approach allows you to create something that's one of a kind and totally you!

A Valentine's Tablescape

As we're just two short weeks away from Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share a peek at the tablescape that I put together for a challenge for Best Wedding Sites.  All participants were provided with the color palette of fuchsia and black with instructions to incorporate something sweet.  I'm always up for a challenge and worked with some great vendors to help me pull off my vision.  


I wanted a fireplace backdrop as they can be so romantic.  I also wanted to do a napkin fold that I've been dying to do.  Have a look!

The photography was courtesy of The Studio B Photography, Menus by Distinctive Calligraphy, Popcorn by Popcorn Palladium, the venue was the lovely Windermere Golf and Country Club, and the design of course, was by me (Enraptured Events).  I hope you like and find some inspiration for your Valentine's Day!

Preserving Your Wedding Flowers

We all know that the bride is the star of the show.  But how many of us stop to think of what happens after the wedding day is over?  If you’re like me, you love the flowers; the look of them, the smell of them, and the way that they transform a space from nothing to something so easily.  But, we pay a pretty penny for these wonderful works of nature; yet they don’t last forever, no matter how hard we try.  

Image via Freeze Frame

Image via Freeze Frame

Well, there just may be a solution after all.  I literally stumbled upon Freeze Frame while researching for a gift basket.  I was hooked from the beginning!  To be able to send your flowers to them, have them preserved, and turned into necklaces, bracelets, rosaries, men’s jewelry, and more is totally amazing!  If you're anything like me, you’d have the entire bouquet framed and hanging on the wall, as it’s often a masterpiece all on its own.  Who wouldn’t want to keep the whole thing?

Image via Freeze Frame

Image via Freeze Frame

Many of us keep with tradition and exchange gifts during the rehearsal dinner.  Who’s to say we can’t break tradition and give a small token after the wedding to your bridal party that says “Thanks for being in my wedding” by preserving the bridesmaids bouquets or groomsmen boutonnières.  Bridal fashion has improved over the years but I’m sure that a piece of jewelry will be a welcomed addition to their wardrobe and one that would definitely be used again!  Let’s face it, how many times have you re-worn your bridesmaids dress?  If you're looking to give your bridal party something a little different to keep after the wedding, this would be a great gift that any member of the bridal party would surely love and appreciate.

Image via Freeze Frame

Image via Freeze Frame

Image via Freeze Frame

This is certainly one way to keep your flowers long after the wedding is over!

Simple & Elegant Centerpieces

Let's face it, weddings are big business!  They have become more and more of a production than ever before.  The decor is more grand and opulent and the centerpieces are right there among the grandness of it all.  Because of which, it's easy to get overwhelmed with trying to keep up with everybody else, when you really shouldn't have to.  There are ways to have a fabulous centerpiece without having to pay the extravagant price tag.  Here are some elegant centerpieces that you can try or use for inspiration.  A centerpiece doesn't have to be oh-so-grand.  It can still be simple without taking away from the elegance of your big day.  

Image via Kate Spears via Project Bride

How adorable is this Jell-O filled vase?  This centerpiece was created with Jello-O, using half the suggested amount of water, and daisies.  What a cute and fun idea?  Just prior to the vase being put into the refrigerator for chilling, place the flowers or your choice on the outside of the glass vase.

Image via Edmond Ho via Project Bride

This is by far, one of my most favorite centerpiece ideas.  This one requires you to place a flower underneath a wine glass or champagne glass and sit a candle on top. It truly doesn't get much simpler than this!  

Image via Classy Wedding Ideas

Another suggestion is to float a single flower head in a wine glass, as seen above.  For added effect and color, you could even tint the water a color that matches your wedding colors.


Each of these options are sure to stretch your floral budget and still help you achieve your desired look.  Happy planning!

My Time At The Stellar Awards Preview

Some of you may know and some of you may not know but a week ago today, I was presenting my Custom Gift Baskets in Stellar Awards gifting suite!!  For me, this was a HUGE deal!  Not only was I presenting my product to some of my favorite Gospel artists, but I had a chance to hang out with them as well (before and after their concert performances).  We laughed, we joked, and had great food, provided by Chef David Owens too.  


Since it's approaching Valentine's Day, I decided to put together a few gift baskets that would reflect the day of love and showcase my ability to keep multiple baskets in a theme while sticking to an individual person or personality.  In this case, I did a gift basket for a man, woman, and teenager that loved music, in the color palette of red, silver, and black.  Each one had "love notes" that were gender specific and age appropriate, provided by Distinctive Inscriptions Calligraphy.  The woman's basket included Artisan Truffles, which were provided by Shocolaate, and a necklace provided by Silpada. The teenage music basket included a canvas photo, a rose embossed iPod carrier, chocolate covered cherry popcorn, and Heart Shaped Cookies, which were provided by Cookies by Design.  


The response was more than positive and everything I could have asked for.  Here are two of the gift baskets that I showcased.

Image via Mobile Phone

Image via Mobile Phone

I couldn't have been more pleased to know that the people whose music I often turn to, to lift my spirits, were truly down to earth.  Each celebrity would come to the gifting suite after their concert performance or sit and relax a bit before going on stage.  The concert was 25 acts and such a great experience for me and the other fans.  Here are a few pictures that were taken during the event, by The Marque Group.  The professional photos haven't come back yet, but I'm happy to share them with you..  From top to bottom, myself, me with Dorinda Clark Cole, and myself and Shirley Murdock.

Managing Your Wedding Budget

There is a saying in the wedding industry, "If the price is all you're concerned about, in the end, it's the price you'll get" that really speaks volumes.  Not every bride can afford the fabulous and grand weddings that we're accustomed to seeing on TV, nor do they want that.  However, being realistic with your wedding budget and determining what's most important to you for your wedding is key.  Be it the flowers, the decor, the food, or the entertainment, you know what's high on your list of priorities.  Here are a few tips on keeping your wedding budget in check.

Image via Cherishable Events

1.  Hire a wedding planner.  You may think that this will take away from your budget but it will actually help.  Your wedding planner is your advocate and there to make suggestions on various ways that you can get the look that you want for a fraction of the cost.  He/She have also built many vendor relationships that will help you by guiding you towards the right vendors that will fit your budgetary needs and choosing the best one.


2.  If your total wedding budget is less than $10K, then you really should think about keeping your guest list small, tiny in fact.  By having a 200 person guest list, your budget will be eaten away by the food costs.  Aside from that, with every person you have at your wedding, it's an extra place setting, plate of food, chair at a table, napkins, and so on.  This is not something that a lot of brides think about and lowering your guest count is the FIRST way to keep your wedding budget in check.  I see far too many brides with this budget and an extremely large guest list that they don't want to trim.


2.  Instead of using the standard budget percentages, create your own and give the higher percentages to the categories that matter the most to you.  If you're not concerned about riding in a fancy limo on your wedding day, omit that from the budget all together.  If serving great food to your guests is your number one priority, then you know that a greater percentage is going to be used towards the food, beverage, and catering.


3.  Consider having your wedding at a time other than a Saturday evening.  Saturday evenings are typically the most expensive and popular days at venues.  Consider a Friday evening, Saturday morning, or even a Sunday afternoon brunch wedding.  Often times you can cut your food & beverage and venue rates by almost 50%.


4.  Your table decor doesn't always have to be huge centerpieces.  In fact, you can have an abundance of candles or submerged flowers for an elegant and romantic look for a fraction of the cost for a room full of flowers.  Besides, lighting sets the mood an I'll always recommend some form of lighting at an event and candles are always a great option!


5.  Although many may frown upon it, you can eliminate the open bar, cut the time that the bar is open,  or see if your venue will allow you to bring in your own alcohol purchased wholesale.  The primary assumption is that there NEEDS to be alcohol at every event in order for it to be successful.  However, there have been plenty of successful weddings and events where alcohol wasn't served at all.


Cutting your wedding budget takes some doing but it can be done without you having to take on a ton of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects.  Consult with your wedding planner and take guidance from him/her.

To First Look or Not To First Look?

There is always much debate on whether the bride and groom should see each other prior to their wedding ceremony.  If we're following tradition, then it's considered to be bad luck to do so.  Now with everyone wanting to make their wedding truly their own, many traditions have fallen by the wayside, and this one certainly can top the list.  If you're considering a "first look" for your wedding, here are some pros and cons to doing so.

Image via Geoff Duncan Photography

The Pros:
1.  You can have some of your formals done before the ceremony and cut down on the time needed afterwards.  This eliminates the stress of having to get all of the formal photos done during the cocktail hour.
2.  Your photographer is there to capture the moment the groom sees you for the first time, all dressed up.  It's often a sweet and very intimate moment of the two of you..
3.  You can say a few words of endearment and calm any anxieties of longing to see each other and share more private and intimate feelings because no one else is around. This also allows for some very creative and romantic shots of the two of you.
4.  Your family and bridal party can attend a good portion of the cocktail hour because many of the photos were taken beforehand.  
5.  You've followed tradition.

Image via Jessica Lorren Photography

Image via Shannon Eileen

The Cons:
1.  Tradition has been broken and your groom won't be as surprised to see you as you're walking down the aisle.
2.  There will be more formal pictures that you'll have to take after the ceremony, which may cause your bridal party to miss all or most of the cocktail hour.
3.  While taking formal pictures, the couple shots are last and you may not get as many taken as you'd like, due to the loss of natural lighting or time constraints.
4.  You don't get to have any alone or private time with your mate until after the ceremony and formal pictures have been taken. In some cases, not until after the wedding.
5.  You'll have less time to get ready for your wedding and less time to spend with members of your bridal party.

Image via Toni Lynn Photography

Regardless of which direction you choose to go into, you have to do what you feel is right for you because it YOUR wedding day.  Whether you choose to keep with tradition or set your own, your wedding day won't be any less special.  As I always say, stay true to who you are and make your wedding YOU!

Tuesday Shoesday~Glitter Pumps

I haven't done a Tuesday Shoesday post in a while but as I prepare for my gift basket showcase at the Stellar Awards celebrity preview in two days and have been in and out of my closet looking for the most appropriate outfit, I thought it would be fitting to do one today.  I'm beyond excited to be headed to Nashville to meet some of my favorite gospel recording artists!  This is an opportunity of a lifetime; to present my custom gift baskets to a whole new arena.  As the day approaches, I've finally decided to wear ivory, one of my favorite colors.  The icing on the cake would be to have this shoe in my closet! I hope you love this fabulous glitter pump by the oh-so-talented Rachel Roy!

Image via DSW.com

Tangerine Tango~The Pantone Color of 2012

I must admit, I'm a big  fan of the Pantone Color of the year; Tangerine Tango!  It's bright, fun, and festive and can be paired with a wide range of colors to create an amazing event.  I like the idea of pairing it with golds for a more elegant affair and browns for a more rustic feel.  From a fun and flirty reception dress to gorgeous florals, here's an inspiration board to get you in the planning spirit and prepared for a color that's sure to be seen a lot in 2012!

Image credits: Drinks~StyleMePretty.com, Party Dress~TheFrenchTangerine.com, TableScape~ASouthernTradition.com, Mirrored Centerpiece~StyleMePretty.com, Stationery~ShannonDarrough.com, Bouquet~Weddings.TheKnot.com, Signature Drinks~Weddings.TheKnot.com, Centerpiece w/Table Number~StyleMePretty.com, Wedding Cake~OkSugar.com, Bridesmaids Dresses~FashionGoo.com, Flowers~ASouthernTradition.com, Striped Tie~Ties-Necktie.com, Shoe~ZuShoe.com.au

My 2012 Goals And Aspirations

I don't have a fancy post or pretty pictures to share today.  Today, I wanted to share my personal and professional goals for 2012.  Each year, I sit down and write my goals for the year.  I have found it much easier than making resolutions that many of us tend to forget we made after the second week of January.  This year, my goals are more challenging as I feel we should continue to challenge ourselves and grow continuously.  Without further ado, here are my goals for the upcoming year.


My Personal Goals:


1.  Become more financially stable~ After my car accident, life just went a little haywire and I need to rebuild to get life comfortable again.
2.  Read the Bible from cover to cover~ I start each year reading it and midway, I lose a little steam.  I can't allow my busy schedule to get in the way of what I know is the right thing to do.
3.  Grow Spiritually & Get Involved in Church~ I've always been a praying kind of person but prayer isn't just for Sundays or at bedtime.  Having a conversation with God is simple and I reclaiming Him as the head of my life.
4.  Buy a new car~ I deserve to drive a car that I want instead of what that I have to have.  Since my car accident left me doing just that, I'm aspiring to have a new car by the end of the year.
5.  Fall in love~ I know this sounds crazy to some, but I want to have someone to share my days and nights with. That's all I'll say about that!


My Professional Goals:


1.  Grow both companies~ It's hard enough to own and operate one company, but with me having two (Wrapped Couture and Enraptured Events) my plate is full!  By no means am I complaining, since I'm doing exactly what I love to do.  I'm just working hard to get them both to a place where they can sustain life and allow some comfort. With my recent invitation to the Stellar Awards, I'm hoping that this will come sooner than later.
2.  Get at least one of my events published on a major blog or magazine~ I'm so passionate about the events that I create and the details that I help my clients select that it's now time to share them with a greater audience.
3.  Sell a gift basket to at least one celebrity~ I know this sounds lame but I really want to increase awareness of my gift baskets. I'm grateful that people love them as they do, especially since I put so much into each one but I figure with someone in the spotlight liking them too, that the awareness will come as well.  With my recent invitation to the Stellar Awards, I'm hoping that this will come sooner rather than later.
4.  Attend an International Wedding Conference~ I love to network and learn from those that came before me  I've gone to some local conferences but I want to be able to meet those that are around the country too.
5.  Grow more as an Event Designer~ Knowledge is power and there is always something that can be learned in this industry to stay abreast of the trends.


There you have it; my goals for the year.  As I accomplish something, I check it off the list.  It's always nice to come back to them in December and see how far I've come and how much I've accomplished.  Putting it out here for the world to see, makes me that much more accountable and driven to succeed.