To First Look or Not To First Look?

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Finding The Perfect Wedding Venue

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I was watching "Sex and the City" last night and seeing a wedding in a library, it got me to thinking about all of the weddings that aren't held in a church or ballroom setting.  It's a new year and there were plenty of engagements that happened over the holidays, without a doubt.  With so many new brides, finding the perfect dress, venue, and other things, is surely at the top of the list of things to do.  When it comes to finding the perfect venue, I find it so much easier when you stick to your own style and personality.  It's your wedding, so have the wedding you've been dreaming of.  Here are a few questions to ask before making your final selection.


Image via TheCateredAffair.com

1.  Do you want to have the ceremony and reception in the same location?  Make sure that there's plenty of parking for your guests and if there will be a fee to park..
2.  Do you want a more traditional or non-traditional wedding? If going the non-traditional route, there's only one rule. "Be Yourself"  Select a venue that will allow you to incorporate all the details that will make the wedding you.


Image via TheCateredAffair.com
Image via TheCateredAffair.com

3.  Do you have a place that you love to go, like the library or local winery, that's totally you, and allows for events such as a wedding?  Does it offer catering or will you be able to bring your own?  A special venue won't do much good if you're not able to entertain your guests.
4.  Do you have something in particular you'd like to share with your guests, like particular wedding favors? Is there enough space for the tables that you'll need to display the cake, escort cards, favors, and seat your guests?
5.  Are there any other events that will be taking place during your wedding? You certainly don't want your wedding to disrupt the flow of normal business or have your wedding totally interrupted either.


Image via TheCateredAffair.com
Image via TheCateredAffair.com




Why The Cocktail Hour?

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I've been working with a couple on trying to select and narrow down their wedding day menu.  The question was posed as to what to serve the guests during the cocktail hour.  The groom asked why there needed to be a cocktail hour and why they needed to serve hors d'oeuvres.  He felt as though the guests should eat before coming to the wedding.  We were already struggling to narrow down the menu on their very tight budget, but as the professional, I had to step in and state the importance of the cocktail hour.  The cocktail hour serves several purposes and here's my take on it:


Image Via TheGoldenTouchWeddings.com

1.  It serves as a transition from ceremony to reception.  Your guests have had to sit through your wedding and now they're ready to celebrate and party with you.  This transition gets them from "stuffy" into party mood with great food and signature drinks.  This is an opportunity to showcase your personality, culture, or wedding theme through your selected food items.  Many guests don't eat prior to attending a wedding because they will assume that food will be served, unless stated otherwise in the invitation.


2.  It serves as an opportunity to mingle.  Many of your guests don't know each other or only about half of the invited guests.  The cocktail hour allows for everyone to mingle and to get acquainted with each other.  Sometimes there are additional activities during the cocktail hour, such as signing the guest book, having caricatures done, or a photo booth that helps the guests get acquainted, have fun, and break the ice.


Image Via SCLWedding Scene

3.  It serves as an opportunity to occupy your guests while you're having post-ceremony pictures taken.  Depending on how many formal pictures you take before the ceremony, the time after the ceremony can last from one hour to one and a half hours.  If your guests had nothing to do or no refreshments, they could become bored, restless, and ready to leave before the real celebration began.


4.  It serves as an opportunity for privacy for the newly married couple.  Let's face it, before and after the ceremony, there is so much to do and so many people who want to give their congratulations.  If planned just right, there will be a few moments of alone time between the post-ceremony pictures and the start of the reception, where you'll get to spend some alone time with your mate, catch your breath, and compose yourself, while your guests are still enjoying themselves at the cocktail hour.  If this is something that your wedding planner does, this is also the perfect time to sneak in and get a peek of the reception space before all of your guests filter in.  You get to see all of the details of your decorated reception before it's "messed" up.


Image Via Derek Broox

Before you're so quick to vote against a cocktail hour, consider it from the guests' point-of-view.  Long after the wedding day has ended, food and entertainment are the two most important and highly talked about elements of a wedding.  For most, food is entertainment. So, think of that when you're making your final decision.

Merry Christmas!

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Merry Christmas from my family to yours!! Thank you so much for reading my blog, your support, and ultimately, helping it to grow as it has.  This has been great few months, for the blog, and I look forward to sharing, advising, and inspiring more in the New Year!

One Day In December~The Day That Changed My Life

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Image created by Cris of Kiss My Tulle



One Day in December is a mission, organized by Orly Lyndon, for many of us in the TWIPS community to write an inspirational post or highlight this past year then link to the post before it and the one after it.  It has been amazing learning of the other's triumphs and successes over the year and to be fully encouraged for the year to come.  Thank you Orly for this bright idea and pulling this all together! Here's my story.  Brace yourself....


"Fear is the absence of faith."  I've heard it all of my life, yet many of us have a fear of this, a fear of that, or "my greatest fear", myself being one of them.  I have two greatest fears, my tire blowing out and crashing on the highway.  Well, on May 1, 2011, both of those fears were realized at the same time.


While bringing my son home from college for the summer, the rear passenger tire blew out, just as I crossed the Georgia state line, and caused me to lose control of my SUV.  Now, if you know anything about me and my driving, you know I was speeding.  In this case, I was going approximately 85-90 MPH.  My SUV flipped over three times!!  We (myself, my son, his roommate, and my daughter) tumbled through the grassy median that separated the Northbound and Southbound sides of the Interstate, but ALL of us walked away practically unharmed.


Image Via of Mobile Phone
Image Via of Mobile Phone
Image Via of Mobile Phone

What many of my professional colleagues never knew about me was that I always had a full-time job, while working in the wedding and event industry.  At the time of the accident, I was working full-time while trying to build two companies simultaneously, Wrapped Couture and Enraptured Events.  I HATED my day job and I was always praying for a way out and a way to get my companies known to the masses.  God ALWAYS answers our prayers.  It may not be the answer we're hoping for, in the pretty package we expect it to be delivered in, and definitely NOT in the quickness in which we ask.  The answer to my prayer was definitely not wrapped up in a pretty package with a fancy bow!


I wasn't severely injured in the accident, but I was banged up pretty badly.  Because I was fighting to keep the car in the grass and not cross over to the Southbound side of the Interstate, I swallowed a lot of dirt and grass as we tumbled.  This caused damage to my vocal cords and prevented me from speaking for 6 weeks!  I was now unable to work.  By doctors orders, I was now unable to do the job that I hated and I now had no income!  I couldn't speak at all, just barely above a whisper.  I could only communicate via email, text message, and Twitter.  I literally had the world at my fingertips.  So, what was I to do?  The answer came quite naturally.  Write! 


Image Courtesy of Poster.com

I started this blog and was later accepted into TWIPS (Twitter Wedding Industry Pals, a great support network of wedding professionals, bloggers, and vendors that support each other in business and life), continued to tweet, and gained a new found level of support that I never had before or thought possible.  I now had the time to really devote to growing my companies and bring awareness to them.  I was able to attend seminars and networking events that my job would have caused me to miss.  Slowly, orders for gift baskets began to come in from across the country and I was commissioned to design several events.


This post isn't meant to be a sad one or one to elicit sympathy.  It's meant to encourage you to push through the pain, as I often do.  Granted, when my SUV flipped over, I felt like my world had been turned upside down too.  In a way, it had.  I lost a lot of things but I gained so much more.  More than anything, I survived!  I realized what's most important in life.  I never lost faith or gave up on the career that I'm most passionate about.  Being creative is what I am meant to do and where I thrive.  Both business continue to thrive and my blog, still being new, has a great readership.  I now have what I've wanted, even if it was delivered in a way that I would have never imagined.


For more "One Day In December" posts, visit Emma of Aphrodites Wedding and view her eye candy recap post from yesterday and tune in tomorrow for Ilse's post of her highlight of 2011, over at the Secret Jewel.

Real Wedding~Tammy & Michael Part 2

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When I first posted about Tammy and Michael's wedding, the photos were from my mobile phone.  I've now gotten the official photos from the photographer and they're gorgeous.  I won't post them all here, but I'd like to share a few.


Image Courtesy of Leslie Marie Photography

In case you don't remember, one of my favorite photographers called me to say that she'd referred my services to a bride who needed decor assistance.  She only had the white linen, white napkins, mirrors, chairs, and gold chargers that the venue was offering.  She wanted to keep the palette mostly white but in her culture, white is meant for funerals.  So, she chose to add pale pink to the mix, which her florist could easily provide.  After speaking with her, I was glad to help, but her budget didn't allow for anything grand.  No fancy linen, or colored napkins.  We kept it simple and elegant, with what I had in my inventory and what she was able to purchase from Michael's.  In the end, the color palette was white, pink, and gold.  She loved it and I was happy she did!


Image Courtesy of Leslie Marie Photography
Image Courtesy of Leslie Marie Photography

She loved caramel apples and because of the Fall season, she chose to give each of her guests caramel apples as favors.  I suggested she change the red ribbon that it came with to a pink one that will better match the decor.  Because the apple was covered in chocolate and caramel, it also worked well with the gold of the chargers.


Image Courtesy of Leslie Marie Photography
Image Courtesy of Leslie Marie Photography

I was so happy that I was able to help on this event.  I don't have a lot in my inventory, but it turned out very nicely and everyone was happy.

Inspiration Boards~ A Winter Wedding

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There is something magical about winter weddings, especially if you're having it in a snowy location.  The blanket of snow and the glistening of it as the sun hits it at just the right angle.  I grew up in Michigan and always loved the beauty of the winter season and always dreamed of a wedding that captured the beauty that nature provided during this time of year.  If you're considering a winter wonderland wedding, I've put together two inspiration boards.  One, keeping in mind that some of us want the look of the winter but not necessarily the snow.  The other is if you're planning a winter wedding in a snowy location, equipped with furs for you and your bridesmaids.  Either way, a winter wedding is always beautiful.


Image Credits: Crochet Top, Cake, Bouquet, Table Setting, Snow Balls, Invitation, Bride, Bridal Bouguet, Room, Centerpiece, Snow Heart, Shoes


Image Credits: Baby's Breath, Bridesmaids, Bouquet, Centerpiece, Invitation, Bride, Cake, Scene, Boots


A Second Dress For The Reception?

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What's one of the first things a bride does shortly after getting engaged?  She shops for a wedding dress.  Now days, she is not just shopping for the "perfect" wedding gown.  She's also shopping for the "must-have" reception dress to party and dance in.  Depending on who you ask, there are some that feel that one dress is enough and those that will say "go for it!"  Personally, I like to see the change and the element of surprise.  It's definitely an option that I plan on pursuing when it's my time to walk down the aisle.  Besides, I plan on doing the Rumba as my first dance and I'll certainly need a sexy dress for that dance!


Image Courtesy of OuterInner.com



Here are a few tips:

  • Whether you choose a long sexy dress or a short flirty dress, choose a dress that will still make you look like the bride.  You definitely want to remain the star of the evening, so you don't want to blend in with your guests.  
  • Consider your reception.  Do you have special events planned during your reception, such as a special first dance, like the Rumba, or sorority song to be sung that you'd rather have a more "relaxing" style of dress?
  • Consider your ceremony.  Is your ceremony location more traditional or have special meaning because your parents were married there and your reception venue is a little more fun so you'd like to like to show more of your personality?  Then maybe you'd like to have a more classic traditional dress to get married in "your family" church and a fun and flirty dress to party in.

Image Courtesy of WMine.com
Image Courtesy of WMine.com



If you choose to wear just one dress or opt to do a change for your reception, remember that you're the bride and it's your day.  Do what you feel most comfortable doing!  Happy Planning

One Day In December

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Christmas is my favorite time of year.  For me, it's not about the gifts, but the spirit of the season.  People seem happier and for me, I have a chance to reflect on the year that's almost over and what greatness lies ahead in the near future.  Now that I'm a blogger, this season is a little better for me.  A fellow TWIPS member, Orly Lyndon, of Intimate Wedding Photography, have come up with a brilliant idea for each of us to write a post recapping 2011 in the most profound way for each of us and we in turn, share on each other's blog.  Beginning today and through the end of December, you shall have, what's appropriately termed, "One Day In December."


Logo Designed by Cris of Kiss My Tulle

On my day, I'm excited to share my story and read the stories of my fellow colleagues.  Below, you can find the list of bloggers, along with their specific date, that are participating in One Day In December and hopefully you'll find some inspiration that will carry you into the New Year!  Happy Holidays!!!


December 10th~ Kiss My Tulle
December 11th~ Simply Savannah Events
December 12th~ Baci Designer
December 13th~ Honey Bee Invites
December 14th~ Blush Printables
December 15th~ Soundtrack To I Do
December 18th~ Bijoux Bride
December 19th~ Oh Lovely Day
December 20th~ Aphrodites Wedding
December 21st~ Wrapped Couture
December 22nd~ Secret Jewel
December 23rd~ Two Wedding Belles
December 24th~ Make Believen
December 25th~ The Charity Wedding
December 27th~ Ruffles and Tweed
December 28th~ The White Library
December 29th~ Cut The Cake Designs
December 30th~ Laura Lavender
December 31st~ NolaBelles Soirees


Designing Your Candy Buffet

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Candy buffets have been a steady trend for quite some time now and there is no sign of this trend slowing down!  Let's face it, when it comes to candy, there is still a kid inside of all of us and we all love a sweet treat to take home.  But, what makes a great candy buffet?  Is it the colors?  The candy?  The design?  Or, is is a combination of all three?


Image Courtesy of CustomCandyBuffetBars.com via StrictlyWeddings.com



Regardless of the theme, every wedding should appeal to the five senses, sight being one of them.  If you're opting to do a candy buffet, this is a very large detail that shouldn't be overlooked.  It should be visually appealing at first glance.  Lets face it, we all eat with our eyes first!  It should be placed on a table that has its own space in the room and the table should have coordinating linen.


When designing your candy buffet, consider these things:
1.  Make sure that you've chosen containers that allow your guests to see the candy that's being offered to them.


Image Courtesy of Seabastian.hubpages.com

2.  The containers should be of varying heights and widths to give the eyes something to "dance to."
3.  Choose candies that matches your wedding or event colors for a more cohesive look.  Your table will be a piece of art on its own.


Image Courtesy of SweetFactory.com

4.  If you choose, you can add ribbon and signage to the jars for a more decorative look.  A backdrop is also a great suggestion.


Image Courtesy of Dan Fields Photography via HostessBlog.com
Image Courtesy of GroovyCandies.com

5.  For portion control, consider small boxes or bags so that you'll have enough candy to make through all of your guests.

Guest Book Alternatives

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After the joy of the wedding day, the bride and groom can relish in the memories of a successful wedding and of how much fun they had.  If you're like most couples, you're thinking that the day went by in the blink of an eye and you're wondering, "How did the time really go so fast?  We were just planning it and now it's!"  After the excitement settles, aside from your memory, there are only three, tangible items that reminds you of the people that came out to celebrate with you, what really happened, and how it happened.  Those items would be the guest book, the photographs, and the video, providing that you chose to hire a videographer.  


Let's say that you did have all three; amazing photographs, an awesome video, and a guest book. Photographers can do some amazing things with a photograph and videos have now become wedding movies and movie trailers.  Why can't you have something more than a simple book for your guests to sign?  Guests love to let you know that they were there.  In fact, they're quite eager to do it.  Why not make it a little more exciting for them to do, while in the moment, and exciting for you after the honeymoon?  While searching for some alternatives, I came across some great options.


Make the signing interactive for your guests and have them sign a puzzle piece. When you return from the honeymoon, put the puzzle pieces together.  You can then frame the puzzle and display it in a common area.



Image Courtesy of BellaPuzzles.com

If you prefer to have hand written notes on pieces of paper, why not have your guests write notes and leave them in a custom keepsake box.  This will allow you to still read them after your honeymoon and still keep them preserved for later reading, time and time again.  You can also use the box to write a letter to each other and read during moments when you have to remind yourself how or why you fell in love.


Image via HearthAndMadeBlog.com via TheTrendySparrow.Etsy.com



No matter what you decide to do, do whatever makes you happy and whatever is uniquely you!  Happy planning!!

12 Things You Didn't Know About Me

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I visited a colleagues blog, Jenna of Littlebit Heart, and was pleasantly surprised to find that she has written a post on "15 Things We Didn't Know About Her", which has inspired me to write this post.  I'm a very private person and it takes quite a bit for me to open up and become comfortable enough to do so.  When I mention certain things to people, they always come back with "I didn't know that" or "I never knew that" so I figured this was the perfect opportunity to enlighten some with who I am and what makes me "tick" per se'. 


Image Courtesy of Olan Mills
From long hair to short hair, I still look the same.


Image Courtesy of Olan Mills
Image Via Mobile Phone


  1. I LOVE to cook and experiment with food, especially pastries.  In high school, I used to bake and sell homemade cookies to my classmates (my first bite of the entrepreneurial bug).  I was forced to stop when the cookies in the cafeteria began to go unsold because mine began to sell out before second period!  I took EVERY cooking class that school had to offer and I also wanted to be a chef right out of high school but my family didn't agree with my career choice so I turned down my full scholarship to Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.
  2. Since I didn't follow my true love, I followed someone else's and joined the medical field.  I'm a Registered Medical Assistant and I have a 13 yr background in the medical field.  My undergrad degree in is Health Care Administration because I prefer to wear a suit and stilettos instead of scrubs and sneakers.  Although medicine came naturally, I had to follow my dream and passion, so my MBA has a concentration in Entrepreneurship.
  3. Because of my background in medicine, I have a fondness to pens!!!  Like Jenna, I like to write with my "favorite" one at the moment and will only use that one until I choose another.  I carry my pen with me and will even sign the receipts with it at the check out line.  I'm often laughed at, but I don't care! :-)
  4. I love TV and some of my favorite shows are medical shows, like Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice.  I also love the cooking shows like Top Chef, Iron Chef, Chopped, Cupcake Wars, and the list goes on.  Don't get me started on the wedding shows!! Let's just say, I watch ALL of them EXCEPT Bridezilla!!
  5. I have over 100 pair of shoes but only 2 of them are flats and I keep them all in their original boxes.  To me, there is just something different about the stiletto that says power, and from an early age, I have loved high heels.  What girl doesn't???  I graduated high school with 96 pair of shoes and was devastated when I wast told that I wasn't able to take them all to college with me.
  6. I secretly want to be a model for a day because I love my smile and I think I have a nice enough fave at the age of 39!!!!  Whether my hair is long or short or if I'm wearing my glasses or not, my appearance is unmistakable. I had the opportunity to do so at a the open house of a Randi L Moore's bridal gown salon.  I had a blast!  To see the photos go here.
  7. I'm a hopeless romantic!!! I truly believe in love and feels that, in most cases, love can conquer all.  I got into planning weddings because I always dreamed of my own and always had an eye for the details.  I've always liked putting parties together and wanted to be a part of someone's special day.  There's no more of a romantic party to plan than a wedding!
  8. I'm an avid reader.  I've been reading since middle school and if the book is good, I can read the entire book in one day.  My children love to read and still love to go to the library.  They too can read a book in a day.  You'll find lots a books in my house as my dream is to have my own library in my home.
  9. My absolute favorite place to be is the beach.  The water has always been my place of solace.  So naturally, my favorite vacation spots have water nearby.  Too bad I don't know how to swim!!  That's on my to-do list for 2012
  10. I love to dance! My goal is to learn a few ballroom dances, especially the Rumba.  This is my favorite of all of the ballroom dances and the most sensual.  This is the dance I plan to do as my first dance when ever I get married.
  11. I love the sound of the rain but I hate to be out in it.  I have a CD titled "Thunderstorms" and when I have trouble sleeping, I pop it in and fall right to sleep.  Sometimes it sounds so real that I have to look outside to see if it's really raining, lighting, and thundering. LOL
  12. Spring is my favorite season.  The warmth of the winter is slowly fading and new life is beginning with the blossoming flowers.  Since a little girl, I love the gentle breeze that kisses my cheek and always thought that God was planting soft kisses and assuring me that everything was going to be just fine.  I still feel this way today!

Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Fashion

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On your wedding day, of course you want to be the star of the show.  But, no matter what, people will always be looking at your entire bridal party, including the little people: the flower girl and the ring bearer!  With today's fashion trends, more and more brides are incorporating their style and personality into every aspect of their wedding, fashion included.  Before you come down the aisle, all eyes will be on your bridal party.  Until you make your grand entrance, the question on everyone's mind is "What will everyone be wearing?" and of course, we all love to see how adorable the children are!


Do you want the flower girl to have a dress that mimics your own or one that's close in style to the bridesmaids?  Or, would you prefer one that's a combination of the two but mostly falls in line with the theme of the wedding?  Here are a few fashion forward options to help you when making your decision.


Image Courtesy of Grace Photography 


Image Courtesy of  Laurie Studio Boutique via Martha Stewart Weddings


Image Courtesy of Chelsea Peterson Photography via Reses Pieces and Me



Is your wedding more laid back and you just don't think the ring bearer will tolerate a tuxedo very well?  Is there something special incorporated into the attire, such as a cap, that you'd like all the men attendants to wear during the ceremony?  You can still have a classy ensemble without the fuss of a classic tuxedo.  Here are a few options.


Image via Charleston Wedding Phtotgrapher


Image Courtesy of D. Helgeson Designs


Image Courtesy of Nichols Photography via The Posey Events


Lipcolor That Lasts!

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How many times have you had to reapply your lipstick or lip gloss during the day or watched someone else do it?  We carry those cute little make-up compacts just for those little emergencies where we have to touch up the lipstick that was perfectly applied before we left home!  This can be a bit of a pain most of the time.


The High and The Low 

I may have found the solution!  Whether you like the shiny look from lip gloss or the matte look from lipstick, L'Oreal Infallible!  I own both the lip gloss and the lipstick (the Le Rouge Collection).  The gloss is said to last up to 6 hours and the lipstick 10.  I've put them both to the test and I'm a HUGE fan!  With over 30 colors to choose from, there is something for everyone and the colors are vibrant.  


Beauty Stat

I can definitely say that this is a must have for those that like to put on make-up and not have to constantly check it or reapply it.  It's great for nights on the town, all day meetings (which a lot of us have), and the all important wedding day!  I can't say if either will stand up to "You may now kiss the bride" but you'll definitely get hours of wear out of each of them!

Pumpkins Drinks For The Holidays

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It's the holiday season and many of us are considering our menus, revisiting family favorites, or maybe even looking for new things to add to the slew of goodies that will crowd your dinner tables.  If you're anything like me, you're looking for something new to add to the collection of recipes that you already own.


While looking for something new, I came across two drinks that I'm pretty anxious to try.  The first, Pumpkin Eggnog.  For the holiday festivities and those that just aren't into drinking alcoholic beverages.  Eggnog is one of my favorite drinks at Christmastime and having a reason to make and drink it at Thanksgiving is an added bonus!  The other, Pumpkin Spiced Tequila.  This keeps in line with the festivities but of course packs a little punch!  It can also serve as an after-dinner dessert drink.  My family is big on coffee after a meal, so why not serve a coffee with a kick?


Both recipes follow.  I hope you enjoy because I plan to!


Source

Pumpkin Eggnog:

2 cups whole milk
2 cups cream
6 egg yolks
3/4-1 cup pumpkin puree
1/3-1/2 cup maple syrup (preferably grade B)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional for garnish)
Additional cinnamon/nutmeg (optional for garnish 

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a blender.  Blend until very smooth.  Chill into the refrigerator for a few hours to get cold.  Enjoy with whipped cream and cinnamon and nutmeg for garnish if desired.  
Pumpkin Spiced Tequila- Source

Pumpkin Spiced Tequila:
3/4 cup cream
2 Tsp Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
1/4 cup Sauza Blue Tequila
Whipped Cream and cinnamon sticks

Preparation:
In a sauce pan, combine cream with pumpkin syrup, sugar, vanilla, and spices, and coffee, until hot. Divide between two mugs.  Add half of the Sauza Blue Tequila and stir.  Top with whipped cream and cinnamon.  Enjoy!  

Real Wedding Tammy & Michael

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I was excited when asked to assist with the details of Multi-Cultural wedding.  I've always wanted to be a part of one and I finally got my chance to witness a Korean ceremony.  For the American ceremony, the bride wanted a clean palette with mostly all white.  But in her culture, white flowers are for funerals, so we added pops of pink to the white and gold palette.


She came to me with a florist, hurricane vases and mirrors for centerpieces that were provided by the venue, along with the gold chargers, candy apple as her favors, and little money for anything else.  She had no idea where to go from there but wanted it to be special.  I only had approximately 14 days to put something together, so I took what she had and what I had in my inventory and attempted to give her a ballroom that she'd love, by adding my vases, votive candle holders, and crystal beading, and I had her change the red ribbon on the candy apple to pink (since they were covered in chocolate).  There was no special linen or grand overlays but in the end she was happy and I was glad to be a part of her day. 


Here are some of the pictures I took with my cell phone.








Napkin Creativity

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Since I started this week of with creative table names, I thought I'd keep it going with the tables and revisit a post I did several months ago on the creativity of napkin folds.  I'm always looking to do something creative with the napkin that represents the theme of the event.  At most weddings and events, the napkins are folded the same way, a square, rectangle, or triangle that looks like a fortune cookie; 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!