Pretty Little Things: Light The Way

I found these cute votives on my favorite site to find everything and then some...ETSY. They are crystal filled glass votive jars.

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I see these cute little items (that you can also find in different color adornments) lining the aisle in an outdoor ceremony or as decor for a window panes for those venues with large windows

Too cute!

Planning: Bring on the Sparkle

I don't think I have a client or have had a client that didn't utter the words " I LOVE BLING". And frankly I do too, so I am not mad at that. And fortunately for me and all my other bling lovers out there Koyal Warehouse ( one of my fave places to shop for event items) has some two new products this year for the bling lover in you.

Rhinestone Adhesive Sheets

Glitter Mesh (in 3 colors)

The purpose of both these items are to bling away as your hearts content. For instance you can bling out:

• Votives
• Vases
• Napkin rings
• Bouquet stems
• Tables
• Cake stands
• Bling runner

...need I go on? The possibilities are endless. Now tell me, what will YOU do with all this bling?

Parties: A Date with William & Kate

YES!...I was one of those that set my alarm for 4:00am (EST) to join in the hooplah that was the marriage of William & Kate, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Why? Because I'm a hopeless sap and not to mention I'm a wedding planner and this IS a wedding right? And the Duke & Duchess are friends in my head and like a true friend I wouldn't miss it for the world. The overall event was long but very grand as any Royal's event should be. My favorite parts were:

• How beautiful Kate looked in her Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown. Accented with a Cartier tiara and a gorgeous transparent veil. She looked stunning!
• When Prince Harry turned to look back at Kate walking in and leaned over to William to whisper in his ear. I don't know what was said but I could only imagine from bro to bro he said " you did good"
• When Prince William leaned into his bride and said "you look beautiful"...sighhhhhh
• How hard it was to get Kate's ring on her finger. hey... NO wedding is perfect. It is just Perfect for YOU!
• The kiss (s)...nuff said
• How much Prince William's demeanor reminded me of his mother Princess Diana (RIP)
• The sea of hats...from grand to grandeur to OMG..that's a hat!
• The little flower girls reminiscent of the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana
• Pippa looking fabulous in her ivory satin based crepe dress by Sarah Barton for Alexander McQueen.
• How overall happy they look

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I wish William & Kathe, the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge a long happy and prosperous marriage. and Thank you so much for allowing us all a front row seat

Pssst...William, your mom is SO proud of you!

Planning: A Touch of Class

Etsy

Chalkboards are one of those details in weddings that I just love! Yes it is typically associated with events that have a the shabby chic or a bit rustic feel to it. BUT...do not let that stop you from incorporating it into your non-shabby or non-rustic event. There are so many great ways to use infuse chalkboards in your event:

• Menu Boards
• Table Numbers
• Favor Tags
• Mr. & Mrs. signs
• Direction signs (wedding this way)
• Photo booth props ( guests can write fun notes or sayings on it for photo ops)
• Buffet Signs
• Additional Signage

You can go as far as to buy chalkboard paint and turn just about ANYTHING into a chalkboard. FUN!

NOTE: If your handwriting is less than desirable and you are not looking to be fully rustic/shabby chic, hire a calligrapher to write all the signs. Or you can ask a friend with really really really great handwriting. It will make a difference.

Wedding Chalkboard Art

Planning: Coming Attractions

In the next few weeks the cinemas will be bursting with wedding type movies. Take a look at some of the coming attractions that will be gracing a theater near you:

• When Harry Tries to Marry (4/22/11)
• Something Borrowed - (5/6/11)
• Jumping The Broom - (5/6/11)
• Bridesmaids - (5/13/11)

This should be a welcome reprieve for you brides. Especially if you are in the midst of making final decisions on your upcoming nuptials and are stressed to the max. Take a step back, grab some of your besties and let loose for a few hours. You know "they" say laughter is the best medicine. And what better way to lighten up about your wedding planning than to see someone else stress out about theirs (on the big screen of course).

Enjoy!

Planning: Up Up and Away

I never thought I would find myself looking at this picture and actually liking what I see

Anyone that knows me right now just gasped. I love balloons, don't get me wrong. I was just NEVER a fan of using balloons as a decorative element at weddings. But...I've gotten a little soft in my aging event planning years. Balloons used at a weddings can be nice (I can't believe I even just wrote that) IF...and only IF it is used properly. Here are some of my views on when a balloon may or may not be appropriate for a wedding:

• For Gods sake please do not use any mylar balloons in shapes if you want to consider your wedding a "classy affair"
• Please NO balloon arches, animal shapes or hearts of any kind...just say NO
• When in doubt keep it simple. Consistency in color, shape and size goes a long way.
• Have a venue with a nasty ceiling. Camouflage it with a bunch of same color/size balloons. but NOT if this is a formal wedding.
• Having an outside ceremony/reception without tents. Paint the skies with some same color color large round balloons.

Of course there are exceptions to every rule and what I have stated is no way set in stone. What you should take away from this post is when used right, balloons can work. BUT it is not appropriate for every occasion.

Down De Isle - Carnival

Earlier this month I along with 9 other friends was on an extended MUCH needed vacation to Trinidad and Tobago. the reason for the visit...CARNIVAL! It was amazing. so forgive me if it takes me a while to come back down to earth and get out of the Carnival haze I am still in. If you were there you would know why I STILL have the sounds of soca, feathers & dancing in my head.

In case you nee a little visual...this is me dressed for the parade of bands.

(Did I mention how much fun I had)