Parties: It's That Time Again...

...To MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Parties: Happy Anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Segura

For as long as I have know her I have always promised to HELP plan her wedding. I knew she would be getting married but I was soooooooooo NOT prepared for what I was about to encounter. Fast forward a few years she walked into the office and said, Camille, Camille, I did it. I finally got my license. I said really, now you can drive? No silly; my marriage license. Huh...so what do you think about April 26 or May 3, 2008. I said for what!...My wedding! Oh did I mention the day we had this conversation was March 25...2008...So there I was, bound by my commitment to HELP and blinded by the thrill of the challenge (32 days).

And were off..we confirmed the date, booked the venue and bought the dress, all in the first week. Did I mention this is a low budget wedding. But I was determined, as a friend and as her Wedding Planner to make sure she had what she never knew she could have. And the results were, a chocolate brown and blue wedding held in the City Island.

By no means was planning this wedding easy as pie. We had some hurdles to cross. Despite my several confirmation calls and visits, the venue still double booked us. After all was said an done, We were compensated by being given the larger nicer space at no additional cost and catered free yummy hors d'ouvers. The linen rental company screwed up and delivered soiled linens. Because of the less than stellar products, I had to do some fancy foot-work with the linens as well as negotiated a refund for the cost ( I won by the way). The bridal gown that was supposed to be cleaned and ready for pick-up was clearly NOT. Well needless to say, that was taken care of. But all in all, despite the "issues" Mr. and Mrs. Segura had a wonderful wedding, one year ago today, that they both NEVER thought they would have. They were happy, they didn't have a care in the world and more importantly, they were MARRIED.

As the wedding planner, things did go wrong (behind the scenes). You can dot your I's, and others will un-dot it. You can cross your T's and others will uncross it. BUT, having a professional in your corner, who is calm, organized, swift and working on your behalf will make the difference in the overall experience. Aaaaahhhhh the life, it doesn't get any better than this.
So on this day, April 26, 2009 I would like to send a heartfelt

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

to Mr. and Mrs. Segura. I hope your days continue to be as happy, as joyous and as carefree as the the day you said I DO.
It was fun:)

Parties: This just in...

SHE LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!

...and had a wonderful time at the shower. I can't wait to see the pictures.

Stay tuned for more from our Hawaii Bride.

Parties: Aloha

A dear sweet friend, soon exchange vows on the Big Island Hawaii received her guests at a bridal shower held in her honor in Raleigh NC last night (4/13/09). I unfortunately was not able to make the festivities but still wanted to show my love and support and send her a little "sumpin sumpin". Since her wedding is in Hawaii and chocolate works for ANY event, I decided to make her (and her guests) chocolate starfish and package them in an earth friendly recycled favor box decorated with a sheer ribbon and a simple flower. I hope she liked them!!!

See samples below:

Pretty Little Things: It's all in the Sketch!

While perusing the summer 2009 InStyle Weddings magazine on a flight home recently, I came across an article on gown sketching. What an awesome memento of the gown you had 1 opportunity to wear and is now boxed away somewhere. And guess what, it is affordable. Dreamlines will sketch your gown, no matter where you bought it, and ship it to you (all the way from France...in about a week). How fabulous!!! You can get this for yourself so you can always see your beautiful gown. Or buy it for your bride as a special keepsake. Men you can get real cool points for this one (...wink,wink).

Parties: Spring Bridal Event

Calling all brides, Calling all brides Papyrus is having a FREE Spring Bridal Event starting April 24, 2009 until April 26, 2009. This is your opportunity to speak with local wedding professionals about your special day. And did I mention it is FREE.

Below is a list of the NY dates and times. Hopefully I will see you there!!!


New York
Bronxville · Bronxville, NY
April 26th
12:00 – 6:00 pm
Mount Kisco · Mount Kisco, NY
April 26th
12:00 – 6:00 pm
42nd Street · New York, NY
April 24th
3:00 – 7:00 pm
Grand Central · New York, NY
April 24th
3:00 – 7:00 pm
Lexington Avenue · New York, NY
April 26th
12:00 – 6:00 pm
SoHo · New York, NY
April 26th
12:00 – 6:00 pm
Third Avenue · New York, NY
April 26th
12:00 – 6:00 pm
Vernon Hills · Scarsdale, NY
April 26th
12:00 – 6:00 pm
The Westchester · Westchester, NY
April 26th
12:00 – 6:00 pm
Woodbury Common · Woodbury, NY
April 26th
12:00 – 6:00 pm

Planning: Diamond Tutor

To continue on with my ode to diamonds month, I came across this very interesting site, RingTutor. Ring Tutor is an independent shopping service that, as I see it:

• provides personal shopping services for you. They will take your budget and wish list and provide you with 3 online options of rings to buy that meets your needs

And:

• evaluates and directs you in case you have already selected a diamond(s) and are unsure if it is a valuable purchase

And:

• gives you basic diamond education and shopping tips
  

I think someone just pushed your easy button. Doesn't this seem like information worthy enough to magically appear in his in-box or around the house..."I don't know how that got there honey"...go ahead, I won't tell (wink, wink)

Planning: A Candy A Day...

I have been a little behind on checking my personal e-mails lately...well who am I kidding, I am allot behind. So I decided to take my beautiful Sunday afternoon and catch up on my e-mails while sipping a little bubbly.

First I check my yahoo account and I immediately see that I have allot of Daily Candy to catch up on. After checking a few e-mails I noticed Daily Candy WEDDINGS!!!!!!!!! OMG! It is like the best of Daily Candy accept tips/ideas on all things bridal. I was so excited about this that I almost missed the Daily Candy Wedding contest that I MUST share.

Enter between April 14, 2009 through May 15, 2009 for a chance to win a wedding gown courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue and/or a honeymoon courtesy of Jet Blue. Take a peek and try your luck!

Pretty Little Things - Fascinating Fascinators

OH the choices and options we have for hair accessories. Veils, clips, bows, tiaras, headbands, chopsticks and those fascinating fascinators . Truly a Pretty Little Thing. Fascinators are used as hair adornments in lieu of a hat or in the bridal world a traditional veil. Also, very stylish enough to be paired with a formal gown and let's not forget the days you are feeling nostalgic. With so many fascinating options available, below is a small sampling of fascinators to be considered for you special day.

And Something Blue:

Pretty Little Things: Beautiful YOU!

French Elle will release this month's magazine issue of models sans make-up. The purpose; to show already gorgeous models without make-up or any airbrushing. In other words, in all of their "natural" glory. I know, I know, you are probably thinking, they are models, they are already beautiful. Yes, it is true...but aren't we all beautiful in our own right! After all beauty is in the eye of the beholder...right?

I say we use this issue as a reminder that beauty is not found in a bridal salon, or at the make-up counter or in the plastic surgeon's office. We are born with it, we feel it, we walk it, we talk it, we own it, we exude it so why not embrace it.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we can't all appreciate a little enhancer here and there...but it is JUST an enhancer that highlights the beauty that IS already there.

So remember this, on that day, when you put on the gown, you put on the shoes, you put on the jewelry, you put on the veil and you say to yourself, I am sooooo beautiful. Don't think you are beautiful on that day because of the "stuff". You were always beautiful and we all saw it. Even he did, and THAT is why he is marrying you.

Pretty Little Things: One Dress, Several Styles

It is your day and you want all your bridesmaids to wear Cobalt. The problem is, Jennifer has a huge tattoo of a skull her chest. Susan has broad shoulders. Danielle is 5' 2". Tamika is 5' 9". Melissa has a small chest and Denise has double D's. sighhhh. Now what. You want to make sure all of your bridesmaids are well dressed in a style that compliments them (and your wedding). But you also don't want a free-for-all of different dresses parading down the aisle before you. What do you do?

Moonlight bridal may have the right idea for you. One dress, sooooo many ways to wear it.

Your bridesmaids will be in the same dress with a twist. Each in a style that flatters and enhances their best features...Crisis averted

Planning: Put a Bling On It...

In the party world, there is always a place for a diamond even if it isn't on your finger. You can accent an otherwise usual table setting with a diamond ring napkin ring. Or, you may choose to hand out diamond ring key chains to your guests as party favors. Whatever your pleasure, there is a diamond accessory to help YOU put a bling on it.

And because I really enjoy putting a bling on it, I am sharing with you some diamonds I have incorporated in my past events.

Credits: Diamond Tealight Holders: courtesy of Beaucoup; Diamond Ring Keychain: courtesy of Beaucoup: Diamond Wine stopper: The Wedding Outlet; Diamond Napkin Ring Holders: Goodthings Weddings; Diamond Paperweight: courtesy of Wedding Favorites

Pretty Little Things: Do You J-Crew?

If you are in the market for an affordable gown then you just might...J-Crew. Currently they have several gowns available for the price conscious bride looking to minimize cost without sacrificing style. Below is a selection of bridal gowns that currently retail for $1,000 and under.

Camille Cotton-Silk Gown $650 (hmm, wonder why I picked this one):

Slub Silk Penelope Gown $695:

Feather Chiffon Gown $795:

Fontaine Gown $1,000:

Berry-trim Nathalie Gown $895:

Happy Easter

From the entire team @ A Little Bit A' This we wish you and your family

A Very Happy Easter

Planning: E-spiration

It's that time again. Time for Easter bonnets full of pinky, yellowy and peachy flowery goodness. So in honor of Easter bonnets and marshmallow peeps all over the world, I put together an E-spiration (Easter Inspiration) Board (courtesy of Bridal Canvas).

Photo Credits

Flower Girl Dresses: Winnie Couture courtesy of Brides.com; Pearls: Details Unknown;

Top Right Bridesmaids Dress: Jim Hjelm Details Unknown; Cake: Details Unknown;

Bottom Left Bridesmaids Dress: Jim Hjelm Occasions courtesy of Brides.com;

Shoes: courtesy of The Knot; Flowers: Details Unknown

Pretty Little Things: It's in the Bag

I have had my eye on these cute little sparkly gift bags for weeks now. Waiting for a "good" reason to buy and not just because they are shiny and sparkly. Well I finally had my opportunity, it is (well...was) Wednesday. Good enough reason for me.

Take a look at the variety of colors:

Silver

Teal:


Gold:



Green:


Fuchsia:


Asst.:


The bags retail for $3.95 at Papyrus. These will make great gift bags for a bridal shower. Decorate with favor tags and coordinating or complimenting tissue paper. Insert your guest favors and display them as room decor then hand them out as they depart.

**Your guest typically see the packaging before they see the prize inside. So make sure you are giving it equal attention.**

Pretty Little Things: Rain in your Forecast?

Totes has designed a wonderful accessory for an April Bride. A satin parasol with crocheted lace and gold accents. This parasol not only looks appropriate for your special occasion, it is also practical as it is specially treated for rain protection.


Make sure your wedding team has one of these tucked into the emergency bag. You may need it.

Pretty Little Things: Diamonds, This Shapes for you

Princess, Asscher and Marquise. And I am not referring to possible names of your girlfriend's kids. I am talking about shapes, diamond shapes that is, and that is just to name a few. Choosing the right shape for you should depend on your own personal style, budget and sometimes the shape of your fingers.

Let's say your deciding factor is the $$$$. Then you may focus your attention on the emerald and princess cuts. These shapes tend to be more affordable than that of asscher or heart shape. Hello, I said affordable, not cheap. The affordability comes because the extra sparkle tends to hide flaws very well and it is the least affordable to create...hence, affordable ring.

What if you have small hands and shorter fingers. If this is you, then you may favor an oval or pear shaped diamond because it tends to give the illusion of more elongated fingers. Or maybe you are just a big pile of mush and are looking for a truly romantic shape. Then check out the the heart shape diamond. Many call this shape the most romantic of all shapes.

OH, and let's not forget the majority, those looking for whatever shape that will give the biggest shine. Then you may want to check into the round shapes (this shape accounts for 75% of all the diamonds sold today). Are we surprised, NO!. Who wouldn't want that extra bling.


Whatever your deciding factor is for choosing the right shape, make sure you do the research and try on as many as possible (well that is if you are a part of the choosing process). In the meantime, below are a few samples of some of the more popular shapes (I have marked my favorites with asterisks..hint hint).



*Princess:

*Emerald:

**Asscher:

Marquise:

Oval:

Radiant:

Pear:

Heart (the heart shaped diamond is ideally a pear shaped diamond with a cleft in it):

Cushion:

* As much as I love and adore diamonds, I would encourage you always consult a reputable jeweler who belongs to the Jewelers of America Organization, to ensure you are not purchasing a "Conflict or Blood Diamond". As precious as this stone is, it is certainly NOT worth a persons life.

Planning: April showers bring...

DIAMONDS, what else?

According to Wikipedia a diamond is the allotrope of carbon where the carbon atoms are arranged in an isometric-hexoctahedral crystal lattice...blah, blah, blah, yawn...A diamond is an illustrious, sparkly material that you put on and it immediately lights up your world and the world of everyone around you... well provided you have the RIGHT kind of diamond of course.

A diamond is also my birthstone (born on the 28th). My personal belief is that diamonds were created just for me (and anyone else sharing a birthday in April). I mean you need something shiny to cling to and shelter you from all the rainy weather. So in honor of the month of April, I have decided to dedicate a few posts to this wonderful material, after all a diamond IS a girls best friend.

To be continued...

Planning: A Little Bit A'...Who?

How did I get here, to be honest I am not sure but I am here and armed with waterproof mascara, ribbons and double-stick tape.

I guess I have been creative all my life. I would always watch my mom prepare for dinner parties and wonder why she felt it is necessary to put iceberg lettuce leaves around the bowl in which she would later put the coleslaw. "But mom", I would say, "why bother put the lettuce leaf in there if we are NOT going to eat it"? Presentation my dear, It is all in the details and the presentation. Fast forward a few, well maybe a couple a few years and here I am...all about the details, all about the presentation, all about a little bit a' this.

So, after a few years of planning office parties, weddings and showers along the way I finally decided to launch my own company, A Little Bit A' This. An event planning company that believes, no matter the event, it should be your day, your style, your way and it is my pleasure to be a part of it.

So sit tight and sneak a peak into the life of...well ME. An event planner that loves to share my thoughts, my loves and things that I stumble upon along the way.

It will be an awesome journey, one that I hope you too will enjoy.