Greetings

Please join me in congratulating Mr. & Mrs. Owen & Miriam Plummer (mom & dad) on 24 wonderful years of marriage.

Thank you my amazing parents for showing me a wonderful example of a union blessed by God.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Can I Share This With You?

Since Blogs are all about sharing and today I cannot focus on anything BUT the passing of Michael Jackson, I wondered if you wouldn't mind me sharing this with you. There has not been one wedding that I have attended or coordinated that didn't have an MJ song that got everybody on their dancing feet. While one person is yelling "shamon" the other is trying their best attempt at the moonwalk, but all-in all it was pure fun. One song that always got me going and ready to move my dancin feet (and there are many) is Rock With You. It always took me back to place of happiness and joy and the thought of "rocking with" with the one I love.


So, allow me this opportunity to share with you one of my Michael Jackson faves that hopefully will get and keep your guests grooving.


Tell me, what is your favorite Michael Jackson tune that always gets the crowd on their feet?

Planning: They Mean Well?

FINALLY!!! Your engaged and well into planning mode. You have selected the venue, the ceremony site, your vision and your bridal party. You are set and on a roll. BUT before you can get too excited, reality sets in. Mom, cousin, sister, auntie, soon to be MIL all of a sudden has OPINIONS and SUGGESTIONS...arrrrgh.

I know I know. At first maybe you think it is cute because they are all so excited about the upcoming nuptials but that cuteness wears off very quickly. And before you become labeled as a first class, grade A B*%#! ...Bridezilla, and flip out, take a step back and assess the situation. They really mean well, and are not purposely trying to piss you off or add to your stress ( well most of them at least). They truly deep deep deep deep down think they are doing you a favor and helping out. So try to hold back on the yelling, screaming, eye and neck rolling, finger wagging and try another approach. For Instance:

Let's say you choose pink and lilac as your color scheme but your mom says she thinks yellowish gold would be a nicer color:

What you want to say: (insert neck roll) It is my wedding I'm gonna do what I want and besides gold is too old fashion for me.

What mom wants to hear: Yellowish gold, perfrect. Why didn't I think of that.

What you should say: Thanks for the suggestion mom but the gold may not work with the vision I have for the ceremony and venue, but I will consider it though.

Or for instance, one of your bridesmaids says she hates the dress you picked out:

What you want to say: (insert finger wave) Look heffa, if you are going to be in my wedding you are going to wear what I want you to wear and that is final.

What she wants to hear: Okay let's get you a dress that you want.

What you should say: Really, you do not like the dress? I picked this particular dress because it shows off that sexy back of yours and you always look AMAZING in purple. Girl you know no one can work a strapless like you can...heeeeeeey (wink).

Or, let's say your soon to be MIL has been taking cake decorating classes at Michael's and insists that she bakes your wedding cake.

What you want to say: (insert eye roll and neck roll combo) Heeeeeeeeeel no, I have seen your baking skills and trust me, you are no Betty Crocker.

What she wants to hear: That would be great!!! Of course you can bake our wedding cake. Thanks Mom.

What you should say:That is such a wonderful offer, but unfortunately I have already paid for the cake and my payment is non-refundable. But you can bake the cake for the rehearsal dinner or Bridal Party brunch.

And what if your fiance suggests having Applebee's (your favorite neighborhood restaurant) cater your wedding.

What you want to say: Hell No!

What he wants to hear: Sure honey, Great idea.

What you should say: Hell No!!

You see, there is always a bad, good and better way to address these "opinions" and "suggestions". So before you prepare to extend the finger on the right hand as the left hand is perched on your left hip, and you begin to loosen up that neck of yours, remember they mean well. Most of the time.

Planning: The Center of Attention

Looking to spruce up your centerpiece by getting away from your typical clear vase? Your search doesn't have to be as stressful as you may think. Supermarkets, retail stores, local shops, vintage shops, they are all around you and full of useful vase-like materials. I recently coordinated a wedding where the vision required a "tropical look" and I wanted to stay within those parameters. I was fortunate enough to find exactly what I was looking for in the last place I expected to find it, and when I wasn't even looking for it. In Marshall's and Party City. So don't be hesitant to step outside of your comfort zone and begin sourcing not-so-typical locations for your event inspirations.

Below are a few examples of non-clear vases to jog your creative juice and get you to think outside the box:

Photos Courtesy of The Knot & JunePlumm Events

Parties: Mahalo Mr. & Mrs. Simpson - A JunePlumm Event

On Saturday (6/20/09) I had the pleasure of coordinating the wedding reception for a fabulous couple, Mr. and Mrs. Steve & Carolyn Simpson. The couple previously exchanged vows in Hawaii on May 18th, 2009 and wanted to celebrate with friends and family in a Hawaiian Casual reception in Morehead City, North Carolina.


Everything was Hawaiian inspired, from the florals, to the music right down to the food. I was overjoyed to be surrounded by a wonderful couple, a welcoming breeze and a sea of floral print shirts. I was only too honored to be apart of this wonderful celebration.

Below are a few pictures from last weekend's event (and the ceremony in Hawaii):

This amazing celebration was made even more special with the help of the following stellar local vendors:

Jack's Waterfront Bar: Venue

The English Rose: Florals

Alex & Brett: Cake

Island Essentials: Rentals

Country-Aire Rental Inc: Rentals

Shepard's Point: Catering

LillyPix Photography: Photography

Thank you all for your assistance and excellent customer service. It was a pleasure working with you.

Pretty Little Things: Cookies

In my opinion the best shower/party/wedding favor is an edible one. I mean do you really need another mini picture frame or candle shaped like a wedding cake. At least with edible favors they are not only cute but also functional and hopefully delectable. One of my faves ( and there are many), are sugar cookies. Look at these cute versions below that would make great favor options for a bridal shower or Thank you Gift.

How cute are they. I would be all over the cheetah purse and shoe. They almost look too good to eat...Almost.

And available along with some of the "Thank you" Cookies:

These flowery boxes are adorable. I would cluster a few of the boxes on the table so they double as a centerpiece.

Credits: All photos courtesy of Weddingish.com

Pretty Little Things: Cocktail Anyone?

Your Maid of Honor. She accompanied you 7 bridal salons and watched you try on 32 wedding gowns until you found the perfect one that accented the "goods". She endured your daily 2:00 am panic attacks that the florist will deliver Calla Lilies instead of Casablanca Lilies. She organized a spa retreat weekend for your Bachelorette Party and made sure all guests were dressed in a "We're with the Princess Bride" t-shirts. She helped you select the chartreuse accented invites over the celedon accented invites because chartreuse made the custom logo pop. She said no problem when you asked her to pay $575 for your maid of honor gown that you will NEVER wear again.

Let's face it. The girls was an angel and deserves something special. To, show your gratitude why not treat her to a nice refreshing COCKTAIL:


How about a Mojito?

(Tsavorite)

Or a Margarita?:

(Green Amethyst & Diamond)

Or, maybe she is looking to mellow out tonight so a Pina Colada will hit the spot?:

(Green Gold Quartz, Smokey Quartz & Peridot)

On second thought, I think she is more of a Rum and Cola kinda girl?:

(Chocolate Diamonds & White Gold)

Or were you thinking to brighten up her day with a Tequila Sunrise?:

(Citrine & Chocolate Diamond)

No...I got it. What lady wouldn't love a Cosmopolitan?:

(Pink Sapphire & Diamond)

Whatever your desire there is a cocktail ring to quench the thirst.

Credits: All cocktail rings Courtesy of Ice.Com

Planning: Take A Stand

In an interview with the Daily News on creating "A Stunning Wedding Cake on a Budget", Lauri Ditunno of NY's Cake Alchemey and WEtv's Amazing Wedding Cake stated:

"If you choose a tall cake instead of more tiers, invest in a cake stand. "These add height and they are decorative," Ditunno says. "Adding extra tiers for height means more servings to pay for."

In case you are considering the latter for you wedding, her are a few cake stands/plateaus to consider:


The Wedding Factory Direct:


E-Favormart:


Wedding Cake Stands:



Tied with A Bow:




Robert Edward Woodworking

Parties: OMG! Ms. Wang on TV

Courtesy of Linda Smith Weddings, It is rumored that the one and only Vera Wang may be joining Dancing with the Stars come September 21. Some of you may know, before designing fabulous wedding gowns Ms Wang began as a professional figure skater so you know she is graceful. I for one look forward to seeing this "rumor"come to fruition. I wonder what her gowns will look like anything like these:

Photos of Vera Wang Spring 2010

Collection courtesy of InStyle

Pretty Little Things: Blooms - Cherry Blossoms

According to Chinese beliefs, the Cherry Blossoms symbolizes feminine beauty or principal. How accurate as the Cherry Blossom IS a beautiful (yet challenging in it's natural state) flower. These blossoms can frame words on an invitation as well as be the center of attention for your guest tables. I have always loved to see Cherry Blossoms in any state, tamed via piping on a tiered wedding cake or wild an in it's natural habitat. Take a look and re-familiarize yourself with the wondrous spring Cherry Blossoms and how it can work it's way into your special event:

Paper:

Cakes:

Accent/Favor:

Centerpiece:

Credits:

Invite 1: Bella Figura; Invite 2: Wedding Paper Divas ; Invite 3: Elum Designs

Cake 1: Unknown; Cake 2: Unknown ; Cake 3: Unknown

Accent/Favor 1: Super Weddings ; Accent/Favor: My Gracious Goodness

Centuries: Unknown