2011 Was (is) the Bomb!

2011 was a good year...correction it was (is) a GREAT year! I had the opportunity to work with some amazing clients on some of their most special events. Also, I have been the happiest (personally) I have been in many MANY years (despite some not happy occasions). Therefore I wanted to take a moment to publicly acknowledge some of the highlights of my year. Believe me this post would have been a mile longer than it already is so I decided to keep it short (kinda) and only list my top 10 (in no particular order).


1.  Ana an Co.    
FINALLY receiving professional pictures from one of our 2010 Events in Canada. Upon a return trip to Canada I was able to meet up with my former client and friend Analiza who took me out for the MOST AMAZING SEAFOOD MEAL EVER!!!!!!!. We were able to catch up on life after the wedding, her successes, her family and what's in store for the Posadas's in the near future (crossing fingers for them). And she was gracious enough to give me the pics from her wedding that I never received from the photographer ( grrrrrrr). When I finally sat to review the professional pics I stumbled upon this little cutie and fell in love. Oh...and guess what, she has since hired JunePumm Events AGAIN for a 2012 Event. yippeeee!

2.  Team Beary

We were hired by the daughter of this amazing couple to plan a 50th Wedding Celebration that her parents deserved. For their party wish list they only wanted 2 things 1) Drinking AND 2) Dancing. And drink and dance they did...LOTS of it! 

Reary and Bob's story of how they married and how they spent the past 50 years is so inspiring. You can tell they are in love and that love permeated through the entire room. There were more hugs and kisses in that room than all of my other events combined. It was an amazing feeling. I left the room feeling like a kid leaving home for college for the first time. I knew I had to go but not sure I was ready to leave BUT I knew I will see them again. 

Moral of this event: You are NEVER too old to have a GOOD time! 

3.  Team JasLo  

Jasmine is a photographer (and a very good one) and after my first meeting I was determined to work with her professionally. Never did I imagine that our first professional working relationship would be that of planner (me) / client (her). Jasmine did an amazing job on her Rainbow Wedding but needed someone to help her in the home stretch. Enter JunePlumm Events. My biggest challenge of the planning process was getting my bride to let go and let me take over the stress and details. BUT she did and had a GREAT time at her wedding ( yayyyyy #T9).  Aloysius and Jasmine is that rare great couple you read about in books because of how they compliment and balance each other VERY well. I am blessed to have met them and look forward to a long friendship. Now...back to resuming my plot to work with her as planner/photographer.

 4.  Casino Royale: Autasia's Sweet 16
Every time I sat down to talk with Veronica (Ronnie) and Autasia it was 75% laughter and 25% business. I think Ronnie has missed her calling and should have been a comedian. Together we planned a Royale Casino-themed Sweet 16 for a well rounded, uber fabulous, 16 year old fashionista who was every bit deserving of this fabulous affair with flair. And I had a great time doing it. I miss them terribly, especially Ronnie's commentary of which I will NOT repeat on my blog...let's just say you had to be there. LOL. Even months after her event I continue to tell Ronnie that she is stuck with me now and I am saving a space on my planning calender to plan her wedding. Now THAT will be an EXTRA EXTRA Special even that i will NOT miss!

5.  Rumble in the Jungle  
Shevon and Kevin's Jungle themed baby shower.  Planning was smooth sailing however we did experience a little bump in the road when mommy went into early and very traumatic labor. For a minute there we wasn't even sure if the event would happen on the scheduled date. But it did and the new mommy of a CUUUUUUTE baby boy sashayed into her baby shower in her fabulous shoes and excitement ( and I'm sure a little pain) plastered on her face. She was so grateful for the event and even daddy was pleasantly surprised with what he saw (whew...I was worried for a minute).

6.  La CirQue: Lacquasia's Sweet 16
Sigh SO many good memories with this family.  To date this has been JunePumm Events most popular event. There has been so many positive reactions to the pictures and the theme that I am still shocked. In hindsight, maybe MTV should have been called... LOL. 

Mom (Natasha) is AH-mazing and deserves an award for being mother of the year. Daughter (Laquasia) is sweet as pie and she too deserved every bit of this celebration. I had an amazing time working with this team of strong, smart and beautiful women so much that the hardest part of planning was the fact that it is now over. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat because they are just great to work with.

7.  Team RoKiyah

Talk about the little wedding that could. First the wedding was scheduled on the date of a major hurricane and had to be rescheduled to two weeks later. THEN two days before the rescheduled date we found out the venue closed down. BUT with all the DRAMA that we went through the event turned out better than ever. And seeing the smiles on my clients face when they were FINALLY able to celebrate was victory! I had a LARGE glass of bubbly when I reached home after this one. Whew!

8.  Team MarJay  
If a destructive car accident on the highway that detained many of our bridal party wasn't enough, we also had to deal with rain for an outdoor wedding and cocktail hour. Le sigh! But one...no...two monkey don't stop no show.  The show went on well into the night. Marcia and J.J's wedding turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. Fun, Festive and Full of Laughs. I can't wait to see the professional pictures from this wedding because Marcia made an absolutely stunning bride.

9.  FINALLY taking my promo shots. I have had this on my to-do list with my photographer (Justin ifill-Forbes Photgraphy) for about 2 years now and I finally got around to setting aside some time to get it done. I tell you, this shoot gave me more respect for models. Standing, smiling and frolicing in the hot Brooklyn sun for 4 hours is NOT my idea of fun and easy work. I mean who really frolic's these days? well I guess I did...and I am glad becuase it made for some really great shots THANKS JUSTIN! I promise I wil be a lot less whiny for the next shoot *bbm big grin*

10.  Having the opportunity to experience more amazing moments with YOU in 2012! BRING IT ON BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty Little Things: Mix it Up

On my wish list right now...and UNTIL I get one in my hands:

Custom Designed mixer. 

I may have mentioned one time that I am a better baker than I am cooker and it is so true. But think of how much better my red velvet cupcakes would be coming from one of these mixers. It's a MUST have for any one that loves to bake. Nicole Dinardo of Un Amore Custom Designs, makes all kinds of custom designed items but these mixers have to be my faves. Check them out!

Facebook

Web

Pretty Little Things: To Have and To Hold

Okay okay, I admit it, I am a bag FIEND. There is said it...whew!

I was going through my things the other day and every storage container I pulled out were full of bags and purses and clutches and totes. I was truly amazed at just how many I have. But I just can't help it, a great bag can really make or break an outfit just like a cool shoe can.  

Like these bags for instance:

Wouldn't these pair wonderfully with a bridesmaid or even bride. OR even to accompany you to a cocktail party. Whatever the occasion your bag should compliment your outfit and reflect your personality. And lucky for you there are SO many options to choose from so chose wisely.

photos courtesy of Etsy

Planning: Monster-in-Law

New Show Alert: Below are the details:

A&E's New Series "Monster In-Laws" Is Casting Brides and Brides To Be Who Want To Repair A Torn Relationship With An In-Law!

“A ground-breaking new series that explores the complex relationships between married couples and their in-laws.”

Are you struggling to maintain a relationship with an out-of-control in-law?

Is a cultural or background divide challenging your relationship?

Does the statement, “When mom/dad says no, ask grandma/grandpa” ring true in your family?

Does your mother or father-in-law still baby your husband/wife, challenge your parenting style or openly disrespect you?

If you’re desperate to repair your relationship with an in-law before it’s too late, we want to hear from you! Families who appear on the show will have the opportunity to work with a professional relationship expert who will help them to identify their issues and repair their relationships. Families who appear on the show will receive a financial honorarium as a “thank you” for their time and commitment to the show.

To apply, please fill out a brief casting questionnaire:

http://www.leftfieldpictures.com/in-laws-casting/

Pretty Little Things: CHARGE!

I am semi-sorta-kinda-extremely obsessed with chargers. You know what chargers are right?The bigger plate that goes under the dinner plate that is simply for decor and mostly NOT for eating off of. I love these items because it is the quickest way to dress up a table without doing a whole lot of anything. Stick a charger on the table and viola' you are now fancy. For weddings and special events charger rentals can range from $1.50 per plate up to $10.00 per and above.

But lucky for you for every day entertaining, Party City has an awesome collection of chargers in some fun colors and patterns.

Check them out:

What is your quick fix table decor that you use for your everyday entertaining?

Planning: Team Tadjerie - How They Love

Let me tell you about my super duper amazing clients Team Tadjerie:

SHE: is all about the bright colors

HE: is all about the dark blue

SHE: loves Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago

HE: loves playing pool in Brooklyn

SHE: is sexy

HE: is cool

SHE: talks allot

HE: is a man of few words

SHE: can't stand smoking

HE: loves a good cigar

SHE: LOVES & ADORES him

HE: LOVES & ADORES her

AND

THEY: can't wait to be married on July 28, 2012 in Woodbury, NY and I can't wait to share these details with you. BUT... until then, here are some pics from their engagements session.

...to be continued

Credits:

Locations: Dumbo & Slate NYC

Photos: by Justin Ifill-Forbes Photography

Make-up Artist: Robin Lynn Artistry

Parties: Team Beary - It'll NEVER Last!

50 years ago a couple was joined together in holy Matrimony. The Bride was beautiful, the Groom was dashing and the Mother of the Bride was not amused. In fact, the bride's mother was so not amused, she sent home the photographer mid-reception because in her words "..this marriage will not last". Well...50 years later, look at them now:

When I first sat with Reary & Bob and asked what they wanted for their anniversary party they both said, "we want to drink and dance". So drink and dance they did. This was a very special event for us to plan as it was very clear, Reary and Bob loved each other, their friends and their family and that love ooozed from every person and every inch of that room. I found myself just standing and staring at the happy couple wishing everyone could be as happy at 50 years as they were. It just gave my team and I so much to look forward to. 

Reary and Bob's 50th Anniversary party was JunePlumm Events last event for the year and I would say we really ended the year off on a very high note, all thanks to Reary and Bob. So to our amazing couple whom we affectionately refer to as "Team Beary",  we want to say THANKS A MILLION for allowing JunePlumm Events to be a part of this very momentous occasion. We will see you at the next 50 year celebration:)

In addition, a BIG Thanks to the following vendors that helped to make Reary and Bob's night of drinking and dancing a HUGE success:

• Venue: The Riverton Country Club
• Band: The Russ Bennett Band 
• Florals: Vincentown Florist
• Photographer: Ian Anthony Photography
• Event Planner: JunePlumm Events
• Cake: Favieri's Bakery
• Stationery: Kailey Marie Paperie

Your assistance with the nights event was exemplary!

For more pictures of this fun event, check our JunePlumm Events Fan Page HERE!

Pretty Little Things: I'm Dreaming of a Blue Christmas

Next week is Thanksgiving and for most it is a time of indulging in turkey, stuffing, apple pie, cranberry sauce & curry...anything (for my WI peeps). But for me, it means the start of my FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR. While I do indulge in the break from the diet and overeating it means one very special thing...PUTTING UP THE CHRISTMAS TREE. Immediately after dinner I roll myself into the living room and start by assembling and decorating my Christmas tree. There is something about a beautifully lit and baubled tree that brings the happy little girl out of me.

Every year I aim for a new color scheme for my tree and this year I am happy to have decided on a color I have been dying to use...BLUE. ALLLLL BLUE and in anticipation of this upcoming tree trimming event I have assembled an inspiration board to get me in the mood.

Season's Greetings. 

So what's your holiday theme this year?

I Love You Still...: A JunePlumm Event

Takiyah and Rob (or Team Rokiyah as I call them) were officially married on August 12, 2011 in a civil ceremony in the presence of close friends and family (& JunePlumm Events). They were scheduled to have their cocktail wedding reception two weeks later at a private loft in lower Manhattan. Scheduled being the key word here. Unfortunately due to Hurricane Irene they were forced to re-schedule the reception until two weeks later. I can't begin to tell you how bummed they were since family and friends had already flown into the city to be a part of the celebration. We were fortunate however, all of our vendors were on board to moving the date with NO objections.

Then...

Two days before the rescheduled reception, after all the vendors have been confirmed and all the final payments have been made, my bride called and said "Camille, I was just informed that the venue has been closed down and will not be open for our cocktail reception on Saturday..."...WHAT!!!!!!!. Did I mention this was two days before the date. Can I tell you how much I felt Takiyah's pain and sadness. I mean she was at the point of throwing her hands in the air and saying *#@! it!

Until...

I called her back 30 mins later and told her I secured another venue and all of her vendors were on board...AGAIN. So after prayer, excitement, sadness, more prayer, excitement, sadness again, even more praying, hustling, texting, re-organizing and reconfirming we were finally able to celebrate the wedding reception of Takiyah & Robert Thompson. Whew!...

Take a look at the event that almost wasn't:

I was overjoyed at smiling their smiling faces

WOW...I mean just look at these shoes!

I would be remiss if I didn't send an EXTRA LARGE thank you to Alex @ TenTon Studios in Brooklyn Navy Yards. When I called him with my clients story he was quick and eager to help out any way he could and I cannot thank him enough.  And to my other vendors:

Catering: Spoonbread
Photography: Justin Ifill-Forbes Photography
Cake: Kellz Cakez
Signage: Flair Designery @ Etsy
Flowers: Marine Florists
Draping: NY Lounge Decor
DJ: DJ Moet
Linen: All Affairs Rental
Favors: Rolling Pin Productions

From the bottom of my heart I want to THANK YOU all for your patience, understanding and for helping to put a permanent smile on the face of my deserving clients. JunePlumm Events puffy hearts you ALL!

And last but certainly NOT least, to Team Rokiyah. I know your marriage will be eternally blessed because no matter what you put God first, only wanted happiness for each other, rose above all the challenges and in the end came out on TOP.

I love you both...keep celebrating!

For more pics check our Fan Page Here