Wednesday

When did you know?

People say, when you know, you know. Since I get to re-live love everday in my life, I know i'm partial, but I often wonder how true that is.

I fell in love with my best friend. No, really I did.

It's funny how some things will never be in your control. People will enter in and out of your life for a season, just long enough to effect you in a way that you are not prepared for, nor do you deserve. Today, amongst all the hustle and bustle of life and wedding season I thought about my friend and the bond that we share. Life is too short. Don't let a day go by without acknowledging the things that matter, thanking those that have helped you and praying for those with whom you've crossed paths to be blessed.

So, when did you "know"?

Thursday

Let There Be Light

A recent space planning meeting with a Client at the Brides parent's estate where the ceremony and reception will be held, led to a conversation about adequate event lighting.



If you are considering having your Wedding ceremony or reception outdoors, when considering design and decor elements, be sure to include adequate and functional lighting. While tea light and votive candles may work well for some locations, natural elements such as wind, water and sand, will typically interfere with these lighting options. A great alternative for providing intimate lighting in a natural setting are battery operated candles.




Battery operated candles and L.E.D lights come in a variety of sizes and scents and some even have the look of "melted wax", making it hard to decipher the real from the faux.



Romantic lighting and environmentally conscious, love it!

Wednesday

Tagged.

I've been tagged by the adorable Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Event Planning who was tagged by the Fabulous Terrica at Fabuluxe Events (side note, somehow us planners have bonded via the wonderful world of blogging-gotta love it)

Anywho, this tag is a little different. Rather than random facts, it is random songs that you normally might not admit that you like. This should be interesting!

Songs I like but will deny to the death:

1. Barry White- My First. My last. My everything- I'm not sure what the actual title of this song is but the words are "My first my last my everything and the answers to,all of my dreams. You're all that i'm looking for.." Ok, it was in college and after watching a Chris Tucker movie that I totally fell in LOVE with this song. To this day I can't get enough of it!

2.Damaged by Danity Kane- I have literally blasted this song on more than one occasion. Darn Puffy and his Making the Bands.

3.Day 26 (entire albulm)-see above explanation.

4.Flo-Rida Apple Bottom Jeans- It's a shame that songs no longer require content discression or decent lyrics. This song has benefited from the ever so familiar "catchy hook".

5.Soulja Boy- Superman. Hey, if Oprah can dance to it (and Beyonce Live in concert), I don't feel too bad.

Whew, that was actually difficult. Ok ladies:

Samantha of Soiree Bliss, Lakendra of Affairs with Elegance, Linnyette Richardson-Hall of Premiere Event Management, Shayna Walker Wedle of Williamsburg Wedding Design and Amy Rubins of Fete Perfection, you're it!

Tuesday

In love with love

Maybe it's the beginning of wedding season or maybe it's the effect of the amazing people I am fortunate enough to have in my life right now, but I find myself totally in love with LOVE these days.

Now I will admit, I'm not a huge Jordan Sparks fan, I think i'm over American Idol in general, but I will say she hit the nail on the head with the Lyrics for her new song "Breathe". Granted, you have to minus the kiddie factor of Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown (who is just too cute)...ok, enough. I've attached the lyrics so you can see for yourself:


Tell me how I'm supposed 2 breathe with no air?

[Jordin Sparks:]
If I should die before I wake
It's cause you took my breath away
Losing you is like living in a world with no air
Oh

[Chris Brown:]
I'm here alone didn't wanna leave
My heart won't move it's incomplete
If there was a way that I could make you understand

[Hook: Jordin Sparks]
But how do you expect me to live alone with just me? cause my world revolves around you it's so hard for me to breathe

[Chrous: Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown]
Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air?
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
It's no air, no air
Got me out here in the water so deep
Tell me how you gon breathe without me?
[No Air Lyrics on
If you ain't here I just can't breathe
It's no air, no air

No air, air [x4]

[Chris Brown:]
I walk, I ran, I jump, I flew
Right off the ground to float to you
WIth no gravity to hold me down forreal

[Jordin Sparks:]
But somehow I'm still alive inside
You took my breathe but I survived
I don't how but I don't even care

[Hook: Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown]
So how do you expect me to live alone with just me? cause my world revolves around you it's so hard for me to breathe

[Jordin Sparks:] Got me out here in the water so deep
[Chris Brown:] Tell me how you gon breathe without me?
[Jordin Sparks:] If you ain't here I just can't breathe
[Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown:] It's no air, no air

No air, air [x3]

No air

Don't you just love that?

Monday

Favor Competition

Are you a Bride,Bridesmaid, Mothers-of-the-Bride & Groom, Shower Hostesses, Party Hostesses, Expecting Mom or someone Who Cares About Fighting Against Suffering Caused by Breast Cancer? Do you want to show off your creativity and knack for "design" and win a prize?

My very good friend and amazing colleague, Shayna Walker of Williamsburg Wedding Design, is hosting the 1st annual Bridal, Mom & Baby Shower Sunday May 4, 2008 from 1-4 @ Alumni House of the College of William & Mary. Admission is only $5 in advance and $7 at the door.



For all of you local Brides and Grooms, even if you can not physically attend the event, you can still Show off Your Creativity in the Best Favor Competition via photo submission. Photos of all favors will be featured on the Williamsburg Wedding Design blog and Showcase guests will vote for winners in the following categories:


Best Bridal Shower Favor
Best Wedding Favor
Best Baby Shower Favor
Most Unusual Favor Ever


The Rules & Guidelines are simple:
One entry per person - choose one category in which to compete.
You must register to participate.
Prizes to be announced prior to May 4 on The Williamsburg Wedding Design website and blog.
Winners will be notified and posted immediately after the event!

Great cause and a great event...Love it!

Wednesday

Refresh!



As I'm sitting at my desk trying to undertake a massive to do list for the day, I realize that the entire morning long the one thing that HAS been consistent, is me tapping the "refresh" key in my inbox. Which got me thinking...

During a recent initial meeting with a couple inquiring about our Coordination services, we began discussing how "high stressed" the planning process becomes as the wedding date draws near. I told the couple that I witness this quite often and particularly within the last 2 months of planning. Makes perfect sense. 12+ months of researching, planning and paying, quickly approaching to what seems like ONLY a 6 hour event. That's enough to cause tension in even the most normal of couples.

What I advised the couple to do is schedule a mini "honey-moon" with their honey. Take some time AWAY from the planning, the phone calls and the flowers and have a nice weekend getaway with the person you love. Reunite,rebuild and refocus so that you can get back to enjoying the fact that you will soon be committed eternally.
While you're away, leave the planning to your Coordinator (luckily they have me) and have a little fun.

For last minute getaways check out travel sites such as expedia, hotwire and my all-time favorite travelzoo. Grab your bathing suit, your spouse to be and get Refreshed! And of course, have a Mai-Tai for me!

Friday

Welcome Samantha!

What better way is there to end the regular "workweek" than with a phone call that one of the couple's for which you were the Wedding Coordinator, gave birth to a happy, healthy baby girl?

Samantha Shea Hayman was born to Jessica and Jeff this morning weighing in at a whopping 6 lbs. 3 oz.

Congratulations to the new parents on their bundle of joy.  Can't wait to meet you Samantha!

Wednesday

I cried.

I've had the honor of being invited into couple's lives, homes and hearts over the last 6 years. As I kiss each of my Brides, lay down their veils and wish them the best of luck, a tear invetibly falls.

Today was different. Today I cried.

I'm a big believer that everything in life happens for a reason. God positions people in your life, even if only for a short time, with a purpose. A 4 year relationship that ended in 2004, left me with an extended family in Orange County California that I can honestly say, I would be lost without.

I remember when my boyfriend (at the time) introduced me to Marie. I was so intimidated by this girl who up until then, I had only heard stories about-beautiful, successful, amazing mother and wife...and here I am, young and scared sitting on her gorgeous sofa in her amazing home wondering what she would think of me. From the minute she spoke, I knew I found a friend but I never imagined that I would be blessed me with another sister and her family.

I just received pictures from Marie and as I opened them a tear strolled down my face.

Staring back at me was the most gorgeous Bride I'd ever seen, Marie's sister Dianne. In my mind flashed 8 years of memories, laughs, stories and tears that has developed into a beautiful, confident, strong, happy women.

Though I could not be there to fluff this gown or straighten this veil, I knew that God prepared an aisle for Dianne that would lead her to an incredible man and an incredible life. I am so very proud of her.

So world, I introduce you to the NEW Mrs. Dianne Bunton.

Tuesday

Dial Directions

I was doing my daily blogroll and stumbled across an amazing find courtesy of my extremely talented and oh so cute colleague Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Event Planning, Dial Directions:



Emilie did such a great job of explaining how it works, I've just pasted below her directions.

Just enter the info for your wedding on their site and then give your guests the phone number: DIR-ECT-IONS (347-328-4667) and the name of the event. Then all they have to do is call the number, give the name of the event and where they are driving from - a text message is sent to them with directions. It is free on both sides - you don't pay to post events and your guests don't pay to get the info unless they pay per text message.


Seriously, how can you not LOVE modern technology? Thanks for the great find Emilie.

Monday

Enchanted Dreams

There are very few weekends during wedding season that I actually have to myself. Yesterday was an exception.

Now I'll admit, being a near "Christmas" baby, my parents definitely overcompensated and gave me my fair share of elaborate parties; however, yesterday's experience was every little girl's dream. Castles, tiaras and crystals adorned every inch of the pink walls of this magical room where little girls and little boys could pretend to be anything they wished.



There's something about the fantasy world that is appealing to the little girl in all of us and Enchanted Dreams in Haddonfield has definitely gotten in right! If you're ever looking for an ideal place to pamper your little princess, definitely give the ladies at Enchanted Dreams a call.

Friday

Toddlers and Waddlers and Infants…Oh my!

You would think that someone with six years of event planning experience, numerous weddings under their belt and a love for all things "party" would be able to pull off a birthday party for a one year old in their sleep right? WRONG!

Planning a party for your child when you are a professional planner takes on an identity of its own. Talk about pressure.

After 3+ months of venue searching, theme hunting and logistics scenarios, I'm happy to say that things are finally a "go" with baby C's 1st birthday party. We finally decided on a "football theme" complete with décor, a "stadium" inspired menu and of course…all things football. No rubber duckies or cute teddies at this party. Real turf, coaches, jerseys and cleats are sure to make guest appearences throughout the décor.

And yes, I did say 1 year old birthday party. Darn that MTV and all the pressure it puts on us parents.

So, if you're looking for amazing venues for your child's birthday, allow me to save you just a little legwork. Consider the following non-traditional locations in the area (thanks Nanette):



Garden State Discovery Museum

Oceans in Motion

Jellybean Jungle

Little Gym

Little Sport

Enchanted Dreams

Please Touch Museum (Philadelphia, PA)

My name is Isis and I love any excuse to throw a fabulous party!

Wednesday

We don't even talk anymore...

They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

I'll admit it, I have a phone addiction. Some may even say I'm a text-a-holic. However, even I (who has mastered the one handed text on my Blackberry pearl) think that things are really getting out of control with the lack of human interaction that our valuable electronic toys inevitably lead to and today, when Amazon announced that they are introducing the option to "shop via text messaging", my fears were confirmed.

Shop VIA text? Really people? Are we that busy that the internet, telephone and snail mail just won't do?

As a professional planner, I just cringe at the thought of couples now attempting to purchase their wedding items on a qwerty keyboard just for the sake of instant gratification. As though the internet, with the zillion vendors and their misleading advertisements, isn't enough. Oh well, change comes with the times...guess I better get ready.

JMHO, TTYL!

Tuesday

Scent your event

Ahhhh, the 5 senses.

I can't stress how important it is to stimulate all 5 senses when planning for the perfect event. When I sit down for design consultations with our Clients, we often discuss the obvious intricacies of decor such as linen for texture/touch, menus for taste, lighting-sight, entertainment for sound...but how can you incorporate smell into your big day?

Enter Scentevents...



I fell in love with Scentevents way before meeting it's creator at The Special Event Show (for which I swear I'll eventually post pictures) earlier this year. What I love about this little gadget is that the system is so easy to set up, can be used inside or outside and can fill a room with the most delicious of aromas...totally out of site from the corner of a room.

The system is based of the ingenious use of a small scent player measuring approximately 7 inches wide by 9 1/2 inches tall by 10 inches deep, which can scent areas up to 2,000 square feet, using a single scent cartridge. Even better, the substances are environmentally safe, and leave no residue or residual smell and are completely dry.

Sweet!