Personal "Touches"

Milestone birthdays are hard. When you work in the industry, PLANNING a milestone birthday is a task like none other.

It's the curse of the double edge sword. You know the most fabulous vendors from working together over the years, you have a variety of venues in your arsenol, resources are endless.. and yet, you have to narrow down to a feasible, manageable and affordable party that will knock everyone's socks off and leave them saying WOOOOOWWW!

Brides sound familiar?

After narrowing down the Venue, The Residence Inn Center City- Penthouse Suite, I pulled together some of my best vendors and began designing the space. It's funny. Many people think that when you are an Event Planner, it's easier for personal events, but let me be the first to say, it's far from it.

For this event, I followed the same protocol as we do with our "Touches" level of service. Floor plan, design schematics, rentals and execution.

The result...Well you tell me. What do you think internet?

Introducing, La Dolce Vita or "The Sweet Life":

This is the penthouse on a daily basis...


Enter "Touches"






Florals provided by Denise of Leigh Florist. Denise is so dedicated to her craft. I gave her a theme and let her run with it. This is what she produced. It's why you really trust the experts to do their job:




Dessert Reception:






The Philadelphia Skyline. The reason this venue was the perfect choice.







Special Thanks again to all of my Vendors who consistently assist in producing one fabulous event after another.

Flowers: Leigh Florist-Audobon, NJ
Entertainment: Derek of Mobile DJs & Sounds-Philadelphia, PA
Venue-Residence Inn Center City- Philadelphia, PA
Lighting- Synergetic Sounds-Bensalem, PA
And photography by non-other than the ever so talented Jen Capone of Jen Capone Photography

and a very special merci to Deidre Gray of Always A Positive Image, LLC. Deidre is a fellow Colleague, friend and private party saving grace.


Happy Monday!

Happy Birthday to me!

That's right...it's my Birthday!



As terribly obnoxius as it is to post to the world, I couldn't resist. I LOVE birthdays...they give people a reason to party and they allow you a moment to reflect on your past, celebrate your accomplishments and plan for the future. That...and there's always cake!

As a "so close to Christmas you can almost taste it" baby, the minute people learn my birth date, they immediately react with an "awh, poor thing-you must be so dissapointed that you don't get separate gifts". This is a total misconception. Believe you me, I've asked many fellow Christmas time babies and they all agree-we fight hard for recognition of our day as OUR day (sometimes through blogs :smile) and we usually receive separate gifts.

Me personally, I have the best gift in the world. Good health, a family that loves and supports me, friends that I adore, a business that inspires me and an angel of a son. What more could a girl want? (Tiffany earrings excluded)

To all my fellow December babies, happy birthday to you too!

Happy Birthday Alex

Last year I had the pleasure of planning an intimate baby shower in Dumfries, VA for the Hopkins family. The mother of one six year old girl, mommie to be expressed that she had NO desire to see even a touch of "baby pink" during this shower. Allowing for creative expression, instead we incorporated a blend of fuscia and orange in a really fun "whine & cheez" theme. Instead of a traditional guestbook, upon arrival, guests were photgraphed for input into a beautiful adesso album. Decor items included wine bottles and fuschia vases, silk and satin fabrics. The menu included delicous Italian favorites and we served fruit and hor d'eouvres in Wine Canters and glasses. The highlight, a diaper cake display (see above) from My Little Baby Kakes that was literally pretty enough to eat! The event was absolutely beautiful and just as Mommie to be requested.

Yesterday I got an email from the Family thanking me again and reminding me that a year had passed and Alex is now, healthy, happy and 1 year old. Boy how time flies!!

Fun Fact of the Day

I promise I'll post a Wedding related entry later today, but for now, I found out the cutest fact and had to share!

Today, the emoticon turned 25! That's right, the "cute" little symbol that we all love to share, is celebrating it's 25th year in existance-who knew?

Happy Birthday emoticon, what would we do without you :)?