Monday, December 31, 2007

Pnina Tornai

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As I watched Say Yes To the Dress, all five hours of it, one designer showed up a little more than others, Pnina Tornai. Girls were in love with her gowns! These gowns are designed with a little more skin showing than others, but I think they are glamorous. I personally love them. Could I wear them, NO! But that's another story left for another blog post! :) I'm curious to know what you think??
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Sunday, December 30, 2007

Say Yes To The Dress

sayyestodress
Yesterday afternoon and well into the night, I watched the show Say Yes to the Dress on TLC (it was a marathon). The show candidly shows the ups and downs of the consultants at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. Kleinfeld Bridal has been in operation for more than 60 years and has the largest selection of American and European designer gowns anywhere. Like most reality shows I was instantly hooked. This show was like an hour long bridal magazine! With all of the dresses out there it was great to see how some of these dresses actually looked on. I know most brides-to-be get caught up watching the gazillion bridal shows out there, but this one is a good one. It defiinitely taught me a few things about bridal gowns for sure! I was looking at the Kleinfeld's website and they have an amazing interactive tool that basically guides you to the right dress for your body and your style. TLC also has a few tools on their site that may be helpful to you as you select the most important dress you'll ever where. Happy Shopping!!

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Win Jessica Claire Photography for 2008 wedding!

jessica claire
If you are in need of a photographer for 2008, this post is for you! Jessica Claire is offering to shoot some lucky bride's wedding for free in 2008. (Thanks ladies over at the Weddingbee for keeping me informed!) If for some reason you've been under a rock and have no idea who Jessica Claire is she is only THE wedding photographer! If you want to see her work for yourself run over to her site. Be prepared to drool, because the photos are HOT! But anyway, her are the contest rules. If you fit the criteria don't miss out on this excellent opportunity! Who wouldn't want magazine worthy photos of their wedding?? Don't miss out! Here are the complete details.

Image by Jessica Claire

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Introducing Danny's World

As I was checking Technorati, I noticed a new link to my site and lo and behold it was my cousin Danielle! What a wonderful surprise. She has began on her blogging journey giving us her take on fashion, makeup, skin care and all of the pretty things that matter in a girls life. So when you get some time run over to Danny's World and leave her some love.


Image Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Book Your Venue and Support a Charity


On yesterday I attended a luncheon with my NACE buddies at the South Charlotte Banquet Center and I must say the food was delicious and the space was decorated beautifully. Too bad I didn't get any pictures. I wanted to make sure I blogged about this great venue because it is a great use of space and it assists various charities throughout our community. It's not often you can book your wedding venue and give to a charity simultaneously.

The South Charlotte Banquet Center is a non-profit facility and is located in the Ballantyne area and is owned and operated by the Knights of Columbus Council. All proceeds after building expenses are donated to local charities. All you eco-chic brides in Charlotte consider this venue one on your list.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

My Wedding Style: Classic

classic bride
I stumbled upon a great little tool tonight from Brides.com Find Your Style Quiz. It is a great starting point for you brides out there who may not know exactly what your style is. Let's face it, every girl hasn't been dreaming of her wedding day since she was in kindergarten. Knowing a brides style is very important to a wedding planner, especially, if they are in need of someone to help them design their event.
I took this quiz and interesting enough I was considered a Classic bride: timeless, elegant, ladylike. Every bit a lady, you take your cue from Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. Your fashion sensibility is tasteful, traditional, timeless. When I look back on my own wedding, I would have to say this description is right on target. This is a great tool that will match your style to your wedding dress, flowers, invitations, cakes and accessories. So, if you're in need of a little inspiration to get you started with the planning of your upcoming wedding, go over and take a look.
Image from Brides.com

Monday, December 17, 2007

I've Been Tagged, Again!

I was tagged again by Pam at Promised Hearts, Randi at Always Fabulous Events and Terrica at The Wedding Planners Blog. Here are a few additional things about myself. I lead a pretty normal life so nothing too shocking! :)

  1. I am a Florida girl!! My hometown is Tallahassee, Florida and I spent my grown up years in Ft Lauderdale. So I tend to think I have two hometowns.
  2. My husband and I are the coordinators of the Elementary School Puppet Ministry at church. I love it!
  3. I am trying desperately to lose about 30 lbs. I don't know something happened to me when I turned 30. The weight comes on so quickly but won't GO AWAY! So I do a high-impact dance aerobics (Funky Fit with N'Shape with N) class 3-4 times a week.
  4. Speaking of weight loss and being fit.. If I could have the ultimate Christmas present it would be personal training from Nettie Reeves. I know some people want gadgets, but I just want to look good in a bathing suit. :)
  5. I have a tatoo of a lion cub (think about Simba from the Lion King) sitting in grass on my right shoulder. I got it as soon as I turned 18 on Sunday after church. Yes my mother was horrified!!
  6. I am a true to form mommy!! When I'm not working on events I take Ronni (my two year old) to playgroups, mommy and me craft time at Michaels and we bake cookies. I love it. I have two of the best jobs ever.
  7. If you are a frequent reader of this blog you may know that I LOVE STARBUCKS! It's just something about that place. I know I pay close to $5.00 for a cup of coffee, but it's worth it. I guess maybe because I've never had a bad experience at a Starbucks.
So let's see who hasn't been tagged yet. How about these talented ladies!
  1. Rhonda at Dimagery Photography
  2. Cheyenne at Cheyenne Schultz Photography
  3. Althea at Pearls Events
  4. Mary at Starting from Scratch
  5. Jennifer at Earth Friendly Weddings
  6. Su Ling at Laissezfaire
  7. Lara at Ready 2 Spark

Saturday, December 8, 2007

No More "traditional" Guest Books!

We are headed into the 2008 wedding season and there is one thing I would like to see more couples do in regards to their weddings.... get rid of the old school guest book! Yes, I had one. If you have no idea what I'm speaking of it's your regular "guest book" that your guest stand in line to sign in once they enter your ceremony or reception. This book is supposed to be kept by the couple to remember who came to celebrate with them. Well, who actually keeps out a book full of names on the coffee table. I don't. To be honest, I have no idea where my guest book is. Sad isn't it. It's not like I've been married for decades, it's only been 5 years, but that just shows you how what is supposed to be a meaningful keepsake can get "trashed" in a box in your attic. So ladies and gents this is my charge to you, forget those books and consider these two options.
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The Sign In Guest Mat: Has been very popular lately, which I'm happy about. You can actually hang your "guest book" on the wall for all to see and for you to remember. Here is one from a wedding I worked on this summer.
photo guest bookk
Instant Photo Guest Book: This by far is my favorite idea! I wish I would've known to do this for my wedding. At least I would've been able to remember who was actually there. (Sidenote: If you can't remember all of your guests at your wedding, you had TOO many guests!!!) Anyway, this is such a fun idea. Here is how it works. Your guests walk in and you have a "guest book" station set up and their picture is taken with a Polaroid camera. While their picture "comes to life" they write a message in the book and their picture is inserted beside their note. It's just that easy.

Remember, it's your wedding day, have no regrets! As you can see I have a few. :) Make it a fun and memorable day for you and your guests to remember.

Images: Guest Mat courtesy of Elly's Photography
Instant Photo Book courtesy of Beau-coup

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Yes You Can Hire a Wedding Planner by the Hour

Did you know that you can hire wedding planners by the hour? Of course you can! This is a great option for a bride who may not necessarily be able to afford an individual wedding planning package, but still may need assistance with getting her wedding day planned. If you are interested in having a professional take care of some much needed items for you, find out if they can be hired on an hourly basis. This works great for those brides who are trying to pull off their wedding on a shoestring budget.
So how would you utilize a wedding planner by the hour you ask? Hmmm.. let me count the ways!
  • Meet with your vendors
  • Locate ceremony and reception sites that match your style
  • Provide event design assistance
  • Handle the addressing and mailing of your invitations
  • Tracking your guest list and RSVP's
  • Searching for the items for the Welcome Baskets for Out of Town Guests and putting them together
And I just thought of those few ideas in the minute or two it's taking me to write this post. So I know you as a bride or mother of the bride can think of numerous ways a professional planner can be put to use. Really, you don't have to do it alone. If you need help, get it!

Monday, December 3, 2007

Sweet Homemade Favor


I love to cook maybe more than I love planning weddings. Cooking is probably a really close second. I've been trying to do a lot of homemade cooking lately and it's been great. I was watching Ina Garten's show Barefoot Contessa on Food Network the other day and she made homemade strawberry jam. I could not believe how easy it was. I thought instantly what a great wedding favor that would be. Remember, your wedding favors should be useful or edible, if not they go in the TRASH!! It's hard to believe that your guests would throw your cute little favor away, but yes they will if they find it useless. So why not give your guests something yummy! Now if you have 200 guests, you may need to consider another favor, unless you have great bridesmaids, because it would take a gazillion years to make enough for everyone. Now to make it personal add a personal label saying something like " Our sweetest thanks, love Bride and Groom" with a beautiful ribbon. If you're interested here is the recipe below:

2 cups sugar
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
.
Combine the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the strawberries and continue to cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, until the strawberries release some of their juices and the mixture boils slowly. Cook until a small amount of the juice gels on a very cold plate. (I keep one in the freezer.) Pour carefully into 2 pint canning jars and either seal or keep refrigerated. Use immediately, or follow proper canning guidelines below.

Tips on Sterilizing Jars:
Properly-handled sterilized equipment will keep canned foods in good condition for years. Sterilizing jars is the first step of preserving foods.

Sterilizing Tips:
Jars should be made from glass and free of any chips or cracks. Preserving or canning jars are topped with a glass, plastic, or metal lid, which has a rubber seal. Two piece lids are best for canning, as they vacuum seal when processed.

To sterilize jars, before filling with jams, pickles, or preserves, wash jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and arrange jars and lids open sides up, without touching, on a tray. Leave in a preheated 175 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Or, boil the jars and lids in a large saucepan, covered with water, for 15 minutes.

Use tongs when handling the hot sterilized jars, to move them from either boiling water or the oven. Be sure the tongs are sterilized too, by dipping the ends in boiling water for a few minutes.

As a rule, hot preserves go into hot jars and cold preserves go into cold jars. All items used in the process of making jams, jellies, and preserves must be clean. This includes any towels used, and especially your hands.

After the jars are sterilized, you can preserve the food. It is important to follow any canning and processing instructions included in the recipe and refer to USDA guidelines about the sterilization of canned products.

Tips on Sterilizing Jars
Properly-handled sterilized equipment will keep canned foods in good condition for years. Sterilizing jars is the first step of preserving foods.

Sterilizing Tips:
Jars should be made from glass and free of any chips or cracks. Preserving or canning jars are topped with a glass, plastic, or metal lid, which has a rubber seal. Two piece lids are best for canning, as they vacuum seal when processed.

To sterilize jars, before filling with jams, pickles, or preserves, wash jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and arrange jars and lids open sides up, without touching, on a tray. Leave in a preheated 175 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Or, boil the jars and lids in a large saucepan, covered with water, for 15 minutes.

Use tongs when handling the hot sterilized jars, to move them from either boiling water or the oven. Be sure the tongs are sterilized too, by dipping the ends in boiling water for a few minutes.

As a rule, hot preserves go into hot jars and cold preserves go into cold jars. All items used in the process of making jams, jellies, and preserves must be clean. This includes any towels used, and especially your hands.

After the jars are sterilized, you can preserve the food. It is important to follow any canning and processing instructions included in the recipe and refer to USDA guidelines about the sterilization of canned products.

Image Courtesy of MacMonkies

Ask the NC Wedding Planner!!!

14Starting next Monday, we will be starting our new series, "Ask the NC Wedding Planner!". Yes, it means exactly what it says. You email me your questions in regards to wedding planning, etiquette or basically any question that you've been stumped with lately concerning your nuptials and I will post the questions and answers here every Monday. I know you have questions, so let's not be shy about asking them. Here is the email address: info[at]sjbweddingsandevents.com. North Carolina brides I would love to hear from you!!