Monday, June 30, 2008

Charlotte Brides Want to Know: Cheesecake Etc

I met Gail Buff, owner of Cheesecake, Etc. when I first started out. I was new to the city and the industry and she welcomed me into her studio and fed me cake and gave me a true lesson on the wedding industry as she saw it. I have always been so appreciative of Gail and I still value her opinion immensely. I have worked with Gail numerous times since we first met which means I have had a lot of cake from Cheesecake, Etc. If you are in the market for a cake that tastes as good as it looks for your wedding day allow Cheesecake, Etc to be your first stop on your cake-tasting journey.
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Here is more from Gail Buff at Cheesecake Etc!

How long have you been in the wedding industry?

10 years

How did you get started in this industry?

I was tired of corporate America. One day I just lost my mind and decided to follow my passion full time.

What do you love most about the wedding business?

Working with the brides to create the wedding cake of their dreams.

What are you most excited about these days?

Besides going home at the end of a 14 hours day?? Trying new cake decorating techniques and having it all come together.

Who or what inspires you most?

My brides.

What is your most popular service or product?

Besides wedding cakes? Cheesecake and cannoli. All occasion cakes also keep us very busy.

What is the last thing you read?

Always reading trade magazines and bridal books looking for new ideas.

How do you describe your style?

Classic elegance.

If you could vacation anywhere where would it be?

Italy

What food could you not live without?

Only one? That won't happen. It has to be pasta and chocolate.

If brides only knew this….

Your wedding should be a joyful event, and one that you are able to relax and enjoy. Expect a few glitches. And hire either a wedding planner or at least a "day of" coordinator to lessen the stress.


Here are a few of my favorite cakes, showcased on her site.


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Sunday, June 29, 2008

Wedding Menu Inspiration from the Food Network

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I absolutely love to cook and I love to watch other people cook. That's why the Food Network is one of the most watched channels in our house. One of my favorite shows in Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee, even though I've been trying to do more "from scratch" cooking these days.

As I was watching I thought what a wonderful show to get some ideas on what to include on your wedding menu. On this show, Sandra makes a themed meal including an entree, dessert and cocktail. Also, she always includes a tablescape with her themed meals. She definitely gives great ideas on matching particular cocktails with entrees, which can be helpful if you want to create a unique menu for your guests. Now, I know your caterer will hopefully not take so many shortcuts as Sandra does when preparing your meal, but it does give you the shortcut so if you were interested in trying a particular dish out you could make it quickly yourself in order to determine if it is exactly what you want. Well, that would be for the brides with time on your hands. :) But anyway, I just wanted to give you another little idea for making your wedding day unique and special.

Image Courtesy of Pittsburgh Post Gazette



Monday, June 16, 2008

Charlotte Brides Want to Know: Split Second Sound & DJ Service

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Everyone knows that great entertainment makes a great party and I can honestly say Split Second Sound & DJ Services are an excellent choice if you're in the market for a DJ for your Charlotte Wedding. Split Second Sound is one of Charlotte's best DJ service and is owned by Vinny and Diane Esposito. I have had to opportunity to work with his company in the past and I look forward to working more with them in the future. Here is a little more about Vinny Esposito from Split Second Sound.

How long have you been in the wedding industry? 26 years this July (2008)

How did you get started in this industry? Playing in a band, a person wanted music for a party, I DJ'd and then the neighbor hired me for a wedding and it just went from there.


What do you love most about the wedding business? The people. I'm a part of someone's (or several) families for a day on a big occassion. I meet so many people I like.


What are you most excited about these days? Family and being in business for myself with my wife.


Who or what inspires you most? Besides my family, the thrill of a challenge. Exceeding expectation in everything. If you're gonna do it. Do it the best.


What is your most popular service or product? MC talent and personality. To inspire X amount of people to have a great time, interacting with them like you're a part of the family. That's what our whole company is about.


What is the last thing you read? Besides sports, nothing.


How do you describe your style? Very outgoing. I'm definately not shy and a perfectionist at almost everything I try and do.


If you could vacation anywhere where would it be? Anyplace with Sun and water.


What food could you not live without? All food! I'm Italian, I like to eat.


If brides only knew this….I'm really from Alabama, not New York..... Big time kidding... I'm an open book (corny as my wife says), caring and trying to do too much to impress everybody.

Please check out their site to see all of the different services they offer to make your reception an event where your guests won't get off the dance floor.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Bridesmaids Gifts: Paperluxe Studio

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Are you looking for a great gift for your bridesmaids? Of course you want to give something that they will use and you want it to be a nice gift. This gift is after all a "thank-you" for being a part of your wedding. Well, Paperluxe Studio has a wonderful answer for you...beautiful personalized stationery. I don't know anyone who doesn't like pretty paper with their name on it! :)

Sarah Masci, is the owner and designer of Paperluxe Studio and she also is the publisher of my favorite new blog to stalk BabyLuxe {daily}, a blog of baby product reviews and if I might add, beautiful baby products. She is a busy lady and has become my new email buddy. It's great when I find another wonderful vendor who lives in Charlotte, NC.

Run over to her site and see more of her custom designs and make your bridesmaids feel appreciated with this personalized gift.


Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Napkin Folding and Chair Tying Solutions

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Do you know what adds that extra something to a well designed table? A nicely folded napkin and a beautiful chair. I know brides everyday rent chairs or chair covers to replace the hideous ones that they often find at event venues. For obvious reason, the chair completes the table.

I was perusing BBJ Linen today and I ran across a gallery of chair ties and napkin folds, so I thought I would post it here for those of you who want to add a little umph to your reception design.

Some of the designs appear to be very detailed and intricate. Don't worry, your wedding planner would be happy to assist with coordinating the setup of your reception tables. No bride should ever be stuck tying her on chair sashes on her wedding day! :)












(Angled Pockets, Rosette Fold, Menu Square Fold)

Gorgeous Chair Ties

(Chivari: Vertical X with Knot and Flip)















(Folding Chair: Loose Knot and Flip)














(Ballroom Chair: Wraparound Front and Back)












Please take a look at more Napkin Folding Solutions and Chair Tying Solutions from the fabulous BBJ Linen.

(Image Above courtesy of The Knot)

Monday, June 9, 2008

Charlotte Brides Want to Know : Cheyenne Schultz Photography

Wow, I can't believe it was last fall that I met Cheyenne over a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks! Time really does fly. She had been reading my blog and realized I was in Charlotte and after I saw her work I was glad she was in Charlotte, so we had to meet. Cheyenne is an amazing photographer, who is very serious about her art. I knew when we began to chat that she was going places. So I was so happy she agreed to my interview. So, sit back and get to Cheyenne. I'm positive after reading this interview and looking at some of her work, you'll be interested in knowing more about how she can assist you on your wedding day. Oh I almost forgot, please check out her blog it is full of gorgeous photos and it is a true look into her life as a photographer. I love it.

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How long have you been in the wedding industry?

Just a little over one awesome year. :)

How did you get started in this industry?

Since I was little, I've always enjoyed taking photographs for fun. Growing up, did I ever in a million years think that I would one day be a wedding photograhper? No way. I wanted to be a teacher by day and sing in a band by night (anyone who has heard me sing is laughing hysterically right now). It just goes to show you how very little control I have over my destiny - seriously....it's all God pulling me where he wants me. April 2007 was my first official shoot. One of my friends needed her bridal portraits taken, so I tag-teamed with another photographer. Soon after, I did an engagement session for friends and from there, it kind of just took off with no warning. And now, here I am, about to leave behind my master's degree to pursue this new passion of mine full-time.

What do you love most about the wedding business?

My favorite part of this business is when wedding day actually hits. It's so awesome to share in one of the happiest days of my clients lives. My favorite part of the day is that first moment that the groom sees the bride - the look on his face is like none other. Capturing emotions like this is what really gets me excited about the work that I do.

What are you most excited about these days?

Business - I'm going full time with my business starting at the end of June!

Personal - My husband - Geoff - and I celebrated our first year anniversary on June 9th....I can't believe it has already been a year! I couldn't be more blessed to have him as my husband. Not only is he an amazing man and best friend to me, but he is my business partner! Geoff and I shoot all of our weddings together, which makes for a great time.

Who or what inspires you most?

My biggest inspiration for my business has been another photographer based out of California (shout out to my home state!) - Jasmine Star. She has been in business for a very short period of time (I think about 2 years), but has exploded with success. I ran across the blog she kept up with when she first started - she was totally real and honest with what she was going through as she started out. Reading about the risks she has taken (dropping out of law school to pursue photography) to advance her business and about relying on her faith in God is really inspirational to me.

What is your most popular service or product?

Right now I find that the hottest product is simply having the DVD of images after wedding day. However, we recently partnered with a brand new album company that is totally hip and fun - I suspect our albums are going to get pretty hot!

What is the last thing you read?

My messages on facebook - FACEBOOK ME!

How do you describe your style?

Fresh, modern, and real. On wedding day we tend to lean toward an approach centered in photojournalism, but I don't limit it to just that. We really thrive when we get to play around to do some fun and creative stuff.

If you could vacation anywhere where would it be?

I'm going to have to say Europe - Geoff and I REALLY want to make it over there before we have babies! I was over there in 2001 while studying abroad in Scotland, but I'd really like to spend some time there with my guy. :)

What food could you not live without?

My gut reaction was anything covered in chocolate(especially strawberries), but today I'm going to have to go with.....Zax sauce! Man, I love that stuff . I don't know what I ever did without Zaxby's chicken while growing up in California.

If brides only knew this….

.....how important it is to completely trust the vision that your photographer has. My shoots are a million times better when I know that my clients have given over the reins to me. I'm lucky in that the couple's I get to work with are really easy going and don't look at me like I'm nuts when I ask them to do something that may seem off the wall.

Now here are a few of my favorites. If you're in need of a wedding photographer in the Charlotte area, please check out her blog to see more of her amazing work!



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Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Fashionita in the White House?

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I guess we'll have to wait and see. Michelle must have gotten a copy of the Pantone 2008 Spring Color Report! I LOVE THIS DRESS!

Sophistican meets style!

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I was watching one of my favorite shows the other day, Ugly Betty, and I'm always so impressed with the fashion on the show. Well it is a show about a fashion magazine! But I loved this dress Vanessa Williams wore a couple episodes ago. Gray and red never looked so good together. This reminded me of a beautiful inspiration board I saw awhile ago done by Jess at Weddings Start to Finish. If you are stumped about the style, color or design of your wedding, take a look in your closet. Your favorite outfit may be a great starting place.



Wedding Inspiration: Home Decor

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I was perusing the Pottery Barn website this morning and found some beautiful home decor items that I would love to add to my home. Strangely enough, I ran across items that I immediately thought would be absolutely beautiful for a wedding.

If you're looking to design a unique wedding and add some elements you have yet seen at other weddings, you must stay away from the wedding magazines and hit the home decor or fashion magazine racks or blogs. Also, I know most brides are addicted to the wedding shows, but HGTV can give you tons of design inspiration. There is a lot you can translate from home decor to beautiful wedding decor. Here are just a few pieces that jumped out at me.

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What a beautiful container that can be used for centerpieces at your wedding.

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Lovely cylinders and candles can easily take the place for flowers on any tabletop.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Charlotte Brides Want to Know: SJB Weddings & Events

Before I start with the other vendors in this area, I thought it would be appropriate to start with myself Shanika J. Butts of SJB Weddings & Events. It's kinda weird to interview yourself, but anyway, here I go! :)

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How long have you been in the wedding industry? I am fairly new to wedding planning. We have been in operation since October of 2006.

How did you get started in this industry? That's an interesting story. Well, my husband, daughter and I moved to Charlotte, NC from Fort Lauderdale, FL in the summer of the 2006. People always ask why did we move to Charlotte, well we were running from hurricanes. One of my goals was to start my own wedding and event planning company and when we got here I got started. I started meeting vendors, joined the Charlotte area NACE chapter , started chatting with my girls from I-Wed and started booking clients. It has been a lot of hard work, but very rewarding work.

What do you love most about the wedding business? I love working the various vendors in order to pull off a once and a lifetime event for a couple. It always makes me feel so good to see the bride and groom head to the dance floor for their first dance. For those few minutes you know the bride and groom are really enjoying each other!

What are you most excited about these days? Well I am expecting a new baby in October. We will find out the gender tomorrow. So we'll know if Ronni will get her wish for a sister.

Who or what inspires you most? I get inspiration from lots of places blogs, magazines my family, but lately I've been most inspired by other entrepreneurs. The chances and risks some people take to bring such great service and products to us is a great inspiration to me.

What is your most popular service or product? Day of Coordination is the most popular service. A lot of brides are very much in control of what they want and they just want to relax on their wedding day and that is what we are here for.

What is the last thing you read? I am currently reading What Clients Love by Harry Beckwith. Thanks Katasha and Liene for the great recommendation.

How do you describe your style? My style is traditional with a little modern. I absolutely love a simple wedding!

If you could vacation anywhere where would it be? Today, it would be Turks and Caicos.

What food could you not live without? I could not live without ice cream. I thought I couldn't live without coffee, but I'm living pretty good without it lately.

If brides only knew this…. If brides only knew that the best day of their life is the day after their wedding.

Charlotte Brides Want to Know

Well when I was a bride I would've loved to have known a little information about a vendor before I even picked up the phone to call them. I know you guys are very internet savvy, so you've probably already checked out some of the websites for the vendors on your short list, but I thought it would be helpful to provide you guys a nice little informal interview from some of this area's most popular vendors. So, every Monday this summer you can visit and read about this areas hottest wedding vendors. Please feel free to leave comments. I would love to know if this series was helpful to you.