⛔ STOP Underestimating Setup & Breakdown time!

It’s not “just” an hour+. It’s the make-or-break margin for smooth execution, team readiness, guest experience and refundable deposits. 

Plan smarter. Finish stronger. 💡🎯

🤯Not every venue includes setup/breakdown time — I know, unfortunate. So you WILL either pay for the extra hours or pay in stress (and staff overtime).

Note: Just because the other vendors SAY they’ll share responsibility...doesn’t mean they actually will🤦🏽‍♀️. It’s game, they all say they will 😅

Get it in writing 📝 Budget for Support—not Promises 💰

Skimping = rushed setups + messy breakdowns + unexpected backend costs. Trust. 

~XOXO

LISTENNNNN Prioritize Your Skin: Your Photos Will Thank You Later

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always come up when planning your event, but always shows up in your photos—your skin. I know, it’s easy to get caught up in the expenses, the colors, the table settings, the playlist (don’t get me started on playlists!). But your skin is literally the base layer of every single look. Men and Women. And those photos? They capture everything.

Whether you're the couple in love, the birthday girl or the guest of honor at your own shower—your skin plays a starring role. Think about it: you're investing in a photographer to make sure your event is remembered beautifully. And while they can do wonders with lighting and editing, nothing beats a natural glow that starts from within.

I always tell people—start early. Hydration, a solid skincare routine, and maybe a facial or two if it’s in your budget. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s confidence. When your skin feels good, you feel good. And that confidence is what translates in the lens. You’ll pose easier, smile bigger, and actually enjoy being photographed. You won't walk around your event saying, "I'm not feeling photogenic today". 

I had an event recently where the client was front and center the entire time—so of course, they wanted to feel their best. Perfect timing too, because my dermatologist was running a skincare bootcamp special I could actually share (see the suggested services below). I love the derm, seriously—I talk about skin every chance I get so for my lifestyle events, of course it comes up because I get it. Just check out the video below where I got zapped for a clogged pore—it’s called a hyfrecator but I usually say "Can you zap this Puhleaseeee, it's stressing me?!"

So while you're checking off the big stuff, don’t forget to take care of the canvas—you. "Because when your skin feels good, you’re confident, carefree and actually enjoying the moment—mixing, mingling, and making memories without a single double take---see what I did there? 

BEFORE

AFTER

~XOXO

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Kiss, Click, Repeat: PDA with a Purpose!

Wedding Photos: Posing in locations that Capture Your Love Story

I’m often asked by couples and singles alike, how they can make their wedding photos stand out when it's time. It’s no secret that these images are memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. After all, your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the photos should embody not just the event itself, but the essence of who you are as a couple. I love talking elements of a wedding. I haven't gone to a networking event yet where that's not what carries the conversation. Believe it or not, I have a way I want my day to be filmed and overall photos to look...but most of all, I know how I want to feel, how I want to make him feel and how I want to feel looking back at our moments. Enough about me though....

One of the most important decisions you'll make when it comes to wedding photos is definitely choosing the photographer that will capture your style and energy...but also one who edits to your liking. Goes without saying right? But guess what, locations and poses matter. These two factors are key in telling your story visually and will help ensure that your photos reflect the love, joy, and personality you want to preserve. When you're comfortable with how you look, you feel photogenic and on your best game, when you're in a setting you identify with you're at ease which translates to your poses and smiles. There's nothing worse than looking at 500 photos and you like 2. Luckily that's not the case for my last couple from a reception in November. I'm so impressed with how these turned out. They were such a chill couple and didn't want much...their not wanting much turned out PERFECT.

*How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photo Locations

A beautiful backdrop, say a yard downtown, downtown and inside a museum, can enhance your photos and evoke that vibe you're hoping to portray. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect locations:

1. Reflect Your Personal Style

Think about what kind of vibe you and your partner want in your wedding photos. Do you love nature? Consider taking photos in a lush garden, a tranquil forest, or by the ocean. Maybe you both love the urban vibe—an art deco building, a city street with colorful graffiti, or an industrial warehouse might be the ideal spot. Do you want to build the space or would you rather lean into a space already outfitted? My couple was heavy on nature.

2. Consider the Time of Day

The time of day will significantly affect the lighting in your photos. Golden hour (the hour before sunset) is one of the most flattering times to shoot, creating a soft, warm glow. If you're planning an evening wedding shoot, consider nighttime shots with twinkling city lights or under the stars. Morning light, on the other hand, can give a fresh, crisp feeling to your photos. We went for 4pm to 10pm. Most photographers offer 6 hour packages.

3. Tie in Your Wedding Theme

If your wedding has a specific theme, you may want to choose locations that reflect that. For example, if you’re hosting a rustic barn wedding, you might want to take some of your photos on the farm, surrounded by hay bales or in a vintage barn. A more modern, sleek wedding may call for minimalistic, clean backdrops such as urban rooftops or contemporary architecture. My couple's whole vibe was the Natural Science Museum as their favorite place and also the concept of "til death do us part"...thus we were heavy on black!

4. Scout Locations in Advance

While it’s tempting to pick a location on a whim, it’s important to visit your chosen spots in advance. This helps to ensure the place is photogenic, and you can visualize how the photos will look. Also, check for potential logistical issues—like crowds, parking, or any restrictions on photography—so you're fully prepared. Most of the time, the photographer will dissect any place you suggest. That's so helpful. Watch those "Ok" and "Sure thing" photographers. Places that close to the public are ideal...the Museum was perfect.

5. Include Meaningful Places

Consider spots that have significance to your relationship. Maybe it’s the park where you had your first date, or the place where you got engaged. These personal touches will add depth to your photos and make them more meaningful for literal years to come. Not only did my bride once work at the museum, but they as a couple loved it also.

*Choosing the Right Poses for Your Wedding Photos

Posing can sometimes feel intimidating, but it’s all about making you and your partner feel comfortable and relaxed. Here are some tips for choosing poses that will make your wedding photos look stunning:

1. Go for Natural and Candid Shots

While formal posed photos are expected, don’t forget about candid moments! Some of the best photos come from natural interactions, whether it’s laughing together, sharing a quiet moment, or dancing like no one’s watching. These unposed photos will showcase the genuine love and joy you share. I felt my couple brought this energy!

2. Embrace Movement

A little movement can make your photos feel more dynamic and less staged. Try walking hand-in-hand, twirling, or even dancing. The motion will give your images a sense of life and energy. A fun twirl or a playful dip can create a truly magical shot. Photograph like nobody is watching...it's so cool when couples are doing them and the photographer is hidden catching it all. I felt this happened a lot with my couple.

3. Focus on Details

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a wedding photo special. A close-up shot of your hands intertwined, your wedding rings, or a tender moment of you kissing your partner’s forehead can convey so much emotion without being overly posed. These shots can often feel more intimate and raw but I believe it reminds you of just how loved you are and excites you for the years to come.

4. Play with Perspectives

Don’t be afraid to experiment with angles and perspectives. A great photographer will help with this, but you can always ask for a few shots from different vantage points—whether that’s a bird’s eye view, shooting through an archway, or a low angle. Playing with perspective will add variety and interest to your photo collection. I always suggest a photo book and if one is purchased, you'll be so happy that all the photos don't all appear from the same angle.

5. Incorporate Your Personality & Emotions

The best poses reflect the unique dynamics of your relationship. If you and your partner are a bit goofy, don’t be afraid to show that off in your photos. If you’re more reserved, embrace those quiet, intimate moments instead. Poses should feel natural to you, not forced. The goal is to let your personalities shine through, that way it feels most authentic. The most memorable photos are the feeling ones where we can see the joy, the excitement, the love.  Key is to be present...I think my couple leaned in.

Relax and enjoy the moment—it’s your big day! The more laid-back and natural you are, the better your photos will be. Choosing the right locations and poses helps capture the essence of your love. Consider your style, theme, and the vibe you want to convey. With a talented photographer and a little planning, your wedding photos will tell the story of your love, of your journey, in addition to your day!

~XOXO

“Plan a POOL Party”, they said!

Most would agree that A Sweet Sixteen party is one of those pivotal points in time. A time where you’re faced with only the BEST temptation! Think back. No? Oh. Well maybe you’re on the other end of the spectrum and recall it as more of a young teen’s mini transition into slight maturity. I think it was both for me. Having my own ugly car to drive was just the cherry on top. I named her Betty Pearl. Yes, she looked exactly as her name would imply. Crazy that I remember this, but poor thing flooded in a hurricane 2 years into my adult life (meaning post-collegiate graduation). Sure, she was under new ownership by that time, but still...what a way to goooo righttt?

 

So it’s SUMMER!! Meaning cookouts and pool parties are the natural go to’s to celebrate every-single-milestone right now. Both are incredibly entertaining, given all the outdoor activities you can incorporate. Name a person who doesn’t love a game played on a manicured lawn or in a pool on a hot day? You drew a blank didn't you?

 

As I field my new inquires for pool parties, I’m reminded of the last one I worked, pre covid. What a time to be alive (back then) SMH, and had we known the world would shut down that next year...umm! Any who, grilled food topped my recommendations. It's easy to eat and grab in between tunes, fork nonessential. Cupcakes for guests and a small 1-2 tier personal cake for birthday wishes was next on my list. Assorted candy bars are great for this sort of thing and often requested, but because they don’t always fare well in hot temperatures, it didn’t make my proposal. A mocktail bar surely made the cut. Umbrella virgin drinks always make a 16 year old feel adult. I included this for obvious reasons, but less obvious was the overwhelming need to keep these kids fully hydrated. Believe it or not, fainting or an ambulance can be a pretty big buzzkill.  

 

Planning is going accordingly right? Ha, so you think! Pools are NOT EASY people.

Choosing the right venue for your teen's Sweet 16 celebration is the most crucial step. Very few have an opportunity to throw a house or neighborhood pool party, so I’m usually looking at a venue (unless you know somebody…cause…Listen). Depending on the teen, guests and set up….I’m usually between a country club, an aquatic center and a hotel. Funny thing is, most of these type of venues don’t want raging hormonal teens at their pools. The red tape is fire engine red!

Country Club 

The exclusivity. The membership. The country club! Do members join for access to luxury amenities? Sure. Are those members okay with rowdy 16 year olds? Nope. Are clients okay with all their rules? Usually not. If it’s a few girls or calm and coed, we have a better chance. Butttt if it's a few or calm, it would be planned without hiring me. See the dilemma, lol. Country clubs have pretty big minimums for fully private events on weekends, and it’s usually far far out of budget.

 

Aquatic Center 

My second most popular venue…well only if management is willing to color outside the lines. We can pay per hour or per teen or both. Typical packages include 2 hour swim time, fifteen minute changing time and 1-2 hours in a meeting room. No glass, silly string, or glitter. No food in and around the pool, no décor near the pool, definitely no babies and strict enforcement of all pool rules. Before accessing the pool area, parents and guardians of all participants must sign a detailed waiver. If we're honest, that waiver might be a pro depending on who you are.

Hotel 

Sounds easy peasy right? It's not! Partying under the radar is really hard. You can’t disturb hotel or conference guests in the slightest. Disturb translates into if you can't disappear you're disturbing. Hotels are just funny in that way. Did you know when I produce hotel weddings on a Saturday, guests are very rarely allowed to use the fixed hotel bar? Yelp. You can’t disturb the guests. Guests shouldn’t wait for their drink because my paying wedding guest also wanted a drink. I respect that but it can be annoying when I’m planning a dry wedding that has a hotel bar. Just you try to police that. Especially when the wedding guest is at a dry wedding, has cash, is grown AND is ALSO staying at the hotel. Wooosah. Any who, I never mind hotel pool parties where there is excellent management and quality catering. My décor isn’t as limited because ballrooms welcome it. One issue that usually stops me from progressing is, when the pool is in the west wing and the ONLY meeting room space to celebrate is in the east wing. I'll never understand why do they build them this way? I can’t really decorate the exercise room worthy enough for a sweet sixteen, yet that exercise room is always right beside the pool. Ugh.

 

Apartment

My single most popular venue! Can you say LAX? No, they don’t prefer rowdy 16 year olds either, buttttttt they also hardly see the actual rowdy 16 year olds. Leasing offices are closed or keep early hours on weekends. Even still, apartment managers are far more welcoming. Grills are nearby. Decorations can be anything. No minimums for catering or bars to meet. My Deejays can thrive. Kids can be kids. Country clubs, aquatic centers and hotels do not like deejays near their pools. It's a Safety hazard.

This soon to be 16 year old was obsessed with the show Bring It!: Dancing Dolls 4 Life. Do you remember it on Lifetime? If not, it streams on Hulu still. There is representation, the talent is sick and lead by the infamous beauty Dianna Williams. Sadly just a few months ago, Shakira Gatlin died tragically at 19 when she was accidentally shot in the head. It happened right after her mom buried her husband, who was also shot to death in late 2021. My sincerest prayers to Erica Robinson, her family, Dianna Williams, Dancing Dolls Troupe and all of Kira’s fans!!! DD4L <3.

 

~XXX

 

SarEE not SORRY!

Events are much more than just pomp and circumstance...well at least they should be. Historically, as humans, we have developed some pretty cool relational traditions that have stood the test of time. We unite to share our history and food, mark the beginning of a season, a new year, and even uniquely say goodbye to a member of our community. Amazing celebrations are a social practice that remind us who we are and how much our family and friends adore us. “Road to the wedding” events and weddings themselves are grand displays of love, for both the union between two souls and their respective families. But seriously, who can really count alllll the events before the big day? I feel like they grow by the social media post. One of my faves, you ask? Engagement parties!! It’s that big moment to share the big news with both families...and if they haven’t all met before, it is the ideal way to break the ice. Just the same, there are also events that I do not particularly appreciate... yelp, stripper themed bachelor parties. They can border tacky, disrespectful and unnecessary. These days most parties take a trip! The cost to be in a wedding is sickening compared to just 10 years ago. The expectations. Whew. Depending on the couple's preferences and budgets, whether it be an engagement party, a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner and so on...just make it make sense! For example, traditionally South Asian cultures celebrate weddings for a week! Can you imagine planning that many events? 

Being apart of planning any phase of an event as meaningful as a wedding makes my heart smile. For me, it’s not really a matter of how big or intimate the occasion is. It’s about getting to know the bride and groom, their history together, their families and how we get to incorporate their traditions. Witnessing the moment when a father looks for the first time at his daughter, dressed as a bride...starting the journey of life as a wife...does it for me every. single. time. I invest all my energy for moments like those. 

 

Sooooo, I planned a bridal shower with a Moroccan Chic style, filled to the brim with personalized details and experiences to share with a few ladies.  Bridal showers often look like an event where you give people food in exchange for gifts and even some unrequested advice. I don’t see it quite that way. They are an opportunity to get together all the bride's closest friends and family... the female figures that can guide her, pray for her marriage and provide a freaky piece of advice. Listen all walks of life are needed. Lol. Bridal showers are the perfect opportunity to have no filter.

The good ones are never just bland apps and classic cocktails. You should include activities to bond with your attendees and stations with theme-related experiences: I did a henna station, personalized drinks with fun names that correlated to specific activities throughout the event, hookah, andddd belly dancing lessons. I will say these old mother’s have better hip game than most! But if I could offer one piece of advice, please decrease the amount of paper games you allow. You can involve your guests by supplying a flower bouquet station as a take-home favor or feature a bartender to teach a special drink. Options are endless.

 

When it comes to bridal showers, my advice is to choose a fun theme that comes alive with decor and edibles. Nooo. Not that kind people ;) Even if your event is intimate or at home, you CAN incorporate those details to make it memorable. At this intimate Moroccan inspired Bridal Shower, I just had to include a low table with pillows for sitting. Orange tulle (mimicking veils), rose gold diamond balloons (as a nod to the bride's AMAZING nontraditional rose gold engagement ring), and fresh flowers rounded out the typical bridal shower decor. The fun was the Moroccan furniture, bronze mirror trays, bronze lanterns, bronze hurricane vases, and elephants randomly placed. Bath Salt Favors read, "From Sharma's shower to yours"...Clever right? This entire shower was a vibe and not terribly expensive! My instructions to the bride were to have fun, sit back, and enjoy the moment. Home girl listened EXTREMELY WELL.

 

If Gimmicks don’t seduce you

What to do in these Covid streets? Blog a precious event for #waybackwednesday that helps you remember the fun loving side of Event Consulting and not the outlandishly rude side of the industry.

One of the biggest misnomers of those that celebrate themselves or their milestones is, they’re vain and lack humbleness. They just want attention and portraying a life that is simply not real. While social media has added to that element in some of the worst ways, people’s desires for celebrations can’t be lumped. They don’t all stem from this narcissistic place we so easily place them in, just the same, they all aren’t insecure. You’d be surprised to learn a lot of my consultations include this one line, “I wanted to do A, but I don’t want to do too much” or “I really like B, but I don’t want the people to say is that what she’s giving ughhhh what would you do?” LOL.  My response is always around the same, there is a place JUST for you. Be the cool authentic you and you won’t have any regrets. It’s when you change it up that you fight through all those internal struggles.

I wish I’d figured this out when taking my senior pictures a few years ago…yes I said a few years, few being relative. I had this vision, ultimately it wasn’t me, but it was what I thought Senior pictures should be. I didn’t mind my outfit choices so much, I mean that’s how I dressed, it was that hair that I saw in a “Hype Hair” magazine that makes me lowkey HATE my pics. As my mother says, “the camera took what it saw”, Touché ma…Touché. I did this whole triangle part design with rubber bands in the front and FLIPPED MY HAIR UP in the back. I had been a flat wrap girl all my life, why I chose this style haunts me. I also let my other cousin do my makeup. It was ME, it wasn’t either of my cousins, the makeup was just not what I needed with the flip hair. Mannnn she lined my lips too. Which was on trend for the time, it just didn’t work. I look at those pics and think, “WHY LAWD?”often. You’ll see them and think they weren’t thaattt bad, and tis true, I just wish I would have gone with my normal, just spruced up a tad. I did a complete overhaul. Lessons.  

If you’re private and chill, you do NOT have to abandon that. If gimmicks don’t seduce you, be dope in your own way. Baby showers can be simple…and they can start in the morning. Mommies have 1-3 baby showers by the time showering is all over. Sometimes for all of their inner circles….work, church, friends, in laws, it takes that many logistically. If people want to love on you and host a baby shower in your honor, let them. After all, you KNOW you need the items because it takes a village then some for these lil crumb snatchers. Hopefully they won’t all be over the top, unless you like that sort of thing. A kitchen, dining area, and living room served as the perfect location for this baby shower. Since she was having 2, I thought it fitting to theme it “Buns in the oven” and serve buns, along with other tasty breakfast treats. ¡Alert Alert! Budget Saver, Carb overload and not a single complaint. Sometimes the sweetness is when you don’t try to overshare to build your brand in secret revenge and envy for likes. Just be.   

travel ‘round the world

Hey ya pals!!!

 “Thank you for being a Fran…travel ‘round the world and back again tah do do”…. some of my friends are the very BEST when it comes to sliding my information and you have to know I certainly appreciate that. In one week I’ve had 3 of my friends approach me, asking for my contact info because they KNOW of someone that just got engaged. Lol. I just pray they don’t make me sound super thirsty or make my potential clients feel like I drum up business on the regular. Before you make a face…see I imagine it to be when you’re 18 and on mom’s insurance AND get your FIRST speeding ticket. You can hardly process before those attorneys are sending “tattle tale” letters to your house. MAN. I know this has happened to y’all. Lol Memories. Anywho…I just hate to be that type of attorney. I’d like to be the attorney that is sought after just a tad. Referred to if you will. However, realizing I still have DUES to pay to the “game”…I guess I’ll take them how I get them. Honestly though, the clients I get that way tend to be super flakey and the way my time is set up, I can’t do flakey. Sooo I’ve just been encouraging my friends to please please please don’t bombard your coworkers and friends with my info. Don’t make me TACKY.

Wondering what to do when you first get engaged???


Do...

*Call anyone that would be offended if they first saw it on SOCIAL MEDIA!!

*Apparently post a picture on your social media…quickest way to alert everyone in one swoop…make those GAG…and let everyone that passed on you reevaluate their ENTIRE life.

*Get that ring sized…how would it look if you lose it and you JUST got it?

*Get that ring insured…for when you need that quick insurance scam, I mean honest pay out.

*Thank BAE every day for two weeks!!

DO NOT….

*Try to set a date the same day you get engaged-I promise you aren't 100% sure just yet.

*Start looking for a planner the very next day, even though you really feel like you need one THIS QUICKLY.

*Listen to all the people that will offer unsolicited advice as soon as they find out without a COINT to give you.

*Pick a petty fight with BAE…they are in the clear for 30 days.

 

I think that’s a banging list…lol

~xoxo