It'S mY BiRthDay...J'DAY XXVII

Take a peek at the evite I created for my birthday....nothing serious or extravagant this year just dining and entertainment with friends.... (Ugh this blog doesn't allow print screens and evite won't allow me to save it at as a jpeg or tif  to share with you all...)

It's that time AGAIN *J'Day*! Keeping it extremely casual and cute for my XXVII...let's do dinner at North Hills!

The move:  A light meal at Spring Rolls

Bonus Feature: For those that choose to continue the celebration or just can't get enough of me *wink*....the next move is Sparians bowling boutique for a light bowling situation and cocktails!
The catch....there is a limit for BOTH participates as well as observers!!! So it's pretty important that you let me know ASAP if you are definitely interested in oNe, BoTh, or NeiThEr as I have strict reservations at both venues.

RSVP to me at the latest by Wednesday January 4th 2012 at noon! Those that aren't 100% sure they intend to bowl...we'll discuss availability at dinner on Saturday night! 

Look forward to celebrating with you :) No love lost if you are unable to attend!

__________________________________________________________________

So J'Day pays homage to B'Day....Every since Beyonce's "B'Day" CD released on her actual Birthday September 4 in 2006....all of my birthdays have been christened J'Day! It's a well known fact! Ask anyone! lol

Chinese food is my FAVORITE food....I'm a huge fan of Asian fusion-Asian inspired-PF Chang's-Pei Wei- but I wanted to do bowling at the new bowling boutique yet I didn't want to drive the distance....I was going for convenience. The North Hills area is really cute but a lot of the restaurants I've either already celebrated a birthday at or I wasn't particularly fond of the menu. Many restaurants had expensive minimums....where people would have to eat and drink upwards of $50 per person. That's cute...but that's not what I was going for on my casual birthday!  Although I have asked guests to pay for their own meals at the restaurant (don't judge me)....I will be paying for bowling! It's so not your typical bowling arena...it's a little on the "really???? for bowling?????" flashy side of things! #Imfancyhuh

Haven't quite decided on a cake....will I do cupcakes...will I do a cake in the shape of a fave thing....will I do a two layer with a creamy center....hmmm! When you are spending your own money you tend to pay attention to these tiny details also known as expenses. I celebrate my bday the entire month so this one activity isn't all I have planned so I should probably be mindful as I go along! hmmmph!

~Adios

DoNt aSk DoNt tELl

OMG, how was your Christmas?

My Christmas was amazing….I got some practical gifts that were just what I wanted but was never going to buy for myself!! This Christmas I learned people listen and my "oh by the way” conversations are not in vain. Thanks #TeamJay #winning

If you’ve never planned a wedding, been around a person planning a wedding, read books, completed research or watched every show known to woMAN on WE and TLC…then you probably don’t know a lot!  #noshade that is pretty safe to say! Lol that’s okay…it’s understandable. Most people stress out about this sort of stuff! I don’t profess to know everything there is to know about events/weddings but because I’m interested and creative I do what I can to research, learn and regurgitate well lol. Clients usually have a vision they want me to re-envision and add that “umph”….especially when it comes to a church wedding ceremony. There are certain things you have to ask your musicians to be sure you get the ceremony you’ve been dreaming about since you were 5. It’s not magic…it’s actually a lot of work….communicating via meetings, phone, email….exchanging ideas and making those hard decisions that indecisive people just can’t do. Lol

Some musicians will work closely with you…guiding your through the entire process and keeping planners and couple well informed. An organized musician can be hard to come by….especially in the church sometimes because they have sooooo many other duties-they attend all 5 choir rehearsals, travel with all 5 choirs, open the church for the youth, play for every artsy thing at church on top of collect the tithes as the trustee and pass out communion as the head deacon. LOL Okay maybe not that many duties and responsibilities but they do have a lot on their plate….and here we go adding weddings AND wedding rehearsals! Lord help us all! I don’t like musicians, heck vendors in general, who have the “don’t ask don’t tell policy”…assuming everything is OK because the couple didn’t know which questions to ask is grounds for termination. I try to tell everyone I work with that we must remain in control for the best results....

Questions that should be asked include: Do you have set music you play for weddings or can I give you music I would like? Do you think you can play this music? (I connected to the church’s wifi and played YouTube videos for the pianist). How much will this service cost? When is the first payment due? Are you available for a ceremony rehearsal? (This was tricky on the March wedding, he was available but also asked for an additional rehearsal in February…after many emails, it was planned for a Saturday around 9am!) How comfortable are you with playing for a wedding, have you done this before? Do you need sheet music, mp3 files or anything else? (He preferred YouTube although I have them on mp3 for the soloist preference).

 There are so many ways to trim a budget and sometimes a compromise with musicians is the best way. The March wedding musicians have agreed to attend the rehearsal and stay all night, have a conference call, and possibly record music for sharing purposes. They will also have a rehearsal the day of the wedding. This allowed me to cut the mileage and payment of the additional February rehearsal. Great musicians are the key to a beautiful ceremony…

~Peace

ReD BuilDINGS...TeAL PalETTES

Good morning lovies…..

It’s 12/21 and it’s super close to CHRISTmas….want to know a pet peeve of mine? Xmas! People it’s not Christmas without CHRIST! My how we have gotten away from the true meaning…Jesus is the reason for the season! Uh Oh I feel extra convicted as I write this….I had an argument with my Mom on yesterday for her failed attempt at Christmas dinner this year! The menu is just not as appetizing as I’m use to. LOL I shall do better! *Hangs head in shame*

So many things going on! The bride had her bridal shoot in November…I think I told you! She looked absolutely GORG! It was a hassle getting everything together so early…typically you have a lil time to purchase accessories because your wedding is super far away but I encouraged her to get it done NOW! No not because I’m a meanie control freak…but because she needed all elements for her bridal photos. Jewelry, shoes, undergarments….you know stuff! Unfortunately I cannot post her bridal photos because well it should be a secret. But give me until April 2012 I’ll revisit this issue and amend it. I will share the pics of the location…it was absolutely beautiful!!! Straight out of a dream! I fell completely in love with it-well maintained with fresh paint and pops of color! The backdrop will give you an idea of how beautiful the bride’s photos look. My pics below are from my personal camera....no editing or anything FYI. 

 I doubled as many hands on professionals that day. First as a TIMEKEEPER (the bride was running a lil behind bless her heart), manager of the beauty salon, bride’s secretary in regards to the makeup artist, bride’s stylist, bride’s chauffeur, bride’s personal assistant, then the photographer’s personal assistant, and everybody’s equipment hauler! It was a rather interesting day!!! All turned out well. Recently the delivery of pictures has been a little disheartening….but we’ll take the good with the bad-make some deals-cut some expenses and think twice next time!

~Adieu

The Wide Open Field



John Deer....Huge Trees




Interesting Building




Freshly Painted Red Buildings



....Ladders, Tires, Teal Palettes

Historic White

SupEr RisQUE

Good afternoon,

Hoping things are going exceptionally well for my followers on this Fab Friday! One of my favorite cake vendors is having a SALE! No not your common bake sale BUT a “winter special” *drum roll*….3 tier wedding cakes that feed 100 people for $299. The trick….it has to be a December 2011, January February or March 2012 date and this winter special does not apply to previously placed orders! But if you’re last minute OR all of a sudden have an event….this is a great deal. Their cakes are moist and their butter cream icing, to die for. They usually give free cake tasting for cakes serving 100 guests or more….I love that this place seems extra classy and tasteful-ultimately the most professional ever when dealing with them…but they have this section of their site that’s super RISQUE hunnie let me just tell you! Umm it’s for the grown and sexy crowd to say the least….cakes meant for bachelor and bachelorette parties….raunchy birthdays and gag anniversaries. LOL it’s funny! If that’s your type of personality, have fun with it! They do a great job of following through for you….never have I ever seen so many corsets, positions and male/female genitalia on cakes! I’m impressed with how virtuous they come across yet they still dive into that dirty dirty! Hey… appealing to ALL markets and all walks of life! That my friends, will keep them in business! I am neither mad nor offended!

Recently, they have given me a quote for my baby shower cake. Remember that star cake I blogged about earlier this month…well now the MTB (Mother to Be) found a pregnant topper and fell completely in love with it. I must admit it is a cutey McCutey…a pregnant lady sits atop a cake with her purse on one side and her shih tzu on the other!!!! I’ve gotten 2 quotes between $600-800 dollars but my favorite bakery (the one with the sale) will make the topper for only $25.00 if we purchase the cake there…the cake itself is between $3.00-$4.50 a serving….

~Lata

lOnG NiGHtS....

Hello....

Let me begin by stating it's 10:35P on a Saturday night....right and I'm writing a blog! lol Don't judge me!! I have so many things going on right now with the possibility of adding 2 additional events in the beginning of next year! This whole weekend I've been WORKING! Researching on the Internet, sending emails, watching Do it yourself mini videos....the whole nine! I met at the venue of the baby shower last night and had such a productive meeting. So much so, I was in a rush to report back on ALL my action items. I love doing this!!! I've already sent the official quote for linens....so yeah it's going to be over $700. But I get a special planner's discount....so that will take it down just a tad. We're going to focus on the linens more than wall decor because the MTB really wants them. It takes a lot of measuring and research to know what size table cloth will fit the table the way you  have envisioned...

At 100 Guests and 8ppl per table....

TABLES
13 rounds SOLID: White 120" Floor length for the 100 Guests
4 Rectangles SOLID: Hot Pink 90x132" Floor length for the Cake/Dessert, Gift, and 2 Buffets
3 Rectangles SOLID: Silver 90x132" Floor length for the 2 Buffets and 2 physical games
1 Classroom [18x60] SOLID: Hot Pink 54x120" for the Check-in

CHAIRS
100 SOLID: White LCC for the Guests
2 SOLID: Silver LCC for the ladies at the Check-in
1 SOLID: Hot Pink LCC the SPECIAL Mother to be chair

SASHES
52 SOLID: Hot Pink
51 SOLID: Silver
There is an additional $100 to have the bows Pre-set and Prettied in long Bows

The invitations arrived on Friday so I will get those this week to be mailed out! My first payment is due December 15 and we plan to make all purchases between December 15 and January 1. This is working out like a dream....

~Goodnight 

HeAvy is BeSt

Hi Hi Hi HI…it’s Friday!!!!

Sooo Baby Shower update? Don’t mind if I do! Save the dates were sent out via punchbowl (alternative to evite) in November as scheduled! As of last night there were 72 views so far….I guess that’s okay L because invitations have officially been ordered and will be sent out the 3^rd week of December. I LOVE the invitations. They tie into the theme PERFECTLY and look super fancy! These invites will really set the tone for the event as they are the first tangible thing the guests will receive. When I obtained the proof I was so pleased, I look forward to working with this vendor for other things such as signs, place cards, and table numbers with this same design for the shower. You know, really drive it home with everything matching! Cohesiveness really screams Hollywood star studded event...well to me at least!  

So the menu has finally been confirmed for the baby shower. *Drum Roll Please*

Jerk Chicken Skewers w/ Mango Salsa

Wing Platter

Shrimp Skews w/ cocktail Sauce

Chicken Pockets filled with chicken (I have no idea why the caterer named it that)

Chocolate Covered Strawberries that will appear on the cake table

The Mother to be passed on: Mini Crab Cakes, Spring Rolls, Crab Salad in Wonton cups (this was almost on the menu), Mini Quiche, Fried Ravioli, Spinach Dip w/ Chips, Fruit and Cheese Platter (she did mentioned this), Collard Green Eggrolls, and Pulled Pork Eggrolls. It is my experience when you’re having something catered and they give you a list of things to choose from…pick the HEAVIER hors d’oevres to get your money’s worth. That's just what the MTB did....

Baby Shower Cake

Official Invitation

~Tata

WhImsiCAl inDEEd...

Hello,

I feel like it's been FOR-EVER since I've last blogged! This past weekend was Thanksgiving and the weekend before that was State's Homecoming, Chase's bday celebration and my 5th line Deltaversary!!! State actually won too...it was a major upset for Clemson! Needless to say I've been super busy this month!!!! But I'm happy to regain my usual calmness...well as calm as my life can be!!

One of my friends (since high school) is getting married March 2012...it's a destination wedding in Jamaica! Fancy right? After her engagement, we met for lunch and she discussed me as a possible wedding planner! However, not long after, she decided to do a destination wedding and therefore no longer needed my services! *sad face* Destinations are pretty easy to plan because my work is limited BUT you have to trust the wedding coordinator at the resort and that is sometimes a hard task for both the bride and their planner! There is nothing average about my friend....I love her because she's sweet as pie but I also love her soon to be husband too...I met him early on in the relationship because we double dated...dinner and the first Paranormal Activity! (Seems so long ago) Haha I remember they were super cute...not laying on top of each other, smooching and rubbing, but just holding hands...awwe! Memories! Ugh my date fell asleep! Yeah we're not together for that reason *joking* but honestly I think he went to sleep because he's scared of scary movies/haunted houses/scary tv shows, lol that is Sooooo not manly! Back to my friend...he's a tad bit older than her but she's pretty mature for her age so they balance each other well. Maybe I should go "older" too...let's be honest I've been trying to go "older" for a while...men my age chile!!!

So picture a wedding on the beaches of Jamaica...in the best weather possible. Already nice right? Paradise indeed!  My friend is super funny she refers to herself as a "lazy bride" but I wouldn't think so...she's not lazy ever so that's a big surprise to me. Unfortunately she hasn't decided on bridesmaid dresses (don't be alarmed..she only has 2)....I think it's a matter of finding one she really really likes. She believes there are A LOT of decisions that you have to live with forever and that freaks her out! Poor bride! She's putting on the pressure to make everything perfect. She has a new gray hair and has lost weight! Awwe I hate to see anyone stressing about their wedding. I suggested to her if she can't find the bridesmaid dresses she likes....do a solid color and do some wicked accents in the original wedding color. Flowers, shoes, hair accessory, jewelry, make up...all in your wedding color if you can't find the color as a dress. All guests are wearing white ( love that) and she put that information on the Save the date a long time ago. She's extremely satisfied with her wedding dress and she's going to have a trash the wedding dress session. Really love that! Those pictures are always so fab! Groomsmen in linen and bridesmaids in long flowy watermelon dresses (well if she can find some). The Ocean will be the backdrop to this truly magical event...whimsical indeed!

LOL I began this blog to discuss her bridal shower....it was in a modern brewery! The set up was really open..upstairs away from guests. Bud vases and flowers on each table...a lot of white table cloths and plenty of sunlight due to the large windows! She played some AWESOME games....one involving loads of sour gum balls in her mouth and a hot bouquet reminiscent of a fave childhood game like hot potato...this got competitive FAST! Food was awesome...chicken wings, pork egg rolls, black bean & cheese quesadillas, 3 different types of pizza, cheese nachos, crab dip...and I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting something. LOL The cake was the showstopper...it was double layers...creme cheese on the outside and some whipped raspberry filling on the inside of a double decker lemon cake! Ummm I have got to order me a cake from Blue Moon for my next event! I really enjoyed myself and surprisingly gave the most SEDUCTIVE gift amongst a lot of kitchen gifts, home decor and boring gifts lol. I got my gift from Priscilla's because that's usually how a young bridal shower works and I didn't want to be the only one without a risque gift...well I was the ONLY person with a risque gift. How embarrassing...in my defense I did ask her before I bought said gift and she encouraged me to get it! I'm apologetic that I can't be at her wedding but I couldn't find more than 1 person to share a room with. Then my wedding is the same date so it's totally out of the question. I dropped by the couple's new home and it's huge and gorgeous....I'm so happy for them! I've been there since the beginning! They make a beautiful couple and I know they will be happy for a lifetime! Cheers!!!! 

~Smooches

PhOtoSssss

Greetings,

Although I've had access to them for a while....I don't think I've shared some of the engagement party photos with you! #Sillyme Have a look see below....

~Happy Tuesday before Thanksgiving!!!!

Ishe's emAILS....

Dudes & Dudettes....

Vendor's should thoroughly answer all questions....if that means typing an answer in a different color each time a question appears-Let's do that! <--See how that works lol The devil is in the details as Mrs. Phaedra Parks said on the Real Housewives of Atlanta Sunday night! Truly some details can be confusing when simply discussing via phone to anyone that happens to answer the phone that day....but if I first have a contract and second have emails where you stated key information in WRITING....I can constantly refer back to it! That makes my life so much easier...and full time job friendly! I have coworkers that do not mind handling all types of business in ear's reach of everyone but that's just not my thing...maybe it'll change as I get older.

My email
[Good morning Mr. ----------,

I am Jay Worley and I will be assisting in the ---------- Baby shower at your hotel on January 28, 2012. I am in the process of inquiring about linens and chair covers and have some questions concerning the measurements of both. Currently we are anticipating 13 round guests tables (banquet style set up) and need to know the exact measurements of the rounds. We intend to set up food and games and I'd like to know the measurements of any additional tables available (ie classroom and rectangle). The Duke and Carolina rooms have been reserved! What is the maximum number of tables these rooms will hold, as this is important as we begin to envision the set up. Lastly, will you provide information on the chairs as we intend to rent chair covers-for instance whether they are folding or standard hotel chairs.

Is there a surround sound system available for use and is it compatible with an IPOD and CD? Is there a PA system available equipped with microphones? Does your hotel own easels for display of posters? Are there any other items whether they are free or for a fee included in the rental of the Duke and Carolina rooms.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to your reply!
 Jay]

Well that fell on deaf ears....he's not one to pay heavy attention to detail! Some questions were answered....most were overlooked! I'll have to call and then go by the venue for a better understanding. Once the budget is increased and certain pricey foods are prepared by the family, I'll have to begin another round of communication with Ishe...email off limits of course!

~Kisses
**Happy 27th Birthday to my best friend Chase T.P. Jordan**

FLoWeR PoWEr....

Greetings….

I feel like it’s been a while….my mind has been preoccupied with soooo many thoughts that I haven’t made time to blog! So unfortunate! This past weekend someone that I was once close to had Open heart surgery unexpectedly!?!? Exactly-feel my pain and utter confusion…this afternoon he will be released after a very long 2 weeks! God is good…now onto recovery!

A couple of days ago I had a florist appointment with the bride at Watered Garden Florist. It’s a cute lil shop near my alma mater NC State. It went super well. The office manager had been so on point, answering my original email within 30 mins of my sending it. Yes, she set a TERFFIC tone and I was eager to work with the team. The office was eccentric…paintings and sculptures lined most of the walls in odd colors. But it was still an inviting space..calm and free! We went into the conference area and I remember thinking it’s soooo roomy (Subconciously I think I associate a cramped space with inadequate work)!  The only thing is they had a dog... and they allow the dog to have free roam….and he DOES-on your feet, on your legs, on your purse…on your laptop! Lol He was cute though!

From the office manager to the designers…the meeting continued to be professional! All meetings start with the basics…how many this and that….then move into style of this and that! Luckily for every florist, my bride isn’t sold on anything so they have free range!  That range of course dwindles a bit when we begin discussing budget. They took us to their built in flower studio in the back….ALL florist don’t have one of these....the flower refrigerator itself was the size of a truck! It was straight out of a movie…HUGE with 30+ different types of rentals and at least 20 of said rental in all colors (columns, stands, vases, cylinders, urns, podiums, flower pots etc.) essentially ANYTHING you can think of to make a wedding beautiful.

We had finally arrived at the fun part…watching the designers create magic!  It’s fun when you can say I like this….Umm maybe not that….yes something like that but maybe a little higher…hmm can we keep this but add that! The first florists worked a lot with Manzanita branches…THIS florist worked with curly willow… GIGANTIC, FULL Curly willows and then used wire to attach full bloom white roses to the branches. OMG A-MAZ-ING! It looks much prettier than I could ever describe….oh and they are $150 a piece!  True to our meeting they promised a quote and guess what? I GOT IT….drum roll please….a little under $5000! LOL Don’t be alarmed...we gave them a Wish list so that we could price all ideas and then we’ll pick and choose from there. The bride isn’t interested in anymore florist appointments…so I’m only waiting on one other quote before hiring a florist!  They gave us parting gifts…HOW SWEET….Check them out below…notice how colossal the bride’s bouquet is…and how minuscule mine is….you can’t even see mine can you? Lol TELL THE TRUTH!

~Signed...just a tad bit salty (only kidding) *wink wink*

A Wedding do....

When selecting a stylist for your wedding it is imperative that you begin the process early. The Early bird gets the fly style! General rule of thumb is to have a hair trial long before your wedding date....especially if you are not familiar with the stylist-for instance if they came by referral. A great time for a hair trial is your bridal portraits if you choose to take those! In a perfect world, the same stylist that gives you a great wash and set would be your offical "go-to stylist" for your fabulous wedding up do...but yeah that would be too easy and therefore hardly ever happens. I prefer things in order so I know instead of shopping around for an excellent price....I would just pay the money for the style I wanted (forget a budget). 

When hair extensions are used...the price almost doubles...so if you find yourself with a choice to get your hair cut prior to your wedding-Exit stage right and keep that length for your stylist! Paying double for a style can be alarming...but remember it's your wedding and this isn't the time to be too cheap! If all the decor associated with your ceremony space and reception is luxurious and high end-perhaps costing more than $50,000...BUT your hair and make up is sub par....umm I don't have to tell you what your guests will remember **hint hint* it won't be the crystal centerpieces....

Recently I've built my stylist network by 3...and they all speak confidently about the task at hand but always resort to "but send a picture". lol Pricing wedding up do's has been interesting...usually between $45-75 but you have to bring your own hair extensions which cost north of $35 for the "good stuff". Oh the world of weave....it's a not a world I'm well versed in but I'm learning!

~Ciao

ReAP whAT yOU SoW....

Hi mums,

This weekend has been such a treat! I attended a game viewing party on yesterday...it was so early. Kickoff was at 12pm...and I still had to get my portion of the food! I got on the road on time but stopping at a local grocery posed a problem. It wasn't a grocery store that I felt comfortable stopping at...as soon as I walked in all eyes were on me. I'm not EVEN exaggerating. I wanted ruffles because they perform so well in dips...but the lays were on sale so you know I got lays. $6+ for chips is getting a lil out of hand chip manufacturers everywhere...I didn't know the rising cost because I don't buy chips. Walking to and once inside, I got so many "hey girl", "ummm", "you are just bootiful"...it was a lot! (If you ever want to test fate and gain confirmation that you are single by CHOICE...get dolled up and go to portions of South East Raleigh..and see if you don't have your pick of 9 men).

 As if all that wasn't entirely too much for a Saturday morning, I then stopped at McDonald's to get a gallon of sweet tea to finish my items for the party. Yeah it took 17 minutes. The drive-thru was wrapped around the building so I got out...met 3 men that first thought I'd just gotten out of church (mildly offensive because I didn't think my outfit gave Saturday morning church) and then wanted to compliment the way I smelled and the way I looked! Thanks drunk Uncles...because that's exactly what they looked like. First the McDonald's workers couldn't just get my tea...I had to wait until all the food orders before me were filled! Then they didn't have any gallon teas made....and nobody would fulfill the order! They were so busy nobody seemed to mind that I was just going to stand there without a tea. I got to the party 30 mins after kickoff and the food was slightly chill...well because they were waiting on the chips for the dip. Food was great though....a real nice spread. Oh I should probably remind you I'm a Carolina Tarheel fan but I graduated from North Carolina State University home of the wolf pack...their match up was yesterday so I spent the better half of the game just looking...no cheers no sighs....just happy to be in the number! State won...13-0 so yeah I was quiet but strangely happy I guess. lol

My Saturday story wasn't suppose to be that long (and I didn't finish)...I'm writing to actually get into Sunday's message. My friend Xavier always says my pastor has all girls our age under a spell because we just love love love him. lol I tell him that's not it...it's just an awesome word every Sunday! NO hit or miss...no fumbling through the Bible...just a good strong solid word from GOD! That's why we love him Xai/Zay!!!!!!-he reads my blog (I spell his nickname "my way" a lot). Any who the word was from Galatians and Luke and boy did he speak some truth. Reap what you sow is something we use negatively but what if we didn't. What if the direct output of life was exactly what you put in it. Do we have the obedience to pray on command for what God is telling us to pray for? Are we obedient to God to reap what we want in our spiritual relationship with him? It's like the moment you close your eyes to pray, all the thoughts start to rush about what you need,what you want, bless my family and BLESS MY BUSINESS! This is the part I wanted to get to. I have this event planning dream, this vision and I'll only get out of it what I put in it...so I put in hard work of course! BUT beloved (as my Pastor says) I want to reap the Godly in my business so it'll sore to new heights! I always want to be honest and true when dealing with people-no taking advantage or skimming money off the top. I simply want to be genuine in my actions always, even when the opposite of genuine may seem appealing. I struggle with being super nice and letting people "run a muck", I'm learning how to capture the reins. But honestly it's hard to tell people NO when they are paying! I have to get so creative and try to remind clients of the vision...if for some reason that isn't working... I can keep it 100% real-the budget gets my point across every time. I know that assertiveness will come with more experience! I think I'm getting better...sometimes I just have to flat out say "I don't think you're going about this in the right way, let's discuss". Away from the business, just my person in general, it helps that I've always been conscious of reaping what I sow. I think that's why people are so willing to work with me. I gained 2 people to add to my network on yesterday...hmm great! I'm starting to really think of ways Timeless Creations by Jay can sow a Godly seed so that the business can harvest great fruit! Maybe I can do an angel tree in my business name...or give in my business name for something great. I haven't made astrological numbers this year but every little bit counts toward the kingdom right????

~Happy Sabbath

Budget...Smudget!!!

Happy Friday…..*does Friday dance*

So this is one massive baby shower…but since it’s still in the beginning stages we still have time to simplify it or make it very ostentatious (I love that word lol #Wordswithfriends). On Tuesday the client requested a real time budget but I usually stray away because I’m still a sharpie pen and printed worksheet type of gal…but I want to give the client what she asks for. She said it would help with keeping the family and her on point and that’s pretty logical! Side note: When I get big time each client will have their own workspace/worksheets/bulletin boards in a password protected section…meaning a real time budget that I can update and they can update simultaneously! Now back to the present, right now my bride gives me all her receipts and chile she forgets sometimes and then relies on her account overview online lol

Check out the spreadsheet…tailored to the event!!!  I deleted all personal information...Elgin Lumpkin is R&B singer Ginuwine's birth name ( I love him). I kind of cut off the pink Director's block on the right...well really this is the most horrible picture EVER -it wouldn't let me paste my print screen so I could show all sections lol! Umm I still have to figure out a formula that writes a logical formula to auto-populate 1 if the answer is yes in the RSVP section!  It’s equipped with a section to keep track of Guests, Budget, and Schedule….

I use another budget page too…(my lil secret) but it’s apart of a well known invitation website and they are usually pretty on point…I told my client about that one if she chooses to use it because honestly it’s always pretty accurate!!!!

~Ciao

Oh it’s the LIGHTS…ACTION….HaLiWOOd

Greetings love muffins,

Last night was the most fun I’ve had brainstorming in a long time! The first meetings are always so exciting …the initial planning super hype! After many emails, questionnaires, and facebook messages, I met my client for our first official face to face meeting. Cheesecake factory was the spot…I ate a greek salad for starters (small plate edition) and a whopping pecan turtle cheesecake for dessert! I wonder if the meal aided in my excitement…probably so lol.  Truly, I had a lot of pure fun collecting the details….brainstorming ideas, and relaying my taste and style on things! Baby showers are so cute and cuddly but not this one hunnie…it’s going to be GRAND! It’s on the scale of a nice sized wedding! Can you see me beaming with joy? The Mother to be (MTB) is named Hali (Holly)…sooo her theme *drum roll* HALIWOOD:: A STAR IS BORN. OH MY FREAKING GOSH I LOVE LOVE LOVES THAT! It’s a girl!!! So the more pink and glitter the better. My client says we’ll most definitely hit it off when we meet because we both have larger than life personalities and love celebrating in a big way! That’s certainly something to look forward to! The MTB plans to furnish shirts for the planning committee and those assisting with the shower! Awwe shirts…truly after my own heart!

 There are 150 people invited…many traveling from NY and MD, so rooms are even blocked at the hotel for this event….let me remind you THIS is a baby shower not a wedding! It’s going to be an event like none other…start time is 5pm until 11pm! Right…my experience is only 2-3 hours for a shower…but this one will be uhh different to say the least. The Carolina and Duke ballrooms have been booked at a hotel here in Raleigh. It cost a little more than half the budget…Umm not an awesome thing. But that is to be expected since venues usually cost between 40-50% of the entire budget. Currently planning for save the dates and invitations….themed décor and this MTB wants chair covers for the 150 chairs! YAASSSS madam, let’s spend this money!  My client will be meeting with her family in the next two weeks to increase the budget as the food and venue alone are $500 over already! This typically happens when people don’t truly realize how much things like this cost and don’t have a realistic picture since they have no experience in planning for 150 people. They requested the setup to be banquet tables with centerpieces…so it’s my suggestion that it would be too GIANT of a task to get 100 people to play one game…so let’s do *drum roll* BABY CHANGING STATIONS! How creative am I?  Picture this:: Banquet tables in the center…projection screens all around…and 8 stations on the outer most edges of the ballroom! Maybe we can control the 150 guest list by making groups with only 20 people or less playing a game at one time. Its co-ed so I’ve taken it up a notch with the games (everything doesn’t need to be Prissy)…Stroller NASCAR Race and the Pregnant Marathon (involves a book bag of bricks and an obstacle course.yeah I do it big lol).

On to the Save-the-dates….they go out this month! Save the dates for a baby shower gives you an idea of how big this truly is!

~Lata

hOUSeWarmiNG PartAY

How pleasant would it be if I finally got the stove and hardwood floors I want?  Magnificent right? Yes..so I agree with you! Then what if I took it to a whole new level and had a 2^nd Housewarming? Ooo la la! Not to discredit the work my AMAZING friends and Mother did for my first housewarming, just more so thinking aloud. I’m actually pretty impressed with myself (happens often lol), all the plans, color schemes, and furniture originally displayed on my vision board have come into fruition. I’ve stayed the course! Granted some things are happening a little slower than anticipated, but everything looks like the original vision.

A 2^nd housewarming is on my mind, without a doubt, because I’ve been hired to do a housewarming. We’re looking at a holiday housewarming in the later part of November or early December. Normally this would be the WORST timing…but as you get older people stop giving you Christmas gifts anyway! A housewarming party compels these people to give you a gift when they otherwise would not! Smart huh??? You also have those people that, just as any other event, will only come to eat. That’s the price you pay when you invite them! I hope you didn’t think they would develop manners just for your event did you? Focusing on enjoying the important people in your life and sharing your new milestone…well that’s the only way to stay sane!

Having an "unpacking housewarming party" is totally out of the question because she moved a while back. Surprisingly that can be done tasteful or just tacky! You’re basically putting your visitors to work…being productive but spending time with your loved ones. Oh yeah you can’t skip on the food after you’ve asked your guests to sweat for it. It’s imperative that the type of food suites your occasion. If it’s socially upbeat…you need finger foods-small and dainty! you don’t always have much space for guests to sit, so finger foods are a nod in the right direction (My friend rented chairs). Imagine cutting steak with only the poor plate for support? Yeah! You see what I mean! I love an open house housewarming the best…it’s comfortable and less stuffy! No pressure to be entertained!  Come as you please-especially when parking is a concern-take a tour, leave a gift, eat GREAT food, fix a cocktail, Karaoke, Taboo, host-related game, network, lounge, socialize, and grab a favor! A great housewarming has some order to it and of course nice décor…but it’s free flowing and FUN!!! I look forward to the task…after all, the venue is finalized because it’s the home lol

MY DEDICATION IN 2007....

~Buh Bye

tHe viSiON oF a ViSionARy....

Hola....

The flower vendor is absolutely awesome! Gregg gets a shooting star! He was almost magical, no honestly! Most flower vendors begin with your ideas and then move into their portfolio albums. Umm he totally shut me down when I asked for albums…he said all that stuff is on facebook or the website! Haha he made me feel really trivial for a second! Gregg is truly a VISIONARY! He “freestyled” some arrangements with fresh flowers from the shop…he made 3 height centerpieces and kissing balls! The bride has chosen to use branches and hunnie let me tell you…he used those branches! He even pulled 4 roses off their stem to help gauge how thick the bride would want her runway! His assistant said she loves to watch him, you can see the wheels turning as he thinks and that he reminded her of the famous chef Emeril! What a compliment! I felt really comfortable with him…I could tell he wasn’t trying to simply sell us things that mimicked our idea and pictures for over the rainbow prices. For example we’d settled on using more greenery in the flowers to cut cost….apparently really nice greenery cost more than flowers so just use flowers. I also played around with changing the flowers in arrangements to take the price down but he asked me, “like taking a hydrangea and replacing it with carnation? Not really because you’d need 10 carnations to cover 1 hydrangea and therefore it’s the same price” hmm, words of wisdom! lol He offered many inexpensive ideas and had some pretty cool rentals...mainly candelabras, vases, urns. Got the news last week *sad face*, umm unfortunately the church doesn’t have anything available as for decorations! So I’ll be renting a few things and it would so help if it came as a packaged deal with the flowers!

Currently, I’m waiting on the flower proposal!  I’d love to work with him in the future regardless if it’s for this wedding or the next! He made a lasting impression and everyone that walked into the shop had such nice things to say! He’s super close to my home…but also close to the church and quite familiar with the reception site. When the appointment was ending….He winked and said, I don’t have a wedding March 3^rd and I’d love to have one!  Cute Mister! We’ll surely see….

To make a good day great….my 40 linen swatches came in when I returned home from the vendor!

Swatches, More Swatches, & More Swatches, & EVEN MORE SWATCHES

Helloooo,

My swatch order was shipped yesterday! *JUMPS UP AND DOWN REPEATEDLY* Wheew it'll be such a relief when it gets here. I've been working on linens for 3 straight weeks now and I'm ready to get some concrete choices under my belt. I've come up with the vision for the cocktail hour versus the reception hall...yeah total difference! It's one of those things that either people will truly get or ask "well wonder why they did this?" lol I actually mentioned the idea matter-a-factly to the bride and quickly moved past it as it was an after thought...but she said, "ooo I like that, let's do it!" So we revamped the initial vision to the new one!



ORIGINAL VISION

The Process really wasn't as confusing as I'm probably making it seem! Well with the purchase of the junior bridesmaid's dresses, bride's shoes, and bridesmaid dresses...we had variations of the original colors! We couldn't narrow it down by using a website...sadly! So I ordered swatches...more swatches...and more swatches..AND EVEN MORE SWATCHES! But in our defense, once we make those decisions we can order a sample set for $12.95 + tax! lol To say the least, my regional representative and I are best buds now! She always replies as if I'm asking for stuff that not many people ask for *blushes*...yet she always has the option, so it's apparent my requests are truly valuable and maybe other planners aren't as thorough as I am! Their client's lost....book me! (Shameless Plug) I guess some people can order online and have it show up ready for their wedding...I CAN NOT! I at least need a sample set to be sure...I like to match as much as I can. A wedding with 99 colors throughout looks awful!

I hope the florist can incorporate the TRUE colors of the wedding...it's both hard to find and expensive to get exact matches....but I'd sure like them to try! lol

I ordered all of these Purple and Greens....the funny part is they are actually ALL around the same color...OPTIONS OPTIONS OPTIONS!

Confetti - Honeydew
Confetti - Pomegranate
Crinkle Taffeta - Apple
Crinkle Taffeta - Aubergine
Crinkle Taffeta - Raspberry Ice
Lamour - Lavender
Bengaline - Apple
Crinkle Taffeta - Pistachio
Crushed Romance - Golden Rose
Crushed Romance - Lime
Crushed Romance - Wild Orchid
Liquid Lame - Liquid Fuchsia
Organza - Apple
Organza - Deep Purple
Organza - Eggplant
Organza - Violet
Pintuck - Eggplant
Satin - Apple
Satin - Citron
Satin - Eggplant
Satin - Grape
Satin - Purple
Satin - Victorian Lilac
Satin - Sage
Sheer - Violet Sheer Satin Stripe
Sheer - Victorian Lilac Satin Edge
Solids - Apple
Solids - Lime Green
Solids - Neon Green
Solids - Plum
Solids - Purple
Stripes - Black and White
Tissue Lame - Lilac
Tissue Lame - Purple
Solids - Black
Solids - White
Solids - Lilac
Pintuck - Celedon

Ridiculous...I know lol

blah blah blah....

I'm in shock! It seems like everything personally planned in my life is down right failing me! I had a greensboro trip on Saturday, planned for almost 2 weeks, and there was a HUGE communication mix up that left me in a car for 2 hours! Yeah it's not funny yet! Then I had State fair plans on Sunday and guess what...yeah you guessed it, they decided it would be better to go next Sunday ( I won't even be in town)! As if all of that wasn't a hand full...I texted my friend  about Thursday's fair date and she made a hair appointment at the same time we were venturing to the fair! *side eye* WHY people? In the spirit of friendship, we all know how hard it is to make and keep a hair appointment so I didn't press the issue! I write things on my calendar, I take people at their word and it just didn't work out this weekend! One positive about this past weekend...a dear friend got engaged!!! I'm super happy for them! #teamking

I have a brand new attitude about this weekend...I'm looking forward to it! I really have my fingers crossed that it happens as there haven't been a whole lot of update emails. Me in North Myrtle Beach with 4 other girls! YAY! I hope the weather isn't terribly cold! I didn't do any of the planning on this trip...I started helping with the hotel because I have a great discount usually BUT sleeping 5 people offered little to nothing. That 3rd extra bed kept me so far away from the usual price I often pay! I had broken it down to 2 rooms at a deal...but then realized we might as well go with the 1st option that had no discount but allowed us all to stay in one room! So there you go....

As for things I'm working on....Pictures were due Friday from the photographer. Previously, they were sent back to her because we received them a tad bit unfinished!  The engagement party was on August 27, so I'm looking for the pictures as soon as possible to say the least. Wedding dress pickup post alterations is this Wednesday *AWWWWEEEEE* and shoes and necklace have been purchased! I'm ready to schedule the bridal portraits but I need the engagement pictures first! We only have a select few Saturdays left this year so I'd really like to get that on the road. I have bids for the bride's hair and the make up artist is booked! Currently waiting on my swatches for linens...so progress is pretty good!!! Made another florist appointment at a different florist for Friday!!! Currently trying to forget last thursday happened...but I do watch the video (see the previous post) and chuckle sometimes :)

~Ciao

Once upon a time at the Florist...A Comedic Movie

Greetings,

You won't believe what happened to me on yesterday! So I've moved on to action item...FLOWERS! Excitement right? Yes it really is! Flowers are so beautiful and smell so nice...real flowers scream WEDDING! So armed with ideas, pictures, colors, and the budget I'm ready to begin another long round of consultations. It's a long process, sure....but it's fun! I made an appointment with a florist that was highly recommended by the knot. Pretty respectable wedding site, right? The bride, searching for inspiration found a shop right here in Raleigh...so naturally I want to start where's she's comfortable before I visit  my list of vendors! Once on their site I was equally impressed with them. The florist however...well I wasn't impressed with him at all via email and phone. Let's just say he didn't give me the "warm and fuzzy". When you're spending money for real flowers, I expect to get the "warm and fuzzy" lol. Well...I could go on and on about this upsetting experience but I won't....I captured the video! It's okay to laugh at our expense....it's a comedy:)


 

gOOdnight mOOn ;-)

Baby showers should have some sort of theme because when it does…it looks expertly planned! When they don’t, it can look like a hot mess thrown together at the last minute! You’re smiling because you know it’s true! Basically lol NO ONE will be impressed! Granted everybody doesn’t feel the need to go overboard with the theme…but at least have a color scheme and center it on the Mommy-to-be at the very least. Ask all her favorites…cravings, colors, children’s books (ie Goodnight Moon), desserts, holidays, animals etc. and show them throughout the day! The Mommy-to-be has to feel special, if she doesn’t rest assured the baby shower was in vain! You can showcase the theme through invitations, games, and the decorations. Be sure to tailor it to the Mommy-to-be’s style however…if she doesn’t have a blaring personality don’t decorate her shower in lime greens and bright oranges and have a stripping Mariachi band! Chances are that won’t be her type of party right? Most showers require no men or at least all the men present to have on pants…if her style is more the polar opposite…do some neutrals with some fun “not so embarrassing” games! Games are the make it or break it for some people….some don’t mind being embarrassed and joining the guests in just laughing their little hearts out-the rest might protest if people laugh at them a little too hard and grow sadder as the day moves on! The number one goal is to keep the Mommy-to-be happy happy happy happy so tailor the baby shower to her puhlease people!

Remember that Baby shower I blogged about a while ago??? Yeah…I got it! YAY!!!! Questionnaire has been submitted and we’re meeting to sign the contract and talk preliminaries…hopefully this week. I have exactly 15 weeks until the big day! That is excellent timing! The date of a baby shower should be 4-8 weeks before the due date and invitations should be sent out 5-6 weeks before the decided date. I’m curious to find out the venue because she contacted me with a venue booked…which really really speeds up the process! Will the menu be full or appetizers? Catered or from the family? Will this venue allow all decorations or will there be some prohibitions. Is the couple a scrapbook type of couple or would they rather not create a whole lot of stuff. So much to discuss….so exciting!

Before I get ahead of myself…at the present moment I’m only interested in the guest list, budget, date, and venue! Luckily I have an idea of the budget (that’s how I base my fee) and an exact date so I’m well on the way!

~XOXO

DoWnTOwn ShEnaNigAns

It has come to my attention that I have some new followers….Hey Hey Hey (in my “What’s happening?” voice)

OMG It’s birthday season….just went on yet another birthday celebration! Man, everybody has a birthday don’t they? My Godsister has poor planning skills! Lol But I still Love her! After a couple of text messages back and forth to REPRIMAND her naughtiness, I was excited for the activities I must admit! After all, many people can’t help that they can’t plan…plus she had a rather hard week so she gets a pass! The original plans were to head to dinner and a comedic show THEN entertain an old school slumber party since our group of friends hadn’t done one since the early 90’s. How fun would that have been? We’ve all grown up…some have husbands and children even! Me being the planner I am….looked up tickets and reviewed all hotel family rates! I was ready to take charge as I often am. But it so didn’t happen this way! That’s okay…another time perhaps! I did have a wonderful time downtown! Downtown is a source of excellent memories for me so I’m always ready to venture out once more when invited!

We did the Red room…I hadn’t been since a weeknight about a year ago!  YES…they had free Salsa lessons! It was in a crowded club so you had to be somewhat confident but it was fun! It’s funny how people like to learn to spin and all the fancy moves before they learn the basics!!! Ugh another blog for another time however! I bought my Godsissy a Fabulous Birthday Girl Sash!!! I wanted to get her a crown but she’s not as EXTRA as me  (Our mutual friend and I discussed that we'd definitley rock a crown had it been us lol)…so a sash was bold but not over the top! It was truly a girl’s night out….we did tapas and drinks….then walked up downtown to a familiar bar that reminds you of friends or Cheers but with a huge noisy downtown crowd. It’s extra “at home”. Good times! I didn’t get to do much planning at all for this event…but she’s pretty laid back so I don’t know that I ever will when it comes to her! I think she had a good time….the rest of us surely did!



BIRTHDAY GIRL!!



DOWNTOWN!!

Oldest Godsister and ME!!!!



Happy Birthday to yooouuuuu

I’ve observed as people grow older, they stop really celebrating their birthdays! Why is that? Seriously WHY? Guess I can’t quite wrap my head around it because I’m a huge birthday person!!! In fact they pick on me at work because I take off the whole month of January. I’ll let them have that joke, but honestly I only take off my birthday and that weekend…then either every Friday or Monday for the rest of the month. Don’t judge! Hey, it’s a MONTH long celebration! Capricorn’s in the house! Lol

It doesn’t take much to show someone just how much they mean to you. This past weekend it was another Bestie’s birthday! Her Grandpa updated the landscaping and her Grandma took care of the inside of the house…they cleaned out the garage and had the tables set up with nice décor! What caught your eye was a huge buffet line with all the food you can think of. Turkey legs, fried chicken, bbq chicken, Macaroni and cheese, cabbage, string beans, potato salad, broccoli and cheese casserole, chicken casserole, sweet potato casserole…I’m sure I’m forgetting something but you get the picture! The cake was absolutely beautiful and her grandmother opened the nice FEAST with kind words about the honoree and how much she always does for everyone else and how happy they were to surprise her! Her Mother helped a lot with the cooking and setting up as well…in fact she was the one that contacted me via facebook a long time prior to the event! I love birthday parties and they are super easy to help organize when family is on the same page….such as honoring the honoree with a plethora of food that could feed a multitude of people for days! There weren’t any activities but the grandparents gave free range of their huge home…so everyone was laid back and easy going while finding things to do…conversing high on everyone’s list! The weather was absolutely PERFECT! Sitting on the front porch that wraps around the house…we had plenty of room to utilize the porch swing and rocking chairs in a quiet and quaint lil neighborhood! My idea of a very nice Sunday!

~Ciao Bellas

Borrowed _______'s

Greetings....

I’m officially #TeamWriteYourOwnVows! I incite everyone in the world to join my team! Lol Yes you can deliver the traditional ones with fervor but how great is it if you write something from the heart? The Pastor and the couple normally pick special passages, readings, text, and vows for the wedding...but how sincere are the vows that come from the soul and therefore the essence of you. The weddings where the vows are written are the most SPECIAL and feel the most intimate. At the end where either the bride or groom get just a tad bit choked up….oh gosh does it pull on the heart strings! Definitely avoid the crazy stuff like I promise to brush your hair and fix your martinis…because that’s not what I call great material…but if you need a little help starting, borrow lines from your favorite poem, movie, or book! Maybe your first lovie dovie card would help in this instance….  

I'm super nervous and weddings make me cry, but even I plan to write my own. I want my vows to be from some hidden place that only my husband really knows! The type of vows that people at the wedding are like, “wow she really loves him, I can’t believe she said that”. I want to keep it sweet and beautiful but with a personal line or two…something completely off the wall that I really mean!! For instance, maybe I’ll say “I vow to put your needs before my own, even when that means cooking more times  than you eat out in a given week….I mean that’s a true sacrificial vow! (You know that one will come up later in the relationship lol ) I’m going directly for the jugular…sappy words with maybe a few tears! I believe when you write your own vows you feel even more accountable than the typical in sickness and in health…. Just my two cents however!

~XOXO  

OdE to mY coUSin...hUMble BEginnings...

Hi Reese’s Pieces....

Just got some really bad news...apparently my cousin's struggle with Prostrate cancer finally came to an end early this morning! I know right, quite sad! I’m first really worried about my cousin (his wife) and how she will pick up the pieces! Then there is my small ‘professional  basketball’ playing cousin (their son) and how he’ll continue to excel in life without a father figure! I hope he stays on the right path and becomes a productive goal reaching citizen because losing your father, when he was so active in your life, has got to be unbearable! I have mixed feelings about my cousin that passed….I’m sad he’s no longer here BUT I’m happy he’s no longer in pain! He didn’t do so hot with having others tend to his every need and then there were the revolving doors of both the hospitals and hospice care facilities. Wheew!  When I visited him in the hospital this last time it was really crazy…so many people, so many things you had to wear in order to just be in the room due to germs! As he lay in the hospital bed he felt he was falling half the time (you could see it in his eyes) and the other half he was busily talking to people that weren’t there! His legs were severely swollen yet he’d lost so much weight…But I think he knew who I was. As he grabbed onto my hand and elbow with both hands and gave it a gentle squeeze….I knew that my visit wasn’t in vain! He taught me SOOOOO much since I didn’t have a father figure for so long and they didn’t have children…basically I was with them every other weekend and on all their trips and boy did they travel! Ode to my dear cousin…May he rest in God’s perfect peace!

Didn’t realize how sad I was….glad I got that out! I actually set out to blog about my humble beginnings…and look what it turned into. Death always reminds you to live life to the fullest-dream the impossible-reach for the stars! That’s kind of what my business represents for me! As I got closer to forming a real business with a tax id, legally binding contracts, a name other than my God-given name and formal stationary, I did even more research! I attended free seminars…webinars…I read official and unofficial books, blogs, and websites! I tried to align myself with people that had 30 years in the event planning game and then I spoke to vendors because they could tell me the type of planner they hate to work with! After I did all of that, which at the time seemed like FOREVER, I put myself out there! For free a lot of the time and then I gradually climbed to a small fee! Humble beginnings! The best way to learn is real world experience-hands on training! Honestly I get most of my clients through friends that know my work ethic since my resume and portfolio isn’t as grand as it WILL be one day!

  ~Smooches

Old SchOOL ruLE

Your wedding dress should be white....Umm not so much in this day and age!

Yes white is pure and perfect but I love when brides rock an ivory or champagne dress! Honestly, no matter the color as long as the fit is NICE, I'm a fan! We all aren't size 0's or even size 10's but we can all accentuate the best part of our womanly figures! Some of us just have to do the very best we can...trust me I know this to be so true for myself lol! A lil chicken cutlet (did people really use to put a boneless chicken breast in their bra???) for those that don't have excess up top and some sturdy undergarments to push things in place and add a lil bump where needed below! I LOVE to be different and true to my personality, so if an old tradition doesn't necessarily fit in, I don't advise following through on it! Dare to be YOU! I think it's much appreciated when guests notice your "different" on your day :)

Color COLOR COLOR!!!!! Let's put a pop of color in a sash or non traditional colored jewelry around the neck...YES!!! Gets me rather excited! I love to see an accent shoe of some sort...whether it be a sexy high heel-pump or peek toe...or some wedding colored converses...I think it's so adorable. This is where I start to lose a lot of people when I speak of wearing something other than a heel at your wedding! The wedding I was planning for me lol, well we were going to wear Prada's because he was a huge fan of these $500 shoes and had several pairs...so I was going to get me some equally expensive Prada sneakers too, or he was going to get them! I remember he would act like they were Jordan's or something...I promise he would have stood in line at the crack of dawn had it EVER been a line to stand in....Right, guess he had it like that! Moving on....Be unique-one of kind-truly you!!!! I can't wear heels because of an unfortunate incident at my graduation...so I would rather not wear kitten heels or straight up flats (My normal day to day)...I'd rather match my hubby and let us share that! We'd be jumping off to a nice start! Remember: Couples that begin by sharing spend a lifetime caring! haha I just made that up...on the spot! Go ME!!!!

~XOXO

You're so FAKE....

Cutting to the chase, I’d rather not see plastic anywhere in formal events. No fake flatware, cups, plates….flowers!!! lol Renting such items can be such a hassle and expensive even! You have to rewash it when you pick it up to be sure it’s formal occasion clean vs. warehouse storage clean…then use it while hoping no one breaks any of it….then return it washed and pay all damage fees for broken or cracked merchandise! As you can see, yeah it’s a lot! But surprisingly, well worth it once it’s all set up because it looks absolutely AMAZING in comparison to those hard plastic plates that come in bulk from BJ’s, Costco and the like! I wish I could say I’ve never used those plastic plates….but I have for informal occasions! *hangs head in shame* BUT you see....some venues do not have dishwashers…and my lil townhome friendly dishwasher is not the business when it comes to such industrial loads! Plastic makes for an easier clean up…that’s one great plus for plastic! If clients request plastic....I'm going to try my best to find the best plastic available in all of the world! But when you get into weddings of a certain size…ie 150+ you must have all rentals delivered and just pay for the delivery! I agree with saving money and sticking to a budget whenever necessary but having things delivered and set up just makes MORE sense…it’s less stressful for everyone involved. Not to mention if something is missing or incorrect-guess what-you have a person right there that is willing to correct the error immediately! If you find something wrong after setting 15 tables on a Saturday morning….you’ll probably have to make due and hope no one notices that table 9 is just a lil bit different from the rest!
~XOXO

Free Services....BAsicAlly!

Please read the tale below (it was suppose to be a 3-5 sentence testimonial)....it's a tale of how my Bestie has always received free services from me and it just HIT me today! Well, if I had to pick my best friend, heck I'd pick a crafty event planner too....can't be mad at her for that:) haha Love ya Bestie:)

Jamilah D. Worley!! (Not my government on blast? lol) There is so much that I could say about this wonderful woman, but I will try to keep it brief! (This would be the first lie lol)

This wonderful woman that I have known since June of 2003 is not only a person known by so many names such as: Jam, J., Sweetness, Beyonce, and J. Fierce, but is someone that is known for her kind heart, a person that will lend you the clothes off her back, (Only if we're the same size) a woman of integrity, morale, independence, honesty, respect, and will tell you the truth! She is someone known to be and is a TRUE FRIEND!

As her Bestie, I am not just saying that, but I can remember the first time we met..haha. It was during the African American Symposium at North Carolina State University. My mom told me before coming to campus, that I probably wouldn't have many friends...girls especially. But who would have known that one of the first persons to say "HEY, How are you?" Was Jamilah Worley!! Of course I spoke back, but didn't entertain it because I was up under my mom and aunt, and they wouldn't let me go anywhere, lol!
Well, school started and I would see Jamilah here and there on campus, and we would say to each other "Heyyyy Girl!!! How Yoooou Doing?" We would talk and keep it moving! A year later, we ran into each other again (I think we were skipping class that day, or probably just late) (LIES LIES LIES...I was walking back to the dorm because my class and study group was over when I saw you...after my class I'd went to the computer lab in Nelson for a while to do some work. Now YOU...ma'am you were probably skipping or extremely late lol). She asked me, "girl u going to the probate," and I was like "what probate," which was the Kappas crossing at A&T in Greensboro, NC. (My friend from a high school program was crossing and everybody was leaving too early or too late for my schedule..since she was from the Greensboro area I figured she'd already be going) Jam, said well I want to go, but don't have a car!! I said girl I do, wanna go? From that one day and a 10 minute conversation, we have been best friends since!! (YAY US) 

She helped my mother plan my 25th birthday party in January of 2010. Now I am a Huge birthday person, and I go for a whole month!! So that year it wasn't much talk about my birthday, and I was like what's going on..but then realized I wasn't saying much about what I wanted to do. My mother told me she was getting me a room for Friday night, and to dress nice for dinner. A little random and awkward, right!?! (Definitely a lil weird lol) Yeah I thought the same. So, we are on our way to eat and she said Torrie put this blind fold on!!! What, for what reason? Still hasn't registered, hey this could be a surprise! Walk into Hams, and before I get the blind fold off, all I hear is SURPRISE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Jam and my mother got me!! (Annnd Tremik and Ashley..they definitely help out as your 2 oldest best friends on your parties!! lol) They planned it so good, and organized. I never knew and it never crossed my mind that in 2010, that was how I was going to spend my birthday!! :)

Again, I can continue on and on, but when it comes to coordinating, Ms. Worley, is on top of everything,can multi-task, and can tell you what you need, what may or may not work, and will accommodate you in anyway sort to make it work!! I will continue to have her plan my events, and if, if, if,if (lol) that time so happens to EVER come, she will plan my wedding, and be in it too! (A task that I will probably only do for her....I hate being a bridesmaid in weddings I plan...it's so much lol)
Love always and kudos to my bestie JAM D. WORLEY!    Gotta love her and our story....lol :)