My Crinoline is FLY....

<3's,

How wonderful is it that I have AMAZING ideas planned for my wedding but I have neither steady man nor ring in sight??? Hilar right? Hilar indeed! Anywho….I’m all about a pop of COLOR hunnie…and although older or more traditional people frown at my wedding shoe choice, I still plan to have colored shoes under a white dress! AND NOW….to add salt to wound, I might have dyed crinoline. LOL Yeah I’m just NOW getting up on this #lateboots. Typically it’s the Betsy Johnson inspired-Hippie brides that jump off the deep end for wedding fashion, and now you can add me to the fold! A colored crinoline under a traditional white dress is definitely different and YOU know I love me some different! The idea is kind of “scary” for lack of a better word….how will others receive it? Fashion Do or Fashion Don’t? ANNNDDD scary of all,  I would be committing to dying it myself; after all I don’t think they sell colored crinolines and if they do you know it’s in some ole basic colors and I don’t do basic. Sooo dye it is. I’m very excited!! (for when the time finally comes)

Let’s go through my thought process why don’t we? That crinoline is puffy and more than one material and I’d have to commit to dying it all! From watching project runway I know I have to use one of those huge plastic tubs or buckets to dye in. So some sort of plastic contraption, hot water, and dye should be enough to get me started or AT LEAST enough to start making my mess. Then it’s soaking, turning, stirring, and mixing until my desired color is obtained…easy enough! The hard part by far is not ruining my crinoline! After I’m sure it’s the shade I want, I think I have to begin rinsing in warm water, then cool water until the water runs clear (tricky right?).  After I’ve finished the intense dying process it’s machine washing in woolite on the gentle cycle to “seal the deal”!!! It amazes me the things we do because of our parents…but I only use woolite for my delicates, got that from my Mommy! After the washing machine has its turn with my crinoline…it’s time to find Grandma’s old clothes line to hang my masterpiece out to dry! I’m thinking a teal, turquoise, orange, or yellow….but I’m all over the place with colors because that purple is CUUUTEEEE!

After I’ve spent quite a lot of time thinking and writing my process….I realized can’t I just go buy some fabric and take it to somebody’s Aunt and have them sew me a colored crinoline? BUT that would take away from my Do it yourself (DIY) project…so nawl I’ll just dye it!  Look at the pics below....you're a fan too! If anybody has a dyed crinoline in my circle, you KNOW I'll swear you got the idea from me :)

Hope everyone is well lovies J

MaSon jARS....

Her: Ok master mind,

So this task that I have before me....

E (mutual friend's fiancé) has 18 mason jars that are currently filled with white gumballs... She also has candy to go in them but after a few runs, she decided against them. She called me yesterday and was like I need you to take over the centerpieces. So I was thinking, I could put some water in the jars since she already purchased 5,000 gum balls..... and add some orange flowers. She has ordered orange and blue ribbons to tie around the jars since that is their colors. I was thinking fake flowers from dollar tree would be good but I’m cheap... Lol these are some pics I found.. What do you think?

Me: Hey!!! My apologies for the 4 hour delay, been a crazy day and I hadn't even signed into my gmail today. I wouldn't do gum balls and candy in the same jar. LOL WOW she asked you to take over huh? That's a lot, but I'm sure you love to help. If the gum balls go all the way to the top you may not need water. I would suggest flowers...I think they look the best. I would also consider branches...bushels of wheat...feathers...candles can all be put in mason jars and when they are gathered 3-4 on the table make a NICE centerpiece. I would get the best quality flower you can afford...I like real but understand that might not be in the budget...carnations are usually cheap though. If you're going to do cheap...consider silk flowers as well. There were no pics attached. I think you have good ideas already; it's just a matter of purchasing and doing!!!

Thanks Jay

Her: Really, I have an attitude about those pics.. Whatever I’m resending them......and I want to do like rocks or stones with a floating tea light and flowers. I think she is going to go with 150 orange carnations from a wholesale store... So they will be real!!!! She bought 5,000 gumballs already that I have already put in the jars so I guess we have to use them? *inserts confused look* YOU ARE THE BOMB.COM

Me: I think that will look the best! I've had a bride order flowers from that same wholesale store before and they came out well. With the ribbon, flowers, gumballs...I'm sure it will be really cute! You can actually put votive candles inside mason jars as well. Just be sure any candles you get are unscented. You don’t want fragrant candles competing with the food…or a bad fragrance multiple by 1000 in one confined space. Let me know if you could use some help. I attached some pics so you could see what my vision is...I think we're having the same vision. You’re the bomb.com ma’am…thanks for considering my expertise J

Jay

bRio....

The engagement party went almost smashing....the 13 people scheduled to show up became 6 people INCLUDING the bride and groom! LOL We ate wonderful food, enjoyed cocktails, and had dessert! There were no games played unfortunately (not MY idea lol) but we did enjoy conversing with the groom since we'd never had the pleasure to be in his company.

Pictures? Don't mind if I do...

Favor's were my contribution...the cute boxes had buttercups and kisses!!!!

Check out SOME of my plans from the email I sent on Oct. 15.

Greetings again,

As promised...here is a list of prizes and materials for the games. Things that should be purchased, borrowed, or obtained are CAPITALIZED!!!! Since it's been a hassle to get participation in games, I'll leave which games you choose to do up to you. If you'll let me know before hand what you decide so that I won't be ill prepared when attempting to facilitate, I'd appreciated it. 

1. How well do you know your mate?   (Physical: Bride) BLINDFOLD

2. How well do you know your mate?   (Written: Groom) PRINTED QUESTIONS, BAG OR BASKET FOR ATTENDEES TO PICK A QUESTION, BAG OF CANDY (NO GUM PER YOUR REQUEST) I have attached the questionnaire for the bride to answer...you should not send it via email for her to answer because she'll remember the questions and possibly share with her Groom. It is best to use the phone to gain answers.

3. Written "funny story" to bride and groom      CARDSTOCK (THICK) PAPER, PEN, CLIPBOARD

4. Who will wear the pants?      TWO ROLLS OF TOILET PAPER

5. You can't say...?         $STORE MINI WEDDING BUBBLE PACK WITH WEDDING BELLS OR HEARTS (DO NOT GET BUBBLES WITHOUT HEARTS BC THE PURPOSE MAY BE LOST)  *****Need 2 Prizes for this game****************

6. Hot garter or hot bouquet? GARTER, OR BOUQUET **************Need 1 Prize************

~~~~~~~~~FAVORS (I'LL BE PURCHASING BOXES AND CANDY FOR 13~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please let me know if you have further questions.

It's been an absolute pleasure, I look forward to seeing you at the event!

Thanks

Jay

-- 

TIMELESS CREATIONS By JAY
"A distinctive touch to any event"

Jay Worley
Event Consulting & Decor
Cary, NC
M: 919-548-3109
E:   timelesscreationsbyjay@gmail.com
W:  https://sites.google.com/site/timelesscreationsbyjay/

B:   http://timelesscreationsbyjay.blogspot.com/
**Every event is special, I make yours spectacular!**

VenUE CONsult....

Greetings,

I feel like almost a million things have come and gone and I’ve not had the time to update you…

On October 13th I received a couple of phone calls…I would call back but it didn’t take long before it became a heated game of phone tag! Then… low and behold I got this “While we are playing phone tag, you can’t be working for me. I was calling to ask prices for your assistance in planning a wedding in NC while I’m in DC. Think about it and give me a call back”. Overjoyed I replied to the text on Saturday and excitedly gave myself a tight deadline of Monday for the information requested. I remember thinking, I’ve been praying for more clientele…when I had the conference call with the bride she said, “it was nothing but God that put you on my heart because I totally forgot you did this.” <- Look at God! She ran across my blog (hopefully saved in her favorites) and remembered earlier conversations that lead her to contacting me.

I must say this is a truly humble bride that is super duper appreciative and just overly generous. With a $30,000+ budget, I’m excited to work closely with her. A formal contract has not been signed…as I’m only consulting on the venue but from the sound of things, her problems were all minimum and although she believes she’s stressed…she’s got it more than under control. I suggested we meet at Cracker Barrel early Saturday morning to discuss the basics and get reacquainted…it was down the street from the 1^st venue appointment. To my surprise, not only did the lovely bride and groom waltz through the door, but the Mother of the bride and the Aunt of the bride as well. We ate, laughed and of course cut up. I enjoyed them so! I was called Romney by the groom because I play both sides (I almost took offense lol)…and I somehow changed the career aspirations of the Auntie (who discussed joining my profession after she retired) because I was way too nice as a planner. I got along with everyone and I think by the end of the day, they had full confidence in me!

9:00am Crackle Barrel 

10:30am It was time to hit up the Hilton! Antwaine was amazing! Apparently this Hilton plays host to Duke’s football team soo we were in between a bunch of screaming coaches. Although I’ve not tasted the food, the food was the best “bang for your buck” that I’ve seen in a long time. They were offering a 3 meat option entrée for a steal. The hotel has been renovated and the parking was plentiful on site. Their packages include limited color linens, up lighting or an ice sculpture. If you like hotels….oh and Durham…and Hilton properties…this is definitely a place to look into. I found out we rent from the same linen company…look at me all big time and stuff! Lol   

12:00pm We had a soft drop in on one of my most favorite campuses…UNC-CH…at a bakery named Sugarland. We weren’t there long, but one of the employees had amazing cakes on her ipad that she invited us to view! We all sat at a table and ooohed and awwwed. Unfortunately the bride didn’t see anything worth taste testing so who knows if that’ll be the spot for her cake. The budget that was thrown around was $1000 for the cake! I was super excited about the gelato...it looked so freaking yummy.

1:00pm…CAROLINA INN. I opened my big mouth and said “Carolina Inn is up the street, like a block!” These people decided to walk...yeah I didn’t mean it was THAT close, but we walked! Yeah so the bride and I both attended NC State...where I’m a Carolina fan, ahhh she is not, so I was so surprised she agreed to view The Carolina Inn. Surprisingly, we weren’t treated like we had enough money and the family was getting upset by the minute. I tried to calm them down and assure them it wasn’t racism…but it was kind of hard to prove my point. Our appointment began 20 minutes late AND with a fill in! The event coordinator on site scheduled the appt although she needed to be at a wedding…right!!!! How freaking RUDE! Furthermore, how do you overbook yourself? If you know you got a wedding, wouldn't you book your tour earlier or later? <---That’s the one thing the family repeatedly asked me! The pictures of the venue look amazing online…when we toured the space, nobody was feeling dropping $20k there...so yeah we respectfully left after viewing the spaces.

I had a soft drop in at the Park Alumni center at NC State but that didn’t go over so well since Park Alumni had an event and we were in Chapel Hill still. Somebody (bless his soul) was going to let me in (against protocol) just to give my own tour to the couple, but I couldn’t get there in time. They don’t allow weekend appointments. I think the couple would have loved it….they just couldn’t see it sadly.

2:30pm or so…we were in Raleigh doing a soft drop in at the Renaissance North Hills. Everyone LOVED the space. Although there was no staff to speak directly to, I had already sent the couple a packet and they loved the pricing. This is the 2^nd runner up I do believe. I moonlighted as a tour guide…pointing out all the pros…it went very very well! BUT the groom pointed out a huge con...it's hard to park at North Hills and he hated the focal view of the space was a parking structure. I can totally understand that but that's what you get in the city...doesn't take away from the gloriousness (just made that up) that is the venue though...right?

Although a little early for our 4:00pm…we arrived at Hilton Midtown. LOL They hated everything about it. They hated the ambiance…the foyer area…the otherwise un-renovated space. Of course the staff was nice (the manager because the event person doesn’t work on the weekends) but they happened to be having a Veterans social or something…Veterans of all ages were just gawking at us and following us around. One man even told us they had rented all of this, and that it was top secret…okay sir…as you see we are with the manager and he’s not going to intrude…he’s looking for an unoccupied ball room space to show us for a brief moment. Had he not been a veteran, I might would have asked him to have several seats because he was doing way too much!

Sadly…after this appointment, I had to leave because I had another event! I suggested they dine at Bahama Breeze for dinner as it was adjacent to Hilton Midtown, and I gave them all of my favorite dishes as only a foodie can! As if that wasn't enough, I suggested they then go to the State Fair since the bride hadn't been since undergrad and the groom had never had the experience! I'd set up one more appointment for the family down town at a historic church and reception venue. This was my first choice for the couple because she loved downtown and was interested in a trolley service. After 8 emails I had it set up for both venues…annnnddd after suggesting the family dine at Bahama Breeze…I received a text that said they were no longer interested in the downtown idea because of the expenses. I guess they must have discussed it in more detail over dinner and decided not to waste their time. It pained me to email and cancel after I’d went through so much to organize it! lol

She paid me in cash…with a $10 tip! I told her a check would be fine or send it to me when she got back home…wait for me to write a receipt….none of that worked. She went to an ATM, gave me cash, and told me she was not pressed about anything and wanted me to know I was appreciated. God bless her soul! Lol

THENNNN I got sick…ended up in the hospital…and I’m still recuperating. MY LIFE! This pic is probably TMI lol oh well y'all family! 

Well hoping all is well with you all...I'll be posting Bermuda Pics, Engagement Party Pics, and Homecoming pics soon....

Love, Me

Happy Birthday Unc!

Two days after I returned from my Bermuda trip (pics to come, forgive me)….it was time for my Uncle’s birthday dinner. We were first going to get a really juicy steak but then ended up going to Red Lobster for their endless Shrimp. I of course wasn’t very excited about this endless shrimp or any seafood for that matter…but I was excited for those cheddar bay biscuits. Yes GAWD I was! I love Red Lobster and when I say that people always snap back, “but you don’t like seafood” and I snap back…”but those BISCUITS though…” How do they pack ALL that goodness into a small piece of bread? They get it right every time…think about it… have you EVER in your history of dining at Red Lobster had a bad biscuit? NOPE! Well they kept them coming…long story short, I got full and ended up taking 2/3 of my Cajun chicken alfredo home!

You know…family is really important to me and I wish I had more of it….now that is a tricky statement because I’m glad I’m a semi-only child. It’s semi because I have half siblings and step siblings but I am the only one birthed from my mother and I have always lived alone. Through the ups and the downs it’s just nice to have the support of your family. I do wonder if I’ll ever get my wish of a very very close knit family though because I don’t want kids…but I’m prayerful that perhaps my husband’s family will be HUGE and will welcome me in as one of their own! I have a friend where God has revealed to her who her husband is (lucky right???) but she’s praying that my Mother and Father in law are ready to take in all this love I have to give!!! God has been faithful to me in that way already in a lot of ways; I have several adopted families that offer limitless motherly love and good fatherly advice…families that just get together and hang out! I appreciate that!

When I remember my childhood, overall and once I overlook the negative stuff…I remember it fondly! Because I was the ONLY child for a while…that meant I got all the love from everybody. No I’m not spoiled I’m just loving lol. But all of my older cousins would allow me to spend the weekends with them…and their boyfriends/husbands and all before any of them had kids!!! My uncle and aunt treated me as their own….possibly because they had no grandkids to spoil yet. I was ALWAYS with them, so much so that some people were truly confused at just who’s child I was. I still have people calling me cousin…that honestly aren’t any kin to me! BUT then again I call people Aunt and cousin that aren’t any blood relations to me either soooo lol! I truly admire my uncle, after 4 girls, he was still truly influential in my life! I would stay with just him a lot…I would help in the garden and hand him nails when building additions to his home! As I’ve gotten older we’ve shared mix drink recipes and he’s helped me in my townhome both through his knowledgeable advice and physical labor. It’s all coming full circle…he’s an older man but he’s still moving and shaking. I’m always surprised when his kids say his age out loud, he doesn’t look it AT ALL. My all time favorite quote is when I use to ask him why he didn’t hear me knocking or ringing the door bell…he would say “I was getting my shit, shave, and bathe”. HAHAHA and he happens to use the most old timey, mint green, boiled egg smelling shaving crème…and along with his perfect symmetrical jet black afro…I love him a lot-He’s just classic…he’s HOME for me! He’s a pretty awesome person and I was delighted to share in his dinner celebration. Check the pics of the family below…everyone is so pretty right? Lol

PS I didn’t plan this event…lol but I did get there a little before 5pm to put us on the reservation list….only that didn’t even matter, we still didn’t eat til something to 8. SMH!