Socially Smart and Savvy

Thirsty Thursday - The Shamrocker

2012-03-15T12:36:00.001-05:00

Saturday is St. Patrick’s day, so why don’t we go for a green drink? Let’s try ...

The Shamrocker

Recipe/Image Compliments of http://cocktails.about.com

The Shamrocker is a simple cocktail and features Hornitos™ Plata Tequila and DeKuyper® Melon Liqueur. This drink happens to show that sometimes the best things in life have the easiest formulas. Not only is it a beautiful green color, it also has a delicious fruity taste which is a combination of melon and orange. If the DeKuyper® liqueur isn't in your liquor cabinet, any melon liqueur will do. Midori is probably the best-known and will help turn this cocktail into something even more high scale. Either way, this is a nice option for a tequila cocktail to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients:

1 part Hornitos™ Plata Tequila
1 part DeKuyper® Melon Liqueur
1/2 part Triple Sec
Splash of Orange Juice

Preparation:

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake well and enjoy!

Love to Love!

Spring/Summer 2012 Make-up Trends - Eyes

2012-03-14T10:00:00.006-05:00

This year, these 8 different trends have been seen during the fashion shows in Milan, Paris, London and New York!

The Big Blue
The big news of spring, it is the absence of pastels in favor of darker colors. The smoky metallic blue this winter does not go off, quite the contrary.

The Eye Jewelry
Still a tendency inherited from the winter!

The New Cat's Eye
The mascara has become a classic. The creators have found different ways to change anything.

The Eyeliner Color
The retro look goes slumming with new colors.

Heavy False Eyelashes
Eyelash curler and mascara do not suffice. This spring, the eyelashes are heavy "wings" over the eyes. Do not hesitate to work with two different lengths, long above the eye, shorter below.

Kohl Within the Eye
In contrast to these false eyelashes ultra-worked:

the unique feature of kohl in the lining of the eye, revival of the 1990s.

Super Smoky
The smoky gray, yet little summer, has been seen everywhere.

It Turns Orange
A brighter color, fitting to blush: the orange on the eyelids.

Photo's Courtesy of: http://www.lexpress.fr

Picture Tom Wabe

Happy Planning!

Finding Vision with Your Fiancé ... When You Can't Agree!

2012-03-12T12:35:00.000-05:00

If you're recently engaged, planning your wedding can be exciting and frightening at the same time. All of the thoughts of what to start doing takes over and in an instant "POOF" you're overwhelmed. You start to thinking about how to tie your vision together with your soon-to-be hubby and find out that the two of you may not be on the same page. Immediately, the disconnect of what you would like for your special day and what your fiancé wants is no longer in sync. Here is a tip to help you!

Make a date with your fiancé to spend a relaxing evening at home. Pick a nice comfy room where he can think freely, give him a coffee (or even a beer!) and ask him to write down 20 qualities that he would like for the wedding (i.e., romantic, luxurious, avant-garde, casual, cool, small, stylish, exuberant, impromptu, formal). You do the same, but in another room; making sure that the two of you DO NOT share your list until they are done. You can even take a few days to think about it. But once it’s done for both of you, combine your lists together. You'll find that you have some qualities that align and those are the ones you start to build on. However, if you don’t have enough in common, which could potentially happen, talk about the ones that are important to you/him and try to come out with at least five but no more than eight.

It is the best way to avoid problems while you are planning your wedding!

Happy Planning!

Lovie's Letter Paper Co. - Sponsored Interview - corrected email address

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

When planning a wedding, the stationery is sometimes not thought of as being important. Having the right look for your invitations will actually set the tone for your entire event.

Sequena Luckett
Owner

How do you take your passion/creativity and incorporate it into your professional aesthetic when working?
I love creating new things as well as helping clients get exactly what they need when it comes to their weddings. You can say that I have a passion for all things beautiful in stationery and design.

When it comes to being inspired, where do you find your inspiration... your muse?
My inspiration comes from my clients. They always need something new that allows me to think outside of the box.

When working with brides, what excites you?
Seeing them happy with making one of the most important decisions in their wedding (next to the their dress of course)….their wedding invitations.

So... everyone says they differ from their competitors. How are you different?
Lovie’s Letter Paper Co. takes pride in the quality of service and its products. We make it a point to give the client what they need.

Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?
I love paper so much I collect stationery for later use. This is how I found my passion, one day I awakened to boxes of paper.

What’s a funny factoid about yourself?
The first thing I do every morning is turn on my computer to see what the buzz is about concerning my brides on Facebook & Twitter.

Save the Dates

Invitations

Reception Cards

To learn more about Lovie's Letter Paper Co. visit http://www.loviesletterpaperco.com/.

As Always,

Love to Love

P.S. Don't forget to register for your tickets for the Premier Launch Party!

We're Set to Re-launch On 10.11.11 with Luxe Premier Party

2011-09-29T11:50:00.000-05:00

We have two weeks before ‘Something New’ will be in the scenic, fall air! Pulling together this event has been in my life for the past 3 months but I'm so excited that the time is finally here. The night is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. at the exclusive Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village, IL on October 11, 201. Brides and guests will enjoy an evening where Old Hollywood meets Timeless Elegance and the great sounds of David Rothstein Music will create an atmosphere for this season’s must-see event.

The premier party will initiate fall’s arrival and the expansion of everything I have been working on to offer a more upscale focus. In addition to some exciting announcements that is happening with the company, one lucky bride will win a romantic getaway for two, which includes a four night, five day all-inclusive land package at a four-star hotel sponsored by Tan Travel and FunJet! “Julian on the Radio” of J & Julian in the morning on B96 will bring his charismatic charm to host the evening. Throughout the evening, fabulous prizes will be raffled off and upon departure, brides will receive Hollywood style “Swag Bags.” Brides will also enjoy an evening of couture fashion from Brides by Demetrios, Veiled by ChaCha, The Left Bank Bridal Finery and Kristi O’Sullivan Inc.

Anyone that knows me knows this... I love "Love" ~ simply said. And that is wha this evening is all about. I want to help brides capture that feeling of love as they "Experience" Sharon Ringiér Events.

I treat every event, every party, and every wedding as if it were my first…Planning weddings, special events, and social soiree’s is my passion. I’m humbled and so blessed to have found a career that allows me to bring a client’s vision to reality, creating their ‘happily-ever after’ right before their eyes.

This event will give brides and their guests an insight as to how Sharon Ringiér Events has grown over the summer and progressed for future possibilities. So I hope you join me as we Launch - Relaunch - and Celebrate!!!

Feel free to register for the event at http://www.sharonringier.com/htmlEvents.html or call my beautiful assistant, Sumar at 847.681.3934.

I look forward to meeting all of you in two weeks from today!

Love to Love!

A Smarter Way to Shop for Your Wedding Gown...

2011-09-27T13:45:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited for this weekend. The long anticipated Open House for Veiled by ChaCha begins October 1st.

Veiled by ChaCha

Open House

Veiled by ChaCha

524 Duane Street

Glen Ellyn, IL

Private Opening
Friends, Family & Wedding Professionals
Friday, September 30th
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Brides Only

Saturday, October 1st
By Appointment Only
630.790.1328

Antonietta Ciaccia (ChaCha) Cervantes opened Veiled by ChaCha in Glen Ellyn in September of this year. After working in corporate "what seems like forever," she decided to introduce a smarter way to shop for bridal gowns. Veiled by ChaCha specializes in Luxury Brands ~ new, once worn and sampled gowns at affordable pricees.

Veiled by ChaCha is known as the most exquisite and refined bridal veils on the market today. She has been designing veils and hair accessories since 1986. What I love most about working with Antonietta is that her veils are designed for the woman who is looking to have her own individual style captured and brought to life! Her veils are not only distinctive; they unique and elegant! Which... is why she's one of my favorite sponsors for my Premier Launch Party on 10.11.11!

Antonietta Cervantes
President & Designer

When it comes to being inspired, where here do you find your inspiration... your muse?

I've been designing and working in the bridal industry for 24 years. I love to make a brides dream come to reality by deigning a piece that is unique and fits her personality and life style. In the past years, I have worked for a corporate company with high retail ticket prices. Brides loved the quality of the gowns but couldn't always afford the designer brands. Veiled by ChaCha now offers New, Sampled and Once Worn Gowns at 30%-70% below retail prices along with the custom designed veils. I LOVE that the brides can wear the quality luxury brand names and be able to afford them! Everyone deserves to feel their best on the day of their wedding!

Where do you find your inspiration?

Nature mainly. I love flowers and love to create beautiful pieces.

What excites you about working with brides?

It's amazing to see a brides face when she feels beautiful and I was the creator! I want every bride to feel unique and as if she is my only client.

How do you differ from your competitors?

I design and construct all my veils in Glen Ellyn! As the bride selects her beautiful gown with me, the veil designing begins.

Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?

My passion and love for what I do grows stronger as time goes on. I love to service my brides with exceptional service... This is why decided to open my own salon in Glen Ellyn. It's difficult for me to tear myself away from my clients. I love to build personal relationships and continue the bond even after the wedding takes place.

What’s a funny factoid about yourself?

I like to make my veils bare foot... I know this is weird but I feel connected to the earth and it helps me create.

Don't forget to register for the Launch Party.

Click here if you haven't registered yet!

Well, I hope I see you in two weeks!

Til then,

Love to Love,

Precision Video - Sponsor Interview

2011-09-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

Today's sponsor spotlight is a videographer! Working with him is quite simple. There are, of course, some bells and whistles. But he offers so much more than that! Want to know more, come out and meet him October 11, 2011!

Terry Amanti
Owner

When it comes to being inspired, where here do you find your inspiration... your muse?
Watching television..... I am always trying to figure out how to implement advanced shooting and editing techniques to make my weddings look and feel different than those folks who are only in it for the money.

When working with brides, what excites you?
I like the challenge.... People expect me to create a movie when I have no control over the actors, the shooting locations, times, lighting, sound, etc.

So... everyone says they differ from their competitors. How are you different?
Most people in this business are "Weekend Warriors" and are mostly in it for the money.... If you're only in it for the money the brides will go away...... I actually enjoy working with people. I found out long ago that if you really care about that bride and take pride in your work brides will always find you.

Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?
I do this full time because I love what I do and it's true...... They say if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life. I am going on 32 years in the business. I just gave away my age!!!!

What’s a funny factoid about yourself?
I'm only as good as my last wedding!!!!

Love to love,

Andie Cumber, Makeup Artist - Sponsor Interview

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have to admit... when it comes to make up, I do okay. But about two years ago, I stumbled upon a really great makeup artist who was fabulous. I didn't realize how great she was until I was preparing for a photoshoot and no matter how much running around I did, I still looked amazing! So, today I want to pay tribute to the fabulous Andie Cumber.

How do you take your passion/creativity and incorporate it into your professional aesthetic when working?
I like taking a blank canvas to apply my makeup skills and then transform a bride to look her absolute best for the most important day of her life.

When it comes to being inspired, where do you find your inspiration... your muse? I look for inspiration in the brides theme, her dress, how she is wearing her hair, her flowers and the colors in the wedding.

When working with brides, what excites you? I love the variety of working with a different client for each wedding. Every client is unique and each one has a different perspective on how they want their makeup that day, so each look is customized just for her.

So... everyone says they are differ from their competitors. How are you different? I am one of a few makeup artist's who airbrushes and I specialize in all ethnicity's.

Is there anything else you want to tell us about yourself?
I have 25+ years experience in the business, I also pride myself in educating my brides with a few tips and tricks during their consultation.

Can you give me at least one funny factoid about yourself? I've been told often that I am like a zen makeup artist. I calm even the most nervous of brides while still making the experience a ton of fun.
To learn more about Andie Cumber, Makeup Artist please visit www.andiecumber.com.
As Always,

Love to love...

P.S. I hope you registered for our Premier Launch Party? If not, click here to register.

Belvedere Banquets - Featured Sponsor Interview

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Classic, Elegant, Timeless...

Come and experience what I love about this beautiful Venue.

Jodi Cirrincione
Event Sales Manager

When it comes to being inspired, where do you find your inspiration... your muse?
Smiles and happy clients. I love fullfilling their special event. I loving seeing the vision through to the end result and the impact it as on my clients in the end. It is so inspirational to be a part of thei special day in their lives.

When working with brides, what excites you?
Their passion for what they want and how they have always dreamed it to be.

So... everyone says they differ from their competitors. How are you different?
We offer customizable menus and inspirational surrounding. Our atmosphere can carry any design pallette a bride has in mind.

What’s a funny factoid about yourself?
I think Im the funniest person I know.

If you'd like to learn more about the Belvedere, visit them at http://belvederebanquets.com/.

As always,

Love to love

The Flower After - Sponsor Interview

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Want flowers that capture the mood and emotion of love... well look no further. I have had the luxury of working with The Flower After. Lorena can take any vision and create a masterpiece. In my interview with her, she speaks about her passion and inspiration. I hope you enjoy!

Lorena Carrales
Owner & Floral Designer

How do you take your passion/creativity and incorporate it into your professional aesthetic when working?
When I design, I give my utmost attention to the project at hand through intricate detailing and complete execution of the client's vision. It is through the execution of each design, that I display my passion in every piece that I create. I love creating with flowers and more so love the clients that I work with and this shows through with their satisfaction.

When it comes to being inspired, where do you find your inspiration... your muse?

It's difficult to explain, I have always had a niche in the creativity department that when it comes to floral design, I feel a deep passion for the beauty of flowers. It is through people, my passion for art and the beauty of flowers that I am inspired to design!

When working with brides, what excites you?

I love having the opportunity to sit down and come up with amazing designs through the bride's vision and ideas along with my creativity and coming up with something out of the ordinary for their wedding day. I especially love building a trusting bond with all of my bride's who give me the opportunity to make their day that much more special with designing their floral dream!

So... everyone says they differ from their competitors. How are you different?
Being in the floral industry, our "work" may consist of the same day to day working with flowers but it is the end result that makes The Flower After stand out from the competitors.

To learn more about The Flower After please visit www.theflowerafter.com.

As always... Love to Love,

P.S. Did you register for our Premier Launch Party? If not, click here to register.

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Love to love,

Labor of Love

2011-09-02T10:37:00.000-05:00

Over the years, I have used the expression Labor of Love quite loosely. Yes... planning a wedding or special event is quite laborious. But living with a true Laborer (yes my hubby works in the construction industry), I've learn the true meaning of "Labor" and am careful not to take it for granted. Most of his workdays begin at 5:00 a.m. and doesn't sometimes end until nightfall. And as he walks in the door extremely exhausted and covered in concrete, he can barely keep his eyes open long enough to eat.

That's the short version of what his life is like and he's been doing this for 25 years.

I bring this to your attention to just say, take a moment to appreciate the men and women who have built our country, building by building - highway by highway. Take into consideration that as inconvenient as it is to have to drive through construction sites, these men and women are dedicating their lives (sometimes literally) to make our living environment a much better place.

So hats off to the Laborers, Craftsmen and Trade Workers. Your efforts and "Labor of Love" are much appreciated!

Have a fabulous and safe Labor Day holiday weekend!

Dedicated to my hubby...
Daniel Ringier

As always,

Love to Love,

Guilty Pleasurez Cocktail Cupcakes - Sponsor Interview

2011-09-01T11:26:00.000-05:00

Bailey's & Cream

Bailey's Chocolate & Carmel

Vanilla Vodka

Hypnotize Me

Danny's Black & Tan

Banana Banshee

I bet you wouldn't be thinking pastries with a list like that! And... I'll share a little secret, I love Bailey's & Cream. Now... have this as a cupcake and you have divine heaven! Now that's what I call "Guilty Pleasures" or shall I say... Guilty Pleasurez Cocktail Cupcakes!

Well when I think of these cupcakes, I can't help but think of one word... delish!

While my interview with Tracey was brief, I think her cupcakes speak for themselves!

Tracey Glover
CEO

How do you take your passion/creativity and incorporate it into your professional aesthetic when working?
This is a passion of mine and its important that the cupcakes taste, smell and look amazing! I am all about the presentation because if it doesn't look good, no one is even going to try it.

When it comes to being inspired where do you find your inspiration... your muse?
Cocktails that sound amazing.

When working with brides, what excites you?
They are as passionate about their special day as I am about creating unique works of art.
So... every says that they differ from their competitors. How are you different?You can taste the alcohol and the flavors are amazing!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?I am very passionate about what I do.

Here's a short list of what you'll find at the Premier Launch Party

Bailey's & Cream

Banana Banshee

Vanilla Vodka

Danny's Black & Tan

Hypnotize Me

Bailey's Chocolate & Caramel

To learn more about Guilty Pleasurez Cocktail Cupcakes please visit http://www.guiltypleasurezcupcakes.com/.
As Always,

Love to love...

P.S. Did you register for our Premier Launch Party? If not, click here to register.

Sponsor Focus Coming September 1st

2011-08-30T22:06:00.000-05:00

Wow, where has the time gone... its been a while, but I've been working hard on the Premier Launch Party! Be it as it may, I'm so excited about all the fabulous sponsors that will be participating.

Beginning September 1st and throughout the month, I be making announcements, doing interviews and sharing how everything is progressing with the event. So, stay tuned to hear what's in store!

I look forward to seeing you soon!

And remember...!

Love to love,

Ideas for Wedding Party Gifts

2011-08-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

The big day is approaching and its time for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner which is traditionally paid for by the groom’s family. This would be a great time to thank and appreciate your bridal party for not only being in your wedding, but for being there when times were a little trying and stressful.

Bridesmaids
Typically, as a rule, jewelry is one of the safest gift ideas for the ladies in the bridal party. If they have pierced ears, you can give them earrings. If their ears aren’t pierced, you can give them necklaces. But, you can never go wrong with a trip to the spa or having their hair and makeup done for the wedding. If all else fails, the next best thing is to give them something that they can wear on the day of the wedding to go with their dresses.

sculpturedjewelry.com

designstoremember.com

image: Tiffany Kim Institute

Groomsmen & Ushers
The groomsmen are a little more difficult to choose an appropriate gift. If you can’t find something that will be appropriate for all of them, you can choose comparable but different gifts. However, cufflinks are great for the wedding day and they can have them for years to come. Otherwise, beer steins, shot glasses, and other similar items can be used, or something else that will reflect their individuality.

groomsmen.com

greatdealson.org

Whatever you decide to do to express your gratitude, just remember that these are your friends and family, and that you want them to know just how much they mean to you and that you have appreciated everything that they have done.

And keep in mind that the rehearsal dinner is a great time for the wedding party to come together and have a good time before the wedding. But most of all enjoy yourself and have a good time with everyone. You are celebrating the beginning of a new chapter in your life. And who better to celebrate that with than you special friends and loved ones.

Love to Love,

A Tribute to Old Hollywood

2011-07-28T14:04:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to have such wonderful wedding professionals that are as excited about the Premier Launch Party as I am. I'm drawing closer and closer to the date and finding it so hard to contain my excitement as I prepare for October 11th. Because I'm such a fan and lover of old movies, especially the "yukkie" black & white romance ones that my son's so love to tease me about, I dedicated the trailer for the launch to "Old Hollywood Beauties."

I think maybe I was born in the wrong era!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Love to Love,

Save Money on a Wedding Cake

2011-07-18T12:35:00.000-05:00

How do you make a statement with your wedding cake when you’re on a budget? Because the wedding cake can be one of the biggest focal points of a wedding reception, it can sometimes be a struggle to find the balance. Traditionally, the wedding cake is that towering, flowering, blinding beautiful wedding cake with the two people standing on top that the bride and groom cut and then feed to one another. However, trends dictate grandeur over size. And… what I mean by grandeur is color, unique and opulence. Television has helped to transcend the styles of wedding cake into 3-D cakes, cupcakes, petite/mini cakes.

Sarah's Candies & Pastries
Chicago, IL

So how do we incorporate all of this into a more budget conscience wedding cake? While traditional yellow and/or chocolate cakes are still popular, try something a little more unique. The flavors for cakes have grown tremendously and the variety can range from simple carrot cake to pear charlotte.

Tiered cupcake stands to create the illusion is a fabulous way to cut cost. You alleviate the cost of cake cutting and it allows you the ability to individualize each cupcake.

Sarah's Candies & Pastries
Chicago, IL

Opt to go with a smaller cake if you like 3-D or custom designed cakes or if you like the look of a large cake, substitute the bottom layers with decorated foam cakes and then have sheet cake to fed everyone else. This allows you to have the cake you want and actually can be quite affordable.

Sarah's Cakes & Pastries
Chicago, IL

It is customary to save the top layer for your first year anniversary. However, over the years, it has been said that they become freezer burned and not so tasty. Bakeries are now offering the alternative to get the anniversary cake freshly made on the first year anniversary.

Traditional cake toppers are great but why not be unique. Try having the pastry chef create a unique monogram and put on the side of the cake.

A wedding cake doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious, and you can find plenty of money saving ideas when looking for your wedding cake.

Love to Love,

Planning the Menu - What to choose...

2011-07-14T17:47:00.000-05:00

Besides how beautiful the bride and flowers are, the next most memorable thing people will remember is the food. Of course, the main focus and objective of the day is your wedding. However, keep in mind that you are spending a lot of money. Therefore, the cuisine should be delicious and filling. Here are some tips so that people enjoy your reception food.

Give them a choice -Even though people will sometimes forget what they pick, it’s good to offer your guests a choice on what they would like to eat for your wedding reception. Because people may sometimes have food allergies, they can choose what they would like to eat. Two choices is enough; however, I would recommend having a vegetarian dish as a third option.

Keep it simple -Fancy doesn’t dictate good. If the dish can’t be identified, the guests may be a little reluctant to eat it.

Light vs. Heavy -Food can actually dictate the overall outcome for the remainder of the night. Serving heavy foods can make your guests a little sluggish. Try to serve something that is light, yet filling. Fish is always a great choice.

Keep it clean -Everyone at your wedding reception is going to be in semi-formal to formal attire. Try to stay away from food that is very messy or could cause stains that will be hard to remove. Remember, you are going to be wearing a white dress. The last thing you will want is to have something spill on it that could potentially ruin it or be very noticeable.

Most of all, reflect back on wedding receptions you’ve attended and ask yourself, “what was it that you liked or disliked about the cuisine and why.” This could help you with the planning of your own wedding reception menu.

Love to Love,

When You Fail to Plan...

2011-07-07T12:25:00.000-05:00

Image © Disney

I truly believe, at least for most brides, that we are (including myself) programmed with the genetic DNA to start planning our weddings from birth. Then, with the help of society, they start to condition us as little girls with movies like Cinderella, Snow White and Little Mermaid to start wanting to be a princess. As young women, the box office works on us with movies like My Best Friends Wedding and The Wedding Planner. It’s no wonder we are so consumed with the perfect wedding knowing exactly what we want right down to the last detail.

However, after all the conditioning, television then concentrates on wedding shows like My Fair Wedding - wedding makeovers showing how brides planning their own weddings are so in need of help! And let’s not forget the wedding forums that are filled with brides who were disappointed with all of the things that went wrong on their wedding day.

A great Celebrity Planner, Diann Valentine said, “weddings reflect the greatest celebration in a woman’s life and we believe that on this day – a reflection of your own personal style is the only right choice.” That is the true essence of a wedding!

So many brides feel they can save money by planning their wedding themselves because there are plenty of magazines, books, DIY websites, Martha Stewart, Church Coordinators, Moms, Aunts, well meaning “know it all” married bridesmaids, etc. to help with the execution of the planning of your wedding. And this is possible to accomplish. The question is, at what cost? What happens in between the engagement and the wedding? Shouldn’t the beginning process of creating this momentous day be joyful? What causes the average bride to become overwhelmed, extremely stressed and even disappointed with the outcome of planning her own wedding? Brides tend to devalue the need to have a good plan or shall I say… Planner.

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." – Author Unknown

The expression, time is money is so pertinent when it comes to hiring a planner. It is reported that it takes about 400 hours, that’s ten 40 hour work weeks, to plan a wedding. Realistically, who has that kind of time? All too often, brides find themselves in over their heads so by the time the blessed day is here, they’re just happy to have gotten through it.

True story, the morning of the wedding, my celebrity bride decided to get ready at the hotel instead of the wedding site location. I was able to contact the photographer and have him come to her hotel room, get the shots and still make the ceremony without even a blink of an eye. Then, at the end of the night, one of the band members left his camera at the location. As well as, the bride and groom (and guests) had left for the evening. I was able to take everything that was left behind with me and connect with my newly married couple the following Wednesday to give them everything they left behind and then some!

Hiring a wedding planner is one of the best investments that can be made. Still not sure??? Why do you hire a professional photographer? Simply, you want professional pictures to cherish for a lifetime. Your cake is ordered from the best pastry shop in town. Why, because you want a cake that not only tastes great, but one that you will remember forever. Why not hire a wedding planner to ensure your wedding day is as elegant, well organized and executed with precision. When you consider hiring a wedding planner, you not only hire a professional; you hire an artist, a designer that can capture your vision, a personal assistant that can buffer the issues that arise, but most of all you gain a friend that wants your day to be as special as you are.

Love to Love,

5 Books You Need to Read

2011-07-05T12:38:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite field trips when I want to unwind is Borders. Besides the business section, my #1 area to visit are the wedding books. Well, on one of these visits, I met this cute newly engaged bride who was just beside herself because she didn't know what book wedding book to purchase. After a long conversation, I recommended a couple of books and she was off and running.

From inspiration and vision to how to's and know hows, the right resources when it comes to planning a wedding is a must. So, here are my 5 favorite and must haves every bride should read.

When it comes to vision, Mr. David Dutera is the best (at least in my eyes) His newest book, "My Fair Wedding: Finding Your Vision...Through His Revisions!" is a must have for every bride.

He shares more than just a quick look at some of the featured brides that have been on his show. From lessons learned to David's touch, this book offers advice and insights to help with planning your dream wedding!

Next... if ever the was a book to have in your library, this is it! "Weddings Valentine Style: Rich Inspiration for Every Woman's Dream Day" is a wonderful book of inspiration and color.

Reading this book for the first time 3 years ago was mind blowing. Diann Valentine; Wedding and Event Designer, Interior Designer, author of Weddings Valentine Style and WeTV Wedding Expert, takes every area of the wedding and shares her insights on thinking outside the box. If you're look for something that is more than extraordinary. This book is a great little treasure to add to your wedding collection.

Now for the planning side. It's hard to know where to begin but I have three books that are really a staple for planning any wedding. And of course, I'm back with David again! His book, "The Big White Book of Weddings: A How-to Guide for the Savvy Stylish Bride" is a must have.

I had the awesome pleasure of meeting David last year when he was promoting this book and the one thing he expressed was that brides need to the planning process starts with knowing that everything with your wedding should be an experience. This book helps you to achieve just that. He breaks down every aspect of the wedding but with a twist. Putting things into perspective is one of the hardest things to do with planning because so much is being thrown at you and not just at once, all the time! David breaks down the budget aspect of everything, helpful tips, etc. This handy dandy "tool" (yes, I call this book a tool) is the next best thing to french toast. I love David.

The next book is a wonderful workbook that is great to have! While its wonderful for the budget conscious bride, I believe every bride should have it. "WEDology Notebook: For the Budget-Chic Bride" by Desiree Moore Dent.

I can't say enough about how wonderful this notebook/workbook was designed. This book is a very sleek and easy to follow workbook/checklist helping brides keep everything together without the worry of having that over bearing, cumbersome binder! I love it!

And last but not least, I find that whether or not brides are having their wedding at a place of worship, they struggle with what the ceremony should look like. "Words for Your Wedding: The Wedding Service Book" has been a goldmine for me.

I have suggested this book to alot of brides who were confused with what their wedding service should like. It's very simple, and even if you're working with clergy, this helps you to understand what's going on and makes your conversation/consultation with your clergy go much smoother.

Well, there you have!

Til next time...

Love to love!

Sharon

Save the Date

2011-07-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

I’ve finally scheduled my Premier Launch Party and I’m so excited, I can’t stand it! It has been a long time coming and I can’t wait for it.

So, without further ado, welcome to Old Hollywood meets Timeless Elegance!

And the only way to find out more is to stay turned in to see how everything unfolds!

But, until next time... save October 11, 2011. I promise it will be worth the wait.

Love to love,

Sharon

Fun Summer Beverage Recipes for the 4th of July

2011-06-30T10:44:00.000-05:00

Wow... I can't believe it's 4th of July already!!!

While I love summer fun and barbeque's. I love entertaining even more. Here are two of my fun little recipe's out of William Sonoma's "Dinner Parties" cookbook. Just the right drinks for your holiday weekend!

For my non-alcoholic beverage drinkers, I love Mango-Guava Coolers.

Ice cubes
2 cups mango nectar
4 cups guava nectar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
2 cups sparkling water
8 strawberries, slit lengthwise nearly in half with stem end intact for garnish

While the recipe recommends "Select 8 tall glasses," depending on the presentation I would recommend a tall beer stein or champagne flute. Put a couple of ice cubes in each glass. Pour 1/4 cup of the mango nectar, 1/2 cup of the guava nectar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and about 1/2 cup of sparkling water into each glass and stir. Garnish with a starberry on the rim of each glass and serve at once.

For those that love a little kick (alcoholic), let's do Watermelon & Tequila Frescas

1 small seedless watermelon, about 2-1/2 lb, fresh removed from rind and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups crushed ice
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1-1/2 cups tequila
16 fresh mint leaves for garnish

For this one, select 8 tumblers or old-fashioned glasses. Set aside 8 watermelon cubes for garnish. In a blender, combine half each of the remaining watermelon, the ice, the lime juice and the tequila. Puree until smooth. Pour into 4 of the glasses. Repeat to make 4 more drinks. To garnish, sandwich a reserved watermelon cube between 2 mint leaves on a cocktail pick and balance it on the tim of each glass. Seve at once.

Recipes found in Williams-Sonoma ~ Dniner Parties, pg. 99

I hope you enjoy!

Welcome!

2011-06-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to be back. It has been a long year but I'm energized, inspired and motivated and can't wait to share all of that with you!

I'll be sharing whatever I find "tips, tricks and giggles" ~ including recipes for fun signature drinks that I find, fun DIY projects, food for thought and relational tidbits I've learned during my 25 years of marriage (something I wish I had during the process - lol).

Along with that, I'll also share what inspires or moves me and would love to hear what does it for you!

So, sit back relax and I hope you enjoy the ride and don't forget to subscribe!

Love to love!