Bling Me

I was working on an inspiration board and I came across these beauties on Eluxury.com. If you know me, then you know I'm a sucker for:

1. designer


2. sparkly

Incorporate these Giuseppe Zanotti stunners into your wedding wardrobe. So what if you and your honey are ocean lovers or you like to take fishing trips together or, maybe one of you is a paleoanthropologist (hey--it could happen!). You could incorporate the fishbone into your stationery, favors, place cards and everything else, right on down to your toes--for a mere $850.

Any takers?

Photo credits: Eluxury.com

Centennial Reflections

I posted earlier about Centennial Reflections, the Founder's Day Celebration of my beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Mu Omega Chapter. It turned out to be a beautiful, beautiful event that exceeded our expectations. With 400 seats sold to the public, we spent the afternoon reflecting on the past, present and future of our 100-year-old organization, the FIRST sorority founded by African-American women to reach its 100-year milestone. So what was K Sherrie+Company doing? We were in charge of decor and event set-up, of course. I lovingly give of my services to the chapter as one facet of my philanthropy vehicle. Obviously, the services are gratis, as many of the fundraisers and events of AMO are for scholarships and platform programs. But doing these events also keeps my creativity flowing. We are not working with unlimited budgets, so we have to use unlimited imagination to create a look without the cost. I had fun at this luncheon: using Centennial Reflections as the theme, the team wanted decor and centerpieces that reflected light. I built a crystal tree that was the focal point of the room. They really are more simple to make than one would think. I also had fun using Crystal Accents Deco Cubes. That stuff is FUN! You just add water and watch the cubes grow!! Then you end up with glorious, icy, blingy-looking filler material to fill containers with. It was great. . .

So here are the best pictures I could take with my little Kodak V550. The pictures really do not do the crystal tree justice--it was stunning! I can't wait to see the professional shots.

Here is a little snippet of the press release sent out about the event:

Alpha Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, founded in 1929, has a rich heritage of women making a difference in the Indianapolis community. For 79 years, they have evidenced their passion to serve through many signature programs/events of the chapter which include: The Debutante Cotillion, Health and Economic “Smart Fair,” Live from the Pink Carpet Luncheon, AKA Day at the State Capitol and This Little Light of Mine. In observance of this 100 year anniversary, Alpha Mu Omega Chapter will kick off this year of memorable services and charitable events with a Founder’s Day Celebration open to the public. Centennial Reflections: Reflecting on the Past, Focused on the Future, will take place Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Ritz Charles Banquet Center in Carmel. An AKA Gallery will open at 11am to showcase their history, followed by a celebration luncheon and program at 12pm.

So what else will K Sherrie+Co. be working on??? Stay tuned to this blog and you will see the future events showcased.

Cheap Chic

Due to funerals and high school Valentine's Days, carnations and baby's breath get a bad rap as wedding flowers. As a matter of fact, baby's breath was a point of contention during a recent forum conversation between iWed wedding planners. Even I threw in my two cents, against baby's breath [and carnations].
However, I was perusing the Real Simple Celebrations website and I found some pics: supermarket flowers made fancy for wedding celebrations. And I really kind of liked the baby's breath! The carnation bouquet didn't look too shabby either. I think it would take a funky bride and a reception with a hipster vibe to pull it off, but I may be converted. . .I will no longer automatically dog these two humble members of the flower family.

What do you think about these supermarket chic flowers? Do you think you could pull it off? Would you even consider it??

Photo credits: Real Simple, Martha Stewart

Why You May Want a Coordinator at Your Event

I was researching a venue on the internet and on their website they had a link that read NOTICE TO BRIDES. I clicked the link and this is what it said:

Why you may want a coordinator for your event
Time and time again we see the bride or mother coordinating the rehearsal and day of timeline. Many times there are so many items unintentionally omitted from the
day of timeline. Some close friends may be assigned the role of guest and business associate. Over and over we see the friend gravitating to friend and guest, leaving the coordinator role behind. The result, ceremony begins late and dinner begins much later. we have even seen the cake not being cut until 11pm. The timeline is
abolished.
Professional coordinators range in price from as little as $1,500 up to and maybe beyond $5,000. If your budget permits, we highly recommend hiring a professional so you are left to enjoy your greatest day.

This is straight from the horse's mouth--the owner of a ceremony/reception venue (and a very nice one at that!) Visit Mavris Arts and Events Center to check out the venue. Do you really want to chance it on your day?

Why Don't You. . .Propose to Your Man??

This week will give us an extra day in February. Yup—2008 is a Leap Year. As legend has it, February 29th is the only acceptable day that women can pop to question to men.

It is thought that this tradition came out of 5th century Ireland because of a complaining St. Bridget. Her complaint?? Women had to wait too long for a man to propose to them in the more strict days of courtship. St. Patrick’s compromise to her was to allow these earnest women to propose on this one day in February that only came around every four years.

Today, women propose to their men all the time and no one bats nary an eye at the thought of it (well--no one except MY grandmother). But wouldn’t it be fun to follow a legend! If you already know that he’s the one, or at least the prototype, ask him to be yours forever on this Friday. Now what kind of engagement rock will you give him??

Groom's Room

Early on this month, I read an article about Brides.com debuting the "first-ever Groom’s Room” during their Valentine’s Day Wedding atop the Empire State Building. I thought it was such a novel concept, that I wrote it down on my to-blog list. Then, late last week, a planner colleague detailed her dealings with a groom who felt that he was being left out of the wedding planning. He wanted to be a VERY integral part of the planning process, which I didn’t think was too much to ask, although it is usually not the norm. It also highlighted how the men are often overlooked when we get caught up in the glitz and glamour of weddings. I thought I should get right on the topic: Don’t let this happen to your groom! Pamper him and treat him like the special man he is: give him his very own Groom’s Room on the day of your wedding.

Although everyone knows about the bridal suites before the ceremony, there was very little information to be found on “constructing” a Groom’s Room, as it is such an innovative idea. So, let me tell you what I think a Groom’s Room should be. There are three components to keep in mind when getting your Groom’s Room ready: primping, food and relaxation. Contrary to popular belief, women aren’t the only species who loves these things.

Primping—The main reason of a Groom’s Room is to provide a space for the groom and his boys to get dressed and ready for the wedding. Many times, I’ve seen the men get ready at home or in the coat closet at the ceremony site while the bride and her girls get a full suite with all the fixings. Give your man a suite, too! If you’re worried about seeing each other before the ceremony, you can be on different floors of the same hotel or a different hotel altogether. If the bridal suite is at the ceremony venue, be sure to ask for a room for the groom when booking the site. Bring in professionals to give mini-facials, manicures (otherwise known as “hand detailing”) or shoulder massages before the ceremony, if there’s enough time.

Food—You cannot have an adequate Groom’s Room without food and beverage. Make sure the room is well stocked with deli sandwiches, chips and pretzels, fresh fruit, cheeses and crackers, water, fresh juices and soda. I would also include beer and champagne in my Groom’s Room, but I would limit the amount of alcohol because you don’t want a bunch of drunken groomsmen on your hands. Alcohol does not apply if your Groom’s Room is inside of the church or synagogue! I bake white macadamia nut cookies for my honey all the time because he loves them and I love to make him smile. I would include fresh baked goods (fiancée-made is even better) or his favorite foods in the room as well.

Relaxation—What’s relaxation for us ladies is not the same for what’s relaxing for the fellas. Number One: make sure there is a large and late-model television in the Groom’s Room—the larger the better. You should provide a well stocked DVD collection. Great titles would include ESPN Classic DVDs, American Idol—The Worst of Seasons 1-4 and anything with Vince Vaughn in it (yes, including Wedding Crashers). Program a mix of his favorite songs onto an iPod and leave it in the room hooked up to some iHome speakers. You might also consider having a Wii in the room, but that may be too much fun and it may put them behind schedule.
A note to wedding planners: while we are always with the bride in her suite before the ceremony, we should be sure to provide the same attention and coverage to the groom in his Groom’s Room by providing an assistant to help them get ready and stay on track.

What amenities have I overlooked that you would include in your Groom’s Room? I’d love to know what you think about this great idea.

Exhale

I am resting right now. Centennial Reflections is over and mission accomplished! I will post more about this philanthropic event (in that K Sherrie & Company donates their time and expertise) at a later time. I just wanted to share my joy about its completion.

Purple Reign

On this frosty, icy day here in Indiana, let this board inspire your spring or autumn wedding. We already know that purple is going to be hot, hot, hot this year--any bright and amazing color will be, as a matter of fact. I constructed this inspiration board some time ago when I was surfing the Nordstrom website and their ode to Fashion Week. If you haven't watched their Town Car Chronicles--log on now! The center dress inspired me to go purple. It's a handmade, couture gown by Rodarte. And, what's more? GIRL POWER: Rodarte is the baby of two young American women, Laura and Kate, who are taking the fashion world by storm with their creativity and design. The amethyst gown was a representation of Peter Som's takeover as creative director of Bill Blass. I must say, I was quite impressed with the Fall 2008 collection. Peter really made over the classic look and lines of the Bill Blass name and made it modern and 21st century. He should surely gain some new clientele with this young and fresh line. Must buy: wide-leg trousers.

But--I have digressed. . .

Let Purple reign at your wedding and let this board provide you with the inspiration.

Photo credits: Nordstrom

Celebrations On Sale!

At this point, most brides know that Ann Taylor carries a line of wedding and bridesmaids dresses dubbed the Celebrations line. What you may not know is, until Monday, June 30th, you can receive 15 percent off your Celebrations' purchase AND get free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Carried in sizes 00-18, you're sure to find something for everyone in your bridal party, especially if you're going for the sleek, classic look. While shopping, check out the Favorites on Sale page. They have some cute dresses there in sage green, black, navy and chocolate. Can you really get a black, strapless, satin dupioni gown for $59.44? And those cute sandals pictured here are $49.44. STEAL!! Even if you're not in a wedding, you may want to scoop one of these dresses for any formal occasion.

To get your discount, enter promotion code 80900020 during checkout at AnnTaylor.com. This offer can only be used once and free shipping does not apply in HI, AK or PR. Happy shopping! Tell them K Sherrie and Company sent you!

Crown Royal On Ice

Cosmopolitans are soooooo 2000.
As promised, here’s my take on the next best thing in wedding receptions: Bourbon Bars. You are free to do away with the appletinis and vodka spritzers and kick your reception into overdrive with an assortment of bourbon-based drinks.
If you’re like me, whiskeys are not necessarily my forte. What exactly is bourbon? What interesting things can you do with it?? Bourbon is a whiskey known throughout the world to be an American liquor. Today, regulations require that bourbon be distilled from a sour mash containing 51 percent corn and be aged in charred oak barrels for at least two years. This lends the distinct smokiness and flavor that bourbon whiskey is well known for. Bourbon takes its name from a well-known county in Kentucky, but the region that we associate with bourbon whiskey was originally a part of Virginia and today consists of over 30 counties, each of which can legally produce this spirit. Popular bourbon brands include Jack Daniels Black Label, Crown Royal, Maker’s Mark and Walker’s Deluxe.

As it turns out, there are lots of drinks to be made with bourbon as the base ingredient.
You can introduce The 42nd Street, Billy the Kid, Lynchburg Lemonade, Four Fathoms, The Godfather, Mint Julep, Nikki Sixx and Crown Royal on Ice. Or you can create your own siggy and give it a cool name. Visit Drinkalizer.com for a list and recipes of numerous bourbon drinks.
If money is no object, then keep your bourbon bar open the entire night with an additional hosted full bar. To remain cutting edge and cut costs, have the bourbon bar open during cocktail hour only, during the after party or only with an additional soft bar (beer and wine). The perfect soundtrack for your cocktail hour? Jill Scott's "Crown Royal." Listen to it here. In addition, the warm flavors of bourbon are perfect for a winter wedding.

Will a bourbon bar take up residence at your reception? What additional drinks would you offer in your bourbon bar? Leave your comments here. We’d love to hear your ideas!

Traits of a Wedding Planner

Last night I spent an inordinate amount of time directly in front of my refrigerator. About thirty minutes to be exact. I was working on one of my pro-bono DIY projects (skee-wee, my sorors!) and it called for lots of filtered water. I’m a pretty clean and modern girl, so on my stainless steel refrigerator, I don’t have tons of magnets or pictures: only a stainless steel alphabet set from Pottery Barn and one zodiac magnet that I bought from Silver in the City. So. . .I’m staring at the refrigerator and read and re-read the zodiac magnet. This is how the zodiac magnet said about yours truly:
Idealistic
Easy-going
Affectionate
Expressive
Sincere
Stylish
Fair
Well-balanced
Good Mediator
Sociable
Romantic
Artistic
Creative
Diplomatic
Charming
Communicative
Absolutely fabulous!
I was like, Man! That person the magnet described is amazing! Then I thought a little further: aren’t these all the good traits of a wedding planner? Wouldn’t you want someone who embodied all of these traits to be on your side when you are planning the biggest party you’ll probably ever throw in your life? I think you could do much worse than to have an artistic, romantic, creative, stylish and sincere, good mediator negotiating on your behalf. Luckily, I really do happen to possess those traits and I can be hired to plan, design and execute the day of your dreams.

Can anyone guess what my zodiac sign is? Post your guesses in the comments section. Pssst: go to Ephemera Inc. if you need some help (or want to buy your own zodiac magnet).

Video Killed The Radio Star

“It was all a big blur!”
A. What Helio Castroneves said when he won Formula 1.
B. What a bride says when you ask her to describe her wedding day.
C. What you say when you watch wedding videos circa 1988.
If you answered B or C, then that’s five stars for you! Answer B is precisely why your day needs to be recorded for posterity and all mankind. You will vaguely remember all the sparkling, memorable and unique details. It’s not a hard sell to get brides to see the importance and value of a photographer. Many times, the photography budget will trump line items such as flowers and décor. We all know very well the virtues of capturing your wedding celebration on film. As a professional wedding planner, I’m here to tell you that videographer services are just as important. Long gone are the days of the shaky video filmed by your great-uncle Ray-Ray with the garbled music and words. Wedding videography has transformed into a true art form. Today, videographers are known as cinematographers and will condense your fourteen hour day into an impeccably edited fifty minute movie or even an artistic fifteen minute short. Video captures the feeling, sounds and words of the day. Your children’s children will be able to see and hear grandma giving you wise words as you’re getting dressed in your bridal room. You will be able to view the video months after the wedding and hear the emotion and love in the voice of your betrothed as he recites his vows. Photos alone cannot capture this.
When looking for a reputable videography company, view a collection of their work. Always observe the lighting of the video—it should not be too bright or too dim. Is the sound clear? Does the accompanying music complement the images on the video or does it compete? And by far, make sure your personalities mesh well. The videographer will be as close to you on your wedding day as the photographer, capturing all of your intimate moments. You should feel extremely comfortable with this person.

In my never-ending quest to find the best vendors Indy has to offer for K Sherrie clients, I was able to spend some time with Geoffrey Chandler of Geoffrey Chandler Videography at the Five Seasons. I was first impressed with the passion that he seems to possess for his craft. In describing that “one look, side smile or first glance” that he is always trying to capture in his videos, I could feel how into wedding videography Geoffrey was. And this is exactly the type of person that you want to capture one of the most important days of your life. I’ll let you eavesdrop a little on our conversation:

KSCo: How long have you been doing wedding videos?
GC: I was a wedding photographer for 20 years before I switched over to videography. I have been filming for 8 years. When I was a photographer, I would watch the videographers and their end product and I thought I had a better vision of what wedding video could be. And because we’re in the digital age, it made switching over that much easier, so I changed over.

KSCo: What makes your product unique?
GC: My videos capture the day and the history of those who were present that day. Would you rather show your children a picture of grandma or would you rather be able to let them hear and see grandma? My product is cinematic and I have been doing cinematic video since I’ve started in this business, although that’s the hot buzz word right now.

KSCo: What are the most important elements of a great wedding video?
GC: In each of my videos, I make sure I have three elements: something beautiful on the screen, meaningful music and narration. I also try to capture the atmosphere of the wedding, be it romantic, fun, whimsical, or sometimes, even tense.

KSCo: What type of packages do you offer?
GC: I only offer one package—and that’s the best package. I stay from start to finish to be sure that none of the important items are missed. Of course, we can customize our services to meet the needs of the client.

Please be sure to visit Geoff’s website for samples of his work. Did any of you out there skip the wedding video for your nuptials? Do you have any regrets? Please post your comments—we’d love to hear what you think!
Photo credits: Geoffrey Chandler Videography

The World Is Your Oyster

Oyster bars have become very popular so it is no surprise that this dining experience has been incorporated into wedding celebrations. Grilled oysters have been touted at the next big thing in weddings by the latest Brides magazine. I guess it doesn’t hurt that oysters have been long considered to be aphrodisiacs. As long as this isn’t the only food choice, you may consider incorporating this hot trend into your cocktail hour. Butler-passed upon entrance, this will make a great impression on your guests, especially the mollusk lovers.

In talking with your caterer about serving oysters, there are some things you should know: Oysters in the shell must be sold live by law. They should feel heavy and full of water. Live ones will be tightly clamped shut, or will clamp shut when tapped. Dead oysters will have loose shells, will not close when tapped and must be discarded along with those which have broken shells. The flavor is best when they are consumed within twenty-four hours of purchase. Below is a recipe to try, courtesy of Gold Band Oysters. It’s easy enough to try at home, so your professional caterer should have no problems.

3 dozen fresh oysters

1/2 cup minced onion

1-1/2 cup parmesan cheese

3 bacon slices - minced

1 clove garlic - minced

pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place opened fresh oysters onto rock salt or crumpled foil on baking dish. Sprinkle with onion, bacon, garlic, parmesan, butter, and pepper. Bake, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes or until edges of oysters begin to curl. Remove from oven, sprinkle with parmesan and serve immediately.

{FETE}ish: What a Feat!

This is a re-post from Always Fabulous Events (why re-invent the wheel?). Thanks, Randi<----and if you're looking for a planner in the Philadelphia area: she's your girl!

"Terrica Skaggs has outdone herself this time. I just happened to be chit chatting with a few wedding planner friends when one of them (sidebar: me! me! as in Katasha!) congratulates Terrica on her hot new ezine called {FETE} ish. You have to subscribe to see the full issue, but the cover alone makes you want to dive in.
The best part of this issue (IMHO) is the article entitled "Trends Your Wedding Planner Would Like to See JUST DIE!" OK OK... I'm a little biased because I, along with other fabulous wedding planners, had a hand in creating this list. I have to thank Terrica for giving us all credit for this great compilation."

Please check this news mag out. It is beyond impressive. Kudos to Terrica--I don't know how you do it all!

Organic Truffles

As I reported in an earlier post, organic truffles are next hot thing in weddings. Not only are they an excellent choice as far as favors go, because they’re edible, they fit perfectly into the “Go Green” movement of weddings. You can help save the planet and present a great favor in one fell swoop! One day in the future, I’ll share my take on weddings favors: what they should be and what they shouldn’t be, but right now—we’re talking about organic truffles, so. . .
The chocolate produced for these delectable delights are produced according to exacting standards: no additives, preservatives or artificial flavorings and the use of only organic ingredients. For any crops, this means no use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge, and that they are processed without radiation or food additives. All of this can be done and the organic truffles still taste amazing! There are so many wonderful flavor combinations to be had: vanilla bean caramel, dark chocolate, milk chocolate coffee, white chocolate, cognac rolled in powdered sugar, Earl Grey tea flavor!!
The following websites offer a great selection of organic truffles:

Bre’s Chocolates
Intemperantia
Diamond Organics

Does anyone already eat organic chocolate? How do you like the taste compared to “inorganic” chocolate? Would you incorporate this new, hot trend into your wedding??

Photo credits: Bre's Chocolates

Post Script: How funny is that Hormel Natural Meat commercial?? The people are being attacked by additives and preservatives! I just saw it for the first time today. How apropos for my post!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day from the folks at K Sherrie and Company!

Remember: Valentine's Day is not just for lovers, but for all those that you love.

So Next Year?

The latest edition of Brides magazine has declared the next hot things in receptions. The writers and editors predict you will be one step ahead and so NEXT year (as opposed to so LAST year), if you incorporate one of these elements into your celebration:
1. Bourbon bar
2. Grilled oysters
3. Organic truffles
4. Arrangement of flea market finds
5. Shoulder-massage station
I have made it my personal responsibility to educate the masses on these five trends in the next ten days. And, in an effort to be a well-rounded blogger, I suppose if I report what's reported as hot, I should report what is reported as not-so-hot. The don't-do-it-anymore list includes:
1. Apple martinis
2. Chicken satay
3. Jordan almonds
4. Grass flats centerpieces
5. Cigar lounges
I must say, in defense of jordan almonds, if you are truly trying to honor your Italian heritage, you may keep these on your list. Otherwise, banish these from your wedding planning portfolio.
There is a Friday night event that I am doing next week where we are incorporating chair massages. How cutting edge do I feel!! Of the hot list, what is your favorite? Would you include any of these in your wedding reception?

Jott.com

I have to thank the wonderful Liene from Blue Orchid Designs for this hook-up: Jott.com! It is absolutely fabulous! It's a free service that allows you to leave reminders to yourself or other people. You call a number, leave your message/reminder/task and it is emailed to you. Jott has become an indispensible tool. I have called in reminders to myself in the middle of the night. The toll-free number is programmed into my speed dial!
For you brides who insist on planning your wedding without the help of a professional planner, this may be something you may need to put on speed dial as well. There will be sooooo many tasks to keep up with! How do you Jott?

Something Borrowed

Brides can get their celebrity-fix on their own wedding day. Just as Nicole Kidman can borrow wonderful jewels and baubles from Fred Leighton for her walk down the red carpet, brides can borrow gorgeous gemstones for their walk down the aisle. Bag, Borrow or Steal is an online outlet that allows us regular gals to rent authentic, designer handbags and jewelry. If you have a membership, the rental fees are less, but you don't have to become member to rock their fabulous wares. And if you rent an item and love it to death, feel free to "steal" it. You can purchase any item on the website that you've "borrowed."

What's really neat about the website is the Match Maker feature. You can pick an occasion (Wedding!), pick a base color, pick your personal style type (classic, modern, edgy, vintage, elegant, etc.), as well as pick the materials, special features and how you intend to wear the accessories. The Match Maker makes recommendations based on all your preferences. Just picking wedding as the occasion gives you over 300 choices alone! The color ice blue is going to be hot this year. It was definitely hot on the fall runway and it will most likely translate over into the pretty colorscapes for weddings. Here are some pretty ice blue options from Bag, Borrow or Steal:

It's your special day and you have the right to accessorize and be beautiful beyond belief! Who cares if you have to return the jewelry a week later?? You can look stunning and not break the bank. Would you borrow high-end, designer jewelry for your wedding day?

Clear Cello Sleeves

I was at the Perfect Wedding Guild February Networking Luncheon this week (working my mojo) and I learned something new. Did you know that you can mail the clear cello sleeves in the US Mail?? These USPS-approved, acid-free envelopes can show off your beautifully custom-designed, couture invitation to anyone who handles it--not just the folks who get to open the invitations. You can put a sticky label on the outside or slide a piece of paper on the inside with the address information. Just make sure you use the self-adhesive stamps!

Icy Hot

I think I heard a while ago that silver was going to be hot this year in weddings. From wedding gowns to centerpieces to accents, silver may be your go-to color for 2008. Considering the fact that I love all things sparkly, this inspiration board was not hard for me to design. I really like the ice-in-the-trees picture. You can design some great centerpieces around this idea! Use it as a springboard to brainstorm your icy-hot, silver soiree.

What are some ways you plan to incorporate silver into your wedding?

Photo credits: Brides.com, BBJ Linens, Nordstrom, Tiffany, Ross-Simmons, Social Couture

I'm Crying a River.

Well--not actually, but I am a little sad. Essence.com announced that my pre-teen/teenage celebrity crush is getting married!! It was reported that D-Nice, nee Derrick Jones, is engaged to Malinda Williams. This brought back memories!! There was not a girl in my neighborhood that didn't claim D-Nice as her boyfriend.

In the late 80s, he was the epitome of fine. He was the original heart throb for little Black girls long before the Ushers, Chris Browns and Omarions. *Sigh* Oh well--they are a cute couple (but "compared to me, [she's] just crumbs on the table" JOKE/KIDDING!!). I wish them much happiness in their marriage. Does anyone know him or her personally?? Ask them if they want me to plan their wedding!! :-)

If you thought D-Nice was your man back in the day, leave a comment and add your name to the roll call.

Why Don't You. . .Skip the Monogram Cake Topper??

We know that monograms and logos are all the rage for theme weddings. I like monograms, I really do. . .but I also like that custom logos are creeping up on them and taking over in popularity.
So, for the sake of being a little different and ultra-fab at your wedding, why don't you skip the monogram cake topper and go for some cake jewelry that's a little more avant-garde.

I love crystals and sparkle and bling, but I believe you can have it on your cake and it not be in the shape of a K or a W.

I found some pretty cake jewelry at Favor Ideas. They have a large selection that can fit into almost any atmosphere of wedding.

One of my fave sites is Couture Cake Jewelry. The crystal bands are stunning, if not a little on the expensive side.
One of my absolutely favorite wedding cakes is a cake made here in Indy by Classic Cakes. When it was showcased at a November wedding that I worked, I fell in love! It was so sparkly and crystal-y and beautiful that it didn't need any additional adornment on the cake or the cake table. When the uplighting changed colors, the color of the cake also changed. Simply marvelous! It was delicious to eat but far too gorgeous to even want to cut! Pictured below is a smaller version.

Dare to be a little different and dare to make your wedding your own. What kind of cake jewelry or embellishments will you have on your wedding cake? Drop me a line!
Photos courtesy of Favor Ideas, Classic Cakes and Couture Cake Jewelry

The Fashionista Experience

I am truly excited about my upcoming event on Saturday, March 8th. I, of Gucci and Louis Vuitton purse Hall Of Fame have merged my two favorite pastimes into one fabulous event: The Fashionista Experience! A select group of comrades will get to sit in the Conrad Hotel (!!!) and enjoy a personal showing of the Fall 2008 fashions by a stylist representing Nordstrom, all while sipping "siggys" and eating fabulous appetizers. An intimate, exquisite party and you can shop? AND you get to take home a bag chock-full of goodies?? SWOON! I have been planning this for a while now, but what I think has really gotten me excited is the finalization of the menu. The Conrad got it dead on the second time around.
Here was the first stab:
Smoked Salmon, Cucumber Salad, Crema, Osettra Caviar,
Caper Berry and Cracked Black Pepper

Roast Turkey Breast, Cranberry Orange Compote,
Fresh Baked Cornbread Madeline

Whole Milk Mozzarella Marbled with Proscuitto, Red and Yellow Teardrop Tomatoes, Twenty Five Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Fennel Pollen Seared Filet, Artichoke, Roasted Pepper,
and White Truffle Oil

Served with Water Crackers, Lavash, and Sliced Baguettes

Ummmm. . .no. While it sounds all nice and fancy, it didn't mesh well with the atmosphere I was trying to create. We're young, hip fashionistas, not blue-haired, high-society old ladies!

The Conrad's second try:
Butler Passed Upon Arrival
Coconut Shrimp and Glass of Raspberry Iced Tea Sweetened

Soup
Tomato Basil Bisque served with a Mini Grilled Cheese Crouton

Meal Service
Tomato Olive Oil Bruschetta
Mini Crabcake with Papaya Aioli
Crisp Wonton with Chinese Style Chicken Salad
Beef Skewer with Teriyaki Glaze

Drink Service
"The Fashionista" Flirtini

Sweets
Chocolate Mousse Cake served with a Brandy Snap Basket

Thank you, Monica! Delish!! I am a living witness: you can have the best venue in the world with the most expensive decor and centerpieces, but if the food and drink does not hit the spot, your party will be a dud, at best. I'm even thinking of getting cupcakes made by Heavenly Sweets as take-home favors for my guests. . .because their buttercream icing is so yummy. . .and I want some!
I'm thinking of my centerpieces for the tables and I have a very nifty idea floating around in my head. As soon as I see if I can procure all the needed pieces, I will definitely share it here first.

I am supposed to submit to the stylist what designers, make-up collections or accessories we want to see. What, Dear Reader, would you suggest? Please post your suggestions here and I'll try my best to come up with a winning combination. I can't wait to tell you more about "The Fashionista Experience!"

Extra! Extra! Bridal Show Coming Up!

On Sunday, February 17, 2008, Perfect Wedding Guide will sponsor their second bridal show of the year. Valle Vista Golf Club in Greenwood will be the venue for the show, which will feature thousands of dollar in wedding door prizes and a strolling fashion show. Everything you need to plan your wedding will be under one roof, except me! Look for K Sherrie and Company Wedding and Event Design at the next PWG bridal show at the Scottish Rite Cathedral! In the meantime, we can ALWAYS be contacted for a free, initial consultation by visiting our website, sending us an email at info@ksherrieandcompany.com or by calling us at 317-222-6255.

The cost for this bridal show is $10 per person at the door, but you, dear blog reader, are in luck! KSCo has a limited number of free tickets to give away! If you want to be the recipient of these free tickets, shoot us an email. Be sure to include:
Name
Fiance(e)'s name
Mailing Address
Telephone number
Email Address
Wedding Date

We will give away free tickets while supplies last. Sorry, but only two tickets per entry. We will be looking out for those emails!

Couture Valentino

After 45 years of inventing and evolving haute couture, uber-designer Valentino has chunked the deuces (=said goodbye!) to the fashion world. Fortunately, he has left us with some stunning material from his 2008 Spring line. These pieces could easily cross over into the wedding sector--especially for the young, hip, ultra-modern, ultra-haute, daring bride.

Your dress will certainly be the talk of the wedding for months to come! There are even a few pieces that could suit the bride on her second run down the aisle (minus that gargantuan hat, of course).


If you dare to wear these gowns during your nuptials, please, please, please do not sign up for a Trash The Dress session! Vintage Valentino will always be hot and you'll be holding on to an exquisite piece of history.

Who are your favorite designers, wedding or ortherwise? Let me know and I will pick one or two or four to blog about in the future.

P.S. Love, love love that overcoat in the BUTTERCUP color! If you will remember my mention of that hot color for 2008 in earlier posts. . . :-)

All photos courtesy of FabSugar.com

MLK and Hip-Hop?

Support the arts and Black History Month in one sitting. Asante Children's Theatre presents "MLK in a Hip Hop World" during the Meet the Artists Gala Celebration at the Marion County Cental Library. Through funky-fresh beats and lyrics, "MLK in