Vera Wang Spring 2009

My plan was to do a post about different bodices on wedding gowns and I was going to feature Vera Wang gowns to showcase the bodices that I was writing about. However--that plan has been derailed (delayed) and I don't think I should keep her gorgeous gowns away from the adoring public. . .so here's a sample--they are simply stunning.What beautiful, bridal eye candy! Especially the one-shoulder gown and the two gowns with the crumb-catcher bodice. Visit her website for a full showing of her collections. Which is your favorite?
Photo Credit: Vera Wang

Paper Sale!

I love, love, love fine papers and the oft-not-done handwritten note. I'm the type that carries an embosser in my purse (along with my personalized note cards) because you never know when you'll have to send off a hand-written missive.

Imagine my delight when I found out that Horchow is having a PAPER SALE!! Until June 2, 2008, you can get 20% any online paper order. And they have so many styles to choose from: ultra traditional to casual and ethnic to fun and whimsical. Even the embossers, stampers and labels are on sale.

This sale is just in time for wedding season and graduations. If you don't order your thank you notes with your invitation suites, Horchow has an impressive collection that will fit any taste. Feast your eyes on these:I'm really digging the navy, skull-n-crossbones stationery with the red lining. It even comes with a pen that writes in silver ink! Be sure to include the code: PAPER when you place your online order.

How many of you love stationery as much as I do??
Photo Credit: Horchow

I've Been Thinking. . .

I've had an idea in my head for some time now and I figure I'd better get around to making it happen because it won't leave.

Ever since I dived into the wedding and event planning industry--and became a small business owner--I truly know that networking is KING. If you don't network, your business will die. Just like if you don't read, study and research consistently, your business will die. So-- most of my free time is spent meeting prospective clients and vendors for lunches, dinners and coffee, going to industry events and participating in a lot of networking groups. I'm loving the connections and new friends that I'm making.

However.

I can't get it out of my head that I should start a networking group of my own--one that caters to young women like me. I want to have fun and engaging networking events--not one where you just sip cocktails and pass business cards back and forth. I want the networking events of my new group to be a SOCIAL ACTIVITY--one that everyone puts on their calendar in pen, not pencil.

And I want an uber-fabulous and girly name for my group like Social Butterflies or E-Mavens (short for Entrepreneurial Mavens) or Femmes Fatales--something fun and quirky.

Who to ask to join my new group? Only wedding industry gals? Or any young, up-and-coming entrepreneur? Or any female entrepreneur because with age comes wisdom?? I don't know but now that I have put it out in the universe, I suppose that I have to do something about it. So look for your invitation to our inaugural event. To be continued. . .
Photo Credit: www.stuff.co.nz

Summerize Your Reception Playlist

Summerize your reception playlist if you’re having a summer wedding celebration. Done right, music will energize your celebration, heighten romance and inspire guests to get down on the dance floor. Keep your guests boogie-ing to the beat by playing the #1 hits of the past 16 summers. .

2007: “Umbrella,” Rihanna featuring Jay-Z

2006: “Me & U,” Cassie

2005: “We Belong Together,” Mariah Carey

2004: “The Reason,” Hoobastank

2003: “Crazy in Love,” Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z

2002: “Hot in Herre,” Nelly

2001: “Hanging by a Moment,” Lifehouse

2000: “Bent,” Matchbox Twenty

1999: “All Star,” Smash Mouth

1998: “Iris,”The Goo Goo Dolls

1997: “Semi-Charmed Life,” Third Eye Blind

1996: “You Learn,” Alanis Morissette

1995: “Water Runs Dry,” Boyz II Men

1994: “I Swear,” All-4-One

1993: “That’s the Way Love Goes,” Janet Jackson

1992: “Baby-Baby-Baby,” TLC

Are you surprised by some of the songs that made the list? Do you have a favorite on here?
Photo Credit: About.com

pingg!

I read about pingg several times before in the blogosphere and yesterday was the first time that I actually used it. Can I tell you: I am so over that other electronic invitation service. pingg claims to be the "ultimate in event management" and, by George, I think it's very close!

The invite designs are very clean, stylish and modern. What I also like about it is that you can upload your own designs, logos or graphics. This is awesome if you've already had a custom logo or monogram created for your event. With the pingg Designer Series, you can have access to original artwork to make your invites works of art! There is a choice of many exclusive (and complimentary) designs from up-and-coming talent as well as established artists. Additonally, for $10, you can search their extended gallery to find just the right image.

What I like best about pingg is the ease of use and the simplicity of the event management details. I was able to import my guest list from either email or that other electronic invitation service: easy-peasy! You can use the surroundSend(r) feature and send your pingg invite five different ways: email, SMS, print, personalized website or via social media, like Facebook. As an end-recipient, I love the simple yes/no/maybe buttons embedded directly in the email. No new screens to open and look at, if I don't want to. After the invitations are sent, you can manage the event from one place and even send THANK YOU NOTES after the event is over. Take a look at the RSVP management screen:



It's freakin' awesome! I HEART simple organization. Need a guest list at the door of your event? pingg can print and import confirmed attendees! And your guest list is updated each time a guest RSVPs, so you'll never leave anyone off the list.

So enough of me gushing about pingg-my new best friend in online invitation and event management. Go on over and check it out for yourself. And, although I'd hate for my bubble to be burst, I'd like to hear about ALL opinions of this service, if you've used it. Please feel free to share your pingg experiences.
Photo Credit: pingg


**Added bonus: for you eco-chic couples going green for your wedding, pingg is a great tree-saving (thus O2 producing) alternative to traditional invitations.

For the Wedding Reception of My Dreams

The Bourgie Table Lamp by Ferruccio Laviani is a juxtaposition in style: classic, rich and traditional and simultaneously modern, transparent and innovative. Made completely of clear or batch-dyed polycarbonate, this table lamp would be a show stopper if included in your tablescapes. The baroque lamp can be assembled at three different heights to adjust to the scale of your venue. The high quality of the polycarbonate makes it look like a semi-precious, crystal lamp. And the intricacy of the lamp shade is designed to play up light and reflection--who would be able to take their eyes off?

I'm imagining these lamps being used in an intimate reception for 50 guests, all seated at long banquet tables with lush, black, pintucked linens and loads and loads of pillar candles. I can smell the fresh, cream hydrangea blooms that are artfully arranged in low, square, crystal vases and placed strategically amongst the pillars. The mirrored chargers would host the exquisitely designed cream-and-black, letterpressed menu cards. The only thing that could finish this look would be Louis Ghost chairs.

And these lamps are yours to be had at the low, low price of $362 USD. Sigh.

How To Get Into a Car Accident: A Manual

I was looking through some old emails and I came across this one that my friend Janai sent me last year. It is HIL-ARIOUS!!! It is so not winter here in Indiana anymore (although the weather has been supremely funky), but this is too funny not to share. . .even now!

LOOKING FOR A SURE FIRE WAY

TO GET INTO AN A CAR ACCIDENT THIS INDIANA WINTER?

By Jan Downs

1. Drive at least 10mph faster than the person directly in front of you. You have a 100% chance of ramming in back of their car.
2. Clear the snow from only a small space on the windshield of your automobile. This will guarantee your inability to see cars coming from the left or right. This will also put you in a position in which you will not be able to determine the true distance between you and the cars ahead of you.
3. Don’t wipe the snow from the back window. There’s no need. Better yet, put the car in reverse after not wiping the back window and record how long it would take to back into someone.
4. Make only immediate stops. By doing so, you will invite cars traveling behind you to engage in a pile up.
5. Decide when it's too late that perhaps you should stop at the red light. Then slam on the brakes as hard as you can. Your car will slide into the intersection and you can potentially get hit from more than one direction.
6. Drive with your hazard lights on, on the highway, and switch lanes at your leisure.
7. Use no caution or delay in switching lanes. The ice on the ground will prompt your vehicle to do figure 8s. This will enable you to slam into curbs and/or cars.
8. Make sharp turns at 30 mph, you give yourself a greater opportunity to lose control of the vehicle and in turn, hit something.
9. Love struck by the pretty little lady to your left who is purposely not looking your way? Stare at her for long periods of time, ignoring the surrounding traffic and the ice patches and will get struck.
10. Ignore precautionary measures as well as the slow flow of the traffic and entertain other travelers with your race car driving skills.
11. Tread the snow at at least 50mph to demonstrate the 4-wheel drive feature on your automobile. You’ll get into an accident in no time at all.
12. Don’t let anything stop you, persevere in your efforts to get home in the same amount of time it would take you if it were 3am in the summer time on freshly paved cemented roads while the police are on an all-force retreat at the Dunkin Donuts across town. Pretend as if there is no severe weather and traffic flow differences that accompanies each season.
13. As you drive, calculate how many text messages you can send to your family and friends expressing your great joy for being sent home from work due to severe weather conditions. Your distractions will cause permanent damage in an accident.
14. Drive with your hazard lights on but don’t clear the area of snow. This way, no one will know until its too late, that your driving has limited stability.
15. Pay close attention, not to the roads and surrounding vehicles, but only to the details of the wreck near you. Analyze the damages and try to determine which of the above mentioned strategies drivers used. You’re bound to get hit.

Taken from experiences from 65North and westbound 38^th St. February 6, 2007

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program. . .

Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale Starts Wednesday!

OMG!! I must resist. . .
I have to resist. . .
I'm not sure if I can resist. . .

Look at what can be had. . .

40% off or more?? In store or online??? SWOON!

Planning on a Budget

My reading and writing skills have paid off! I've been published: check out my article in the Indianapolis Recorder!!! And, yes, D--I am still the wordsmith =)

Click HERE for the full article. Happy Planning!

An Ode to Symbiosis

sym·bi·o·sis [ sìm bī ṓssiss, sìmbee ṓssiss ] (plural sym·bi·o·ses [ sìm bī ṓ sz ])

noun

Definition:

1. close association of animals or plants: a close association of animals or plants of different species that is often, but not always, of mutual benefit

2. mutually beneficial relationship: a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship between two people or groups

[Early 17th century. Via modern Latin and Greek sumbiōsis "a living together" < bios "life"]

sym·bi·ot·ic [ sìm bī óttik, sìmbee óttik ] adjective sym·bi·ot·i·cal [ sìmbee óttik'l ] adjective sym·bi·ot·i·cal·ly [ sìmbee óttikəlee ] adverb

I have been very fortunate during the research phase, launch phase and growth phase of my wedding consulting business. As I did the required studying and reading to gain my certification, I was fortunate to intern for an established wedding planner here in Indy (Thanks, Lisa!). Yes, it was free labor--but the insight and valuable lessons that I learned from HANDS ON preparation are priceless. And she still asks me if she can be of assistance any time she sees me. She's not afraid to help an up and coming wedding planner.

I have also been very fortunate to find a GEM in the cyberworld. This diamond that I look at, admire and show-off everyday is i-Wed: International Network of Wedding and Event Designers. I can truly say that I don't know what I would do without iWed! The network of planners, photographers and stationers in the community have taught me soooo much! I am constantly amazed by how much I have learned from this group of people, who, before I joined, didn't know me from Adam. I have gained so much information about the start-up of my business, networking, day-to-day responsibilities, best practices and how to stay educated. It was because of iWed that I even began to start blogging! I have been introduced to so many respected and fabulous planners (Liene, Terrica, Khris, Saundra, Laura, to name a few) and I am thrilled to be included in their circle as a colleague! All of the iWed members are now like family to me.

The best thing about iWed is that everyone has opinions and information and everyone is allowed to share theirs. Even I, in my limited experience, have been able to help someone through iWed because we all come with our different life experiences and areas of expertise. I love that no one is territorial and feels that they can't share. I feel like it's putting forth good karma in the world and I firmly believe that you get back what you put out. I also know that there is no penalty in sharing what you know to would-be planners or newbies. What is for me, is for me--and on the flip side of that--no one can take anything from you if you are awesome at what you do. It is my sincere hope that members of the iWed community have learned some things from me, because I have learned so much from them.

And, if you don't believe all the wonderful things that I have just said about iWed, I urge you to check it out for yourself. You will not regret becoming a symbiotic member of this ultra-fabulous community. Any fellow iWedders reading this?? I would love for you to chime in!

Why Don't You. . .Have a Gourmet Popcorn Bar??

Candy bars and buffets are very popular and have become an integral part of today's wedding receptions. I don't see any signs of this trend slowing down, either. I can see what's great about it, though:

It looks good as a part of the decor for the reception
It's interactive for the guests
Candy is a wedding favor that 95% of your guests will enjoy

So put a twist on the been-there-done-that candy buffet: why don't you offer a gourmet popcorn bar at your wedding?? It will still engage your guests, it can look fantastic inside your venue and it's tasty!

If I were to design a popcorn bar for one of my brides, I would start with Garrett's Popcorn out of Chicago. YUM!! There are only about seven flavors, so I wouldn't have to make very difficult decisions on what to choose. I would definitely have the CheeseCorn, the CaramelCrisp, the oh-so-popular Chicago Mix and round it out with the Plain and Buttery flavors. I would probably allot 1/4 to 1/3-gallon of popcorn per guest, but Garrett's popcorn is sooooo good that you may have to increase your order to avoid running out!

To save on costs, I would look for original and unique glass containers in places like Hobby Lobby, Ikea, thrift shops and antique stores. And there's always the option of renting containers. One trick that many miss is to limit the size of the containers. I would only use small to medium containers, with only one or two large containers. Five to seven small or medium containers definitely give the look of more goodies as opposed to three large containers, although it's holding the same amount of popcorn. Remember--presentation is everything!

I would liven up the table by adding premium linens or table runners that matched the colors and scheme of the rest of the reception. Votives, flower petals, seashells or scattered gems would also liven up the buffet. You really don't want it to look bland. It should be inviting and appealing to your guests. It should almost scream out: "Come scoop me. . ." Gilded frames for the signage would be beautiful touch, as well.

I would stage the containers at different heights on the table using lifts/risers. This makes access to the popcorn goodies easier, but it also adds drama to the table. I would definitely stage the favor bags and boxes, too, because they are a part of the presentation as well. Stainless steel or silver scoops would round out the look for my gourmet popcorn bar.

Your gourmet popcorn bar is sure to be a success at your next special event or wedding reception. Who doesn't like to pick and choose their own delicious take-home treats? What different ideas do you have for bars or buffets? We'd love to hear your ideas!
Photo Credit: Buttercup Popcorn, Country Confections

Happy Mother's Day!

I would like to send a very special Mother's Day wish to all the mothers, aunts-who-are-like-mothers, mentors-who-are-like-mothers and everyone else who has a mother-like presence in the life of their loved ones.

First--I would have never been born without my mother!  Secondly, I can't imagine my life without her: good, bad, ugly or indifferent.  My Mama (and now, Anija's and Jalaya's Granny) should know that she is very loved and appreciated!  And for the rest of my Mama All-Stars list:

MomMom (Grandma)

Ms. Carrie (Grandma)

Mrs. Winston

El

Ms. Campbell

Kelly L.

I love and appreciate you all for how you have embraced me and enriched my life!

Photo Credit:  Flower Bud

A Great Foundation: Bridal Undergarments

I think this is a very timely post. This has been on my blog to-do list, and just yesterday, Miss Canary from Weddingbee did a post on bridal undergarments. So here is my two cents on the subject. . .

Bridal undergarments do not get the necessary attention they deserve. I think this may be true of good undergarments in general. My sorority sister made a comment to me some time ago and I walk with this statement daily: “We are too old to be jiggling everywhere.” Such a true statement and I make sure I do my part when I get dressed. I HEART Spanx and Sara Blakely.

At any rate, I’m here to talk about strapless bras. And I speak from personal experience. I was in a wedding last summer and we wore beautiful strapless mermaid gowns (can’t wear it again, but it was gorgeous!). At the bridal shop, I was offered the standard strapless bra that retailed at $55.00 and I was so less than impressed! I’m only a C cup, but these babies are heavy! I didn’t get the lift I was expecting, I didn’t feel “secured” in the bra—I felt if I were dancing, my boobs might flop out! Nor did this standard strapless bra do anything for my back side—if you catch what I’m saying. So I ended up saying, “thanks, but no thanks” and started my search for the perfect strapless bra.

My search landed me at the Special Woman Boutique on the northside of Indianapolis. It’s a little storefront in a commercial park off 86^th and Michigan and I had never heard of it before. It was opened by Carole Coogle, a breast cancer survivor. When she went through her ordeal, she found that there were very few places for women who underwent lumpectomies or mastectomies to go for prosthetics, bras and accessories. Nor did they have that special touch and personal attention that she craved. So she opened her own boutique and I am so glad she did! She eventually began to see the need great bras and support garments in larger sizes (up to KK) so she expanded her business beyond prosthetics and medical bras.

You have to make an appointment to be seen at the Special Woman Boutique and each employee spends about 45 minutes to an hour with each client. I got the opportunity to actually work with Carole for my fitting. She was so nice and sweet and told me the background on how she started. She presented several long-line strapless bras for me to try and walked me through various “exercises” while trying on the bras. I had to jump up and down, bend over at the waist, stretch my arms, dance and a few other things. Carole pointed out that my boobs didn’t exactly fill out the cups of the best bra, so she put in some bust cups and the best bra became the perfect bra! I love, love, love the Goddess long-line bra that I purchased from her! Not only did I spend the same $55.00 on a far superior bra and bust cups, I also had a superior experience. The service was so much more personal and I was ecstatic about my purchase! I was Carole’s biggest fan for weeks after I left her shop and I still refer everyone looking for special undergarments to her. And the handwritten thank you note that she sent me after I made my purchase didn’t hurt one bit. She provided exceptional service.

At the wedding, armed with my Goddess bra and Spanx, I was unstoppable! I performed my bridesmaid’s duties, danced and strolled all night at the reception and I never felt better. I was smoothed out and lifted: Look, Ma! No jiggling! Nothing is worse than to be pulling and tugging all night long while you are supposed to be enjoying a wedding. And remember the photographer?? She’ll be there to capture it all—lumps, bumps and all. So this is my official endorsement of Carole Coogle and the Special Woman Boutique. You do not have the settle for what they hand you at the bridal shop, especially if it does not work for you. If you are in the Indianapolis area, do not hesitate to pay Carole a visit. . .and be sure to tell her Katasha sent you!

The Special Woman Boutique
317.876.3770
8770 Commerce Park Place Suite A
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268

Photo Credit: Goddess Bra

Meet Preston Bailey!

This just in from The Wedding Library:

You are cordially invited to meet Preston Bailey in his studio. Preston will share his amazing creations for the luxury Royal Plantation Ocho Rios as well as a "sneak peek" at his designs for the soon-to-be launched Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay. A truly fantastic opportunity to meet Preston in person, see his studio and view this latest design.

Mingle and enjoy Mango Bellinis and Caribbean- inspired hors d'oeuvres from downtown restaurant hot spot Five Points. You'll meet Jaime Stewart-McConnell, Managing Director of the Royal Plantation brand. Her wedding was designed by Preston and featured in another of our faves, Martha Stewart Weddings.

Thursday (tomorrow!), May 8 from 6-8pm. Space is limited to this exclusive event so please rsvp to Suzell Rodriguez, 305.284.1300, ext. 4682 today. Preston's studio is at 147 West 25th Street, 11th Floor. See you there!

If you are in the NYC area--jump on this! Come back and tell us how it went. . .
Photo Credit: Preston Bailey

Point, Click, Shoot.

I just read this article in the New York Sun and I think it's pretty interesting:

Bill Would Tie Down Runaway Photographers
For the full article, click HERE.
In brief, the city of New York is proposing a bill that would force photographers to pay fines and damages to clients if they don't deliver the promised goods. City Council will vote on this legislation that will cause wedding photographers AND bridal shops to have to register with the city and post a $5000 bond with the Department of Consumer Affairs. The bond would allow spurned clients to claim damages and the fines would range from $1000-$5000. This proposed legislation all stemmed from a Staten Island case in which an unscrupulous photographer ran away with a young couple's money and never delivered their engagement photos.

I am all for protection of the consumer (and definitely my brides!) because I know it's a horrible feeling to get burned by an unethical vendor--especially for one of the most important events you'll ever have. That being said, there are unethical vendors in all industries and in all categories of the incredible wedding machine, unfortunately. Is it fair to target just one sector?

What do you think about this proposed legislation? We'd love to hear your comments!
Photo Credit: Paul Fortino

Drumroll, please. . .

Now announcing the winner for our Sapphire Package give-a-way and the $500 gift certificate towards ANY package that K Sherrie+Company Wedding and Event Design offers. And the winners are:

Sapphire Package:
Rebecca Walter and Mark Stempel
The Sapphire Package is our “Month-of” coordination package. We box up all of your planning and details and package it nicely and put a nice pink bow on top! What this really means is that we meet with you to go over your concept and vision for the day, contact and finalize all your vendors, design a wedding day timeline and coordinate your wedding rehearsal and your wedding day.

$500 Gift Certificate:
Elisabeth Raess and John Langerkamp

Congratulations to both couples! We absolutely look forward to working with you on your special day!