A Word of Thanks

I received the sweetest thank you note in the mail last week! So sweet that I had to share with you, dear reader. It's the best feeling when you know that you did your absolute best to execute the absolute best day for your couples and they love it.
So, receiving this made me think of the other people that I need to thank: the Event Design Team! They are so wonderful and precious commodities to K Sherrie+Company. I could not do it without them!


Kimberly (Event Design Team Lead) and I. . .

The super-fab, super-resourceful, super-duper Event Design Team (from L to R): Dannee, Monet, moi, Ashley, Takia. Missing is my sweetie, my new intern Moriah. But I'll get her posted asap.

Ladies--If I haven't said it enough, I want to let you know that I appreciate all that you do.

Become a Social Butterfly

Watch a butterfly in action. It will industriously work a garden, fluttering from flower to flower, grabbing sweet nectar from each before moving along. Beautiful, purposeful and necessary are the actions of the butterfly. Thus introducing the term SOCIAL BUTTERFLY.

Who knows where the origin of this term came from? Social butterfly has become a descriptive term for women (and some men) who are outgoing, comfortable in social situations, can talk to just about anyone and who seem to have a certain grace and ease at any festivity. Social butterflies at a social gathering, flutter from group to group, briefly sipping in the nectar of each rendez-vous and sharing pleasantries with the invited guests. Their adeptness at the social scene makes it simple for the social butterflies to be quite at home in any large setting.

So why am I discussing social butterflies? If you remember back to the end of May, I posted a blog about starting a networking group for young, female, up-and-coming entrepreneurs like myself. Well, I feel like it's time to get started. The start of Social Butterflies, The Group. I would love for any women entrepreneurs to join; any women who are aspiring to be entrepreneurs; any women who work in the luxury lifestyle industry; any women who function in the world of weddings and event planning--we want you all! I want Social Butterflies to be a low-key and relaxed group where we can share with each other, encourage each other and support each other. Everyone has a voice and I firmly believe in "Each One, Teach One". I'm thinking of having an inaugural mixer sometime in early October. Stay tuned for more details.

And if this is something you're interested in participating in, definitely shoot me an email at katasha{at}ksherrieandcompany{dot}com.

Photo Credit: Source

History Has Been Made

We just saw the end of the DNC and will see the start of the RNC next week. No matter what candidate you support, the importance is that you let your voice be heard. And the only way you can do that is to cast your vote. And the only way to cast your vote is to be registered.

If you live in the state of Indiana, you can fill out this application and send it in to be officially registered. You can use this application to: apply to register to vote in Indiana or change your name and address on your voter registration record.

To register you must:
Be a citizen of the United States
Be at least 18 years old on the day of the next general or municipal election;
Have lived in your precinct for at least 30 days before the next election (except for certain military voters)
Not currently be imprisoned after being convicted of a crime<---this means even if you have a record, yes, you can STILL vote! You may mail or hand deliver the completed application to your county registration office. You cannot fax the application to the office. The deadline to register to vote in Indiana is 29 days before THE election of the 21st century. History has been made: America has just seen the first African American get the presidential nomination from a major party. That is something seriously to be proud of.

Go out and make a difference. If you're not a registered voter, please get registered. If you are a registered voter, make it your job to get at least ONE person registered. And drive a loved one to the polls on Election Day.

Black, White and Pink All Over

I created this inspiration board for a very sweet, young couple for their 2009 wedding. The celebration that was planned was just for every guests to have a grand time. The chosen color palette was black, white and pink. I just love that color combination! With a little damask thrown in for extra oomph.

While the ceremony was very minimally designed, the reception was packed with what we call "wedding bling." Wedding bling is any element that is a part of your wedding ceremony or reception that adds a little "pop" or that unexpected touch to your celebration. The wedding bling included at this reception:

A caricature artist for the guests
All-white ultra lounge during the cocktail hour with pink siggys
Pink up lighting in the ballroom
Old skool photo booth
Pink, black and white candy buffet
Customized GOBO on the dance floor
Crystal and ribbon picture tribute to the married couples of the families
And candles everywhere

The dress on the board is the actual dress that the bride chose. And it was $499 at David's Bridal, no less. I think a great principle was followed here: spend your money where it counts the most. No wedding guest (except me, maybe) will know that your wedding gown isn't a couture, designer gown that was $7500+. But they will be able to tell if you went cheap on the food and drink.

Oh--I'm swooning just thinking about this wedding! So much fun and interaction. I hope this board has definitely inspired you.

Edited 8/31/08 9:39pm: View all Wedding Workroom posts on wedding bling! Click HERE.

We're in the Top Five!!!

In June, we posted about our company being in the running for the Indy Channel A-List for Best Wedding Planner in the city. We are so happy to announce that we came in 3rd place!! This is so exciting, especially since we are still in the green stage of the business. And what a wonderful ride it has been. We would like to thank all of our clients, vendors, partners and supporters. We will continue to provide you with stellar service and give you a luxury party planning experience for years to come.

And congrats to Kim King Smith Events for taking the top spot!




Win Free Stationery: We would like to share a bit of our good karma here at K Sherrie+Company; so for our win, we are going to give something to someone. Like a set of these beautiful, letterpressed Thank You cards from The White Aisle. We promise, once you have such deluxe stationery as these cards, you will never turn back! All you have to do is leave a comment on this posting from now until Friday, August 29, 2008 at Midnight. Good luck!

Twelve Tips for Managing Wedding Planning Stress

Photo Credit: Source

Or any kind of stress for that matter. I can't elaborate on the details enough regarding the perks of hiring a wedding planner. It's our job to make sure you are stress-free during the planning period and on your day. But if you decide you want to go it alone, try these things to keep yourself from screaming at your cake baker or candle-stick maker.

1. Have realistic expectations
2. Maintain your sense of humor, no matter what--laugh everyday
3. Never bottle up up your feelings--share with someone you trust
4. Don't try to control others
5. Manage your time well
6. Do important tasks first
7. Get quality sleep
8. Exercise regularly
9. Eat well, eat right
10. Decrease your intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco to a minimum
11. Carve out time exclusively for yourself
12. Hire an excellent wedding planner

What tips can you share with other brides on how to relieve wedding planning stress? We welcome your comments.

Engrave Your Wedding Rings

Personalize your wedding bands and make them even more special to you and your bethrothed by getting them engraved. Think of something romantic, humorous, personal and meaningful for the both of you. Or you can go as simple as your initials and your wedding date. Engraving your rings should always remind you of the commitments you both made, before God (or Buddha, Shiva or Allah) on your wedding day.

Make sure you have your rings sized before you get them engraved. Sizing can damage some of the inscription if it's done after engraving. Starting at least three months prior to your wedding date should be more than enough time for sizing and engraving.

You can choose to have hand-engraving or machine-engraving. Hand-engraving is the more expensive option, however, you gain more freedom with the style of text and even the addition of some symbols. Machine-engraving usually works off templates or computer aided designs.

A few things you should ask your jeweler before you have your rings engraved are: Can I see samples of your work? Are the inscriptions deeply cut, which last longer? Which style of lettering is more durable for my ring that I will wear daily? Is the engraving done in-house or is it sent out? What is the turn around time? Are the rings insured while they are in the jeweler's possession? You should absolutely feel comfortable in leaving your rings with a reputable jeweler.

And to get your brain juices flowing, here are a few inscriptions with an international flair:

Amor Vincit Omnia (Latin: love conquers all)
Semper Amemus (Latin: love always)
Semper Fidelis (Latin: always faithful)
Mon cœur est a vous (French: my heart is yours)
Deus Nos Iunxit (Latin: God Joined Us)
Ani L'dodi V' dodi Li (Hebrew: I am My Beloved's and My Beloved is Mine)

Here's what my inscription would say: D--I knew it would be you! What would you inscribe into your sweetheart's ring?
Photo Credit: Prescott Miller Jewelers

**Current K Sherrie News: Now offering a new, couture wedding service: the Sweets Table Service available with luxury upgrades.**

Artsgarden: A Cultural Icon

If you are having an Indianapolis wedding downtown, don't forget to include information in your welcome bags about the Indianapolis Artsgarden. The seven-story-tall glass enclosed structure offers a spectacular views of downtown and offers the only Cultural Concierge service in the city. The concierge service provides maps, ticket information, visitors guides, events schedules, directions, hours, reservations and so much more.

Photo Credit: Source

Located above the intersection of Illinois and Washington streets, the Artsgarden offers free lunchtime performances and displays of local artists and galleries. Over 300 performances are showcased at the Artsgarden every year. For up-to-the-minute information, contact the Cultural Concierge at 317.624.2563 or visit the website at www.indyarts.org. Cultural Concierge hours are Monday through Saturday from 10a-9p and Sundays from noon to 6p.

Photo Credit: Source

P.S. And the other best kept secret: the Artsgarden is now available for rental to non-profits, corporate and government organizations and for wedding receptions (no ceremonies, please).

After the Wedding Comes the Marriage

Continuing on in the Colorstrology vein, I think as a society, we spend a lot of time on planning the wedding and not planning the marriage. After the last gift has been opened and the final thank you note has been mailed, couples are face-to-face with the person who will be their mate for a lifetime.

I am so an advocate for premarital counseling before couples get married. But before you call the priest, pastor, bishop or rabbi, there are a few things you and your fiance can do yourselves. I found a personality test on Wedding Planning Guide that will help you decipher your personalities styles. And knowing is half the battle. When you know, you can do better and be cognizant of your interaction with each other.

Florence Littauer found that we generally fall in love with our opposite. In her own words, "Although we seek companionship and compatibility, we usually choose to marry someone who is nothing like us. We subconsciously select a person who fills in our weak areas, and when we do,
the two of us fit together and become one. The one who loves to talk marries one who likes to listen. The one who likes to lead marries one who is willing to follow. Optimists marry pessimists, extroverts marry introverts." I think there is definitely truth in that statement but the problems tend to start when you start to try and CHANGE your chosen mate.

Introducing the concept of Four Basic Temperants: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy and Phlegmatic.

SANGUINE: The Popular Person, The Born-entertainer, Likes parties, people and fun, Loves to talk, Wants to create excitement, Entertains everyone, Gets prize for best personality, Needs attention and approval, Has little organization or follow through, Gets Depressed when life’s not fun, Controls by charm.

CHOLERIC: The Powerful Person, The Born-leader, Likes action and progress, Loves to work, Wants to motivate others, Directs everyone, Gets prize for most accomplishments, Needs obedience and appreciation, Has little tolerance for incompetence, Gets depressed when losing control, Controls by force.

PHLEGMATIC: The Peaceful Person, The Born-follower, Likes harmony and rest, Loves to relax, Wants to calm people down, Gets along with everyone, Gets prize for best liked, Needs peace and sense of worth, Has little self-motivation, Gets depressed over conflict, Controls by procrastination.

MELANCHOLY: The Perfect Person, The Born-thinker, Likes solitude and silence, Loves to plan, Wants to analyze everything, Sets standards for everyone, Gets prize for most intelligent, Needs support and sensitivity, Has little need for sociability, Gets depressed over imperfection, Controls by moods, Pessimistic, Introverted, Soft-Spoken, Drained by people.

It was no surprise when I turned out to be Choleric/Melancholy. Figure out what you and your hunny's personality type is. Visit The Wedding Planner and Guide to take the test. Another site where you can take the test is OneIshy.com. This will deliver the results right to your inbox. Please come back and comment on the blog what your personality type came out to be. Was is true or even close? Are you and your hunny truly compatible?

**Current K Sherrie News: Now offering a new, couture wedding service: the Sweets Table Service available with luxury upgrades.**

Edited on 8/23/08 at 4:52pm. I mis-wrote (is that a word?) my personality type results.

Why Don't You. . .Use Colorstrology

"Color is a reflection of the sun's light, in all it's glory. . .and you are a shimmering facet in that light. It is magic made visible."

Such a beautiful statement!

I was researching color palettes for weddings on the Pantone website and I came across Colorstrology. Colorstrology is a web tool that allows you to find your personal color that corresponds to the "real" you. Your personal color is based on your specific date of birth which reveals understanding of your personality and nature. It's sort of like astrology, but with color! Your personal color reflects whether you are born under the elements of fire, earth, air or water. Your personal color can also explain your affinity to certain persons.

I think Colorstrology is a great tool to kick off your search for colors or a theme for your wedding. It's such a personalized approach versus going with the current color trends of the season. You just plug in your birthdate and the birthday of your beloved, and voila! the start of something beautiful. Colorstrology also gives you the meaning behind your personal color and this would be an interesting touch to include in your wedding program or with your tablescapes.

My date of birth is October 23rd. This is what Colorstrology has to say about me:

My Month: The color for the month of October is Cerulean (Pantone 15-4020). Calm and soothing, Cerulean signifies love, beauty and balance. Cerulean embodies the essence of peace and serenity while inspiring us to be strong and to take decisive action. Venus, the ruling planet of October, governs love and beauty. This is a great month to enhance your physical appearance and/or beautify your surroundings. Wearing, meditating or surrounding yourself with Cerulean promotes balance and a sense of well-being.

My Day: Far deeper than you may appear, you have what it takes to go the distance. There is a lot more to you than meets the eye. You have a nice blend of wit and sensitivity and are known for your timing. You are meant to communicate or entertain and are unusually magnetic in front of an audience. Take care of the people that you care about the most without giving all of your energy away. Wearing, meditating or surrounding yourself in Heirloom Lilac (Pantone 16-3812) reminds you to save time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate.

For those who really know me, does this fit? For all the readers, what is your personal color and what would the personal color palette be for your wedding? Please leave a comment.

New, Couture Service!

Candy buffets have become so popular for weddings and special events. And I don't see any sign of it slowing down. I mean, there's something for everyone. Who doesn't like candy (or cookies or popcorn), that you can select yourself and take home in a cute, personalized glassine bag? Oodles of candy bring back the wonderful memories of childhood. As a wedding favor, candy buffets win hands down--it's edible and interactive.

Photo Credit: Source

K Sherrie+Company is proud to start offering Sweets Table Service as a part of our menu of services. You pick the colors and the theme and let us do the rest! We have many different types of beautiful containers to choose from and we will make sure your candy buffet is the center of attention. You will get a customized tablescape that will complement your reception and you will also get the following services:

Photo Credit: Source

Conceptualization of the Sweets Table
Set up and break down
Customized carry out containers

Luxury upgrades can include a Sweets Table attendant, custom linens and premium containers.

Photo Credit: Source

We are so excited to offer this service as an extra to our brides and special events clients! Just leave the planning and the legwork to us and your event will certainly be personalized and memorable. For more details, please contact us by telephone (800.409.KSCo) or email (info{at}ksherrieandcompany.com). We will discuss what we can provide for your fabulous Sweets Table. We're waiting to serve you.

P.S. Visit our old post about a gourmet popcorn bar for your celebration.

The Office

When creating your guest list, it can many times become tricky when dealing with colleagues and office staff. If you invite one close co-worker, will another be offended? Should you invite your boss even if you really don't care for her? You can't invite everyone (well, maybe you can, but most couples cannot!), but you also want to avoid hurt feelings. After all, after the honeymoon, you still have to do lunch with these people.

Follow these simple guidelines and inviting your office staff should be a little less stressful.

What is the climate of your office and how large is the office? Pinpointing the nature of your inter-office relationships can go a long way. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you regularly interact and socialize outside of nine to five?
• Is your office or department close-knit and small (fewer than 5-7 people)?
• Is your working relationship with your direct supervisors or assistants particularly close?

If you can answer yes to any of those questions, your co-workers seem to be eligible for an invite. As a rule of thumb, if you work in a small office, it's best to invite all or none. In a larger office, you can safely invite your after-hours buddies, direct supervisors and assistants without suffering rolling of the eyes.

Photo Credit: Source

Siggy of the Month

It feels like it's been so long since we posted a siggy of the month. My apologies, dear reader. It's time we make up for our short comings and do TWO siggys for the month of August!

In celebration of summer and the varied hues of purples, blues, greens and teals that have become popular wedding color palettes, the first signature drink is the Blue Moon. Take the celebration back to the tropics with this fruity and refreshing drink. At the same time, continue with the pop of color that you're looking for in a unique and personalized wedding reception. Served in a rocks glass or saucer and given a funky name, the Blue Moon will be a winner at your cocktail hour.


Blue Moon
1/2 oz. gin
2 tsp. Blue Curacao
2 tsp. Cointreau
2 tsp. pineapple juice
Lemonade to top off
Garnish with pineapple





Our second siggy of the month is the Amaretto Flirt. Vibrantly orange in color and super simple to make, this sweet and fruity drink will match the hot color combinations in your tres chic grey-and-orange wedding. You did know orange was the new yellow for fall, right?



Amaretto Flirt
1/2 oz. amaretto
1/2 oz. orange juice
Sparkling wine or champagne to top off
Garnish martini glass with orange slice

If you're new to our blog, click through the ARCHIVES to see our other Siggys of the Month. Will you have a signature drink at your wedding? What will you name it?

The Gr-EIGHT-est

Now that's hot. . .

My Current Obsessions

And oh-so-au courant. . .


These Guiseppe Zanotti d'Orsay pumps. In limited edition. Only available in sizes five through nine. *sigh* If only I were getting married. These are definitely vying for my attention versus my all time favorite Christian Louboutins:
This ginormous statement ring.This ring rounded out my ensemble for my uncle's funeral. (Doesn't everyone put together an ensemble for funerals?) Definitely a conversation piece.

My grandma: That ring covers up three fingers!
My (living) uncle: Can you even drive with that thing?
My (older and only) sister: Tsk tsk.
My dad: What the hell is that on your finger?! (After I've worn it ALL day.)
Me: *eye roll* Bring it to the 21st century people. . .

How would you incorporate these two pieces into your bridal ensemble? Would you, even??
Photo credit(s): My Glass Slipper, Style Hive

And the Winner Is...

As I have been away with my family during this unfortunate time, I ask forgiveness for my lack of blogging. I was supposed to announce the winner of the FREE professional teeth whitening service by Dentistry on 116 on last Saturday and I thank everyone for their patience.

So. . .we only had ONE entry for the FREE whitening. Am I the only person who is obsessed about bright, white teeth? I wish I could have entered myself! So, as much as I would like to use Random.org and generate a random number to select the winner. . .I don't have to do all of that.

The winner is: Nieka Peak! Congratulations, Nieka. Please email me at info{at}ksherrieandcompany{dot}com to claim your prize.

Happy 33rd Anniversary Mama and Daddy!!

I am still up at this ungodly hour, so to me, it's technically still August 9th. I want to wish my parents a very, very happy anniversary at this very, very unhappy time (our beloved Uncle Kenny passed away). It is the times of heartbreak combined with the unbelievably joyous times that make it all worth it. And an uber-fabulous, smart and chic daughter that was borne of this union was just the icing on the cake! Teeheehee!

I can't wait to plan your fiftieth anniversary party. It will be so much more than you ever imagined. May I hope to have the longevity that you two have, for rich or for poor, for better or for worse, through sickness and health, with my future husband. Which means I need to get started. . .eeek!

I love you dearly, Mama. I love you dearly, Daddy.
Photo Credit: Pink Cake Box

K Sherrie Featured on Elite Bridal Concierge

Swing by Dantzler Designz blog, The Elite Bridal Concierge. We guest blogged today. . .or I guess you could say "guest inspired." Here's the hint:

high style+agrarian sensibilities=a celebration you'll never forget!

Click HERE for some rustic-glam eye candy.

Revisit Rodarte

I was browsing through some of my favorite fashion blogs and shop friends showcased the house of Rodarte today. Travel back in time and revisit one of our inspiration boards that was inspired by a beautifully designed Rodarte gown. Click HERE to be inspired.

Let's Talk About DRESS, Baby!

Let's talk about wedding dresses today. I'll start by telling you what kind of wedding dress I love. And this will be the type of dress I get married in: strapless or asymmetrical neck line, fitted, mermaid/fish tail skirt. If I go with the strapless, it may be a crumb catcher bodice because I'm really loving that look right now. But, there it is. . .my dream dress. I don't know who the designer will be but I'm currently hooked on Badgley Mischka Bridal. The signature Badgley Mischka look is "simple, streamlined and thoroughly elegant." I think that's the way I want to look on my wedding day.

Their 2008 Spring and Fall bridal collections are stunning. I know it is so late posting about a fall collection in August, let alone a spring collection. However--I haven't seen a lot of wedding gowns (just wedding gowns) lately on industry blogs, so let me toot the horn of Badgley Mischka for a while.

I think this is my favorite of both collections. Or maybe it's just the way the model is posing in the dress. It just looks so sexy and sophisticated. . .

I also really like this one, too. It may be a toss up. . .



The sleeves and the lace detailing on this dress is really fresh for 2008 and 2009. The popularity of the strapless bridal gown is somewhat waning--which many folks are thankful for. Contrarily, my first two picks are strapless, so if that's what you like, that's what you like. Hopefully you'll only wear one wedding gown in your lifetime and it should be what you want.

More eye candy. . .This last dress rounds out my top 3 for the Badgley Mischka 2008 collection. I am so not the princess wedding dress girl, but there is something about the full skirt that is just. so. sweet. Indianapolis brides can find a couture BM wedding gown at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Fashion Mall or Nordstrom Circle Center. Do any of you plan to wear a Badgley Mischka gown for your nuptials? Post a comment and tell me what your dream dress looks like.

Don't forget! Win a FREE, professional teeth whitening treatment: contest ends Friday, August 8th. Click HERE to enter.

Link Love: Part Deux

I've had a crazy busy week, but as promised, I have finished updating my links--within in the allotted time! Here are other wedding and business blogs that inspire me to work harder every day:

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Church of the Customer Blog

Ladies Who Launch

Business Pundit

Start Up Princess
Photo Credit: Source

Win A Bright, White, Smile!

Dentistry on 116 is giving away a FREE teeth whitening service to readers of The Wedding Workroom. The contest ends on Friday, August 8th, so don't forget to enter!!!

For the original contest post and details, click HERE.
Good luck to everyone!

Bummer

Tonight I am live from the Blackberry Wireless Handheld. I was going to gift all brides and readers of the blog with some sage advice on how to best prepare on the night before your wedding.

But alas, that d#@! wireless internet!

What I guess it means is that I'd better get in the bed so I can be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for tomorrows wedding.

Sunday morning, I'll be back!
hopefully. . .