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!

Wedding Write-Off?

Many, many favors get left at the reception site. Really--do you think your friends have use for a mini silver picture frame with your name on it? Or, what, pray tell, is a single gal going to do with one champagne flute with your wedding date engraved on it? I have two rules when picking wedding favors: Can you eat it? Would you use it?? But more on that later. . .

This post is for those who opt to make cash donations to their favorite charity in lieu of wedding favors. Lots of couples can benefit twice from this thoughtful gesture. 1) Your favorite charity gets some cash that it needs desparately. 2) This can be a tax write off for you and your new hubby. There is something you must do first, however. When choosing the charity of choice, make sure it's something near and dear to your heart. Then, make sure that Uncle Sam recognizes them. This will make for a special bonus at tax time for you newlyweds in your first year of wedded bliss. Log on to http://www.irs.gov/ to see if your favorite charity qualifies.

The Art of Tablescapes

Two of my wedding planner friends recently participated in The Art of the Table 2008. This event is a showcase of designer tablescapes sponsored by the Association of Bridal Consultants Indiana Chapter to benefit the Betty Jackson Memorial Education Fund, the Dorothy Penner Memorial Scholarship and the American Cancer Society. It took place at the Indianapolis Museum of Art on Sunday, February 24th. The Art of the Table allows wedding planners and event designers to come together and present their talents through the art of tablescapes and raise money for a worthy cause. Here is what Camille and Kyna of Elite Bridal Consulting presented for everyone's viewing pleasure:

In their own words:

Eclectic Asian Infusion
Take your wedding to a destination of distinctive and timeless Asian glamour at this feng shui inspired fete. Traditional Japanese adornments of bento boxes and chopsticks set the stage for a warm, stylish and unmatched celebration of love. As a chic palette of rich Tokyo red and gold dances in a sea of candlelight, impeccable touches of cherry blossoms emit an undeniable air of romance. From guest table to cake table, a fusion of classic, ornate detail and modern Asian sophistication is driven by stellar beauty. This exquisite scene invites you to revel in the alluring ambiance
and embrace the unique bride in you.

Well done, Camille and Kyna! There is only one thing that I would have done differently. Do you, dear reader, know what that would be? Leave your comments about this wonderfully designed and inspired tablescape and look for K Sherrie+Company Weddings and Event Design at The Art of the Table 2009.

Photo Credits: On 3 Photography

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.

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.