The Wedding Workroom

I am so excited!!! After being convinced of the wonderful merits of blogging by fellow iWed members, The Wedding Workroom has finally achieved 1000+ unique visitors!! I started blogging on one bright afternoon on Januray 24, 2008 and I haven't been able to stop! Everyday that I create a new post, I'd like to think that I am polishing up my "blogging mojo." I can't imagine NOT blogging. . .

Thank you to everyone who reads the blog and and I really love all the feedback I have received. It is truly a work from the heart and I love being to able to share a bit of me to the wedding cyberworld. Please subscribe to get your daily wedding addiction sent directly to your inbox. You'll find the SUBSCRIBE widget in the right hand column or at the end of this post. I think you'll be so glad you did!

Photo Credit: Caberet Entertainment

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Say a Little Prayer

This blog is dedicated to wedding, parties and everything associated with leading a fun and glamorous life, but we can never forget to acknowledge God's grace on our lives.

While some people are in the midst of planning for a new start with the person that they love the most, many people in the world are trying to piece back together what was their life. I live in Indiana and many families have been devastated by the floods and tornadoes that have plagued my state. For a pictorial review, click HERE.

I personally know someone whose home was destroyed in a mudslide and he lost two of his three dogs. And no flood insurance. It is so sad and humbling. Just when I think I have issues, God shows me someone, somewhere, who would probably rather be standing in my shoes versus where they are. One poor Weddingbee bride posted just today about her losses. Things are always put into perspective for me. . .that's why I must always be thankful for what I have.

I am asking that everyone who reads this to say a little prayer for those who are affected by the natural disasters from the past week. You may not know anyone personally, but we can all benefit from sending a lil' good karma into the atmosphere.
Photo Credit: Weather.gov

City Wide Marriage Event

This blog is dedicated to bring you all kinds of wedding goodness for couples planning their beautiful, intimate, blissful and personality-infused nuptials. However, at K Sherrie+Company, we are also concerned about what happens after the wedding. Once you've walked down the aisle and said the final "I Dos," we truly want you and your love to live your happily ever after. And there is so much more involved in that than picking the perfect shade of periwinkle.

In that vein, we are happy to announce the City Wide Marriage Event hosted by Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. St. Mark is on a mission to reverse the effects of broken families and wants to encourage stronger unions and marriages. The City Wide Marriage Event is an all day event to be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008--next Saturday! You do not have to be a member of St. Mark to participate. You only need to bring a copy of your valid marriage license and commit to attending two counseling sessions. I think that's a very small investment for your something as important as your future.

I'm a member of Eastern Star Church and we are VERY committed to the "Before You Say I Do." With all the attention and detail you give to the celebration, please be sure not to overlook the actual reason for your ultra-fab party. Even if organized religion is not your thing, I would encourage all engaged couples to seek out some type of pre-marital counseling.

For more information regarding the City Wide Marriage Event, call 317.545.5673.
Photo Credit: Source

Curveballs

Life has a tendency to throw us curveballs, even when we least expect it. You may get knocked of your square a time or two in life, the greatest accomplishment is to get back on it and become bigger and better.

I needed to hear the following words--and I know at least one other person who needs to hear them to:

Opportunity by Berton Braley

With doubt and dismay you are smitten
You think there's no chance for you, son?
Why, the best books haven't been written
The best race hasn't been run,
The best score hasn't been made yet,
The best song hasn't been sung,
The best tune hasn't been played yet,
Cheer up, for the world is young!

No chance? Why the world is just eager
For things that you ought to create
Its store of true wealth is still meager
Its needs are incessant and great,
It yearns for more power and beauty
More laughter and love and romance,
More loyalty, labor and duty,
No chance--why there's nothing but chance!

For the best verse hasn't been rhymed yet,
The best house hasn't been planned,
The highest peak hasn't been climbed yet,
The mightiest rivers aren't spanned,
Don't worry and fret, faint hearted,
The chances have just begun,
For the Best jobs haven't been started,
The Best work hasn't been done.

Do your best work always and in the moment. You will always be greatly rewarded even if it doesn't seem like it at the moment.

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

Why Don't You. . .Celebrate Earth Day Everyday??

Happy Earth Day!! Today, we celebrate Earth Day, when in reality, we should be celebrating it every day. I drive an SUV--so to make up for that, I try to use these 10 easy ways to go green in my home. It's the least I can do to reduce my impact on Mother Earth (or get another vehicle, which I'm trying to do right now!)
Courtesy of Domino Magazine, here are 10 stealthy ways to decrease the carbon footprint in your home life:

1. shut your tap

While brushing your teeth, remember to turn off the faucet. If you're scrubbing for the dentist-advised two minutes and your spigot puts out the average three gallons per minute, you'll save six gallons.

2. unplug it

It was revolutionary on MTV Unplugged, and it's still the way forward: Pull out cords for cell-phone chargers, microwaves and other "occasional" appliances when not in use.

3. buy in bulk

Packaging can be seductive, but it's clogging landfills. Cut down on the excess by buying either jumbo containers that hold more or from bins of loose flour, rice, etc. Bonus: fewer gas-guzzling trips to the market.

4. turn down the thermostat

Doing so not only conserves fuel and money (for every degree you lower it between 70° and 60°, you'll save about 5 percent on heating costs), but studies show it may also help you fall asleep more quickly and have a more restful night once you do.

5. ditch paper napkins

An elegant way to conserve, cloth napkins save both kinds of green (that's money and trees). Wash in cold water and line-dry for bonus points.

6. cell block

Cell phone reliably die at the worst possible moment, so don't go anywhere without Gaiam's inexpensive "SideWinder" portable charger. Two minutes of cranking yields five to six minutes of talk time. Seems crazy, but it works—and it's good exercise! Bonus feature: a small LED that's perfect for locating dropped keys in a dark movie theater.

7. say no to vampire power

Intriguing as it sounds, "vampire power" sucks. A computer that's been turned off still drains the lifeblood from outlets, accounting for up to 10 percent of home-electricity use. Smart Home's new-generation Smart Power Strip actually stops the current, saving money and energy.

8. the convection connection

Spacious and sophisticated enough to roast a chicken or bake a soufflé, Cuisinart's "Exact Heat" convection oven saves energy by preheating and cooking faster than conventional ovens.

9. 'n sink

A tea-drinker's dream: instant boiling water! The InSinkErator faucet, which connects to an under-sink tank, offers instant gratification and energy efficiency that beats the old stove-and-kettle method.

10. healthy venting

Regulating temperature in a large room can be difficult. To keep the air fresh without letting in a draft, Honeywell offers a special fan called a heat recovery ventilator that sucks in and warms outside air before pumping it throughout the space.

Can you commit to at least one or two of these?

My Frisco Excursion

Here are some pics from my rest and relaxation get-away to San Francisco. Okay, so, I did attend a pharmacy conference there, but, whatever! It was so cultural and picturesque (and windy!) there. . .I loved it! Everything's better when you can do it with your honey, so I can't wait to visit with mine. And no conferences!!



This mansion was on Nob Hill. Used to be some billionaire's house--silver baron James Flood. . .now it's the Pacific Union Gentleman's Club--playground for the powerful and wealthy.

Coit Tower: purportedly designed to look like the fire hose that firefighter's use, dedicated to San Francisco's finest.
You can't see it very well, but this is the curvy decline of Lombard Street.



Me--on a street car.

Entering Chinatown through the famous Dragon Gate. I was hoping to get some great lucky bamboo, but I didn't have time to look. Every street light in Chinatown was actually a gift from the Republic of China and they were very ornate. Can you see the two dragons "holding" up the lamp shade?



Fisherman's Wharf.
Me at Fisherman's Wharf. With Coit Tower in the rear. . .

My view from the car on the way to Fisherman's Wharf. See The Rock?



My comfy room at Parc 55 Hotel. And, I must note--they had excellent service. The hotel was gorgeous and I would highly recommend it.

The view from my room.

Please Excuse My Absence. . .

Dear Friends--

Please excuse my absence and lack of posting. After supporting a loved one in his time of bereavement, I am now in sunny California for some much needed rest and relaxation. I spent the day trekking the neighborhoods of the ultra-fab San Francisco! It's so hip and happening and multi-cultural--I think I could live here.

I am such the nerd! My first thought when driving through the valley to get to San Francisco: "My Dad is going to think it is soooo cool that I get to visit Alcatraz!!" My Dad is the reason that I consistently watch A&E, the History Channel and Tru Network. You gotta love a man who thinks it's more important to read and know "stuff". . .

I'll be back blogging very soon! Thanks to all for the prayers, kind words and condolences.

Sorry For The Neglect (But I Was Eating Well!)

I spent the weekend in Dallas, so I wasn't able to post any blogs, but I was able to write--so stay tuned to some refreshing entries.

I did want to share my interesting dining experience while I was in Dallas. I was treated to The French Room (ooh la la!). I am not really what one would consider a foodie, but I loved it. The atmosphere was great and the food was even better. Some of the accolades The French Room has received:

*The 2006/2007 Zagat Survey named it the #1 hotel restaurant in America.
* Travel & Leisure chose it for its rankings of “America’s Top 50 Restaurants” and the “twenty-five best dining experiences in the world.”
* USA Today recently featured the Zagat Survey's 100 Top Hotel Restaurants in America. Based on on food quality, decor, and service, The French Room is #1.....
* "The French Room is only one of two Zagat rated restaurants worldwide to receive ratings of 29 (of 30) across the board in the last five years." - Tim Zagat
* "A Religious Experience....Five Stars for Food, Service, and Ambiance" - Dallas Morning News
* "One of World's Top 25 Dining Experiences" - Travel & Leisure Magazine

* "Top 11 American Restaurants" - AOL Food

We dined on exquisite French cuisine under 18-foot cathedral ceilings covered by frescoes. Louis XVI high-back chairs, silver, crystal and fine china exuding Old World grandeur rounded out the experience. I was pleasantly suprised by the amuse-bouche: pork loin served with diced watermelon and curry. The amuse-bouche is served right before the hors d'oeuvres and literally means "to amuse the mouth." It sets the tone for the meal to come and give you a glimpse to the chef's approach to cooking. Under the romantic glow of a single taper candle, I indulged on Maine Lobster with white asparagus soup. Between the first and second course, we were presented with an intermezzo to cleanse the palate: refreshing raspberry sorbet. What I liked most about the intermezzo was the presentation! It was served in this lovely glass lilly that was frosted in the freezer. I almost thought it was an ice form. Presentation is everything and, unfortunately, I didn't have my camera. For my second course, my gulf red snapper was broiled to perfection, with three large gulf shrimp garnishing it and served with steal-cut oat risotto. The second intermezzo was banana soup with a banana nut crouton. And for my final act, I finished with the French Room chocolate souffle.

It is almost sinful to eat such rich and sumptuous food all in one sitting! And we only had the three course meal. Can you believe that they offer a prix-fixe thirteen course meal? My favorites included not what was on my plate, but what was on my friend's plate: the signature jumbo lump crab cake served with lemongrass-ginger infused lobster sauce and perfectly seared pecan encrusted foie gras. My absolute favorite: white chocolate and goat cheese polenta. I wanted seconds and thirds although they would seem to be such strange bed fellows, the white chocolate and goat cheese. . .

As you can see, I can talk about this food all day! And I haven't even mentioned the impeccable service (three cheers for Francisco!). But, I wanted to let you all know why I hadn't been posting in the last few days. The French Room and the Adolphus Hotel get my recommendation if you are in the Dallas area. Now--back to our regularly scheduled program. . .

Springtime is Here!

Happy first day of Spring! Celebrate by wearing some peep-toe shoes to work (that's what I did!) or great mini-dress with some colored fishnets. It's almost time to ditch those winter tights, girls!

The Fashionista Experience

The Fashionista Experience was such a wonderful experience! I was so excited for the party to get here, I was hurried while preparing for it on Saturday and now I'm sad that it's all over! I want another one! But you know what they say about too much of a good thing. . .

At any rate, fifty stylish and tres chic women descended upon the Conrad Hotel last Saturday to enjoy an evening of food, fun, camaraderie and SHOPPING. I did something really fun for the seating assignments. As the fashionistas checked in with my oh-so-charming hostesses, they were told: "Today you will be shopping at. . ." and this is how they were assigned tables. The centerpieces were classic shopping bags resting on a silver platter covered with bling/ice. So, if you were "shopping at Bond No. 9," then you sat at the Bond No. 9 table. Genius, huh? We had other great names such as Barney's, Kate Spade, Tiffany's, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Cole Haan, just to name a few. Those centerpieces were such a hit!

The highlight of the party was the personal fashion show presented by the charismatic Kathy Presley, a personal stylist at Nordstrom. She brought in tons and tons of clothes, shoes and accessories and walked us through the new looks and trends of 2008. Fashionistas were allowed to model the clothing and we even had one fashionista change clothes into the dress she wanted to purchase immediately! That was classic. We were also treated to a demonstration by a Bobbi Brown make-up artist and we learned how to use mascara on your lower lashes without getting it on your face (use a cosmetic sponge and place it under your lashes while applying--hmmmm). I scored that night with the cutest dress by Suzi Chin. I thought I did pretty good on my spending considering I had just bought three pairs of shoes in Nordstrom two days earlier.

I already posted about the delicious menu that we put together for this shindig and it did not disappoint. I think everyone's favorites were the coconut shrimp, the raspberry-flavored tea, the tomato bisque with the garlic cheese crostini and the chocolate mousse, of course. K Sherrie+Company gave away strawberry cupcakes as take home favors--which survived a "situation" right before the party. The bottom of one of the boxes that transported the cupcakes fell out!! We were able to save most of the cupcakes, though.

These are the looks that we found out will be au courant for Spring 2008:

The Gladiator

Primitive Prints

Organic Stones

Ornamentation

Natural Materials

Mixed Stack of Bangles

The Caftan

Safari Style

Exotic Rings

Handmade Details

I think I love it all--swoon! Without further ado, more photos. . .

And, my new dress. . .

I can't wait to get it in the mail. I would like to give a special thanks to all those who helped make this event a fabulous success: Kathy Presley, Monica Whitehead, Jeff and Jeff, Cristina Harris and the always excellent, wonderfully competent and supremely stylish K Sherrie team. What, oh, what, shall we do next??

Photo credits: Cristina Janee Photography, K Sherrie+Company

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.

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!"

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 a Hip Hop World" will remind viewers of MLK's history and philosophy presented through the eyes of the hip hop generation. Us old-timers may have a lot to learn.

When: February 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Indianapolis Central Library

How Much: FREE

Valentine's Day is around the corner!

Are you looking for something to do with your sweetie on Valentine's Day? I'm sure the pressure is on for guys and gals to come up with something impressive, better-than-last-year, and, oh--it must be from the heart! If you are in the Indianapolis area, look no further than The Villa Inn. I am a semi-regular at this amazing bed and breakfast that offers a spa, as well. I love, love, love their 60-minute swedish massage! You and your honey can participate in one of their Wine and Dinner Chats: "Wines of Romance" and then enjoy their ultra-luxurious rooms at a 50% discount! Their accomodations are to die for! There are only six rooms in the inn and every room includes:
Private 2 person Jacuzzi bath and shower
King or queen-size beds
Cable television
DVD players
DVD library
Phones with voicemail
High-speed internet access
Private roof top terrace for exclusive use of overnight guests
Complimentary snacks and beverages available in the Butler's Pantry
Workout facilities
Wake-up Coffee Bar
And you can add to that room service and an in-room massage for two. . .heaven!!
I think I've found my Valentine's Day experience for 2008. Now, if I can only get my cutie pie there. . .I haven't figured this part out yet. . .
What has been your best Valentine's Day present that you've ever given or received? I'd love to hear from you.