My Friend in South Africa

Totally non-event related but when I received an email from a college friend I had to share with everyone her passion for change in our world. She currently is serving the people of Mzansi in South Africa with the Peace Corps. I applaud Charlene aka "Giggles" for her compassion and dedication. More power to us all. Enjoy this essay that Charlene wrote.

This I Believe

I believe in living…living a life that is like no other. A life that is unique and memorable, one that no one else can match. I believe in getting up early on a cold DC winter morning before any of my neighbours have awoken to play in the soft, newly fallen snow to make snow angels and snowmen, to play like a child would. I believe in walking in flippers across town not only because my sandals were stolen while swimming in the municipal pool, but just to see the reactions on people’s faces as I giggle loudly “flipper-footed” during the 10-minute walk home. I believe in attending my younger sister’s percussion and clarinet recitals, even if it means flying across country time and time again. I believe in being financially independent and not having to rely on anyone else for money or necessities. I believe in taking up exciting opportunities that come across my path, even if it means having to resign from a job or leave my home.

I believe in playing in the salty, muddy waters of the Dead Sea and hopping on a long-distance bus to travel across Mexico for 23 hours to visit a dear friend going through chemotherapy. I believe in taking the time to uphold promises, to do the best that I can in the things I do and to work at maintaining friendships with people who show me through their actions that they care for me.

I believe in doing things that are worthwhile, such as thanking people for even the smallest things, greeting everyone from the man who helps me carry fruit out of Fruit and Veg. City to the deputy principal at the high school in which I work. I believe in incorporating music and dance into my life skills’ lessons to make learning fun and interactive for my students. I believe in taking time to enjoy things, to take out a friend for dinner just because, to laugh loud even at the corniest jokes and to wake up early on a Sunday morning to walk my dog 13Ks just because I know she would love every minute of it.

I believe in making the most out of my life through my experiences, through education, through learning new languages, and through every single person that I meet. Life really is precious and I believe I am here to live every minute of it in the fullest way that I possibly can.

I believe too, Charlene. Thank you for your promises...your friend...Cicely

Bouquets with A Bang

Going creative is the future of weddings. I have noticed that now Brides are looking for patterned linens, are thinking out of the box with their color choices, and going untraditional with their wedding gowns, even including some funky elements when it comes to their floral wedding bouquets. Check out some ideas for the new trend of bouquets. Let me know what you think!

Feathers....


Jewels....



Just Plain different.....try Shells!

Which ever is your style don't be afraid to be different and unique and most of all love what you created.

Fox 10 on being Earth Friendly

Love Love Love this shoot that I got to do with Fox 10 this morning at the beautiful Farm at South Mountain. (Such a lovely place for a wedding.) We had a little more time this one around to prepare so we were able to pull a really beautiful table together.

Special thanks to the photo artist herself, Miss Melissa Jill for providing these cool photos. You're such a pro!

Rental Items were provided by Tri-Rentals. Many thanks to Deb & Diana for the assistance. The amazing and colorful linens were provided by BBJ Linen. My recommendation is to start with linen when planning your event. Either Laurie or Julie will take great care of you. Thanks ladies!

Breathtaking floral was provided by the wonderful Jeanne of White Poppy. So creative and nailed just the look I was going for. Great job!!

Speaking of creativity...the invitation was custom designed by Rikki, The Invitation Lady. Thanks for your beautiful designs!!

Me, Jeanne and Rebecca totally posing as if we were working so hard.

Check out the stunning dress to the right made by Rebecca with Jewel Couture.

Hosting the shoot was Valley's own Andrea Robinson from Fox News. I do have to say a special congratulations to her for being a newly engaged bride herself. Click on the picture below to see the sweet proposal.

Congrats to Andrea and many thanks to all the vendors that pulled together to help. I think it came out nicely. AND...she said my name right. :)

To watch the shoot in it's entirety click here.

Get-A-Way with the Girls

So I just booked a plane ticket to Miami, Florida for a event convention in August (I know..the humidity is going to be wonderful) and I figured while I was there why not take advantage of the flight and the ocean, for that matter, and book a quick cruise. Well you would think I would book it with my wonderful husband Joey but I thought this time I would plan this trip with my girlfriend, Krista. Yes, I am so excited because it will not only be a perfect little trip but it will be right before the craziness of my upcoming fall events.

Perfect timing with the perfect person, right? YES! Apparently it is becoming a big trend now to do a Girls Get-a-way Trip! According to TravelMole.com "The ever popular "girls-getaway" has gone upscale and extends beyond the traditional weekend escape, reveals a new poll of 246 American Express travel agents. "The poll, which found an increase in 'girls-getaways' according to two-thirds of agents, also found that women traveling together are seeking more active and luxurious vacations," said American Express. Three in four agents said that "girls-getaways" – including vacations with girlfriends or female relatives – are a significant trend. While spa, beach and shopping vacations still dominate as favorites for "girls-getaways," agents say women are increasingly taking cruise, culinary, city and active vacations that include golf, skiing, scuba diving and biking. More than two-thirds of agents polled reported that when traveling together, women are indulging in more luxurious vacations than in years past. The majority of agents (56 percent) say these getaways are not merely weekend retreats, rather they are between four and seven days long. (TravelMole.com, July 17)

So whether it's a overnighter at a local resort & spa, your bridal shower in Figi, hiking in the Grand Canyon or flying to Europe to see DaVinci's work, do it with style and do it with your friends.

Be Inspired at Inspirador

It so refreshing to work with people in our industry that have so much passion for what they do and are not afraid to share it with others. Meet the wonderful ladies of Inspirador a great new venue in historic downtown Chandler. It is sure to be a breathtaking venue for not only weddings and events but for art, nature, community and creativity. Above you will see a slide show of renderings but like so many, including myself, we are so very excited to feel & touch of the "real thing" open it's opening night. I congratulate Dilia & Amy on their dedication to the construction and witty enthusiasm with relentless questions to the venue's status. I admire the both of you and feel blessed to have you as friends.

To learn more about Inspirador or to contact them about inquires on their new venue visit and also be updated by reading their blog.

The Perfect Proposal

Featured on 12 News

Being Eco-friendly is so important right now and should be from here on in. We should be concerned about Mother Nature's health even with our weddings. I recently did a TV News Spot with Channel 12's morning show about bringing Eco to Weddings. Check it out the article here and watch us in action here. Remember you don't have to go completely "green" but maybe incorporate at least one aspect of it to do a little damage control. If you need or want more ideas feel free to shoot me an email. I would be happy to provide more suggestions. Thanks to all the vendors that helped out!

Try using river rock for eco-friendly place cards. Also notice the lovely linen and rentals provided by Tri-Rentals. Thanks Deb!

The shoot was taped at The Farm at South Mountain where Santa Barbara Catering provided the local organic food. Thanks Chef, Kim & Jen!

We used a fruit and cheese platter with our floral for that extra splash of color and it gave the guests something to snack on before you will make your grand entrance.

This stunning dress was handmade by Jewel Couture. 100% all natural silk (expect for buttons & zipper...come on) Beautiful, isn't it?

Invitation was made up of recycled paper and with no inserts. Have your guests RSVP on a website!

Thanks to Rhonda Lewis Photography for snaping away.

Thanks to Jen Vogel of Channel 12 for taking the time to learn about how we all can make a difference.

How much should I buy?

When throwing a party that is serving alcohol this seems to be the number one question across the board...How much and what should I buy? You can always call our friend Dave Foreman of Pourmasters where they have bars, bartenders &/ or a delivery supply service for your party, but if for some reason you take on this task yourself then check out this handy dandy calculator. It's on that fun little website that we all like to use when planning an informal gathering: evite. This calculator helps with a list of items to buy depending on the number of hours you plan on serving and the weight of heavy vs. light drinkers at your party. I haven't had the chance to use it yet but will as soon as I get the chance so I will let you know how it goes. If you use it yourself please let us know your feedback. We want to endorse things that work. Thanks to all and have fun at your next party!

Mom's Wedding

I absolutely had to share this picture of my Mom's first wedding day. She was 18 and such a trendy bride. I actually think the bridesmaids dresses (which are my Aunts) are still quite cute. My Mother's veil...not for me. Imagine what the Groom was wearing!

Radio Milano

And you don't pronounce it like the music box either...it's Rad-io and the food and atmosphere are fantastic. A great photograper and friend of mine, Rhonda Lewis had suggested this new place and believe me...Rhonda is so in the know when it comes to good food and drinks. I sent out the evite and then the people came. The food was amazing and the pomegranate martinis were ever so yummy. Here is a picture that my fantastic photographer friend Melissa Jill took. I just learned a new word from her: Fish lens.
Check it out!