Life's News

Do you enjoy reading our blog and are interested in staying in the Life loop? Look for our e-newsletter, "Life's News!" Our July edition was recently sent out, and we want to include all of you too! If you would like to subscribe to our e-newsletter, let us know my emailing us here!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

HairStyle Bliss

There are so many different ways for brides to wear their hair today, the choices really are limitless. Up? Down? Halfway? Flowers? Straight? Curls? Wavy? There are so many different wedding hairstyles as well as wedding hair accessories that choosing a flattering wedding hairstyle for your face shape and type of dress can be rigorous. Figuring out your wedding hairstyle may not be on the top of your to do list but keep your eyes open so you don't wait until the last minute to figure out the look you want to go for. Here are some helpful hints to get you started.







Look at Pictures
Browse the internet to get some great ideas for your hair. Go to your local grocery or book store and make a collage of different hairstyles you like the best. Every once in awhile, look at the pictures you chose. Eventually, you will develop favorites, and throw away others that you don’t like a few weeks later. What a great way to narrow down your options!


Consider the Wedding Dress Style
If your wedding gown has intricate beading or decoration along the top of the dress, you may not want to wear your hair down, flowing free and covering up the beautiful detail or neckline. While it may be a small factor in your wedding hairstyles decision, it could still be an important aspect to think about.




Spend Time with your Hairdresser
Schedule a pre-run appointment with your hairdresser prior to your big day. Tell him/her the look you are going for, the style of your dress, and if you have any hair accessories that you are going to be using. Your stylist can try lots of different wedding hairstyles until you find the one that you really love. He/she can take a few pictures, write down a few notes, and you'll be set for your wedding day. Check out some fun hairstyles and hair accessories here at HairComestheBride.com.



Wedding hairstyles are an important part of your wedding day look. The right hairstyle can really set off the rest of your dress, so it’s important to choose one that is flattering to you. Be creative, let your imagination run and make your wedding day appearance your personality.

With all that Life has to offer,

Kristine

The ABC's of Wedding Planning :: B is for Bridal Bartering

Bartering is something that we as a civilization are very familiar with. Caveman says, "Ugh. My meat for you wheel. Ugh". (bad impersonation) So, when brides and grooms think about bartering for their wedding services, the talent can be so natural. Don't get me wrong, I am not calling them cavemen (or women) but we all can get pretty unruly when we really want something and most times, especially during wedding planning, will do whatever it takes to get it.

I did some research online and found websites like :: BarterQuest.com, Barter.net and Tradeaway.com which included wedding services to barter such as DJ services, bridal gowns, photography services, and wedding rings.

I came across another website, BigDayBarter.com that states, "You bought the garter, now it's time to barter". They have forums available for brides to barter their services and vendors to grab them. It's quite a neat switch-a-roo and I was interested to see how it worked. Seeing that I live in Arizona I checked out a link that led to a bride in Phoenix and she wrote, "Our wedding date is September 5, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. We will have 175 guests with our ceremony is at our church. We would like to barter for a photographer- documentary style and a videographer too. My fiancé does construction and can do almost any kind of home improvement project and he builds beautiful decks. We would love to barter for these services and look forward to hearing from local photographers and videographers." I actually thought her post was quite smart and economically savvy. Why not get creative with your expenditures and ask yourself, what can I (in her case her fiancé) give someone that might be of service to the vendor?

I can see if the opportunity might be lopsided so here are a few suggestions for both the bride and the vendor.

1. Experience :: Make sure the service has experience. Anyone can say they are a DJ, but if they show up with an IPOD, you are in trouble.

2. Check References :: Get past clients contact information and ask for the latest clients and not necessarily the best. This will give you a fresh and honest answer.

3. Don't be afraid to say no thank you :: If you have any thoughts that it's not a good match, then don't agree to it. You will be more disappointed and full of heartache if you chose to move forward and it doesn't work out.

4. Make it binding :: Put an agreement together and have both parties signed. Think about deadlines, expectations and make sure all communication is clearly understood and document. No surprises.

I would love to hear any feedback from brides and grooms or vendors that bartered their services. How did it turn out?

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Spotlight On Kelvin :: Kelvin Photographer

Kelvin of Kelvin Photographer, is not only a friend of mine, but an extremely gifted photographer here in the Valley. If you are looking for a photographer with real talent, edge & creativity, then Kelvin is your man. I recently met up with Kelvin at the NACE Table Design Competition this week, and always look forward to seeing him & his camera at the various industry events going on. Not only did he come by to photograph our table, but he had the pictures up & edited the morning after! Wow! Click here to view Kelvin's photos from the event. Check out Kelvin's blog for more information and for some amazing photos.


In January, we participated in the DoCha Vida Wedding Walk at Inspirador. Our simplistic table design was basic & fresh--a nice change compared to our other extravagant designs (a.k.a. our Harajuku table!) Kelvin was at this event too, snapping away with his camera:

I really liked these "sweet" chalkboard signs & place settings created for this event--an easy DIY project and inexpensive too.



Table for 2 for the sweethearts; the Bride & Groom

Thank you Kelvin, for always supporting Life Design Event Planning and for sharing your incredible photos! Best of luck!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Deseret Aesthetic celebrates it's Anniversary

If you are in the East Valley or are willing to drive there come check out Dr. Allen's anniversary party! Him and his staff do an amazing job making us beautiful women look even more beautiful. Their staff is SUPER friendly and totally make you feel comfortable.

I am in the process of getting some laser hair removal done for my under arms and bikini area and they have made the process so relaxed. Mind you, it's not the most comfortable thing in the world but they sure try to make it be.

I will be there checking out the deals, raffle prizes, silent auction, etc. It's always so nice to have a little summer refresher, isn't it.

He is also giving away $10,000 in free services. Come and check it out and tell them that I sent you! I don't get anything for promoting them, I just think they are great people and do a fantastic job. Besides, their office is SO cute. You have to come just to see that!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

1st Place Sure Feels Great!

I think my fabulous team and I deserve some major bragging rights for winning not one, but TWO awards at the 3rd annual Event Elements - Confectionery Creations & Table Top Decor Competition last night. Congratulations to the Tokyo themed Harajuku Table Design dream team: Me, Cicely, from Life Design Event Planning; my co-designer Rikki, a.k.a. The Invitation Lady; awesome rentals by Brianna from Creative Event Rentals; and florals by the talented William from Artistic Surroundings.



Our rockin' Harajuku inspired table won first place under the Tokyo themed element and also took the people's choice award, after around 300 votes from the event's attendees. After weeks of planning and many man hours of setting up, our hard work finally paid off and our table top design was a huge hit! I am so excited that we scored two awards-- all of our competitors' tables were incredible and provided some stiff competition. I was definitely inspired by the table top designs and the cakes that appeared at this event. A big "Thank You" to my amazingly creative and fun team, all of our friends that came to support us, and everyone that voted for our table. THANK YOU!!!

Our Tokyo themed inspiration--the Harajuku Girls!

Incredible photos taken by Kelvin at Kelvin Photographer:

1st Place--Harajuku inspired table design

Our own Harajuku girls

Everyone loved touching these chairs...ruffled hot pink seats!

Table settings--accessorized and personalized with these funky belts!

Amazing florals--beautiful work, Bill!

Wall decor...

Price breakdown and Harajuku style 101

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Get Karved!

I recently read an article in Phoenix Woman magazine on the way celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kelly Ripa get so fit and those amazing arms and I was so intrigued I had to learn more….



Popularly referred to as “The Dailey Method” in California, Kendra Jordan, owner of Karve Studio in Scottsdale and K Pilates in Mesa studied under Jill Dailey in San Fransisco to learn the technique and bring it to Arizona under the name Karve.

Karve is a unique, interval-training based class based off the original work of the Lotte Berk Method and Callanetics. The system is designed to lean the body, burn fat, and develop the physique of a dancer: long, lean muscles that are strong, yet flexible. All major muscle groups are worked in a one-hour class of carefully designed strengthening, and orthopedic stretching techniques.



According to the site, if you take the classes regularly— four to five times per week—you will begin to notice a difference in only six weeks. This is perfect for all you brides our there trying to get “karved” for your big day or those of us who are trying to get in shape for bikini season!

I read the FAQ page on the Karve Studio and K Pilates sites, learned all about the method and had to try it for myself. I’ve been taking the class for nearly a month now, averaging about three times per week and I can already feel my body getting stronger.

Here’s a run down of the class:
Each class begins with a warm up followed by upper body exercises to tighten the upper arms and shoulders using light weights, plank, and push up variations. The class then moves to the bar for thigh work, seat and hamstring work, with deep, releasing stretch segments that complement each intense section. The focus then moves purely to the abdominals, training the abdominals to draw inward, thus tightening and reducing your waistline. The ballet bar is valuable in different positions of abdominal work with the help of straps, balls and varying positions against the wall and floor.

The entire class is set to lively and flowing music which helps to inspire, focus, motivate, and finally relax the student throughout the hour. Although many of the movements are ballet-inspired, there are no choreographed sequences, and grace is not required to enjoy this class! Your instructors will guide you through the movements to ensure that your posture, alignment and form are correct for optimal results.

Each class is different from the last. And don't get me wrong, it is TOUGH!! A pricey investment, but I believe worthwhile for brides and swimsuit season!

With all LIFE has to offer,

Krystal
krystal@lifedesignevents.com

Add Some Personality (And Save Some $) At Products With Personality

Life Design Event Planning always enjoys connecting and networking, especially with those generous vendors who are so kind to provide special discounts to us! I recently came across Products With Personality, the ultimate wedding & party favor distributor, and was so excited when they offered to hook all you blog readers up!

Read below for Product With Personality's guest post for more information on this great company and details on your 20% off offer!




As you can see from the photos on the left of the Life Design Event Planning blog, this site is all about personality. Your individuality should be celebrated and incorporated into everything you do! That’s where Products With Personality and their Wedding Blog come into play. This site encourages bride-to-be’s to add personality to their wedding, from choosing fun and beautiful wedding favors to selecting wedding accessories that show off the couple’s unique spark. We’re happy to announce that PWP is now offering Life Design Event Planning Blog readers 20% off an order of $50 or more with coupon code “ctrki”. The site has interesting and useful products for everyone, even if you’re not a bride-to-be. Check Products With Personality out, and be sure to tell us Life Design Event Planning sent you over!

Now go show off that great personality of yours ;-)
-PWP

Thank you, PWP! I hope you all get the chance to take advantage of this offer.

With all that Life has to offer,
Cicely

Show Us Some Love!

"Wicked Sunset" Tablescape, 1st Place at the 1st Annual Competition

Next week on June 22nd, Life Design Event Planning will be participating again in the 3rd Annual "Event Elements - Confectionery Creations & Table Top Decor Competition!" This year's event will feature styles inspired by Rio, Cairo, Tokyo and Paris. Come out to the Arizona Grand Resort and show Life Design Event Planning some love! We will be competing in the table scape competition, and hopefully we will win first place like we did with our "Wicked Sunset" table scape two years ago. Last year, our table was Retro inspired and was also a big hit and a lot of fun to design. Just wait until you see what we have planned this year! There will be up to 15 confectionery creations and up to 20 different table top designs to preview.

Competition Timeline:

3:00 to 6:00 pm – Open to the Public for Viewing ($10 per person or included with the purchase of a dinner ticket)
6:00 to 7:00 pm – Cocktail Reception
7:00 to 10:00 pm – Dinner & Awards Presentation

Visit NACE's website to register.



I hope to see you there! Wish us luck!



With all that Life has to offer,



Cicely

The ABC's of Wedding Planning :: A is for Ask!

picture by Darby Elizabeth Photography

We will be starting a new series every Monday called the ABC's of wedding planning. We will review everything that goes into the process all with the letters of the alphabet. Check back with us first thing every monday for your ABC scoop!

Our first post :: A stands for Ask!

One mistake that I hear brides make is they don’t ask enough (or sometimes none) questions of their vendors. It’s usually just a head nodding and an “okay, its industry standard so it must be true” conversation. All Industries do have some sort of standards (as they should) and the wedding and event industry is no different, but if you are unclear on the logic behind them then ask about it. Have a voice and if you are wondering why a certain tactic or procedure is done the way they present it then give yourself permission to respond and look for an answer so your expectations are high and their communication is clear.

photo found here

Many of the professional vendors I work with will take the time to explain why things are done they way they are. Remember we all have years and years of experience with hundreds and sometimes thousands of weddings, so we should have a process down pat. If your vendor doesn’t have a method or some sort of system in tact it’s a sign of inexperience and a lack of knowledge = Red Flag. Once you get your response from the vendor you are looking to or have hired, trust them. I can’t stress that enough. Trust is vital for a successful event so don’t be afraid to check into references and ask other vendors about their honest opinion and experience working with the other vendors you are inquiring about. Once you get a solid foundation with your vendor and you have complete confidence in their skills, hire them, trust them and don’t second guess. They will take care of you. So, in the meantime, as you are hiring your vendors and they explain their services, don’t be afraid to ask the questions so that you can walk away with pure confidence in their services.

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

"I Do" With a View

Yesterday, I had the awesome opportunity of touring the InterContinental Montelucia resort in Scottsdale, AZ. This time, the resort looked completely different than when I had my hard hat tour last year. Me, and a few other event planners, got the grand tour of this resort's wedding chapel and bridal suite, along with a special tasting at the Prado restaurant, and an extensive tour of the Joya spa. I was so impressed! The attention to detail at this resort is absolutely incredible; live video feed of the wedding reception is offered, the spa has vibrating and iPod compatible massage tables, and the food and drinks were delicious. I was especially impressed with the Camelback Villa; Montelucia's 2,800 square foot wedding suite equipped with a private backyard, and amazing, amazing views of Camelback Mountain. Perfect for an intimate, outdoor wedding.

Event lawn of the Camelback Villa, with to-die-for views of Camelback:

The wonderful violinist that provided music throughout the tour:

These colors looked amazing outside with Camelback as the backdrop:

Oranges--a great and inexpensive way to add color and an extra touch:

The Montelucia Resort & Spa is one of a kind, and offers countless amenities and special details to create an "Out of This World" event. If you are interested in having your next special event or wedding here, contact Life Design Event Planning for event packages.

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Stay-cation :: Destination Phoenix

One of my favorites :: Hotel Valley Ho

Summer is in full swing in Phoenix, AZ, and so are the seasonal resort deals! One of the wonderful things about living in the Valley of the Sun is all of the gorgeous, five-star resorts right down the street from our homes. When Summer roles around, these hotels offer special room rates and deals during their slow season. This time of year is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the local specials for your honeymoon, bachelor party, bachelorette party, day at the spa, or your stay-cation (a vacation where you don't travel, but stay at a local resort). Here are some of the many perks currently being offered.

Stay-cation Deals in Phoenix

VH Spa Specials, Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale

Take it Off summer special, Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale

Willow Stream Spa credit at the Fairmont Princess, Spa Finder

The Heat is On special at the Royal Palms in Phoenix

Summer Lovin special at the Royal Palms in Phoenix

Christmas in July special at the Sanctuary on Camelback

Play on the Mountain weekday special at Sanctuary on Camelback

Summer Splash Package at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale

Last minute deals in Phoenix, Expedia

Some resorts don't list their summer rates upfront, so take advantage of websites like Expedia, Hotels, Spa Finder, Hotel Chatter, and even good ol' Google.

See you at the pool!

With all that Life has to offer,


Cicely

Life Design Event Planning presents ... (drumroll) ... Mrster!

Life Design Event Planning is thrilled to unveil our brand spanking new sister site - or should we say sister from another ... MRSTER?!

Mrster (pronounced: mist + er) is an online magazine and ultimate planning tool for same sex and hetero couples who are planning for their wedding days. Our goal is to provide a modern day resource chock full of smart ideas, allied vendors, real life experiences and true stories for couples of all backgrounds.

With all of the wedding blogs floating around the blogosphere, you're probably wondering what sets Mrster apart. Allow me to give you a little background on Mrster in the making...

Erica, one of our advisory board members, recently described her frustration when looking for a cake topper that resembled her and her bride-to-be, Shannon. Scrolling through images of topper after topper of three inch figurines clad in tux and gown, Erika eventually gave up on trying to find a pair that reflected her own relationship. Perhaps her dilemma felt trivial at the time - a small battle in a larger war ... but even the small battles are worth fighting. It is with couples like Erika and Shannon in mind, that Mrster was created. Add in loads of passion and personality, and we're sure you'll be adding Mrster onto your daily blog roll. What are you waiting for? Head on over to http://www.mrster.com/, and don't forget to subscribe!

BQ Photography :: Spray Painted Bride

If you haven't had the chance to meet Ben Quillinan, of BQ Photography, and you are definitely missing out. I blogged about the Trash the Dress photo shoots a while back, but none of the previous pictures compared to BQ's talent and creativity that was shown in his recent Trash the Dress shoot where the bride was graffiti painted! So amazing!! Check out his blog post below, as well as the video from the photo shoot by clicking here!

Screen shots from the video:

Graffiti Bride in process...

The final (and AMAZING) product! She looks so glamorous, spray paint and all!

I love how colorful this shoot turned out:

Be sure to head over to BQ Photography's website & blog. There are tons more incredible photos in the gallery section!

Thank you Ben for being so inspiring! I love how clever and inventive you are!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Allow us to escort you to your table...

Escort tables are not only an efficient way to guide your guests to their seats, but a great opportunity to reflect your personalities.  Here are a few creative gems we pulled from around the web:

If you're having a country farm wedding, how's about clothes-pinning seating cards to a sheet of burlap?  

Image found here.

Or if you're tying the knot oceanside, sand dollars calligraphed by the uber-talented Laura Hooper make a one-of-a-kind personal touch. 

Image found here.

For this Malibu soiree, Jo Gartin fastened cocktail umbrellas to escort cards to make a colorful statement as guests entered this reception.

Image found here.

Still searching for inspiration?  Check out a few escort tables from Life's celebrations to get your creative wheels turning:

With all that Life has to offer,

Sarah

Life Loves Links

I am definitely a blogging girl in a blogging world. I could easily spend all day on the Internet; browsing, researching, networking, shopping, and being inspired by all of the incredible information available. With the multitude of websites, blogs, chat forums, and online stores, there is a little bit of information overload. This can definitely be a bit overwhelming for anyone, especially brides-to-be using the Internet for inspiration and ideas.

Here are a few of my favorite blogs and articles of the week to help you navigate through the World Wide Web:

Tools

Average Wedding Cost Calculator, Cost of Wedding

Free Wedding Budget Calculator, Party Pop

Wedding Cost Calculator, Real Simple

Online Wedding Planning Tools, EZ Wedding Planner

Tips

How to Save the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake, by Yum Sugar

How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner, by InStyle Weddings

Maid of Honor Duties, by the knot

Best Man Duties, by the knot

Spotlight Blogs

Cocktails & Details blog by Terrica of Fabuluxe, Inc.

Beauty Addict blog by Kristen Kelly

DIY Bride blog by Khris Cochran

The Budget Bride's Handebook blog by Sharise

Need a Laugh?

Cake Wrecks blog by Jen

Cake Wrecks

Send me some of your favorite links, wedding related or not!


Happy Web Surfing!


With all that Life has to offer,


Cicely