Time is Tickin'....

Tomorrow, July 31st, is the last day to view Life Design Event Planning's exclusive on-line trunk show with Stella & Dot. You can purchase their fabulous jewelry by tomorrow to receive reduced shipping rates and be entered to win a free pair of earrings!

Here is the 4-1-1:

1) Click here to be taken to the online shop
2)Click on the "Find your hostess" link
3)Enter in Life Design Event Planning's hostess name: Kesha Scott
4)Once it comes up-click on the link attached to it and you are done and ready to shop!
5) After you make your purchase, leave a comment on this blog post about this new collection and you will be entered in a drawing to win a FREE PAIR OF EARRINGS

Happy Shopping!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Wedding Websites

It seems as quickly as the seasons change, wedding trends come and go. There is one trend, however, that may just be here for the long haul. Wedding websites are an excellent way to provide a one-stop information hub for your guests. Offering directions, a list of local restaurants, or a place to e-RSVP at the click of the mouse keeps all of your guests in the loop with very little effort on your part. Not so tech-savvy, yourself? Not to worry, there are plenty of options around the web.

This stylish site was created on EngagePage, which has plenty of creative designs to choose from.

If you happen to be ordering your invitations through Wedding Paper Divas, you even have the option of matching your wedding website to your stationery design.

With a wide range of wedding website services at your fingertips, your bound to find something both you and your guests will enjoy.

With all that Life has to offer,

Sarah

High-Energy Living 101

I recently received an email with the "Seven Keys to High-Energy Living" by Brian Tracy, and thought these seven points were great to incorporate into your daily routine to help you perform with the most energy naturally, sans Red-Bull! These 7 points also overlap into many other areas of life outside of work. Like preparing for your big wedding day to ensure you have the stamina to last all day (which will be a long day!), if you are planning your wedding (which also takes a lot of energy) and if you are also an event planner (which requires a lot of high energy, enthusiasm and attention to detail.)

1 Wedding Source

Here are Brian's 7 keys to high-energy that can help you work, perform, and stay at your peak:

Energy is a key luck factor. For you to be at the top of your form, to be action oriented, fast moving, and extremely productive, you have to have high levels of physical and mental energy.

For you to be able to take advantage of all the possibilities around you, and to have the continuous enthusiasm that keeps you and others motivated and moving ahead, you have to organize your life so that you feel terrific about yourself most of the time.

1. Eat the Right Foods

The first key to high energy is a proper diet. To perform at your best, you must eat the right foods, in the right balance, and in the right combination. Your diet has an inordinate impact on the amount of energy you have, how well you sleep, your levels of health and fitness, and your performance throughout the day and into the evening.

2. Watch your Weight

The second key to high energy is proper weight. Proper weight is essential for health, happiness, and long life. If you are not happy with your current level of physical health, you need to set specific goals for yourself for the weeks and months ahead.

3. Exercise is Essential

The third key to high energy is proper exercise. The best activity for high energy and physical fitness is aerobic exercise. This type of exercise requires that you get your heart rate up into what is called the training zone three times per week. This training zone is about 120 to 160 beats per minute, depending on your age. You then keep it there for at least 20 minutes or more each session.

4. Get Lots of Rest and Recreation

The fourth key to high energy is proper rest. You need an average of seven to eight hours of sleep each night to be fully rested. You need to take off at least one full day each week during which you don't work at all. You should take regular mini-holidays of two or three days each, every couple of months. You should take one and two week vacations each year when you relax completely and get your mind totally off your work.

5. Develop a Positive Mental Attitude

The fifth key to high energy is the elimination of negative emotions. This can be the most important thing you do to assure a long and happy life. Your ability to keep your mind on what you want and off of what you don't want will determine your levels of health and happiness more than any other decision you make.

6. Start a Personal Mental Fitness Program

The sixth key to high energy is for you to go one a 21-day positive mental attitude diet, one day at a time. Resolve that, for the next 21 hours, you are going to keep your mind on what you want and keep it off the things you don't want. You are going to think and talk positively and optimistically about your goals, other people, and everything that is going on in your life.

7. Become a Personal Powerhouse

The more you practice the health habits we have talked about, the more energy and vitality you will have. The more you keep your conversation focused on your goals and on the things you want, the greater the amount of strength and power you will feel. You will be more alert and aware. You will feel more positive and action oriented in every situation.

How do you achieve your "High-Energy Living?"

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Wedding Entrance Dance :: Happy Friday

Happy Friday. Laugh, love and dance.

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

The 5 All-Time Most Ridiculously Expensive Celebrity Weddings

"The 5 All-Time Most Ridiculously Expensive Celebrity Weddings" comes to you today from Life Design Event Planning's first time guest blogger, Emily Jacobson. Enjoy!

Over-the-top celebrity weddings are nothing new for the outrageously rich and famous. From the diamond rings, to the wedding cake, if you think weddings are expensive, remember, it's all relative. Here's the lowdown on the 5 priciest celebrity weddings of all time. If nothing else, it will show you that expensive weddings do not guarantee marital success.

(1) Liza Minnelli & David Gest - $3.5 million

Oscar winner Liza Minnelli and producer David Gest hosted the most lavish wedding bash on record in March 2002. The event featured a 36-member bridal party, best man Michael Jackson (who gave away the bride), maid of honor Elizabeth Taylor and 850 guests. Entertainment was provided by Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole and a 60 piece orchestra. But the marriage was short-lived, lasting only one year.

Image found here: Marie Claire

(2) Paul McCartney & Heather Mills - $3 million

Singer/songwriter Paul McCartney wed model/activist Heather Mills in June 2002 in Monaghan Ireland. The Indian-themed celebration included vegetarian fare, dancers in full Indian costume, and a $150,000 fireworks display. The bride walked down the aisle to "Heather," an original McCartney composition just for her. The couple spent their wedding night on a $20 million yacht at $19,000 per night. The marriage lasted 6 years.

Image found here; US Weekly

(3) Elizabeth Hurley & Arun Nayar - $2.5 million

In March, 2007, actress/model Elizabeth Hurley wed Indian textile heir Arun Nayar over 8 days in 2 countries. The double wedding began with a British ceremony and reception at the medieval Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire and concluded with a traditional Hindu ceremony in Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. The palace wedding suite cost $10,000 per night, while the music totaled $200,000. As of today, the couple is still together.

Image found here: New Luxury Items

(4) Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes - $2 million

Called the "It" wedding of 2006, the union between actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in 15th century Odescalchi Castle near Rome drew a media circus that was an event in itself. The bridal party wore individually designed Armani, and the celebration included a personal serenade to Katie by Tom. A white chocolate wedding cake, full orchestra, and $180,000 worth of fine wine added to the festivities. According to recent reports, the happy couple is still going strong.

Image found here: Hollywood Drag

(5) Elizabeth Taylor & Larry Fortensky - $2 million

In a surprising but still expensive celebrity wedding, actress Elizabeth Taylor married construction worker Larry Fortensky in October 1991. In true cougar style and before it was fashionable, Elizabeth took the 20-years-younger Larry for her seventh husband. The big event took place at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch where Michael gave away the bride. It all started at the Betty Ford Clinic, where the couple met while undergoing substance abuse treatment. Wedding photos were sold to People Magazine for 1 million and the proceeds went to AIDS charities. Divorced in 1996, Elizabeth has avoided marriage ever since.

Image found here: Forbes

Thank you, Emily!

What is the most expensive item you purchased for your wedding? Was it your dress? The venue? The entertainment? Your honeymoon?

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

In Memory of a Loved One

If someone has held a meaningful place in your lives but due to unfortunate circumstances cannot be with you on your big day, honoring their presence in your lives can make your day that much more special. If you're having trouble coming up with a way to appropriately acknowledge them, take one of these suggestions:

Fasten their picture to your bouquet.

Image found here.

Light a candle next to their escort card.

Image found here.

Have the officiant take a moment of silence in their honor, place a rose on an empty seat in the front row of your ceremony, or display their picture on a table at your reception. Whatever you choose to do to honor their role in your life, it will serve as a reminder that they are there in spirit.

With all that Life has to offer,

Sarah

Don't Drink & Drive...Ever :: Introducing Last Call Drivers

Side note :: Make sure you read the entire post as there is a surprise at the bottom

So I am about to be a little vulnerable to my readers. A few weeks ago, I was at an industry networking event. Per usual, included at the event was a decadent spread of tantalizing food and several choices of spirits to drink from. I choose a pink sugary martini and mingled with my wedding and event friends. After two of those sweet drinks, I had some food and made my way to meet a girlfriend about thirty miles away for a movie. Movie ended, we said our goodbyes then I was to be heading home. As I exited the parking lot I made a u-turn and saw something that I hoped I would never see after having a drink; those flashy blue lights. I thought, "Oh my goodness, I am being pulled over and I drank". I started to calmly panic (if there is such a thing) and shortly thereafter began to review the details of my night with the police officer. One of his first questions was if I had something to drink and of course I was honest with him. He then asked me to do a DUI test. Cars drove by staring, my life and career was flashing before my eyes, my husbands disappointment was hitting me and he didn't even know yet! Well, God willing, I passed, the officer let me go but said to me, "Don't Drink and Drive...Ever".

Well, the great thing about that evening, ironically, is I met a man named Tucker Nivison of Last Call Drivers. He told me about his company and the service they provide. It gives me the liberty to have a cocktail or two because they have a driving service come pick me up any time of the day or night and drive me and my car home.

Photo courtesy of Creative Sauce

Here is how it works ::

1. Call 602-606-7560 about 30 minutes prior to your departure from a bar, restaurant, party or wherever you may be.

2. They arrive at your location with one car and two drivers.

3. One driver drives you and your passengers in your car while the other driver follows.

4. You arrive home safely. With your car!

5. Tip your driver.

So, of course, nothing in life is free so let me break down the service fees. There is a monthly fee of $49.00 and you must tip your drivers a minimum of $40.00 (each driver will get $20 each). Now, if you are like me, you drive all over the valley. Last night, I was in Tempe, the night before I was in North Phoenix, both locations at least a 35 minute drive from my home. So, it's worth it. Heck, I can't even take a cab to movie theatre home and back for under $40.00. Let alone have a personal driver take me!

The cool thing is that if you have a group of friends that you carpooled with they will bring them to your destination (with you in the car of course) and your destination can change each time your picked up. It doesn't always need to be your home, office, etc. Not to mention if you wanted them to have a second drop off location all you need to do is add $20.00 to the gratuity minimum.

Honestly, this service is awesome and perfect for me because I work in such a social industry and simply can't even think about chancing it again. Life is good and drinking and driving is so dangerous and completely not worth the consequences. I am so glad that I met Tucker that night and I signed up. I even showed the police officer a copy of the contract that I had just committed to that night...well, he smirked, tilted his head and said, "how about you use it next time".

No harm, no foul. I got home safe, a embarrassed but lesson learned. Even one beer makes you vulnerable to the hard Arizona laws so don't do it. It's not worth it.

So, the big news! To all the people that sign up for the service we will have a drawing to give-away a year membership for free. Here are the rules.

1. Go sign up for the service at the Last Call Driver website.

2. Sign up for the service with a minimum contract of 12 months.

3. In the referred box or the notes make sure to let Tucker know that you heard about him through the Life Design Event Planning blog. You must do this in order to be considered.

4. Come back to this post and write a comment! Make sure to include your name and email address.

5. The contest ends on August 22nd, 2009 by midnight (Arizona Time).

6. Tucker will pick a random number and from that number the winner will be chosen from the blog comments.

7. No one will be billed for their commitment until the winner is announced.

The value of the package is $588.00. Sweet deal if you ask me!

There are all different levels of service from Individual, Joint, Restaurant/Bar & Corporate memberships. Something for everyone.

Please understand that I didn't receive anything in return for blogging about Tucker or the Last Call Drivers services. I just believe in what he does to keep us all safe and he and his team of drivers are very professional.

Good luck and be safe! Learn from others mistakes before it might be yours the rest learn from.

With all that Life and safe driving have to offer,

Cicely

The ABC's of Wedding Planning :: E stands for Electricity :: Planning for the right amount at your wedding

Thinking of electrical needs isn’t exactly something that is on your top 10 list of things to consider when planning your wedding. But, it is vital! Imagine this: You have spent thousands on your wedding design and décor, the band is plugged in the lights are illuminating and the dance floor is packed. All of a sudden, nothing but candle light and silence. You blew out a circuit at your reception venue and now you have no music, no lighting, no ambiance, and no fun. Here are a few things to think about when planning for your wedding day, particularly when planning an event at a private home or off premise catering.

Ceremony needs

ü Ceremony Music

DJ

Strings :: Most string including, harps, string trios or quartets won’t need speakers unless it’s over 150 people.

Guitar soloist, pianist, or vocalist will all need electric.

Lapel microphone for Groom and the Officiant

ü Standing microphone for readers

ü Specialty Lighting

Cocktail Needs

ü Cocktail Music

ü Specialty Lighting

ü Misc. Entertainment

Reception Needs

ü Band and/or DJ

ü Specialty Lighting

Pin spot

Color wash

Gobos

Led

ü Caterer Kitchen Needs :: Make sure you include so they can see what they are cooking.

ü Ice Sculpture :: Many times they need uplighting

Specialty Needs

ü Mobile Bathrooms a.k.a. Pretty Potties

ü Air-conditioning or Heat

ü Photobooth

ü Misc. Entertainment

What you need to do is ask any of your vendors if they will need electricity and how many apps will be sufficient for their services. From there, you can contact your electrician or check with your planner, a rental company or your audio/visual specialist about knowing if you need to rent a generator. They can be several hundred dollars but ultimately can guarantee power for your event so you won’t have a blackout. When renting one make sure it’s hidden from your guest’s eye view and confirm that it’s a silent generator. Those can produce a lot of engine like noises and buzzing and you certainly want to have one as the quietest one for your wedding.

Here is a quick excerpt from the lighting and sound professionals at Sound and Lighting F/X :: "When planning your wedding at various venue's it is important to consider power as something that can make or break the smooth flow of your special event. In the planning stages of your event make sure to add up all the different aspects that require power. Some examples of these are indoor/outdoor lighting, floral and decorative lighting, DJ sound and lighting, Tent lighting, portofino's and mist systems, outdoor dressing rooms, outdoor kitchens, walkway lighting, air conditioning for large tents, other media additions. All of these draw a significant amount of power. Many private residences and destination venues may not have enough power to accommodate such requests. So it is important to ask the proper questions either by your event and wedding planner or your production provider. Generally, if you are not planning to use air conditioning units, a 36KW Generator will suffice for most needs."

I bet you the Bride of Frankenstein didn't forget having a generator at her wedding! :: Image found here

Remember to plan ahead so your wedding day isn't lost in the dark!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Exclusive Trunk Show for YOU!

Looking for beautiful, chic, and affordable jewelry for your bridal party, friends, family, yourself? Enter Stella & Dot, the ultra-chic, boutique style jewelry pieces that has been featured in top magazines and that the celebs love. These fashionable baubles are designed by both celebrity jewelry stylist Maya Brenner and Banana Republic jewelry designer Blythe Harries, and with a duo like that, you know it's gotta be good! Every girl wants to feel like a movie star on her wedding day, (heck, how about everyday?!) and this line gets you one step closer.

For the next ten days, Life Design Event Planning blog readers get the first look at Stella & Dot's fall lineup, which comes out this week, and the chance to win free Stella & Dot. What does that mean exactly? This means brand new and never before seen pieces available for all blog readers until July 30th with the chance to win a free pair of earrings! Follow these simple steps and you'll be well on your way to looking fabulous and scoring free jewelry:

1) Click here to be taken to the online shop

2)Click on the "Find your hostess" link

3)Enter in Life Design Event Planning's hostess name: Kesha Scott

4)Once it comes up-click on the link attached to it and you are done and ready to shop!

5) After you make your purchase, leave a comment on this blog post about this new collection and you will be entered in a drawing to win a FREE PAIR OF EARRINGS!

Happy Shopping!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Today is a Special Day :: It's My Mom's 60th Birthday

Meet Liz Toone, My Mom. Today she turns a very young 60 years of age and I wanted to write a short post today about what this woman means to me.

In the stage of life that I am in now, I have had many discoveries and lately have sunk into a tremendous amount of deep thought especially into the "realness" of my parents. What I mean is that all my life I have depended on both my parents to be there for me, heck all of their children have (even some that weren't hers), at any time, no matter what. And they never let me and us down! They both made sacrifices I am still trying to understand, just so I could have a better future and be more secure spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. So, one day it just hit me. My parents are people too. I mean, they aren't just placed on this earth to support, listen, discipline (even to this day) nurture, comfort and love. I don't now about you but this notion took some time to get used to.

Just over ten days ago my younger sister, Moriah turned 21. How did she want to celebrate on her birthday? Go see Momma… and we did. Mom lives in Prescott, Arizona and for those of you that are not familiar with our state it's an adorable, lovable, country chic town about an hour and a half north of Phoenix. So we took that short drive to Momma's for Moriah's big day. When my sister and I walked in, Momma was prepared. She had made her world famous sauce (my husband would argue it's called gravy) and we had our ultimate feast. We all enjoyed a nice glass of wine together in Mom's best crystal and enjoyed the best spaghetti and meatballs any Italian woman can make. And of all times after dinner, at that very moment is when it happened. I had never really thought about it. We were visiting Mom for little sister's birthday but it suddenly turned into a night about Mom. Moriah and I started asking her question after question, about her childhood, being brought up in Brooklyn, NY, going to the Beatles concert at Shea Stadium, loosing her Mother at such a young age and then having to be a Mother to her younger sisters while moving cross country. Then it was on to her young adult life, her night life? Did she dance? Did she party? Did she ever experiment with drugs? How did she meet her husband? How did he ask her out? What made them get married? Then her first born, etc. I have to tell you it was one of the most fascinating nights of my life. I, earnestly wanted to learn more about Elizabeth Jeanne. She really did know what it was like to be a teenager! She really did try and be the best Mom she knew how. She was a person and she is a person. Since that night, I have felt a connection with her that I haven't experienced before. Don't get me wrong our entire family is very close, but this was different. This was getting to know someone else that didn't have to play the role of Mom. I learned what she was like and loved her even more.

Mom, thanks for sharing that night with Moriah and I. I love your honesty, your unparalleled commitment to you passions, your unconditional love and for always being there for anyone that needed you. You have a big, no enormous heart, and have taught me so much about being a confident women. I don't think I realized just how much of an impression you had on me until the other night.

Happy 60th Birthday. I wish so much I could be there to celebrate with you but for now please know that you are the woman in my life. You are my rock and my pillow. You are an amazing soul, spirit and incredibly talented woman.

I wanted to shout to the world that it was your day and I did. So, make it the best you can.

I love you.

With all that I have to offer,

Cic

PS. I do want sibling credit for calling and wishing you Happy Birthday first! ;)

Life Loves Links :: Part 2

The Internet is such a useful tool when planning your wedding, and I seem to find more and more useful sites each day! There are endless websites and blogs chockful of tips and ideas from other planners, brides-to-be and married woman. Here are a few of my favorite articles of how to plan your wedding, stay healthy after marriage, 2009-2010 trend forecasts and some celebrity wedding gossip.

Click & Enjoy:

Planning & Preparing:

• Avoid Post Wedding Weight Gain: How to stay hot after the "I Do's" from Fit Sugar
• Working Girl's Guide to Planning Your Wedding Slide show, Part 1 and Part 2, from Savvy Sugar
• Confessions of a Wedding Planner "Why Marriages Fail," Cosmo Mag
• Something Blue ideas, Savvy Sugar
• Wedding From Hell, (be happy this didn't happen to you!)--Jodie Gould
  

Trend Forecast for the Upcoming Weddings:

• Frock Weddings--Cute, cheap and chic frocks for any wedding
• Fashion Color Trends for Fall 2009-Fall 2010, Fashion Trendsetter
• Noyon Spring/Summer 2010 Collection, Fashion Trendsetter
• Redken Fall/Winter 2009 Hair Trends, A Girl's Gotta Spa
• David Babaii's Fall 2009 Hair Forecast, Beauty is Within

Looks like Farah's famous layers will be making a comeback!

Celebrity Buzz:

• A Look Into Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan's Wedding. (Sigh) Yes, ladies...he's taken now
• Inside Girl Next Door Kendra Wilkinson's Wedding, People.

Happy Thursday!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Viva La France!

Happy Bastille Day! July 14th marks the French national holiday of Bastille Day, celebrating and remembering the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison back in 1789. Thinking of France made me remember the gorgeously decorated table top designs at the NACE competition last month. My team's theme was Tokyo, and 4 other amazing planners dressed and designed their tablescapes with Paris in mind. I was so inspired by the "City of Lights" table designed by Vivian Ullman of Environs Events. She mixed in classic Parisian themes with an artistic twist to create an intimate feel of a sidewalk cafe.

The sidewalk bistros of Paris came to life with this table design: Makes me wish I was sitting at an actual outside cafe!

The paintbrush table settings were so clever! Amazing way of incorporating the influential French art scene.

Beautiful colors against the black and white design. The blue really pops out and reminds me of the serene French countryside.

You too can celebrate Bastille Day with a little treat. A nice glass of French wine, croissant, or baguette and cheese will do just fine. Just like Marie Antoinette's infamous saying, you could also "Let Them Eat Cake" with Let Them Eat Cake here in Phoenix. This cake boutique serves up delicious cupcakes daily and makes incredibly tasty cakes for any occasion. But, I'm in the mood to make some Marie Antoinette inspired cupcakes, from Cupcakes Take the Cake. Swirled frosting mimics the fashionable Queen's royal hairdo! Cute idea:

Au revoir!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

The ABC's of Wedding Planning :: D stands for Disaster Relief

Heaven forbid anything should happen that is a disaster on your wedding day but we must take in consideration that bad things do happen, even to brides, and you need to be prepared at all costs. One of my most popular blog posts was about a bridal client of mine that had a landslide midnight the night before her 300 person wedding. There was one way in and one way out. I remember hearing the news and thinking to myself I am so glad our team is there to relieve the bride, groom and the families of the stress. We were the problem solvers and she didn’t have a sleepless night dealing with this almost unbeatable issue.

What could go wrong on your wedding day? Here is a short list of a few real instances from a wedding professionals.

From Paul of Paul Rogers Photography:: “Saved the memories when the paid photographer didn't deliver. Mine are the only images they have.”

Dave of Pour Masters :: "Couple had bartending service without correct insurance. Got the call with only 2 hrs until reception Pour Masters arrived with time to spare."

Gina of Fiori Floral :: "Five minutes before the ceremony was about to start the Officiant ran into one of the floral arrangements and shattered the vase at the altar. I was there with an alternative in less than 10 minutes. The bride never knew the difference and the guests all clapped when I fixed the situation."

Wedding Planning Audiocast :: “Bride split contact lens at church. I had extra set in my car unopened. Desperate she tried mine and by some Godly miracle she could see again!”

Alan Mermelstein of Moments Found Photography :: “How about the time I sent my assistant out to buy the Bride and Groom’s first dance song that the DJ forgot.”

Karin of God's Garden Treasures :: "Outdoor ceremony with hard rains from 4 am throughout the day - we redesigned florals to take an Ok indoor setting to fabulous."

What are a few ways for you to have disaster relief on your wedding day? Here are a few of my thoughts.

1. Hire a Wedding Planner :: If it’s not in your budget to hire for full planning then hire someone to be there as the “day of” coordinator. With most consultants, that service starts about 30 days prior to your wedding day and the coordinator is there as an advocate for your wedding, not for the venue, not for the florist, not for the photographer but for you and your wedding needs. Also, make sure the planner is a professional and has enough experience to be your official problem solver. Never have I heard of someone say…”Gosh, I sure wish I didn’t hire my wedding planner to help my wedding day go smoothly”.
2. Supply Vendors with a Timeline and Contact Information :: Many times, I receive calls from Brides in a panic that they have so much to do but they are running out of time. This tells me that the bride is overwhelmed and many of the details have fallen through the cracks, including their wedding timeline. What I recommend is to stay on track and document your wedding flow with a timeline. Then at the bottom of the timeline give the names and cell phone numbers for each vendor involved. This gives them the resources to be the problem solver. They have your plan and the contacts to fix the situation.
3. Have a Weather Back Up Plan :: Arizona is very blessed to have amazing perfect days most of the year (as I write with my curtains closed so none of the evil heat seeps through) but many couples take that for granted when planning their wedding nuptials. You must always have a back up plan. Always. Things come up, weather changes and those are things we can’t control. Plan and prepare for the worst...you won't be sorry you did.
4. Emergency Kit :: They really do come in handy! Your wedding planner should have a pretty extensive kit on hand but if you aren't using a planner, research online and pull a basket of supplies together for your wedding day. You can even ask you bridal party to contribute by each bringing items that you have assigned them. This way the cost won’t be so high for just one person besides you all end up using the products anyway!

Honestly, I can go on and on about what things you should do to prepare for those wedding day mishaps but truly having a team behind you whether it be family, friends, your professional wedding team or a planner and her/his staff. Just do me a favor and prepare yourself for any mishaps as best as you can. You are or have made a big investment in one single day, why chance it?

Wedding professionals, what disasters have you seen or helped with?

Brides, what are you most nervous will go wrong on your wedding day?

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Wedding Day Don'ts

Who doesn't like to parade by a speedo on your wedding day?

Happy Friday!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Here Comes the (Buff) Bride

Image :: Love Tripper

After being on vacation and partaking in multiple summer bbq's and meetups, it sure can be hard to get back in the swing of things in the fitness department. If you are a bride-to-be looking to kick up your fitness routine in preparation for your big day, try this "Fit For A Bride" workout playlist. It is filled with 42 minutes of upbeat, energetic songs that you can use on any cardio equipment or outside on the streets. Regardless of your maritial status, I think these songs will keep your heart pumping and your brow sweating for a solid workout. The Fit For A Bride playlist, listed below, can be found on the oh-so funny and fresh Fit Bottomed Girls blog.

Fit for a Bride :: The Workout Playlist

Warm-up

(2:38) Love and Marriage, Frank Sinatra: Try not to think of the TV show Married With Children on this one. Instead, focus on Ol' Blue Eyes as you warm up, beginning your workout at an easy pace.

Work It, Bride to Be

(2:50) Chapel of Love, The Dixie Cups: There's no way this one wasn't making the list. It's the first song that came to mind when the Domestigals asked us to create a wedding-themed playlist. It's a quickie though, so use the full time to pick up your pace. By the last 30 seconds you should be at a moderate pace where you can still carry a conversation, but you're still strolling way faster than you will for the walk down the aisle.

(4:36) My Love, JT: Imagine JT singing to you about your honeymoon for this one. Shhh...No need to tell anyone that your mental honeymoon is with JT. For this song, amidst daydreaming, continue to pick your pace up. By minute four of the song, you should be at a hard intensity. Not a sprint, but you shouldn't be able to chat.

(3:28) Love Song, The Cure: Slow your pace back on down to moderate. Catch your breath and remember how awesome The Cure is. And still are. Just a like dream. Just like a dream.

(3:51) Ready to Run, The Dixie Chicks: Yea, so this one isn't really "I can't wait to start my life together" material, but the video makes me think of weddings and it involves a healthy activity: running. So, we're gonna squeeze it in as an interval. One minute sprint, one minute recover, repeat, and you're good.

(4:09) Let's Get Married, Jagged Edge: Forgotten about this one? Oh, it's a goodie. Let the smooth R&B sounds slow you down to a moderate then low pace. Enjoy the groove.

(3:55) Heaven, DJ Sammy and Yanou featuring Do: The original Bryan Adams' version is good, but this one is fantastic for working out. And getting married and finding "the one," is like heaven, right? Pick your speed back up to a moderate pace for a minute. Then sprint hard for 30 seconds. Do it three times (you'll end with a sprint).

(4:24) Luxurious, Gwen Stefani: Gwen says it all: "You're my Mr., and I'm your Miss. It's pure perfection when we touch." Wheee, right? Oh, I remember those days...again, digressing. My bad. For this song, just maintain your steady, moderate pace. This isn't a recovery song though, so don't slow too much.

(5:12) The Adventure, Angels and Airwaves: Because this song is a full five minutes long, we're going to break it up a bit. Sprint the first 45 seconds. Then recover for one minute. Next, use the remainder of the song to stay at a moderate pace. Feel free to use this time to imagine your "adventure" coming up. And, believe me, it's an adventure at times.

(4:52) Time of My Life, The Dirty Dancing Soundtrack, Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes: This isn't about marriage, but the playlist just seems like it's missing something without it. (I would know because I put it in, deleted it, put it back in, deleted it again and then added it back.) Channel your inner Baby and feel free to sing along. For this final push, pick up your pace for the entire song, ending the last minute in a sprint. You can do it; it's the time of your life!

Cool Down

(2:33) Best is Yet to Come, Tony Bennett: Cool it on down as Tony Bennett croons. Maintain a slow pace and do a few stretches. You're good. You made it. And, yes, the best is yet to come!

Be sure to check out the Fit Bottomed Girls blog for more bridal fitness tips & playlists!

What songs pump you up? As for me, the Tootsie Roll never fails to get me up and dancing!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

Funeral Fit For A King

Today marks the day when the official funeral for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, will take place. A public memorial service will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles from 10am-12pm. I heard that approximately 700,000 to 1 million people will show up at the arena, in hopes of making it inside the building to attend the event. That sounds like either an event planner's dream come true or worst nightmare! I can't imagine planning an event for that many people. I think it would be a little overwhelming, but very rewarding and a lot of fun! With my Life Design Event Planning dream team at my side, we could definitely pull off an event like this.

Staples Center holds 20,000 seats, so hopefully everything will go smoothly and the massive crowd cooperates. Celebrities such as Mariah Carey and Jennifer Hudson will be serenading the crowd with their performances and warm wishes in honor of MJ. Attendees must have a ticket to get inside, though the cost is free to the public.

To view a live webcast of the funeral, click here.

If you can make it in time to Glendale's Westgate, the shopping center is broadcasting the service for the public. B.Y.O.Chair to listen live with many other fans.

Life Design Event Planning does offer event coordination and planning for funeral/memorial services. If you would like to contact us for more information, please email us or visit our website.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson!

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely

The ABC's of Wedding Planning :: C is for Cakes, Wedding Cakes that is…

One of many, Sylvia Weinstock pieces of art

There isn’t a right or wrong way to plan for your wedding cake. Pick out the design then select from the flavors available. So what’s the big deal? The Wedding Cake can be, and traditionally should be, recognized as the “main act” at your wedding reception so why not spend a little bit more time when designing and picking it out?

Here are a few things to think about when pulling ideas for your wedding cake design.

1. Flavors :: You’re serving many types of people all with different preferences when it comes to cakes so why not give them choices to pick from? Many wedding couples think you can only provide one type of cake and one type of filling but it’s quite the opposite. Feel free to mix and match your cakes and fillings as much as you’d like and they don’t even have to compliment one layer to the next. Think of having a dark chocolate cake with a Kahula filling

for the sweet tooth lovers and maybe having a light fluffy lemon cake with a raspberry filling for your fruit lovers! Depending on the size of the cake will determine how many combinations one can have.

Photo Courtesy of My Burning Kitchen {Check out their blog, it's pretty cute}

2. Conduct a Tasting :: Unless you have tried their cakes before and you are comfortable with your choice then don’t have a tasting. BUT, if you want to have a little fun, choose something that you decided on specifically for your event and enjoy a little free cake, then do a tasting. Most Pastry Chef’s will charge you a small fee for the tasting but ask them to take

the fee and put it towards the balance due on the cake if you choose them as your wedding’s pastry chef. Most will be happy to do so.

Photo Courtesy of My Burning Kitchen

3. Investigate Design :: You have researched through hundreds of pages of bridal magazines and think you have found the perfect cake. You take your designs to the pastry chef, they agree that they can “pull this one off”. It’s your wedding day and your cake looks nothing like the picture. What a disappointment. My suggestions? Look at the pastry chef’s past work. Is the presentation of the frosting (buttercream or fondant most times) smooth? If there are flowers added are they real flowers, store bought flowers or handmade flowers? All pastry chef’s have a strength. Some it is design, some it is taste and for a few lucky ones it might be both. So don’t just look at the pretty cakes, check out their overall design elements. Here are a few of my favorite local pasty chef's.

Sedona Cake Couture's Cake {yes, it's 100% edible} Photo Courtesy of Sedona Bride

Two stunning designs by Classic Cakes and Confections. Ella makes all her flowers by hand!

A whimsical and fun design from La Dolce Pesca

4. Draw your Design :: Wedding Couples are so visual, really, who isn’t? In turn, ask the pasty chef to sketch exactly what your cake will look like, including colors, height, dimension, etc. Then ask them for a copy of the drawing so you both have something to reference too.

Cake design by Chef Christopher Ivens-Brown

5. Ask for References :: “It’s just a cake!”, you may be thinking but what kind of cake are you going to spend a few hundred to several thousand on? Your wedding cake. So treat the pastry chef’s involvement just like you would any other wedding vendor. Ask your for their last 3 wedding clients. This way their client’s opinions are fresh, honest and most recent.

Does anyone have a cake story to share? What went wrong? What went right?

With all that Life has to offer,

Cicely