Got Theme?

Theme, themes, and more themes..

A theme is defined as an implicit or recurrent idea, a subject of artistic representation.

What "Big Day" surprises do you have planned for your guests?

Themes are a common denominator among weddings. The industry is on the rise producing new and exciting trends for couples wanting to express their personalities and desires, artistically. Even though this is your day of uniting and becoming one with each other; the joy of celebrating, it isn't yours alone. You should know that in the thoughtfulness of sending someone an invitation to witness your special day, it shouldn't end there.

The key is to have your guests feel like royalty. You would want to create an atmosphere that will leave them breathless and wanting more. The root (an idea) should be formulated beforehand. Once you implement your planning, your ideas will unfold into a theme. So if you are looking to achieve this effect, take into consideration when choosing your stationery, your flowers, your cake, etc. What you choose should draw your entire day together, seamlessly. Your guests will not only rave about it down to the very last detail. But you'll receive kudos for all your hard work, and exceptional taste. Hmm..hmm, good stuff!! So if you have an idea, no matter how big or how small, I say, go for it! A particular flower, a color, an era, I say, run with it! Shape your ideas, and plans to create a day you'll long remember, long after the departure of your last guest.

So...got theme?

Little Girl No More...

Congratulations

Adrienne & Dwight

Well the time is winding down and the days are getting closer. My baby sister is getting married. It seemed like it was just yesterday that I was just changing her diaper. Adrienne is the youngest of the twin set, and her older twin couldn't be more happier for her.

The Details:

When: Saturday, July 5, 2008
Where: Bronx,NY
Color Scheme: Platinum, White, & Pale Robins egg blue
Wedding Planner: Yours truly

So it all comes down to what my plans will be for her on her special day. Many, many surprises. Adrienne is a huge Disney fan, so use your imagination. Although it may not be what you think initially. What are the advantages for having a wedding planner for a big sister? Unlimited resources.. and I think she knows it.

I had so much fun designing the invitations for their wedding. Actually this invitation is actually part of a larger collection of mine from the Dreams & Keepsakes Division, soon to be launched in summer of 2008.

So stay tuned....

The Essence of a Photographer

What do you look for when choosing a photographer?

I truly believe God bestows gifts and talents upon individuals who are destined for a greater purpose in this lifetime. For instance, there are photographers and then there are "Photographers".

On that note: I would love to give tribute to two distinctive lifestyle photographers. Atlanta based, Ross Oscar Knight and New York City based, Parris Whittingham. You can tell how passionate each are in their craft, bringing more than just film to a shoot or an event. Something so much more. Being a wedding planner I am exposed to many different photographers, with a variety of styles. But having seen the work of Ross and Parris nothing quite compares. They both are in a universe all their own. Bringing a unique approach and moving concepts to the images they produce. I am amazed and moved every time I visit their sites(Websites & blogs).

So what should you look for in a wedding photographer?

A) Style
B) Quality
C) Compassion
D) Getting to know them

It's so important that you develop a relationship with your photographer several months before your wedding. Remember, it's so much easier to open up around someone that you know, than to someone you don't really know. After all your photographer will be with you for the majority of your wedding day and you want to be comfortable in every aspect around him or her. You'll be amazed and captivated by your pics.

In speaking with Parris, I found him to be incredibility gifted and compassionate. He possesses a great sense of humor. His concept: is pure and natural. He's all about getting to know the people and couples he photographs, not just on a business level, but a personal level and it shows in his art.

So Kudos to Ross Oscar Knight and Parris Whittingham. I look forward to working with you guys in the near future... To see more of Ross & Parris' work stay tuned to the "Spotlight Tribute" where I will feature some of their work on the memoirs blog soon. Until then feel free to visit: www.rossoscarknight.com and www.pswhittingham.com

Your Wedding Day Memories

What will you remember about your wedding day?

It's so hard to take into the account every little detail that will occur on your special day. Especially when having to cope with getting your hair and makeup exactly the way it was three weeks ago when you went for a trial run. Your nerves going haywire. Your bridesmaids being on point. Your mother. Getting to the church on time. Did I mention your nerves? Your flowers all being accounted for. And more importantly, keeping emotionally sound so that your mascara doesn't run.

The Key: Your peace of mind. Rule of thumb: Everything falls short of perfection. With that in mind try to focus on what matters most; your union, your loved ones there to share in the joy, and the celebration of your love for one another on that day.

Also try something a little less traditional at one point or another throughout your day. Something that will cause your mind and your heart to fall in line collectively and with each other. Such as a stolen moment, before or after the ceremony. With trying to stay on schedule; ergo to avoid paying additional fees, greeting your guests, and on top of that trying to actually enjoy the day, it can become a tad bit overwhelming. Nowadays brides and grooms are "taking" quiet time out for each other during their wedding day. A time to focus solely on each other and maintain your balances.

If you have a fairytale vision for your special day, or if you envisioned a romantic moment with your groom; GO FOR IT!. Delegate that duty to someone who would assist you in making it happen. And then have your photographer there to capture that moment, forever.

After all dreams do come true, producing memories that will last you a lifetime.




Photos: Tony Elmore & Crew of PhotoNY - www.photony.net

The Bride, Her Bouquet, and Everything!

Throughout history, lovers have given flowers to each other as a token of their love, devotion and affections. In researching many flowers I have found that each are symbolic and represent an idea, feeling, or an emotion.

When meeting with brides, I usually encourage them to give dedicated and thorough consideration to what statement they would like to make concerning the choice of their wedding flowers. Whether it's a favorite flower or if they find the beauty of another thus intriguing, to research each and every meaning. The meaning of the flowers you carry or give as a gift is dependent on how special the flower is to you, your spouse, or it's representation of your love for one another on your special day.

When meeting with your florist don't be afraid to discuss the details such as style, color palette, and any little extras you'd like. I recommend adding little extras such as a lace, pearls, or something that belonged to a loved one that has passed. That will add a special touch and make it memorable to you/your groom/or you both. Your bouquet is the staple of all your wedding flowers and it should convey the true essence of your personality. Moreover, your bouquet should never overpower your body frame or your dress. Also keep in mind the formality of the wedding as well. If the particular flower of choice is out of season or tend to fall more on the $$$$ side, never ever give up. Consider adding a few of your favorites here and there, and adding a less expensive flower as a filler.

Tip:

Try to streamline the base flower of your bouquet so that it is reflected throughout your entire day. This is a detail that will captivate your guests and be remembered long after you have tied the knot.

You can still have the wedding of your dreams but at fraction of the cost.