Monday Memoirs..

My Dear Beloved,

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the ceremony venue of one of my 2009 couples. This church based in Harlem, NY is magnificent inside as well as outside. The beauty, unreal. As I stood standing in front of the pulpit to snap this photo, I couldn't help but feel the deity of the Godhead. I wanted to kneel and give honor. With it's marble posts, head, stairs, and gold double doors, I couldn't help but to imagine the Kingdom that awaited beyond them. Standing about two stories high it did not overpower, but only added to the majesty of edifice, which included a second and third mezzanine.

In "shopping" around for that perfect place to have your ceremony and reception consider choosing a place that has meaning to you. You know like finding that perfect pair of shoes. It will only add to the joy and magic of your day. If you don't have that option because you don't have one or it's not available to you, you should choose a place where you both feel a sense of connection.

Needless to say, in all of these, the magic of your day will not flow if those who are charged to the place are not connected. In my experience as a wedding professional I've come across some really great venues and vendors, but the customer relations were out to snacks. If you are given headache from jump and the aspirin that you do take creates an even bigger headache, which then turns into a migraine, it's will not be worth it in the long run. That's why it is so essential to ask for references, read reviews, and get feedback from former clients. As a wedding planner, it is my responsibility to test the waters by putting myself in my clients' shoes. If I am treated in any way that's makes me feel compromised or uncomfortable, there's no way that I would allow my clients to be treated in that same manner. Equally or worse.

So no matter how beautiful the venue, make sure you meet and greet the folks who work there. Make sure the beauty runs below the surface in all respects. Key point: It's You Day. Your Dreams. Your Peace of Mind. Not just on the day of, but the months, weeks, and days leading up to it.

Endearingly,

Letisha & Mark (Part 3)

Two were joined as one on May 23, 2009. For those of you who have followed the Memoirs blog are familiar with these two love birds. I apologize for the delay in posting these. Here are some of the elements of Letisha and Mark's special day featured below. First let me begin by expressing the joy I had working with these two. Letisha had brilliant ideas and exquisite taste and Mark, well he was NID (Not Into Details). But he loved a great party and that's exactly what he got. Between the Letisha, I and the collaboration of a team of wonderful vendors, this was the result:

The church was a beautiful old age church with big wooden doors, antique pews, and a 67 ft aisle. The runner created by I Do Originals was exceptional. The wonderful aisle decor was done by Flavio of Divine Decor, Ltd.



The Reception was held at Riccardo's By The Bridge. Upon entering the main dining room guests would stop at the escort table to find their seating under branches almost 7 feet tall. The menu cards were created by yours truly through the Dreams & Keepsakes division of LMEP.

With the candlelight, lowered overhead lights, and the blue created such a calming ambiance.

One thing Mark did not expect, and was so into the details of his surprise from Letisha, his Scorpion groom's cake, masterly created by Christine of Design Cakes. The King was blown away.

Letisha opted for wedding cupcakes in lieu of the traditional wedding cake. These also prepared by Christine and were delicious. The scroll "Love is Forever" on top tied the theme together. A Wonderful wedding, and a super fun filled party. Everyone had a blast so much so they added another hour. Other elements of the day were a dove release, a chocolate fountain, a photo booth, ice sculptures, and more. I am only able to give you a sneak preview through my digital lens, but will post professional photos when they arrive.

Congratulations Leti & Mark! I pray many Blessings & Happiness for a successful marriage.

Our Brand New Shoes

Greetings All,

We are pleased to announced that LMEP has moved into it's new blog home. Designed by Ellie of Rainy Day Templates, we are truly in love. After a few tries and styles we've finally found the perfect fit. Ellie is truly amazing and gifted at what she does. If you're looking to dress up your blog or start one Ellie's your gal and when you connect with her tell her hello for me.

As with all new things like a new pair of shoes, you have to break them in. I love my new shoes! So bare with me as I work through the process. Welcome to the new Memoirs home!

Happy Planning!

Under Construction

Greetings All,

Pardon our appearance and random blog post as we are making some updated and exciting changes to our blog and website. We thank you for your continued patience and support. Stay tuned as we aim to keep our avid readers informed. Have a great day! Will post soon!

Memoirs Index

A Comprehensive Listing of our Preferred Vendor and Faves in the industry.

Check back soon!

Meet Lisa

Hi there,

My name is Lisa and I am the Owner and Lead Consultant of Lisa Michelle Event Planner, an event planning firm based in New York. My inspirations are: GOD, my Lil' guy, Ryan, and a true and complete love for all things weddings! In addition, I really love Science Fiction Movies, and I'm big on Superheros. Especially if they can FLY.

Onward then: My journey on this exciting yet tremendous path to event planning was not that glamorous to begin with, but hard and one of absolute dedication. I faintly recall as a little girl visiting my grandmother each summer in Virgina, and having mud parties (Yes you've read correctly, Mud Parties)with the little girl who lived across the street. It turned into this tradition and with each year it became grander and grander. Everything looked so pretty to us at least almost good enough to eat, but we didn't dare! As I got older, I assisted with fundraisers for my church, planned baby showers, birthday parties, and corporate events such as job fairs and holiday parties. Even in the mist of it all, in the summer of 1995, I planned my own wedding. Like the old adage; each one, teach one. And so it began....

About LMEP

Established in 2003, on a part time home based business as a certified full service Wedding Consulting • Event Design & Planning firm. Our sole purpose is dedicated to achieving superior customer satisfaction and the fruition of successful events for all of our clients. Our mission is to educate our clients on the ever changing fast paced market trend, informing them that success is determined by good choices for lasting effects. With backgrounds in retail fashion and counseling, I bring sort of a smorgasbord of many sectors into my business thus offering my clients an array of services. Such as Mediation, Crisis Intervention, and so on. In the summer of 2008, the business was on the brink of expanding, I felt something in my spirit telling me that it was time. Time to meet the Bride, the Groom, the MOB where they were and above all to take that LEAP of FAITH. So I did...

In the fall of 2008, LMEP opened the doors of it's office and studio space to the public. Providing a one-stop-shop to our clients offering consulting, event design, linen, centerpiece, and arch rentals. A Carlson Craft dealer as well as a producer of our own handmade stationery and silk floral designs.

Our distinguishable style, an impeccable attention to detail, and creative unique design concepts, is the key ingredient for planning your perfectly special day.



Lisa Michelle Event Planner
2152 Westchester Avenve
Bronx, New York 10462

Ring: 646.225.0324
Email: Lisa@LMeventplanner.com

Cute As A Button Bouquets

Here's a little bang for your buck. Or shall I say a new spin on the keepsake bouquet. Savvy. Unconventional. Yet oh -so Becoming.

In my surfing through the Blog-O-Sphere, I came across these unusual yet cute bouquets. Giving more impact to the the saying, "Cute as a Button".

These designs by RBK Creations, a mother and daughter team based in the North Dallas area are popular and in demand. See more of their work here.

Ideas where they can work:

Children's Parties
Children Reception Tables
Flower Girls
and so much more.

What are your thoughts concerning this new trend? Who would have thought, buttons in a bouquet?

Happy Planning!

Sandy Nuptials

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with a bride who has plans for a destination wedding in Puerto Rico. Her ideals for her big day were both inspiring and captivating. Beginning with a her vision of a Beach theme to her choice of colors.

It's so important when planning your nuptials at a locale on or close to the shore that you should take into consideration your surrounding elements. For example, the color of the sand, water and/or anything else that will contribute to the scenery on that day. You should consider using these elements as your starting point as well as your backdrop.

(Coral)

Color choices could range from pastels to stark colors that "pop". Of course you should start with your favorite color and then find shades within the same hue to coincide with your beach theme. Also what I find striking is pairing colors in contrast (For example, the opening photo) or shades that are vivid in comparison(Photos 2, 5, & 6).

(Pink)

(Seafoam)

(Tangelo)

(Jade)

To help make your choice of color more of an easier task, view the color wheels
below:









You notice the change in colors, from warm to cool? Same family, only a variation. Use this as your general guideline. Once you narrow down your colors, I would suggest your getting a hold of swatches and see how they compare to the skin tones of each of your bridesmaids. What may work for one, may clash for another. Keep in mind that you don't have to have everyone wear the same color. A suggestion: different hues or colors that compliment each other can work as well.

Happy Planning!

Images provided by Alfred Angelo.