Celebrate With Us!

Our 100th Post

Wow, we've made it! Tried and True. We are so excited that we have reached this milestone and that YOU are here with us to Celebrate it. A very special thank you to the Memoirs Blog Followers aka First Memoirs Club and to those who visit quite often. Thank you all for your support, prayers, and comments along the way. It's truly appreciated. Until then;

I'll Blog Ya Later!

Wednesday Wisdom

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)

Business Basics

One thing that I have learned in life and in business is that you are only worth what you think you are worth. If you do not believe in yourself and your gifting, then no one else will either.

As business owners we are continually faced with a challenges that may often cause us to pause. Situations and circumstances that have us thinking and asking "This can't be so" or "Why is this happening to me?". As an example, I will use myself.

In one week I experienced:

1. Going to Smalls Claims Court - Last year I rented commerical space in a party store. Paid a month's rent & security. Owner of the store refused to give me keys or a valid agreement, and operated her business unethically. I gave proper notice and vacated the premises. Five months later, numerous telephone calls, and letters from my lawyer and she still did not return my deposit. Hence my arrival at small claims court.

2. My Now Shared Commerical Space has a Rodent Infestation - I was putting up the new tablescape and the following occurred; Someone left food in the office area and critters, little and big (no doubt) went to town. Thanksgiving came early for them. Somehow the food ended up under the bridal gown in my show area. I found two big grease stains, on the back and train of my gown (didn't know they could reach that high). I was mortified and in tears! Add insult to injury, the rodents ate into the applique on the train of the gown. RUIN! It appeared like someone was trying to sabotage me. I wanted to run for the hills and take out everyone in that place. However I remained cool and took the matter up with the owner/landlord.

3. Devaluation of Services - This was a challenge for me. A client and I had a difference of opinion. She wanted Platinum services but on a Bronze budget. When I presented her with Silver services, yet while on the bronze budget, it clearly was not enough. I believe she was aiming for near platinum. When I realized this I immediately addressed the matter professionally but then was told in a round-a-bout way how I should run my business. I realized at that point that if I didn't take a stand, believe in and value my work that she would not neither and ultimately get what she wanted. We have come to a mutual agreement since then.

I truly thank God for guiding and giving me the wisdom and patience in handling each of these situations. I will not lie to you, there were times that I felt like giving up. Also, a great big thanks to the support from my family and friends.

On that note, every thing that happens happens for a reason. Sometimes we may not know or comprehend why they're happening at that moment. But with the understanding that the "means" will justify the "ends", we should practice being at ease. I know, I know it's easier said than done. It's like when you're going through a certain test of faith or a challenge you can't see it. It's only after you've come through "it" that you fully understood the why and the reason for it.

Monogram Mondays

mon⋅o⋅gram  /ˈmɒnəˌgræm/

–noun 1. a design consisting of two or more alphabetic letters combined or interlaced, commonly one's initials, often printed on stationery, embroidered on clothing, etc.
2. a single emblematic or decorative letter; applied initial.

–verb (used with object) 3. to decorate with a monogram.

In working with couples in planning their weddings, I have the pleasure of paying the utmost attention to the details that would and could add to their big day. In planning your wedding it's important to find your signature, or something that would set you apart from the average wedding.

Whether it's a family crest or monogram, a little statement can make a huge impact for your day. For assistance, I teamed up with Graphic Designer Chayanne of NYCO Graph-X Design located in New York. Chayanne and I have been brain stormimg for some time now on company projects and she has worked with me in creating beautiful monograms for clients in the past. Chayanne also the designed our company logo, which I fall in love with more and more each day.

Here's how you can make it happen starting with and moderate use. First start with your invitations, but not limited to:

Your Programs,
Aisle Runner,
Candle Set,
Parasols,
Seating Charts
Menu Cards
Cake
Gobo Fixtures
and Favors.

Know that it does not have to stop there.

Here are a couple of custom collaborated works between Chayanne and myself.

Door Signage, Dreams & keepsakes.

CD Favor, Dreams & Keepsakes

When creative minds get together, it's like TNT. If you're looking for a Stellar monogram for your signature statement, I recommend Chayanne. Her work is amazing! Tell her I sent you.

Note: Once the choice has been made to have a monogram designed make sure that it is liken to both your personalities as well as fit within the scope of your wedding formality. When meeting with your designer opt to have a several designs to choose from. There may be one that you like but your partner doesn't and vice versa. That way you save time instead of going back and forth to the drawing board. Chayanne and I presented Kenya & Anthony with 5 designs to choose from for their signature monogram. These below as well as the intro monogram:

When planning your signature for your special day bring keys of inspiration to the design meeting such as picture of your dress, sketch of your cake, ribbon, or even the paper you may be considering for your program. Once presented a little inspiration can go a long way. So what would your signature for your day be? The sky's the limit!

Happy Planning!

My Friday Inspiration

Those who know me and those who are familiar with my work, know that I am big on the "Attention to Every Detail". So in knowing this also know that it's doesn't take much for me to get bitten by the "Inspirational Bug".

Sometimes themes can come in ways that are simple, yet with bubbling elegance. By incorporating something as simple as your monogram into the key pieces (such as: invitations, runners, unity candles, card box, and your cake)of your day can really make your wedding special and set apart from all the rest. Here is how a few of my colleagues collaborated in Sheer Elegance:

Wedding Stationery by Celeste Designs

Custom Cardbox by Creative Custom Cardbox

Runner Design by Customized Wedding Creations

So there you have it. The three C's. Some ideas and inspiration to guide you in your plans for your Big Day.

Thank you guys for adding to the elegance of this couples' special day as well as to my Friday Inspiration. Rock On!

Whatever inspires you...run with it. Your dreams...let them soar!

Happy Planning!

OLEG CASSINI

Image taken from OlegCassini.com

"To be well dressed is a little like being in love."
- Oleg Cassini

This well known designer is known across the globe for his sleek, elegant, glamorous, and timeless pieces. Designer to Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy, and many others. To walk down the aisle in any one of these creations, you're liable to walk right into an era of your own. I picked a handful of this design house's creations that inspire me. Which one speaks volumes of inspiration to you?

Satin A-line gown with a twist strap detail, ruched waist, and bow in the back.

Tulle ball gown with fully-beaded bodice, and a sweep train.

Satin ball gown with beaded metallic embroidery, contrast sash detail, and pick up skirt.



Beaded lace mermaid gown with long sleeve lace bolero jacket and a
chapel train.

To see more of this design house's collection, visit David's Bridal.

Happy Planning!

Memoirs of a Wedding Planner

Name: Marcinho [mar-SING-you] Savant

Company: Savvyplanners.com, LLC

Location: Flagships: New York, San Francisco, Kauai & Key West

Years in Business: 5.3 years


How did you first get started in the event/wedding industry?
I guess it was from observing some of Manhattan’s great events as a child tagging along with my mother as she attended them. I could serve a house guest a perfect cocktail by the age of nine and it never occurred to me not to include a garnish, stirrer and bev-nap. By high school I was throwing some pretty outstanding soirees at my home and by freshman year in college I had catered and staffed an evening faculty cocktail party--- OUT OF A DORM KITCHEN!! And got paid. And they all LOVED the food. At that point you could call me hooked.

What and who are your inspirations?
I have so many influences. I’m inspired by creating subtle yet sumptuous elegance in every form from minimalist, impressionist, cubist forms, Viennese Royal Court lavishness… big fan of Japanese simplicity and ageless elegance. I’m inspired by Van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Rembrandt, Frank Lloyd Wright, Keith Haring, Ansel Adams, Georgia O’Keeffe…like I said: so many inspiring sources. Architecture, as well as the internal features of the venue, inspires me. I’m inspired by the forms and shapes that I see in the tree branches and leaves outside my office window… even in my desktop water glass. The color variations in the throat of a Calla. The shape of Casablancas; the entire world and every moment in it has something to offer a designer, if you’re open to it and look for it. I’m definitely guided by sensuosity.

What attributes do you bring to your wedding planning business and the industry at large?
An incredible desire to please. A client has to be FLOORED, not just pleased, for us to feel we’ve earned our keep. We’ve got quite a few team mouths to “feed” and overhead is what it is. We MUST pay them as well as we do because they are incredible at what they do for our clients. There is to me, however, no joy in being paid by a client that isn’t beyond happy. We have been so blessed to have not suffered that indignity.

If there were one thing that you could have done differently when starting your business, what would it be?
As a family-run business we had remarkable guidance from a family member of extraordinary business, financial and educational pedigree. We were blessed with her input and knowledge.

How did the company name come about?
As a family business, Savant is the last name. It originally had an entirely different name, and an external partner. However, this partner didn’t work out and was released. We had corporate and license filings to change, immediately, prior to our soft-launch in 2004 and savvyplanners.com seemed reasonable, functional and clear to the consumer. Savvy, playing off Savant is defined as*:
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Middle French, from present participle of savoir to know, from Latin sapere to be wise.
Date: 1719
1 : a person of learning; especially : one with detailed knowledge in some specialized field (as of science or literature). [or Event Coordination and Design!!!!!]
*Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

No PRESSURE!!!! So we have something to aspire to and work for every day. And people ask “what’s in a name”? lol.

What is your favorite piece in designing an event?
Can I have TWO!? I love creating the vision the client brings to us and doing it with tools and components that they may have never even heard of or thought about while still bringing the mood, flow, visual integrity and feel of their event to life as they envisioned. It’s also LOTS of fun when they just say “I trust you! You know what I’m shooting for…Just do it!”

The second is standing out of the way and watching the event unfold and seeing the pleasure and pride of the client for the comfort, amazement and pleasure that their guests display.

Who do you admire in our industry?
Of course there is the King of the event world, Robert Isabell, whom we’ve sadly just lost! I’d also have to say the men I lovingly call “the holy trinity of event planning”. Preston Bailey, Colin Cowie and David Tutera. These men have been in the industry vanguard and truly blazed, and continue to blaze, the trail for all of us that follow. Each of them has a singular style and one can almost look at a room and know whose room it is even though they are constantly innovating and exploring their art (and are regularly copied!).

Any advice for aspiring event/wedding planners?
1. Dream! Work your rear off but never stop dreaming. It is the dream that provides your special signature.
2. Study and grow. How can we lead and guide and protect and inspire a client if we’re only one-dimensional?
3. Seek certification. It wasn’t always necessary but there are tens of thousands of people that slap up a sign and are suddenly “Event Planners”, which I think is GREAT because they are following step 1. It is, however, difficult for consumers to know where their investment is best backed by constant learning, a code of ethics, professional development and organizational affiliations and professional networks.

If you were to write your memoirs, what would they convey?
I’m not really sure what my memoirs would be about really. I still have MUCH to learn and to experience. One thing I’m fairly certain of, however, is what the foreword would be. I’m likely to select a quote from our 30th President Calvin Coolidge:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

I am nothing, if not persistent! That, coupled with the advice section above, might just lead to my dreams coming to fruition beyond my wildest hopes. Central to those hopes and dreams is doing the same for our clients for their special events.

Kenya & Anthony (July 12, 2009)

Kenya contacted me earlier this year to assist her with her plans for her July 12, 2009 nuptials. Both Anthony and Kenya are performers of the Arts. So of course their theme was "The Art of Love". The Groom magnificently created his rendition of the Comedy & Tragic Masks that graces the invitation, wedding program, and cake. I attentively listen and carried our her wishes. Kenya knew what she wanted and did not stop until her dream for her day bloomed before her eyes. It was my honor to assist them both. Just a few of the details,this is our collaboration:

The wedding ceremony took place at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Harlem, NYC. The location was incredible. Monogrammed ceremony card and programs were created by the Dreams & Keepsakes division of LMEP.

Reception held at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, New York. Floral arrangements by Arcadia Florists.

The cake was done by one of our preferred vendors, Christine of Design Cakes. Kenya, Christine, and I put out heads together to come up with this masterpiece. In the end as always Christine surprised us all! This cake next to the bride was actually the showstopper. The guests were amazed beyond words.

Then of course their was the battle of the Bridal Party. No wedding reception is truly compete without it. They all were incredibly talented.

The Groom was a huge Micheal Jackson fan, so you know the crowd went WILD when they played the Jackson Five's "I want you back" and featured the video on the plasma TVs.

Every time the Kenya and Anthony would walk by the table, they couldn't help but stop and stare at their beautiful wedding cake. It was really a highlight for them.

Kenya loves to bake so she decided that she would put more of her heart into it by baking homemade brownie for her guest favors.

And at last upon the departure of the guests, the harbour club provided a choice of soft grilled pretzels, Italian ices and bottled water for their drive home.

The evening was magnificent and everyone had a wonderful time. Professional photos to follow soon.

Congratulations Kenya & Anthony!

I wish you a lifetime of blessings, happiness, and a successful marriage.

Monday Memoirs

My Dear Beloved,

With the start of a new week and endless possibilities, I often wonder with the turn of events that occurred the week prior, what would lie ahead in the days to come. It's without a doubt that there has been significant changes in the wedding plans of many engaged couples due to the recession. Others have cutback on certain aspects of their wedding where others have extended their plans to the following year or so. In each of those instances, there has been, on a small to large scale, disappointment. I think what is important, is never to lose sight of why the two shall eventually become one. Love and Lifelong commitment is priceless no matter what your stance may be. Unfortunately some couples miss this mark completely. I recently saw the Sex and the City movie on DVD. I thought it was great, and conveyed an important message to couples in the planning stages of their wedding.

Carrie and Big started off on the good foot with setting a limit on the guest count. They were communicating openly and honestly. However, things began to spin out of control when outside influences began to dictate the what, where, and who.

Now outside influences can be utilized in good ways, granted of their implementation and measure. In the movie when this started to happen: Carrie got carried away. She started to add things and before you knew it, the guest count was out of control. What happened to the communication and the REAL reason of the joining? Something so intimate and simple turned into Grand that caused great stress for both the bride and the groom to be. When you stop paying attention to the needs and preference of your partner it puts a negative twist on things. Hence confusion and then ultimately chaos. Setting limitations and keeping an open line of communication in your planning process is essential to your peace of mind.

So you're a high end diva who loves the bling while your partner is a laid back quite and shy-body who prefers something less extravagant. So in your planning process please do take into consideration the feelings and concerns of your partner, while keeping the TRUE reason for your soon to be celebrated union before you. Communicate. Compromise. Coexist. Openly. Honestly. And in Love.

Plan for a lifetime. Plan to Wed to Marry.

Memoirs of a Wedding Planner

Name: Lisa M.McGainey

Occupation: Professional Bridal Consultant/
Event Planner

Company: Lisa Michelle Event Planner

Location: New York

Years in Business: 5 ½


How did you first get started in the event/wedding industry?
It all began in love and as just a hobby. During college, I would plan baby showers and birthday parties for family and friends. In 1995, I got a taste of the wedding industry when I planned my own wedding. But then again it was still just a hobby to me. Later on in the corporate world, I planned workshops; job fairs and assisted with fundraisers at my church. It wasn’t until after my son was born and the demands from friends and family to assist them in planning events, that’s when it really turned into a passion. So with encouragement from family and friends I decided to start a business.


What and who are your inspirations?

I would have to say GOD because without him none of this would be possible. He has given me a vision and I have seen the manestifications right before my eyes. Through everything I have learned to rely on him and he continues guide and strengthen me. Naturals of inspiration are my son Ryan, photography, poetry, flowers, and patterns.


What attributes do you bring to your wedding planning business and the industry at large?

I believe that having experience in an array of different sectors, such retail, fashion, development, and counseling has allowed me to bring more to my clients and colleagues in the industry as a whole. In addition, innately, I have a strong desire to help people and assist them in reaching their full potential no matter what obstacles they may face.


If there were one thing that you could have done differently when starting your business, what would it be?

I would have gotten a mentor. Even though I have been doing this for a few years I am still learning the ropes, believe it or not. If I had someone earlier on in the process to teach me the essentials, I think that I could have avoided a lot of the pitfalls. Not those pitfalls are bad, they help you to grow as an entrepreneur, but things could have been not as stressful.

How did the company name come about?

Wow, that was a hard one because what I initially wanted was already out there. I remember asking my mother for help too. She tried but in the end no dice. I pondered on that one for a few months until I heard a voice say, Lisa Michelle Event Planner. It’s my first and middle names with the Event Planner added on. To this day, people still ask me who is Michelle? Or they think it’s my last name.


What is your favorite piece in designing an event?

I would probably have to say, Ribbons.

Who do you admire in our industry?

Martha Stewart: for her creativity and Colin Cowie: for his style and passion.


Any advice you would like to give to aspiring event/wedding planners?

Get connected very early in your process. Take a course; intern with a reputable company, and under no circumstance take on more than you could bear at any given time. Like with all things it’s a process. Through your growing stages and pangs you gain maturity and valuable knowledge, and experience. And get a mentor.


If you were to write your memoirs, what would they convey?

In following my dreams for my business and personal life is the hardest thing I ever had to do because of the challenges that I had and continue to face along the way. But then I realized that if I did let go of my dreams then that would be the most devastating thing of all. In taking a relaxed approach, I allow things in my life to never get the best of me and accept delays for just what they are delays, and not as denials. With every challenge comes growth and rewards like never before, and an opportunity to pave the way to higher ground not just for myself but for others as well.

Put a Bow on it..

Okay, so I admit it. I am a Bow Kinda Gal.

Who said themes only came in prints, colors, and eras? What better way to introduce a theme into your wedding day design other than by one of your own favorites. Not just for gift boxes or ponytails, these adorable adornments can and will most certainly add that special touch. From your invitations, to your gown, to bridesmaids dresses, and even right down to the sole of it...Your Shoes.

(Dress: Melissa Sweet. Shoes: Aruna Seth.)

Bows can range from the petite to lush and extravagant. They're so soft and romantic.

(Invitation: Monique Lhuiller. Favor Box: Dreams & Keepsakes, LMEP)

So if you like, then you should put a bow on it! I would. Wouldn't you?

Happy Planning!