My SUPER Sweet 16

A sweet sixteen is a traditional birthday party for girls to have when they turn sixteen years old. Recently, it has become more popular for boys to have sweet sixteen parties as well. In parts of the United States and Canada, sixteen is the age at which one may obtain a driver's license. It is also the age of consent in many states, hence it is viewed by many adolescents as an important milestone. It is the American counterpart of the Spanish and Latin American tradition of a Quinceañera, with both parties having the same sense but in Spanish-speaking countries it is at the 15th birthday.Photo: http://www.mysupersweet16.com/

Thanks to MTV, My Super Sweet 16 parties are sweeping the nation. These parties are full of fabulosity (a term coined by Kimora Simmons) to mean the mental state of being fabulos. My Sweet 16 was no way super. It was in my parents back yard, with a DJ, snacks and that's about it. Now, parents and gaurdians are shucking out big bucks for Super Sweet 16 Soriees.

I was contacted last year to help with a MSS16 event for September. Since then, I've worked feverishly to help conceptualize the theme and overall concept. Since the soon-to-be 16 year old adores fashion and loves the designer HOD (House of Dereon) a clothing line by Beyonce', we decided the theme is "Project Runway"

after the Emmy nominated competition reality series on Bravo that features host supermodel Heidi Klum and a panel of industry lumanaries.

It is imperative that MSS16's have a theme. Themes should mesh with the personality of the sweet sixteener and drive the direction of the event. A Project Runway theme with HOD and Beyonce will sure get the party goers in the groove.

The Grand Entrance

The grand entrance of the sweet sixteener must be fabolus. It will either make or break the event. I've studied the "get me bodied" video by Beyonce hoping it will spark ideas since it will be our intro song. This intro song is perfect as the video has influcences on fashion and looking spectacular.

The Bentley

I like the thought of incoporating a Bentley (were working on renting/borrowing). I also want to incoporate a runway, doing the Naomi Campbell walk with dancers and unique props as used in the video. I've consulted a fasion designer who will make costumes inspired from the video.

Red Lipstick

In the intro of the video, Beyonce writes her B-day on a mirrow with Red Lipstick. I often wondered if this is a Loreal product LOL! Well, I just love the concept so in the venue we will have mirros all around with the birth date written in red lipstick or some product equivelent with lots of metallic accents.

Wow Factors

I am working on incororating rain into the intro..fake rain that is, which cost a fortune but may be possible. I am working on the WOW Factors for this event. The rain would definately be a WOW Factor. It takes so much to pull this off. A choreographer will create the dance routine and we will have an open cast for dancers. It's all coming together and I am so excited. I am still pondering invitations. They must be unique and an echo of the theme. The cake design is coming along, a true inspiration of HOD combined with sublayers with a tiffany box, coach and channel purses, baby phat, HOD and abercrombie designs - all things fashionably adored by the teen.

The centerpieces for the tables will be made of fresh flowers in stilletos, cute daisy dukes and faux purses. So now the search begins for the right cake designer, invitations, photographer and the list goes on...

I look forward to your feeback and any ideas if you have any!

Enjoy!

Giving Back

I was invited to the Distinguished Lecture Series "Pathway to Success" a program offered at Maplewood high school http://www.mnps.org/ . I enjoyed speaking to the students about entrepreneaurship http://www.entrepreneur.com/



The students of Mrs. Talmoudge Science class were very attenative with great dialogue. I encourage them to gather as many tools as possible. I shared with them that they will need multiple tools to maneuver through the real world. " You must have more than a hammer, because the world is more than nails". I reiterated the importance of education and achievement. I told them to never give up on their hopes and dreams. If you can believe it, you can achieve it.



They were very enthused and ask really good questions like, "What does it take to be your own boss" and "How do you start a business"



A large majority of students at Maplewood come from deprieved environments. I encourage them to step outside of their bubble. I discussed the importance of positive exposure. When I entered the class as a minority woman and entrepreneur, they were exposed. They met someone who IS what they can BECOME. They shared their aspirations with me; from an architecht to an attorney and culinary to cosmetology, the kids had real dreams!



Kudos to Mrs. Talmouge for positively exposing your students!



I concluded with a quote from Sir Winston Churchill: "The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, the optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty"

Talk of the Town

I was delighted to have the opportunity to showcase this years wedding trends on Talk of the Town, Nashville's premier show featuring issues of interest to Tennessee residents. Show host Meryll Rose, is simply that... a ROSE. She was so nice and such a fabulous host. Tuwanda Coleman, the producer was exceptionally sweet and one of the masterminds behind the show.

For those who missed the show, visit http://www.newschannel5.com/ to watch the video. Here are the highpoints we discussed:

Color Palette- Instead of having every ROY G BIV color in the rainbow select a color palette of 2-3 colors but no more than 4 for your wedding. Color is very important and should mesh with the season and motif of your wedding. I recommend selecting a primary, secondary and 1-2 accent colors. Popular colors this year will consist of bright citrus hues to bold jewel tones. This fall, steel/slate gray will replace chocolate as a popular accent color to the bold jewel tone hues. Magenta and Pool Blue will be hot as well as black, yellow and white combined together.

Bling- One way to add sparkle to your wedding is to bling it out. Bling is a termed coined to describe diamonds, rhinestones, crystals, etc. Adding bling to your bouquet or decor is a sure way to shine on your special day.

WoW Factors- Don't forget the Wow Factors. A Wow Factor is the degree to which the first impression makes a person say wow. Select 2-3 Wow factors at your wedding. Going over the top on a few things is better than going over the top on absolutley everything. Examples of wow factors can be the uniqueness of your bouquet, cake, your guest tables, favors or sample stations (ie., wine, chocolate, popcorn) etc.

Non Floral Elements- Flowers are the most important element in any wedding. They can also be the most expensive A unique way to spruce up your centerpiece decor and cut back on cost is to add non floral elements (ie, manzanita branches, curly willow). This will help cut down the amount of costly flowers. Other non floral items such as fruits and vegetables are also interesting elements to add. This trends dates back to the Renassiance Era and is one sure way to WOW your guest. Select fruits such as strawberries, cranberries or even blueberries or vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, asparagus spears or artichokes.

Candles- Candles always make great wedding decorations, because they can add a touch of elegance and romance to any design. Instead of large, pricey floral arrangements, set large candelabras at the entrances. Use candles as part of your centerpieces, cutting down on the amount of flowers you’ll need.

Favors- Favors can be almost anything from awesome edibles to practical presents. The key things to remember with favors is all in the presentation. Be creative with embellishing, refining and presenting your favors. For example, a luggage tag is a neat favor. It can serve as three purposes: a napkin ring holder, place card, and favor. If you select to give a luggage tag as a favor only, then cute puns such as "Love is in the Air" or "Safe Travels" is unique way to personalize the favor. This favor is ideal especially if you have lots of out of town guest. Make sure your favors are personalized with the bride and groom's name and wedding date.

-Splurge more on your reception. The reception is where your guest will spend more of their time, socialize and marvel over your decor.
-Shop outside the wedding aisle for unique and creative options to incoroporate into your special day!

Good Luck!!!

Weddings, Weddings and more Weddings

IN LOVE WITH WEDDINGS
As many of you know I love weddings. I fell in love with weddings at the age of nine. My mother took me to a wedding and I just loved the concept of the white dress and fresh flowers. I attended more weddings of course as I grew older. The more I attended, the more I fell in love with them. I served as a bridesmaid (not quite 27) I helped with a few then before you knew it... I was the BRIDE!!! I planned my own wedding (but wouldn't recommend it to everyone) and hired a coordinator for the day. I designed everything from my programs, centerpieces to wedding favors. I was exhausted afterwards but it was all worth it.

THE BIRTH OF MY BUSINESS- TWO FOLD
My business was conceived once I found out that one of our guest took my centerpiece and replicated it. She started selling them to brides. It didn't really upset me but it did confirm that maybe I was on to something. A simple goblett upside down with a candle secured and a few miniature christmas ornaments glued around the parameter of the candle base. It was the autumn season with a color palette of terra Cotta, chocolate and ivory. Table overlays in a metallic terra cotta taffeta material and fresh ivy garland surrounding the centerpieces.

Months later, I was told that my programs had been replicated. By this time, I was like "WOW" my work must be impressive. A detailed program with a monogram emobossed "P" on the front. I begin to ponder how I could actually design, devise and ultimately sale things for weddings. In doing my research as an entrepreneur http://www.entrepreneur.com/ (a great tool for entrepreneurs), weddings are a billion dollar industry. Products for Babies and Brides rank in high bucks. I wanted a piece of the action. I participated in small bridal show at my church http://www.mtzionnashville.org/ and reeled in 4 new contracts. These 4 contracts (thanks to word of mouth) reeled in 8 more the following year. While in infancy stages, I made flowers and centerpieces for small weddings. I didn't make much $$$, I just broke even but it was an excellent way to get my name out there. More and more people begin to notice my creativity.

AN OUTLOOK ON '08
For 2008, I look forward to working with my new blushing brides. I have some beautiful themed and funky motif weddings to match my beautiful brides. From Tiffany inspired http://www.tiffany.com/ to Bling, to Parasols with a tropical twist. A moulin rouge inspired with hot pink and black feathers to a sophisticated, sleek Preston Bailey (my favorite designer) inspired wedding http://www.prestonbailey.com/ and many more! I've got my work cut out for me this year and I am excited about all of the unique style of weddings.

I've met some really cool planners in '07 who I look forward to working with this year. Definately be on the watch out for http://www.adelightfulday.com/ planners Mary Alice and Amber Housley are two of a kind. They are so much fun to work with and very creative I must say. I am still in 'awe of those limes as place card holders. So innovative- exactly what brides are looking for. I've always said, it's the small things make the Biggest details. Talking about WOW FACTORS!!! Everybride is searching for WOW FACTORS in which I recommend at least three. Amber is expert in stationary and program design. You name it and she can design it...

Also, Nichole Edwards serving middle tennessee brides http://www.nicoleselegantevents.com/ will be another planner to keep up with. Very well organized and a great peronsality. She keeps her clients in line and is crafty herself. I am loving those orhid centerpieces with the beta fish. Another WOW FACTOR and a great CONVERSATION PIECE...

Another great vessel for brides http://www.ashleysbrideguide.com/. I recently met with Ashley and her knack for being a "guide for brides" is unbelievable. Her daily scoop and fun, informative and engaging events will be the talk of the town in '08.


I am so excited about the upcoming bridal show http://www.perfectweddingguide.com/ on 2/17 at the FRIST Center. I have sketched my tablescape and have incorporated those WOW FACTORS that be most impressive to brides. My table is once again inspired by fashion. Hope you can come and see it!!!! I'll give you a hint: you've seen it "buzzing" down the runways~

Stay tuned, more to come...