WISHING TREE

When brides strive to be different and not follow standard norms I help them in suggesting other ideas. A Wishing Tree can replace the traditional sign-in book. This is a fun, attractive (WOW FACTOR) yet interactive way to welcome your guest. The Wishing Tree is strung with crystal garland strands(or pearls) and hung with momentos from your guest. Make sure your Wishing Tree is within arms reach so your guest can comfortably place their regards on your tree or this can be a task of your host or hostess.

This is simple to create. You can purchase a metal tree and crystal strands from (www.cristalier.com) Use precut white or color coordinated notecards (about the size of a sticky note) or rectangular notecards (about the size of a book mark). Whole punch and pre-string using thin ribbon.

For a cost effecient alternative, use sturdy tree branches secured in a glass container. Make your own rhinestone garland by gluing flatback rhinestones on a string of ribbon or wire. Basically, you will make a sandwich by applying glue to one of the flatbacks, lying the string/ribbon in the center of the flatback and adding the other flatback to sandwhich the ribbon/strand in the middle. Continue adding rhinestones until you have your desired length. Make sure you have adequate space and a table with plenty of writing room and feel free to accent the base of your tree with flowers, candles or other decoratives. One other cute idea is to make "flower / feather pens" or use distinctive ink pens so your guest want run off with the guest book pens.

Dum..dum...de...dum- Whose Wedding Is It Anyway

I've watched every single epidsode of Whose Wedding is it Anyway- an American realiity TV show on the Style Network (http://www.mystyle.com/) where wedding planners are followed as they map out nuptials for blushing brides. I have a whole new respect for wedding planners/bridal consultants. Most people think their job is measly...

It's not until you understand what they really do. In short, a wedding planner is a mediator, a consultant, a sounding board, an organizer, an artisan and a financial advisor all rolled into one. And sometimes they even turn out to be a punching bag when nerves get frazzled (figuratively speaking), even though their job description definitely does not call for it!

Some attributes of a GREAT PLANNER
*competency is wedding/event planning
*multi-tasker
*great personality
*patience
*well~organized
*task~oriented
*execute plans
*worker-BEE attitude
*professional demeanor
*creative
*lots of energy
*strong backbone~assertive

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway has featured a plethora of planners. Some of my faves are:

Lynette Richardson Hall- She's a PRO... nuff said!
Tracy French- Her personality POPS...and I love her design boards!
Jeffery Powell- He is hilarious and you get both a planner and floral designer!
Kimberly Bradford- Another PRO...nuff said!
Donnie Brown- Great sense of humor and another great designer!

These planners are top notch and have all of the attributes it takes to be a great planner. My motto remains: SMART BRIDES hire PLANNERS.

College Sweethearts say "I DO"

I am recooperating from a lengthy weekend after a whirlwind of brides and bouquets. First, I would like to congratulate...

George and Amanda Deroche

on such a beautiful ceremony held at the Cathedral of Incarnation http://www.cathedralnashville.com/ . The bride wore a Justina McCarrey dress with a cathedral length veil from Faccio Bridal http://www.facciobridal.com/ and carried a pristine white mini calla lily bouquet made by Rhonda Patton Designs http://www.rhondapattonweddings.com/

These college sweethearts both residing in Phoeniz, AZ wished to have their wedding in Nashville, TN where they met orignally.

The bridesmaids wore a beautiful floor length, crimson colored Jim Hjelm collection from Faccio Bridal and carried a pagent style bouquet-trio of white calla lilies

EXTRA....EXTRA..... READ ALL ABOUT IT!

The groom's cake, a replica of the front cover of the Tennessean Newspaper www.tennessean.com created by the creative cake designer of The Sweetest Day www.thesweetestday.com and the delicious food was catered by Jennette Goddard and the professional team from Chef Works, Inc.

Bridal Show Whisper

WHISPER

CHIC ELEGANCE

Every designer begins their design with an inspiration. My inspirations are conceived from intimate connections with my broader lifestyle taking cues from music, media, fashion and home decor.

This color palatte is referred to as "WHISPER" according to the California Cut Flower Commission http://www.ccfc.org/ WHISPER is tranquil, calming aura of neutral hushed tones of creams and grays.

I love inspiration boards which I've included boards inspired by fashion and home decor. This weekend, i'll showcase my version of WHISPER at the PWG bridal show http://www.perfectweddingguide.com/

I'll see you on Sunday, February 17 at the FRIST Center from noon-5pm.

Crimson + Cream = Lucky In Love

CRIMSON + CREAM= LUCKY IN LOVE

Phoeniz, Arizona native Ms. Whisler contacted me in July of 2007 regarding her enchanted crimson and cream dream wedding. Ms. Whisler was only in town for the weekend and was hoping to book her floral event designer. Lucky me, I answered the phone and a very polite lady ask if she could interivew me as her possible florist. I was originally scheduled to travel out of town that weekend but was able to postpone my travel to accomodate Ms. Whisler. We met in Franklin, TN and our meeting was a success.

So here we are a few days away!!!! I am so exicted for Amanda and George. Here's a quick glimpse of an inpsiration board for their creme de' le "cream" affair. (Stay tune for professional pictures)

Rollin' In the Dough

Photo: Carol Fay Ellison (R) and Rhonda Patton (L)
Photo Credit: www.myragodbyphotography.com

I recently had the opportunity to meet a local Nashville celebrity. I noticed Ms. Carol Fay Ellison (a.k.a "The Biscuit Lady") while I was putting the final touches on decor at my last wedding. Ms. Ellison was very receptive when I introduced myself to her. She raved over my designs. I kindly thanked her and shared my congrats. After speaking with her briefly, I reminsced back to a chapter in a book I just finished titled "The Martha Rules"

Carol Fay had the Big Idea. The Big Idea of delectable biscuits that has her rolling in the dough--literally.
In chapter two of "The Martha Rules" 10 essentials for achieving success as you start, build, or manage a business by Martha Stewart www.marthastewart.com she often alludes to the Big Idea. This book is my entrepreneural bible in a sense. I carry it in my purse and skim over it right before I meet with a prospective client. Chapter two is flagged so I turn right to the page that references "The Big Idea". According to Martha Stewart, an American business magnate, author, editor and homemaking advocate she states, "Focus your attention and creativity on basic things, things that people need and want. Then look for ways to enlarge, improve, and enhance your BIG IDEA."

Carol Fay is a prime example of the BIG IDEA philosphy. She is the mastermind behind the tasty biscuits at the Loveless Cafe www.lovelesscafe.com in Nashville, TN. She discovered the BIG IDEA nearly 27 years ago when she was first employed at loveless as a dishwasher. It's simple... Carol focused her creativity on something people wanted. People love food and there is nothing like some good ole' home made southern biscuits. She found ways to improve, enhance and enlarge her idea. Today, the loveless sales over 5,000 biscuits per day. The buzz of these biscuits caught national attention. She has been a guest on several network shows. Her BIG IDEA lead her to a guest on Martha Stewart-the BIG IDEA philospher, Late Night with Conan O'Brian and Ellen to name a few.

I have personally had a few of these buttery biscuits and I must say they will melt in your mouth. To top it off, I married the biscuit with starwberry perserves also made by Carol and in the words of Rachel Ray... YUM-O

While I travel this budding entrepreneural journey, I realize the entrepreneural spirit is alive and well. Thanks Carol for paving the way and thanks Martha for writing such a practical and inspiring manual.