After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

Not only was I honored to be involved in the planning and execution of Keith and Keisha's beautiful day, but I was really taken aback by their adoration and devotion to one another. These two just have fun with each other all of the time and this successfully transcended into their wedding ... making it charming and romantically light. Their goal was to be simple and elegant ... to share their love for one another in the most sweet and authentic ways. The ceremony took place at the church the bride grew up in and the reception in a circular, dome-like ballroom. And to top it all off, they enjoyed a 65 degree, late-October afternoon with loads of sunshine! Congratulations & Best Wishes to the happy couple!

Ever wonder if there's a way to personalize invitations, stationary, thank you cards or even recipe cards to be really , positively , doubtlessly YOU ? Well, earlier today my very good friend and fellow eventiste , Jocelyn, introduced me to poseprints . The mother-and-daughter team who brought this unique idea to life has enjoyed impressive success since launching their site and continue to offer those on a quest to be unique great options for all occasions. What a great idea!

Our latest inspiration board began with the photograph above. This cake from a San Diego wedding "received more compliments...than anything else” that day. It was designed and created by Crumbs of Paris and serves as the catalyst to the following vision: SCROLLS OF BLUE Credits (top left & clockwise): Blue-light drenched ballroom (photo courtesy of prestonbailey .com ); Pearl & Crystal Earrings - Kiwi Jewels ; Strapless Silk Satin Gown - Justina McCaffrey Haute Couture ; Chocolate Heart Topped Poppers - Taste Catering ; Nottingham Dinnerware - Horchow ; Butterfly Brooch (Vendor Unknown); Custom Wedding Invitation - Blue Skies & Daisies ; Ice Blue Tea-length Dress w/ Tie Sash - Alvina Valenta ; Personalized Beverage Favors - Big Time Brewery & Alehouse

Daily Candy - Travel released their 2007 Honeymoon Guide, entitled " Take a Vow ," recently and I couldn't help but share it here. These destinations are superb ... and honestly, a few of them will make you go "hmmmmmm." Check them out if you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon to go along with your out-of-this-world wedding! ________________________________________ Vow: We will ponder the vastness through each other's eyes. Translation: And we'll do it from the infinity pool, gazing onto eighteen miles of perfect, desolate beach. Destination : The Nam Hai , China Beach, Vietnam Vow: We will rock you. Translation: Let's climb every mountain, starting with the Himalayas. No, Patagonia. No, a volcano in Ecuador … Destination : Mountain Travel Sobek Vow: We will take it easy, beautifully, and remotely. Translation: We'll hold hands on the beach, walk through the forest, and discover tiny restaurants in nearby José Ignacio. Destinatio...

This passed weekend, I had the pleasure of working with a wonderfulphotographer, Chris Jorda , who was phenomenal. The bride had expressed wanting high-quality photography from the start, so she was diligent in researching the perfect professional, and chosing Chris proved to be just perfect! Not only was he professional and unobtrusive, but his work and style is creative and emotional ... exactly what wedding photography should be. I'll be posting photos from last weekend's wedding soon, but in the meantime, here's a sampling of Chris' work! All photographs above credited to Chris Jorda Photography

Check these FABULOUS gift ideas for bridesmaids ... all under $100! Dylan's Candy Bar Deluxe Hot Chocolate Basket Allow your bridesmaids to indulge in a deluxe assortment of rich and creamy hot chocolate made from fine Belgian chocolate shavings. This gift crate also includes Dylan's delectable chocolate bars, colorful mugs, yummy pretzel pops, and mini marshmallows. Available exclusively thru Saks.com . Personalized Purse Mirror What woman doesn't carry a little mirror in her bag at all times? Why not be as elegant and vain as possible! This silver-plated compact contains two mirrors (one regular, one 2x magnifying). Each can be easily engraved with up to 10 characters in script or classic font as well. Available thru Red Envelope . Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet This starter charm bracelet comes with a polished gold metal "J" charm and a heart charm with "Juicy Couture" banner. Start her off with this and she can add charms at her leisure later. All ...

As brides and planners continue to explore and exploit bold colors, we've begun to see flowergirl dresses go more to the left as well. Most times, the desire is for the flowergirl(s) to match the bride's attire as closely as possible. For those of you who are interested in going against the grain here are a few styles to take a look at: (1st Dress by Winnie Mini ; 2nd Dress by Little Flowers by Odyssey ; 3rd Dress by Winnie Mini ; 4th Dress by Joanna Grace )

This giant cupcake cake is a wonderful idea for those of you interested in a whimsical, novelty-like cake ... but may not be able to afford having it whipped up professionally. With a little tender-loving-care, you could easily create this dainty confection for a bridal shower, bridesmaid's tea or child's birthday party. Visit Sur La Table for the pans as well as the toppings and decorations needed. How Sweet!

Just for fun ... here's Forbes ' list of the top 20 most expensive celebrity weddings: 20. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban (June 2006): $250,000 19. Marc Anthony and Dayanara Torres (December 2002): $500,000 18. Mariah Carey and Tommy Mottola (June 1993): $500,000 17. Ashley Judd and Dario Frachitti (December 2001): $750,000 16. David and Victoria Beckham (July 1999): $800,000 15. Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston (July 2000): $1 million 14. Tori Spelling and Charlie Shanian (July 2004): $1 million 13. Donald Trump and Melania Knauss (January 2005): $1 million 12. Madonna and Guy Ritchie (December 2000): $1.5 million 11. Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith (August 2001): $1.5 million 10. Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell (March 1993): $1.5 million 9. Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren (October 2004): $1.5 million 8. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones (November 2000): $1.5 million 7. Elton John and David Furnish (December 2005): $1.5 million 6. Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman...

I was so surprised and happy to be green-tagged for the first time, thanks to a new colleague/friend, Deidre Gray of Always A Positive Image, LLC . So, this means I must share a list of ways I help contribute to a healthy environment. I decided to list according to what I do in my home and what I do via my business. My Home We're almost done replacing all light bulbs with CFLBs (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs) ... which use 75% less energy than regular light bulbs. We diligently recycle all glass, plastic and paper. Like Deidre, we only use Scott tissue We drink filtered water ... Brita My Business I recommend donating apparel, especially wedding gowns, to charities. The I DO FOUNDATION offers help with this. I recommend calligraphy. It can cost a bit more, but it's an excellent way to further personalize an event as well as an excellent way to save on ink, toner and other chemicals needed for printing. I recommend candlelight ... much more energy efficient and 100% more r...

I came across this photo about 5 years ago. I saved it for my own wedding (hoping to find the gown) and even after being married for over 3 years, I'm still saving it. In comparison to many of the photographs I see in magazines and/or on photographer websites, this picture isn't all that spectacular, but it's simplicity and romanticism draws me in every time I look at it. I really just love it. Here's my inspiration board based upon this image. SIMPLE ROMANCE Credits (top left & clockwise): Blush Bow-Themed 5-Tier Cake, Pool-side Ceremony (photos courtesy of TheKnot.com ); Green & Gold Program Booklets (photo courtesy of Elegant Bride magazine); Resting Flowergirl (photo courtesy of Celebration Studios Photography ); Mini Crystal Chandelier - The Light Shop

Event Planner and Lifestyle Expert, Mindy Weiss , is the new Bridal Spokesperson for Fortunoff . Listed in the New York Times as one of the top five wedding planners in the United States, Mindy has created wedding ceremonies for such high-profile celebrities such as Eva Longoria & Tony Parker; Heidi Klum & Seal; Gwen Stefani & Gavin Rossdale; Pink & Carey Hart; Jackie & Adam Sandler and more. Modern Bride voted Mindy one of its' coveted 'Top 25 Trendsetters' in 2005. In addition, she's been voted first place in the Los Angeles Citysearch.com "Best of' Wedding /Party Planner category in both 2006 and 2007. Fortunoff is confident that Mindy will bring the same unique bridal and event planning expertise that she offers to her celebrity clientele to their registered couples. She will also be sharing her creative party planning ideas, her interior décor and entertaining tips and showcasing her exquisite attention to detail. Coming Soon: Registere...

Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and talking with Celebrity Event Planner, Preston Bailey. He held a class in New York City entitled, How to Create One-of-a-Kind Events , where he spoke candidly about his journey within the event planning business and offered invaluable advice. Everyone knows a Preston Bailey event leaves a natural lasting impression, but I must say, his candor and honesty left a personal lasting impression on me. (Thank you Tar-Kisha for bringing the course to my attention) I was also able to finally purchase his latest book, Inspirations , which is marvelous!

Recently, I've been SO inspired by Abby Larson of style me pretty and some of her methods to developing a unique style and vision for each and every event. Taking note from Abby, I've decided to start documenting some of my inspiration boards here on my blog ... where I'll use 1 photo, 1 color or 1 object as an influential catalyst to designing the framework for a celebration. For now, I'll start with 1 color ... pink (no secret where that idea came from ... hint=it's October) . PINK Credits (top left & clockwise): Pink Silk Bridesmaid Dresses - Simple Silhouettes ; Blush Colored Table Linens & Chair Covers - Wildflower Linens ; Strapless Bridal Gown - Eve of Milady ; Wedding Dress Inspired 4-Tier Cake - Pink Cake Box ; Appetizer Trio (photo courtesy of fete ); ETRO White Metallic Strappy Sandal - Zappos Couture ; Monogrammed Petal Toss Cones (photo courtesy of TheKnot.com )

Here's a sneak peek at Spring 2008's haute bridal gowns. Check out what a few of the top designers have in store: (as usual, Oscar is my personal favorite) Carolina Herrera Oscar de la Renta Monique Lhuiller Reem Acra

Thanks to the variety of décor and event planning shows on television these days, most folks preparing special events are looking to create what's known as "Celebrity Style." Now ... is that what you had in mind??? (wink) Perhaps you're thinking of a red-carpet themed wedding or a grand exit from your reception that involves you and your new spouse waving goodbye to your guests on a yacht! Whatever your fancy, key ways to liven your event to "Celebrity Style" (even if you're on a budget) are to incorporate glamorous lighting, unique floral pieces and ... specialty linens! White and/or ivory table cloths and napkins are classic and will always be beautiful, but why not pull your guests even further into your experience with orange, red, fuchsia, purple or chartreuse to formulate a vibrant and contemporary look. Never be afraid to be different. Go against the grain with your linens as a step to achieving a "Celebrity Style" event! (images by ...