The holidays are here!

The holiday season is my favorite time of the year. Although I do love it, I am always in shock when December comes around. Where did 2009 go? And if you're a list maker like me, the length always seems to triple when you factor in all of the holiday cleaning, shopping, cooking, and parties. Oh, and you're also planning a wedding? Add those lists into the mix too and things can quickly get overwhelming. There are a few advantages to planning an event thru the holidays, and I wanted share a few of my favorites with you.

Think ahead to all the sales coming up after the holidays. Make a list of some of the things you can purchase for your wedding while the stores are trying to make room for new inventory. Key items may be glassware for centerpieces, cocktail/party dresses that can be used for bridesmaids or mothers dresses, candles/votives for the reception, and gifts for your bridal party. Look ahead on your planning list to see if there are any items that you can be shopping for while looking for holiday presents!


Going to a holiday party or two? Schedule your hair and make up trials on a day you're going to be getting dressed up anyway. No point in wasting the beautiful work on a trip to the grocery store!


If someone asks what you want for Christmas, don't feel bad about sharing some ideas that can help you with the wedding. Most people hope that the gifts they buy are something that is useful. Use this to your advantage if you've been trying to figure out how you can afford to add the chargers to the reception, or upgrade your linens or centerpieces. See if a couple of family members of friends want to come together to contribute to those things, rather than buying another trinket or gift that will not be used.

I hope some of these ideas can help you save a little money and sanity over the next couple of weeks. If you have any other tips or suggestions, please leave a comment to help others out!

Happy Holidays!

Kate

ABC Conference

Earlier this month I was lucky enough to be able to attend my first Association of Bridal Consultants Conference held in Indianapolis. It was such an inspirational couple of days, I am still taking in all of the information I learned while I was there!

The first day I was there I went to the Sandals Training program, and learned all about the gorgeous resorts they have all over. I didn't realize all of the divisions they have! Beaches, Royal Plantation, and Grand Pineapple are all resorts brands that also follow the same "Luxury Included" model as Sandals, but offer more options in traveling, including packages for the entire family. I will definitely post more about all they have to offer in the future!

The following two days were filled with seminars, vendor displays, and wonderful meals! Frank Andonoplas, a Chicago based planner, started us off on Monday with his inspirational story, and photos of some of his glamorous events. At the Fashionista Luncheon, Gene Huddleson show us how to create a designer tablescape at three different budgets and not lose the overall feel of the original design.

The conference wrapped up on Tuesday with a busy day of speakers including Peggy Post, Ciara Daykin, and Sylvia Weinstock! Talk about an inspirational group of women! It was refreshing to hear Peggy Post say that wedding etiquette is not as cut and dry as many people think. Ciara Daykin's energy was absolutely contagious! It's not often that I'll push aside my lunch to take notes, but she made it happen :) I was probably most excited to hear from Sylvia Weinstock coming into the conference. I was happily surprised by her sense of humor, and how down to earth she is. I do think she's the only one I've met that could pull off those glasses though!

As I said, it was a very full couple of days, and I can't wait for next year in Phoenix!

Lovespons

This past weekend I saw one of the most creative favors I've come across! Cindy and Rick were married on 7.18 at the Henry Ford Estate. They really pulled in their Welsh heritage with several unique touches during the ceremony, and this really interesting favor idea. I can't wait to get the pictures and video from Dionne at The Shooting Gallery and Trish and Chris at Personal Touch Productions. To be posted soon! In the meantime, here's a picture of the Lovespoon favor with the story left for the guests!
"According to Welsh folklore, ornately carved spoons were given as a token of love from a young man to a woman. He would spend hours carving the spoon by hand, in the hope that the girl would accept it. The carvers would attempt to create more and more intricate designs as they vied for the attractions of a certain girl. The more complicated and difficult the design, the more it would symbolize the depth of the creator's love. Spoons could suggest food on the table, and a cozy family life, which would impress on the girl his ability to care for her and a family.
If the man succeeded in capturing the girl's heart, the spoon would be treasured and proudly displayed in their home, much as a wedding photograph would be today. When a girl accepted the spoon, the young people would embark on a relationship and be seen as a 'couple' by their community. The earliest surviving example is dated around 1667, although the tradition existed long before that".

Very cool! :)

Sarah and Jason

May 2, 2009 was an absolutely gorgeous day, and everyone was all smiles for Sarah and Jason at Greektown Casino, as the girls got ready!

The ceremony was at an amazing church in downtown Detroit. St. Josephat's was built in 1889, and the detailing in the design did all the decorating for them!

It's always a great celebration at The Roostertail!

I absolutely loved mixes of pinks, orchids, and lillies against the black and silver. Very classic and trendy at the same time. Perfectly stunning with the natural backdrop at The Roostertail.

Just a couple of the unique things that the couple incorporated into their event. Not just your regular ice sculpture...this monogramed design also served as a Martini Louge!

Dressing up a beer tub was a great idea! The guests appreciated the fact that they could just reach in and grab what they wanted without having to wait in line!

The rest of the night was all smiles and celebrations! I don't think I saw anyone without a smile on their face all night! A beautiful day for an absolutely wonderful couple!!

This is an incredible gift a guest made from the Save The Dates and Invitation. I love the creativity!

WDIV Vote 4 The Best!

It's hard to believe that we are half way thru 2009, which means it's time for WDIV's Vote 4 The Best contest again! Please make sure to visit Click On Detroit and vote for Purple Clover Events!

Penny and Jason

October 11, 2008
Sacred Heart Chapel at Marygrove College
Detroit Athletic Club

Flowers by Corri Design Group

Penny and Jason had a perfect October day for their wedding last fall! I loved the colors that Penny decided on...classic shades of fall, without taking the theme too far. Absolutely gorgeous! Not that you can go wrong with a ceremony at Sacred Heart Chapel on the campus of Marygrove College in Detroit and The Detroit Athletic Club!

I absolutely adore Penny's "something blue!"

Beautiful pictures captured by Kristen Taylor Photography

Persuasion kept the party going, with some cameo's from some of the guests!

Catching Up!

Here we go! What better way to get my feet wet in the blogging world than to share some of my favorite moments from weddings of the past! No better place to start than with Marcy and Matt. They were married last March at St. Peter's Church in Mt. Clemens, and had their reception at Sycamore Hills in Macomb. It was a gorgeous day, and Dionne with The Shooting Gallery took them downtown Detroit for some really creative shots. It was amazing! You can also see the brilliant efforts from florist MPE Events, custom invitations and stationary from Tifany at Gourmet Invitations, and a tasty cake from Christine's Cakes. The classic black and white damask was stunning and romantic. It was a pleasure to be a part of their wonderful day!

I apologize about the spacing...I'm still figuring some things out! :)