Gift Registry...

Juliette Senior of UnisonEvents, LLC located in New Jersey has been very helpful in my blog etiquette. She is very insightful in the wedding field and created a blog regarding gift registries that I'd like to share with my readers. Enjoy!

When it comes to creating a wedding registry many brides don’t know what to add to their lists.
Before you even choose the stores you want to set up a gift registry at, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Go through each room in the house and ask yourself, “What do we need to make this room complete? Albums, picture frames, dishes, silverware, lamps, etc. Don’t forget about the outside of the house—garden hoses, planters, etc.
2. Once you have a list of the items, now ask yourself, “How many of each do we need?”
The next step is to choose the gift registry stores. When considering which stores to register at, make sure you choose a store whose products you enjoy. Also, consider the types of guests you are inviting to your wedding. Some may not have computers, so you need to make sure at least 1 of the stores you register at has a physical location where people can shop at nationwide (i.e. Macy’s, Crate & Barel…). Many brides end up registering at multiple stores, as they have a variety of items on their wish lists. This also opens up more shopping options for family and friends to choose from.
Once you have chosen the stores you want to set up registries at, now comes the fun part – creating your wish lists. Some stores let you create wish lists online, while others require you to physically go to the store and use a wand to scan UPS codes, which will then be uploaded into an online wish list for guests to view. Check out what the registry process is for each store, and make sure you pencil out time to go to stores that you have to go in person (expect to spend a couple hours in the store, meeting with a customer service rep. and then choosing your items).
Please pay attention to wedding registry etiquette. Don’t expect people to be able to pay for top-of-the-line or expensive items. Be considerate in your selections, allowing for guests to be able to choose from a varied selection of prices, that best suit their wallet. If you list all expensive items, you may be disappointed to find that not many items will be purchased for you. That doesn’t mean you can’t include some dream items, like a new television or bedroom set – you never know if guests may want to pool their funds and buy a big ticket item for you.
Knowing what you already have and what you ACTUALLY need will help make creating your wedding registry easier, and make sure that guests will get things for you that you will use.
Here are two great wedding registry checklists to help you when deciding what you need and should add to your wish lists:
Organized Registry
The Knot
Check out these websites for a list of popular stores that offer wedding registries:
Brides.com
BestWeddingSites.com
Don’t forget to let family and friends know where you are registered at. You can send them along a postcard with the information, post it to your wedding website, social media site, etc. Registering for wedding gifts is supposed to a fun experience, and helps break up the craziness wedding planning brings—so enjoy!

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Planning Your Christmas & New Years Party!!!

Two days before Christmas, I hope you have your party plans in tact for Christmas and New Years. Here are a few things to consider - Happy Planning.

If you're throwing a holiday party, you'll want to make sure that your party decor adds a festive air to your home. With some preparation and planning your home will be beautiful.

Here's How:

1. Your Christmas and New Years party decor should be planned around a theme or a seasonal color scheme. Finding decorations and making plans will be easier if done early but you can find some good last minute things greatly discounted now as well. Choose anything from Santa to snowmen, music to angels. Find some other ideas for holiday theme ideas. Red, white, green, gold, and silver are traditional holiday colors but blue and purple look pretty too. Use just one color or combine several, but no more than three, for your decorations.

2. Making a simple phone call to invite your guests is easiest for a spur-of-the-moment party. But if you're planning ahead (before today), design your party invitation after you've chosen your theme. Create an invitation that your guests will really remember. Cut out a paper shape for your theme and write the party information on the back. Embellish it with ribbon or glitter and add a tie for hanging. Contact Designs by Shay for handmade greeting cards and custom invitations.

3. Make an impression right from the start. Think about wrapping your front door with Christmas gift wrapping paper. Back during our apartment days on VanBuren and Throop this was done every year and was a smash hit among others in our complex. Create a giant bow and tie it around the door. Don't forget a beautiful wreath. Arrange luminaries along the sidewalk and have Christmas music playing from the minute the guests arrive.

4. To add a holiday touch to every room in your home, tie bows on everything from candlesticks to doorknobs, teddy bears to chair backs. If you know how, make the bows with a wire tie. They'll be easy to remove and reuse year after year.

5. Place a small floral centerpiece or cluster of candles on a coffee table, piano, desk, or side table. Remember to select a color to enhance your decorating theme and color scheme.

6. To add a festive look everywhere, sprinkle glitter on every surface you can see. Think lamp shades, table tops, buffet, bathroom countertops, buffet, table, dining table, and under glass serving plates. Be sure you don't get the glitter on food service dishes. Be careful with this idea because the clean up is a monster...

7. Select several tapes or CDs and play Christmas music all evening. Choose a type of music that compliments your decorating theme.

8. If you have a fireplace, pile it high with logs and keep it blazing all through the party. Recruit a friend to keep it going. If your fireplace does not burn real logs, arrange pillar candles at different heights and burn them. They'll cast a beautiful flickering light around the room.

9. Whether you're serving food as a buffet or seating your guests at the table, decorate the table with elements of your chosen theme or color scheme. In this case, "more" is good. Sprinkle glitter around the table. Your centerpiece, table linens, even the food, can compliment your decorating plan. Arrange colored, candied apples around a roast, green parsley or rosemary on white potatoes, white pearl onions mixed with green peas. The possibilities are endless.

10. Offer a small gift to each guest at the table. Decorate and personalize a tree ornament and use it as a place card. Or decorate cut-out cookies with your guests' names. Tie a small sheer bag with potpourri or have a mini poinsettia at each place. Place your guest's name at the favor and date it as a memento of the occasion.

11. Even if you don't have enough for every guest, use your holiday china. For a buffet service, alternate holiday plates with plain, regular ones on the pile. If guests are seated, alternate the patterns around the table. Be sure to use a tablecloth or mats and napkins to continue your color scheme. And don't forget the polished silver and crystal. After all, it's a party!

12. Have a simple holiday decoration in every room that your guests will enter. Use a pretty wreath on the door of the room where they'll leave their coats, a glowing candle in the powder room, a beautiful poinsettia in the kitchen, small arrangement on the hall table, or mini Christmas tree on the coffee table. The possibilities are endless. And what a difference these special touches will make!

13. For a fun addition, and for the fun-at-heart, hang some mistletoe or a kissing ball from a chandelier.

Final Tips for Holiday Party Givers in 2009...

1. If you're on a budget, you'll find that candle tapers, pillars, or votives give a beautiful glow and festive look to any room.
2. A footed clear glass bowl piled high with colored glass tree ornaments makes a pretty centerpiece in place of flowers.
3. Don't forget to turn on all your Christmas lights before your guests arrive.
4. Place candles all around the house and turn out all the lights except the ones on the Christmas tree. Everything will look romantic and cozy for your party.

What You Need:

* Candles-- lots of them!
* Holiday Lights- lots of them!
* Holiday Patterned China
* Glitter-- lots of it!
* CD's of Your Favorite Christmas Music
* Lots of Firewood and Matches
* A Beautiful Christmas Tree
* Ivy, Holly, and Pine Boughs
* Poinsettias



Getting Married OR having a great event and need assistance?Email Me
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

More Holiday Party Planning Tips

Happy Holidays! Christmas is next week and New Years Eve is right behind it. As we finalize our party plans for these upcoming holidays here are a few tips to remember.

The number one rule for holiday entertaining: Work ahead. Any detail that can be attended to early is one less thing for you to become frenzied about on party day. Because as host, you should enjoy the festivities as much as your guests. If you havent hired a professional event planner, consider these tips.

1. Stick to What You Know. Parties are not the time to experiment, because who needs the added stress of unpredictability? The best recipe is one you can make with your eyes closed. If the urge strikes you to branch out, give it a trial run beforehand.

2. Buy in Bulk. I think Chef Judson would agree with a few of these. If you entertain often, choose a few go-to recipes (vary them slightly if you’re entertaining the same people). You can stock up on the basic ingredients at the beginning of the holiday season.

3. Prep Your Fridge. Before you come home with 80 bags of groceries, clean out your refrigerator and freezer. Toss old condiments and anything you can no longer identify. Fill your fridge safely as well as smartly: Place raw meats away from fruits and vegetables. And keep an eye on the temperature inside with a refrigerator thermometer—the more stuffed your fridge gets, the more difficult it is for the cold air to thoroughly circulate.

4. Prepare Serving Dishes. Don’t waste valuable time on the day of the event trying to remember where you’ve stashed the holiday platters, plates, stemware, serving spoons, and linens. Plan out what dishes you’ll use, and clean and polish them a few days in advance. For sit-down dinners, you can set the table ahead of time. For cocktail parties, lay serving dishes and napkins out for snacks the day before.

5. Plan on a Realistic Amount of Food and Drink. Don’t make enough food to feed the NFL (unless you’re feeding the NFL) or buy enough alcohol for a frat party (unless you’re throwing a frat party). A good guideline for a three-hour cocktail party is about three drinks per person, or about one bottle of wine for every two to three guests and one quart of liquor for every 10 to 12 guests. For predinner hors d’oeuvres plan on three to five pieces per person, and for a three-hour cocktail party, about four to six pieces per person per hour. That's a lot to remember, but it does come in handy.. :)

6. Stock the Bar Essentials. Alcohol is expensive, and your guests won’t storm out the door if you haven’t picked up a 14-year Oban. The basics—wine, sparkling wine, distinctive beers, or a couple of types of spirits and a few mixers—are fine. Premix a house cocktail. Remember to always have water and nonalcoholic choices available, and don’t forget the ice.

7. Show a Little Flair. Whether your thing is cooking, origami, or playing a little jazz flute, show your style through personal details. Don’t go all Martha Stewart on your guests, but a few unique touches make your party memorable.

8. Vibe Out. No one wants to linger very long in a room that’s lit like an airport lounge. Choose lighting, music, seating, and a temperature that are conducive to eating, drinking, and socializing.

9. Put Your Guests to Work. But only if they ask, and just enough to make them feel useful. Keep the tasks simple: opening wine bottles, putting coats in the bedroom, or bringing out some hors d’oeuvres. Unless you have a balloon in your dirty ceiling fan, you shouldn’t ask guests to do chores like take out garbage or put away dishes.

10. Clean as You Go. Don’t make guests feel like you’re tidying up because the party’s over. Instead, try to grab crumpled napkins, toothpicks, unaccounted-for glasses, and plates on your way to the kitchen. A little cleaning here and there will ease postparty cleanup, but don’t obsess over every dish in the sink.

MOST IMPORANTLY - HAVE FUN!

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Wedding Advice - do's & dont's

If you're getting married in 2010? Here are a few tips to take with you. Happy Planning.!

Do eliminate some of the leg work before you register.

• It is a good idea to narrow some of the gift choices before you ask your partner to join you for the final decisions.

Don’t waste time worrying about pleasing everyone.

• Try your best, but remember this is you and your fiance's big day.

Do try to involve your fiancée in the planning.

• Your fiancé may think the wedding is a “bride” thing; redirect him to think it is a good opportunity to discuss each other’s wedding expectations.

Do your gift registry with your partner.

• It’s more fun when your fiancé can share in the excitement of actually receiving the gifts that you registered for together.

Do choose a song for your first dance that is meaningful to both of you.

• This will make your first dance together as Mr. and Mrs. very special.

Don’t order your invitations too early.

• Four months before your wedding date is ample time. Wedding invitation companies are constantly coming up with new designs. Ask your stationer for the most current catalogs. Always request a proof in case of a last minute changes and to correct any errors. Designs by Shay is a great place to start.
  

Do order extra thank you notes.

• It is not expensive to increase the number of thank you notes at the time of the initial order. These notes will surely come in handy even after all the notes of the wedding have been written.

Do try to bring both families together.

• Invite each other’s parents over to talk about wedding plans. If they live in separate cities, setup a conference call so everyone can share ideas and feel as though they’re all involved in making this wedding very special and exciting!

Do remember to select flowers that will be available at the time of your wedding.

• You may have a favorite flower you hoped would be in your bouquet, but the seasons will play an important role when designing your florals. Ask your florist for options.

Do decide on how formal you want your wedding to be as early as possible.

• This will help with later decisions such as décor, menu planning and attire.

Don’t choose your photographer and/or videographer based on their work alone.

• It’s important that you feel comfortable with his/her personality—a friendly relationship will make for better results in the end.

Do make a guest list for your photographer and videographer.

• This list will enable your photographer and videographer to include specific guests when taking pictures and interviewing for the video.

Don’t forget “something old.”

• Allow your families enough time to find something meaningful for this age-old tradition, maybe an old lace handkerchief or a memorable item from their own wedding.

Do take enough time to pack for your honeymoon.

• With all the excitement of the wedding day, important items may be overlooked if you pack too hurriedly.

Don’t try any new cosmetics or facial products within a week of your wedding.

Don’t forget to test your bouquet flowers for color fading.

• Some deep colored flowers bleed, and can stain a wedding dress.

Do have a surprise waiting on the chair at the end of the aisle for the children in the wedding.

• This will make it fun and enticing to get down the aisle for the younger children.

Don’t ever force a child down the aisle.

• If there is no way of convincing your flower girl or ring bearer to walk down the aisle, just give up. There is nothing worse than a screaming child right before the bridge appears.

Do include your partner when going out to taste wedding cakes.

• Not only is it fun, but come the big event you may be so excited you won’t remember how delicious your chosen cake was.

Do practice your first dance.

• Make a room in the house romantic by dimming the lights, and lighting some candles. When the magical moment arrives at the wedding, you’ll remember the romantic time spent practicing together.

Do make sure that your aisle will be wide enough to accommodate your wedding gown.

• A lot of today’s gowns are designed with a very full skirt. You don’t want your gown caught on anything while going down the aisle that could have been moved earlier.

Don’t forget to tell your make-up artist if you are wearing your hair up or down.

• It will make a difference. Always have a trial make-up run. You want your guests to be able to recognize you on your special day!

Don’t order your wedding gown a size smaller if you are planning to lose weight.

• Order your current size. Your dress can always be taken in.

Do practice your wedding vows.

• If you are planning to write your own vows, it is a good idea to try and memorize them, rather than looking at a piece of paper, how much more romantic to look into the eyes of your loved one looking at you as you make those precious vows.

Don’t let anyone's unexpected problems ruin your day.

• Stay calm -- each problem has a solution. Your calmness will spread to others and everything will work out.

Do take your veil or headpiece to your hairdresser.

• It is always advisable to have a practice run before the big day. Make sure you take your camera and take a picture of the front and the back of your new "do.” Even your hairdresser can get so excited that he or she may forget what the two of you created.

Do choose your wedding party gifts early.

• This will give you time to creatively wrap them and to write each member of the wedding party a personal note.

Do practice walking around in your wedding shoes.

• If your shoes feel tight, but look great, it is a good idea to have a comfy pair waiting under your chair at the reception.

Do be prepared with an emergency wedding kit.

• Bring an extra pair of stockings, safety pins, breath mints, bottle water, aspirin, nail file, nail polish, scissors, deodorant, perfume, needle and white thread, and tampon (you never know!).

Do have a family member or bridesmaid go with you on your last fitting.

• This is the time to learn how to bustle the back of your dress. You’ll need an extra pair of hands for this task. Have your helper practice a few times so it can be done quickly at the reception.

Do remember to hold your bouquet flow with slightly bent arms.

• This allows for your waist to show and in turn look very shapely in the pictures (make sure to tell your bridesmaids as well).

Do take all your bridesmaids into consideration when choosing their dresses.

• You may not find one dress that will make everyone look great but try to choose a style that complements a thin or plus size woman.

Don’t forget to take off your watch.

• On the day of your wedding…Time Stands Still.

Do go listen to your band or DJ...

• Before you hire them make sure they know and can play your favorite songs.

Do jot down songs you like to listen to on the radio.

• Keep a pad in your car or bag. Traffic is a great time to remember oldies and current hits. Make sure to make a detailed list for your band or D.J.

Do ask your florist for a sample centerpiece.

• Your ideas and the florist’s vision could be totally different.

Do plan your honeymoon early.

• This will guarantee the best prices, good seats on an airline, and preferred rooms at hotels.

Do order a few extra boutonnieres.

• Sometimes a groomsman will take off his jacket while he waits for the ceremony to begin and crush the flower.

Do ask your officiant what his/her schedule for the ceremony will be.

• Ask him/her what to expect and the length of time.

Don’t forget to give your groom a little extra attention.

• Often the bride is the center of attention. Send him love notes or even roses! Let him know you are counting the days until you are husband and wife.

Don’t forget waterproof mascara.

• Test the mascara first.

Don’t leave anything to the week of the wedding.

• This week should be devoted to pampering yourself. Nothing is better than an organized bride who can relax days before her big moment. Last minute changes will not seem so drastic if that is all you have to deal with.

Don’t plan on perfection when it comes to your wedding day.

• When you wake up the morning of your wedding, “LET GO!” Planning on all your dreams being met by the “perfect” idea may put too high expectations on the day and leave you disappointed.

Do make sure you undergarments are as comfortable as your wedding dress.

• There is nothing worse than a fidgety bride.

Don’t try a new fragrance just for the big day.

• Some scents are ultra sensitive to sweat glands. This can make the fragrance become stronger. You don’t want to experience any headaches—and you want your groom to smell the familiar scent of his bride.

Don’t be shy to suggest that the “mothers” of the bride and grooms dress compliment the colors of the wedding party.

• It is a good idea that they talk to one another to coordinate what they are wearing.

Don’t worry about bizarre dreams before the wedding. At Simply Perfect Peace Events we are in the business of romance and making your dream event a reality...

• Everyone has them and they never come true!

Don’t be a hero…if you need breathing space take it.

• If the photographers, videographers and your mother are all in your face and start feeling smothered just sweetly say you need a break and take some time to re-collect. This will avoid any anger and you will look better in the pictures when you return.

Listen to your family and friends advice but do your own things!

• Everyone who has ever had a wedding will give you their advice on what ‘YOU HAVE TO DO’…listen and then explain that you had another idea you were planning on. This will not hurt any feelings and you will not regret doing what you felt was best.

Do check in with your vendors.

• Some bride book vendors a year out…it is always a good idea to re-introduce yourself at the half-way mark and then the “month of” just to keep the lines of communication open.

Do go with your future husband to choose his tuxedo or suit.

• He may not know that there are specific tuxedos and suits for day and for evening. It’s more important that the groom gets the right style for him then he can choose a coordinating tuxedo or suite for his groomsmen.

Do hire someone to help! Even if it is only the day of the wedding, it really will eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress and allow you to look your best for the day. I wrote a blog about why to hire a wedding planner, take a look at it..Here



Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Toy & Coat Drive

The holidays are fast approaching and it is our hopes that this year you are in a position to help a child receive this Christmas . Each year, the malls are filled with holiday shoppers eager to fulfill the requests of their friends and families. While we don’t wish to take anything away from your experience, we are hopeful that you will share some of that joy by donating a new Toy or Coat for a child less fortunate.

This year Simply Perfect Peace Events joins forces with Simplicity Events and Brandon Ewing, with your help would like to collect toys and coats to be distributed to the needy children within Chicago and surrounding suburbs during the Christmas Holiday. We are requesting your help in brightening a child’s life with the gift of Christmas.

We are seeking donations in the form of toys and/or sports equipment, coats and books for children of all ages. Monetary donations are NOT requested. Simply Events will collect toys year round and any items received after the December 21, 2009 deadline will be donated to a larger organization that works with less fortunate kids throughout the year(s).

Dreams for Kids is a 501(c)(3) children's charity that professional athlete Brandon Ewing is affiliated with. The mission of Dreams for Kids is to empower young people of all abilities through dynamic leadership programs and life-changing activities that inspire them to fearlessly pursue their dreams and compassionately change the world. A major event of Dreams for Kids is Holiday Hope, which is the largest holiday event of its kind in the world. With over 1,000 homeless and severely underprivileged kids celebrating in Chicago and similar events hosted in countries all over the world, it is difficult to believe how it all began- with just a group of a dozen volunteers visiting a tiny room of a small homeless shelter on the Southside of Chicago on Christmas Eve, 1989.

Please find it within your heart to give and get your children involved with the true meaning of Christmas as we bring the forgotten children of our world together to celebrate life, each other, and hope for a new year better than the last. Let us come together, people of all faith and culture, to honor and celebrate children of all abilities and give each of them every reason to believe their future will be bright.

We thank you sincerely,
info@simplyperfectpeace.com

Simply Perfect Peace & Simplicity Events

Step out of the ordinary


Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Seven Trendy, Thrifty Holiday Event Ideas from Event Solutions Magazine

Thrifty, trendy holiday event planning ideas for parties, corporate events and more from professional event experts around the industry. Photos from an actual "Simply Perfect Peace and Designs by Shay" Event

PR Log (Press Release) – Dec 04, 2008 – “We’re in a recession,” is starting to sound like a broken record. The gloom and doom surrounding us all can easily take the excitement out of even the most festive occasions.

But it doesn’t have to! Throw a real holiday bash on a budget this year, even if you’re feeling the squeeze. Here’s how, from the experts in the business.

From the November 2008 issue of a professional event planners magazine:

1. Think non-perishable and streamline color choices. Flowers might not make it for more than a few days.

[idea] Consider mini live evergreen trees, bowls of Lady apples, ornaments or beautiful fat candy canes. By limiting your color choices, you’ll create more of a visual statement with lots of impact.

2. Create an inspiration board or binder for your party to collect and organize thoughts as well as build tons of excitement. Think of it as your own personal “Design on a Dime” that demonstrates how to create your look for less. Look at the big picture and see where you can borrow from your own stash, your neighbor’s or a colleague’s to create something drop-dead gorgeous.

[idea] Tear out photos from magazines and advertisements, pull ribbon and fabric swatches and use paint chips to organize your color scheme. Take a few days and look at your visual plan and edit it. Determine whether or not you have to actually buy or rent everything you’ve flagged for inspiration.

3. Create edible centerpieces. Individual sweets on a pedestal in the middle of each table double as décor and dessert.




[idea] Picture candy apples dipped in caramel or chocolate and then individually wrapped in cellophane with beautiful ribbon and nested among evergreen sprigs. Not only will the centerpieces look festive and eye-catching, guests can either eat their candy apples for dessert or take them home as favors.

4. Invest in clear cylindrical vases to use for flowers, as buffet risers, to hold décor and other party necessities. Glass vases are economical because they can be used repeatedly for many events and can deliver lots of style for not a lot of green.

[idea] Fill them with battery-operated white lights, pine cones spray-painted silver or gold, ornaments or other holiday-themed items.

5. Stop and think.

How can you come up with great décor options for little or no money?

[idea] Need evergreen boughs? Christmas tree lots are a perfect option because they trim trees to attach water receptacles and eliminate extra branches. These branches (from all different types of trees) can act as the base of your buffet, as garnish for your platters and festoon the center of your tables. Also talk to friends and co-workers to see what they might have to loan you for your event. Someone might be hosting a blow-out the Saturday before yours and have no problem loaning you some key pieces.

6. Think multi-purpose.

Make every aspect of your event work double-time.

[idea] Place-card holders should be fun and festive enough to glam up the table, while also letting guests know where they will be sitting.

7. Create vignettes.

Remember not all of your centerpieces have to be identical. If you’re using what you’ve got on hand, arrange décor elements that complement each other but are not necessarily exactly the same.

[idea] Only have 10 clear glass vases but 20 tables? No problem. Use the 10 you have on hand and 10 others in different heights or in a material with your overall scheme. Don’t be afraid to mix up table sizes either. As long as you make a bold, intentional statement, your guests will never know the difference. If you’re not doing a formal, sit-down dinner, consider arranging existing couches and chairs in seating vignettes and using smaller tables and chairs in different areas to create a club-like feel without a matchy-matchy look.

It’s easy to be creative when you’ve got tons of money to throw around. The true test of ingenuity comes when you’ve got to use your brain instead of just your pocketbook. So think dual-purpose, brainstorm with friends, pool your resources, ask for help, and your event will be thrifty and rock-star fabulous in no time flat!


Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Simply Peaceful Vendor - Professional Chef

I love to COOK! I mean love to EAT good COOKED food :) In the business of event management/planning I meet a lot of wonderful people that are passionate about their craft. Chef Judson Allen is beyond wonderful. He is a kind man with an extreme passion for all things food. Beyond the sky is the limit for this guy.. sit back and learn a few things about Chef Judson Allen.

Name: Chef Judson Todd Allen

Business: Healthy Infused Cuisine, LLC

Your Site Address and/or Blog Address: N/A (Coming Soon)

How would you describe your style or work: Healthy Infused Cuisine, LLC provides gourmet personalized catering, personal chef and healthy meal delivery services! Our goal is to provide an eating experience to all of our clients!

Favorite Thing About Your Job? This is my ministry and passion. All things are favorite when you know the calling on your life. In my case, it is in the area of food, health and entertainment.

Magazine/Book Must Have… Essence Magazine (they did a feature of me online - "Men Who Cook"; check out the link - http://www1.essence.com/news_entertainment/entertainment/articles/men_who_cook_j_darius_greene_duplicate/
Guilty Pleasure… Anything CHEESE related

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up? Do you really want to know that?? LOL... Thank God and think about what's for breakfast!


When It Rains… That is an indication that an abundance of blessings are on the way! LET IT RAIN ON ME!!!!!!

MAC or PC… MAC "The Big Boy"
What’s on your iPod? Gospel, Jazz, Hip Hop and R&B

One piece of advice for Brides-to-be... Always invest in quality cuisine for you and your guests on such a special day! People will forget many things about a wedding, but they will never forget an AMAZING eating experience!!!!!!!


Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

To Video or Not to Video.. THAT is the question

Most brides spend months, if not years, dreaming about their wedding day – visualizing an event that will be as unique and sparkling as a snowflake, dazzling unlike any wedding before or yet to come, utterly fresh and magical. They may invest hours upon hours searching for the perfect wedding ring.
Yet when those brides look for a wedding videographer -- to capture a living record of that remarkable day, which they will be looking at as long as they’re looking at their wedding rings (even if not as often) – most brides follow a very predictable pattern:

• They lump their search for a videographer along with shopping for other vendors, such as caterers, florists, and limousine companies.
• They wait until after choosing a photographer before locating a videographer.
• They give little thought to what they want their wedding video to actually be like; they just want to know it will be done.
• They make their final choice by price

The Wedding and Event Videographers Association (WEVA), an international professional group founded in the 1980s, commissioned a 2005 nationwide study to look at brides’ attitudes about videography both before and after their weddings. The brides were asked to rank videography on a personal “Top 10” list of wedding priorities. Prior to their weddings, barely 50% of the brides listed videography as a Top 10 item. However, after the weddings the emphasis changed dramatically. A whopping 79% of the brides placed videography among their Top 10 items for wedding planning.

(Solomon Video)

Only the video brings back the voices, the laughter, and the music – capturing not just how everyone looked, but how they were. It preserves moments to be relived and to be shared with people who weren’t present (or weren’t even born).
So, move “Choose videographer” (along with “Choose photographer”) into a separate category on your wedding-planning list. These memories last a lifetime and beyond.


Happy Planning!

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Open House

Simply Perfect Peace Events and Designs by Shay
will be hosting an open house for good food, company, table displays and holiday card shopping. The boutique will be open on Friday, 11/20, 6pm - 9pm and Saturday 11/21 noon-6pm. We will have Holiday card designs for you to choose from and order as well as wedding/event tables to inspire you. Card sets priced as low as $12 per pack and up. If you need portraits for your holiday cards, please email me at "designsbyshayp@gmail.com" for your appointment time. Bring a friend and you will EACH receive a free gift (no purchase required). EVERY holiday card is customizable with your family name to save you time this season.




Getting Married and need assistance? Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Engagement Session

A couples engagement is a momentous event and the beginning of a very special time in their relationship as they plan their life together. As they begin to plan their wedding, many couples capture this moment with a professional engagement session. Engagement photos are a valuable keepsake for any couple.

Ideally these photos would take place during the proposal or soon after as the first few weeks are the most romantic and magical as they begin to make solid plans for their upcoming nuptials and documenting that time. The spontaneous smiles, laughter, warm embraces that come along with such a time are captured in those photos and can be used in the stationery for the wedding in a variety of ways.

I've had the Simply Peaceful Pleasure of meeting a very talented and passionate photographer. Tracy Lynn Deis is the Owner of TLD Photograpphy. Located in Chicago, Tracy believes in "Capturing the Truth, Light and Display of Beautiful Things". Take a peak into her camera and enjoy a few fabulous engagement photos of a Simply Pleasant Couple "Anthony & Yolanne".

For further information on Tracy, her work, rates, etc visit her site at

TLD Photograpphy

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials
For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events
Sharon Patrice, Owner
Simple Perfect Peace Events
Designs by Shay

Studio Wed - What's Up in Fall Table Trends

Studio Wed creates some wonderful inspiration boards. I couldn't wait to share these adorable fall table trends with you that Peachtree Weddings out of Atlanta created. She is a vendor member of Studio Wed and at the grand opening in August, she created this incredible tablescape. Enjoy the beautiful elements brought to you by the following Studio Wed Atlanta

members:

Thanks to Andrea Taylor Studio for capturing all the details!

Contributing Vendors:

Flowers - Tulip

Linens - I Do Linens

China - Owen Lawrence

Cake - Sugarplum Visions

Stationery - Ink & Paint

Rentals - Event Rentals Unlimited

Apple Favors - Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates

Table Design - Lemiga Events

Table Coordination & Set Up - Peachtree Weddings

Happy Planning, and look for more inspiration ahead!

Need Further Assistance?
For All Your Event Planning Needs Contact
DesignsbyShayP@gmail.com
www.simplyperfectpeace.com
Sharon Patrice, Simple Perfect Peace/Designs by Shay

Birthday Parties!!

Simply a Perfect Planning Day! I always enjoy attending a good party. What I enjoy even more is PLANNING/COORDINATING a great party!. This weekend I'm excited about the 45th Birthday of LORNA! and a Soothing Saturday Evening with Shay, "Partying with Parkey". Both invitations were created around a theme and that theme will carry on throughout their events. For those attending, it's going to be a fantastic party weekend!!! Look for photo's soon after the partying ends.

I'm sure most have had the opportunity to view the show "Sweet 16", well Simply Perfect Peace has the distinct honor of planning a high end celebration February, 2010. Cant give away too many details, but believe me when I say it's going to be a very fashionable event. So... since I cant reveal their details, out of the fun of what the Sweet 16 represents my birthday party posting inspiration comes from a very swanky Sweet 16 that was featured a while back on The Knot's sister site PartySpot.

Real Parties: South Beach Sweet 16


Whatever event you're planning, make the invite entice people to want to come. This invite set off the tone for aquas, Miami Beach vibe, and a lounge feel.

The party was held at Studio 450 in New York City, which covered the entire top floor of the building, complete with a wraparound terrace and amazing floor-to-ceiling windows.

I love taking a theme, like crystals, and using them in all spots possible.

Two of Nora’s favorite colors, pink and blue, set the tone for the party. One side of the venue was drenched in cool blue tones with ice, crystals, water accents, and blue and white flowers.


Use your colors in all ways possible, especially with lighting. Lighting has such an incredible look and creates pictures with depth.


Opposite the blue side, the hot pink area was ultrafeminine and overflowed with feathers, jewels, billowy fabric, and chandeliers. It also had a hidden area that featured a long banquet table where guests could eat and relax.


To capture all the memories of the night, a photo booth was on hand, which also projected the pictures onto a wall so everyone could see them. The birthday girl got to take home a bound book of all the photos from her amazing Sweet 16.

Bartenders made mocktinis including virgin mojitos, pina coladas, daiquiris, cosmos, and more. Each was topped off with a hot pink straw.

Even though it's a Sweet 16, bartenders created "mocktini's" for the teenagers. You could carry that over into your wedding or event where alcohol will not be used. It creates a fun vibe and you can incorporate your favorite flavors or the events colors.


This display of favorite candies at a bat mitzvah might be a dentist‘s worst nightmare -- or a 13-year-old‘s dream come true!

Fun favors like the Candy Bar are always a hit! Invite your guests to go home with a little momento of their evening.

photo by Cain Creative Photography

Portraits are a great way to personalize any event. Have a 16x20 at the entrance of your event (because it is all about you) and afterwards take the portrait and hang it on your favorite wall to last forever.

No matter what type of event you're planning, birthday party, shower, wedding, always personalize. It lets your guests know that you're celebrating who you are and allowing them to be apart of it!

Source: Partyspot.com

Happy Planning
Need Further Assistance?
For All Your Event Planning Needs Contact
DesignsbyShayP@gmail.com
Sharon Patrice, Simple Perfect Peace/Designs by Shay