Excuse Me!!! Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?!?

This is an age old question that many brides repeat over and over as the planning process goes along.  As a professional in the industry, I have learned to somewhat tame my desire to plan random events. SOMEWHAT! True story:  A friend of mine told me last week she "may" getting married in September, I IMMEDIATELY went into planning mode.  She quietly added, "and don't you start planning.. hahah". That being said, I completely understand that as a sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, neighbor it is so easy to take your excitement from congrats to guess what I found? I think you should do it this way ~ (deep sigh) that's when the whirlwind of "takeoverness" spins out of control.


As a bride, you know your family and friends are happy for you and  while enthused at their excitement, you are secretly wondering about the relationships that may be damaged as you either sit quietly and watch as "they" insist on a yacht ceremony, knowing you get motion sickness from the thought of large bodies of water OR become the "bridezilla" you swore you'd never be when they come smiling holding orange wedge heels to match the purple short satin dresses they saw "online".

Brides often state they don't want a wedding planner because of the fear of losing "their personal style".  The role of a planner is to assist in making your vision materialize and to keep you within budget with reasonable expectations!  The planner can also serve as a referee to ensure that the friend you've had since kindergarten is still your friend after your wedding!  By putting on some padding and saying "no, the bride wants blue and silver and not orange and purple" the planner can save you a lot of undue stress. Here is a past blog post on this very topic. 


~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

The Bridal Sampler Wedding Expo: a pressure free atmosphere for wedding planning

The Bridal Sampler Wedding Expo: a pressure free atmosphere for wedding planning

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Pink and Brown Inspiration

Just yesterday a friend called asking for some insight on a pink and brown wedding. I think that brides, although they like the color combination, feel their options are limited to finding the brown for their wedding. Staying within their color, brides definitely shouldn't be afraid to mix colors meaning adding a darker or lighter shade for some depth.....

Dresses: Whatever your main color is, be it pink or brown add a sash in the alternate color. If doing plain colored dresses is your preference believe it or not there are flowers which will come in a dark, almost brown color (and not the dead ones!) Be sure to check with your florist to see what is available. For another touch of color, make it a hand tied bouquet with a wide pink and brown ribbon.

Florals: If you're using a pastel pink, add a darker pink for that extra splash. There is a shade of calla lily you can get that does have a brownish tint to it, as well as a Hydrangea. Again, talk to your florist for more information, but you do always have the option of having small pink and brown bouquets at each table.. Although it's your wedding, trust their professional training to guide you through.

Linens: Your table linens are an easy way to add a touch of color to your wedding reception. Choosing a brown table cloth with a light pink runner is a beautiful choice, and will really set the romantic glow at your table. For centerpieces, if you want to go away from the norm try cherry blossoms! An absolutely beautiful statement, the brown branch along with the small delicate pinkish flowers make a simple yet classy centerpiece for the tables at your reception. Another option is to stick taller branches in a vase with water, or you can get some shorter vases and cherry blossom branches and submerge them completely in the water for a shorter centerpiece, whichever is your preference but both are absolutely beautiful.

Enjoy this inspiration board!

Wedding Centerpiece, aftersix, wedding favors, Pink & Brown Wedding Reception Decor

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

In the Pink - Prom/Cotillion Giveaway

Jennifer Cheree Smith has had a passion for fashion since she was a little girl. Although she initially only designed for pleasure J. Cheree Bridal Accoutrements & Fashion Consulting Services evolved. Read more about this Proprietress and Fashionista here.

In The Pink, a division of J. Cheree Bridal is now holding a Prom/Cotillion Giveaway. The drawing will run from January 17, 2010 - April 30, 2010 and is for high school students to win a complete formal outfit for prom or cotillion. Each entry is $1 and open to students grades 9-12.

Prizes are:

1st: Complete outfit [dress, shoes, accessories] - Total Retail Value up to $600

2nd: Dress - Retail Value up to $300

3rd: Accessories - Retail Value up to $100

Each non-winning entry receives 25% off future order or purchase.

Each non-winning Jr. or Sr. entrant with 10 or more entries qualifies for opportunity to win a Prom Pamper Party.

Visit J. Cheree to enter

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

A Super Sweet "Fashionista" Sixteen Party!

OK, I've coordinated a lot of parties and weddings over the years. But THIS Sweet 16 was the party of all parties! Green, fashion and high energy were the inspiration for this Sweet Sixteen Diva! From her clothing to her room decor she knew exactly what she wanted and how she wanted it to look. The invitations - One for her VIP's and the other for her 125 closest friends. In addition to special "save the dates", her VIP's received handmade journals, designed and created by "designs by shay" to symbolize how important their friendship meant to her during this special birthday celebration.The honoree had her pre-event portraits taken by Cain Creative Photography in her self designed two piece skirt and corset and to hold her cards and gifts, a specially made gift card box created by Marni Gold, the Cardbox Diva herself out of New Jersey. Mini cupcakes, Gourmet Popcorn and special green M&M's adorned her "snack table" for her guests enjoyment as they PARTIED the night away.



Now when I tell you THIS WAS A PARTY! Believe ME -this was a party. A few hours after the honoree's grand entrance - The party was officially kicked off with the arrival of Tiffany, from "Bad Girls Club" with video crew close behind. That wasnt it! To the honoree's further suprise REIGN came and entertained them with multiple musical selections including her hit single Sweet Sixteen. THEN it was time for the fun on the dance floor to begin!

Enjoy these few photo's captured by Cain Creative Photography from that special evening. To see more click here

Happy Planning!

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

March Madness: Serenity

Here we are at March 15th! March is my birth month so I thought I'd celebrate all the March babies and share some facts in this blog.

Did you know- March is the third month of the year and one of the seven months which are 31 days long? The birth flower of March is the daffodil which form a group of large-flowered members of the genus Narcissus? Whodathunk that in the language of flowers, daffodils symbolize chivalry, respect, modesty and faithfulness. I think that sounds like us!

When I was thinking of "what do to, what to do" for my birthday, I immediately thought of a spa treatment. Marc Alan Day Spa treated me quite well! In talking with my Facebook buddy, Tangie Swire she mentioned another local spa called SERENITY!

Serenity Day Spa, located at 3329 Vollmer Rd in Flossmoor, IL, Serenity is black owned and offers an array of soothing services to calm and rejuvenate your body. Looking to have a spa party? Contact Serenity Day Spa at (708) 206-2750 for details.

Everyone loves a special!

See what Serenity is offering Tuesday and Thursday
March 16 & 18, 2010
(708) 206-2750
to schedule your appointment

Happy Planning...

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

Turquoise Tuesday

Hello!!! (is anybody there?) I havent blogged in about a week and I know that's shameful right?! Between Cheerleading, Twitter, Facebook and now Examiner.com, things have gotten a bit crazy in my world BUT we're back and it's Tuesday (sort of) and I set my mind on finding some terrific tablescapes to share with you this week. So fasten your garter and get ready for the ride.TURQUOISE is on the agenda.

Any industry professional knows that if there is one reliable source when it comes to predicting the hottest wedding colors, you know you can certainly count on Pantone. For the year of 2010, Pantone has chosen turquoise as it's top color! With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens. Whatever your color scheme, with a little imagination things will come togther nicely!

(Photo credits ~ Cake as seen on Martha Stewart Weddings, Inspiration board compiled by JustJaime Top: Etsy sellers TimelessPaper, MidwestFinds and Kainkain. Middle: Etsy sellers icing101 and redbirdink. Bottom: Etsy seller BionicUnicorn, Dessy style 2800 and Pantone Turquoise.)

PANTONE says: For brides wanting a flattering choice for attendant apparel and accessories on their big day, Turquoise is now one of the nearly 200 PANTONE WEDDING Colors available from Dessy, a leading manufacturer of bridesmaid, social occasion and flower girl dresses, as well as destination wedding gowns under the labels Dessy Collection, After Six, Alfred Sung, Lela Rose Bridesmaid and Sandals Destination Wedding Dresses. PANTONE WEDDING exclusively from Dessy provides a collection of color tools to make it easy for brides to achieve perfectly color-coordinated weddings – from inspiration to “I do.”
~Pantone

Want to get started planning your Pantone Wedding? CLICK HERE.

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

Chicago Wedding Venues

Known for its historic architecture and distinctive skyscrapers that blend the contemporary with old world grandeur, Chicago is also known as the "City of the Big Shoulders" and the "Windy City". Being a very large city, finding a Wedding Venue can be somewhat of an overwhelming task. Listed below is a short list highlighting a few gorgeous venues to get you started -

The Grand Ballroom
(773) 324-0000

This spacious 13,000 sq ft ballroom is an exceptional backdrop for any wedding. Having a capacity of over 400, this terra cotta Renaissance Revival building creates an elegant and historic setting for weddings. Personalized service, in-house gourmet catering and state-of-the-art sound makes the Grand Ballroom an exceptional Chicago wedding venue.

Galleria Marchetti
(312) 563-0495

Located just five minutes from busy downtown, Galleria Marchetti has endless possibilities for any wedding. Enjoy the lush and elegant outdoor gardens, two indoor dining rooms and a four-season tented pavilion. In any season, the pavilion can be transformed into an inviting environment for your wedding. With over 75 years of culinary experience, the staff at Galleria Marchetti makes this a premiere location for both indoor and outdoor weddings with garden weddings taking place in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

Great Hall of Cafe' Brauer
(312) 742-2400

Spectacular views of the city’s skyline and the south lagoon of Lincoln Park Zoo, makes this Chicago Wedding venue both unique and elegant. Hardwood floors and decorative stained glass create the timeless ambiance of this nationally registered landmark space. Over 4,000 sq ft of space, including two outdoor elevated patios, accommodates up to 500 guests.

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
(312) 588-8059

Stunning and elegant are the words used to describe this wedding venue. The luxurious Trump Chicago hotel provides the perfect setting for Chicago’s most elegant weddings. Starting at 1700 sq ft, there are several event space options available to meet any need. The Grand Ballroom features curved walls and 24-foot windows with 4480 sq ft of space. There are remarkable views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the city’s historic architecture. As one of the newest exclusive ballrooms in Chicago, exceptional service, inventive cuisine, lavish suites and the Spa at Trump are at your disposal.

This is just a short list and overview of venues available in this great city. No matter your style or budget, Chicago has Wedding Venues to accommodate your every need.

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