What's Up? Lampshades have gone fancy....

When I went to sleep last night guess what was on my mind?  Timelines and CENTERPIECES! So I thought I'd share a few I've found over the netosphere. 

Instead of candles, lamps are a way of adding beautiful soft lighting to your table.  If you haven't noticed, nothing arouses the sense of sight like the right combination of lighting, glass, water, and florals.  The lampshade topping off the glass vase at the center acts as an umbrella, transforming the table into an intimate and inviting space.

(Source: TheKnot, WeddingbyColor)

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

Finding the Simply Perfect Dress!

I'm almost positive that most people reading this blog has watched Say Yes To The Dress where sales consultants are frantically trying to close the deal within a certain timeframe and brides are looking for that simply perfect dress for their wedding day.  If you are in this position here are a few tips to help your search.

1. While the most commonly carried sample size in most bridal stores is a size 10 or 8 which translate to a size 8 or 6 in street clothes remember it's ONLY a sample and the average size of a woman today is a 12-14. However, do NOT order a smaller size - that's what alterations are for...
2. Cost!    There was one episode on SYTTD where the consultant (IMO) dropped the ball and failed to ask the bride her budget.   For around $500, you can purchase a wedding dress at a larger retailer that is machine made and have minimal amounts of hand-detailing. If you're looking for a designer wedding dress in silk or other natural fabric expect to pay between $2000 and $4000. If you have an extravagant budget, expect to pay $6000 and up for a designer wedding dress custom made just for you. What do I tell my brides??? To Thine Own Self Be True!!!  If you have a dead set budget of $1500.00 be sure to state that BEFORE trying on any dress.  It will be really difficult to settle for that $1500 dress after you've tried on one four times that amount. 
3. Style! A-line/Princess, Empire, Mermaid/Fishtail, Ball Gown, Column. OMG!!! So many choices.  Know your body type and be comfortable in your own skin.  Choose a dress that accentuates the positives and will make your feel as fabulous as you already are on your wedding day.  There is nothing worse then being completely uncomfortable.. it's a long day :)
4. Less is More! Leave the entourage AND especially your fiance at home.  Have someone there that will give you honest feedback while celebrating you like a trusted friend and/or your mom.

Above all - this is YOUR wedding day... you'll know the Simply Perfect dress as soon as it lays on your body.  In the meantime, check out some of the dresses from Danie Roberts and the Bridal Samplers 2011 Photo Shoot and enjoy the process. Don't forget to tell them "Shay" sent you... :)

~Peaceful 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 Reception" Haute Floral Designs and More.....

The creative geniuses at August Bloom Florals really know how to throw a party!  I had the honor of being invited to the one year anniversary celebrating this haute floral design company.

Themed "The Reception" and held at  Zhou B. Life Garden this invitation only gala featured food from great sponsors and a live "Beautifully Trashed" photo shoot by fine art photographer Geraldine Rodriguez. 

Not just florists ~ these ladies are artists and I must say I was thoroughly impressed with the complete decor design and their displays in the "O" gallery.  Let's see if you can tell which Lady "O" goes with the design.

Enjoy a few of my very very amateur photo's taken with my phone.. yes my phone.  Want more? I look forward to sharing more information on August Bloom, Geraldine Rodriguez and Beautifully Trashed in my upcoming Examiner articles.

 ~Tell them "Shay" sent you...Peaceful 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

Family First & A Glass of Lemonade

Today is August 20th! Not only is it the day the Dillard family gets together to celebrate each other prior to the kids going their seperate ways but it's also the day we honor LEMONADE!  Life is BUSY and it's easy to miss those little things that happen within your family.  So if you dont relish in your family often - put it on your calendar to set aside if not a complete weekend as we do, at least one day where family is FIRST..

...if you just so happen to choose August 20th, why not honor Lemonade too. National lemonade day is a day we honor this old time favorite drink. On National lemonade Day, it's traditional to celebrate by mixing up your favorite flavor of your choice. Lemonade now has a broader range of flavors to choose from. You can make regular lemonade, pink lemonade, strawberry lemonade and even watermelon or raspberry lemonade. All of these are cool and refreshing drinks and make great bases for cocktails too.

~Peaceful 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

Elizabeth + Arthur = Love IS Like A Butterfly..

I was overjoyed when I received the call to work on the wedding for Elizabeth and Arthur who were married on Sunday, August 15th. Love is like a butterfly- it goes where it pleases and pleases where it goes was the theme for this young couple in love. 

Simply Perfect Peace Events had the pleasure of working with some great industry professionals to make their day as peaceful and magical as they dreamed it to be.  "Designs by Shay" designed and printed the programs as well as created the aisle with the assistance of Shannon, Kianna and Brittny. August Bloom, a spectacular florist, provided the outstanding bridal bouquets and alter arrangements. Make up artist "Toya Perry" did what she does best by making the bride feel more than special and glamorous with a few strokes of a brush! Special thanks to New Beginnings Church staff, David Felton (musician) and Phillip Blunt (soloist) for their support and  gracing the place with peaceful music to set the tone.

Following the ceremony the bridal party jumped in the white stretch hummer that was awaiting them and made their way to Michelle Ballroom for a fun filled reception. The Groom's mom and sister were responsible for the guest favors of candy and bubbles which were blown as the couple was announced into the reception hall. 

Hope you enjoyed the sneak peak at the wonderful photo's taken by JShep Photography.

 

~ Peaceful Planning

Getting Married and need assistance?
Email Me! For All Your Event Planning Needs
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
Sharon Patrice - Professional Bridal Consultant

Chocolate Anyone? Chocolate Fountains are still in demand!

I ENJOY good chocolate!  It is certainly one of my guilty pleaures.  Often when Im out I find myself looking at the dessert menu even before having my soup or salad.  Apparently I'm not the only one with Chocolate on my mind because over the past few weeks I have noticed an increase in phone calls and emails inquiring about renting chocolate fountains for all kinds of events.  

Any time I've had a chocolate fondue fountain at one of my events guests consistently claim that it was "the hit of the party", and for good reasons, people are drawn to the chocolate fountain and in the process start mingling with one another. Even the shyest people cannot resist checking out the chocolate fountain.  Guests of all ages will be in awe of the delicious river of chocolate as it flows down over the tiers of your chocolate fountain as they excitedly dip strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and other delectable treats to cover them in delicious Belgian chocolate.

Did you know this about dark chocolate?  It contains lots of anti-oxidants and is good for you. A quote from whatscookingamerica.net, "Eating 2 ounces (50 grams) a day of plain chocolate with a minimum content of 70% chocolate solids can be beneficial to health, providing protection against heart disease, high blood pressure, and many other health hazards as well as essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium, and vitamins A. B1, C, D, and E and it's a lot tastier than boring vitamin pills too. A 1 1/2-ounce square of chocolate may have as many cancer-fighting antioxidants as a five-ounce glass of red wine." 

Anywho, take away the guilt factor and simply dive in and enjoy some chocolate at your next event!

~Peaceful Planning

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

Let the Music Play

I LOVE music and ALL kinds of music too!  Gospel, R&B, Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop and even some Rap. However, when choosing music for your wedding there are some key points to keep in mind.  What you "like" may not always be appropriate at your traditional church.  That being said, let's go over two points where your ceremony music will play a key part.  At the conclusion of the blog, feel free to comment with your favorite wedding music. 

Prelude music will set the tone for your wedding celebration. Choose classical music if you would like your guests to remain quiet and reflective prior to your big entrance. Or have more contemporary songs if you'd prefer to create a casual atmosphere. Whichever music you choose will be a reflection of your vision for the entire day!  My two favorites after the musicians have been playing softly while guests arrive is "Give Us This Day" and an all time favorite "The Lord's Prayer".

Dum-dum-de-dum is what most brides spent their childhood humming the song, "Here Comes the Bride" when dreaming of the big moment. Now that your big day is almost here, is it still the music you hope to hear as you walk down the aisle? Or would you prefer a contemporary alternative song? Whichever music you choose, remember to walk slowly and smile – it’s your day and all eyes will be on you! Choosing an alternative should be meaningful YET respectful to all in attendance.  Even if you and your new husband share a wink and a smile to "Pop, Lock and Drop It" Im almost positive that's not appropriate.  Love and romance should fill the air "At Last" "Spend My Life"  "You For Me" "From This Moment" ,"When You Kiss Me" by Shania Twain,  For You I Will by Monica and  Close to You by Maxi Priest are just a few.  I could go on and on... OK one last one Beautiful Girl by Kenny Lattimore!

So tell me this - what are some of your favorite wedding songs? My niece Tia told me to listen to So High by John Legend and Joyride by Mariah Carey.

~Peaceful 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