Peaceful Vendor Spotlight - CT-Designs!

Facebook and Twitter have put me in contact with some of the greatest industry professionals around.  While attending the Grace Ormonde Book signing I walked into the room & was expecting ................ who knows what (smile) but was greeted by a young lady full of energy!  Christy Toney is the Owner and Lead Designer of CT-Designs.  When considering what to write about this week I found her articles on "Save the Dates" close to my heart.  So it's my pleasure to introduce you to -------- psst, be sure to check out my Examiner article for more in depth info and photos!!

Business: CT-Designs Calligraphy & Wedding Stationery

Your Site Address and/or Blog Address: http://www.ct-designs.com/

How would you describe your style or work: Clean, elegant design that can be dressed up or down

Favorite Thing About Your Job? Watching the rise/popularity of my company… I can’t always appreciate it because I’m so close to it, but to be where I am and having had the opportunity to work with such high quality planners and clientele after only doing this seriously for 3 years continues to be a rush for me and it keeps me going...

Magazine/Book Must Have: Martha Stewart Weddings, The Week and Real Simple

Guilty Pleasure: HBO
 

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up?: Talk to my cats who are usually lying next to me and open up my laptop to answer email or finish working on whatever I fell asleep doing

When It Rains: I’m usually caught in it somewhere
 

MAC or PC: MACINTOSH… I should rent space at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue!
 

What’s on your iPod?: Fred Hammond, Daughtry, T.I., Yo Yo Ma, Chrisette Michelle

One piece of advice for Brides-to-be: Grab your new hubby during a lull in the ceremony, find a good spot and spend some time gazing out at all of your guests there celebrating your new union.  You will remember this moment and it will belong to just you and him.

~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

Gourmet Chicago takes on Millennium Park!!

Millennium Park provides the perfect atmosphere again this year for the Chicago Gourmet Show.  The sold out Gourmet Food & Wine Festival will be taking place on September 25 & 26 at Millennium Park!

The annual gathering showcases some of the most prestigious chefs, cookbook authors and sommeliers in the country while offering a dizzying array of all things food and wine. This year's weekend event includes Grand Cru wine tastings, seminars and the cuisine of Iron Chef Jose Garces, Spiaggia's Tony Mantuano and the Four Season's Kevin Hickey.

Classic Party Rentals is proud to be the official supplier of rental equipment to include a large variety of food service items, grilling equipment, a wide selection of tables and chairs along with light up bars and accessories.  CPR is also managing and providing all of the furniture and equipment for Gourmet Chicago inclusive of the opening evening’s festivities on the Harris Roof Deck.  “Hamburger Hop”

Ticket prices ranged from $90 ($150) per day and $175 ($250) for a weekend pass, which includes admission to one seminar each day, makes this event one of the epicurean bargains of the year.

Judy Ruby, Director of Sales and Marketing for Classic Party Rentals says, "We couldn’t be more excited to be involved with Gourmet Chicago.  With the emergence of Chicago as one of the premier dining cities in the country it is a privilege to provide so many talented people with the wares to do what they do so well……".

~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

Get Your TICKETS to Chicago's First Million Dollar Wedding Event!!

After becoming the go-to source for Affluent Brides in New York, Miami and Los Angeles with an Inspirational Fête like no other, The Wedding Salon Sets its Sights on The Windy City!

The Wedding Salon, the nation’s premier bridal showcase, announces its launch into their fourth key market, Chicago. After building its flagship home in New York and expanding with tremendous success into Miami and Los Angeles, The Wedding Salon is launching in Chicago at The Sofitel Water Tower on October 4^th, 2010 between the hours of 4 and 9PM. 

Chicago brides will enjoy the finest in luxury weddings while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and cake tastings.  Brides will relax after their work day with makeup trials and hairstyling before taking home a VIP gift bag filled with beauty products and key essentials for their big day.

Designs by Shay & Simply Perfect Peace readers can get TICKETS for $15 ($50 value admits two) by going to The Wedding Salon and inputing code WEC9P at check out.

(photo's povided by The Wedding Salon)
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

"I Do! Chicago" - A walk down the aisle of time

Today I had the privilege to visit the Chicago History Museum along with other members of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). The Exhibit, which actually started May 22, 2010 walked us down the aisle of time featuring preserved wedding gowns from the 1800's to 2009.

The Museum's vast costume collection includes a stunning array of wedding attire—for brides, grooms, bridesmaids, and more that reveals 170 years of fashion by Chicago couples. I Do presents forty-five dresses, plus accessories, corsets and even men’s attire.  On June 24th the winning dress of the FashioNext competition was announced and if you haven't seen it - you must get there before January 3, 2011.  You wont be sorry!

Although we were unable to take any photo's inside the exhibit, the wonderful book we received as guests gives a glimpse into our experience. 

Photo Credits:  John Alderson and Jay Crawford

~ I Do Chicago Ties The Knot by Timothy A. Long is a costume curator at the Chicago History Museum)

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

Win 250 FREE Die-Cut Business Cards!

UPrinting.com is again offering a giveaway for my readers.  How about 250 business cards!  Almost everyone I know has a business card so the ideas are limitless on the uses.  Whether you're in a business meeting, bloggers conference or attending a wedding expo - you can never have too many of these.  Be ready to promote yourself, your website, your business and your products. Use your imagination! 

I have received cards from here before and I was very happy with the quality. 

The Prize:              

250 Die Cut Business Cards for One (1) Winner
2 x 3.5”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.75 x 3.5” (slim card)
Rounded Corners, Leaf, Rounded One-Corner, Half-Circle Side, Circle
14pt Cardstock Gloss, Matte, or High Gloss; 13pt Cardstock Uncoated     
4Color Front, Blank Back; 4Color Front, Black Back; 4Color Both Sides
Limited to US residents only;  18 years old and above

    

The Contest:
1. Visit the UPrinting and check out the business cards, then leave a comment here telling me how you will use them if you win.

2. Subscribe to this blog and leave a comment

3. LIKE me on Facebook and leave a comment regarding this giveaway

Winner will be chosen on Friday, September 17, 2010.

Disclosure: For hosting this giveaway I am also receiving 250 business cards.

                   

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

With This Ring

We've all heard the words "With this ring, I thee wed as a token of my love and devotion...."  but what about the process of choosing that ring? Everyone wants their wedding ring to be different, unique, a one and only piece of jewelry that symbolizes your special relationship.

Here are some tips I found to help you along the way and a few unique wedding rings to help guide you in thinking outside of the box.

1. Know YOUR Budget  The standard rule is two months salary – but – this is also a rule that the diamond industry created! However it's still a decent place to start, but then figure out your personal budget.
   
2. Pay Attention Platinum or gold? Modern or traditional? Flashy or understated? It's easier if you've done your homework beforehand.
   
3. Choose a Stone The most classic shape is a round solitaire. More homework – read The Four Cs of Diamond Buying. You'll thank me later. Another money saving tip – look for a diamond with high color and cut, but with slightly lower clarity. Make sure you look at the stone with a jeweler's loupe (like a magnifying glass) – but most flaws (or "inclusions") can barely be seen even with a loupe.
4. Choose the Setting After you've got your stone, then comes the setting. You could go for simple with a solitaire setting, or you could add filigree, extra side stones, and other details. You can choose gold, white or rose gold, platinum, or even titanium.
   

 More tomorrow ... 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