Allow me to introduce myself....

Happy couple of days after Thanksgiving.  A while back I blogged about the difference between an on-site coordinator and an off-site one.  Today Im going to focus on the off-site coordinator.. ME :)

My name is Sharon Patrice; my friends call me "Shay".  Sharon is on the anal retentive side, doesn't mind going to work every day and likes really nice things.  Dont be suprised to see Sharon with her natural hair pulled back, basic makeup on with a suit and pumps grooving to smooth sounds with a glass of wine.  She is somewhat reserved and the calmer of the two.. LOL :)  Now "Shay" is a different story all together.  She lives outside the box every day and believes in her next life she'll be a bartender.  Although she too likes really nice things, you'll see her with her natural hair maybe in a mohawk or something else "different".  She is more creative and doesnt mind taking risk;  you'll also catch her dancing to house music.

Now that you believe I am a complete nut - I AM Sharon "Shay" Patrice, a Professional Wedding Consultant AND Events Specialist.  With over 15 years in the Event Planning and Wedding Industry I own SIMPLY PERFECT PEACE EVENTS and DESIGNS BY SHAY... I absolutely love what I do! Coming from a large family and corporate america with a background in Project Management, (anal retentive) allowed me to plan many events on a multitude of scales  One of my first weddings was for a close family friend with a small budget wanting something in her parents back yard.   At that time, I'd never planned anything outside so that was quite a challenge for me and I LOVED IT!  To date, my most elaborate was a week long corporate event with a budget I still dream of :)

• I've been asked on more than one occasion "what is your perfect bride".  My bride is BUSY living life!  She knows what she wants but not quite sure how to pull it all together.  She is modern, upbeat and fun, loves her family and looks forward to sharing her most personal and memorable moments with those that celebrate her.  Not to be confused with a bridezilla, she values time and welcomes PEACE with open arms.  Dont be alarmed if you dont fit that description because SPPE works with and knows some great planners that may be able to help you as well and we'd love to recommend them to you :)

Simply Perfect Peace is a full service event and wedding coordinating company providing a variety of services to individuals planning parties, weddings, or social events of any size to clients in Chicago, IL and beyond.  Lifestyles today are so rushed and hectic and planning an event of any size can seem like an overwhelming task when you simply dont have the time to do the necessary research.  At Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc we abide by the five (5) phases of event and project management: Research, Design, Organization, Coordination, Evaluation.  We are serious about creating PEACE and then maintaining it for our clients.

Simply Perfect Peace offers four comprehensive packages from Simply Prestigious (Full Service) to Simply Pleasant (Day Of  Coordination) which are designed to meet any budget or need.  We'd love to work with you on your most important day.  Contact US for your complimentary consultation and take advantage of some current specials.

 December topics - from conception to completion...  your journey down the aisle!

~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

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Part I

Today is Thursday, November 25, 2010 and it's Thanksgiving!  Today we reflect on all that we're grateful for and give thanks to God for His unmerited favor, grace and mercy on our lives. 

Family - I am thankful for my entire family! Celebrate and be thankful for your family today...be blessed

 

 



Our Parents



For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.

   

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

Eva's Bridal destroyed by fire

Eva's Bridal, a pillar in the Oak Lawn community for over 30 years was destroyed by a fire Wednesday afternoon.  The owners posted the following statement on their website. Our prayers go out to them, their families and the countless brides whom they serviced.

(Photo Credit Dokken Nakhammouane & Lorraine Swanson )

• There are no words to describe how we feel about today's tragic event, we can not even imagine how you feel.  Our main concern is our brides and their gowns. Over the last 45 years we have built excellent relationship's with all of our designers, we are working hand in hand with them to deliver your gowns.  We are just as devastated as anyone, as this has been our home for over 30 years.  We are grateful for no physical injuries and are saddened by the emotional toll this will have on everyone. We will keep this website updated as we know more information.  Sincerely, The family at Eva's Bridals Oak Lawn evasofoaklawn@yahoo.com.

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

Holiday Party Planning DONT'S!

We ALL love a good party right?! Well, Thanksgiving and Christmas is here which means it's time to host those parties! As we prepare this holiday season, keep your etiquette in check and be sure not to do any of the following:

1. DON'T leave guests to awkwardly mingle at a party you're hosting. "If it's a crowd that doesn't know each other, it's important to give people something to go on," says Lizzie Post, etiquette expert and great-great-granddaughter of manners maven Emily Post. When making introductions, try to jump-start the conversation—explain where you know each guest from, or bring up something they have in common, whether it's the same alma mater or just an undying love for Michael Jackson.

2. DON'T get drunk if you're the hostess. "Hosting is a responsibility," cautions Post. "Know your own limits." Use caution when you're the guest a party too, and slow down once you feel yourself rapidly approaching that point where you think strip beer pong is a good idea. When you feel like one too many people has asked you, "are you OK?"—it might be time to put down the wine and grab a glass of water.

3. DON'T be a Debbie Downer when giving a toast. "Short and sweet" is key, according to Post. Stay away from anything that mocks the host and puts down the time of year or occasion being celebrated.

4. DON'T bring an uninvited plus-one to a party unless you've cleared it with the hostess. This includes boyfriends, children, and pets. DO bring a dish or a bottle of wine instead.

5. DON'T apologize profusely if someone gets you a gift and you're empty handed—or worse, lie and say your gift for them got lost in the mail/is being custom-made overseas/flew out of your car window on the drive over. "Just say thank you and leave it at that," advises Post.

6. DON'T forget to match the food you serve to the attire on your invitation if you're hosting this year. "If you invite people to a black-tie," Post says, "I would consider not having spaghetti at dinner."

7. DON'T forget to ask about your guests' food preferences and dietary restrictions—and try to make at least one dish they can eat. Not sure how to make vegan brisket? "Ask!" says Post. "Find out how to make something from your guest." The bonus: "the majority of people will almost always offer to bring a dish." If you're the guest, whether you're keeping Kosher, vegetarian, or South Beach, bring a dish or two and let the hostess know your situation beforehand—when you RSVP, not the morning of the party.

8. DON'T let the party drag on if you're hosting, and DON'T be the guest that overstays her welcome by four hours. "Don't walk up to your guests and take their drinks from their hands," Post cautions—if you're hosting, give guests the hint by cleaning up the bar and putting away food. Pay attention to those same hints if you're the guest. If you're still chatting away over a freshly-poured martini while your host has changed into pajamas, it's time to go. (funny)

9. DON'T be a doormat when it comes to having friends or family stay at your place over the holidays. "Stand up for your own sanity," Post advises. If you can't fit your in-laws and their two Saint Bernards in your studio apartment, say so. The same goes for guests that have overstayed their welcome. "The fish and the house guests go bad after three days," according to Post. Make it clear before their arrival that you would love to host them between certain dates, and point them to a hotel for the duration of their stay.

10. DON'T be a Fun Sucker...just enjoy the company and the festivities, and be glad that holiday stress comes only once a year!

~Peaceful Planning
(source:  Lizzie Post)

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

Abigail and Rocky - Part II

Described as a "magical" by their officiant;"LOVE AT FIRST EMAIL" is how Abigail and Rocky met and on 10-10-10 they became joined forever in the beautiful state of Utah.

 

Part I of our recap, we covered inspiration and chosen vendors. As we continue our talk with new bride Abigail Olsen, let's look a little further into the window of her planning process and how SPPE & H.I.E was of assistance to her.  Continue to enjoy the fabulous photo's by Utah photographer Kayleen who so graciously shared her work with us.

Q:  You're really creative, what's some of your background? - I started out in graphic design at Columbia College, which is where i learned all different types of typography. I also studied Art History at De Paul and have a love for all things beautiful. I have an addition to crafts.... just ask Rocky. I get on a "kick" and I need to pick up my knitting needles, sewing machine or glue gun...

Q:  How did SPPE's "Help, I'm Engaged" assist in the DIY'n of your wedding? -  Simply Perfect Peace Events was great to have as a resource and sounding board for the wedding. When you plan a wedding there is just sooooo much to keep track of it's easy to lose sight of things and forget something! Also, there is a taste level that needs to be kept and sometimes I get crazy about my themes.... so it was good to have someone grounding me :o)

Q:  Did you find the service useful?  Of Course!!!! Even though it wasn't in my budget to have Shay come to Utah too, her service was invaluable. Its was so nice to not have to do it all on my own!

Q:  What's next? - Hmm What's next for us.... Well we are always busy with work and the dogs and Miss Bella, but we woudl love to add another little person into the mix. I also will be starting an etsy shop to feature, custom cake toppers and wedding/party cones like the ones that I made for the wedding. They are just too fun to keep to myself!

 

 
Q: Any suggestions to any other DIY brides? - This is a big one... don't give up! Really you can do most of it yourself with good guidance like I received from Shay and Simply Perfect Peace. Flowers are easier than you think to do yourself, just allow plenty of time for everything. The most important ... a GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER!!! It is WELL worth it. In fact don't even chance it just fly Kayleen to your wedding.

Thanks Abigail for allowing and trusting Simply Perfect Peace Events... 

Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc not only plans, coordinates and executes local & destination weddings/events.  We are also a consulting boutique that offers a service to brides called "Help, I'm Engaged" that want all that SPPE offers just from a distance and at a fraction of the cost :)

Getting Married and need assistance? Email Me  for current specials.  For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner & Lead Consultant

Help, I'm Engaged Presents - Abigail and Rocky (Part I)

Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc not only plans, coordinates and executes local & destination weddings/events.  We are also a consulting boutique that offers a service to brides called "Help, I'm Engaged" that want all that SPPE offers just from a distance and at a fraction of the cost :)

Allow me to introduce you to Abigail and Rocky Olsen.

 

Q:  How did the two of you meet? - We met at work! It was love at first email lol

Q:  What made you choose Utah as your wedding location? - We chose Utah since all of Rocky's family and friends are there, where as my family is spread out across the country. 

Q:  What was your inspiration? - It's funny that everyone sees the pictures and automatically assumes that we love Halloween, but that wasn't the intention. It all started with those TIES! I saw them and thought... "that is so Rocky" Geeky, fun, sharp. So it is really meant to be more of a geeky/Punk theme.

 

 

Q: Who were your vendors- 

Bridal Consultant - Simply Perfect Peace Events
Bride and Bridesmaid Dresses - Davids Bridal 

Tux(s), cuff-links, shoes - Menswarehouse

Ties - the tie bar - www.thetiebar.com  

Veil - Bredasbridalveils.etsy.com

Bridesmaid hair pieces and bracelets - forever 21

Flower Girl and Jr bridesmaid dresses - Pink Marie - www.pinkmarie.com

Brides Shoes - Macys - Rachel Roy www.rachelroy.com

Bride makeup - Enizio www.enizio.com

Flowers - DIY Bride - wholesale Ranuculus @ fifty flowers.com

Cake Topper - DIY  - Bride

Flower Cones - DIY - Bride

Cake - Smith's Bakery 

Tablescapes - DIY - Bride via Ikea and Crate and Barrel 

Band- Troy Lennerd Nielsen - www.troylennerd.com

Officiant - Anna Zumi - www.annazumi.com

Venue- Log haven www.log-haven.com

Rings - Macys and Jarred

Brides Bracelets - the "something borrowed" from Rocky, they were his staple in high school

Photography - Kayleent.com

We'll talk more with Abigail tomorrow.......
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