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

Please take your seats!

There is no bad seat at a wedding reception however, just in case guest X didnt quite get over what happened at prom with guest Z, escort cards can keep them apart at least during dinner.  These very useful small cards let guests at a formal dinner or reception know where they are assigned to sit (usually by table number). While using escort cards is often seen as an unneeded hassle, it is a tradition that shows respect for guests and adds an extra finishing touch. While the possibilities are endless, there are several methods that can be used to display your escort cards. 

1.Traditionally, escort cards were distributed on silver trays. Arranged in alphabetical order, the hostess shortly before dinner was to begin would walk around with the tray and each guest would take his or her own card from it. 

2.If you dont prefer the above method, a table can also be set up. The cards should be arranged in alphabetical order neatly on the table so that all names can be read easily and a clear label should be put on the table explaining what the cards are. .

3.Outside the Hall is the most proper way to present the escort cards to your guests before they enter the dining hall. This way your guests know where they are going before they enter the dining room and won't block up the doorway picking up their escort cards.

4. A Seating Scroll is an alternative way to display your seating arrangement compared to the traditianal escort card. Names and table numbers are printed on paper and placed in a large picture frame in the lobby and guests simply look for their name and table number.

Which ever method you choose for your wedding day remember that escort cards are intended to make the transition into the dining room easier, so make it as easy as possible for your guests to find their places as soon as the doors have been opened.
(Photo Source:  TheKnot)

~ 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

Raise your glasses! Let the toasts begin!

As an industry professional often times people come to me with various questions concerning etiquette.  Recently "the toast" was high on the must mention list.  We all agree that getting married is such an exciting and emotional event.  There's also a lot of work to do, so it's a very good time to use our emotional intelligence. If you struggle in that area hire a coach or seek the assistance of the wedding coordinator.


A suggested order for toasting during the Rehearsal Dinner is:

• The best man toasts the bride
  
• The bride toasts the groom
  
• The groom toasts the bride's mother
  
• The bride's father toasts the groom's parents.

During the Reception, the order might be:

• The best man toasts the bride and groom
  
• The groom toasts the bride and her family;
  
• The (two) father(s) toast the bride and groom
  
• The bride and groom toast each other.

Things to Remember:
1. Keep the toast at 2 minutes. A toast should be short, sweet and sentimental.
2. Stand and deliver! Sit down if it's for you. If you're giving the toast, you should stand up.
3. Make sure all the glasses are full before you begin.
4. First thing, announce your relationship to the bride and groom. Everyone may not know.
5. Use personal anecdotes; how the bride and groom met is always popular. Or how you met either of them, if you're not a relative.
6. Don't give a long string of characteristics. Rather choose a few adjectives, hitting the high points, i.e., she's lovely, vivacious and kind.
7. Use tasteful humor and don't do "in" jokes that only a few will get. You want to include, not exclude.
8. Stay PG-rated.  Yes, everyone has a past but now isn't the time to bring up that Miami trip in college.  It's your responsibility on this important occasion to make sure you are NOT offensive to anyone.
9. End on a serious note. Finish with a wish, a blessing, cheers! or congratulations. "To the bride and groom" always works. 
10. Practice your toast a lot beforehand. This is not the time to "wing it".
11. Do not mention past girlfriends, past marriage, or past relationships. Aside from it being ultra tacky, that's what the bachelor party is for.
12. And don't end with something negative which may slip into your mind if you aren't prepared like, "I like Judy, she's a nice girl but they called him "sling a lot" for a reason - so good luck" 

~ 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