The Wedding Workroom

Be Like Mike

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:33:00 +0000

I went to see the movie This Is It two nights ago and it did some things to me/for me. This movie was made to be entertaining--who doesn't want to see the magic of Michael Jackson's performances, especially after we lost him so tragically this summer? But the movie did much more than that.

What I first observed was how much MJ lived and breathed his music and how he really celebrated the art of performance. All throughout the film, you see see and hear that Michael wanted to give his absolute best to the fans. He wanted to deliver the songs as they sounded on a record. He wanted the fans to feel the music and the performance. It had to simmer. It had to sizzle. That is an admirable trait for anyone in any profession. Legions of fans were going to come and see Michael Jackson perform, just based on the fact of who he was. He could have delivered a 7 or 8 and surely many would have been fine with it. But he always chose to deliver a 14 or 15 because his craft was his life. May we all be able to pursue a dream or occupation so wholeheartedly that we give it nothing less than our best.

The second thing I observed was how genuinely sweet and humble Michael Jackson was. This was the most profound for me. Maybe he was acting because he knew he was being recorded, but I doubt it. Every time MJ wanted a dancer or band member to make a change, he was always very soft spoken and asked for the change. If the stage was set wrong or the tempo not fast enough or the pitch not quite right, he never threw a superstar tantrum. Rarely was he without a "God bless you" or a "I'm asking in love." I mean, this was Michael Jackson--the King of Pop and best seller of all time. If anyone was "allowed" to be ultra-demanding and critical about his show, his music, his performance and all those associated with it, it would be him. I truly admired that MJ kept his spirit in the face of all that he endured. The world, the media and people treated him so horribly yet he remained humble, caring and unobtrusive.

In the movie, MJ reminded me of one of my friends. This friend of mine, who works in education, once told me that he administers "soft love" when working with the students. He said that he gives his students a long rope and only carefully pulls them back when they need to be re-directed. At first, I thought he was just trying to sound profound. But as I continued to observe him and his interactions, I found it to be true.
And it amazed me.
And it still amazes me.
He can get the most unruly child to obey and be concerned about getting good grades. He can come to working solutions with the completely non-compliant parents. And everyone--students, teachers, parents and citizens, alike--absolutely adores him. And that's why most people absolutely adored Micheal. Because of his soft love.

So as I left the theatre, I resolved that I was going to earnestly try to live my life more like Michael Jackson. I have employees, admins and assistants and in most situations, I am the person in charge. Things are going to go the way that I say they are going to go. Instead of always being clinical and precise, and at times, demanding, I will strive to work with others "in love." I will try to use soft love, instead of tough love and endear more people to WANT to perform well. I know this long, rambling post kind of sounds warm and fuzzy, but I really think this is something that we should all work towards. Everyone has room for improvement. So--this is it--from this day, I am going to pledge myself to "be like Mike."

Introducing: Utterly Engaged

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:33:00 +0000

In the wake of news of the closing of Modern Bride and Elegant Bride, I thought I'd share another resource where you can get your fill of wedding goodness.

Recently, the more modern weddings magazines have taken over the forefront of wedding glossies: my favorites include Weddings Unveiled, The Bride & Bloom and Southern Weddings {who has a new print edition coming out very soon!}. These mags seem to be more stylized and relevant to the bride that wants to express her personality through her wedding. The details and eye-candy they contain are AMAZING!

A great wedding e-zine that I have found that fits in with the newer wedding magazines is Utterly Engaged. I like to thank Eliana for hipping me to this mag. . .

Utterly Engaged is an online wedding magazine dedicated to finding creative alternatives for the smart bride. It offers many unique alternatives to getting the high-end look for your wedding without breaking the bank. So hop on over to their website and flip a few pages. Make sure you come back and tell us what goodies you find!

Siggy of the Month: Hot Apple Pie Shots

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

The leaves are coloring and falling from the trees. We are bringing out our wonderful trenches, scarves, patterned tights and knee boots.

Sounds like a wonderful October, eh?

And what better way to celebrate your October wedding than with a wonderfully warm, apple cider-based siggy? How about the Hot Apple Pie shot??

While, as a wedding planner, I generally do not advocate the taking of shots {and many venues/catering companies will not allow it}, these shots are very tame and can be served perfectly during a cocktail hour. Or at your own at-home Halloween shindig. . .

Hot Apple Pie Shots

3/4 c. apple cider
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 c. rum
cinnamon

Measure 3/4 c. of apple cider on a microwavable container. Heat in the microwave until very hot. Stir in 1/4 tsp. of vanilla extract, 1/4 c. of rum and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour into a shot glasses three-quarters of the way full. Top with whipped cream and dust with cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Makes 5-6 shots.

Click for more Siggy of the Months.

I am Still Here!

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:37:00 +0000

Dear Casual Blog Readers--

I know I have been gone for far too long away from this blog. August was a heavy month of travel for me and September has brought in many meetings, planning sessions and "other." I am excited for what this fall will bring as far as events, fundraisers and activities.

I have an awesome set of 2010 brides and we have great things brewing for them as well. I said all of this to say: I know I have been away from the blog for too long and I promise to get back to the regularly scheduled program in short order. Look for new bridal inspiration to be coming your way!

Delightfully Yours,
Katasha

Did You Ever Think of This??

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:28:00 +0000

As I was driving in to the office this morning, I was admiring my new nail color. I'm currently wearing OPI's Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow from the Espana collection. When you see it on everyone's nails within the next month or so: you heard it here first. . .

At any rate, I was looking at my nails and I had a thought: what if brides gave away make-up as wedding favors to all the guests of the XX persuasion {that would be females}? I would absolutely love that!! Imagine if you went to a wedding and left with a new delicious gloss to wear: one that you may have never purchased for yourself. Or a funky new shade by Zoya to rock on your nails and toes. Or a eggplant cream eyeliner by Loreal. The possibilities are endless!!

Of course, you don't have to be a beauty junkie to absolutely adore this idea. What fun and interaction there would be among the guests at the wedding reception as they figured out what beauty treat they had and swapped with each other. Don't wear eyeliner? Switch for a lipstick. The gal at Table 6 surely might swap her mascara for a set a lush lashes.

I think this idea could go places {I'll have to think of something for the men later}. What about you? What make-up would you give away as favors?
Photo(s) Credit: Source

Signature Sasha: Sasha Souza to Release Wedding Book

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

This year, K Sherrie+Company was pleased to make the acquaintance of Sasha Souza, wedding planner extraordinaire. We were even more fortunate to have her agree to be a speaker at Eventology 2010!

Sasha is doing many great things besides weddings and one of them is releasing her very own book: the wedding design book Signature Sasha: Magnificent Weddings by Design is a stunning, hard cover wedding design book featuring beautiful photography of all aspects of wedding design including never before seen Weddings by Sasha Souza Events.

The four color, hard bound book will be available at all major bookstores and online. Visit the Signature Sasha website that features the most up to date information about the book release, speaking engagements, book signings and more information.

Visit the Eventology 2010 website for more information about Sasha coming to Indianapolis to speak!

The Baroque Sofa: One More for the Road

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:54:00 +0000

A few of my planner friend's really got in on the act when I called out for inspiration boards designed around our now infamous baroque sofa. I am loving this black-and-yellow designed by Precious Richardson of Precious Nuptials and Destinations. Read on for explanation of her inspiration board:

This couch was actually my total inspiration (design, color, and era). The Victorian era is very classical and beautiful era to me. We sought modern vintage elements to create a timeless look and feel. Beginning with the intricate details of the wood, we sought out patterns that complimented that. I love the modern overhaul of the inspirational black sofa. However, I thought accents of the classic black would work better against a mixture of vibrant yellow, gold and white. Also, gold and gold tones are popular accents from the Victorian era. Keeping with the vintage feel, we used black and white milk glass thought out, hand fans, bottled soda. When working with black it’s important to bring in soft elements. Hence the silk flowing gown, delicate garden roses and dainty orchids. We thought the invitation was an era specific fun piece.

{Click image to enlarge}

I really like the wedding dress that Precious selected. I just love fitted wedding gowns! They are very sexy and I think they just give the bride confidence when she wears it. Especially if you have the shape to wear it. . .

Thanks so much, Precious, for designing another fantastic board for our readers.

The Art of Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I am in love with love these days {go figure}, so I thought I'd share this wonderful prose that I came across just recently. May you consider it as a reading for your wedding?

The Art of Marriage by Wilferd Peterson

The little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say, “I love you” at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other,
not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation,
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo
or the wife to have the wings of an angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere
in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the Spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which
the independence is equal, dependence is mutual,
and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner,
it is BEING the right partner.
This is “The Art of Marriage”

The Baroque Sofa--En Francais. . .

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

That damn sofa is back again!

No. . .we love it, so it's all good. . .

This time around, one of my wedding planning colleagues from across the globe {by way of Chi-town!}, Kimberly Petyt of Parisian Events, has sprinkled her sparkly, francophile, fairy dust on the sofa and came up with a totally different inspiration board from my original one.

{Click image to enlarge}

In her words, Kim explains her thoughts behind the board:

Well, I of course wanted to do a Parisian or French-inspired board- when I first saw the sofa I thought "Naughty Paris"- black Louis 14th, baroque, boudoir, etc. More sophisticated than Moulin Rouge, but still a little decadent. I had remembered that Ladurée made these black macarons in a black and silver box, and I found an image of those. Then I thought of Chatal Thomas- her boutique, her quilted pink "naughty but nice" lingerie. On her site I saw the lipstick and dinner plate. After that, the rest seemed to fall into place! I didn't want to make it so goth or alternative, so thats why I thought it was important to bring in the authentic Marie-Antoinette elements (her necklace, her monogramme, etc) to soften it up a bit. I think it's important not to take a them too far, which is why I wanted to add a touch of color (the pit of pink, or the red under the Louboutin shoes...

Absolutely gorgeous, Kim! Thanks for sharing your creativity with The Wedding Workroom readers. Au revoir. . .

all photos ©. Top row: Chocolate croquembouche, Marie Antoinette monogrammed brooch, Black mask make-up, Toile Wallpaper, Christian Louboutin “Anemone” shoes, Second row: Lanvin gift box, Baccarat Cristal Room Paris, Black Silk Taffeta Gown Black Licorice Macaron, Third row: Marie-Antoinette necklace, French Chateau, Baroque Sofa, Lace fan, Chandelier Earrings, Fourth row: Moet Quilted Gift Pack, Black lace invitations, Black Lace Plate, Marie-Antoinette Document, Baroque Headboard, Fifth row: Boudoir Paris make-up, Toile Bridesmaids Purse, Chandelier Gift Tag: Bluebirdlane, Venetian Mirror, Galliano for Dior Gown

Announcing Eventology 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Eventology: The Science of Running a Successful Wedding Business.

Eventology is an intimate, collaborative and intensive business conference designed especially for wedding professionals brought to you by K Sherrie+Company Planning Atelier. This conference will bring you real-life, applicable marketing and business information to use to enhance your wedding business. As more and more educational and networking opportunities become available to wedding professionals, please know that we are committed to produce a conference that is in-depth, engaging, educational and a great time! You will definitely leave Eventology energized about your business and with real tools to help you move on to the next level.

Learn the science behind running a successful wedding business, as the reality is if you're not running a profitable business, it's just one big expensive hobby. We're packing more valuable information into this next conference! The following topics will be presented by five dynamic and cutting edge, international wedding professionals at this unique conference:

Building Your Team: From Interns to Associates by Lara Casey
Priced to Sell! Cultivating Your Service Offerings by Saundra Hadley
The Art of Wedding Design: Innovative Designs and Trends by Sasha Souza
Geek is Chic: Tech Tools for Your Wedding Business by Terrica Skaggs
Brand Success! Brand Building and Brand Strategy by Harmony Walton

This is an educational and networking opportunity not to be missed! The highly successful and renowned speakers will be sharing their expertise and know-how on creating and cultivating a prosperous wedding business. Anyone can learn from these dynamic, super-successful women and Eventology 2010 is open to all wedding professionals.

When: April 19-20, 2010
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana at the Omni Severin Hotel

Bridgewater Club Bridal Show

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:29:00 +0000

I got an invitation in my email inbox, for an exclusive, invite-only bridal show at The Bridgewater Club in Carmel. However, if you want to go, you can click {HERE} to RSVP and pay for your ticket.

*crickets*

Here is more information about this upcoming show, directly from the invite:

Perfect Wedding Guide proudly unveils the first north- side Platinum Wedding Gala, Indianapolis' finest luxury wedding event targeted exclusively for brides and grooms seeking the finest purveyors of wedding services to help orchestrate their special day.

The event is tailored to distinguished clientele and industry leaders who set the standards in their field. Brides will have the unique opportunity to experience the finest the industry has to offer while enjoying amazing hors d'oeuvres and sipping fine wines.

Platinum Wedding Gala is hosted at the city's renowned Bridgewater Club, located in beautiful Carmel, IN. The Bridgewater Club will be transformed into an enchanting wedding oasis.

This environment will set the stage for creative design inspiration. Guests will encounter displays of spectacular cakes, sophisticated invitations, artistic photography, exotic honeymoon destinations, incredible floral designs, upbeat entertainment and so much more. Some of the world's leading gown designers will be featured at the Live Fashion Runway Show along with the latest in Bridal Jewelry.

Swag bags in true Oscar style with a $250 gift certificate for your dream wedding gown as well as large gift certificates from Moyer Fine Jewelers (and much more!) will be provided for the first 100 registered brides!

One Lucky Registered Bride and Her Friends will be escorted to the Gala in Style in a Vintage Rolls Royce provided by Antique Limousine! You must be registered to win. The lucky bride will be contacted by PWG prior to the Gala!

Event Details:
August 28th, 2009
6:30PM - 9:30PM
3535 East 161st Street, Carmel, IN 46033
$25 per guest

If you attend, come back and share with us how it was!

The Baroque Sofa's Encore

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Remember that lovely baroque sofa that I found at Jayson Home&Garden? It strikes again in the form of an inspiration board!

My task was to use the sofa as inspiration to build a chic black+white+accent color wedding. I chose just a tad of citron, but really, you could just about use about any color to add punch to the classic black and white palette.

Daffodil.
American Beauty.
Plum.
Majolica Blue.

{Click the image to enlarge}

How about that grey Roberto Cavalli gown? It is so not a "real" wedding gown, but one could certainly rock it. I also like the black wedding dress with the multicolor bouquet. It would take a true fashionista to pull it off at her wedding. I think I could. . . =)

From the intricate detailing of the sofa and the filigree cupcake holder to the structural grandness of the lamp, these elements can all be pulled together for a wedding of the most modern bride. The river rocks as an alternative to the traditional guest book and the button mum initial add another dimension of color and something interesting for your guests to do and look at.

What accent colors would you choose to augment a black and white color scheme?

Photo Credit(s):
Black gown: zenhobo.com
Invite: beastpieces.com
Grey gown: weddingsonthefrenchriviera.com
Cupcake: paperorchidstationery.com
Light: tokyotoshi.com
Cylinders: Entertaining With Style

Studio+Z Films: Daphne+Jason's Secret Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I hardly ever post video links on this blog, but this video was just so darling and so well put together and amazingly edited, I had to share!

This killer video comes from Studio+Z Films, out of Cincinnati, Ohio----->close enough for Indianapolis brides! And may I add: I am loving his fuchsia, grey and white website and blog. Real men can rock hot pink! Before you click to view the film, read on for the background information. . .

Daphne and Jason told their guests they were having a destination wedding in Florida on July 4th, but were having an at home celebration at the Hilton downtown on June 27th. For the first hour of the event, Daphne and Jason greeted their guests, telling them how excited they were to be getting married next week. The guests truly had no idea. After mingling with the guests for an hour, Daphne and Jason disappeared and changed into their wedding attire and took a back hallway to stand behind the huge movie screen. The film was introduced by Daphne’s father and when the film was finished, the screen raised, revealing them standing on stage actually getting married. Needless to say, the guests were blown away and completely stunned. The reaction was incredible and the film actually played a couple more times that evening!

Absolutely beautiful and totally unique!
Click {HERE} to experience the film.

Indiana Marriage Licenses for Dummies

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Okay--I'm not really trying to call you all dummies! You get where I'm going with this, right?

The marriage license is an extremely important, but seemingly small detail when planning your wedding. I mean, if you don't have a marriage license, your marriage is so not official. . .and I'm positive you are not really trying to take it there.

So be sure to stay on the right side of the law and be certain you have a legal marriage license before you actually tie the knot. If you reside Indiana, the important deets will follow. If you want to read the Indiana code surrounding marriage licenses, click {HERE} and have at it. For the condensed version, read on:

The cost for marriage license is $18 for residents and $60 for non-residents and payable in cash only. There is no waiting period and the license expires 60 days after issuance. This means, if your celebration is set for January 1st, please don't go to the courthouse in August to get your marriage license. If you have a wedding planner, he or she will definitely include this formality in your planning guideline.

To get married in Indiana without parental consent, the minimum age is 18. Applicants age 15-16 need a court order to obtain license (although I wouldn't recommend this course of action. Actually, I would recommend NOT getting married at this age, but I digress. . .). A state-issued ID, birth certificate or passport may be required for proof of age/identity. A rental lease or current utility bill can be used to prove residence. Contrary to popular belief, a blood test is not needed for prospective brides. And a final note to divorcees and widows--you need to bring proof by the way of a death certificate or divorce decree if the date of occurrence is less than 2 years.

By way of officiants, these are the people who can legally marry you in Indiana--a member of the clergy (including a minister, priest, bishop, rabbi, and imam), a judge, a magistrate, a clerk of the circuit court or a clerk or clerk-treasurer of a city or town. Please keep this in mind before you decide you want your favorite uncle from childhood to marry you.

If you are in Marion County, Indiana, below is the contact information for the Clerk's office: Marion County Clerk’s Office
200 E. Washington Street, 46204
Suite W-122
317-327-4740
317-327-3893 fax
Hours: M-F, 8-4pm

And here are the contact numbers for other Central Indiana County Clerk offices:
Boone County 765-482-3510
Hamilton County 317-776-9629
Hancock County 317-477-1109
Hendricks County 317-745-9351
Johnson County 317-736-3708
Madison County 765-641-9443
Morgan County 765-342-1025
Shelby County 317-392-6320

For information regarding your marriage license in other states, please visit Marriage License Laws on About.com. Have you, or anyone that you know, had any mishaps regarding your marriage license? Please share your story with us in the comments section.

FREE Wedding Coordination from The Atelier

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

K Sherrie+Company Planning Atelier will be giving one stylish, modern and chic bride and groom a complete Sapphire Service Level package! This contest will be open to all brides in the Indianapolis metro area. Yup--this includes Brownsburg, Avon, Plainfield, Zionsville, McCordsville, Geist--you get the idea. Any reader/visitor of our blog and website is welcome to enter.

The Sapphire Service Level is our “Month-of Coordination" service level. We box up all of your planning and details and package it nicely and put a nice pink bow on top! What this really means is that we meet with you to go over your concept and vision for the day, contact and finalize all your vendors, help with last-minute snafus, design a wedding day timeline and produce and coordinate your wedding rehearsal and your wedding day. The contest ends at midnight on August 15, 2009.

Here’s how you can enter: Send us your story—how you met, your engagement story, your vision for your day, any planning obstacles you’ve faced and why you think you’d need the extra help on your wedding day. Even if you aren’t getting married, send us the story of a couple that you know needs the extra assistance.

More parameters for the contest:

All entries must include a photo of the couple
Please include a complete list of the venues and vendors you have already booked
The wedding must take place between September 2009 and February 2010 (based on availability)
The wedding must take place in the Indianapolis metro area (or in Danville, Illinois!)
You can nominate yourself or a friend. Email your entries to contests{at}ksherrieco{dot}com by 12 midnight EST August 15, 2009

The winner will be decided by the team at K Sherrie+Company. We look forward to reading the entries of deserving couples and and gifting them a stress-free wedding day!

Interior Design Inspires Again

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:15:00 +0000

I ran across this lovely baroque sofa on Jayson Home&Garden during my daily internet surfing. I am currently having an obsession with vintage and detailed furniture. Not so much where I have too much that my home looks like an old museum or like it's stuck in a time warp. My home very clean and modern, yet comfortable. I just like to add pieces here and there for accents. Accents with a lot of gravitas. As my friend so eloquently stated: "Katasha, you always have a project going on." =) And I do: as soon as one is finished, I am on to the next. . .which may or may not require his assistance.

At any rate. . .

When I finished dreaming about owning this piece of furniture, my next thought was--Wow! Wouldn't that be a great piece to fit into someone's wedding design?! Can you imagine designing your afterglow lounge or an entire reception around this sofa?

I certainly could.
And I am going to.

Stay tuned for an inspiration board inspired by this sofa.

P.S. If you are not hip to Jayson Home&Garden, you have officially been put on notice.

Be Inspired by Motel 6

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Motel 6 is hardly known for its great design. Nor, does it epitomize the pinnacle of luxury for the well-bred traveler. However, their new "Phoenix Project" redesign can give you inspiration for your own wedding color palette. Check out the fiesty colors chosen by Priestman Goode, the British firm selected for the redesign.

Persimmon.
Khaki.
Lemon.
Mandarin.
White.

Pretty vibrant, huh? Here's our inspiration board {click the image to enlarge}. . .

Would you ever choose these colors for your wedding palette?
Photo Credit(s): Brides, J Crew, Flights of Fancy, We Love Typography

Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Make a splash on your wedding day with these bold and graphic rings by the one and only Swarovski. What chick doesn't like bling?? And these colorful baubles up against your cream or white wedding gown will look absolutely gorge!

As an added bonus for the DIY brides--you can make these yourself! Sold at Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED, these statement pieces are sold with all the components needed to make each piece. Or you can buy them already put together.

What a fun way to enjoy a night with your 'maids, making beautiful jewelry that will last long past the wedding. I would wear one of these rings on any given day.

This cool blue beauty is on sale for $12.50! Go and check out the website. . .they have many other pretty necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Would you make your own jewelry for your wedding day?

The Couture Collection by Godiva Chocolatier

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:08:00 +0000

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of Godiva Chocolates, I was thrilled when I walked into the chocolate shop this weekend and saw the new wedding favor collection they are debuting:

The Couture Collection by Godiva. These chocolates have been introduced as the best in wedding favors for the discerning eye and palate.

Inspired by Sylvia Weinstock, New York's celebrated wedding cake artist, these Couture Favors are elegantly designed in the shape of a cake, offering a delectable and memorable gift. Each decadent piece comes wrapped in a chic box with a lid that reveals the "eye-catching" chocolate. The White Chocolate Couture Favor is filled with Hazelnut Praline. The Milk Chocolate Couture Favor is filled with dark chocolate ganache.

If you don't want to go the route of the Couture Collection, Godiva also offers the 2-piece and 4-piece favor collections. The four-piece collection includes a Milk Chocolate Praline Heart, Dark Chocolate Ganache Bliss, White Chocolate Raspberry Star and Dark Chocolate Caramel Embrace. With the two-piece collection, you get a Milk Chocolate Praline Crescent and Dark Chocolate Ganache Heart. I didn't see them offered as a part of the wedding favors, but my absolute favorite right now is the Peach Truffle. Yum! I'm positive if you wanted to customize your favors with different flavored truffles, you could.

You can choose your embellishments to further personalize your favors. Choose the classic Godiva gold box or a chic white box. They offer many color choices for ribbon and you can even get personalized ribbon with your names and/or wedding date imprinted on them. I'm so loving the charms! I particularly like the pearl cluster.

These are great for your reception, bridal shower or even an engagement party. Currently, Godiva is running a sweet deal on wedding favors: save 15% on favor orders over $200. Use the code FAVOR for online orders.

Free Sapphire Service Level to One Lucky Couple!

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Are you that lucky couple?

More parameters for the contest:

All entries must include a photo of the couple
Please include a complete list of the venues and vendors you have already booked
The wedding must take place between September 2009 and February 2010 (based on availability)
The wedding must take place in the Indianapolis metro area (or in Danville, Illinois!)
You can nominate yourself or a friend. Email your entries to contests{at}ksherrieco{dot}com by 12 midnight EST August 15, 2009

The winner will be decided by the team at K Sherrie+Company. We look forward to reading the entries of deserving couples and and gifting them a stress-free wedding day!

Bridal Bar Atlanta Grand Opening Soiree Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:02:00 +0000

Are you in the wedding industry and in the Atlanta Metro area? If so, this is definitely the place to be tonight!

Bridal Bar Atlanta is hosting their Grand Opening Soiree and I SO wish I could be there! If my week and weekend wasn't impossibly booked already, I would have definitely been in the house. I have loads of colleagues and friends. . .some of whom are Bridal Bar Atlanta Preferred Vendors. . .who will be there.

Here are some of the dynamite vendors who will be there:
By Your Side Atlanta
Bliss Event Group
Southern Weddings Magazine
Wedding Soiree
Ashley Baber Weddings
Weddings Unveiled

Ladies and gents--be sure to have a glass of Clicquot for me!

Siggy of the Month: Frozen Summer Slush

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Want to depart from the "usual" summer cocktails? Try serving up this frozen delight at your next soiree or your summer wedding. The Frozen Summer Slush can be prepared ahead of time, but you will need a friend to play bartender to serve it up right.

Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
7 cups water
4 tea bags
2 cups boiling water
1 (12 fl oz) can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 (12 fl oz) can frozen orange juice concentrate
2 cups gin (can substitute vodka)

Pour water in large saucepan, and heat on high until boiling. Add sugar and stir until dissolved; set aside to cool. Place teabags in 2 cups boiling water and let steep until desired strength is acquired. In a large bowl, mix together sugar water, tea, lemonade concentrate and orange juice concentrate. Stir in gin. Place in freezer container and freeze overnight. To serve, place several scoops into a tall glass, and fill with any clear, carbonated beverage.

Cheers!
Photo Credit(s): Source

We're Loving Now: Creative Montage on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

We had the privilege and honor of working with Creative Montage during Eventology 2009. They were responsible for the yummy letterpress agendas that we gave to each attendee. They offer some of the cutest monograms and invitation designs. They create "hip, creative stationery for sophisticated individuals."

Take a minute to visit their Etsy shop. If you can't quite afford to go all the way custom with your wedding paperie {which they do, as well}, they also offer another attractive option.

One part of the Creative Montage Etsy shop is the "We Design, You Print" option. The concept behind this option is that brides can select their own colors and have their wedding day details added to the invite and then receive the finished files to print on their own. What an awesome way to have the look of custom invitations without the high cost! Since every bride is in control of her own printing, it makes it very easy to stay within budget. Or, you can decide to let them print and not have to worry about finding paper and the other hassles of DIY printing.

They have invitation suites, reception cards, thank you cards, menu cards and table numbers. We're pretty sure you can work with them to come up with any other needs. How absolutely adorable are the green, black and white Marie invitation??

Do you have any other recommendations for customizable wedding invitations on Etsy?

FREE Wedding Coordination from K Sherrie+Company!

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000

We're feeling generous. . .

More parameters for the contest:

All entries must include a photo of the couple
Please include a complete list of the venues and vendors you have already booked
The wedding must take place between September 2009 and February 2010 (based on availability)
The wedding must take place in the Indianapolis metro area (or in Danville, Illinois!)
You can nominate yourself or a friend. Email your entries to contests{at}ksherrieco{dot}com by 12 midnight EST July 31, 2009

The winner will be decided by the team at K Sherrie+Company. We look forward to reading the entries of deserving couples and and gifting them a stress-free wedding day!

Rental Guide for Your Reception Part II

noreply@blogger.com (K Sherrie+Co Planning Atelier) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, we outlined some rental items you may need to bring in to your venue to complete your reception. Today continues with additional items you may have to rent.

Chairs
For a seated dinner or buffet, you will need to provide seating for all reception guests. For a buffet style cocktail reception you may able to get away with enough chairs for half or more of the total number of guests.

Linens and Chair Covers
Linens and chair covers are often NOT included in the rental of the tables and the chairs. Even if they are, chic brides usually want something beyond black, white or ivory. Be sure to set aside funds for linens in your wedding budget.

Tableware
For a formal sit-down reception, tables are usually set with complete place settings. At a buffet reception where guests serve themselves, plates and silverware may be located at the buffet table.

Tent
This is pertinent if you are having an outside wedding to protect you and your guests from the elements. Tents and canopies come in different sizes and colors. A 20x20 ft. will accommodate about 40 guests at a sit-down dinner. A 20x40 ft. tent, about 200 guests and a 60x100 ft. tent, about 500 or more guests.

Heaters/Air Conditioners
You may also need to rent heaters if your reception will be held outdoors. A good rule of thumb is that heaters are needed if the temperature may drop below sixty-five degrees. Gas heaters are more popular since they do not have unsightly and unsafe electric cords. In warmer climates, portable AC units may be rented for outdoor events.

Dance Floor
The size of your dance floor depends on how many guests you expect. They can range from 12x12 ft. up to 20x30 ft. or larger.

Phew! Sounds like a lot to keep up with, eh? And this list isn't even all-inclusive! Enlist the help of a great wedding planner and s/he will keep you on track to be sure you don't go without any necessities at your reception.
Photo Credit(s): Southern Weddings