Hot AIR

The Great Bridal Expo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:33:00 +0000

Hey there brides! Thanks for coming out to the Great Bridal Expo on Sunday. It was a pleasure meeting so many excited, beautiful, blushing brides. I look forward to hearing from you all about your ideas and dreams for your big day. Let the creative juices flow!

Earth Day Etc.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Earth Day it is. We've listed many green tips for hosting your wedding or event on our Web site www.animaginedreality.com. Please use them freely and help keep our home a beautiful place to live, work, and play. Also, please send in your ideas for green events to events@animaginedreality.com or post them as a response.

Come and visit us at The Great Bridal Expo in Charlotte on May 4th. We'll be there so you can meet us in person and get some info on our services. We're looking forward to meeting to you!

Bad Blog, Bad Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:56:00 +0000

So it has been a month since my last post and that is just not okay. My apologies. However, we have lots of good news here. For one thing, we just finished up a two day corporate event for the Jarden corporation. They make goods such as Ball jars, Mr. Coffee makers and Coleman grills. The Ranson House was used for the venue. It is one of my all time favorites. It is a 100 year old home that has been renovated by its owners. Rhenea Raines is the owner and runs the events that take place there. She is extremely professional and caring. The event went off without a hitch (as long as you don't consider three days of ice cold rain in 40 degree weather during the spring the in south as problematic).
I also moved my family of four to a new home...so anyone who has done such a task can relate to my inability to type one extra thing at the end of the day. It is exhausting but wonderful. We are working on getting settled so the decorating can begin!!

Movie Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 03:16:00 +0000

KA Studios is a fantastic vendor for videography. They are a husband and wife team who are unobtrusive, friendly, creative and fun.

Here is a piece of the work they did for my own wedding. They captured moments that my hubby, family, and friends will have a blast reliving.

Video Clip

Lush of the Irish

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:06:00 +0000

Southern Living is one of my favorite places to go for down home inspiration.
This month they are showcasing some great recipes that pair delightfully with beers to boot.
Bottoms Up: Patty's Day Inspired Dinners

St. Patty's Party Tips:

Uh...wear green
Have a beer bar with high end or creative beers
Have classic/inexpensive beers on hand to bolster your supply
Make taste testing fun with blindfolds and offbeat brewskies
Serve Irish inspired foodies (check out the Southern Living link for ideas)
Have green favors for your guests to spread the Irish spirit: glasses, beads, buttons, hair accessories, bracelets, themed t-shirts (Kiss Me I'm American???)
Play Irish themed movies in the background
Do NOT dye everything green. It's just weird.

Bride Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:46:00 +0000

I saw this article today as I perused the news. From what I've seen there is a lot of truth to the content of the article. Now, I'm a girl too and wanted to look as good as is gets on my big day as well...and that is not the problem. The problem lies in making getting thin and pefected the focus of the planning process.
If you are concerned about your personal aesthetics, making it a goal to be body-happy is a fair goal. Setting unrealistic weight and appearanced goals will only lead to dissatisfaction. Remember that the day is about celebration not perfection.
Clearly eating in a healthy and engaging in physical activities are not just a pre-wedding to do but should be a lifestyle and one that you and your fiancee can share and embark on together as you begin your life as one. Making healthy lifestyle choices is an attainable goal that will make you feel good about yourself as opposed to feeling frustrated do to missed goals and diet slip ups.
Don't be the bride who dosn't eat her own shower foodies!!!

Indigo Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:34:00 +0000

Indigo Photography took the photos of John and I that appeared in the Charlotte Observer around Valentines Day. I took a look at her blog today and she has a cute little post showing our stories and pics. Check it out.
Indigo is a fabulous high end photographer who specializes in funky yet classic shots. They do wonderful work and we have been pleased as punch with the photos they've taken of us. Today I picked up the photos from our wedding and can't wait to share them with you soon.
Indgo is also showcasing a shoot from the Raffaldini Vineyard in Ronda, NC. I am working with a tres cool couple who is planning their Tuscan themed wedding there as well. Check out the pictures of the villa. It is stunning.

Wedding Crashers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:13:00 +0000

Don't let these crazy mishaps happen at your shindig...hire an event designer! Shameless plug. I apologize....sort of.

Guests Behaving Badly compliments of MSN

The Mr. and Mrs.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:56:00 +0000

Long time, no blog. Sorry. Last week my hubby and I were featured in our local paper, The Charlotte Observer. The series is in four parts. Here is day one. Thanks to Jeff Elder for the copy and Indigo Photography out of Charlotte for their talents.

Their first date was a wipeout
JEFF ELDER

Courtesy of www.indigocharlotte.com

Tara Cargle-Ashcraft and John Ashcraft of Huntersville met on match.com in 2006.For Valentine's Day, we're telling the story of a relationship in four parts. This is chapter 1 in the romance of John Ashcraft and Tara Cargle-Ashcraft.

She was an hour and 15 minutes late.

She'd looked cute on match.com, but this was ridiculous. He'd been on about 50 first dates in the last year, and they seemed to be getting worse.

She was driving in the pouring rain, and lost and nervous. She'd been on about five first dates in her life. Was it Tryon, or Tyvola? Why was he taking her for sushi? What's wrong with a steak?

At dinner, she popped into her mouth an edamame pod, the Japanese bean appetizer. She chewed ... and chewed....

You're not supposed to eat the shell, he said after a while.

The rest of dinner went OK.

They stepped out into the downpour, and he offered to run get the car. I'll go with you, she said, and they streaked out into the rain. His feet flew out from under him on the slick pavement. As he tumbled into a huge puddle, he saw her, out of the corner of his eye. She had slipped, too, and was hurtling through the air with panic on her face, her hands outstretched.

And that's how they fell for each other.

Tuesday: Trouble.

Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:24:00 +0000

It's fall fashion week. Fun. Though I'm not big on women who don't eat on a normal basis (and by normal I mean like 6 six times a day and 3 of those meals should be sugar ladened), I do like fashion week for a few reasons:
1. male models (my hubby could be one if he weren't a physician which is why I can say that!! MWAH, Honey).
2. celebs (I think it's funny that they go to these shows, yet have stylists who will dress them for the important events anyways and then when they do dress themselves they wear oddly printed, ill-fitting t-shirts, sunglasses, and dull scarves no matter the season).
3. inspiration (I find runway outfits to be better inspiration for events than for my day to day duds.
Here's a great place to get the downlow (do people still say that?) from the week.
NY Mag

I'm liking this for a party pallete!

Fun Flea Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:14:00 +0000

One of my favorite things to do is to scour the local flea market on a gorgeous day. I haven't made enough time lately to do such things but splurged this weekend and spent Sunday afternoon browsing booths beneath the sun and sky.
I love feeling like I own a piece of history and can store it in my house or even use it in an event. I also love sipping huge cups of sweet tea and noshing on the best bar-b-q in the south while weaving in and out of my favorite dealers and booths.

Sunday proved to be a successful trip. Check out these fun finds!

A little birdie told me that I must have this here sign. It may be serving as focal point for an upcoming inspiration board!!

I love this school house style desk. This one was ten buckaroos! It serves as a very cool end table plus seating! A two in one! Also, my son actually finds doing homework here a bit more exciting!
What a cutie side table! It was a must (and a lust).

Bride's Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 05:51:00 +0000

Bride's Blues
Originally uploaded by taracargleashcraft

Blues are usually paired in a classic palette such as blue and white and though you can never go wrong with the ever stylish combo, here is a slight twist. The palette is primarily inspired by the platinum and blue couch by Anthropology.

Inspired

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:29:00 +0000

A recent article in W magazine, "Can I Borrow That" written by Vennessa Lau addresses the issue of fasion designers borrowing (being inspired) by other fashion designers. Essentially the consensus of the article is that creativity and inspiration breeds better, more creative, more client friendly designs. In the event design community, we are also finding that this is true. Albeit, always giving credit where creidt is due. Today I found an ezine created by Design For Mankind. Check out the post and the ezine istself. It is a great, complimentary publication.

Strawberry Chic

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:48:00 +0000

Strawberry Chic
Originally uploaded by taracargleashcraft

Blue Orchid presented a challenge to us designers who are all about the inspiration board. Her task: do not use actual wedding photos in your boards. We're bringing creativity back (please read/hum/sing that to Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back for the full effect). Some of us who are used to using wedding photos are having trouble with the challege: see the white chairs in this board!! Yikes. I'm trying.

Estatic Over Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:23:00 +0000

Look at this beauty from bittystarr. It is a paper rendition of a love story. I absolutely am in love with the palette and the emotion of this piece. Looking forward to using it the foundation for an inspiration board.

Too much cuteness to show here. Go check 'em out. magpiesnest

Cocoa, Canteloupe and Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:38:00 +0000

A natural setting (minus rain) is my favorite backdrop for a wedding. Here is a natural combo of cocoa, canteloup, and carolina blue hues.
Credits:
Chocolates from The Knot
Blue Lantern from Domino
Pillows and Vase from Pottery Barn
Coaster from Wedding Favors
Other images from Brides

Pretty In Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Pinks and greens are a classic and natural spring and summer combo. Making the palette personal is what will make it shine. The flower balls hanging from the trees are just gorgeous. Check out the funky bouquet. I'd add a green ribbon to "tie" it all together.
Loving the idea of the curtained cereomony area. Also, the hanging flower motif can be intertwined here as well.
Get your groom to wear pink! It is so hip and hot!!!
Second wedding, out of the ordinary bride? Wear a pink dress! I love the pink princess shown here. It is stunning and sweet.

For more colored dresses, click here!

Credits
The canopy is courtesy of the Bridal Guide..
Pink and green garden-inspired dresses from The Knot.
Other images from Brides

Daily Candy posted a great little piece about Live Wire Farm. As part of our Go Green campaign we've touted the wearing of wood rings. Check these out by Live Wire Farm. Guess what? They are only 30 bucks! Sounds like a great V-Day gift.

Estatic over Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Etsy is just plain fun and totally addictive.
That said, here are some of my fave finds of the day.
Fat Daddy Bake Shop

Kitschy Bride and Groom Stuffed Finds

Fancy Fruits

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Yummy combo of raspberry and tangerine. A great color combo for early fall or late spring or even summer depending on your details.
A deep shade of raspberry as pictured in the primary dress photo makes the combo fall ready. Lighter hues of raspberry are appropriate for spring and summer.
The strawberry shortcake in the picture makes this a summer delight. Add some orange slices and you're totally in your palette!
The butterfly motif throughout this board is just plain fanciful. I imagined the butterflies hanging from the ceiling of the reception site or in a tent.
The flower girls also have butterflies in their hair. Too cute.
Remaining in the fruit motif, check out the adorable little pots of raspberry sorbet. If you're looking for something not so "wedding cake-ish" the pairing of the fruity desserts pictured here are a delightful change of pace.
Perfect location? A butterfly garden of course!

Credit Where Credit is Due:
Flowers found in J.Crew
Sorbet containers from Vivre
Flower Sachets from L'Artisan Parfumiere
All other images from Brides

Winery Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:59:00 +0000

The winery wedding is a fun and classic theme. We've mentioned before that purple is a hot and happening hue for upcoming weddings. The winery wedding is a perfect opportunity to let shades of grape dress the event. Check out Pottery Barn for new corky products.

Credits:
Invites by Kate Spade
Cake by Publix
Cork Candles from Uncommon Goods
Other Images from Brides

I love, love, love wisteria. It is so gorgeous and enchanting. It is a perfect natural addition to a winery wedding. It blooms in the spring so plan accordingly.

Fab Find of the Day
Wisteria
What lovely objects of desire. I'll take one...or two or three of everything!
Here are some of my faves.

Platinum Power

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:09:00 +0000

Combining two hot hues, olive and platinum are a dynamite duo.
Favorite Things: What a fabulous tent!!! The decor goes beyond your basic fabric liner and is truly a brand new space. The chandeliers are gorgeous without being ostentatious. Clearly, to customize the tent to the palette, there would need to be a focus on the olive hue, but it should stay clean.
The platinum suit!
Crystal embellishments in the bouquet. Look for a local jewelry maker who can create crystal embellishments appropriate for your style.
Credit Where Credit is Due:
Olive Dresses by David's Bridal.
Other images from Brides magazine.

Caribe Chic

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:58:00 +0000

I'm back! Yep, after a week of relaxation and rest (siestas to boot)I'm back online. Not only did I have a fabulous time in Playa del Carmen sipping carribbean cocktails, visiting the Mayan ruins, shopping, sleeping, and sunning, but I was also greatly inspired by the culture and area of Playa and its surroundings. The laid back yet totally chic lifestyle will be woven into upcoming designs. Can't wait to share the vibe. Here are few pics from our getaway.

Indigo Photo-Freebie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:08:00 +0000

My dear friends over at Indigo Photography in Charlotte, NC are giving away free stuff! Check out their blog for more information.

Chance to win a awesome portrait session with a beautiful 20x30 gallery wrap canvas print!
Valued package $1000.

We are going to choose one lucky bride to win on February 5th, 2008.

How to participate: We are doing a survey for marketing reasons and need your feedback!
To qualify to win just click HERE!

The session will include online viewing and your choice for a custom 20x30 gallery canvas wrap print.
If you are already married you may still play! You may choose a bridal or engagement session.
You do not have to be an INDIGO bride to play! The drawing will be random...we promise!

If you have any questions please feel free to email:
indigophoto@yahoo.com

Bride on A Budget Part Quatre

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:43:00 +0000

Bride on a Budget is back.
Need to save moolah on flowers?
If you have a full service event designer, they should be able to assist. Not only can you do many other creative centerpieces that do not require florals, but you can also have your event designer order flowers from their wholesale partner and arrange them for you. Different designers have various comfort levels with floral arrangements. If you are investing in an event designer and believe that you will need to trim your budget in the floral arena, make sure you choose a designer who is very comfortable (and talented) with flowers.

Canary, Cobalt, and Cocoa

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:57:00 +0000

What a beautiful palette this is. Perfect for fall and doable for spring. I've always been a huge fan of the shades of chocolate, but was looking for a different spin than I've seen lately. Hope you like it.

Credits:
Color Blocks from Pottery Barn
Canary Flower Girl Dress from Sweet Beginnings
Cobalt Dress on right side from Group USA
Cobalt Dress Couture Collection
All other images from Brides
Do Me A Favor:
On the left hand side, you will see a selection of chocolates. For any bride who is including this rich and warm color, chocolate favors are a definite must. I love having a variety of chocolate for guests to choose from. A chocolate bar with candies, cookies, and cupcakes would be one sweet spot.