HauteLook

I'm always elated when working with people I can totally trust to do an awesome job.

Hautelook from me is a personal recommendation. The brain behind the brand name isn't just a friend, but a fashionista in her own right!. She's always spot-on and will have you looking ubber fab on your special day.

Enough from me; I'll let her work speak for her:

http://www.s67photography.com/slides/hautelook/ (click play)

For more Info on Hautelook:
Sade A. (214) 514-8688

How Much Do Weddings Really cost?

Often times I get asked, how much do you think a wedding costs? I usually answer with a smile, it all depends on your budget.

Personally, I like the small, intimate yet elaborate type weddings. I'd love a glamorous wedding, but I'll refuse to break my bank and more just so I can have a wedding.

Once you've finished basking in the glow of engagement, you'll find it very hard to get anything accomplished without a detailed wedding budget. This will give you an outline of what you should spend on each item, so as to ensure you don't spend more than you intend to overall. Here's how to create a wedding budget that you can afford.

Your Wedding Budget Worksheet




My Total Budget ___________

Expenses % of total budget Your estimate What you actually spent

Ceremony

Location fee, officiant fee, marriage license, musician's fees, ring pillows 3% ______ ______

Reception

Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors 48% ______ ______

Attire

Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders 10% ______ ______

Rings

His and her rings, engraving 3% ______ ______

Flowers

Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket 8% ______ ______

Music

Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental 8% ______ ______

Photography

Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids 12% ______ ______

Transportation

Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants 2% ______ ______

Stationery

Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book 3% ______ ______

Gifts

Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests. 3% ______ ______

Top 7 Honeymoon Destination

Todays post was inspired by my friend. We were talking about vacation; and a get-away Island. Somehwere to get away with the new hubby to rekindle. I started to do a search and found what I'd like to call the top 7 honeymoon destinations.

The Honeymoon is the most treasured and awaited occasions of one's life. Most of the couples want that it should be a memorable moment that is ever lasting. When they plan to go for a honeymoon they are really confused as to where to go and where not to go.




So let me tell you about the top honeymoon destination where all the couples would love to go.



1. Honeymoon In South Africa

The best attractions to be explored by the couples is the exotic beaches, beautiful sunset, amazing natural beauty, majestic islands and a perfect blend of unique cultures make it the best destination for honeymoon. It is just apt for the newly married couples.












2. Honeymoon In Morocco

Morocco is also a famous honeymoon destination offering number of activities and events like water sports, marvelous architecture and desert festivals. Couples who are adventurous can enjoy some of the best sports here.











3. Honeymoon In Canada

Though Canada is a beautiful country but it is most famous for the Fairmont Chateau Lake. It is an amazing experience to enjoy the lake side views wit your beloved. The couples can also come across many other popular spots like the Victoria, Quebec City etc.












4. Honeymoon In Malaysia

Most of the couples choose Malaysia as their honeymoon destination because here you can spend some romantic moments with your beloved and also explore a few great attractions. Sarawak is a famous place spotted by most of the honeymooners. It is renowned for the longest river and also the cave of the world.

5. Honeymoon In Turkey
Turkey is just the perfect honeymoon destination as it has an ideal blend of ancient and modern culture and heritage. Here you can get a variety of dishes which are delicious and mouth watering.








6. Honeymoon In Switzerland

Switzerland is very popular among all honeymoon destinations. The couples can tour the small villages which is the home for a variety of chocolates. The beautiful trees spread in huge area are the eye catching feature.






7. Honeymoon In France

It is the most romantic place with stunning beaches, well built cities, popular wine drinks, finest architectural piece and many amazing countryside views. It is best suited for a honeymoon drive.



So what are you waiting for just make a splendid trip to one of the destinations with your beloved? Hope you will have lots of memorable moments to cherish.

You can bet I soo plan to get-away soonest!

Traditional Vs Non-Traditional Vows.

Lately, couples  have chosen to write their own vows, rather than repeat what the officiator says verbatim.
There are traditional vows from just about every denomination faith and religion, but when it boils down to it, I love the non-traditional vows.

Below are some vows I've come across. I hope you find them as interesting as I did.

From this day forward I promise you these things..

I will laugh with you in times of joy and comfort you in times of sorrow.

I will share in your dreams, and support you as you strive to achieve your goals.
I will listen to you with compassion and understanding,
and speak to you with encouragement.
I will help you when you need it, and step aside when you don't.

I will remain faithful to you for better or worse, in times of sickness and health.

You are my best friend and I will love and respect you always
I love you. You are my best friend.

Today I give myself to you in marriage.
I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you,
and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.
I promise to love you in good times and in bad,
when life seems easy and when it seems hard,
when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.
I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard
These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.





We pledge to each other to be loving friends and partners in marriage.

To talk and to listen, to trust and appreciate one another; to respect
and cherish each other's uniqueness; and to support, comfort
and strengthen each other through life's joys and sorrows.
We promise to share hopes, thoughts and dreams
as we build our lives together.
May our lives be ever intertwined, our love keeping us together.
We will build a home that is compassionate to all, full of respect
and honor for others and each other.
May our home be forever filled with peace, happiness and love.



There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. - George Sands
XoXo.

Spotlight- Wedding Trends

It's been a minute I blogged ;) My appologies! I've had soo much going on and am very excited about the future for Alexis Mag-Admot. I can't burst all out to share it just yet. But definately watch out!

I know this is a little late in the year to blog about this, but I thought to share anyway. If you haven't already figured out what the trends are in 2010; do enjoy the read below!

Bird Cage Veils

The Vintage-look veils combine a jeweled clip or feathered headpiece with netting that only covers the face.Wearing one allows you to have some dramatic glamor and feel like a bride, but is a more fun look and less hassling than a long traditional veil.

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

Over the years, brides have been selecting a bridesmaid dress designer and a fabric, then letting their bridesmaids choose the style that works best for their bodies. But the 2010 wedding trend takes idea further. Choose only a color, then let your bridesmaids find an off-the-rack dress of any designer that they like. Not only does this take some pressure off of you, but it also ensures that women are choosing a dress they like and they'll be likely to actually wear again. If you follow this trend, be sure to tell your bridesmaids how formal the dress should be – you don't want one bridesmaid wearing a casual sundress while another has on a beaded evening gown (Matchy-matchy weddings, where the chair bows must match the favours, the save the date cards and the mother-of-the-bride’s corsage are both stressful and expensive. Luckily, with a mismatched theme to your wedding, all these problems seem to melt away)


Short Engagements
Though a year is a good amount of time for an engagment it certainly isn't obligatory. Some couples will be planning quick elopements, while others will opt for longer engagements. There are advantages to both – a quick engagement means that you don't overwhelm yourself with trying to plan the perfect wedding, and often means that you spend less money on unnecessary things. A long engagement can help relieve the stress, spreading out the tasks and the expenses, but if money isn't an issue, then why wait!

Candy Buffets

For the couple that wants to save some money on the dessert table, a candy buffet can help to offset costs with a build-your-own sundae theme around a simple wedding cake. Candy buffets are also appearing with a fondue theme where wedding guests can enjoy sample sizes of miniature cakes, brownies, and cookies and dip them in a fondue pot or a chocolate fountain.

Oversized Bows

Vera Wang is among the many designers embracing the trend of oversized bows for the 2010 wedding season, and bridal gowns are embellished with large, satin bows tied that serve as a part of the sash at the waist, or are placed directly under the bustline for romantic twist. Bows are also appearing on the shoulder, and to trim shoes and other accessories on the wedding day.


Hot Color Trends: Torquoise and Coral, Pink champagne and Violet,  Purple and torquoise

 (Picture credit- Primadonna bride)

Stay Fabulous!

XoXo.

Alice-In-Wonderland

I always thought of a fairytale wedding and all I could think of this morning was "Alice-In- Wonderland"!

If I had a world of my own eveything would be nonesense; nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn't and contrarywise what it is wouldn't be and what it is would be. Would you see?
                                                                                                                          - Alice in Wonderland.

Stay FABULOUS!

XoXo.

Bad taste?... No way!

I read my Fav Mentor (Preston Bailey)'s blog today and his post inspired todays post.

What do you do with a client with bad taste?

Suggest something better that works well with what she wants!

I once had a prospective client who wished for a black and white theme, but didn't think her family would be enthusiased by the idea. I figure you can pull ANYTHING off. Being tasteful about it is what makes the difference.

Here are a few ideas on how to pull off a black and white theme. Don't you just love the pop of colors!

XoXo.

Marketing and PR for Your Events

SELL THE AUDIENCE ON ATTENDING THE EVENT
Will they come? Even if this is the 100th annual conference, your attendees have to be sold on attending. Even if this is the biggest awards banquet in the history of your company, the employees have to be motivated to come. As the planner, you are in charge of making sure your event is marketed to the right audience. They need to know where, what, when, and how to sign up!

MARKETING TOOLS
You have many tools available to you, and if your kit has a variety of options, you'll have the most success. Some obvious options include: direct mail, in-house newsletters, press releases, paid advertising, billboards, bus sides, and word of mouth. Don't rely on what has worked before--things change, people change. Good programs and reasons to attend will always be your best tools.

THE MANY CHOICES OF ADVERTISING VEHICLES
There are hundreds of choices of where to spend your advertising dollars: radio, direct mail, newsprint, magazines, television, billboards, the web, etc. There may be a proven medium that has always been used by your company, or you may be faced with making the confusing decision yourself. Advertising agencies and consultants can be helpful in exploring the many options available to achieve the desired results.

CREATE THE MARKETING PLAN AND SET THE GOALS

•Critique last year's promotion by reviewing the invitations, brochures, press releases, etc.
•Determine your target market in a brainstorming session.
•Gather examples of outstanding ideas and printed pieces you have seen that grab the reader's attention. Always keep an ongoing library of ideas.
PICK A THEME AND CREATE A CAMPAIGN

•Search for a relevant theme.
•Decide the key components to your campaign: posters, mailers, teasers, promotional gifts, giveaways, invitations, paid advertising, media contacts or press releases, etc.
PLAN YOUR ACTIVITY SCHEDULE OVER A SIX-MONTH PERIOD OF TIME

•Order ad specialties/giveaways, invitations and teasers no later than six weeks before the event.
•Mail teasers four to six weeks prior to event (some meeting planners mail immediately following an annual event, so attendees will save the date for next year).
•Mail invitations three to four weeks prior to event.
•Write a press release at least two weeks prior to the event, and target media alerts for two days prior (after sending a press release, a follow-up phone call to answer any questions can be effective).
CHECK THE DESIGN OF ANY MAIL PIECES AT THE POST OFFICE BEFORE PRINTING
Make sure your design is within postal requirements before completing the project. Rules are always changing, and it is important to keep up to date.

BULK MAIL
Bulk mail can save dollars when mailing high volume campaigns or invitations. You will need a bulk mail permit, or you can buy bulk mail stamps, or the mail house can inkjet the information on your piece. Remember, with bulk mail you are not guaranteed a quick delivery. Mail that is addressed incorrectly will not be returned to you, unless you type "address correction requested" on the piece. If you plan on sorting your own bulk mail it can be a long process. The post office offers seminars on bulk mail. A mail house may be the best investment in this case; mailing can cost you more in your own time than if you hired a professional.

Postcards can save you dollars: If printing a postcard to save postage dollars, make sure it does not exceed 6" x 4" or it will not qualify for the postcard rate. Check the post card rates at the post office.

THE WEB
Check into banner ads or a listing for your event on websites that are used by your attendees.

TRACKING YOUR RESULTS
The best way to know if advertising is working or not for your company is to track results. It can be as simple as asking "how did you hear about this event?" Keep a list at the phone specifying all the ways you received your RSVPs or sales. This list should include all forms of advertising: yellow pages, newspaper, direct mail, publications, word-of-mouth, etc.

Gladys and Efe

Had a FAB time with the ladies thursday night, today was mostly a breeze.... Have loads of sleep to catch up on ;)

Here's a Video of the last Alexis Mag-Admot wedding courtesy Urchman Photography.



It was a pleasure to work with the bride and groom. I wish you both Joy, peace and all the blessings of a happy home.
XoXo.

PiCtUrE ThIs~

I'm an AVID fan of lighting for events, always done tastefully by LITE Dallas.
Here are a few Pictures of recent events they've done. Got inspired by some, I hope you do too!

CONTRACTS

(Peacock theme)

Contracts can be the most confusing and difficult part of planning a wedding. Keep in mind that this is a business arrangement. You're the customer and you are contracting with certain businesses to provide the services you request on a certain date, at a certain time, and within a certain budget. Contracts are a must when doing business with the many types of wedding-related services. Your wedding is an emotional experience; but remember, money is changing hands. A contract will spell out everything in black and white. If the business doesn't have a formal contract, write up your own and have them sign it. Estimates are a good first step, but they aren't final. Many brides have been shocked a week before their wedding when a supplier has said, "We had a price increase in the last six months: Now it will cost this much for what you want." Remember, you carry a book filled with other options.




BEWARE of contracts you feel pressured to sign! Make sure you don't sign something that you haven't thoroughly read or don't understand. Never sign a contract that makes you feel uncomfortable or that you can't afford. A contract is a legally binding document that commits you to the service or provider. Be well informed about what you are signing; ask questions, or take a copy of it home to look over if you have any hesitation at all.






CHECK OUT REFERENCES


The best way to research a business is to ask for references and then take the time to call them. This way you will rapidly discover if the services or merchandise were provided or delivered as promised. There are state and private agencies that can provide information on a business's reputation. Don't be afraid to call them.






DEPOSITS


In most cases a deposit is required to place an order formally or to reserve a certain date. Brides and grooms make the common mistake of assuming that the reception site is reserved based on a verbal commitment for date and time. The agreement is not always valid, let alone recorded, until after the deposit has been received.


Do not make cash deposits! Always use a check or charge card so that you have a legal record of money changing hands.






YOU'RE THE CUSTOMER! Always remember that you're the customer! Even though this can be an emotional time, don't settle for less than what was contracted for. Insist on the best service and accept nothing less. You may be spending more money on this one day than most people spend in a year! Make the most of your investment and do it your way.

WHEN PARENTS ARE DIVORCED

Dealing with divorced parents may add a complication to your wedding plans, but if handled well, everything can still work out just the way you planned. The key is to provide separate places of distinction at the ceremony, in the receiving line, and at the reception to ensure their happiness and enjoyment of the day.



GUIDELINES FOR DIVORCE PARENTS



•Invitations: Invitations are usually issued by the parent you have lived with. If both parents have contributed, then both names and stepparents can be mentioned.

•Ceremony seating: For seating at the ceremony there are two options: if parents are friends and have not remarried, they can sit side by side in the front pew. Otherwise the parent you have lived with would sit in the front pew with his or her spouse, and the other parent sits in the second or third pew with his or her spouse.

•Photographs: Each set of parents will most likely want to have a photo taken with the bride and groom; it is important to spell this out to the photographer earlier. This can take longer for photographs so appropriate time needs to be allocated.

•Down the Aisle: Walking down the aisle can be more than just a scary walk when trying to decide whether your father or stepfather should escort you. Consider whether you have remained close to your father and if you want him to fulfill this traditional role; or if your stepfather has filled the role of your father you may decide this is more appropriate. If your father and stepfather get along, you may ask both. If the decision is impossible, choose neither and ask your mother to walk you down the aisle.

•Receiving Line: For the receiving line and reception, customarily the parent who is paying for the wedding greets the guests with you. The other parent can be mingling. At the reception a good solution to feuding families is to have two different parent tables.

RECEIVING LINE

Usually held at the beginning of the reception, this event allows parents and the wedding party members to greet guests and receive their good wishes. The line traditionally begins with your mother, followed by the groom's mother, the bride and groom, your maid of honor and the rest of the bridesmaids. The fathers can join in and, if so, should stand to the left of their wives. If your parents are divorced, your mother stands alone or with your stepfather, while your father circulates among the guests. Or, to avoid confusion, decide not to include fathers in the line. The important thing is to avoid hurt feelings or misunderstandings. Another alternative is to have your father and his new wife stand on the other side of the groom. If orchestration becomes difficult, it is perfectly acceptable to mingle and greet your guests during the reception rather than have a receiving line. Whatever works well for your situation is fine.



SEATING ARRANGEMENTS AT THE RECEPTION

The bride's table, which should be the focus of the reception, can be of any shape and is sometimes elevated so everyone can see the wedding party. The groom usually sits to the bride's left with the maid of honor on his left. To the right of the bride is the best man, and the rest of the bridesmaids and ushers sit at the table male, female, male, female. If it's a small wedding party, the officiant and husbands and wives of the wedding party may also sit at the bride's table. Otherwise, a separate table for parents is set where your mother heads the table and the groom's father sits at her right and the wedding officiant sits at her left. The groom's mother sits on your father's right. However, if your parents are divorced, consider arranging a separate table for each set of parents.

Wedding Party Duties

At the last wedding I planned, I got asked the "What are my duties?" question. I have never been a bridesmaid and it sometimes is not clear who does what. Many bridesmaids and MOH have had arguements over who throws the bridal shower and what nots. Although there is no clear cut guideline on who does what, I thought to share a few etiquette on wedding party responsibilities.

Maid of Honor: Although she has no pre-wedding responsibilities, she is expected to assist the bride whenever she can. She lends moral support and plays a big role in making sure the other bridesmaids are dressed to perfection and make it to the church on time. She is responsible for her own wedding outfit, excluding the flowers. She also attends all pre-wedding parties and may even give one herself. The maid of honor is usually one of the witnesses required by law to sign the marriage certificate. Walking down the aisle, she precedes you and your father, arranges your train and veil, carries the groom's ring if there is no ringbearer, and holds your bouquet during the ceremony. She also stands next to the groom in the receiving line and sits on his left at the bride's table.




Best Man: His duties are many and varied and carry a lot of responsibility to ensure the wedding runs smoothly. The best man serves as the personal aide and advisor to the groom, supervises the ushers, carries the bride's ring and the marriage certificate, which he also signs, tips the altar boys in a Catholic ceremony, and acts as a right-hand man to the groom on his special day. The best man sits at the right of the bride and, as official toastmaster of the reception, proposes the first toast to the new couple, usually wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. His final duties are to ensure the new couple takes off for the honeymoon without a hitch and that all the ushers return their rented formal wear on time.



Bridesmaids: Although they don't have any pre-wedding responsibilities either, they often will volunteer to help with any errands or duties that need to be accomplished. They are invited to all pre-wedding parties and may also give one if they wish.



Ushers: Their responsibility is to seat guests at the wedding ceremony and act as escorts for the bridesmaids. To avoid seating delays, there should be at least one usher for every 50 guests. They also attend all pre-wedding parties the groom goes to and are required to provide their own wedding clothes, renting the proper formal attire if they do not own it. If formal wedding portraits are not being taken before the ceremony, ushers should arrive fully dressed in their formal wear 45 minutes before the ceremony and assemble near the entrance. As guests arrive, each usher should offer his right arm to each woman and escort her to her seat on the left or right of the aisle, depending on whether she is a friend of the bride or groom.



The Bride's Mother: Your mother usually helps compile the guest list and arranges the details of the ceremony and reception. It is her responsibility to keep the bride's father and future in-laws informed about wedding plans. She should also inform the groom's mother of her wedding attire so that their dresses are similar in length and style. The mother of the bride is privileged to sit in the very first pew on the bride's side. She is the last to be seated and the first to be escorted out of the church after the ceremony. She also greets all guests in the receiving line and sits in a place of honor at the bride's parents' table at the reception.



The Bride's Father: Your father rides in the limousine or car with you on the way to the church and escorts you down the aisle. He is also seated in the first pew behind the bride during the ceremony and later stands in the receiving line greeting and thanking guests. At the reception, he should dance the second dance with the bride and will usually make a short toast or welcoming speech to all the guests.



The Groom's Parents: Your fiance's mother should be invited to all showers and both his parents should be included in the rehearsal dinner, if they don't host it themselves. They should also contribute to the guest list for the wedding and reception and may or may not offer to share expenses. The groom's parents are honored guests at the ceremony and are seated, just before your mother, in the first pew on the groom's side of the aisle.

You're Invited~

I

ICe-IcE Baby ;)....

Ice Carving is a specialty art form. From the casting of the crystal clear block of ice to the careful hand carving process, each piece is individually created and unique.

Ice carvings make spectacular centerpieces: Used as the centerpiece of your buffet table, an ice carving makes a dramatic visual enhancement to your room decor.

Select from a variety of styles: Ice carvings come in every shape and size, from carvings incorporating company logos to dramatic winged birds, or woven baskets for floral arrangements, to specially carved wine baskets.
Ice carvings last six to nine hours indoors and up to four hours outdoors in the sun without losing their shape.

Be sure you let your caterer or facility coordinator know you will be using an ice carving so that they can plan the layout of your buffet table and place it near an electrical outlet. Ice carvings are shown at their best when lighted from underneath.


Have your ice carver coordinate the delivery and set-up with your caterer. You don't want your ice carving delivered too early or too late. Your caterer is the best person to coordinate delivery times and set-up requirements.


Ask about having your ice carving created on-site: Your guests will enjoy watching as your block of ice turns into a work of art.

THeMeS & dECoR

Why use a theme? It provides interest and coherence for the attendees. Planning is more efficient with a theme, creating an automatically organized process. In addition, the key to a successful event is audience participation. The more involved people become in the event they are attending, the more likely they are to enjoy themselves and remember the experience. Attendees may not remember the name of the keynote speaker, but they will remember the "Wacky Olympics" special event!


When is a theme appropriate? Anytime. When done properly, themes can be used to enhance a business meeting, client appreciation, awards event, and even reunions.

How is a theme chosen? Define the goals of your event first; what you want to accomplish with the event, who is attending, and what you want them to take away with them. Then, you can decide what theme options may work.

Creative brainstorming: Producing a new idea that ties in with the event can be a great challenge. An effective way of coming up with new and innovative ideas is to work with a group of people to draw synergy out of fun, and to build cooperative teamwork to produce ideas and solutions. Find a meeting space free of distraction--phones, foot traffic, etc. A storyboard can be helpful in this meeting so that all ideas can be captured with an open mind. Some of the smallest ideas can turn into the best campaigns.

Make sure it is the right theme or concept: The best ideas can end up a failure unless the details of the theme and campaign are thought out. Ask specific questions like: Does it fit within the organization's image? Will it offend any of our customers or employees, or conflict with our products? Is it one people will remember? Is the message clear, or lost within the creative? Is it an idea to be proud of and put in the portfolio?

Are theme events expensive? They don't have to be. Some of your theme ideas can be accomplished with a small budget if you and your committee are willing to spend the time. However, a much better use of your time and money may be to use a meeting planner, professional decorator, or entertainment company.

Decorating tips for theme events: Consider three to four main areas of the facility for theme props. Main focus areas can include the entryway to the event, stage, dance floor, guest tables, or food and beverage stations, to name a few.

Checkout props and displays: A visit to the prop shop or decorator will allow you the opportunity to see the quality, size, and color of the design ideas and available props. While at the studio, ask to see their portfolio to view actual designs used at various events and browse to see what other props or displays they have. This trip may awaken an idea several months later for a future project.

Theme ideas for your next event:

•Casino Night•Winter Wonderland
•Murder and Mystery
•M*A*S*H
•Tropical Island
•South of the Border
•Cruise Ship
•Underwater
•African Jungle
•Mexican Fiesta
•Tropical Rain Forest
•Mardi Gras
•Western/ Wild West
•Circus! Circus!
•Medieval Castle
•International Themes
•Hawaiian Luau
•Nautical
•Fabulous 50s
•The Great Northwest
•Great Gatsby Party
•The Jazz Club
•State Fair
•Super Bowl
•Around the World
•Chinese New Year
•Beach Party
•Treasure/Scavenger Hunt
•Toy Chest
•Haunted Halloween

Or better yet, CALL ME !