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 !

Work-It-Off!

I got a call from a high-school friend getting married in July, today. TOYO!.. I need your help she said. I've gained weight and I'm in trouble...couldn't help but burst out laughing :) . I happen to be one of her bridesmaids and have been sourcing out ways to loose the way-extra lbs. I've tried out diuretics, dulcolax and you-name-its!... One thing is certain, the Yo-Yo diets don't work.

I've put my friend and I up to the challenge of plain ol' working it out. (I ordered the Slim in Six video, lets see how that goes!)

What work out tips do you have? How have you kept the weight down?

He Proposed..... What Next?

The day you've been waiting for has finally arrived! You have to tell your parents, his parents, call all your friends, call the church, get time off for the honeymoon, buy a wedding dress, find a caterer...STOP!!!



First things first, before all the hustle begins, do yourself a favor and sit down with your fiance and ask yourselves the following questions:

•Are your families large or small?

•What is your budget?

•What style of wedding would you prefer to have - do you like intimate gatherings, large parties, or impromptu, unique events?

•Do you want a romantic theme or a formal affair?

•Work together so that you both agree on the same things, and then commit your thoughts to paper so that you will have a plan.


*ONCE YOU MAKE YOUR PLAN, STICK TO IT!

Everyone seems to become an expert on wedding planning when they find out you're engaged. You'll receive loads of unsolicited advice, and everyone will try to sway your thinking. Don't let anyone steer you away from what's important to you and your fiance. If you do, your wedding will be a combination of everyone else's dreams instead of your own!



*A CONSULTANT CAN EASE THE STRESS

Hiring a consultant is a wise idea, especially if there is conflict between mother and daughter, families, divorced parents, or even attendants. This is an emotional time and the objective opinion of a consultant can sometimes ease the pressure. Money can be one of the biggest problems and obstacles. If a third party is involved, such as a consultant, the money can be collected without embarrassment. Many times these arguments result from lack of communication, emotional overload, and misconceptions. The two parties just need to communicate; sometimes writing their thoughts down with a calm mediator present will help considerably. They say you hurt the ones you love the most; the stresses of a wedding can truly test your relationships with family, friends, and even your fiance. Remember to focus on what's important that day!



*DELEGATE DUTIES

Every bride thinks, "If I don't do it, it won't get done the way I want it!" This may be true, but you'll soon realize you can't do it all and keep your sanity. You and your fiance have figured out the plan; now delegate duties to family and friends. Everything can and will be done the way you want it if you give a clear description of what you need accomplished and when. Family and friends will enjoy knowing they helped make your special day a success!



RELAX AND ENJOY YOUR WEDDING DAY!

We suggest you get someone to coordinate all the details on the day of your wedding(Hopefully Alexis Mag-Admot :D ). Hire a professional or ask a trustworthy friend or family member who is not a member of the wedding party to oversee and coordinate delivery and setup of flowers, rental equipment, decorations, etc. Provide this person with a comprehensive list of everything he or she will need to keep an eye on, including phone numbers with a contact name for all the businesses providing services, the arrival of musicians and where they need to set up, where and when the formal photographs will be taken, etc. Your months of planning and coordination will pay off! You and your groom should be concerned and consumed only with the joy of the day and your love for each other!

Bleep-Bleep.

I've been having a case of "writer's block" :) Tee hee!

When I'm up and about, I have soo much to want to blog about and then I finally get time to sit and zap! it's all gone...

I really can't wait for HOT warm summer days. Ice creams, watermelons, boat parties, bright colored clothing, some skin and whateverthissummerhastooffer!

XoXo.

(Credit:blurbit.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/)

Happy Valentines

                                                                      
Whatever way you choose to express, I hope you remember that love should be expressed all year around and not just on valentine's day.

I'm choosing to share some of my favorite love quotes today.

 *Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. (Franklin P. Jones)
*At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet. (Plato)
*Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. (Robert Frost)
*If you have it [Love], you don't need to have anything else, and if you don't have it, it doesn't matter much what else you have. (Sir James M. Barrie)
*Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. (Henry Louis Mencken)
*Love is a friendship set to music. (E. Joseph Cossman)
*True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked. (Erich Segal)
*Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination.
*They do not love that do not show their love. The course of true love never did run smooth.
*Like the measles, love is most dangerous when it comes late in life. (Lord Byron)

And my favorite of them all: I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.(Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

Live, Laugh, Love, Learn!

Glam 25th.

I was looking through my archives and stumbled on this.  My client wanted a weekend long birthday celebration for her  and the out-of-town guests.

From Glam 25th

Enjoy~

Will's Wisdom

I watched a video yesterday on Youtube, from a link a friend posted on Facebook. I found it inspiring and found myself going back to listen over again. It's a fact of life we all know, but might need to hear more often.



There's absolutely NOTHING I can't do... "You don't set out to build a wall. You lay a brick as perfectly as it can be laid, and soon you have a wall"

What Inspires you? What Keeps you going?

Stay warm.

XoXo.

Do you Facebook?

For me, Facebook started off as a way to stay in touch with friends. Gradually I made new friends(YEs Facebook friends!) and reconnected with old friends. It's no news how easy it is to build a network on facebook.

Relationships have been formed, and some broken (through facebook)...

I just recently realised the power of advertising ;) You start a group, invite your friends to join and they in turn invite their friends and so on. If you are not a fan already, here's a link to Alexis Mag-Admot's facebook page.

How have you used your facebook?

YES WE LAUNCHED!

I've been working on a website for like EVER.

And thanks to a friend who pulled a few strings, I got it done sooner that I could ever imagine ;)

If you haven't already stopped by, Click on THIS link ;)  http://www.alexismagadmot.com/

I look forward to many more beginings this year!

Come back for picture updates on the last event this past weekend.

Stay Warm.

XoXo.