A Decade in Review

As the hours dwindle in the first decade of this millennium I have been collecting my best memories and accomplishments from the 2000’s. Here goes and here’s to topping this list in the 2010’s!

graduated college. backpacked through europe. witnessed fsu win a national championship. moved to atlanta. became an event planner. successfully lived with my brother.got my dream job. became an american. attended thirty weddings..as a guest. fell in love with weddings. started my own business. planned my first wedding. bought a home. became one of the youngest CSEP's ever. caught a marlin. visited russia. made the best friends. went salmon fishing in alaska. won two allie awards. went to the kentucky derby. started this blog. served on the board of ISES. planned an airshow. laughed till it hurt. never looked back.

Here is to all the things I hope to accomplish in the next ten years and never looking back! I wish the same for each of you.

Happy New Year!

Cheers!

Lindsay

Holiday Greetings from Toast

Let's TOAST to the holiday season!

Here's to a magical holiday and a prosperous New Year!

Cheers!

TOAST is on TV!

I've had so much fun filming segments for the brand new season of Get Married. If you haven't seen this show, be sure to tune in to the new season airing this January on WEtv. The new season features real brides and great challenges! Look for me as I face off with another planner to present a real bride with her sweetheart table design. The new season starts on Saturday January 2 at 9:30 a.m. on WE! Click HERE to see the sneak peek!

Once in A Blue Moon New Year's

Did you know that a blue moon is defined as the second full moon in a calendar month? It happens once every two years, hence the expression "once in a blue moon." There will be a blue moon this New Year's Eve!! This rare combination of events takes place about once every 20 years.

I think that is cause for extra celebration! Why don't you host a Blue Moon New Year's Eve!

We are hosting one! All decor, favors and balloon drop will be in shades of blue and silver. Guests will sip Blue Moon Beer and a signature BlueMoontini! The DJ will play special "Blue" Songs throughout the evening such as "Blue Suede Shoes, Blue Moon and Blue Skies". At midnight we will serve Moon Pies and invite guests outside to ring in the New Year with fireworks and a view of the Blue Moon!

Wishing you successful New Year's Eve party plans!

Holiday Decorating Ideas

Taking a page from my mom's Holiday table. I love that she used a mirror as the base of her centerpiece, what a great idea to add some holiday sparkle! She also used an antique ice bucket and filled it with leftover ornaments. Easy ways to jazz up your entertaining space!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Card Exchange

It is not even Thanksgiving and I have been feverishly working on my Christmas Cards both personally and professionally. I have an obsession with being one of the first cards people receive. I came across this fabulous idea from Brooklyn Bride and just had to share! I don't even know when I will find time to send out my 75+ greetings, so hand making even 5 is not going to happen, but I thought I'd share this fun idea in the event that you are up for the challenge!

Happy Holidays!

Double Trouble!

I've found the shoes that will take you from the first holiday cocktail party all the way through New Year's!

Hello, lover! Let me introduce you to Badgley Mischka's Platinum Humbie Pump

The shoe has reversible sequins, transforming your blue shoes to silver or your black shoes to silver with just a flip. The shoes retail for $200 (which if you think about it is really $100 a pair) and are available now on endless.com

You don't know what you've got 'till its gone...

This post has nothing to do with weddings, trends, or parties. Its an excerpt from an email from my brother Mike who is currently serving on a medical mission in Tanzania. The message in his story really hit me. As Southerners we think that what we offer is "hospitality", it sure pales in comparison to the Tanzanian way.

"Glasses"

I’ve been in Africa for over two weeks now and am starting to pick up nuances into the culture and people that are quite telling. I’ve learned that the average income for a family of four in Mwaanza is $100 US dollars per month. The cost of goods here is cheaper, but not significantly enough to offset how little money this is. Meat for dinner is a rarity and the majority of the home meals consist of a mashed corn dish similar to maize paired with a sautéed sweet potato.Most people work six to seven days per week. Our housekeepers who clean, do laundry and cook our lunch and dinner work all seven days taking only Saturday afternoon off. Despite this schedule, they sing all day long and never stop smiling. As I’m writing this now, Marina, out housekeeper is sweeping and singing a beautiful melody that is competing with the chirping birds outside – very Snow White. Very Tanzanian.The cab drivers give you their cell phones so you can text them to pick you up no matter what time of day or night. I’ve been using a man named Emmanuel who responds to each ride request with a cheerful text that says, “Be right there doc.” When he drops us of somewhere, such as the market or a restaurant, he arranges a time to pick us up and insists that we don’t pay for the first leg until he brings us home safely later. Our tailor Moosa won’t accept payment until the clothes fit just right. He happily walks the two miles back home to make the alterations and arranges a time at our convenience to bring them back. No questions. No attitude. When we asked Moses if we could pay for a cooking lesson, he said he and his wife would be honored to cook for us, and refused any discussion of a possible payment. When Namrata’s luggage got taken by mistake, the man at the airport office in the Dar Es Salaam airport, let us into his office, offered us tea, allowed us to use his phone to call long distance, gave Namrata a fifty dollar shopping card, arranged for transport to a clothing shop, called the Bugando medical center housing to let them know we’d be late in Swahili, and arranged for his friend to pick us up at the airport. He then asked if we liked Obama and if we thought the healthcare plan would go through. Can you imagine this kind of service back home? It’s almost un-American. Apparently it’s very Tanzanian.The word for thank you in Swahili is Asante. When you say it to someone here, they respond Asante Kuchiku which literally means “thank you for saying thank you.” This is like sending someone a thank you card for their thank you card. Unnecessarily polite. Very Tanzanian.So much of what is difficult to adjust to here revolves around its inconvenience to me: power outages leading to cold showers, no internet, phone service interruptions, hot days, lab tests that take days at the hospital. The Tazanians don’t see it that way. They are grateful for the days there are warm showers and thankful for the occasional access to slow internet that allows them to keep in touch with their families. They don’t resent a hot day – in fact, the hottest day makes it all the easier to appreciate a cool breeze. They are proud of their hospital being the most modern around, and while they acknowledge that they need to continue moving forward, they are pleased to be able to work with what they have. I am certain, that despite the fact the Tanzanians have so much less, they are happier then we are on average back home. They don’t complain about what they don’t have; they praise God for what they’ve been given. The streets are filled with song and dance at night. The kids laugh and play games running home from school. Men and women hold hands in the street. I think it’s time for a paradigm shift back home don’t you?We have all come to realize how true the cliché “you don’t know what it’s got until it’s gone” means here. It’s a daily, almost tangible, feeling. But at first this feeling was about voids created by the luxuries we left behind. But I’ve learned that standards can change. On our three days on Safari we would have given anything for a cold shower, something we’d been complaining about just days before. Luxury was redefined by circumstance. Now I’m starting to realize as well that not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone is just as applicable to bad things. I didn’t realize how stressed I was back home until I noticed it wasn’t there anymore here. Didn’t notice how short tempered I could be until all things became relative here and I felt my fuse lengthen. I had a friend who told me she never knew she had poor vision until the first day she wore glasses. She recalls noticing for the first time that the tops of trees were pointed and said she remembers feeling robbed by her first seven years of poor vision. I may have arrived here a foreigner, probably the easiest to identify muzungu in the town, but one thing is for certain. I plan to leave with a touch of Tanzanian. This experience has been my glasses.

Match Point

As my clients and stationery vendors know, I am slightly fixated on all colors being a close or exact match throughout all wedding related items. I’m a huge fan of the Pantone Matching System and often bring the color swatches to design meetings to clients can pick the EXACT shade they want throughout their printing materials and other elements.

I was over the moon when The Dessy Group launched The Pantone Wedding Collection. The colors of the dresses correspond to the Pantone system so even the hue of your girls frock will match the ink on the programs precisely. Furthermore, you can create inspiration boards using their dresses and order Pantone swatches to give your vendors so everyone is on the same page!

It’s a wonderful tool to help you pair colors and play around before deciding on the official hues for your big day.

Thank you Dessy Group for this innovative idea!

The Great Pumpkins

As I sit here watching Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin , I thought I'd share the pumpkins I have created the last few years. Happy Halloween!

Atlanta Brides Casting Call

Want to be on Get Married TV? Check out this casting call ASAP!


http://www.getmarried.com/eblast/casting-atl/index.html

Whitney + Winn

9.19.09
My dear friend Whitney was married September 19 in the quaint town of Bristol, Virginia. Having been there from the moment the couple met, and through their courtship, this was a very special wedding for me to attend. It was so fun helping Whitney through the planning process and lining things up for them on-site. Not a detail was left behind and even the weather held out for this picturesque mountain wedding weekend. Here are some photos from the bride’s personal collection so you can see for yourself how gorgeous everything turned out. Congratulations to the Everharts xoxo!

I am just loving the Style Cirle over on Style Me Pretty's website. This morning I have been working on a board for a potential client using the fun combination of Tiffany Blue and Red.

Credits: Mark Brooke, Lisa Lefkowitz, Meg Perotti

All Hung Up!

As a wedding planner it is my job to notice every tiny detail to make things perfect. My latest obsession and hang-up (literally), are the hangers that bridal gowns come on. Nearly every bride wants the "dress shot"; you know the one were the gown hangs from the door, or an armoire just before she puts it on. These shots are beautiful, and gives everyone a chance to see all the details of the gown in all of her glory and there it sits on some cheap-o plastic hanger. You may think I am a bit Joan Crawford-esque by obsessing over this detail, but that’s why I do what I do!

I’ve found some great alternatives on Esty.com that would make a great keepsake for any bride. Check out HollySews shop and KimGrantInk for great ideas! Not only will the photos look great and memorable, but the gown can rest on this pretty hanger forever.
Cheers!

Happy 1st Anniversary to the Rawlings

Happy Anniversary Reed + Jessica! Image: Tina Rowden

"I Do" or "I Will"

At a wedding rehearsal last weekend the pastor asked the couple to say "I Will" rather than the more common vow agreement "I Do". We asked him why and his answer was simple and perfect, "I do represents the present tense, I Will represents the future". I loved that.

Persimmon Creek Vineyards

Just two short hours north of Atlanta in the town of Clayton lies the home of Persimmon Creek Vineyards. This private winery is nestled in the foothills of the mountains and offers beautiful vistas of the vineyards and mountains. The Vineyard is open by appointment only but is available to host intimate lunches and vineyard tours for groups. Recently I hosted a lunch to honor an engaged friend. We dined al fresco and enjoyed a lovely 3-course lunch paired with the fresh harvest wines made at Persimmon Creek.
For more information or to book your visit please contact Maryann Hardmann at Persimmon Creek : Persimmoncreekwines.com

To Dye For

Remember the days you would get your shoes dyed for prom and there were only three of four selections at your local Bakers store? Well as the saying goes "We've come a long way baby!"

Dyeables are back and not just for prom or weddings! One of my clients bought the most gorgeous pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes for her wedding day (below) and is planning on dying them a fun hot color to spice up a black dress after the wedding!

I loved that idea so I hit up My Glass Slipper and perused some of their adorable collections from Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman and Bagdley Mischka. I love them all!

Shoe images via myglasslipper.com

Kick-off time!

Fall is such a popular time for weddings, and here in the South fall also means Football. You can't go anywhere on a Saturday without talking about the pigskin! So as my favorite season is mere days away I present you with what I think is the best of both worlds: An FSU Inspired wedding! Enjoy this board created by the girls at Bliss Event Group and Go 'Noles!

Arnold Palmer Station

Lately my travels have brought me to a lot of different events, hosted by different people all over the Southeast. What I love about going to such events is all the great and different ideas the hostesses have that I can come away with and share with all of you!

At a shower last weekend in Louisiana the girls created this simply charming Arnold Palmer station. If you aren't familiar with the drink it was created by the legendary golfer and its half lemonade and half iced tea.

They took the drink one step further by freezing lemon sorbet in a large bowl with sliced lemons. At the station guests filled their glasses with the concoction of tea and lemonade, added a spring of fresh mint (straight from their garden) and a scoop of lemon sorbet.

Such a great treat, especially for an afternoon shower in the late summer. It was simple and classy and just plain delicious! I'd love to create a twist on the Mint Julep with a station like this!

35 yrs and counting!

Happy Happy Anniversary to my fabulous parents who celebrate 35 years today. I am so proud of my parents and so thankful for their wonderful relationship. I hope all the weddings I plan can experience a lifetime of joy like Bob and Judy!

Getting Inspired at Style Circle

The fabulous gals at Style me Pretty have just launched Style Circle an interactive networking site for brides and wedding lovers to get creative and share ideas. The coolest tool is the Inspiration Board builder, though I wish there were more images and items were sorted by color, its a great way to start collecting inspiration for your event or party. I played around with it below. I have a client planning a June wedding that will be tented on the Tennis court at her parent's home. She dreams of bringing the beach to Atlanta with white, turquoise and splashes of hot pink. Check it out and get creating!

Summerour in the City

Atlanta’s most renowned venue company, Novare Events is about to unveil their newest gem right in the heart of Atlanta. Summerour Studio is a Tuscan-style villa with 10,000 square feet of space suitable for up to 900 guests. Located just outside Atlantic Station, Summerour is convenient to all points of the city and boasts a magnificent view from the Atlanta skyline. For more information contact Monica at Novare Events .

Late Summer Lovin'

My favorite part of late summer in Atlanta is the vibrant blooming Crape Myrtle trees you see everywhere. They grace even the sides of the highway and make the commute on 285 seem bearable. I cam across this image of a wedding shot by Regetis and adored how the couple played upon the blooming Crape Myrtles to incorporate their wedding colors and use nature's beauty as part of their wedding decor. Now that's is going green!

Image source: http://www.regetis.com/

My Sole Sister

So by now it is no secret that I love customizable things. I love being able to create exactly what I want! Combine my love for custom creations with my obsession for shoes and intro Morgan Miller Shoes!
This Sassy website (and boutique for those who reside in South Beach) allows you to create your very own design of shoe from the base to the buckle! Wish I would have though of this!

Its a perfect treat for a girls night out, bridal party day or just when you need THE perfect pair to go with something. If you go in the store they craft them while you wait! Orders online can ship in 48 hours.

Check out the Queen of Sole for yourself! Morgan Miller Shoes

Centerpiece Favors

I attended a wedding shower for a dear friend on Saturday and the hostess had a clever idea that Incorporated the table decor and favor. A cluster of small potted plants (I believe these are either white violets or periwinkle) served as a runner down the center of each estate table. The pot was tied with an organza bow and a pick in each plant had a photo of the couple adorning each side. At the end of the shower each guest got to take a plant home. It was adorable, affordable and a huge hit with all of the guests!

Happy Anniversary

Wishing Kari Beth and Josh Gentry a Happy One Year Anniversary! I can't believe its been one year since their magical wedding. Wishing them many more years of happiness!

Image: Laura Negri Photography

Gift Wrap Goes Green

I love wrapping gifts in pretty paper and packaging but this new item blew me away!

Enter Little Kay Gardens who has cleverly created gift wrap that can be planted to sprout wild flowers! As if the gift weren't enough, you can enjoy a season of flowers in your garden! Wonderful idea and such a great way to keep with the Green Scene!

Another Recap

Click on over to the Bridal Bar Atlanta Blog for some more great photos and re-cap of the event. You can see all the vendors that were featured too! Here is a cute shot of Caroline my fabulous assistant and I on the Love Seat from David Murray Weddings.

Bridal Bar Grand Opening

It was the wedding fete of the year as the Bridal Bar Atlanta announced its southern debut in front of 900 guests! That's right, nearly one thousand brides and wedding professionals turned out to tour the studio and sample specialties of the preferred vendors. It was an amazing feat to pull off and I couldn't begin to thank everyone who made it happen. Big props to LeeBrant Jewelry store for hosting us in their magnificent space. I'll be posting photos as they surface from the amazing Bridal Bar photographers that were on hand. Below is a shot of Shannon (Classic Party Rentals ROCK STAR!!!) and I hamming it up in the super-fun Smilebooth from Our Labor of Love Photography.

Gowns from Around

On my recent trip to Europe I came across several store-fronts showcasing bridal gowns. Some of these images were shot from a bus so they aren't the best but I thought it was interesting to share the designs of bridal gowns from other continents, don't look much different do they?