Eventfully Yours

We're One of the Bestest!

I know, I know, "bestest" is not a real word, but I couldn't resist.  Remember not too long ago, I let it slip that I had some exciting news that I would share soon?!  Well, the time has finally come and I am pleased to announce that Signature Soirees has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 Pick in the category of wedding planners in Cleveland, Ohio.

I am so honored and want to thank everyone who voted for us.  Tell all your friends, especially the engaged ones, to call us at 877-497-6383 to schedule a complimentary consultation and find out why we're one of The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 picks.

Real Wedding - Ebony and Jason Part 2

More from Ebony and Jason's November 7th wedding reception....

Top view of the bride's bouquet created by Signature Soirees.  Bouquet featured Coolwater roses, mini calla lilies and hypericum berries.

 

Groom's boutonniere of a mini calla lily with hypericum berries.

Although the signs says "Just For Kids," we had to keep the adults away from the candy buffet.  By the end of the night all the buckets were gone and so was the candy!  Thanks to Leigh C. for setting this up so perfectly!

In keeping with the kissing dove theme of the wedding, this ice sculpture from Elegant Ice fit the bill!

 

Beautiful card box created by Signature Soirees staff member, Carolyn W.  Signature Soirees has got talented and creative people on staff!!

 

I just wanted to show more of the little details including the table numbers incorporating the kissing doves and the centerpieces which were all created by Signature Soirees.

Thank you goes out to DJ Steph Floss for keeping the happy couple and guests on their feet all night!  Hugs out to my right hand, Jessyn B. and our awesome staff that night.  It was a lot of work but we pulled it off!

 

Real Wedding - Ebony and Jason Part 1

I had the great pleasure of working with Ebony and Jason on their Chocolate Brown and Tiffany Blue wedding reception on November 7, 2009.  I was so excited about the beautiful decor plans for this event that I even ditched my trusty iPhone camera and brought out my real digital camera!

 

The Slovenian National Home in Cleveland, Ohio provided a unique setting for the luxurious linens provided by my friends at L'Nique.

 

I used the Champagne Petite Petals from Flyboy Naturals to "sweeten" up the sweetheart table.

 

A close up view!

 

The beautiful cake by Flour Girl.  Kudos to Bridget for making such a wonderful cake with a 2 week old baby at home!  You rock!

Tune in later this week to see more!

Real Wedding - Veronica and Russell

Veronica came to me through one of my closest friends and I was thrilled to help her plan her wedding.  Fast forward to August 8, 2009, and all of our planning paid off.  She chose the beautiful Good Shepherd Baptist Church as her ceremony venue.

This is the ceremony set up featuring beautiful floral arrangements by Diamond's Flowers.  Check out all the other incredible arrangements that they created, from boutonnieres to corsages and bouquets.

 

 

 

Again, a beautiful job done by Diamond's Flowers!  Now onto the reception.  We continued the party at LaMalfa Event Center in Mentor.  A special thanks to Mr. LaMalfa, Jessica, Richard and the rest of the staff for such great service.  DJ Lo-Key kept the crowd on their feet all night and did a great job of being flexible when several small changes arose.  Kudos to the photographer, Anna Corprew for being so great to work with!

Check out that fabulous centerpiece, designed by the newest member of the Signature Soirees team, Carolyn.

Photos are all courtesy of me and my trusty iPhone!  More from this wedding to follow next week!

Real Wedding - Georjette and Charles

I am so behind on my posting that Georjette and Charles have now enjoyed 2 weeks of wedded bliss!  Congratulations to this great couple. 

Georjette was bought to me by her fabulous aunt, Yolonda.  She wanted to be sure that Georjette had a beautiful wedding for 50 guests.  Doable.  But wait, there was a catch!  She wanted to do it in 1 month!  I love a challenge, so I jumped right in.  The team of Signature Soirees handled invitations, decor and some of the florals. 

The bride wanted to use silk florals, so here is a photo of one of the bouquets that I created.

The ceremony and reception were held at the lovely Massimo Da Milano on Cleveland's West side.  Big thanks to Lisa, Tony and the rest of the staff!  Also, thanks to one of my favorite local DJ's, DJ Rick Ruckkus for coming through on such short notice.  We have too much fun when we work together.

These dynamic photos were all taken with my trusty iPhone!

Kiana & George - Real Wedding Sneak Peek

I spent the last week getting all the final details in place for Kiana and George's wedding.  I just wanted to show a few photos, before I get the real deal photos from the photographer of the day Mr. Ron Page of Ron Page Photography.  Ron and his team got pictures of every moment of this wonderful wedding and I can't wait to see the final results!

I also got an opportunity to work with other wonderful local vendors.  I have to give kudos to the food and beverage staff of the Sheraton of Independence.  They definitely went above and beyond on this wedding, even when a few issues threatened to throw a monkey wrench into the plan.  Tim, Karen and Sara, you guys rock!  Tracy of The Petal Parlor provided the beautiful corsages, boutonnieres, and bouquets.  DJ Ricky Ruckkus kept the guests dancing into the night after eating the delicious cake by Baraona's bakery.

Enjoy this little sneak peek, courtesy of my iPhone!

Friday Find! - Part 2

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

I love the work done by Fete New York!  I really missed seeing Jung Lee and her team on Whose Wedding is it Anyway, so I am so excited that starting tonight on TLC at 10:00pm EST, she will have her own show, Wedded to Perfection.  Set that TiVo or just tune in! The above video is from the Today Show where Jung and her husband share some great money saving tips for decor.

FYI: I have not been paid for this endorsement, I just really love her work!

Celebrity Wedding Style You Can Steal

associated press

By now, everyone has seen the one beautiful photo of Salma Hayek and her husband, Francois-Henry Pinault.  I always like to look at celebrity wedding photos and see how I can assist my clients with recreating the look or coming as close as possible without the big budget.

The first thing that stands out in the photo are the large glass cylinders with the submerged flowers.  You can recreate that look easy, but beware that the larger the glass cylinder, the more expensive they become.  You can have smaller ones as centerpieces on your tables, the place card table, you name it. 

The other element that struck a cord with me was the mirror on the side of the groom.  Using mirrors along the walls of your reception or ceremony venue will create the illusion of more space, especially if your space is small.  It is also adds to your lighting.  Please note that I'm talking about the floor length  mirrors with the ornate frames.  Be sure that the mirror you use matches your decor.  If you are having a more casual affair, then mirrors may not be for you.  The use of mirrors will add an elegant simple touch to your affair.

 

Stop Dissing the Carnation!

I know, I know the title was a bit much, but I wanted to grab your attention.  Let's face it!  When you think of wedding flowers, the last one you think of if you think of it at all.  But, don't count it out.  The carnation can be just as sophisticated as the calla lilly or elegant as a rose.

Granted, a lone carnation is not saying or doing much, but a gang of carnations... Now, that is saying something.  Take a look at the following creation by Eddie Ross, simply using carnations, an Oasis floral foam sphere and a candlestick.

 

How awesome will that be in the middle of a place card table!  Check out the rest of Eddie's post about carnations, Beauty In Numbers and see what other magic he worked.

Carnations come in a wide variety of colors and also take well to floral paints.  The price of the carnation is also quite economical compared to some others.  Taking all that into account, during your next meeting with your florist toss out the notion of using some carnations in the floral design.  Depending on your florist, after their initial shock, show them Eddie's post and go from there!

Incorporating Step-Parents into Your Wedding

Weddings are a time to be happy.  A time to celebrate love and family.  This is true for most people.  Sometimes, things can get difficult and couples can find themselves in the middle of a nightmare.  Blended families pose a tricky situation, especially if everyone is not on good terms.  Here are some suggestions for including step-parents, even if the relationship is not all warm and fuzzy.

1.  Say it with words:  Add a special acknowledgment in the ceremony program with their name.  This gives them recognition at the wedding and something your step-parent can cherish for a long time.  If the relationship is less than stellar, there is no need to go overboard.  A simple, "Thanks for being a part of my life..."

2.  Put them on the floral list:  Make sure your step-parents have the appropriate floral hardware, a boutonniere or corsage.

3.  Allow them to greet guests:  At the reception, let them work the room, thanking guests for coming.

4.  Allow them to light the unity tapers:  If you are having a unity candle ceremony (or sand or rose ceremonies) as part of your wedding, have one of your step-parents do the honor of lighting a candle (or pouring sand, etc.).

If you found a way to incorporate your step-parents into your ceremony, please share how you did it, by commenting!