Heavenly Gowns Bridal Show

This past weekend I attended the Heavenly Gowns Bridal show in Saint John. As usual Sheri (owner of Heavenly Gowns) put on a lovely show and I have to admit that she even stepped up her game on the layout of the show and it was even more attractively positioned than last year when I attended.

Bridal shows are a great time for vendors as they draw in your exact target market - BRIDES! It is a great chance to meet new brides and talk with them about what you offer. However, it's not all about the brides (sorry!) it is also a great networking opportunity for the vendors themselves where we can meet new and catch up with old friends. I had the pleasure of doing both this year.
I was glad that the Hilton had a booth this year and they even teamed up with a decorator so needless to say their booth looked amazing!
again I'm not a photographer nor do i pretend to be...well maybe on girl or family weekends!

SO, check out the glowing orb in the back of this booth (next to the chocolate fountain - did I mention that the entire show smelled of chocolate!) This 'orb' for lack of a better term is beautiful! And they are for RENT!!! Simply contact Wendi at Spurs in Brunswick Square. Also, I should mention in this booth way up (which you can't see in this photo) are chandeliers - six of them - which they hung that morning.
The Hilton now has these lovely cocktail tables and barstools. They even have the white scuba chair covers and I've been told they are even looking at getting their own sashes (white). Hmmm...almost sounds like they are full service hotel - lol!

I also met Danielle from Danielle's Desserts and she rents her cakes (photo below)- that's right for all you brides who don't want a cake but want the look at the reception, you can RENT one. She even has cookies that can be used as favours (they are as large as my hand btw.)

My booth was sandwiched in between 2 vendors. On one side was "1st Choice Catering"(who also had 2 chocolate fountains!) - Russel and Michelle are very nice and he knows a lot about food. On the other side was my friend Sarah's Sweet Delights (shown above with Eric representing) whom I might add also brought her delicious chocolate truffles. (I KNOW! I ALMOST DIED WITH ALL THE CHOCOLATE SMELLS!)

I ran into one of my favorite floral designers Beth (she is uber sweet!) from Creative Designs By Beth. She can do large or small weddings and I've posted some of her orchid designs below, which she graciously showed me the secret to making the orchid shade - wonderful ingenuity!)
Beth also did the Stage decorating at the show

Oh, yeah, photos of my booth - I nearly forgot!

below are some photos at my attempt of a landscape centrepiece - one of the emerging trends for 2010. Granted this is more of a DIY version since it doesn't use the manzanita branch that typically would be present.

Well one show down and 2 more to go. Stop by and say hi!

Wedding Trends for 2010

With the start of a new year and decade, CSJEvents has decided to produce a newsletter. The first issue went out a few days ago. In this issue I listed, in bullet form, top trends I see coming for 2010 in weddings. I've received a few emails asking me about these so I'd like to take this time to clarify "why"......

W-Trends for 2010
1. Continuance of blues (every shade) along with grays as dominate colours - monochromatic schemes are on the rise.

why: Blues are serene, depicts water, relaxing. Gray is the new neutral with a sophisticated edge.

This photo is an 'inspiration board' from "Here Comes the Blog - Wedding Ideas for Brides"

2. Breaking of all the 'traditional' rules

why: Simply because the girl getting married today is not the same girl getting married 20 years ago. We don't do things simply because they've 'always been done' and when we do, they typically have an individual flare to them. No one would have dreamed of having black dresses in their wedding party 10 years ago or walking down the asile in a pink wedding gown.

Vera Wang 2010 - Dovima, long asymetric pale pink organza dress with bows on shoulder and waist

3. Outrageous colour combinations; a dominate colour with a surprising accent
why: With monochromatic colour themes it is very easy to add that visual interest with a surprising accent (feathers, crystals, trees, etc.). Paint companies have named their "hot" colours for the year and generally (whether subconscious or not) they tend to show up in weddings. This year you will see - oranges, turquious and bright yellow as well as combinations of these. Very tropical.

4. Monograms; simple to elaborate and on everything

why: Brides and Grooms want to touch every aspect of their day. This is their stamp. expect it to be on everything from the invitations to the walls & dance floor.

5. Focus on more personal & detailed touches
why: Couples are more thoughtful on making guests feel welcomed and want to ensure they enjoy their time. This will be seen in the form of welcome baskets, weekend affairs and take home favours. Focus will be on the DIY more than ever but expect the budget to be increased.

6. Groom style: grooms will be more involved and will add their special touch in forms from converse sneakers to fedoras, etc.

why: The groom of today wants to be involved. No longer are they on the sidelines letting the bride take charge. They want the wedding to be equally theirs and to see their own personality shine through.

So I simply had to post these photos from my cousin's wedding this past November. This is completely their individual style.

7. Smaller guest counts lending to more elaborate "parties" at unique venues.

why:With a smaller guest count you open up options of other venues for your reception other than the traditional hall or hotel ballroom. You can look at galleries, back yards, clubs and even museums.

8. Mini-destination weddings: staying home but yet opting for another city.

why: With the economy the way it is, those with money are choosing to spend it inconspictiously so an extravent affair scheduled to be away is now scaled back to a more local destination which will still have the same feel and features. The destination wedding will ever popular remain but guests will get out of town by car (within driving distance) so couples can create a weekend affair, guests get an escape an no one breaks the bank.
example: I have a current client who lives in Fredericton and we are planning her wedding in St. Andrews. FUN!

9. Landscape centerpieces

why: First it started as monochromatic and then developed into multiple clusters of different flowers. With the focus now more than ever on green practices and getting the 'largest bang for your buck' landscapes are emerging. They last longer and are a real focal point. You can use fewer of them as they are typically larger - 1 on every other table.

Expect the price point on these to be higher. The impact is undeniable!

10. Shorter wedding dresses
why: Shorter dresses lend themselves to more feminine details.Shoes are getting bolder and we have a variety to choose from. Pairing a super short dress with some ankel tied sandles shows off your individual flair. Think flirty 30's.

Passionate and dedicated

A few weeks back I was asked by Laverne Stewart to come into the Daily Gleaner to be interviewed for a piece she was working on. Of course I went.
I was a bit nervous as I new the piece was going to be of a more personal nature and I'm always leery with telling people everything about me. What if I forgot something? No one really knows how individuals can perceive you and well 'print' can be immortalized. I spent maybe over an hour there talking to Laverne that day, I cried, I laughed and I remembered. She was a pure delight. At the end of our time, she asked me for individuals with whom she could speak with. (???) Ok, so of course my husband (I've always wondered what he really thought about everything), a new and old friend (Jan & Samantha - I knew where they could be reached without hesitation). I'm sorry to say that she didn't have a chance to speak to my sister but over all I was quite pleased with the article. (Who am I kidding? - It was perfect!)
So today, one of the worst snow storms may be hitting us now and I ventured out to get the paper (of course after posting it multiple times on various social media outlets). I bought 5....lol
I was standing in line with them and noticed that I was actually looking at myself - ON THE FRONT PAGE! Here I was at the top of the front page in the banner - playing my guitar no less! Now I should state that I am only learning to play. The photo shocked me as it had been taken earlier in the summer when I was interviewed for Last Summer Parties which was printed around Labour Day. This is the original photo....


I personally liked that they clipped me out from my ugly purple chair....Someday it will get recovered...someday.....

One of the best things that has happened (so far today) from this article was that I received an email from an old employer who had just read the article (not sure how he got the email - google?). I almost fell over I was so shocked. I was surprised but really glad that he took the time to reach out.

I'm trying to determine what I'll send Mrs. Stewart on Monday for such an amazing article.... I know what I'm sending my sister - an autographed version of the paper! lol

New Year's Resolutions

History: The Romans were the first to use January 1st as the beginning of the year in 153BC. Prior to that March 25th or the vernal equinox was celebrated as the New Year’s Day. This went against tradition as each “new year” was celebrated around an agricultural event – a harvest or the ripening of corn, the blooming of the orange trees, etc. Blah, blah, blah – anyone who knows me knows that I’m not into history.

Symbolically the New Year signifies the ‘renewal of life’ and with this comes the never ending “resolutions”, the cleaning of the slate or the promise of a better life. However, resolutions have acquired a bad reputation – how could they not, the majority of resolutions made fail. I too, have announced New Year’s Resolutions that went undoubtedly into the bin of forgotten proclamations.

Over the last few years I have been more thoughtful in my resolutions. In 2006, I was going to be more organized (could that even be possible? lol). Well, one needs to start out with a ‘resolution’ that can be attainable! With the approach of 2007, I proclaimed I wanted a larger family and in October our first son was born. For 2008, I announced that I would enjoy life more and do something I loved (CSJEvents). For 2009, I resolved to become debt free. I got a part-time job along with keeping my full-time job and the entrepreneurial endeavors I also had (I know, I’m a bit crazy – read more about me in this Saturday’s issue of ‘Balance’ in The Daily Gleaner). Success is emanate - I have only but 2 outstanding debts which are reasonable and manageable.

A search of the internet on the top New Year’s resolutions left me with:
1. Spend more time with family and friends
2. Fit in fitness
3. Quit smoking
4. Get out of debt
5. Get organized

If none of these resolutions grab your interest or are the same ones you’ve already tried in years past, why not try something new and individual like:
1. Conquer a fear
2. Step outside of your comfort zone – professionally and personally
3. Learn something new and/or practical
for women – learn to change a tire or the headlight in your car
for men – build a shelf, develop or re-visit a hobby

No matter what your New Year’s Resolution is following these 6 easy tips can help ensure this year doesn’t get wasted:
1. Avoid previous resolutions
2. Set a specific goal and time period
3. Determine how you will measure your success & track progress
4. Share your plan with someone else for encouragement, support and challenge
5. Reward yourself
6. Re-evaluate – continue or develop a new plan

My New Year’s Resolution for 2010 – Simplify.

I’ll keep you posted on how that goes – Happy New Year!