Bachlorette Party vs. Weddng Shower

By now you know that I am anything but traditional. It it my belief that the party should fit the bride and her guests. With the economy being a little fickle today, some of my brides and their bridesmaids are having to make the tough decision...Wedding Shower or Bachlorette party? I say why NOT both? The Bridesmaids can be responsible for the bachlorette party and the More mature ladies..ie... mother of bride & groom and special aunts that have been dying to help with the wedding plans can host the more traditional Bridal shower. There you go... Problem solved !! The combined bachlorette/bridal parties have really become shall I say a little more risque' than in the past. I have witnessed some very embarrassing situations for the more mature guests while the younger ladies were having a blast! Here at DeVine Choices we do everything with class, taste and thoughts of every attendee.
Here are a few suggestions that we have used that have been big hits with our clients.

Bachlorette parties

Seductive Dance Party
An exciting party experience to remember for years to come. Your party will include sensual, seductive dance moves. Taught by Intimate Fitness certified, exotic dance instructor for 2 hours, customize your party today.

Or

Seductive Striptease Party
No Nudity!
Explore a sensual you for 1or 2.5 hours, with a seductive striptease party. Invite several of your girlfriends to enjoy in the fun. Learn to strip away layers of inhibitions.

Or

* Seductive Pole Dancing Tricks Party
Enjoy the excitement and fun of pole dancing. Use the pole as a prop to incorporate into your dance, and reconnect with the Goddess in you. This 2.5 hour party includes several pole tricks and sensual dance moves

http://www.sexydancinglessons.com/classes.htm

Or

*Passion parties..." The ultimate girls night in"

http://passionparties.com/index.html

* Most Popular

Themed Bridal Showers

The ideas and Themes are endless:

Around the clock Shower.. Here you have guest bring gifts that would be used at different times of the day.. ie... 8:00 a.m. A toaster... 6:00 Cookware... 10:00 Lingerie

Honeymoon Shower... Here you have the guest bring gifts that would be used during the honeymoon!

Brunch .... Here the guest would come for food and entertainment a little lite music via a nice Jazz Trio and by the way.....mimosa anyone?

Above are just a few suggestions that we have used with great success in the past.. I would love to hear from you what your thoughts are??

Come on... Let's share!

*Most popular

From

Family and Staff

May all of your wishes come true..

and remember..."It's a DeVine Choice!"

Pictures of our first baby!

As promised here are pictures of Baby DeVine Choices.. Our first!! We have one more on the way any day now!! Will post baby number two pictures when it arrives. ( not sure if boy or girl)

Please say Hello to Miss. Nadia Silvina Rosado born 12/05/08 at 11:03 7lbs 19inches
She is simply Beautiful!!!

Mr. & Mrs Bishop

As promised here are some of my favorite pictures from " A fairy tale wedding". It was great sharing ideas with this couple. They were open to the suggestions presented and it was a really a truly happy occassion. The main thing that the couple described during the consultation was that they wanted the wedding to be romatic and the reception to be a Party. Take a look at the pictures and let us know what you think.

Drink and be Merry!

It is holiday season and as a event planner I am asked often for different drink options. Being a non drinker I am always mindful that not everyone drinks alcohol during the events that I plan and I always suggest that the drinks are designed to be delicious both ways, alcohol or not! Check out some of the drinks that I have suggested that have been hits at weddings and events during the Christmas season.

The Cranberry Celebraton
3 oz.
cranberry juice
2 oz.
orange juice
1/8 oz.
lime cordial soda water
frozen cranberries
Optional
1½ oz
vodka

DirectionsIn a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 3 oz cranberry juice, 2 oz orange juice and 1/8 oz lime cordial. Shake sharply and strain into a collins glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and sprinkle with frozen cranberries.
For an individual cocktail, add 1½ oz. of vodka.

2-48 oz. (1.36 L) cans
pineapple juice
1-40 oz. (1.14 L) bottle
cranberry juice
2-750 mL bottles
soda water
1 litre
strawberry, raspberry or lime sherbet
Optional
1½ oz.
Vodka (for an individual cocktail)

DirectionsIn a punch bowl, mix juices. Pour in soda water. Top with scoops of sherbet.
Makes about 16 1-cup (250 mL) servings.
For an individual cocktail, add 1½ oz. of vodka.

Source: www.whattodrink.com

Baby DeVine Choices..Our First

Ilka Rosado and Tannie

I am so excited to announce that we have our first DeVine Choices baby. One of my favorite couples, well actually the excited daddy sent me a email several months ago to inform me that they were expecting. It was such great news to hear. While planning their wedding we really bonded as friends. This particular couple has become truly like family to me. We have shared meals together, I have spent the nights at family members home while we were doing research for their wedding and my daughter and I were invited to attend the Essence Music Festival concert together with them several years ago! We had a blast! Last week the groom had a surprise baby shower at our place of employment and I thought I would share some of their pictures with you guys. Once I get pictures of Miss Nadia who was actually born the very next day I will share them with you as well.

I introduce to you... Keisha Ervin of Keisha Kreations

Hello Everyone!

I know that I have blogged briefly about me moving into my new home for DeVine Choices.

I have also briefly mentioned and shared a sneak peek of my "other half" that I share the new office space with. I would like to take this time to officially introduce you to Keisha Ervin or "Boss Lady as my husband and I like to call her.

It has always been said that it is not easy for two ladies to come together and share a room together much less a business! Before I introduce you guys to Keisha let me share how we met...

Back story: I met Keisha at a open house for a Caterer here in Houston, Texas that she supplied flowers for while waiting on a Bride and groom seeking out caterers for their upcoming wedding. Being the early bird that I am, I was there almost an hour early. No one else was there of course but Keisha and the staff of the facility who was rushing around preparing for the event. I noticed she had such a pleasant smile in spite of working alone while gently placing her flowers on each table. OK..this is so not true,it sounds great but ... here is the real deal........ LOL What really happened was..... I saw this lady manhandling these poor flowers and I thought, Oh lord I better go over there and help those poor flowers out before this lady tear them all to pieces. I asked if she needed help with the flowers, she accepted, thank God, and the next thing I know she had me working for her until my couple showed up. At the end of the evening I made sure that I had one of her cards (just to check on the flowers and promised that I would call her for a consultation for my next couple. I did keep my word, I called her and here we are years later sharing office space. ( yes, She still man handled flowers, but I am working on her to be kinder and gentler but she tells me that you cant be scared to shape and mold them to her Kreations. I know this to be true because she makes awesome kreations!)

Keisha and I are truly inseparable. You see one, you always see the other. Bridal shows, Dinners, Luncheons, Shopping, and any networking opportunity. It has gotten so commonplace to see us together at events that most vendors will ask, Where's your other half? You guys really compliment one another, you really should consider combining businesses.

HMMMM..... Maybe someday.

We thought about it for years and I would always say if the opportunity presents itself we would make the move. I always felt that as a planner I needed to be centrally located. My office was located in the Reliant Area of Houston and Keisha's location was in Sugarland, Texas. We would always joke,It's like we have two locations. She would meet some of her clients at my office and I would meet some of my clients at her office depending on the travel distance for them. It actually got to the point that our clients would even joke, you guys should just move in together to make it easier for everyone. This way, we can meet the florist and wedding planner at the same time. HMM .. we thought not a bad idea.

Fast forward to September 2008: Ike hit Houston, my building is in a business complex of approx 8 other office buildings. My building was the only building destroyed out of the eight other buildings and Keisha says to me, trying to look sad, but really trying to hide her smile " Ok, Tannie, Whats your excuse now, you have no choice but to make the move. You have no 0ffice space!"

I made the move about a few weeks after our conversation which was several months ago and I must admit I honestly love it!!! We truly compliment one another very well. She is the florist, very creative and business minded. I am the wedding planner, very focus and detailed oriented.

Keisha is a loving wife, mother of two beautiful daughters and a true friend. She is a Engineer by profession, a florist by trade and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc.

It is my pleasure to present,

Keisha's Kreations, Keisha Ervin

http://www.keishaskreations.com/

Please stop by and visit here at our studio location, 445 FM 1092 Suite 101 Stafford, Texas 77477

New and Exciting News ..DeVine Choices & Keisha's Kreations Now one location!

445 FM 1092, Suite 101

Stafford, Texas 77477

281.499.0585

After several years of designing and collaborating together Keisha's Kreations and DeVine Choices Wedding & Event Planning have combined locations to become Houston's most sought after Upscale Floral and Wedding & Event Studio. One location, two businesses under one roof. We had a blast with Tawana Cox, of ETC Photography. In our studio you can meet with your wedding planner as well as your florist and event designer. I blogged about our photo session earlier and promised to show you pictures so without any delay here are our pictures. As you can see Keisha and I had a blast. Here are a few of our favorites shots:

My Photo Session!

OK, I can finally say that I truly know what my Brides and couples go through when posing for their Bridals or wedding pictures. Several weeks ago I had the pleasure with my New Business associate as well as new staff ( I will come back and blog about this later) to have a photo session for our promotional shots. Our photographer was, ETC Owner and Lead Photographer, Tawana Cox. She was awesome!! She took the time to make sure everyone was relaxed as well as comfortable in front of the camera. Boy was it a big difference being in front of the camera instead of making sure my couples or brides are looking their best. I will NEVER again say "just relax." I now know that this is easier said than done. This was said to me at least 50 times during our photo shoot. We had a ball getting ready for the shoot. I had my makeup professionally applied by, Christie, and she did a great job if I do say so myself. I did the total makeover with the lashes and all! OK, again I will never say, Please try not to blink. This is a huge task for a non lash wearer like myself. I have such a greater appreciation for my brides and their bridal party and what they go through for the wedding portraits. I actually know a few of my brides that are going to enjoy this post as I am big on suggesting that they go all the way for their bridal portraits because now their planner took her own advice and went all the way for my promotional shots.

Group Photo

Please take a look for yourselves, I prouldy introduce the New staff of DeVine Choices Wedding & Event Planning.

Yours Truly, Tannie McGregor

Kianna Epps Pshana Atkins

Melanie Wright Smith Regina Pradia Kelley

So tell us, what do you think?? We would love to hear from you!

Photo credits, ETC Photography, http://www.tawanacox.com/

Hair today and Hair tomorrow

I was asked recently by a bride" Do I have to have a veil?" My answer was absolutely not!! She then asked... What else could I use for hair decor? Here are a few of the suggestions that I came up with. Stay tuned as I will post her pictures once she gets married next year. What about you? Have you stepped outside of the box for your wedding for your hair decor' . If so, share you pictures with us!!

Photo credits: http://luellasboudoir.myshopify.com/collections/types?q=Hair+Accessories

I am Thankful !

Let us give thanks for another year. We here at DeVine Choices would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

We have so much to be thankful for this year. It is rare that I share personal things about my life here on my blog but I would be remiss if I did not share at least one of the things that I am most thankful about this year.

Last year this time my family was sitting in a hospital room at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center with my 48 year old brother that was recovering from Prostate Cancer Surgery. To date he is still cancer free. What a difference a year make!

This is one of the many things that my family has to be thankful for, Now it's your turn to share!

I will be off for the rest of the week. I am on my way to New Orleans Louisiana to Support those Grambling Tigers as they put those Southern Jaguars in their cage!

Go Tigers!!

Let's do the Twitter!

I was invited by one of my fellow Planners to join the Twitter Group! Of course being the old school Tannie I asked, what in the word is a Twitter. Here is the proper definition of Twitter: "Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?" OK now my definition of Twitter is" A fun way to check in with your friends and see what they are up to min by min if you like! Here is my twitter address and I would love to hear from you! http://twitter.com/devinechoices Join the conversation! Happy Twittering! LOL

A Fairy tale Love Affair

This weekend I had the pleasure of coordinating a real fairy tale love story. It was a fairy tale themed wedding, glass slipper, dukes, duchesses, candles everywhere, the whole works. The only thing missing was a horse driven carriage. Instead they rode off happily ever after in a Mercedes Benz! Stay tuned for pictures. I was told by guests that it was very nice and as the story was narrated they sat on tiptoe anticipation waiting to see what was going to happen next! To be honest I have just as much fun planning it as they had see it unfold. DeVine Choices Wedding and Event Planning specializes in thematic weddings. If you are thinking about a Fairy tale wedding or some have called it Cinderella themed wedding here are some of the things we used!

For more themed items please stop by www.itsaweddingthing.com

WEDDING FAVORS

I have been asked recently by several brides "what type of favors should we prepare? " My question would be WHY do you want to pass out favors? During the years favors have evolved into things that the guest can use well after the wedding. I remember when I got married several years ago suitable favors were, matches and napkins with the couple name and wedding date printed on them. Today the norm would be candy/popcorn buffets, or nice trinkets to remind your guest of your special day. I have browsed cyber space and have come up with some neat favors to suggest! Take a look and tell me what your thoughts are? If you have a great idea please feel free to share! My favorite place to find great ideas is the website:http://www.weddingfavors.com/ ,please stop by and shop for your guest favors. Come back and share what you found!

Bookmarks, holiday ornaments and personalized water bottles

Personalized Candy Bars, Fans and candles with your special theme logo

Themed Coasters, Gourment Candy Apples and Assorted Popcorn Flavors

Photo and source Credits: Amys Gourmet Choloate Candy Caramel Apples, The Popcorn Fatory and
Wedding favors.com

THE FIRST FAMILY!

While I try to keep my political views to myself I can't help but share my excitement for our new first family of the United States of America. It is such a joy to see that a hard working middle class family with views that I share are able to represent me and our country in the highest possible positiion in our land. This is what being steadfast and unmovable will do for you. It gives me great pleaesure to introduce our first family of the United States,

The Obama's

Shoes ! Shoes and more Shoes!

I have three brides presently looking for wedding shoes. Please keep in mind that these shoes have to be special. But of course they are the shoes that they will be wearing on their wedding day. I have been asked numerous times. " Mrs.Tannie do you like them?" I love that my opinion matters to them but my question to them is always .. " Do you like them?

Before you make this special purchase please take a look at some important information about picking the right shoe. (article credit the wedding channel) "For The BrideThe first thing to think about is comfort. Remember that you will be standing on your feet most of the affair. The last thing you want to have to deal with is pain that limits your mobility and enjoyment.

Some experts recommend that all brides have two pairs of shoes -- one formal pair for the ceremony, receiving line, pictures, and arrival at the reception, then another comfortable and more casual pair for the rest of the night. Ballet slipper-type shoes are a popular reception choice for a reception night that will be heavy on dancing and your feet.

Be sure to pick a shoe that complements your dress and your own style. After all, you'll be seeing them in pictures and maybe even video for the rest of your life.Consider the fabric of your dress. Some say to match silk and satin gowns to satin shoes. Sandals, slippers, pumps, and strap heels are all appropriate footwear on your big day.

Very important -- take your shoes to your fitting so the hem is accurate. Trying the shoe with your actual dress is the only real way to be sure you'll love them. Elaborate dresses do not require elaborate shoes, while more simple dresses are greatly enhanced by ornate shoes."

More shoes to choose from :

Photo credits : Davids Bridal, kate Spade, African-Americans Brides, Alfred Angelo

Who's invited ?

I am always amazed at how many couples get tangled up when it is time to draft up the guest list. I am asked numerous times to be their guest list referee. Believe it or not this is really a deal breaker. I have seen families torn apart at a time when everyone should be celebrating. With this issue in mind I have compiled a list of

Who should be invited to your wedding ?

• Sit down with your fiancee', and both sets of parents and list everyone you can think of to invite ( stay with me here.... we will narrow it down later)
• Use the one-year rule for friends: If you haven't had a meaningful conversation with this person within the last year, don't invite him or her. ( I love it! )
• Now here is were everyone helps to weed people from the list. ( I told you I would narrow it down later)
• Avoid the "If I invite this cousin, I must invite all cousins" trap. And don't feel obligated to invite people who invited you to their wedding. Relationships change. (great advice, especially if you both have large families, this could be very costly)
• Exclude children if possible. Suddenly a family of six is a manageable party of two. (make sure you know your families. If you know that this is going to be trouble at least put a age limit on it.. say 13 and up)
• Address the invitations only to those you intend to invite. If your single friend rates an invitation please include + 1. (it will save time in the end because they always show up with a date)
• Keep the list limited to personal friends. Do you hang out with co-workers away from the office? If not, don't invite them.
• Make sure that the same number of people are invited from each side. This will prevent in-laws from feeling cheated. ( as much as possible...No it does not matter whose paying for this!)
• Keep in mind that on average, about 25 percent of your guests won't be able to make it.
• Make a first and second list. Put the absolutely-must-invites on the first list, and as the RSVPs come in, send an invitation from the second list for each regret.

This is a great guideline as to who you should invite... Good luck and happy inviting!

Article credit : eHow Weddings Editor

Part ll: Brides do you have a back up plan?

I found this article on The Knot several months ago and thought it would be perfect for

Part II Brides....Do you need a back up plan?

Wedding Insurance 101

Though you might not want to think about it, disasters can strike your wedding day. From a sudden cancellation to stolen gifts to a damaged gown, wedding insurance can help protect you against the unforseen, and can also afford you great peace of mind. But what exactly is wedding insurance -- and how does it work? Here's the inside scoop.

What Is It?

Basically, wedding insurance protects a couple's investment from circumstances beyond their control, and reimburses expenses incurred. For example, what if your limo driver doesn't show up and you have to book another one the morning of the wedding -- for three times the price? Or what if the groom's custom-made tuxedo is lost in airport baggage, and he has to buy a new one the day before the wedding? What if your reception space goes out of business a month before the wedding, and you lose your deposit and have to book another space? These are the types of big-day financial losses that wedding insurance can help to protect.

Why Get Wedding Insurance?

Consider these scenarios:
#1. Janet and Dan spend months planning their winter wedding. But on wedding day, their reception site is made inaccessible by an ice storm. With the right wedding insurance policy, the couple can postpone their wedding and receive every penny they lost (less the deductible) -- including money for the invites, cake, catering, attire, and non-refundable deposits for ceremony musicians, floral designer, and other vendors.
#2. The bride's father is injured in a car accident just before the wedding and cannot travel. If the couple has to postpone their wedding, with wedding insurance they could be paid back their expenses to enable them to have the wedding when the father recovers.
#3. Right before the ceremony, Brittany's gown catches a gust of wind. Unfortunately, the tulle dances right over to the end of Uncle Howard's cigar and the dress instantly goes up in flames. Fortunately, the right insurance policy covers the replacement of the veil and gown.

How Much Does It Cost?

A basic insurance policy that covers loss of photos, videos, attire, presents, rings, and deposits usually costs anywhere between $155 and $550, depending on the amount of coverage you want. General liability insurance, which covers up to $1,000,000 for accidents, costs around $185.
Before you buy wedding insurance, check with your each of your vendors to see how well they're covered.

Do You Really Need It?

Before you buy wedding insurance, check with your each of your vendors to see how well they're covered -- your reception site or your caterer may already have their own insurance, so you wouldn't want to pay for overlapping coverage out of your own pocket. Ask your vendors for a copy of their policy, and then figure out where you aren't fully covered.

When Should You Get It?

The sooner the better. Let's say you put a deposit on your reception hall 12 months prior to your wedding date and then it burns to the ground a few weeks before the big day. With wedding insurance, you'll be sure to get your deposit back. But note: most insurance companies have limitations on how far in advance you can purchase insurance.

What Does It Cover?

Problems with the site, weather, vendors, key people, sickness, or injury are the top concerns come wedding day. There is usually a specified maximum amount, which can be claimed under each section, and a deductible also applies. Be sure to find out the details of your insurance plan.
Site: Check to see if your ceremony and reception site is already insured. If it's not, wedding insurance can cover the cost arising out of unavoidable cancellation (such as damage or inaccessibility to the ceremony site), if your reception hall is unable to honor your reservation because it has burned in a fire, experienced an electrical outage, or just plain closed down. Sometimes this policy covers the rehearsal dinner site, too.
Weather: Any weather conditions which prevent the bride, groom, any relative whose presence at the wedding is essential, or the majority of the guests from reaching the premises where the wedding is to take place. Insurance covers rescheduling the wedding and all the details involved -- such as ceremony flowers, tent rental, and reception food.
Vendor No-show: What if essential wedding people -- the caterer or the officiant, for example -- fail to show up? A wedding insurance policy usually covers cancellation or postponement of the wedding for these reasons.
Sickness or Injury: Wedding insurance may also include sickness or injury to the bride, groom, or anyone essential to the wedding.
Military or Job: It's true, military personnel may be shipped out at a moment's notice. Wedding insurance can cover postponement of the wedding due to the bride or groom suddenly getting called to military duty. This can also apply to a last-minute corporate move -- i.e. the bride's company suddenly relocates her to another city.
Wedding Insurance Doesn't Cover...
A change of heart. In other words, cold feet don't count.
Watches, jewelry, or semi-precious gemstones or pearls (even if they are attached to clothing) may not be covered.
While your wedding rings may be covered by the policy, your engagement ring probably will not.

Additional Coverage
Couples can take out supplemental policies to defend against damages incured by other wedding-related items such as photography, videography, and gifts.
Photography: Some policies pay to retake the photographs after the fact if the photographer fails to appear or the original negatives are lost, damaged, stolen, or not properly developed. Some policies will pay to re-stage the event -- with the principal participants so that pictures can be retaken. A policy may also pay costs for rehiring a photographer, buying a new wedding cake, and new flowers.
Videographer: When a videotape produced by a professional videographer is damaged (he or she used faulty materials for example), a policy usually pays a certain amount to have either a video montage created, a video compilation made of the photographs and other wedding memorabilia, or, if possible, a retaking of the official video at a restaging.
Gifts: Whether they're mailed to your home or handed to you on your wedding day, valuable items like gifts are something else you might want to consider insuring. Think about a party crasher lifting unattended presents from your reception. Gift coverage pays to repair or replace non-monetary gifts that are lost, stolen, or damaged. A police report is usually required for stolen gifts. The damage or theft generally has to take place within a limited time period (ranging from 24 hours to seven days depending on the specific policy) before or after the wedding, in order to be covered.
Attire: This coverage pays to repair or replace the bridal gown or other special attire when it is in your possession and is lost, stolen, or damaged (including financial failure of the bridal store). Special attire usually includes the clothing and accessories bought or rented that are to be worn by the bride, the groom, and attendants at the ceremony.
Personal Liability: Personal liability covers bodily injury or property damage caused by an accident that occurs during the course of the wedding (your best man trips and falls on his way up to the mike to roast you or Uncle Murray suffers a Harvey Wallbanger wall banger).
Medical Coverage: This covers reasonable medical expenses (up to the policy's limits) for each person who is injured during the covered events from a cause of loss, which would be covered by your personal liability.
Honeymoon: Your honeymoon can cost as much as a new car. But before buying travel insurance to protect your investment, see if your credit card and/or homeowner's policy covers you if your luggage gets lifted, your trip is delayed, or you have to cancel. If not, you can a buy separate, trip-only policy. Call your insurer, or ask your travel agent for details. Also, certain wedding insurance packages include optional travel insurance for your honeymoon.
Things to Consider
Every insurance policy and every wedding scenario is different. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent -- and have him or her explain the nuts and bolts to you. You want to make sure you and your sweetie understand every detail of your policy.

wedding insurance companies

Bridal Association of AmericaBridalAssociationofAmerica.comFireman’s Fund Insurance Company FiremansFund.comZain Jeewanjee Insurance AgencyOneDayEvent.comRV Nuccio & Associates Inc.RVNuccio.comSinclair Insurance Company Ltd.SinclairPremium.comWedSafeWedSafe.com
http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-problems/articles/wedding-insurance-101.aspx
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ARTICLE CREDIT: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-problems/articles/wedding-insurance-101.aspx

New Logo design

Finally! We have been working for several years to come up with a new brand that would describe in a design what DeVine Choices encompasses as a Wedding and Event Planning Company. I have met with several graphic designers/artists over the years and we just couldn't seem to capture what was in my mind. Well alas, I was introduced to this creative genius, Nakia Thomas of EGB Designs . I was able to explain to Nakia exactly what I was looking for and my thoughts behind what certain elements were important to the design. After several attempts and revisions,

I introduce to you our new Logo:

Please allow me to explain the concept so that you can get the full history behind this design. While the pearls are beautiful they are also symbolic of my family's history in the wedding/event planning industry. My great grandmother, Pearl Brooks was a very detailed and organized lady. While she personally did not work in the industry she gave birth to my grandmother, Elmer Terrell who started our legacy in the wedding community. She was owner and certified florist of Terrell's Florist until she retired due to her ailing health. My mother, Pearl Barnes, named after my great grandmother, continued the legacy of being a certified florist and certified wedding designer. My mother, Pearl retired from the wedding community several years ago and thus the torch was passed on to me. To pay homage to my great grandmother, Pearl Brooks, Elmer Terrell and Pearl Barnes, I requested that my logo include Pearls. Unbeknownest to the designer Nakia he included over 40 individual pearls in the strand of pearls which is actually the amount of years that my family has been in the Houston wedding community. I am honored to be a small part of such great historic style, class and creativity. This is exactly what I requested as a standard for our new brand and design. I hope you will find it as beautiful, classy and elegant as I do and Remember.. " It's a DeVine Choice!"

For more information on the creative Director, Please contact, EGB Designs, Nakia thomas, 832 363 1444 , nthomas@egbdesigns.com or visit, www.egbdesigns.com

We have Moved! Ike Update

Thank you to all that have called, prayed and supported DeVine Choices during the aftermath of Ike. We have officially moved our location. Our new address is listed below: We are very excited about our new joint venture with Keisha Kreations. Please stay tuned for more exciting news!
New Address: 445 FM 1092 Suite 101 Stafford, Texas 77477

What's your Wedding Colors?

Wedding Colors

I was referred to this great website by one of my I-Wed Buddies. The website is "Wedding By Color". This site reflects the bride and groom's character, taste and style. What is your style? Is your style vibrant, elegant, playful, or classy? Whatever your style is, your colors should reflect it!

As a wedding planner, I have heard numerous times, "I know what my main colors are but I am not sure what my coordinating colors should be. " This website is great for getting opinions from other brides that have already used your colors as well as seeing pictures of how the colors are used for linens, bridesmaids dresses, favors and flowers. Here you can search out different ideas that go perfectly with your theme as well as colors. The forum is a great place to touch base with other brides that know exactly how your feel and what your are going through in your planning process.

Please visit the site: www.weddingbycolor.com and check out yours truly as a Premium Vendor from Houston Texas! Sign up and have fun sharing ideas and opinions.
I have also posted my very first article...." Top 5 Reason why you need to hire a Wedding Planner!"
Please, check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Have fun!

Natural Disasters...Do you have a back up plan? Part I

We here in Houston, Texas are in the process of rebounding from Hurricane IKE! It really got me to thinking. How many brides have back up plans if this happened in their area? I have always been a fan of Houston being born and raised here, but I love it even more now! Our Wedding vendors are the best! They really care about their clients and realize how much of a special day this will be for all involved. I am so proud to say that I work with the best wedding vendors in the world! My inbox has been flooded with vendors offering to help in any way they can with displaced brides. We have so many facilities that are without power or have major roof damage. Because of this, what's a bride to do if you have an upcoming event? We here at DeVine Choices Wedding and Event Planning are so glad you asked! This will be part one of a series of four . Today's topic:
Vendors in Houston that have space available that DeVine Choices highly recommends
Florist :
Keisha's Kreations
445 FM 1092, Suite 101
Stafford, Texas 77477
(281) 499-0585
Website link: http://www.keishaskreations.com/
Facilities:
The Houston City Club
Julie Hailey Private Event Director Houston City Club
713-840-8223
website link: http://www.clubcorp.com/

Ashton Gardens
21919 Inverness Forest Blvd.
Houston, TX 77073
ph: (281) 362-0011 x 104
fx: (281) 443-4480
stephanieselaiden@ashtongardens.com
website link: www.ashtongardens.com


Photographers
Dee Michael's Photography
2600 S Loop W
Houston, TX 77054-2653
Phone: (713) 666-8802

D J
Dancing D J's 2000
mailto:bookings@dancingdjs2000.com
Or ask for Dorrian D. Toussant
P:281.382.0746
website link: http://dancingdjs2000.com/

Caterers:
Ral's
1311 Afton Street
Houston, TX 770557
13-688-7257
events@ralsfinecatering.com
website link: http://www.ralsfinecatering.com/
Please contact them today for their great "Re booking specials"

See below specials!

Rebooking Special Hors D'oeuvres Buffet- $10.99 (not in menu)
Includes fresh fruit display with raspberry creme, vegetable cornucopia display with herb ranch dip, imported and domestic cheese display, artichoke and spinach dip, choice of four hors d'voeuvres (chef's choice of selection) and non alcoholic mimosa punch or tea.
The Emerald Reception- $14.99
Includes pre reception, pineapple tree and fresh fruit display with raspberry creme, vegetable cornucopia display with herb ranch dip, imported and domestic cheese display with assorted crackers, salad presentation, choice of flambe or saute station with gulf shrimp, carving station with herb crusted roast beef au jus and rolls, non alcoholic mimosa punch and tea and fresh brewed coffee.
The Silver Package- $10.99
Includes salad presentation

Stay tuned for part two of Brides do you have a back up plan?

Topic: Bridal Insurance...Is it worth it?

Alternatives to bridesmaids flowers

I recently had a bride that stated that she was really not a flower person. She wanted to minimize her personal flowers for her wedding party. She went as far as to say, " I really don't want my attendants to carry any flowers! Well that really got my creative wheels spinning. What else could the bridesmaids carry if not flowers? After much research, I found out this is really becoming a up and comming wedding trend. I love it!! Here you can be as creative as YOU would like to be. Just think you can give your selections to your bridemaids as gifts!

See below for more of the suggestions that were presented to her and share your thoughts.. Can you guess which one she selected?

Photo credits: Brides.com, http://www.rrbycresa.com/BridalBouquet/pi_379_small.jpg,