Favorite Friday

Chiquita and Gerald Engagement pictures

Just thought I would share one of the cutest couples that I have EVER had the pleasure of working with. They are getting married next year and sent me a few of their favorite pictures from their engagement sessions. Their photographer is Joey T and you can visit him @ www.joeytphotography.com to see more of his great work!

Favorite Friday

DeVine Choices, LLC
Presents….Brides Camp

“Brides Camp” is a fun, creative, and informative session for the bride, groom, bridal party and parents. During our three hour session we will journey through the forest of HOW TO’s:

How to…..
Ø Select the entire wedding party’s attire
Ø Create and stay on budget
Ø Select your venues & vendors
Ø Create a timeline
Ø Select invitations
Ø Select music that caterers to your event
Ø Decide on D-I-Y projects

The session includes:
Breaking Ground….Planning 101
Ø Deciding a “realistic” budget
Ø Creating a timeline
Ø Creating Things to do lists

Team Camp
Ø Florists
Ø Photographer/Videographer/lighting
Ø Caterer
Ø And more...

Campfire Chat: Question & Answers session

By the end of each session you will be armed with the ammunition to plan your special day just like YOU envisioned!

Price: $30.00 per registrant or $50.00 per couple (Bride/Groom, Mother/Daughter or Bride/Maid of Honor)


12999 Murphy Road Suite B-6 Stafford, Texas 77477 281 495 5556

Are you getting married or know someone that is getting married? Have you decided that you do not need a planner . Iknow... you have decided that you ,your family and friends can plan your wedding? If these are your thoughts or someone that you know then please consider attending or referring them to the "Brides Camp" !

To register email me at info@devinechoices.com

Exciting News..Brides Camp!

DeVine Choices, LLC
Presents….Brides Camp

Every Second Sunday ... 3:00 - 6:00p

“Brides Camp” is a fun, creative, and informative session for the bride, groom, bridal party and parents. During our three hour session we will journey through the forest of HOW TO’s:

How to…..

• Select the entire wedding party’s attire


• Create and stay on budget


• Select your venues & vendors


• Create a timeline


• Select invitations


• Select music that caterers to your event


• Decide on D-I-Y projects
  
  The session includes:
  Breaking Ground….Planning 101


• Deciding a “realistic” budget


• Creating a timeline
  
• Creating Things to do lists
• Team Camp
• Florists
• Photographer/Videographer/lighting
• Caterer
• And more...
  
  Campfire Chat:

Question & Answers session

By the end of each session you will be armed with the ammunition to plan your special day just like YOU envisioned!

Price: $30.00 per registrant or $50.00 per couple (Bride/Groom, Mother/Daughter or Bride/Maid of Honor)


12999 Murphy Road Suite B-6 Stafford, Texas 77477 281 495 5556

Favorite Friday

Keeping in tradition of favorite Friday.. The proposal....

My favorite part of meeting with a couple is when they share their proposals with me. The reason why I love this part of the consultation is because it gives me a sneak peek inside the couples relationship. As a planner this helps me start my creative juices flowing. This tells me volumes about his personality and the way he wanted her to remember this special day. Now my all time favorite proposal is the guy, Robert Gray and the way he proposed to Keisha Williams from Atlanta. I am sure you all have heard about the over the top way he proposed.

If not, please check it out here..http://www.photosbyknight.com/gray/

Here are some numbers from Robert Gray Jr.’s proposal to Keisha Williams:

10 hotel rooms

50 friends and family members

400 red and white roses

300+ votive candles

12 24-carat gold-dipped roses

2 bottles of champagne

8 hours to complete the proposal

Now this is a proposal!

The Big Reveal!

I love being a wedding planner and this weekend reminded me exactly why I love this job. Sometimes due to logistics the big "REVEAL" is not possible and by the time the couple gets to see the reception their guests are already sitting down. This past weekend we were able to have a "REVEALING" moment with our couple. I must say myself that it was AWESOME!! I thought I would share some of the photos with you all. Enjoy..

Close you eyes...



Ok.. you can open them!!!
One Happy Groom

I love it!! Look at that smile..priceless!!

This is why I love my job!!

Favorite Friday

Hello friends.. I am often asked .. do you have a favorite wedding..Of course I have my favorites but I will never tell...If it was your wedding than you guessed it ...

Now I will share my favorite celebrity weddings with you. Here is one of my all time favorite weddings that was featured on Essence.com. The wedding is that of NFL player Daniel Wilcox of the Baltimore Ravens and Shauna Chin, a former Ms. Belize of NY. There are several reasons why this is one of my favorites.. They held it in a location that was non traditional..( gotta love it!) The got married at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Once you see the pictures you will see the other reasons why its one of my favorites. Enjoy...



Bride Shauna Wilcox shows off a rear view of her stunning dress

Shauna’s horse and carriage awaits as she makes her way down the aisle

The four-tier cake with flowers was topped with the initials S.D. for “Strictly Destiny.”

The newlyweds get settled in their horse and carriage before heading to the reception

Credit: Essence.com

Thank you notes...The Who what when & how's?

Greeting's blog family!
As I come to the close of yet another busy wedding season, I pondered how many of my couples remembered to send out thank your cards to their guests thanking them for their presence, gifts and overall thoughtfulness. This got me to thinking..hmmmm.. I wonder if they even know the proper etiquette regarding Thank you cards. Well if you have ever worked with me you know that I am all about Proper Etiquette so I thought this would be an appropiate time to share my good old friend Emily Post's tips regarding this subject.


When should notes be written ? ... I am soo glad that you asked this question! Let's ask Emily!

Contrary to popular myth, the happy couple does not have a year’s grace period. All thank you notes should be written within three months of the receipt of the gift. Ideally, a response should be written on the day you receive a wedding gift. If that’s not possible, set a daily goal. It’s a lot easier to write three or four notes a day than to have to write a hundred notes in a month after the wedding!

On to the next question..What type of Stationary should I use?

First of all, stationery is the operative word here: No fill-in-the-blank cards, no pre-printed cards, no phone calls, no emails and PLEASE no generic post on your website!

Tannie..Do I have to send everyone a note that attended my wedding or just the ones that gave me a gift? Wow...I am so glad that I have you thinking..Great question! Here is the answer to this one! This is along list so get ready!!

• Anyone who gives you an engagement, shower or wedding gift, even if you have thanked them in person.
• Individual notes should be written to people who contributed to a group gift.
• Anyone who gives a gift of money: cash, checks, contributions to savings accounts and donations to charities. Mentioning the amount is optional, but it does let the person know the correct amount was received. You should mention what you plan to do with the money.
• Your attendants. A warm personal note attached to your gifts to your attendants will let them know how much you appreciate their efforts and support on your behalf.
• Anyone who hosted a party or shower for you. Ideally these notes should be written within two days of the event. Each host or hostess should be thanked individually with a note and a thank you gift.
• People who house or entertain your wedding guests. A note and a small gift should be sent to anyone who houses or entertains out-of-town wedding guests.
• People who do kindnesses for you. The neighbor who accepts delivery of your gifts when you are at work; the cousin who supervises the parking at the reception – anyone who assists you before, during or after your wedding.
• Suppliers and vendors. You don’t have to write everyone you hire for services, but anyone who exceeds your expectations will appreciate a courteous note of thanks.
• And lastly but certainly not least.....Drumroll please.......Your parents or whoever is hosting your wedding.

In closing I would like to list the top 10 D0's & Don'ts in writing thank you cards:(in no particular order)

1. Do personalize your notes and make reference to the person as well as the gift.
2. Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.
3. Do be enthusiastic, but don’t gush. Avoid saying a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen unless you really mean it.
4. Don’t send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don’t use email or post a generic thank you on your wedding web site in lieu of a personal note.
5. Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of shipped gifts by sending a note right away or calling and following up with a written note in a day or two.
6. Don’t mention that you plan to return a gift or that you are dissatisfied in any way.
7. Don’t tailor your note to the perceived value of the gift; no one should receive a perfunctory note.
8. Do refer to the way you will use a gift of money. Mentioning the amount is optional.
9. Don’t include wedding photos or use photo cards if it will delay sending the note.
10. Don’t use being late as an excuse not to write. Even if you are still sending notes after your first anniversary, keep writing!

Source: http://www.emilypost.com/weddings/etiquette/postings/wedding_thankyous.htm

Business as Usual!

Good morning blog family!
I hope that you enjoyed our guest blogger, LaKeisha Cotton Johnson. She was great and I promised this will not be the last time you guys hear from her! I think we will keep her around for a few follow up blogs. just to see how married life is treating her.

Now that I am back I am refreshed and ready to blog. I have some great topics to discuss so please stay tuned.

GREETINGS BLOG FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!!I AM MARRIED!!!

The wedding was absolutely beautiful... Tannie and I attempted to log in and blog while I was getting ready, but it was too much going on at the moment. The wedding ceremony went by extremely fast and everything was GORGEOUS. I want to thank Tannie, Keisha with Keisha's Kreations, Jay and Aubrey with 4 sale by Photo, Cake Affairs, Sebrina with Always Floral, Gerald Blacher the DJ, LeJardin for a wonderful venue, and Monarch Limousines for our wonderful departure car. I want to especially thank my parents for all they have done and my bridal party. This would not have happened without all these important people.

I have enjoyed blogging for the past week and I want to thank Tannie for giving me the opportunity. I hope my words were encouraging and hopefully you can avoid some of the issues that I had to encounter during my planning process. Happy Wedding planning and now I need to get back to my Husband....yes that's right....my Husband...

It's been fun!

GREETINGS BLOG FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IT'S WEDDING DAY BLOG FAMILY.

I apologize for not blogging yesterday, but I had a lot of things going on. I got my hair done, my nails done, had a wonderful rehearsal last night, and a great rehearsal dinner. All my family is here and it has been great. I woke up this morning, went to the spa, and just finished eating breakfast with my bridesmaids. Now....I am relaxing. I just had a wonderful conversation with my husband-to -be............he is sooooo sweet. I am excited and I cannot wait.......I have wonderful news......I was just informed by Tannie that I will be blogging up until I walk down the aisle........(how great is that)...Up to the minute coverage.....

Until wedding time blog family......... Lets get it!

GREETINGS BLOG FAMILY!!!!!!

THE COUNTDOWN

DAY 2

Blog Family......I have two days left until MY BIG DAY.........I can tell you that I will have a lot of things going on in the next couple of days.....starting today. I will try and update the blog up until the day of with information on what I am doing. Today, I am at work for a half a day because more people are on their way to Houston and I find peace in my office. Lionel and I were able to complete 75 of the 250 favors that we have to make........Pray for us....I have my bridesmaids coming to help me tonight. Our goal is to have them done before rehearsal tomorrow night. I just received a phone call from the limousine guy asking if we were still getting married. Of course I told him "Yes," but he stated that he just wanted to make sure that I didn't hit Lionel over the head..........(too funny). I had to contact Al's formal wear this morning because we had a suite issue, but all is well now. We are just praying that all the suits come back in the right color and the right size........(that would be a disaster if they don't )........Please continue to pray for the rain to stop..................(rain would not be a good thing)... I want to end this blog with a letter to my single life......(when you are engaged and you are filling out a form, there is not a box that states "engaged".....you are either married or single).....so like I said.......to my single life....

Dear Single Life,

I am sure going to miss you! We have been through a lot together. I will try to forget the bad times, but I will never forget the good times. It is time for me to move on now because I have found the man that God created for me. Please don't be sad, I am almost certain that there are many others in the world that will enjoy you as much as I have. Until we meet again....which hopefully will be never, I wish you all the best.

LaKeisha

Until tomorrow Blog Family..... It's been fun..

GREETINGS BLOG FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The picture today is of a person that means the world to me, my mother. I would have posted a picture of my parents together, but my father isn’t really a picture person. My parents have been married for 29 years and my fiancé and I look up to them for guidance and as an example.



MONEY….MONEY…….MONEY…..WHO PAYS FOR THIS FAB WEDDING?

Blog family this is a very sensitive topic for me because it’s a lot of preconceived notions about who is supposed to pay for the wedding. In the past, the bride’s parents would pay for the wedding and the groom’s parents would pay for the rehearsal dinner. Now a day, the bride and groom pay for their own wedding. I have always dreamed of having a huge wedding and my father has known this for years. What father wouldn’t want to pay for his daughter to get married? As I stated earlier, I love my parents unconditionally and I didn’t want to put the burden of paying for my wedding on them, but of course, my father could not contain himself. My fiancé and I sat down with my parents and we divided up who was going to pay for what. Of course, my fiancé and I got the biggest chunk, but we were able to handle it. My parents have been wonderful! When I added things, I would ask my daddy and he would get it for me……(you may say I’m spoiled, but I don’t agree). My parents are even paying for the rehearsal dinner…..(some of you may be asking where does the groom’s parents fit into the equation). My fiancé father has been deceased for years and he was raised by his father’s side of the family. He never really had a close relationship with his mother. Well, blog family, my fiancé mother lives in Houston and they have an okay relationship…(lets just say it is different). When we told her we were getting married, she was happy. My problem is she hadn’t paid for anything nor has she offered to help with anything in regards to the wedding. Now I understand that some people are not able, but at least offer to do something even if it does not require money. His mother and I have an okay relationship…I am cordial (that’s really all I can say), but don’t come to me asking to add people to the list, asking why a particular person didn’t get an invitation, asking why kids are not allowed at the wedding, or asking why a list is going to be at the door, if you have not paid for anything (now I know I am speaking the truth)? The main people that complain and the main people that have an issue with everything is those who hadn’t put a penny……….that’s right……..a penny towards anything. To be honest with you, I was not expecting anything from her. It just saddens me to see my fiancé face because he is so embarrassed. He wishes that she would at least be involved a little bit, but she hasn’t. When he asked her if she would pay for something (and this was just a test), she said that it’s not her job and that my parents were suppose to pay for everything……….Oh blog family, I became angered, but as I stated yesterday, don’t sweat the small stuff. I do appreciate his father’s side of the family because they sent money to help out and we didn’t even ask them (that’s a blessing). These people has never met me in person, just phone conversations and they just up and decided to send us some money to help pay for the wedding. I hear my fiancé talk to his friends and say that his mother’s side of the family has not offered to pay for anything nor help with anything. At my bridal shower, they were there for about 30 minutes if that and then they left. Then they had the nerve to say that they were not acknowledged when they walked in……….(what did they want? An announcer to say their names?....Yeah right). My fiancé has a better relationship with my parents then he has with his own family. It’s sad, but we are able to manage. I try to encourage him that he cannot change the way they are……..me, I just don’t go around too often……The moral of the story is don’t expect anything from those who just don’t get it. It’s not worth it…

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
-Don’t expect anything from those who just don’t get it. It’s not worth it
-Don’t sweat the small stuff..
-Budget is the key….sit down and plan who is going to pay for what…I promise it will make things easier.
-REMEMBER…….to check the blog everyday for my wonderful words!


THE COUNTDOWN

DAY 3

OMG!!!!!!!!Blog Family………….3 days and counting… I am so excited and ready for the festivities to begin. Tannie called me yesterday stating that she is revamping the table arrangements. Fine by me, I trust her. Guests are already starting to arrive in Houston….WOW already? Could they have waited a couple of days? All my hotel accommodations are booked. Tannie and I didn’t realize that the rooms would go that fast. We actually had to add rooms to my wedding room block…(It’s great to be loved!). Today………….Blog Family………….is my fiancé birthday. I want to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY….what a wonderful way to end his birthday week with a wedding. Also, my mommy birthday is Friday….we are going to celebrate real BIG this weekend..


Until tomorrow Blog Family……….It’s been fun.

GREETINGS BLOG FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The picture posted is of my bridal party and I really like this picture. We were so coordinated with the exception of two people……..(some people just don’t get it). This picture was taken at my “Lipstick Jungle Bridal Shower”



BRIDESMAIDS…….THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY!!!!

If any bride has had major issues with bridesmaids, Its been me! I originally started with 10 bridesmaids, but now I am down to 8 (not my fault of course). You realize a vast amount of things when you are getting married. One of the most important realizations that I learned is everyone that you think is happy for you, are not really happy for you. These certain individuals will try to do whatever they can to ruin your special day (HATERS…..enough said).Another realization that I learned is that I have very few close friends. I have a lot of associates, but only a few can be actually called friends. I now know that you have to be very careful about who you call a friend. Now, I am not a bridezilla, but I am not going to let you control what happens at MY wedding. I admit that I did have some demands for my bridesmaids, but they were few, far, and between. I was considerate because I know that we are in a recession (this word really is overused) and they were allowed to pay for things over a long time span. Bridesmaids were informed up front that if they had any issues, communication is key. Tell me about it, I promise we could have worked some things out. Bridesmaids were dismissed from my wedding because of non communication and because one was just messy. I will not get into specific details about the bridesmaids that were dismissed from my wedding because they may be reading this blog and once again I AM NOT MESSY. If you are reading this and you were apart of my bridal party, I wish you all the best in your life endeavors, there are no hard feelings. I love you and God Loves you.


“WELCOME TO THE LIPSTICK JUNGLE”

My sister and mother had the pleasure of hosting my bridal shower. My sister came to me one day and asked me what I wanted the theme of my bridal shower to be. I told her that I had some colors in my head, but I didn’t have a theme. It came to me in a dream that zebra print and fuscha pink would go great together. I immediately called Tannie for a theme and we brainstormed for about 10 minutes and came up with “Lipstick Jungle.” When I gave my sister and mother the theme and the color scheme, they ran with it. Everything was zebra and pink, balloons, invitations, table décor, etc… My bridesmaids even wore fuscha pink. Guests were given special made boxes with zebra and pink that included things that you would need to survive in the lipstick jungle (zebra tissue, bottled water, hand sanitizer, candy, and lipstick). Cupcakes were even specially made for this occasion by Ann with Kakes Xcetera……….thanks Ann, the cupcakes were a huge hit. Ann even made a cupcake stand with zebra around it (It was so cute and creative). Don’t believe me, see for yourself. Pictures posted below. Enjoy!

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
-Know that people are not always happy for you when you announce that you are getting married (especially if they are in the wedding)
-Be careful of who you call a “friend.” (they may not be much of a friend in the long run)
-Don’t sweat the small stuff, just kick them out. I promise they can be replaced. The wedding will go on with or without them.
-Have a wonderful bridal shower and enjoy yourself!
-REMEMBER to check the blog everyday for my wonderful words!



THE COUNTDOWN:

DAY 4

It’s getting closer and the excitement continues to build. I am so ready because it has been a long 19 months of planning. My fiancé is being very secretive about something…….(hmmmmmmmm) Yesterday when I spoke with him, he told me that he was doing something for me, but he wouldn’t tell me what. I LOVE GIFTS….and he knows that. He refuses to tell me what it is………but, I will be sure to let you know when I know. People continue to call me and ask can they be added to the list….You know my response was “NO.” Why would you call me and ask me the week of the wedding if you can come now? You couldn’t come then, so what has changed? Nothing on my end has changed and therefore the answer is no. Blog family we all need to join together and pray for those who do not understand. Also we need to pray to GOD that it does not rain on my BIG DAY……


Until tomorrow Blog Family. It’s been fun!

GREETINGS BLOG FAMILY!!!!!!!!

It’s been a long weekend, but I am back. The picture today is one of my favorites. It’s a wonderful action shot. It just looks like I’m taking control (this is a good thing)….

INVITATIONS WERE MAILED……THE PHONE CALLS STARTED

I currently have a vast amount of people mad at me because they did not get an invite to my wedding. Oh well, too bad, so sad. I spoke this weekend about cutting your guest list. Well, those that were cut, where not invited and never received a save the date. When I mailed my invitations, I was not expecting all the phone calls that I received. The phone calls ranged from, “such and such didn’t get an invite,” “you didn’t invite this person,” “such and such want to bring this many people,” “I’ve never been to a wedding that didn’t have any children.” My response were, If they didn’t receive a save-the-date, why were they expecting an invitation? Also, to stop people from bringing 3, 4, or 5 people, I am not allowing children and I didn’t allow guest to put a number on their RSVP card. My RSVP stated: Two seats have been reserved for you and your guest…..(not 4, 5, or 6 people). I have yet to understand why people want to bring their whole “crew” with them to a wedding. This is not the club. Plus, I am not paying for people to eat that I don’t know. Weddings are expensive, and allowing my guest to bring one person and cutting out children has kept my guest list at a steady number. I even had people call me and tell me that they have never been to a wedding without kids….and I told them this wedding will be their first one. I am the Bride; this is my wedding, why are they questioning me? To stop the phone calls, my fiancé and I turned our phones off.. Leave a message, I promise we didn’t call back if it was nonsense.

WHAT IS RSVP?

The term “RSVP” on an invitation is an acronym for a French phrase, repondez s'il vous plait, meaning “respond if you please.” It is a polite way of requesting a response to the invitation, not a suggestion to the invited guest to respond if he or she feels like it. This definition is for everyone that has ever been invited to a wedding because apparently, some people don’t get it. You will be amazed how so many people don’t understand what it means. I made it simple for my guests, just write your name and your guest name on the line provided and send the card back by a certain date. I even provided a stamp. Blog Family, I still had to create a call list and call people. I received RSVP’s with no name (they just left it blank), with no name, but checked they were attending (they took the time to check that they were attending, but couldn’t right their name………SERIOUSLY), and guests decided to change “two seats” to whatever number they wanted to put. Blog Family, I was too out done. These people made me work too hard. Basically, I was doing a process of elimination. The ones that didn’t have a name, I tried to look at the postage stamp to see where it was sent from, then I had to call. Those individuals that I didn’t receive a RSVP from called me and stated that they were coming. When I asked them why they didn’t just send back the RSVP card, they informed me that they needed to use the stamp for something else. ………Now..I bought the stamp for you to RSVP to my wedding, not for you to tear it off and use it for something else (just trifling). Word to the wise, if you are every invited to a wedding, please RSVP.. Brides need that information for final guest counts, but Oh well. Some people just don’t understand.


POINTS TO REMEMBER:
-Don’t be saddened by those that are mad at you because they were not invited to your wedding. Heck, they didn’t make the cut.
-People will try to control your process and get you to change things……..It’s your wedding…Stop answering the phone… (I love my IGNORE button………whoever invited my phone was a GENIUS)
-Do not allow kids to come to your wedding. I know, for a fact, that if people cannot control their children at home, they definitely can’t control them in public.. (think about it……when you trying to have your first dance, children will be running around probably pulling on your dress while you are trying to enjoy your husband)
-Educate your guests on RSVP. Maybe they will get it one day.
-REMEMBER…..to check the blog everyday for my wonderful words!


THE COUNTDOWN:

DAY 5

Blog Family, I am pleased to announce that I have five days to go….I am excited more than anything. I spoke this weekend about my meeting with the florist that caused me so many problems. Well problem solved. I’m happy, Tannie happy, and the florist is happy. This weekend was extremely restful for me. My shih tzu, Chloe’ and I had the house to ourselves. My fiancé was enjoying his bachelor festivities and Chloe’ and I were enjoying quiet time. I did manage to get my seating charts printed in 18 by 24 and I scheduled my spa appointment for Saturday morning. It should be smooth sailing from here on out (keep your fingers crossed). My Granny arrived on Friday and she would hate to see me angry. The Bachelor party was a success… I have my Fiance’ back in one piece (that is all that mattered to me)…..


Until tomorrow Blog Family. Its been fun!!!

GREETINGS BLOG FAMILY!!!!!!!!

The engagement picture that I posted today is my favorite. This will be the picture that will be displayed at our wedding………I told you, our pictures should be published in a magazine…so if you know anyone, put in a good word….


CUTTING YOUR GUEST LIST

At one point, my guest list was 250 people. Now I will admit that I have a rather large family, but my fiancé doesn’t. My family took up about 75% of my guest list. Tannie immediately informed me that I needed to cut my guest list down. Actually, Tannie didn’t have to tell me, my parents told me. My cut down process was simple…..If I hadn’t spoke to you in the past 6 months…..that right… ..six months, you were not invited. If you were extended family (meaning, if you know parents, but just heard about me), you were not invited. This may be cruel, but weddings are expensive and if I hadn’t heard from you in the past 6 months, you really not considered a friend……..so therefore why would I pay for you to eat if you can’t call?….(I may have stepped on some toes with that one…). Now extended family will always want to come because immediate family has talked about the wedding to them and they want to come and be noisy……….well…I am so sorry, but I don’t pay for noisiness. With this process, I was able to shrink my guest list to 175. I think I should give myself a pat on the back for this major accomplishment…….


LOVE IS…

“LOVE IS…” is the theme of my wedding….Tannie and I brainstormed for about 30 minutes about a theme and came up with this one. It’s funny because while brainstorming, Tannie and I kept saying, “Love is” and we were trying to think of a word that would describe our relationship, but every word we thought of described us. Love is…Patient, Kind, Unconditional, God, Forever, etc is just a few of the descriptions of Love out of the 25 we came up with. Each word that describes love will be the name of our 25 tables. Our table cards read…..LOVE IS…Patient. Below, I have posted some pictures of our table numbers and our custom monograms that were created for our wedding. My wedding colors are Mocha, Burnt orange, and Champagne. Fall is my favorite season of the year and those colors fit perfectly. Word to the wise, when you create a theme for your wedding, it makes it so easy because everything will evolve around the theme.Also, it will cut your spending because if you see something that you like and it has nothing to do with your theme, you won’t buy it. So………with that being said…..put on your thinking cap and come up with a good theme for your wedding…..

Now I must give credit where credit is due....These wonderful table numbers and monograms were created by Giselle, with GE Designs....Thanks Giselle.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
-Everyone cannot attend your wedding…..
-If you have an insane number of guests, you are going to spend an insane amount of money (think about it, you have to feed all these folks)
-Consider my cut down process… (it works wonders, but you may have people mad at you….oh well)
-Come up with a wonderful theme for your wedding….(it really helps)
-REMEMBER…..to check the blog everyday for my wonderful words!


THE COUNTDOWN

DAY 7

I am on my way to meet with the florist that is giving me all the problems. Wish me Luck. Also, the bachelor party festivities started last night and I have decided to just not worry about it and get some "ME" time in. That means that I am about to shop. I will let you know how the meeting goes tomorrow with the florist.

Until tomorrow Blog Family. Its been fun!

GREETINGS BLOG FAMILY!!!!

I am back again! First, I would like to thank all of you for your wonderful comments and feedback. Keep reading my daily updates. I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Everyday, I will post some of our engagement pictures……..Personally, I think they need to be published in a magazine…….

PLANNING WITH A PLANNER

I can truly say that getting a planner was the best decision I could have ever made. It has been a wonderful experience. I really think that my mother hired Tannie, because I was getting on her nerves (I’ll be sure to ask her that today when I talk to her). Tannie is the person that I can go to when I have an issue, an idea, or just when I am confused about something. She is also the person that brings me back to reality when I sometimes drift off into dream world (which usually happens when I watch Platinum Weddings). I can try all day to have a platinum wedding, but Tannie will be quick to tell me “NO” (which is something she is really good at). She has been like a second mother to me. She actually has told me “NO” more than my mother has. I can admit, I was spending a lot of money and I did need her to stop me and ask me questions. The moral to this story is I would be losing my mind, stressed out, pulling my hair, or just out right unhappy if I didn’t have my wonderful planner by my side to keep the stress down.

MY BUDGET

Blog family, when I initially started to plan my wedding, I didn’t have a budget, didn’t think about a budget, didn’t want a budget, and wasn’t trying to hear it when Tannie was trying to get me to tell her one (sorry Tannie-----love you). The reality is I am spoiled. My Daddy loves me so much that he cannot tell me “No.” A budget to me was not necessary, so I thought. Well, one day Tannie sat me down and made me go through a detailed budget just to see how much I was spending. Blog family, after that meeting, I had to cut off my favorite past time, which is shopping. This saddened me initially, but if I wanted to have a beautiful, romantic, breathtaking, extravagant, eye popping, FABULOUS WEDDING (yeah….all that), I had to stop. Oh…my GOD it has been torture. All my friends get to go shopping and I have to sit at home and say …..I had to pay for my wedding. All in All, when I see the results, it will be worth it. Now, I do have a bone to pick with some people that try to have FABULOUS weddings, but don’t have FABULOUS money. I have a friend right now (I will not speak any names…….I am not MESSY), who is trying to have 300 people on a small, tiny budget (this budget cannot buy you a geo metro), but she wants it to be FABULOUS. I don’t see how….as I stated yesterday, that will not be a pretty sight. Do what you can afford. First, start by cutting your guest list. 300 people, is too many……If you need help cutting your guest list, I am really good at it. I’ll talk about how to cut a guest list tomorrow. Stay tuned…you don’t want to miss it..

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
-Really think about getting a planner
-Really think about a budget (REALISTIC budget) that you can afford
-If you want a FAB wedding, you have to have FAB money!
-REMEMBER….to check the blog everyday for my wonderful words.


THE COUNTDOWN:

DAY 8

The florist crisis that I thought was resolved, was not resolved. I now have to meet with this particular florist on Saturday to ensure that she gets it right this time. I can tell you that Tannie did a wonderful job handling this florist and I really appreciate her for that. The florist was still trying to give me tiny, small, micro bouquets Blog family, and again I was angered. Tannie was able to speak with her and they were able to come up with an agreement that made me happy again. To top things off, the venue where my wedding will be held, called me with a linen issue……ARE YOU SERIOUS? I thought I was being punked. Again, Tannie came to my rescue. Blog Family, if I had to do this by myself, I would have went to the Courthouse (real talk). Hopefully, today will be better, I am a little nervous because my Fiance’s bachelor party is this weekend…..but I have news for him, I am not even going to call him…….I AM GOING TO SHOP….I can do that now, because I am finished…….that’s right………..finished paying for my wedding.


Until tomorrow Blog Family… I had fun!

HELLO WORLD!!!!!!!! I HAVE ARRIVED!!!!!!!!

Greetings Wedding Planner World!!

Let me start by introducing myself. LaKeisha Cotton was the name that was given to me at birth, but in 9 DAYS……that’s right………..9 DAYS (9/26/09), I will be LaKeisha Johnson (it kinda has a ring to it). I have been given this wonderful opportunity to blog about my experience in planning my beautiful, romantic, breathtaking, extravagant, eye popping, FABULOUS WEDDING (yeah…all that). I can truly say that my experience with planning my wedding has been bitter sweet. Everyday, I will blog about certain issues that I encountered during the process and helpful information that I think would have been beneficial to me if I would have been informed in advance. Also, I will be counting down until my BIG WEDDING DAY giving you detailed information on how I am preparing. Get your note pad out and pen because this is going to be GOOD!!!


WEDDING PLANNER OR DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY)

I have been planning my “LOVE IS…” themed wedding since February 2008 and I can tell you that it has been a long time coming. Initially, I was set on the fact that I didn’t need a wedding planner. I thought that wedding planner’s were expensive and since I was extremely organized I could do it myself. WRONG……The most organized anal person could not deal with all this. When I actually sat down and saw all that needed to be done, I was sold on getting a planner. Also, who would I get to help the day of the wedding, my family? WRONG AGAIN. Family is not reliable and since they are not under any signed contracts, they are not guaranteed to be there. I would be ashamed if I relied on my cousin Tosha (not a real person) to bring the linens and she decides that she’s not going to do it the day of the wedding. Now I am stuck with guests sitting at white round tables with no linens (smh).—not cute

MY SEARCH FOR A PLANNER

Now I did mention that I am organized, which I am, and I am not one to procrastinate and in order for you to be considered as a planner for me, you had to be on top of everything. When I started my search for a planner, my venue, wedding colors, wedding dress, and bridesmaids dresses were already picked out (I don’t procrastinate…remember). I went to The Knot website and I actually sat down with almost every wedding planner in Houston. My problem with some was that they wanted to limit the amount of phone conversations we had (CRAZY). If I have an emergency and need your assistance, I should not have to worry about how many phone calls I have left….. Others wanted to change my vision and wasn’t very accepting of my ideas….are you serious…IT”S MY WEDDING. There were some who I couldn’t see myself getting along with. Then I came across a wonderful woman that owns DeVine Choices and my mother and I was sold. Tannie was very accepting of my ideas; she had wonderful ideas of her own, and we clicked instantly. I can actually say that this is the first time that my mother and I didn’t have to discuss anything; we were convinced that we were hiring her.

POINTS TO REMEMBER:
-Do not be sold on the idea that you can do it yourself. There are too many details and the smallest thing that you can forget, you will.
-Do not let anyone alter your vision….IT’S YOUR WEDDING.
-Wedding Planners are not expensive!
-Interview lots of planners until you find the one that YOU like and that works well with YOU.
-Please DO NOT rely on family and friends to coordinate your wedding. I have seen it and it is not pleasing to the eye!
-REMEMBER……to check the blog everyday for my wonderful wordsJ

THE COUNTDOWN:

DAY 9

I can actually say that we are FINISHED with planning…. Yesterday I was so excited because I don’t have anything else to do in regards to my wedding, but have my seating chart printed. We all know that when everything is going right and you are having a good day, someone always messes it up. I received a phone call from my florist that is doing my personal flower that really didn’t sit right with me. She called and asked me how many roses did we discuss would be in the bridesmaids bouquets? I informed her that we discussed 8-9 roses per bouquet. She then took it upon herself to inform me that she quoted me the wrong price for the bouquets and I would have to pay the difference to have the extra roses added. Blog family, I was angered. I booked this florist August 2008 and she had been paid in full since March 2009. Why would she call me the week before my wedding? She then went on to tell me that the bouquets she charged me for would only consist of THREE (little, small, tiny) ROSES……..Now these are bridesmaid bouquets, not jr. brides. I immediately called, my planner, Tannie, and they were able to solve the problem without me coming up with additional money. This is another good reason to have a planner. Tannie was professional. If myself or my mother would have spoken to the florist…..it would not have been so professional……

Until tomorrow Blog Family. It’s been fun.

Guest Blogger...The Day in the Life of a Bride .. One week to go!

Hello there!

We here at DeVine Choices are sooo excited to announce and introduce one of our favorite brides this week as our guest blogger. LaKeisha Cotton will be getting married next Saturday and will be blogging up until her big day!! She will be sharing her thoughts and ideas and even suggestions that she has experienced while planning her big day! I now introduce to you LaKeisha!

You are invited!

You are cordially invited to DeVine Choices & Keisha's Kreations Open House

Date: August 22, 2009

Time: 2 - 5 p.m

Location: 12999 Murphy Road, Suite B-6 Stafford, Texas 77477

Vendors that will be in attendance:

Ral's Fine Catering

Dancing Dj's 2000 Entertainment

Kakes Excetera

Divisi Strings

Linens by Lisa

Tanya Robertson (Houston's finest Make up Artist)

Tawana Cox- Photography

Francisco Perez of Houston's Party Photo Booths

We hope to see you there!!

Great Tips for Attending Bridal Shows

You are coordially invited to a Bridal Show!!

Stop by our Booth #1409

Please come out and visit DeVine Choices, LLC at the Bridal Extravaganza Show this weekend.

Date: Saturday: July 25, 2009 10-5

Sunday: July 26, 2009 11-5

George Brown Convention Center

Enter Exhibits Halls B- C

Downtown, Houston, Tx

Tips for Attending the Show!

• Set up a separate email account. There are so many services, consider setting up a wedding account through services such as, yahoo, gmail, or hotmail. This will very convenient because only wedding communication will flow though this account. You will also be able to use this account later in your planning process when offering your guest a way to RSVP to your event.
• Print Address labels at home. Save yourself time and money by printing them yourself. Most vendors at the show will want and need to collect your information . Each label should have the Names of both the bride and groom, your mailing address, the wedding email account address, your wedding date and your contact telephone number. Note: Keep in mind once you leave this label with the vendor you have given them permission to contact you regarding their services. If you are not interested in their services then please by all means do not leave your label with them.
• Two bag system . Have two separate bags, Possibly one that you carry and one that your assistant (MOH or MOB) carries. In one bag, place the information that you are truly interested in and intend to research further. In the other bag place the things that you may need to sift through at a later date for last minute items or can possibly pass on to the next friend that gets engaged.
• Be prepared to make decisions and put deposits down AT the show! Most of the vendors will have their appointment books handy to set up appointments. The most prepared will actually complete the consultation on the spot AND offer on the spots discounts. (Please make sure that you have thoroughly researched this company beforehand because most retainers are non refundable!)
• What to wear? Wear very comfortable walking shows as there will be a lot of walking. If you are planning on purchasing your dress, make sure that you wear something that can be removed easily. Also have fun by wearing some personalized t-shirts designed that identifies you and your bridal party as the bride and their roles as well.
• Who should attend? This is a tough question. If you are just browsing and the girls just want to have fun, then invite the entire bridal party. If you will be making major decisions, then bring the major decision makers,Groom, parents and possibly the MOH or your BFF.
• And lastly, please come with an open mind. This is your wedding, and there will be so many new ideas that every couple can add to their plans to truly make it a unique event. Some of the most talented and creative designers, florists, cake artists, wedding planners, gown designers, decorators and accessory designers participate in the show. They are all on the cutting edge of the "latest and greatest." Expect to see lots of new, exciting and beautiful elements to make your wedding day as special as the two of you.
  

source: Wedding-planning.suite 101.com and Bridal Extravaganza Show.com

To ask for Money or NOT?

I have been asked numerous times lately.. " Tannie is it proper for us to just ask for money?" My answer then, was always a resounding NO! I use it think that is was just plain ol' tacky to ask your quests for money. To me this was like saying... " hey guys, you are invited to a great party(ie..your wedding) but you will have to pay for your meals and drinks, parking, music, wedding cake.. OK you get the idea.

Well, since times have truly changed and couples are getting married at a more mature age, (medium age for couples to now marry is 26.7 according to askville by amazon.com) I have actually changed my thought's about this subject.

Now please don't take my word or thoughts on this subject.. let's dig a little further and get some wedding experts opinions that names I am sure you are familiar with.

Emily Post: According to Post, it's okay to ask for money as a wedding gift, however, it is extremely important to do so politely. Here are some of Post's suggestions:

• If money is the gift you would most appreciate, get the word out to family and close friends.


• If you are asked point blank what you would like, you might say, "Whatever you want to give us is wonderful, the choice is yours, but money is at the top of our wish list."
  
• It's also a good idea to state the intended purpose. Perhaps you are saving for a down payment on a house or your honeymoon. Guests will then know how their gift may be used. (Source .www.emilypost.com/weddings/weddings.)
  

The Knot: The Knot has a whole page dedicated to this subject which would lead me to believe that would be a YES! Here is what I found was most information from them.

How to Spread the Word
If you decide to set up such an account, or simply want your guests to know that you'd prefer checks -- let your parents, close relatives and friends, and wedding-party members know that when guests ask, they can tell them that. But don't completely forgo some sort of traditional registry. Give guests a choice -- some may really want to give you something material, rather than just writing you a check. (Source. www.wedding.theknot.com/online-wedding-registry/bridal-registry-tips)

Rebecca Black: Asking your guests to contribute to any part of your wedding isn't polite; it is like asking guests to pay for the party. But, if they ask, then you may suggest this as an alternative. (Source , Etiquette Now )

So there you have, Two in favor and One and a half (the half would be me ..sorta of) Not in favor!

I guess this is going to have be left up to each individual couple and their families. I would love to hear what everyone else thoughts are about this subject..

To Ask for Money or NOT?

What is your vote??

Yes or NO?

Let's hear from you!!

Happy 4th of July

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July from DeVine Choices Wedding & Event Planning and Staff!!

We will be closed until Tuesday as we enjoy our Holiday!

Flower Free Wedding???

I have been asked recently during several consultations .."Tannie , What do you think if I don't want any flowers at my wedding and reception?" My answer has always been the same to each and every question that is posed to me during consultation's about my thoughts. "What do YOU think?" I understand that with the economy in a downturn couples are thinking outside the box to find ways to cut corners. I personally love the no flowers idea and have actually blogged about it before in regards to alternatives to bridemaids flowers. The Knot recently wrote a article addressing this issue and here are a few great ideas that was suggested as well as points to consider.

What is you reason for NOT wanting flowers? Do you have an averse feeling towards flowers , is it because of a budget constraint or do you just have a desire to do something that's completely different? Once you have answered this question honestly then we can get going in the right direction.

What are the options to no flowers? There are endless options to no flowers and I will name a few just to get your creative juices flowing that we here at DeVine Choices have used with success in the past.

• Candles packages ...This is popular Choice here at DeVine Choices It is less expensive than flowers and is normally a plus with the limited amount of flowers that are selected.




• Paper Lanterns... When hung and placed in the right area these inexpensive lanterns make a a great decor' statement as well as adding additional lighting. Just make sure that you facility allows ornaments to be attached to their fixtures







• Colorful fruit.... How about lemons/apples/pears/oranges in a jar for a great eclectic centerpiece? We have used this at countless events and it has always been a crowd favorite.

Anything goes; most items that are beautiful to you it will also look great on your tables.

Note to the wise: Make sure you do a test run at least weeks before the event to make sure that you are pleased with you choices.

Source: The Knot Texas Fall/Winter 2009 edition

Our new Home!

Hello Readers!


Thanks for your support and patience while we settled into our new home. We are official now. Check out our sign and let me know what you think. We have lots of weddings coming up and you must stay tuned for to see what we have up our sleeves. I will begin a new series... Countdown..15 days until the Big day! The countdown will begin July 3, 2009. Stay tuned to see what couple it will be!! Hint.... It will be one of the couples that entered the contest..The Best proposal ever!

Now heeeeeeres the our business sign...Drumroll please..............

I am baaaack!!

Sorry guys but I had to take a break. I am back and in full effect. So much has happened since I last blogged. Let's see I have moved, both home and DeVine Choices. I will be uploading pics of both soon. We move back into our home from Ike's visit seven months ago! Yeees! DeVine Choices moved into a more upscale studio locale. We have named the location... drum roll please... DeVine Kreations Studio. More exciting information to come but I can share that Keisha of Keisha's Kreations and myself, Tannie of DeVine Chocies are still together. I know... we go together like peas and carrots, apples and oranges, cookies and ice cream..ok ok you get the point.

Please stay tuned for more exciting posts.

Modern Luxury .. An evening of Bridal Luxury

You are cordially invited!

Please join DeVine Choices and Houston Brides magazine on March 12th, 2009 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for Houston's Brides annual show which will benefit The Pink Door. There will be an exclusive bridal gown runway show, tasty bites from Michael Cordúa Events, and some of Houston's hottest wedding and event specialist. A luxury swag bag filled with extraordinary gifts for the bride to-be, a silent auction of bridal necessities and lots more! DeVine Choices will be on hand to help out with the coordinating. Come out, bring a friend and snag a cocktail or two and let the planning BEGIN! Tickets $20. Each additional ticket $15. For your tickets, call Rachel Bibb at 713.353.9360 or visit the Houston Brides' online store.The Hobby Center 8100 Bagby Houston, TX 77002

New Bridal Shoe for this summer!

This shoe is getting a lot of attention from the blogging community. I just could not pass up this opportunity to show off this little cute hot number! I am a girls girls and this is problably the cutest shoe that I have seen so far this summer. The best part of this shoe is that it is dyable.! I am normally not a dyable girl but hey, we are in a rcession and if you can repurpose this shoe than I am all for it. Once the ceremony is over you can dye it and then you will have a great summer shoe!

Description: Cole Haan 'Ceci Air Rose' Dyeable Slingback
Beautiful rosettes taper up the side of an elegant d'Orsay-cut slingback crafted from dyeable satin. Slender wrapped heel provides a considerable lift, while concealed Nike Air® technology cushions the foot

It is available at Nordstrom's and the cost is $428.00

Flower Girl and ring bearer!

Source :www.mspmag.com/images/weddings/photovideo/ass

The average age for a flower girl is around 5 or 6 years old. The key is to have them repeatedly practice their parts. Perhaps their parents could have them start running the girls through it long before the wedding, then have them walk down twice during the wedding rehearsal. Position the parents of the girls near the front rows so, if they get scared, they'll run UP the aisle rather than down it. If she's planning on using an older ring bearer, perhaps he could walk behind them to help usher them up the aisle. The flower girls could also hold hands- so if one trips or gets scared, the older one will be there to help. As long as it is rehearsed beforehand, it should be just fine. Also be sure to give young children VERY LIGHT things to carry. With girls I'd recommend flower balls or wands in lieu of traditional flower baskets. These are easier for little ones to carry and a lot less potential for mess.

What are your thoughts ... we would love to hear from you!