Let's Eat Cake!

When choosing a cake there are many variables that should be considered.

What do we want the cake to say about our wedding? Do we want the cake to be traditional, simple, classic, fun or extravagant?Here a a few of my favorites from Who Made The Cake here in Houston, Texas. Nadine Moon has created cakes that was featured in People magazine as well as quite a few of my couples that were quite pleased with the outcome. The fillings are endless, not to mention delicious! Give Nadine a call and set up an appointment today, I promise you will not be let down. Tell her Tannie of DeVine Choices sent you.

Which one is your favorite?

Themes are really fun!!

Grooms Cakes are more about the personality of the Groom as well as our love for chocolate!

All images are courtesy of Who Made the Cake!

http://www.whomadethecake.com/index.htm

Are you getting married or know someone that is getting married?
Please come out and join Houston's top wedding professionals as we share information on how to interview, hire and recession proof your special day.

"WEDDING PLANNING 101"

Every 3rd Sunday of the Month

3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Please join DeVine Choice,LLC Wedding Planner, Tannie Barnes McGregor and Keisha's Kreations,LLC Creative Expert and Designer Keisha Ervin along with some of Houston's Top Wedding Vendors for a 2-1/2 hour seminar that will guide you through the process of planning your wedding with knowledge and confidence!
$30.00 per person Payment due prior to Attendance!

To register please email Tannie @ info@devinechoices.com with number of attendees. You will then receive an invoice for payment via paypal which once paid will serve as your admission ticket.
Seminar location:
DeVine Choices/Keisha's Kreations Studio 445 FM 1092, Suite 101Stafford, TX 77477281.499.0585 (office) 281.844.2844 (cell)
Topics that will be discussed!
It's All in the Planning! "Orientation" Step-by-step.

• "What Beautiful Flowers!" Meet one of Houston's Top florist, Keisha Ervin of Keisha's Kreations.
• "It's All About the $$" Guidelines on what an average wedding will cost.
• "Let Them Eat Cake!" The latest information on prices/sizes, flavors etc.
• "May I Have This Dance?" How to select the best music that fits your sense of style and budget.
• "Say Cheese!" How to find a photographer/videographer that can best capture your special day.
• "Rentals!" How to select vendors that best suits your needs.
• "Let's Eat!" Get tips on how to select caterers from one of Houston's top caterers.
• "It's My Day!" How to deal with bridal attendants, mothers and mother-in-Laws when planning your special day.
• "Final Exam" "Let's Talk... " Open Forum
• There will also be "first dance exhibitions, make up professionals as well as Honeymoon advisers on hand to guide you through your decisions for your special day!
  We hope to see you there! Sincerely

We Have a Winner!

Best Proposal Ever Contest Winner!

Landon & Tasha

Thanks to everyone that entered our first contest. This was a tough decision and I am glad that I did not have to vote. The winning couple has been notified and I will come back and let you guys know which prize they selected. If you were the winner which one would you select?

Stay tune for more contests... As promised everyone will be able to enter.

More Proposals! Amanda and Dennis Entry

Amanda and Dennis

Wedding Date: March 1, 2008

The Proposal

Wow, I remember it like it was just yesterday. On March 14, 2007, Dennis and I had reached our 1yr anniversary of dating. I had planned a beautiful romantic evening to celebrate with this awesome God-Sent man of mine. I wanted to do something special for the both of us since we both just had major surgery 6 weeks prior and needed to get out and enjoy ourselves. Little did I know that the weather would be the deciding factor. It literally stormed that evening and into most of the night. Needless to say we didn't get out that night. Dennis assured me that we would get to celebrate another day. Then 2 days later March 16, 2007, I was feeling a little sad and depressed because my father had passed on this date the year before. So I decided to get out the house to go get my hair braided and maybe I would call my sister to go walk through the mall or something. While at the braid shop, Dennis called me and asked if I wanted to go get something to eat. I said sure! (As he knows I love to eat) He said why don't you call Wanda and Aaron (My sister and brother in law) to see if they want to go. I called them and they were just coming from a church luncheon. I asked her what were they getting ready to do. She said, "Going to eat". I asked ,"Where? " She said, "To get Mexican food". I knew that's what I wanted so I told her to meet us at my favorite place; Pappasitos. Dennis and I met them there and we were seated.( I had no idea that Dennis had planned this with them all along.) Dennis had on his Atlanta Falcons jersey with the number 7 on it. He preceded to tell me to ask my brother in law what the number 7 meant in the bible. You see, Dennis and I had been studying the number 7 and wanted to get another take on it. ( My brother in law is a minister.) He said that it meant COMPLETION. We both agreed and Dennis said, "Absolutely that's what it means, that's why I know you complete me in every way." And all of a sudden he pulls out a ring from under the table and asks me to be his wife. For the first time in all of my life I was speechless. Everyone in the restaurant was waiting on my answer. After about 8 minutes of silence on my behalf, I said YES!!!!! I never did get to eat my food and that's a first.

Amanda Speechless!!

They are really making it tough on the judges! Only a few days left... Hurry and send yours in!

Lakeisha and Lionel Entry

Here's another entry..What do you guys think?? Have you picked a winner yet??

Lakeisha & Lionel

Wedding Date: 9-26-09

http://www.mywedding.com/lionelloveslakeisha/

The Proposal :

I was planning a huge baby shower for my sister at my parents home and was excited that I was going to have a niece. All of my family from out-of-town were coming to this huge event that I worked so hard on. I was so consumed in planning this shower that I was not paying attention to the clues that were right in front of me. The week of the shower, Lionel would surprise me with little gifts for no reason everyday. This wasn't normal activity for Lionel and when I asked him about it he stated that he was buying gifts just because (I accepted that answer at the time). My family members were also acting a little weird and was extremely excited and happy. I thought everyone was happy because I was throwing this huge baby shower.....that had a little to do with it...but everyone was excited about the engagement that was going to take place that I didn't know about.. During the baby shower, Lionel walked in and everyone turned and looked at him, because he likes to joke around a lot, Lionel told everyone that he came to get something to eat. As I was fixing him some food, he appeared nervous, which is not normal behavior for him. He grabbed me by my hand and asked me to walk outside with him. He looked me in my eyes with sincerity and explained how much he loved me and how he could not envision his life without me in it. He got on one knee and pulled out a box and when he opened it a light shined on the ring (it was too cute....). He then asked me to marry him....and of course I said YES... Lionel reports that he could not propose in front of everyone at the shower because he was too nervous. I thought it was sweet and intimate. I am truly blessed because I was able to celebrate my soon-to-be niece and my soon-to-be husband all in the same day with my family and close friends.

LaKeisha & Lionel

It is getting hot here.. I would not want to have to choose.. Good thing I have deferred this to my new assistants..they really have their work cut out for them!

Come on couples, keep them coming!!

Chante and Jabari's Entry

The entry's just keep rolling in. Here is another submission from a couple that I am presently working with ....Tell us what you think so far?? It is getting tough! Keep them coming....

Chante' and Jabari

Wedding date: September 5, 2009

http://www.momentville.com/chanteandjabari

My Proposal.....Hmmm....Was it the best? Was it over the top romantic? Was it extravagant? I don't know, but it was definitely special to me of course. My fiance' and I have actually been together for what will be 10 yrs in March. We talked about getting married here and there in the beginning because we both felt like there was no one else for us. But after 5 years of dating and still no proposal I kinda gave up hope and was actually trying to figure out how I was gonna tell him I wouldn't be around for another 5 years with no ring. Me being the hopeless romantic I am, decided to hang in there. I just knew the day was coming. On June 21 2008 my best friend was married, before me! At that point I just said, ok, it's official, I'm never getting married! The day after her wedding, my fiance was preparing to catch his flight back home when he pulled up to my church. He was kind of avoiding me, which was weird because I thought he was there to see me. I was kinda hurt and confused as a matter of fact. I noticed everyone gathering around me. My mom, dad, family, church members, I mean everyone. At this point I'm extremely confused as to what's going on. He approached me, he begin to speak but I'm so nervous because I don't know whats going on, that I couldn't hear. It wasn't until he got down on one knee, right there in front of the church and asked me would I spend the rest of my life with him, that I realized this was a proposal. I burst into tears, he started crying, my dad even cried! And after all the crying, I said "YES" of course. He had been holding on the the ring for six months and every time he came to Houston he brought it with him but just couldn't bring himself to actually propose. It was my best friends wedding that made him realize he was wasting time, he needed to do this and soon. He wasn't gonna leave Houston with this ring again! You see, the proposal itself to some may not seem all that extravagant, but to me me it was special because he did it just the way I mentioned I had wanted it......with all my family and friends present!!!!!

Stay tuned for more...Come on guys .. this is getting tough..What do you think?

First Contest Entry

Wow! The contest is on! The contest is only a few hours old and we already have several entries. Here is one the first ones to submit their entry. Enjoy the proposal told from the future grooms perspective.....Whew..... the competition is getting hot!

Please allow me to introduce,

Landon & Tasha

Wedding Date: July 18, 2009

http://www.landonandtasha-09.com/
The story of the proposal goes as follows: For the longest time I knew I wanted to propose to Tasha. I was planning this proposal for over a year. I researched what ring Tasha desired (thanks Nyckie). I spent months using my off days researching jewelers in the City of Houston for that ‘just right’ feeling (thanks Keysha). I knew I wanted to pop the question on 9-12-08 (3 days before her birthday). As 2008 neared towards August I began having nightmares of myself not having a ring. Even my daydreams became haunted by me not having the ring or the slightest clue on where I was going to get it. On August 15th (my birthday) before Tasha got home from work I spoke to my mom and told her how worried I was about the ring; she told me not to worry and something would turn up. No sooner than it for me to have another nightmarish daydream I saw a commercial for The Jewel Source. Before I knew it, I was in the car headed down Richmond Ave. to this location with the feeling like this was my final chance to make things happen. As I entered this unmarked 8 story building with thoughts of “I had 8 floors of jewelers to search and find the right choice”. I got into the elevator with the sound of the song that I asked our friend Enjolee to sing (playing in the background) to Tasha as I proposed. So I knew this was the RIGHT place. I ended up meeting a guy who does custom work and we were able to come up with the idea for the ring. Six days after my birthday I had knee surgery and soon after Hurricane Ike really changed things up for me. My jeweler ended up vacating Houston due to the hurricane on the day the ring was supposed to be ready, which caused all kinds of worry. The soloist who was going to sing during the proposal vacated Houston as well. Tasha and I were stuck in our home with no lights on her birthday and I was more upset than she was. I so wanted this to be her fairy tale proposal that she always wanted. The jeweler and soloist were gone, all of her friends were out of commission due to the hurricane. Eventually I got the ring and had my mother in law hold onto it until the new date of 9-19-08 arrived. The most difficult part of all this was not saying a single word to Tasha. Hurricane Ike caused us to move Tasha’s birthday celebration to 9-19-08. Tasha thought we were having happy hour at our house and dinner with friends. On 9-19-08 I spent the day buying all that was needed for the surprise. Originally, I had many things planned for that day to make it special and literally all of it was canceled. I soon came to realize all that was needed was my love Tasha, myself, courage, and the ring. Guest began to arrive at our house (all fully aware of the proposal) as she and I got ready. Since I was still on crutches, I had Tasha help me get ready in an attempt to slow her down. I got dressed before she did and told her she could leave the room until I came to get her. I had reached the point of NO RETURN. As I made it down stairs, I had a difficult time breathing, thinking, and staying calm. My mom, mother in law, best man, and one of Tasha’s bridesmaids helped me cover the house with multi colored rose pedals. Just before I went into the room to get her, I sat on the futon gathering my thoughts. I think this was the most nervous that I have ever been in my life. I literally saw my heart beating thru my shirt. Tasha’s mom was set to take pictures of the proposal. As I opened the door to summon Tasha, her mother snapped the first shot which caused Tasha to be paranoid with questions of “who’s taking pictures?” I grabbed her by the hands as I shook tremendously and backed up to the edge of the stairs. It was very important to me to get down on one knee, so I had to bend my left knee and keep my right leg straight down the steps b/c I couldn't bend that knee much. I told Tasha that I loved more than anything and I can't see myself living without her. I then kneeled and she gasped and I asked “Will you marry me?” As she cried her hand was out and ready. Her left hand shot out, fingers spaced out but she hadn't said anything, so I waited until she shook her head yes. I came to my feet and we kissed and hugged and engagement was on.

Stay tuned for more tomorrow.....

Best Propsal Ever Contest!

The Best Proposal Ever!

A thank you from Devine Choices for my past and present clients!!

For those that know me, you have heard my proposal story, Or should I say the Story of the proposal that wasn't....Kinda of ...
My husband and I had a whirlwind romance. We met at Church in November of 94. Our first date was in February of 1995. We were married July 29, of that same year. For those that are counting we had our first date and wedding within six months of our first date We have been truly happily married every since. We truly agreed to just do it! We never really sat down and discussed whether or not we were going to get married it was always when we get married.... We both went to the jeweler and had my ring designed so I knew that the ring was coming but I thought that he would be Mr. Romantic and at least plan a nice night out to present it. Being the Right now person that I am the wedding date was fast approaching and no ring yet ! Plans were being made, invitations were ordered, counseling was finished and still no ring! Sooooo, being the less than patient person that I am, I started asking quite often....Where's the ring? Well, being the Mr. Take care of things person that he is... One Saturday afternoon he walks in the door as I was siting on the sofa planning the wedding of course, and politely hands me the ring and nicely say's ... here you go, take a look at it and make sure it is what we designed? Now you would think that I would be all upset because I didn't get the down on one knee, flowers and the whole candle thing.. NOT at all.. I looked at the ring, smiled really big and said yes, it 's exactly like I pictured it!

Sooo let's see... Technically He did ask me a question AND technically I did say YES... Ok.. Ok... I'm not sure that this really counts as a proposal... and being the hopelessly romantic that I am, ( hint... why I became a wedding planner)I have been giving him a hard time about it every since... I will admit that it is truly a joy watching him try to make up for the proposal that wasn't and ladies let's just say he is doing a great job trying!

Was your proposal the best?

If you think so, share the details with us. Was it romantic? Funny or just plain ole out the park over the top, You can't touch this, crazy in love? Share details please. DeVine Choices staff will announce the winner on Valentines day, February 14th, 2009.

Contest details: Who can enter? Anyone that has been a past or present client of DeVine Choices Wedding and Event Planning

Prize: You pick the gift.... Your choices are as follows:

• Honeymoon suite decor': The Total package... Flowers, candles, Champagne, Chocolate covered strawberries and flower petals everywhere!
• Bridal shower coordination (luncheon, tea or traditional party..your choice) OR
• Bachlorette party coordination OR
• Bachelor party coordination OR
• Baby shower coordination OR
• House warming coordination OR
• Birthday party coordination OR
• Candle package for your upcoming wedding
• Dinner Party from family and friends

Deadline for entry's are February 12, 2009 at midnight. Please send all entries to devinechoicestbm@yahoo.com

Prize must be redeemed and used by December 31, 2009

I can't wait to hear from you guys.... Get to writing!For those who have not yet had the DeVine Choices Experience, stay tuned ....more contest are coming soon for all to participate,but I had to pay it backwards first !

2009 Brides Choice Awards!

We are so excited to announce that DeVine Choices Wedding & Event Planning has been awarded the 2009 WeddingWire Brides Choice Award for One of Houston's Top wedding Planners.

Press Release

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that DeVine Choices Wedding & Event Planning has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™! In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US. That means DeVine Choices is one of the very best Wedding and Event Planners. Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews. “We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.” DeVine Choices would like to thank our past clients for speaking on our behalf and helping us win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award.

Again, I would like to say a special thank you to all of the couples and families that allowed me to share in their special day. As I have said personally to each and every one of you, I do not take this job lightly and realize that I do not get to "do over" your special day therefore it is of utmost importance that I get it right the first time!

Thank you and I love you all,

Tannie