DeVine Choices Wedding & Event Planning

DeVine Choices Wedding & Event Planning
"Remember...It's a DeVine Choice!"

Welcome To DeVine Choices Wedding & Event Planning's blog

Thanks for stopping by our blog. This is where we will share events, ideas and suggestions with brides and grooms and the wedding community. Please feel free to comment, suggest and even disagree with some of our posts. for more information on DeVine Choices Wedding and Event Planning, Please feel free to stop by our website at www.devinechoices.com

Monday, December 19, 2016

Introducing..... Tannie Coward, Deceber 2016 Cover The Real Housewives of Houston

We have been Super busy Rebranding ourselves. We heard you and we have made some changes. We have updated our website and we are now mobile friendly!  Take a look ... www.devinechoices.com and tell us what you think.

We are also happy to share some exciting news with you. We kept a secret for 3 months. 😮

December 2016  Cover of The Real Housewives of Houston


Click below link to read entire article.

https://www.joomag.com/magazine/the-real-housewives-of-houston-23/0555032001481753104?short



Thursday, February 4, 2016

Ask the "Planner"


Ask The "Planner"
 
We are super excited here at DeVine Choices to see another year in the Wedding & Event Planning Industry. As a Wedding Planner of Ten Plus years I have pretty much seen it all. With the internet being a Brides Best Friend during their planning process most Brides do NOT see the value of hiring a planner until they are in way over their heads.

Starting today we will begin our WEEKLY series of "Ask the Planner" ! Here Brides/Grooms and family members as well as guests can ask ANY question relating to the planning of a wedding.

If you know of any engaged couples that are in the process of planning their wedding be a friend and refer them here!

This should be lots of fun, as I get in boxed weekly with questions from Past Brides, friends and "helpers" regarding wedding planning. 

Below are a sample of the questions that we will answer:
  • Budgets ( how much does  a wedding cost?)
  • colors ( what are the latest trends? )
  • Size of the wedding  (how does the size affect the budget? )
  • invitations (when should we send them?)
  • Save the dates (should we send them? )
  • Seating arrangements (who should set where?)
  • Programs ( what needs to be included)

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

My Personal Journey into Planning MY Wedding

As a recent Bride AND Wedding Planner I have been asked numerous times, "how was it planning your OWN wedding?" Because of this question, I have decided to blog about my personal experiences VS the advice that I give my Clients .

I will blog once a week about my journey and YES, it was a journey. First things first...

THE WEDDING DATE:

How did we (myself and Fiancée) select our date? Ok this was a pretty easy one.

My answer:
We both knew we wanted to get married outside/beach. Because of this we knew it had to be late summer/early fall. We originally agreed on a destination wedding but quickly changed plans when thinking of our guests and the expenses/burden that it would place on others. Being the Wedding planner that I am, I got a little creative and suggested, Galveston, Texas. We choose Galveston because it was close to Houston, it gave my fiancée' the "Beach Feel" that he desired and there would be minimal financial burden for our guests. With this being the  agreed upon location, I then contacted the Hotel that I had fell in love with when planning a wedding for a client several years ago. The San Luis Hotel and Resort.

Here is where being a planner came in handy. As a planner I understood that the exact date was NOT important.
(Tip #1.... do not be consumed by a certain date, be flexible) 
 
What was important was that they had a OPEN date available at such a short notice. OHHH wait... I forgot to tell you guys that we started planning in May and wanted the wedding in August/September of the same year!

We contacted the Hotel, sales and catering Manager and requested available dates for the month of August, 2015. There were two dates available, August 8 & 9, 2015.

We actually selected the 8th of August but due to a scheduling conflict with our Daughter and her weekend school schedule we settled on AUGUST 9, 2019.

My Advice to clients:

I actually ALWAYS give my clients the exact same advice that I adhered to myself.
  • Be flexible with wedding date
  • Consider your guests when selecting your date and location
  • Both the Bride and Groom should be the ONLY ones deciding on YOUR wedding date
August 9, 2015 was the Day that we became Husband & Wife!
 
Stay tuned for next weeks blog..... The Theme



Monday, January 5, 2015

Happy New Year From DeVine Choices Wedding & Event Planning

We are super excited here at DeVine Choices to see another year in the Wedding & Event Planning Industry.

We have soo many things to share with everyone in this upcoming year that we can't contain ourselves.  This year we are teaming up with one of Houston's Top Photographer's to bring some exciting contests for a few lucky couples. Stay tuned to see what we have in store.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Morning of the Wedding by Angela

Good morning all! Today is the wedding day and as I sit in my hotel room, I can't help but reflect on whey step of this amazing journey. I'm uber excited today :-) 

Words of wisdom: Brides, even if your wedding is local, book a hotel room for yourself the night before the wedding and checkin no later than 8pm. Otherwise you will find yourself still running errands and creating more stress. At some point, you have to just STOP! Take this from a super control freak who really wants a perfect wedding. 

Now, I need to transfer my vows from my iPad to some pretty paper. Oh and if you're looking for a card for your future husband-go to Hallmark first because Walgreens doesn't have it. Lol 

...BTW, I'm still in the bed relaxing :-)


Friday, February 28, 2014

DeVine Choices Pearls of Wisdom: Guest Blogger... Our Bride Angela Wright

DeVine Choices Pearls of Wisdom: Guest Blogger... Our Bride Angela Wright

Guest Blogger... Our Bride Angela Wright

Hey there.. I know we have not been out here in the blogging world for a while.... well that is about to change... Today will begin our series of GUEST Blogger.. we will have our Bride that is getting married this weekend blog her wedding planning experiences .... right up to the minute that she walks down the aisle! ( how exciting is this?)

I introduce to you.... Angela....


Thursday, August 8, 2013

DeVine Choices ..We are back and we're ready to BLOG about it!

It has been a long and personal journey for us here at DeVine Choices but we are back. Ooooookkkkk.... it has been a long and personal journey for ME (Tannie) and I am back. I have never stopped having the desire to plan wedding and events and have done so while I was away from the blogging word. I just did not have the energy to sit down and blog about it. Well..... guess what..... it's TIME!

Come a little closer, I want to share with you something thats  kinda private but since we are all family I want to be a  little transparent here? Thank you... Here goes....  I got a divorce several years ago and because of this I had to kinda regroup afterwards, business and personally. I had to sit down and refocus my mind, body and soul. I had to regroup  my business plan ,finances and some business goals. Y'all know when you use to plan your life for two and now it 's just one.. EVERYTHING changes. Sooooo.. what that being said.. I moved my office from a storefront to my home study. (one of the wisest choices I have EVER made). Yes, I miss my Business partner terribly but She understood and gave me her blessings to mentally recoup! I am soooo glad that we were Much MORE than business partners but friends. The business venture may have been place on hold but certainly not our friendship. I am truly glad that we still talk daily!  Thanks and I love ya sweetie, Keisha of Keisha's Kreations you are the best!  Who knows what our future holds.. we may get back together one day.. (wink.. wink)

YES,  I STILL believe in love and all the excite that comes with it.
YES, I am still a HOPELESS romantic
YES, I still get misty eyed every time a see that look on our Grooms face when he see's his Bride walking towards him at EVERY wedding that I do.
YES, I still get butterflies EVERY time a DeVine Choices Wedding/Event begins
Yes, I believe that there is someone for everyone

And Finally Yes, I am back and ready  to blog about Weddings & Events and everything that it encompasses.

Stay tuned.... we have some exciting things to share....

Saturday, March 10, 2012

How to Plan your OWN Wedding Workshop


We here at DeVine Choices have been asked numerous time to host a workshop for the couple that would like the experience of planning their own wedding. Well since we here at DeVine Choices understands that planning a wedding is all about "choices" (wink..wink) we have our very first seminar scheduled. Topics that will be discussed will be:
How to Plan your OWN Wedding
  • We are engaged ..now where do we start?
  • How to stay within your wedding budget
  • How do we select our vendors?
  • How to choose the right location
  • Guest list..whose invited?
  • Today's proper wedding etiquette

Fee: $50.00 Bride $25.00 (1) Guest

$20.00 any additional guests

For registration invoice contact tannie@devinechoices.com

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Welcome Tami and Deundra

Hello to our newest couple, Tami and Deundra







Wedding date: October, 2011






Favorite Color: Bride : Purple Groom: Purple



One word to decribe their dream wedding: Bride: Elegant Groom: Fun



Hobbies: Bride: Dancing, The Arts and Delta Sigma Theta



Grooms: Computers, Electronics, making music and Automobiles




Side note: Tami is my Alumni of Grambling State University.. Goooo Tigers!

New Additon" to the DeVine Choices Family

Hello there Pearls of Wisdom Family!

Today I am starting a new series... "New additons to the DeVine Choices Family"

I have been blessed to have sooo many great couples added to the DC family. They are such hams..,The first thing everyone wants to know... " Am I going to be on your website?" LOL

Of course the answer is a resounding YES!!!!
Side note for aspiring planners that are reading: Every great planner has their clients sign a release of permission to use their photos in advertising..just in case there is that great shot that you just have to share with the entire world.

Well.. I am trying to do better with this blogging thing.. soooo what better way to kick things off then with this series... " New additions". I will be adding more periodically, but just to get started I will start with the most recent addition and move down from there!

Soooo with that being said... check out our next post!

Monday, June 6, 2011

GROOMDAMENTALS : INTRODUCTION


Greetings Ladies and Gents. My name is Jarrell Liner, the new DeVine Choices guest blogger that will be bringing you the "GROOMDAMENTALS". Now, you may be asking yourself "What are Groomdamentals?" Well, I am happy to tell you that the Groomdamentals are fundamental points of knowledge that every Groom should know and utilize before and during the coveted engagement to his beautiful bride to be. I am sure that you have already figured out that the Groomdamentals are given from a male perspective...I guess that the fact that I am a male myself kind of gave that away! As a former "Groom to be", I can understand how Grooms can feel that the whole engagement and wedding process can be a little overwhelming, a big headache, and all about the bride. Well, I hate to tell you this fellas, but IT IS all about the Bride! The sooner that you figure that out, the easier things will be on you. Trust me.

Now, the fact that the wedding planning process may be all about the Bride doesn't mean that you don't matter and that you have just signed up to be the errand servant and an emotional punching bag for your Bride to release her stress out on...even though there will be times, as a matter of fact most of the time, that you will feel this way. Fellas, we all have to understand that for a woman her wedding day is the most important day of her life. Believe me when I tell you that she has been planning this day since she was 5 years old and nobody, including you, is going to mess this up for her. The most important role that you can play during your engagement is to be supportive of her and a willing participant in any and all activities that she needs you to assist with. As a matter of fact, you can gain kudos from your Bride to be by being proactive and asking her if she needs your help. More times then not she will say; "No thanks, I got it" but knowing that you offered will keep you on her good side. I know, I know, you really don't care about what color that the table liners are at the reception, and you don't really care where you get married at because as long as you are marrying the woman that you love, then nothing else matters... but if you want to prevent your beautiful Bride from transforming into the well known and feared "Bridezilla" then you will participate with a smile! Pick your battles wisely, remembering that every concession you make at this stage of the relationship pays off threefold in the honeymoon suite.

I will say this, if the wedding planning process becomes a strain on your relationship, which it probably will, step up and suggest a good wedding planner that can help ease this stress for both of you (I recommend Tannie Barnes ). By doing this, you will be showing initiative and involvement in the whole process and ultimately you will me making the days leading up to your wedding go a lot smoother and calmer for you and your beautiful Bride to be.

Now, this is how the Groomdamentals will work. Every first Monday of the month, I will blog one Groomdamental that will hopefully help all the fellas out and make your engagement and wedding planning process more enjoyable.

GROOMDAMENTAL #1 : KNOW YOUR WOMAN
AND WHAT SHE WANTS

You are probably saying "Of course, I know my woman...that's why I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with her!" Well, sure you do. What I am saying is that before you get down on that right knee...you know, the one you injured playing football in high school....make sure that you have had some type of discussion with your lady about what being married means to her. I know that some of you like the whole "surprise" factor and you just want to come out of the blue with your proposal. That's fine, but have that talk first. Do it casually, it can be months before you actually propose. You should not only discuss what her "dream wedding" may be, but this may also be a good time to discuss LIFE with her as well, from career goals to how you will raise your future kiddos. These types of conversations can help both of you decide if marriage is in your future and most importantly it will give you a heads up on what to expect during the wedding planning process. If she describes her "dream wedding" as something similar to the famed Royal Wedding that took place earlier this year, then you better be ready to empty your pockets and roll up your sleeves because you got a BIG job ahead of you buddy!

Ultimately, these important discussions can help you both get an idea of how to financially plan for your wedding and it will give you a good indication of what to expect during your wedding planning process as a couple, which will in turn ease a lot of the stress that goes into planning your wedding.

Now, after you have had the talk with your lady, and you are absolutely sure that she is the woman for you, now it is time to plan the engagement! This is the part that you are supposed to SHINE on. It's your time, buddy! All eyes will be on you, so don't mess this up. She will remember this for the rest of her life!

Check back next month for
GROOMDAMENTAL #2 : PLANNING THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE. THE ENGAGEMENT.

The "Groomdamentals" are written by Jarrell Liner.
Connect with Jarrell Liner on
Facebook Twitter
If you have any questions or comments about this post, feel free to contact Jarrell Liner
jarrell.liner@gmail.com

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Day 4 of the FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!!

This is a BIG HELLO to all you Blogger's out there...My name is Kendra Nelson and I will be Blogging alllllll the way up until the Grand Finale, right up until it's time for me to walk down the aisle on May 28th. Sooo lets have some fun!!!!

I have been getting a lot of questions recently, such as how does it feel being that you only have less than a week to finally say "I DO"..are you NERVOUS, STRESSED, or just Ready for it to be Over...well lets just say, YES, NO, and YES/NO!!!

What Bride to be wouldn't be nervous, the name she has been walking around with for her entire life is about to change..LOL..j/k..a BRIDE being nervous is much, much more different in my OPINION then a GROOM being nervous. Brides are more nervous about things such as..hoping her invitations come out right. Did I choose the right color pattern, or what about the cake, did I make the right choice, whereas the Groom is more concerned with how MUCH, how MUCH and how MUCH is all this going to cost me...gotta love those GROOMS though dont we.

I think most people expect "Brides to Be" STRESSED..well I am here to stop that RUMOR right now, BRIDES TO BE YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE STRESSED PLANNING YOUR BIG DAY!!!..it will have it's moments, but the END RESULT should be a Fun, Exciting, and Unforgetable journey. There are many things that can and will help you out if you choose to do them....The VERRRY first thing to do is.....

1. HIRE a PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PLANNER..keyword being PROFESSIONAL..I didn't say, a Family Member, or a Friend, or a Coworker who likes to decorate...There is a BIG, BIG difference between someone who just has an eye for putting nice things together, or matchig colors..than a person being able to pull off a PRODUCTION, because thats exactly what a wedding is..it consist of more that just matching colors and picking out invitations and helping you choose the right flowers..OHHH I stand firm on expressing that it is soooo much more than that.

Well Bloggers that is it for tonight, check back with me tomorrow as I continue the FINAL COUNTDOWN..I will also, share with you guys on how I chose my Wedding Planner..OH and please feel free to comment ask questions..etc....

Bride Guest Blogger

Meet our Guest Blogger Kendra

Wedding Date: May 28, 2011

Hello there! Sorry it has been a while since I have been out here... I promise to do better! This week we will have a Guest Blogger.. MY bride this weekend Kendra will share her thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and fears for her wedding this weekend.. She will actually blog all the way up until the minute she walks down the aisle.... Stay tuned.. this should be great!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Trash the Dress!!






What to do with your wedding dress AFTER the ceremony? Of course there are several answers to this questions , but none quite as daring as A "TRASH THE DRESS" session! One of my favorite brides, Krystal took the challenge and TRASHED her wedding dress. Her pictures are amazing!!!!! Take a look for yourselves and let me know what you think! I have recommended, requested, begged and pleaded with ALL of my Brides to be so daring. No one took me up on this challenge.. that is until now!!!






Thanks Krystal for being such a great sport about it! Major kudos to the talented photographer, Joey Brown. He did a amazing job and of course a beautiful Bride didn't hurt! For more photos of his amazing work , visit his website @ http://www.joeybrownphoto.com/



Friday, January 22, 2010

Favorite Friday


My Favorite Bridal Picture

LaKeisha Ledbetter Anderson, Esquire

This picture is ONE of my favorites.. I wil be posting more every Friday....

I love this picture because it embodies everything that a Bride is suppose to be on her day... Happy, excited, playful, relaxed, beautiful, confident and radiant.

This photo was taken just after she said I do!

Photo credit.. 4salebyphoto.com


We are back and in full effect!


Hello and Happy New Year! Sorry but we took a slight break from blogging. Stay tuned for some exciting features. We will be bringing you the lastest trends, ideas, suggestions and details for making your wedding the best ever!


Thanks for following and pass the word ...we are back!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

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!












Friday, October 30, 2009

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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