Balancing Your Career & Your Wedding Plans

I received this article in my Elegala monthly newsletter about finding a balance between work and planning a fabulous wedding. Interesting read, enjoy!

 

How to Juggle Wedding Planning with Your Career

Ensure your professional life doesn’t suffer while you’re in wedding planning mode…

You don’t need to be told twice that life as a bride-to-be is punishing on the day planner. Every decision, from the flowers to the favors, is in your newly banded hand. Planning a wedding is essentially a full time job, and if you’re already a busy professional, guess what? Your work week doubled the moment you said “yes,” and the delicate balance between your professional and personal lives is in danger of collapsing. So how can you juggle your career and your wedding without losing your sanity?

Get A Grip

This advice may sound obvious, but getting organized is the best way to avoid missteps and their accompanying headaches. Pre-think everything. Appointment books or electronic planners are literally the bottom line when it comes to organizing your work and personal life. There it is, right in front of you, a complete visualization of your day, week or month. Take control of your wedding checklist with an organizational system you can stick to – even an old fashioned 3-ring binder will work. Use the same method of organization to stay on top of your work day. Get the latest piece of desktop organizational equipment, or surf your computer program to find the most efficient daily or weekly planner.

Divide And Conquer

Surfing the net for bouquet ideas while on the phone with an important client is generally a bad idea. Instead, segment your day into times when you are solely focused on work and solely focused on the wedding; letting one intrude on the other can slow you down. If you must accomplish some wedding related tasks during the work day, set aside a specific time for wedding planning. Designate your lunch hour for calling vendors or 30 minutes in the afternoon to look for dress ideas. If you’re taking time out of your work day, plan ahead to arrive early or stay late to make up for any lost productivity.

Maximize Free Time

You’ve got a lot on your plate, so what was once “free time” may now have to be used more productively. Try to swipe some items from your to-do list after hours. Instead of vegging on the couch during Grey’s Anatomy, use this time to multitask. An easy chore like addressing save the dates or clipping photos can safely be done in your pjs without missing any of the action on TV.

Get Some Help

Don’t be afraid to delegate. Your fiancé is your greatest untapped resource; divide wedding planning tasks evenly between the two of you. (it’s his wedding too, you know). Then delegate even further. Accept help from anyone who offers. Give small tasks to immediate family members or bridal attendants (key word is small – don’t turn former friends into resentful full time wedding planners). And if that’s still not enough – consider enlisting the help of a professional (That's me!).

Take A Break

Kicking up your heals as your task list exponentially expands may sound a tad indulgent, but allowing yourself some time to rejuvenate is essential to avoid burnout. Some down time will even make you more efficient. Have you ever tried going for a morning run without a good night’s sleep the night before? The same applies here. What activities comprised your free time before the career versus wedding juggling act seized your soul? Reading? Hiking? Painting? Don’t let those activities slip; take that time to yourself and enjoy the relaxation that comes with doing something that you enjoy.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask

So you’ve organized, compartmentalized, multitasked, delegated and rejuvenated, but you still find that there just aren’t enough hours in the day, and your work is suffering. Don’t ignore the problem and hope it goes unnoticed. Schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your situation. Avoid blanket complaints about being too busy and unfounded requests for time off. Instead, present the problem and possible solutions. Explain the job duties that are suffering, and share with your boss ideas for how you can accomplish them more efficiently.

Original Source

Manzanita Branch Centerpiece

For our Bridal Soiree (Shameless plug- Get tickets here) next Tuesday I will design four tablescapes: "Proud Peacock", "Goldenrod and Damask", "Red, Black and Bling", and "Branches at the Beach". I just arrived at the idea to do the beach theme last night as I was in the wholesale supply store buying last minute items. I've decided to use a 36" tall cylinder vase filled to the brim with assorted seashells and have a single 20" manzanita branch ($30) resting at the top of the vase. I purchased turquoise crystal hangs to suspend from the limbs and I will hot glue a few shells to the branches as well. I'll attached a picture of my inspire below.

To make sure I would not topple over the vase I researched how to create a manzanita centerpiece. I found a wonderful article on The Nettleton Hollow blog here. I decided to copy and paste it below. Enjoy!

Manzanita Branches typically have a short stem ranging from a couple of inches to maybe six inches or so long. This means that you get a "branchier branch," but also makes it difficult to fit a set of Manzanita Branches into a narrow vase, and most importantly, keep them there and stable. While in many situations displaying Manzanita Branches in a short, wide vase works well, using a tall, narrow vase allows you to create a tall centerpiece with relatively short (and inexpensive) branches, and boost the centerpiece above the sightline so your guests aren't trying too peer through and around the branches to see each other.

 Here we created a 4-5 foot tall, two foot or so diameter wide display by using three 24-36" Natural Manzanita branches ($150 for 12, and that INCLUDES the rather substantial shipping) and a 23" tall, 4" diameter vase.

 To do this, we added a prosthetic stem of sorts to each Manzanita Branch, which greatly increased the stability of the Manzanita Branches, and then filled the vase with stones to conceal our work and weigh down the display. The supplies are pretty simple - sticks cut to length (in this case our Natural Burned Bamboo), cable ties, and pliers to help pull the cable ties tight. 

 

Secure your prosthetic stem to the Manzanita Branch with a few cable ties. Repeat. 

 One down, two to go. 

And here's the display before we added the stones. As mentioned previously, the vase we used (with a 4 inch outer diameter and a 3 inch or so inner diameter) was a bit too narrow - the branches filled up almost the entire opening making adding the stones rather tedious.  

Etsy Find: Bizarre Boudoir

Bizarre Boudoir specializes in high quality corsetry, undergarments, and accessories. All items for sale are handcrafted in Philadelphia, PA.

When I went to the Dominician Republic last February I took pictures for my husband (think: Sports Illustrated Cover Shoot) on the beach. After viewing the items from Bizarre Boudoir I think I'll do it again with a Victoria boudoir theme. Check out these HAWT items.

 

Bizarre Boudoir Burlesque Victorian Silk Taffeta Mini Bustle

$60.00

Bizarre Boudoir Enchanting Bridal Length Bustle Train

$95 

Platinum Wedding: Naomi + George Pajon

The first episode of the new season of WETV’s Platinum Weddings featured the Latino couple Naomi and George, whose wedding took place in Playa del Carmen, Mexico (Xcaret Resort), in February 2009. George Pajon Jr. is the talented guitarist and co-songwriter for the Black Eyed Peas. Naomi is a hairstylist. 

Bride: Naomi, 27, Hairstylist
Groom: George, 40, Musician/Writer/Producer
Wedding Date: February 15, 2009
Wedding Planner: Bride and florist David Z
Wedding Photographer: Dina Douglass, Andrena Photography
Event Location: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Guests: 120
Budget: $350,000

The guests traveled south of the border for this fabulous destination wedding, where Naomi and George wowed them with a week-long blowout of festivities amid Marine life and ancient architecture.



The bride wore a custom peineta ($900) from Maria Elena that she designed for Naomi and for her dress. Naomi created her custom wedding dress ($5,000), which had six different kinds of lace and every tier was a different pattern.

The back of the dress was probably the most unique part of the dress, Naomi said. "It was just backless and was closed with just a few satin straps adorned with crystals."

George's jewelry ($10,000) is Royal Order, and everything matched...his Wallet chain, belt buckle, etc. Naomi wore a pair of diamond earrings ($300) gifted from George's mom ("Something New"), a hand-made handkerchief from my grandma ("Something New"), and her mother's sapphire pinky ring ("Something Old, Borrowed and Blue").

The ceremony was held at the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel. The Chapel is the highest point of the Xcaret Property, with a full panoramic view of the Riviera Maya and its beautiful Caribbean turquoise ocean. The Chapel was decorated with a log that had some orchids and/or bromeliads before the altar, candles in three different sizes, as well as the environmental décor including torches from the guest entrance to the Chapel.

The aisle was dense with red rose petals and luminaries (candles in traditional Mexican votives), placed at the end of every row.

The chapel twinkled with a combination of luminaries, pillar and tea light candles as the guests took their seats at sunset. Hundreds of hand opened Charlotte red roses and hanging green amaranths created the garlands on the altar and in front of the altar.

The bridal party wore very vibrant purple silk charmeuse gowns and bright red roses in their hair. And for an added touch, red picks with the inscription “George picks Naomi” were thrown instead of rice.

The reception area was very intimate, with organza and crystal chandeliers ($1,500).

Other unique elements:
• Lighting design ($30,000)
• Food and beverage for 125 guests ($21,300)
• Five-tier wedding cake ($500)

The 13 centerpieces were just a mountain of roses ($25,000). Each centerpiece had over 300 hand opened black Bacaras and Charlotte red roses. "We just wanted it to look totally expensive," said David Z, the wedding designer.

Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie and her husband Josh Duhamel were among the guests, which included Grammy nominated musicians, Grammy nominated engineers and music executives.

All wording from Platinum Weddings site here.

Update on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 8:11AM by Onida Cruz

Love this ceremony setup also captured by Andrena Photography

Platinum Wedding: Anisha + Kennard Jones

Tonight on Platinum Weddings' new episode is the $500,000+ wedding of Anisha and Kennard. Anisha's Daddy is baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. Check out the pictures from Suzanne Hansen Photography.

Bride: Anisha, 23, Singer/Stylist 

Groom: Kennard, 27, Professional Minor League Baseball Player with the York Revolution

Wedding Date: January 31, 2009

Wedding Planner: Laurel McFarlane, McFarlane Promotions

Wedding Photographer: Suzanne Hansen Photography

Event Location: The Gwynn Residence in Poway, California (San Diego area)

Guests: 300

Budget: $500,000+ (does not include $1.35 million in jewelry!)

Wedding Color Scheme: Black, Canary Yellow, White and Ivory

Flowers: Embellishment

Linens: Concepts Event Design

Catering: Giuseppes       

Videography: Epic Affair

Television Crew: Platinum Weddings 

 

Pnina Tornai designer gown ($12,000)

Anisha wore $1.35 million in diamonds the day of the wedding, including bangles ($500,000), earrings ($250,000), a ring ($350,000) and a brooch ($250,000).

The couple got married at Anisha's childhood home, where they set up three different areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

The reception took place on the tennis court. All the centerpieces were pinspotted, there were custom linens ($20,000), and large pave rose balls (made with roses flown in from Ecuador) and embellished with large diamonds on top of a tall elegant black pillar vase. The base of the floral arrangements was adorned with large, medium and small crystals to add extra bling to the table.

The wedding cake ($5,000) was a 5-tiered, squared-shape with yellow ribbon band around three of the tiers, as well as little black dots around the other tiers. It sat on top of a bed of canary yellow roses. The groom's cake ($2,500) was chocolate with a baseball glove.

Sedona Wedding Shoot at L’Auberge

Andrew+Katrina, husband and wife fine art wedding photojournalism team of Sedona Bride, created the concept and arranged the 10th Annviersary edition of the Pheonix Bride and Groom Magazine. Check out the amazing floral decor. I'm INSPIRED!!

Photographer: Sedona Bride SedonaBride.com

Location: L'AUBERGE DE SEDONA  http://lauberge.com/

 Check out the video for the shoot here.

For original post and more images click here.

Update on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 3:47PM by Onida Cruz

more flower carpets from Events By Show Stoppers

Aisle Style

Today I went to the Christmas Tree Shop in search of shepherd's hooks to use as anchors for fabric swags for the show. I have designed an amazing ceremony setup with 6,000 red rose petals, a chuppah, colored water, and more.  The shepherd's hooks were only $6.99 at Christmas tree and they came in off-white, black, and a mint green. Of course I purchased 6 of the off-white adjustable hooks. Now all I need is 20 yards of red satin fabric. Garment District here I come.

 

Here is my inspiration:

the Knot
Nisie's Enchanted FloristNisie's Enchanted Florist

Looking for a Personal Assistant

I am looking to hire a personal assistant based in Baltimore. 

The ideal individual must possess the following:

•  Excellent communication skills in English
•  Excellent interpersonal skills
•  Excellent computer skills
•  Strong attention to detail
•  Should be a self-starter and a go-getter
•  Responsible and trustworthy
•  A high school graduate
•  Can provide at least 2 references
•  Very organized 
•  Very independent
•  You need your own car and a planner (i.e. a Blackberry or a daily planner)

Responsibilities include but are not exclusive to:

• - Heavy scheduling
• - Creating personal travel itineraries
• – Assisting with planning events
• - Running errands
• -  Screening potential clients

If you meet with the above criteria please forward your resume and a full body picture to: Onida@opulentcreationevent.com 

Elsje Designs Team on Choosing Wedding Colors

I subscribe to the blog created by the Elsje Designs Team. Elsje is an 8 person team of couture stationery designer based in Durnanville, Cape Town, South Africa. In a recent post they offer advice about how to choose your wedding colors. This is a copy-and-paste job, because they cover it so well. Visit their blog here.

 

Choosing Your Wedding Colours

Deciding on your wedding colours can help to give you visual unity for your big day. It would also set the tone for your celebration. Therefor it’s understandable that choosing your color/s may seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you aren’t particularly visually oriented or your partner is color-blind and absolutely no help! Yet it’s really quite easy. We did some research on the meaning of colour and hope that it would make this process on choosing a colour, easier for you:

Blue 
Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. Blue invokes rest and are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging color that expresses exhilaration.

Green 
Green is one of the 'evergreen' favorite wedding colors. Green is the omnipresent color in nature. The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil, soothing and refreshing. Green is considered the color of peace and ecology. 

Yellow 
Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts.

Orange 
Orange sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually a strong "love it" or "hate it" response. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal. 

Red 
Red is a strong stimulant and a very exciting and energetic colour. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element. 

Purple 
A mysterious color, purple is associated with both nobility and spirituality. The opposites of hot red and cool blue combine to create this intriguing color. It is a colour well liked by creative or eccentric people.

Brown 
Brown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic.

White 
White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally were white gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home. 

Gray 
Gray is timeless, practical, and solid. A longstanding favorite suit color, gray can mix well with any color. It is a color that seldom evokes strong emotion although it can be seen as a cloudy or moody.

Black 
Black is authoritative and powerful; because black can evoke strong emotions too much can be overwhelming. It is a very formal and elegant colour and very fashionable at the moment.

Choosing your colour: what to avoid

What to avoid:
•Too much black - while sophisticated, it can end up looking like a funeral, rather than a celebration. If you love black, balance it out with a bright color, or lots of crisp white. 
•Losing your personality - think about what you wear normally in your clothing and the shades you’ve used to decorate your home. These are probably colors you are comfortable around already. 
•Picking too many wedding colors - two are perfect, and three will still work, but any more than three wedding colors will end up looking ununified and odd. The purpose of wedding colors are to tie everything together, and the best way to do this is to have everything in one of two shades.

First Step to Planning Your Wedding

I meet many clients that asked what is the first step in planning their wedding. My answer is simple; create a REALISTIC budget. Planning your wedding, for most people, will be the the first time in your life when you will be paying such a large amount of money on items in a small time. It's intimidating!

I have found that many couples want the stars and the moon, but when I represent them with the price of the solar system they give me the *side eye*.  To avoid this please have a candid conversation with everyone that will contribute to financing your special day and be real about what you can afford.

Another issue I have encountered is when couples get the verbal confirmation that "Aunt Susy" will pay for their wedding favors, but when it comes time to pay "Aunt Susy"  is unwilling to contribute or she feels you should have chosen a cheaper option. If you and your fiance have made the decision to cover all expenses you will not have this issue.

Once you have discussed a realistic budget the next step  (my recommendation) is to find a planner that will work with you to ensure all your desires are met within your budget. One of the most vital roles of a planner is to provide you options that you may not have considered. *Side Note* This is if you choose an "experienced" planner.

Check out my post here about the average cost people are spending on their wedding. Also here about wedding budget do's and don'ts.

Happy Planning! Check out the section of Brides.com that focuses on wedding budgets here.

Here is one of my favorite wedding budget planners. I used it when I planned my wedding last year. Check it here.

The Ring Shots of Millie Holloman Photography

Millie Holloman Photography based in the fourth-fast growing state in the United States, North Carolina, is comprised of 5 super talented photographers. I arrived upon Millie's blog as I was searching for rose petal designs as ceremony decor. I was truly impressed with the overall continuity among the five photographers and how each adds their own flair to capturing inspiring weddings. Please visit each of their blogs. See links below:

Millie

Rebecca

Rachel

Amanda + Brent

I wanted to highlight the brilliant ring shots of this team. The common thread between each wedding they shoot is a vivid wedding ring shot. Check out my favorites- esp. the last one.

 

My Favorite - Talk about an action shot

Twilight Wedding Photo Shoot

2010 will be a BIG year for my sister and I.  We are stepping out on faith and making moves. We start in February with our Bridal Soiree then in May we will have a series of photo shoots around a wedding/party design concept.  Similar to the one here and the one contained in this post, we plan to bring you, Urban Oasis: An Inner City Soiree as part one of the series. Be on the look out for this. Until then enjoy the images taken by Lindsey Tropf of Pure Photography.

I present to you the Twilight Wedding . . .

The Concept

"Due to a slight obsession, {Unique Designs} wanted to create a Twilight wedding invitation, an idea which blossomed into a full concept design and shoot. The intent was not to replicate Bella & Edward’s wedding, which was actually an Anne of Green Gables dress and was filled with white flowers, but to make another wedding style based on the mood and concept of Twilight. To acknowledge Edward’s personality, we chose a dramatic look with bold flowers, strong reds, and splashes of black feathers. To incorporate Bella, we wanted to take a vintage twist which can be seen in the creams, vintage brooches, and antique lace."

Contributors

Concept & Event Stationery | Unique Designs | www.daretobunique.com
Photography | Pure: Photography by Lindsey Tropf | www.purebylindsey.com
Concept Designer: Flowers & Tablescape | The Event Divas | www.theeventdivas.net
Cake | Posh Pastry | www.poshpastry.com
Hair | Stephanie & Lonie Carpenter from Mode Salon | www.amodesalon.com
Makeup | Sarah Hunter from Mode Salon | www.amodesalon.com
Accessories | Kari Roy | www.kariroy.net
Female Model | Chanel Bird | chanelb17@aol.com
Male Model | Bobby Swan
Wedding Dress | Solution’s Bridal | www.solutionsbridal.com
Tux | Tuxedo Junction | www.tuxedojunction.com
Linen Rentals | Celebration’s Catering | www.celebrations-catering.com

 

Justin Dior Combs turns Sweet 16

Celebrity performances+ a cool cake + multiple outfit changes + an uber expensive car + and a herb of screaming teenagers = A Super Sweet 16

That's right another Super "impersonal" Sweet 16th birthday party. This time Justin Dior Combs, Puff Daddy'seldest biological son, celebrated his big day at the M2 Ultra Lounge on Manhattan with a huge amount of fanfare and extraness. The theme for the event was the Prince of New York. Very fitting, right? Nicki Minaj was his date for the evening. She performed along with Trey Songz (I definitely wouldn't want him singing about "the neighbors know my name" at my child's 16th bday party). There were celebrity appearances by Fabulous, Jim Jones, the Bird Gang, Juelz Santana, Teyana Taylor, DJ Clue and the cast of Jersey Shore.

In lue of gifts Justin asked for no presents, just donations for Wyclef's Yele Haiti fund. That went over real well . . .he received a friggin'  $400,000 Maybach as a gift from his father. I don't know if that was just for the cameras or what, but it was a tab bit extravagant.

 Let me stop hating. If you got it like that, you got it like that. Have a great Tuesday! 

 

 Justin and his mother, "Stylist" Misa Hylton-BrimJustin and his date for the evening Niki Minaj 

The proud parents with the guest of honor and his date  Justin with his little brother (father's side) and sister (mother's side)    

 For more pictures and source click here.

Coda Dress

Our Bridal Soiree is 3 weeks away and its time for me to get outfitted. I am thinking of ordering this lovely convertible dress by Etsy Merchant NataJane. Its called the Coda wrap dress and it is HAWT! I'm a dress fanatic, so this one is right up my alley, because for $135 (includes shipping) I can wear it in 12 different ways. I'm thinking a solid black or chocolate. The dress is made of lycra and nylon fabric. The best fabric since I put on some happy fat. :)

Check out the blurb:

This is a wrap dress that is literally as unique as you are. There are dozens of looks that can be achieved with this dress and can be as casual or elegant as you need it to be.

All of these photos are ways to tie in different styles. The dress is incredibly comfortable, made with stretchy fabric and can be worn over and over with a fresh look each time. The length of this dress ends with a straight hem just below the knee, but can be made shorter or longer as a custom order.

Perfect for bridesmaid dresses, the Coda is available in several different colours and pattern choices. Instructions on how to tie the five base looks are available. 

 Allow two to three weeks for construction and shipping.

Care instructions: Machine wash and dry on low heat in a mesh bag or handwash and lay flat to dry.

*Colors may differ slightly due to varying monitor calibration*

How to Hold Your Bouquet (and Look Good, Too)

From the experts:

In full-length shots, be sure that you and your bridesmaids hold your flowers below waist level. This creates a more flattering silhouette, ensures that the flowers don’t compete with faces or dress bodices, and lengthens arms, which makes them look leaner. In close-ups, hold the flowers above the waist, so they are captured in the frame. (Real Simple)

“When walking down the aisle, hold your bouquet low, with blooms pointed out, at a 45-degree angle.”
Peter Seprish of Takashimaya

Look and Feel at Ease With Your Bouquets

• Make sure that your bridal and attendants' bouquets aren't so heavy that you really can't hold them comfortably for twenty minutes or longer.
• Hold your bouquet around belly button height. Rest your hands snug against your stomach (which offers you support in holding the flowers ... and hides any shaking hands!).
• Hold the blooms toward your guests, not the stems. No one wants to see those stems, no matter how beautifully they're wrapped.
• If you're carrying a sheaf of flowers, let them rest in the crook of your left arm like a baby. Borrow a good friend's baby (or a solid pillow) and practice a bit. Scan old movies with pageant winners.
• Practice the beauty queen wave. You may want to use it that day, you'll certainly feel one!
• If you're carrying a pomander or kissing ball suspended from a ribbon on your wrist, fold that arm across your waist so that the ball hangs down the front of your gown.
• A nosegay or tussy-mussy is a smaller, lighter bouquet. Hold it at belly button level if it's large enough, or simply at waist level.(Source)

LOVE THE COLORS AND DESIGN OF THIS BOUQUET!

Hydrangea is one of the few flowers that are actually blue. Here, the muscari casts a blue tone, while the pink open roses (that could pass for peonies) complement the hydrangea’s natural pink and purple tones.

All flowers by Nicolette Owen, nicolettecamille.com

Real Wedding: Melissa + Bryan

My Sweet and Saucy Shop, a bakery based in Long Beach, CA posted the wonderful wedding pictures of their clients'. This wedding was a display of contrast; from the bride's detailed tattoes to the rustic elegance of the decor. Melody Brandon, the owner and pastry chef of Sweet and Saucy, created an amazing dessert buffet. The buffet included the delicate looking wedding cake, mini coconut cupcakes, and carrot cake lollipops to name a few of the sweet treats. Check here for more pictures and the original post.

Wedding Nouveau

I would like to give a shout out to Fri of Wedding Nouveau: A Style Guide for Intercultural Brides.

She was kind enough to feature our wedding on her fabulous blog. Check it here.

Thank you Fri and a "SpicyHug" back at you!

Keke Palmer Turns Sweet 16

I came across the Sweet 16 celebration of Keke Palmer, the star of True Jackson, VP

on Nickelodeon. The event happened at the Loft Seven penthouse. Check it out!

"The True Jackson, VP actress – whose actual birth date is Aug. 26 – partied into the night at a LoftSeven penthouse with costars and fellow Nickelodeon friends including iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove and Spectacular!'s Victoria Justice.

In addition to dancing up a storm with rapper Lil Mama and the Strikers All Star dance crew at the party (thrown in partnership with T-Mobile Sidekicks LX), the birthday girl enjoyed a "first dance" with her father, Larry. 

Palmer's milestone birthday wrapped up with cake, some fun at the Rock Band game station, and a balloon release."

 Source

 Daughter-Daddy Dance

 Video Clips from Event

planetsprouse.com

Boxo Blooms

Boxo Bloom is a division of KK Bloom: Couture Papier. The Bloom collection are custom made presentation boxes and folios. Clients have a choice of silks (in any color), cotton designer prints, and faux leather to name a few. You have the option to mix and match material as well. These custom beauties may be used for your guest book, invitations, or guest favors. For my wedding I used a different vendor {here}, but I loved the look and feel of my custom made silk invitation boxes. I used a bronze colored silk 5" x 5" x 1" box. I embellished the little opening lip and my guests were truly impressed. In addition to the box being so pretty, it may be recycled. The extra boxes I have I use as jewelry boxes, and a container for my precious keepsakes.

Here are pictures of my invitation box:

   

 

 

"First impressions are everything and ultimately set the tone for your event. Why not ensure your invitation is an event unto itself? That is exactly what Boxo Bloom provides: an encasement, a luxurious and exquisite way to deliver your collection, and a keepsake that leaves a lasting impact. The artisan-crafted boxes are handmade for each collection from the worlds finest silk or paper and can be embellished from our line of Bloom RKKS Akkcessories."

Here are a few of the Boxo Bloom collection:

 

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