Photo Credit: Tunji Sarumi Photography
My sister, Olesha, has always loved photography. She graduated in May 2007 with a BFA in Photography / Computer Imagery. She is currently continuing her studies and obtaining her MBA, she plans too graduate this May. She owns and operates a wedding photography business, O2 Weddings, based out of Baltimore, Maryland. She is an active member of PPA. She is a regular contributor to my blog.
Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10:20AM 
My sister, Olesha, of O2 Weddings has done it again! My clients, Chenise & EJ Henderson, took family portraits in the park with my sister. I will be planning their reception soiree next Saturday. Check out their photo shoot.
O.
Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 12:57AM 
My sister and I are in the planning stages of our very own bridal show. We have been to countless bridal shows, both as vendors and potential clients. With each show we have taken notes and had several hours long debriefing sessions on what we loved and what was not so good. From all this we have designed a bridal show for those brides and grooms planning a stylish, cosmopolitan wedding on a budget. We call it Serendipity 2009: A Posh Bridal Soiree. My sister, with her uber talented self, designed our logo. Our logo includes a hummingbird. Why? Well a hummingbird is a magical little creature. They have the ability to fly super fast and are thought of as messengers. They are also symbols of love, joy and beauty- all things associated with wedding and marriage. "It is not commonly known that the fluttering wings of the hummingbird move in the pattern of an infinity symbol - further solidifying their symbolism of eternity, continuity, and infinity." All in all the hummingbird was a very fitting symbol for our bridal soiree. We hope to be very successful in this new endeavor. More information coming soon.
We are looking for vendors and sponsors. Email me if you are interested (onida@opulentcreationsevent.com).
Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 9:45PM My sister, Olesha, of O2 Weddings has done it again! She had her second Boudoir Session with model Vanessa. Check out her work.
Vani you looked fierce sister!
O.
Friday, June 26, 2009 at 8:49AM For my recent June 14th wedding, I used the creative designs of Documents & Designs to create the escort cards and table numbers. The bride and groom wanted a creative way to name their 6 guests' tables. I gave them the idea of naming the tables after the six places that had special meaning to them. Below is design created by D & D.
The couple's colors where purple and green.
Eventfully Yours,
O.
Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 3:20PM In this week's Etsy Finds, the designs of Toccata were highlighted.
Artist's Shop Announcement
My wraps and boleros made it to two fashionably fab blogs! The Bridal Wishlist http://thebridalwishlist.blogspot.com/2009/04/modern-wrap-toccata.html#links and UK born fancypicnic http: //www.fancypicnic.blogspot.com/
My hands move non stop in creating and curating these glamorous pieces, so please check back often, as I update my shop quite regularly nowadays.
These creations are specially designed for the sassy bride-to-be, and for special guests at her dream wedding. I design exquisite boleros, silk flower fashion accessories,party purses and pearl jewelry that will make your heart sing. Toccata also carries vintage jewelery and accessories from time to time. My pieces echo an Old Hollywood, romantic feel that is easy to wear, and easy to love.
Please check out my website for beautiful wedding gowns http://michicalica.com/
$185 Camille
Le Katerina Capelet $130 
White Orchid Bolero $178
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 5:23PM Build a structure consisting of a bunch of different ornate frames with photos of not only you and your fiancé, but also parents and grandparents whose marriages serve as inspiration for time-tested love.
Fill cylindrical glass vases with fruits and vegetables reflecting your colors. Oranges, lemons, and limes have been done, so try a unique, more contemporary look with mangos or coconuts - or tie it to the season with texture-rich earthy vegetables like husked corn, acorn squash, or artichokes.
Give your guests something to really look at with goldfish swimming in aesthetically shaped vases. Consider building interesting mantels or use other species like Siamese fighting fish or white clouds. For their sake, add the water and fish right before the reception and return them to a bigger tank before the party’s over.
Wedding Flowers
Consult Mother Nature for inspiration, and bring the outdoors in. Natural objects like stones, leaves, pinecones, even twigs can add an organic aesthetic to your reception décor. Place in rustic containers or scatter amongst pillar candles for added ambiance. This idea will nicely complement a fall wedding theme.
Stacks of books intricately piled can work in a number of different ways. For sophisticates, choose antique leather-bounds. For a more fun approach, use kitschy romance novels. Or, tie it to your wedding location – if beach-side, go with maritime classics like Moby Dick and The Old Man and the Sea.
Wine bottles and decanters create interesting focal pieces. Turn a wine bottle into a “lamp” by filling it with candle oil and adding a wick. Decorate the base of the bottle with bunches of grapes.
Floating candles in a shallow bowl adds light and elegance to your tabletops. Or arrange multi-level candles on a mosaic of mirrors or tiles, and surround them with seashells or flower petals. Placing coffee beans or red hot candies at the bottom of a vase or bowl to hold the candles steady also adds an aromatic effect.
For the kid at heart, fill decorative bowls with your favorite candies – such as jellybeans and M&M’s - in your wedding colors. These centerpieces are sure to be a hit with your guests!
Monday, June 22, 2009 at 12:41PM For my July wedding reception I had a lovely time designing the "surprise" groom's cake for my client. Sugar Bakers will bring my vision to life. When selecting your Groom's Cake think long and hard about the leisure activities or favorite thing your future hubby absolutely loves to see or do. For this cake the inspiration was the groom's profession. Have fun and be as creative as you wish!
www.cindascreativecakes.comstaceys-cakes.comheavenlydelightcakes.com/
Flickr by christie's cakes
Flickr by knox_cop
by Golden Frame Cake Studio
Flickr by mandotts
Flickr by EB Cakes
Flickr by The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
Flickr by CozCoz
Flickr by Crazy Cake Lady
Groom's Cakes in Desserts Monday, June 22, 2009 at 12:27PM A great ice-breaker of sorts that will help in bridging the conversation gaps with guests at your rehearsal dinner is to create cool personalized keepsake buttons for everyone in attendance. For my rehearsal dinner I did this and it was a big hit! I purchased my buttons from an Ebay Vendor, bbdesignsco.
Zazzle has a selection of pre made buttons to choose from as well.
Here was my list of people for my 50 buttons:
1 #1 Flower Girl
2 #1 Ring Bearer
3 Uncle of the Bride
4 Uncle of the Bride
5 Uncle of the Groom
6 Aunt of the Bride
7 Aunt of the Bride
8 Aunt of the Groom
9 Sister of the Bride
10 Sister of the Bride
11 Mother of the Groom
12 Mother of the Bride
13 Father of the Bride
14 Father of the Groom
15 Grandmother of the Bride
16Grandmother of Groom
17 Best Man
18 Man of Honor
19 Groomsman
20 Groomsman
21 Groomsman
22 Groomsman
23 Bridesmaid
24Bridesmaid
25Bridesmaid
26 Bride's Cousin
27 Bride's Cousin
28 Bride's Cousin
29 Frat Brother of Groom
30 Groom's Family
31 Groom's Family
32 Groom's Family
33 Groom's Brother
34 Groom's Sister
35 Friend of Bride & Groom
36 Friend of Bride & Groom
37 Friend of Bride & Groom
38 Friend of Bride & Groom
39 Friend of Groom
40 Friend of Groom
41 Photographer
42 Frat Brother of Groom
43 Videographer
44 Usher
45 Bridesmaid
46 Bridesmaid
47 Groom-to-Be
48 Bride-to-Be
49 Frat Brother of Groom
50 Frat Brother of Groom
Monday, June 22, 2009 at 12:07PM I am very proud to announce that my little sister, Olesha, has recieved her MBA, from Shephard University! Go Head! When we form our corporation she is going to use her knowledge to balance the books, devise marketing strategies, and take bangin' wedding pictures.
O.
The O'Girls: O3 is next in line
Please excuse my husband. He is special!
Graduations in Events Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 12:08PM I've decided not to use flowers in the centerpieces for my next event. To match the monochromatic, simplistic design of the event design I've planned to use elephant ear or monstera leaves as the foliage in my centerpieces. Cylinder vases and the elephant ears should flow well with the ambience I am hoping to achieve. Here are a few of my inspirations.
Hello Darling 
www.tantawanbloom.com
Party Town Flowers 
http://www.designsbyernest.com/ 
IvonneNYC the Knot 
http://www.johnsonsflorists.com/ 
Bellenza.com 
artofblooms.blogspot.com/Not a centerpiece, but fit with the theme quite nicely.
Onida Haskett
How to Make the Leaf Decorations
Start with the chairs themselves. For a truly eye-catching effect, we selected silver chiavari chairs for the striking contrast they would provide when set against green. Then, assemble an assortment of shapely leaves from a variety of tropical plants—the more distinct, the better. Here, we’ve put together a broad leaf of (1) Golden Photos (a type of Philodendron) with a spiky, fan-shaped (2) Chamaerops (also known as “Mediterranean Fan Palm”) leaf, and grass-like (3) Fan iris leaves. This lush trio provides great visual interest because of their unique forms.
Hint: Unsure where to source such leaves? We suggest that you visit a nursery or home improvement store that carries a wide variety of tropical plants.
Add seaweed-like fronds of (4) Staghorn Fern in cool lime green and an exotic (5) Heliconia Bloom in golden orange, and you up the visual impact even more! This is definitely no mere “bunch of leaves.” It’s an artistic arrangement—thanks to the interplay of different colors. So choose leaves that have a wide range of verdant hues and shades. Be creative!
Make one arrangement per chair. Then, attach each one to the chair backrest with lengths of raffia fiber or straw. Make sure the leaves are tied on securely, but leave the ends of the fiber ties hanging loose and untrimmed to keep the look relaxed and rustic. Hint: To substitute, you can use other large tropical leaves like areca palm leaves, monstera deliciosa, birds of paradise flowers, anthurium leaves, or reed/steel grasses. You can even add a sophisticated air with cymbidium or dendrobium orchids that match your event’s color scheme.
Now, step back and admire your handiwork! See how the chairs’ foliage decor is a perfect complement to the entire table display—decked out in an invitingly fresh palette of cool greens, ivory, and natural tones. Add charming finishing touches to the chairs, like a plantation-style straw hat and something sweet presented in sinamay gift boxes. Then, just wait for the guests to arrive...and exclaim!
1. Look for a variety of decorative leaves from tropical plants in shapely forms ranging from hearts to fans.
2. When searching for leaves, visit a nursery or home improvement store that carries a wide variety of tropical plants. If you already live in a tropical area, then you may want to check out your garden, too!
3. Apply finishing touches using natural materials such as raffia, burlap, or straw.
4. Consider a color palette of eco-friendly hues in green and brown, while adding accent colors such as yellow and orange.
5. Infuse an element of surprise such as placing the guest favors on the chairs.
Article Found In Inspired Creations
Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 11:39AM A vital part of any tablescape design is choosing the right chair treatment to take your tabletop to the next level. In my quest to find the right chair decor for a July wedding I am coordinating, I begun to research interesting chair designs. And this is what I've found. Enjoy!
flickr by proud2bee2 
Wildflower Linen 
Flickr by tibimages 
flickr by lisarunolfson 
flickr by SJB Weddings & Events
Friday, June 19, 2009 at 11:44AM Blog Contest in Checklist Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 9:04PM ReCap Coming Soon . . .
Saturday's 50th Birthday Party * Baltimore, Maryland * Holiday House
Russo Wedding * Englewood, New Jersey * Carriage House
Professional Pictures to follow.
Onida Haskett
I neglected to say this before, but I would like to give a big hug and kiss to my "Baltimore Team" for producing a wonderful event. You guys rock! 
Damask Party, Purple & Green Wedding in Events Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 1:13PM I had a dream the other night about my sister's wedding. We were on some tropical island, maybe on the Seychelles islands or somewhere, and her centerpieces where these huge conch shells with vibrantly colored orchids and other tropical plants. Hence the inspiration for this blog.
Legendary Shells, is a company based in Nevada that sells conch shells.
Here is their company blurb:
Sea-shells never come from the sea in clean perfect condition. We clean & polish every sea shell we sell ! No one else does this anywhere ! We take all the junk to the flea markets. We do not try to mix it in with the nice shells. Shells usually have chipped edges and scratches that need to be trimmed down and polished
Unless you have the equipment and the experience you will live with these imperfections forever. Our prices are very competitive and our consistent quality is the very best there is ! We only sell remarkable finished products. We are Pros for 30 years! You can always trust us to send remarkable rare sea-shells gifts that will be loved forever.
Prices
We also trim the feat so they will stand up as an open vase or display shell and not just roll over !
7 to 8" $18.00 Medium adult conch seashell
8 to 9" $21.00 Large conch shell
9 to 10"XX Large $26.00
10 to 11" Giants $38.00
From www.asunsetwedding.com/special_Touches.htm
Taken from www.expertphotographybymagda.blogspot.com/ 
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart
www.pbase.com/sunhorseweddings/centerpieces
Conch Centerpiece in Centerpieces Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 12:34PM I found this very nice site that specialized in favors. The company is Favors by Lisa. Below are pics of my favorite products
Beachstone Table Runner $52
Mini Candy Jar $1.25
Wooden Sailboat Place card - $1.98 each
Authentic Shell Place card Holders- $6.85 for 2
Silk Screened Chocolate- $7.75
Bird's Nest Place Card Holder- $2.50 each
Silver Plate Duck Place card Holders - $2.25
Recipe for Love-Wooden Rolling Pin Place Card/Recipe-Card Hold- $1.25
Teapot Place card Holder- $2.00
Vine Mini Chair place card holder - $2.25
Escort Card Holders, Unique Favors in Favors Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 7:36PM The invitations are out for the July wedding reception I am planning. The couple, both graduates of University of Maryland College Park, wanted to use the colors of their alma mater to create a Miami-like club feel for their reception. From cigar rollers to oversized white leather furniture, we are going to bring Miami to Baltimore on July 11th. My wonderful stationary designer, Chaya Chesner, took the couple's ideas for their invitations and create a supersized version for their guests. Check it out:
The Couple'c Choice: The American Wedding Item #:AV951
Chaya's Design
Miami Themed Wedding in Invitations Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 3:34PM Articles, Make Your Best Impression Blog · May 31, 2009
By Dallas Teague-Snider, CMP, Experienced Hospitality Executive/ Speaker-Impression Engineer
Well, you might ask yourself what is the relevance of understanding the silent service code? Did you know that most business deals are made while sharing a meal? How often do you have a business encounter with a potential employer or a prospective client?
Not only do you have to be dressed appropriately for the occasion, which entails an entirely different set of guidelines, but it is best that you brush up on the ins and outs of proper table manners, otherwise known as dining etiquette skills.
We all like a tool to help us remember the tricky things in life (like,I beforeE except after C). Here are 10 tips to help you make sure your lasting impression is one you can feel confident in for years to come.
First: Think of the letters “BMW” when sitting down to a formal place setting. The great thing about this tool is that you can do it silently in your head and no one but you knows your valuable tool. B stands for bread, which is to the left of your plate; M represents meal, which is in the middle; and W stands for water, which is to the right of the plate.
Second: You always want to follow the host’s lead. When the host picks up his or her napkin, place your napkin on your lap with the fold facing toward you. When excusing yourself from the table during the meal, place your napkin in your chair. Please note, the napkin does not go back on the table until the meal is finished.
Third: If you are dining with others that you have not met, be sure to introduce yourself to everyone at your table. If appropriate, try to offer some contributing conversation. Don’t let the event end without knowing the names of the person or your right and your left. Not only would it be a shame, it would be rude as well.
Forth: The rule of thumb is to use the utensils that are farthest away from the plate when starting a meal. You’ll usually see two forks to the left of the plate (a salad and a dinner fork), and a knife and spoon to the right of the plate. A spoon, fork or both placed above the dinner plate are for dessert. Avoid stirring your coffee with the dessert spoon, a coffee spoon should be provided when coffee is served. If not, you can use your dinner spoon on the right side of the plate.
Fifth: If you prefer to forgo coffee or wine, smile at the waiter and say, “No thank you.” The server should remove that stemware from your table. Never under any circumstance turn the coffee cup or any glassware over.
Sixth: You should always follow the host’s lead at the meal. If there is not an official host, it is proper etiquette to wait until everyone at your table has been served before you start eating. This evenapplies tobuffets. If someone has a special order and says please go ahead, then by all means- go ahead.
Seventh: This is not the time or place to ask for a doggie bag or “to go” plate. Remember you are there for business.
Eighth: Don’t butter your bread in the air or tear it with your hands. Do tear off a small piece of bread from your dinner roll, and butter it while it’s still on your plate. Lift the small piece of bread to your mouth and eat it. Remember to butter one piece at a time, eat it and then continue with the next piece.
Ninth: Chewing with your mouth open is a big no-no. No one wants to see what you have it your mouth. We can wait to hear what you have to say!
Tenth: Finally, turn off cell phones, pagers and Blackberrys. If you positively need to take a call, excuse yourself from the table and leave the room to take the call. If you think you can text or send an email under the table without being noticed, you’re wrong.
There are several ways to make a good first impression. Knowing the proper dining etiquette will allow you to be comfortable when eating with your family or at a formal event. The great news is that with this knowledge you will be a savvy professional allowing your best self to come through time and time again.
Friday, June 5, 2009 at 7:43PM On Sunday, April 26th my sisterand I attended the Prima Bridal Show in part sponsored by Engaged Magazine. We received an very nice ivory and pink canvas gift tote, an Ethan Allen calendar and gift coupon, the latest couple of Engaged! and Premier Bride magazine, a small bottle of Blood Orange Martini mix, lip balm, hand cream, and several promo items from participating vendors. The food from the featured vendors was GREATT! My sister got her makeup done by Jaime Leboe of Make Up Artistry.
Champagne & Strawberries anyone? And no both flutes were not mine!
Absolutely loved the shape of this stationary suite 
Ixia's Display: They have the best cocktails in Baltimore 
Can you tell that I am amazed by this? 
Friday, June 5, 2009 at 10:04AM A nice article from one of my favorite bloggers!
One of the many things that rankles me in the wedding industry is the sub-standard job done by wedding media (generally), advising brides about their wedding budget.
Whether it is a book, magazine, website or TV show, a lot is left to be desired. It’s no wonder that sources such as The Wedding Report consistently indicate the brides ultimately spend 50% more than their original budget.
What is rarely touched on is determining purchasing priorities, based on the impact that individual products or services will have on the final result. As well, individual decisions cannot be made in a vacuum.
Choices about ‘day-of’ wedding services, in part because they interact with each other, as well as the venue... not to mention bridal party and guests. One failure by any of these vendors can radically affect the other vendors, and the ultimate outcome.
It is not unusual for brides to fail to budget enough for significant services, and then plead their case because $XXX is all they have left to spend. Nonsense!
I believe it is the job of all wedding vendors to be knowledgeable about the relative importance of their peers’ services and coach the bride well.
See how ridiculous the consumer looks in these everyday situations when they ask ‘an accommodation’ because they have not budget properly. If you haven’t seen this video, it will make you squirm AND laugh.
Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority
Wedding Negotiation Tricks in Budget Friday, June 5, 2009 at 9:51AM
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Sample Sale in Deals 
