Father-Daughter Dance Songs

One of the most important events for a bride during her wedding is the father-daughter dance. The song chosen should represent the relationship between you. One of my favorites is by Trace Adkins, check out
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3758850638889409171#

Miami for Events and Fun

Miami is an incredible city. I absolutely love South Beach for fun and events.

Last month, after coordinating a 3 day conference, I had a little fun with my husband. Here are a couple of pictures of our days in the sun.


The view from our suite was spectacular.


As an event planner, it is so important to take time to let your hair down and have some fun with your family and friends. I recommend getting away...far away from it all for at least a week.


Heading out for nightlife...
We hit a number of clubs because we love to get out dance on...








Enjoying Good Food...

Emerils is my favorite Miami restaurant. We eat there every time we are in town.

My Birthday

I had the most wonderful birthday weekend with my husband, Franklin. We went to Baltimore and spent the weekend taking in the most perfect two days. Great weather, awesome festivities and the love of my life...who can ask for anything more? We went to my favorite resturant...Ruth Chris and shopped at my favorite store LV. Yeah...he loves me.

We always have a great time together. We work hard so we must take the time to play hard! That lesson was learned after 5 years of owning my own wedding and event business. The girls did there own thing, but that's how teenagers are.

We really enjoyed the steel band and their performances. I can't find their website, but they are called the Baltimore Islanders Steel Band. I would use them for any event. Great sound!

Summer wedding in CT

In December I received the following letter...


As the New Year quickly approaches and you search for ways to assist others through advice, charitable contributions and volunteer efforts, Please reach out to help our brother Jermaine Toles (29 yrs. old) and fiancée’ Antonia Lopes (27 yrs. old).

Your help is desperately needed to assist the couple in having the small yet elegant wedding they so greatly desire. Jermaine and Antonia are planning to marry on June 19,2009 in Derby, C.T. The couple currently resides in Richmond, VA ., where they met and became college sweethearts.

Antonia is disabled with left side paralysis and partial blindness in her left eye. Her disabilities were caused by multiple surgeries due to a condition called Hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is basically excess fluid on the brain. The excess fluid puts an enormous amount of pressure on the brain. If it is not relieved it eventually causes, mental retardation, convulsions and at times death.

Antonia was born with Hydrocephalus and has under gone multiple surgeries since she was 6 months old. At the age of 16 yrs old, and another life threatening event, doctors decided to drill a whole into Antonia’s skull to drain the excess water which would relieve the pressure on her brain & n bsp; After one month in the hospital the surgery was successful.
About two years ago Antonia had another reminder of her disabilities and limitations. Antonia was walking home from work when her left leg gave way under her. Antonia has little to no mobility on her left side which caused her to fall on the sidewalk. Antonia had nothing to cushion her fall which caused her to break her paralyzed hand.



Antonia does not let her disabilities stop her from being a phenomenal woman, daughter, sister, and friend and soon to be bride of my brother. She continues to go to school, work full time, and be an activist for those with disabilities.

Jermaine often states that Antonia’s inner beauty illuminates her outer beauty surpassing anyone he has ever met. There unconditional love for each other is very inspiring. It sets an example for the young and old. There wedding day should match that inspiration . Unfortunately, the couple is unable to afford the wedding or honeymoon they desire. This is due to medical bills, student loans and not to mention credit card debt NOT created by either of them.

It is disheartening to my sister and I, that we are not able to assist Jermaine and Antonia with the financial support that they need for there wedding. So please do not toss this email in the trash bin or may not pile. Please consider and assist Jermaine and Antonia with the celebration of there union. There wedding is a symbol of chains of negative family traditions and relationships being broken. Please feel free to contact us at ...






It was such a pleasure working with Antonia and Jermaine. Antonia is exceedingly joyful, easy going and clear about her desires. Jermaine is incredibly artistic. He designed the wedding cake. Their color scheme, watermelon, celery, and cornflower. Antonia loves diamonds and wanted them sprinkled around the cake and on each table. Jermaine wanted the romantic feel of candlelight.

Their love was incredibly apparent in the way they looked at one another. Even as Jermaine waited at the altar for his bride, I could see just how overwhelmed with joy Jermaine was.

Being a part of their story was a blessing. I am so glad his sister's reached out and even more excited that we were in a position to give back.

Antonia and Jermaine, I wish you all the best in your journey of life and love.

A Tribute to Michael Jackson

Though I am a huge Prince fan, I am deeply saddened by the death of Michael Jackson. I can still remember where I was when Thriller debuted. I think that was when I was old enough to understand just how insanely talented he was. My friend and I have battled for years over who was better; Michael or Prince. Of course, we agreed to disagree. But today, I comforted her with my words of adoration as she shed tears for Michael.

I pray that God comforts his family in this terrible time.

Me and Jimelle at her wedding- August 2008.

Custom Linen Cocktail Napkins... an Heirloom?

A couple of weeks ago, I received a package from Butterly and Company. In it were the most beautiful custom linen cocktail napkins. I really adore them. The styles vary and can certainly suit any brides' personality.

Most of all, I think they can be used for future garden tea parties or wine tastings at home, baby showers, family dinners or other special occasions. Butterfly & Company also does hand towels.

To me, they are like that special handkercheif that is embroidered with the family crest, monogram or words of wisdom. These napkins can be passed through the generations.

While they may not be in every brides budget, they do add a special flare to the event. It's unique!

Butterfly & Company was feature in the June 2009 issue of Food & Wine Magazine.

You can visit their website at http://www.butterflyinc.com/.

I love these designer bridesmaids dresses. It is a great way to give the bridesmaids a choice in what to wear. Doing so allows everyone to feel great about what they are wearing and want to wear it again. That is a true deal for your girls.

You can find these fabulous creations at http://www.kathlinargirochic.com/.