That was the article in today's morning paper. It shows the beautiful Teri Hatcher walking out of the ceremony site for her friend and coworker, Eva Longoria. Teri, of course, breaking all the rules has a powder blue prom dress on - really wearing that dress. There's a caption next to the picture that says "At times, the usual rules of fashion etiquette don't apply to the famous." Nooooo! You don't say.The article goes on to tell the normal wedding-goer the dos and don'ts of wedding apparel. These apply to you and me. It was written in part by Rachael Donaldson the host of Bravo's "Project Runway" 1. Read the invitation for clues. If it's an evening affair you'd be safe to wear a black gown or tux but if the invite says "Family Farm" on it you may heed the warning and forgo the gown and wear a simple dress. But should the invite "have lots of pages, tissue layers and response cards, it signals a dressy event." 2. When in doubt, overdress. The article states that "you can always take off your tie and unbutton your shirt" if it's casual. There's a huge however coming along here.... I've seen mothers of the brides, mothers of the grooms, guest and family show up in very beautiful gown but they're 2 sizes too small or worse yet too revealing. Don't do it guys. And for you brides; don't loose sleep over what so-and-so is wearing, if they ask for your opinion please be frank! 3. But don't overdo it. I've already covered that in #2 but the article points out that it's distracting if you wear something inappropriate. You should also not consider this as a night out with the hubby when you get a baby sitter - don't look like you're going clubbing. 4. Black is a go, white is a no. It says that for summer weddings choosing navy blue instead of black because black isn't universally flattering and can look more funeral than festive... uh... I disagree. If done properly anyone can look fabu in black unless you're wearing that power suit that you gave a presentation to the board in. 5. Be discreet. This is a good one. If your dress is very sexy wear a wrap to the church. There are still some things in this world that some hold sacred and that's a church sanctuary. Have the big reveal at the reception. "You'll whip off your wrap and stun the room with the beauty of your shoulders." - I don't think she was talking about me when she wrote that. In a nut shell: Taken almost verbatim except for the excerpts by me. Morning: Light fabrics, dresses knee-length, accessories discreet. Afternoon: Be festive but refine with a sleeveless dress, open-toe shoes (NO STOCKINGS!!!) and bangles. Evening: Wear a chic cocktail dress or gown when specified on the invite. Color is good; avoid bold prints. Destination: A printed sundress is acceptable, beaded thongs (flip flops, people) or metallic flats and a silky fringed shawl are perfect for a beach wedding.
Slideshow
Lovin' it! Let me know what you think!! BTW.... He's saying; "Have I told you I ache" - I actually thought he was saying "Have I told you I ain't" - not good for a wedding coordinator's web site.
In the business of robbing
Ok... this is the kind of robber I would be if I was a robber. This article cracked me up. I guess this guy wanted to sleep that night and was just wanting to share a little love. Why can't we all just be friends?
Beagles need a home.
I received this email today - with much alarm. If my husband didn't love Pebby so much I'd consider this. If you are interested please let me know. BEAGLES I am attaching a list of 28 beagles that belonged to our friend. He was murdered about 3 weeks ago in Marion, SC while at his kennel attending to his beagles by a former employee needing money for crack cocaine. They are all registered, up to date on all shots. Been field trained and have won many trophies. Some are too old or in bad health and can't hunt anymore but would make wonderful pets for someone. No charge for any of the dogs, family just wants to place them in good homes for pets or for hunting. Marion and I will be glad to transport dogs. Please pass this on to anyone that you know that may be interested or able to pass on to others. I appreciate your help as always..
POODLES There is a poodle breeder who wants to rehome 10 mini poodles approx age range 6 months to 5 years. Also, there are several standard poodles too. These poodles are close to Ephrata, PA thank you.
As if that's not bad enough...
I was contacted by a woman in NJ who is trying to help a Lab Mix named Smokey. He is 2-3 yrs old and KNOWS AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE. This dog has a wonderful gift and there must be someone out there that could benefit from these skills and give Smokey a forever home.
Thank you so much for helping us to get the word out - this boy deserves a family who will appreciate all of his hard work and skill set
UGH... how sad is that. To all of you dog lovers out there, please consider adopting a doggie in my name, even. There are lots of dogs named Daisy.
It's 125...
I've had lots of people call me regarding my knot ad because it says we accommodate 100 people. I changed that b/c I was advertising for up to 150 but was getting calls from people that were looking for 170 for cocktails. Truth be told it's 130 (I like 125 better - those 5 people do make a difference), we could do 150 as a cocktail reception - which I've done.Why do I advertise up to 100, you ask? Here were my choices.... __UP TO 50 __UP TO 100 __UP TO 150 __UP TO 200 __UP TO 250 __UP TO 300 __UP TO 350 __UP TO 400 __MORE THAN 400
So even though I don't like to dissuade someone from booking here... you wouldn't be happy with trying to fit a 150 reception into a 125 venue. I really can accommodate 125 very comfortably. Sorry to those who have called between the time of 150 and 100.... there just wasn't anything in between.
When kids say too much
Here's a great article from this week's Columbia Ledger.
What is not included in the article was the smaller of the two little girls flirting with the reporter and asking him for his number. It was priceless! Something for everyone at the ice cream socials! Don't miss this months social on July 27th... come one call all... I always say that don't I?
THE PERFECT DRESS
My girlfriend, Sue, sent this to me. .... ummmm.... enjoy....
Jennifer's wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen her excitement -- not even her parents' nasty divorce. Her mother had found the PERFECT dress to wear and would be the best dressed mother-of-the-bride ever! A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father's new young wife had bought the exact same dress as her mother! Jennifer asked her step mom to exchange it, but she refused. "Absolutely not !!! I look like a million bucks in this dress, and I'm wearing it," she replied. Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, "Never mind sweetheart. I'll get another dress. After all, it's your special day." A few days later, they went shopping and did find another gorgeous dress. When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, "Aren't you going to return the other dress? You really don't have another occasion where you could wear it." Her mother just smiled and replied, "Of course I do, dear. I'm wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding."
NOW I ASK YOU - IS THERE A WOMAN OUT THERE, ANYWHERE, WHO WOULDN'T ENJOY THIS STORY?
Weddings by Socialites
Check out this cool, cool idea a colleague in Florida is doing.... Weddings By Socialites
Now... only if I could come up with something that cool. I promise that after wedding season I will start thinking like a business woman once again.
Ice Cream
I had a thought cross my mind today. Why is it that Dairy Queen doesn't carry Lactaid over the counter when they sell their ice cream? Isn't that a great idea? I'm not necessarily lactose intolerant however, I know plenty of people who are - but I'm not supposed to tell family secrets. I should probably buy seasonal stock in that company... what a great invention... anyway let me tell you, these people are missing out on the joy of eating ice cream - and what great joy it is! Granted they have water ice but there is nothing like having a great big bowl of your favorite ice cream topped with caramel. Which is a great segue; the Fabulous Fourth Friday for Columbia is tomorrow and yours truly is hosting an ice cream social with all of the fixin's. I can't promise I'll personally have lactaid but I can promise you that someone attending in my space will!!
*sigh* LOVE
I have to have the best job in the world. A picture truly can say a thousand words... maybe even a million. Here they are.... Bethany and Jason. Finally married!
3 things to regret
So this is the beginning of wedding season regrets. If you are planning on getting married read on!!Most brides call me after they get back from their honeymoon - or sometimes they call me on the way to the airport - to tell me what they loved the most and what they hated the most. The loves are good ones but the hates are better, so try to avoid them. 1. They didn't hire a videographer. I need not say a whole lot here about this.... find it in your budget to hire a videographer. I have video vendors that will work with almost any budget. You don't care about it now while you're planning but you will in 10 yrs when I'm no longer here reminding you of things and you don't have that video to look back on. Hire the videographer! - no I don't get a kickback from my guys. 2. They didn't hire a make up artist. Ladies.... (and sometimes gents) this is simple. You invested so much money into your attire but no one is going to remember the crystal beading on your dress if your eyeshadow is awful. Artist run the gamut as far as pricing but one thing is certain - they're priceless.... you won't be mad at the photographer b/c your face is stark white in your pics... hire the artist... the photographer will thank you for it too - they'll spend less time editing. 3. and most importantly.... they drank too much. There's a real fat line between having a good time and drinking too much. Heed the warning when you're starting to feel droopy. You want to remember your wedding not the hang over you had the next day.
Pebby Vicious
Whitney took portraits of everyone at the black tie this w/e. She wanted to test her lighting so she took a picture of us - including the dog. During the shot Pebby decided to yawn and here's the end result.
This struck me funny b/c people often say Pebbles doesn't qualify to be a dog then I lift her lips and say "show them your vicious, Pebby" so here she is showing her vicious.
June 9th
Time is a commodity right now for me but I wanted you to see - at least - one of the pictures from this week's black tie. Check out those chandeliers! There were so many great things about this party - no time to mention but will when I get a breather.
Postcard to show off!
I have an awesome graphic designer that put this postcard together for me.. forget the fact that I'm very particular... she nailed it.
Yolanda Elicker.... you rock! Contact me if you are looking for fabulous personalized invitations, programs or thank you notes!
Behind the Lines TV spot
My webmaster Brian Shoff has successfully posted my interview with Diane Dayton on Behind the Lines - BTW... Diane has one of the most soothing and beautiful speaking voices I've ever heard. Whenever we're on the phone I always say "OMG, Diane, your voice is sooo relaxing" - I sometimes change the last verb to "soothing or comforting or gentle....". Anyway, check out the video under the press page under "about us."
Relay for Life Brunch
Yesterday I spent the better part of the day meeting up with old friends. We were told that their daughter has cancer. When we left they gave us an invitation for a brunch. Because it's a fund-raiser, I thought I'd post the info herE just in case you felt like supporting this effort.Please support Otterbein's Relay for Life team help raise money for cancer research. Enjoy a continental brunch, silent auction of theme baskets, music, entertainment and inspiration remarks. Saturday June 2nd 10- 12 noon. Otterbein UMC 20 East Clay Street Lancaster Please bring some friends and family!!
Email today...
So you would think that technology has grown leaps and bounds... it has if your internet provider doesn't decide to switch email servers!! So if you have tried to email me and it has bounced back please don't get frustrated... let's try the old fashioned method... give me a call instead.
Ice Cream Social anyone?
For those of you who I haven't emailed or for those of you who I don't have an email address ... Perfect Settings is hosting an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social this Friday. This is the first of four Fridays for the Fabulous Fourth Friday that the Columbia Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring.
America finally....
makes the right choice! I've been so disappointed with American Idol for the last few weeks and for the record... Melinda should have won and LeKeisha should have been in the final two. They - by far - and of course in my opinion (this is my blog!) - had the best talent. Kudos to you Jordin Sparks! -you would have been my next choice after Melinda and LaKeisha... thank God this is a Democracy and people don't depend on my sense of style!!Post Script: It came as no surprise that Sanjaya sang tonight... come on people give us a little credit for a season finale twist!
You call that running?
I actually do... I finally got out there this morning to run after 6 years of a hiatus. I have to say... my thighs were screaming and yelling "no fair" - I promised them when Co-Co died that I wouldn't be back out there. During my first block it took everything out of me not to make a pit stop into good ol' Hinkle's and have some sausage and home-fries. They were definitely calling my name. Very tempting. Instead I focused on the smell that could have made you gain a few pounds and decided to push onward. There were many obstacles that made me revisit this run. There was the squirrel that decided he was going to have a good laugh and ran directly in front of me and almost made me eat all of my teeth. Then there was that 70-something y.o. woman who was walking faster than I could run. And lastly, my lungs were acting up the whole time - or at least that's what I'm telling myself. In the end I think I clocked a 2 miler in 25 minutes *gasp* and I may have walked more than half of that. It's going to take a whole other day to convince my thighs, my lungs and my mind that it's going to be just fine and we can do it all over again in the morning. Besides, if I don't convince them they're not going to do very well during this wedding season. I should probably call the Doctor and have an inhaler called in to the pharmacy... hmmm... maybe I should have it called to Hinkle's and while I'm there....