Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Jumping The Broom

I get a lot of emails from my viewers asking about the wording I use on "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" when those happy brides & grooms are just about to "cross over" into their new lives. So by popular request, here it is!!

"It is believed that during the era of slavery in America, newlywed couples would use the ritual of broom jumping as a way to give some sort of legitimacy to their unions, since they were unable to wed under legal circumstances. The broom symbolizes the setting up of a new household as well as the sweeping away of negative thoughts, actions and spirits which can break the bonds of a happy marriage.

In the motherland, the "village" represents not only the actual inhabitants, but the sense of family and community. And as members of this couple's "village", we need to support and encourage their union. Love them enough to give them the benefit of your wisdom - but at the same time, know when to walk away and let them tend the fires of their marriage.

There is a saying "Make a joyful noise - so that the rocks don't cry out!". As we all celebrate this wonderful occasion, let's all get up on our feet and shout our joy to the heavens..so the world will know that this couple have become one...with each other. As (insert bride & groom's names here) "leap into da' land of matrimony", we wish the very best of love, health & happiness!!"

Now if you've watched the show - you've noticed that the audience really gets into this, and that's the point. It's about celebration and jubilation - such a wonderful thing has happened and we ALL want to revel in it. So, go ahead and clap your hands, stomp your feet, whistle and catcall..it's all good!!!!!


(Nalini & Issac Conner courtesy of Garrett Photography - Baltimore, MD.)

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Bringing Sexy Back.....

To my feet- that is!!! As a girl who loves her pedicures and toe jewelry, imagine my delight when I found the coolest, hippest thing to wear for a beach wedding? Jan Baker, the brainchild behind "Jewels By Jan", a San Diego, California based entrepreneur has created an amazing "barefoot sandal" that can be worn for a wedding or any other time you want to go "bare" but keep your style going on!

Since I will be off to the Grenadines next week for a destination wedding, I thought this would be the perfect time to try out some new footwear. And - since I already own over 200 pairs of shoes (no - that's not a typo!), I figured some new, lightweight "kicks" would fit the bill!

I chose two pairs - "Antique Black" (will mesh perfectly with my beach wedding "uniform" of the little black sundress - must keep it professional while at work!) and a simply ethereal design called "Heavenly Glow", for when I'm not doing the wedding thing and I'm roaming the beach. Each of the sandals are strung by hand and are comprised of some of the most delicate, sparkling crystals to ever grace a foot!

Jan and her team also offer these works of art for men (can't leave them out - now can we?) and children. So - if you are headed off to enjoy some sand, surf and sun...consider checking out her website at http://www.jewels-by-jan.com/ and pick up a pair of your own!!

P.S. I'm planning to wear these sparkly sandals during my taping of "Married Away"...so check out my tootsies during the episode when it airs later this year!!!!!

Leaving On A Jet Plane...

So...I'm off to the fabulous playground of the Grenadine Islands next weekend to help a couple say "I Do" for Style Network's destination wedding show, "Married Away" . Synda & Alex are a wonderful duo and I think you'll like how I bring a little "DIVAStyle" to the Carribean. I'll keep you posted as to when this episode will air!!

NACE Educational Conference

One of the things that is so vital to the health of a professional in the event industry is continuing education. So, from July 15th - 19th, I had a chance to be a student and learn all of the new trends in food service and event production from some of the best in the business at the National Association Of Catering Executive's Educational Conference in Houston, Texas.

We had two fabulous key note speakers: Marc Summers of Food Network's "Unwrapped" and Scott Corridan of Corridan & Company Designs in Santa Barbara, CA. who also happens to be a cast member for the new season of HGTV's Design Star. Marc's topic was "Passion" and believe me - that is one of the traits you need to be good in this business - you can't just "like" it, you have to "LOVE" it. And Scott - well, what can I say about this absolutely fabulous designer?? He taps into the very psyche and soul of his clients to bring forth the most amazing, touching, spellbinding work I've ever seen -and he's got the most beautiful smile to boot!!! I also got to meet the "Cake Lady of Soho" - the unflappable and totally delightful Sylvia Weinstock - her cakes are gorgeous and her sense of humor is hilarious!!

The workshops were excellent, the food - well, basically we ate all day every day :) I met some great folks, forged new working relationships and even got to meet one of my fellow cast mates from "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" , the dynamic and wonderfully funny Steve Kemble.

If you are an event professional, consider checking out the NACE chapter in your area - to find the one nearest you, log onto http://www.nace.net/ for details.

7/7/07

Was one of the busiest days on record for weddings - and for my company also! We had the pleasure of working with two great couples on pulling together memorable celebrations.....so the team "split up" and worked our magic in two different locations in the state.

Our local CBS affiliate (WJZ-TV) interviewed me about the rush of "triple 7" weddings - here's a link to that clip: http://wjz.com/topstories/local_story_188133121.html

Many congrats go out to my two couples who got hitched on this day - Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Chatmon and Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Shaw..................it was a pleasure working with all of you and I wish you the best as you travel through the land of matrimony!!!

MIA

Y'all know what that means!! And yes - while I've been "MIA" here on my blog, I most certainly have been everywhere else when it comes to weddings!!!! It's so nice to know that so many of you are reading this blog - I appreciate it so much! With that in mind, I'm going to try and post more often...but there is SO much going on that sometimes, this girl is just done.........and stays away from the keyboard!!

However, I do have some wonderful tidbits and noshes to share with you.....so stay tuned!

Monday, July 2, 2007

Power Course Workshop

I'm not only a wedding planner - but a "teacher" too! I've been offering seminars, workshops and conferences to the wedding consulting industry since 1999, and my latest installment is in the pre-production phase!

If you are aspiring to this profession, just starting out in your business or already a part of this exciting field - you might want to join me in October for my latest "Power Course" workshop. Here are a few details:

The Power Course Weekend
“Business & Design - The Basics Of Efficient Wedding Consulting”
October 6-7, 2007
The Burkshire Marriott Conference Center Hotel
10 W. Burke Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland


Registration: $375 per person before September 6, 2007
$450 per person after September 6th (based on availability - payment in full required)

Payment plans are available

Your registration includes:
All materials
Continental breakfast (each day)
Full buffet lunch (each day)
Mid-morning & Mid-afternoon snacks each day

Pre-Workshop Assignment
"Homework" (Saturday evening)
Certificate of Participation

Day 1 focuses on the "business" intracacies of the wedding planning industry
Day 2 focuses on basic wedding design & decor techniques

Hotel Accommodations:
$129 per night for a one-bedroom suite, complete with living room/dining area and kitchenette. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly at (410)324-8101. Please identify yourself as attending the Power Course workshop sponsored by DIVA Enterprises, LLC.

The cut-off date for hotel reservations is September 5, 2007.

Registration forms will be available online at http://www.thebusinessofmatrimony.com/
beginning 7/4/07