The Bridal Mini

(Bridal Mini photos courtesy of the company's website)

I get a lot of requests to review wedding related products - so I thought I'd share this particular one!

It's called the "Bridal Mini" and in essence - it's a miniature wedding dress top that can be used in so many ways. From my viewpoint as a planner - it's ideal for those makeup and hair trials where you REALLY need to get the full "effect" of how things are going to look - but you don't want to (and in many cases - can't) lug your actual wedding dress around!!

You can also wear it at your bachelorette party over a cute pair of jeans or a skirt - and everyone will know EXACTLY who the guest of honor is!! `With three different styles available (sweetheart, strapless and halter), owner Carol Cleary has definitely made the Bridal Mini an asset in every bride's pre-wedding closet. Additional details and ordering information can be found by visiting the company's website at Bridal Mini.com

It's A Wrap #2

Today, I am diligently trying to recover from my second shoot in the space of 48 hours - I had the pleasure of working with Lifestyle Editor Janelle Erlichman Diamond at Baltimore Magazine on their annual Bride 2009 issue.

My little "part" in this story was to create a tablescape for publication in the weddings issue - so with lots of thinking, many scribbled-on and tossed-in-the-wastebasket pieces of paper AND shopping for just the "right" accessories to grace my table, I think I came up with something quite nice!!! With the tireless help of Sheila Smith at Richardson's Flowers & Gifts and her assistant, Gary..the three of us worked throughout the heat of the day to get this baby done! Sheila is uber-talented and the perfect "foil" for whatever my head comes up with - I have to thank her and owner Sandy Riley for saying "yes" to this project!!

A big "shout out" to Karron Minor of Diamond Minor Designs for all of the printed materials you'll see in the magazine - she really put on paper all of the visual images I had floating around!! Another huge "Thank You" goes out to Susie Childs over at Select Event Rentals for taking time out of her very hectic schedule to sit down in the linen "playroom" and assist me with taking pure brain "fodder" and pulling it into something wonderful...

The photos above are just a few "insight" shots as to how all of this comes together....the actual images will be available for public viewing when Bride 2009 hits the newsstands.

It's A Wrap!!!

We finally finished filming another episode for "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" - and I was very happy to help Juanita & Jermaine say "I Do"!!!

The bride and groom are a sweet couple and were a total pleasure to work with. I have to give some major thanks to the following folks for all of their hard work, hospitality and PATIENCE while we filmed this week!!

Prentice Pollard and the staff at the Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor
Susan Childs at Select Event Rentals
Ann-Marie Wood, Elizabeth McMonagle, Tywana Tyler and the staff at LaFontaine Bleu

This episode will air later this year - I'll keep you posted as to the actual date!!!

Single...During Wedding Season

I've been MIA is because of the media. Yes - that industry of which I am a small part, has literally taken over my life for the past few weeks! Here's a link to an interview I did for CNN.com, and the subject matter is about being "single during wedding season". Now - you aren't going to see my "contribution" until you get to the end...but I think the writer pretty summed everything up by leaving my quote until last...

And no - I'm not jaded or cynical. Just happily realistic and satisfied with the choices I make. I have literally "been there - done that" when it comes to being hitched. And I still think that the institution of marriage is a wonderfully amazing thing because I am fortunate to witness its birth almost every weekend! But I also know that IF Mr. Right is out there for me - our paths will cross and intertwine for a lifetime..........

So, for all of you wedding professionals out there who might be in the same boat as me - feel free to comment on this topic! Do you feel "left out" at all your events as you are watching oh-so happy couples over and over say "I Do"? How do you embrace your "singlehood" in the midst of an industry that clearly works on the premise of eternal "coupledom"?

Can't wait to read your responses!!!!

Don't Shoot Me...

Please?? I am so sorry that I haven't been blogging - but life has thrown some curves at me that are just "interesting" to say the least! When people come up to you in the grocery store, the nail salon, Jiffy Lube and Target - and they all say "Linnyette - we miss your blog, when are you going to put some more stuff on it?", then you (meaning me) realize that indeed, you've been shirking your blogging duties!!!!

I'm so glad that there are folks who read my little "diary", and even more pleased that you like what I say!! I readily admit to not being a "put-every-little-wedding-detail-or-frippery-thing-I can-think-of-in-my-blog-all-of-the-time" kinda writer - but that's not me. I started this blog because I thought it would be a great way to share a little of me - with you. There's more to how I view my business, my passions than what you see on television, and I want to delve into it a little more. For me, creating wonderful weddings and other celebrations are WHO I AM. It's like a natural, physical extension of my body and I can't imagine me or my life without this component. I've always believed that when you embrace that "thing" which is your passion - you are then living the most true, authentic version of your life.....

So, with all of that being said....hang onto your hats, there's definitely more blogging to come!!!!!