The Art Of Boudoir.....

I am a total fan of boudoir photography. Why? Because at it's heart and core, it's about the "femininity" of it all. Done well and directed by a skilled photographer, this intimate "peek" can be an amazing testimony to all things womanly. Many of my clients have done this as a gift for their fiance's and new husbands - much to their beloved's delight :) For the women, it's a chance to reveal their inner "pinup girl" and for the men...well, it's a chance to meet that "girl". The subject gets the purely pampered treatment, from fab hair and makeup to the perfect outfit which will showcase her beauty perfectly.

So..being the inquisive DIVA that I am, I decided to see what all the hype was about. I booked my very own boudoir shoot with Lisa Fleet of GlamorousDIVAS Photography. For a reasonable fee, I would receive professional makeup services, a hardcover photobook as well as my images on disk. The hardest part of the process? Finding the RIGHT outfits to wear!!! After some decisive shopping, I procured three different looks - innocent, sassy and slightly frisky.

The day of the shoot dawned sunny and bright - I was too excited! When I arrived at the location, I was welcomed by Lisa and her makeup artist, the hilariously talented Valerie Tilghman. While Valerie got my DIVAGlam look together, Lisa was setting the stage for what would be simply one of the most liberating experiences I've ever had. During the course of the shoot, I literally became 4 people - sweet Linnyette, the HeadDIVA in charge Linnyette, the "I'm not so innocent" Linnyette and lastly, the sultry Linnyette. I LOVED every second!

Once I received the images, I was floored. I could not believe that was me! In that instant, I understood why this mode of photography is so fascinating. It's a wonderful experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat! So, if you're looking for a very special gift to bestow upon that very special someone....consider the artistic medium of boudoir photography. AND...gentlemen, you can do the same for your special lady. Something tells me she'd like that very, very much!

Internships

I receive many, many inquiries about participation in my Internship Program that's offered each season. For me, it has been a way to give serious insight and introspect into my world so that prospective and new planners will thoroughly understand that the universe I inhabit isn't glamorous, but highly demanding and TOUGH!. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with, guide and mentor some fabulous folks who've gone on to hone their skills even more and for that alone, I'm truly grateful.

However, because of my schedule and committments that I have for 2010 - I am not going to offer the Internship Program for this season. This was a difficult decision to make, but a necessary one. Contrary to popular belief, I'm only one person and I don't have a "S" scrawled across my chest :)

For those of you who were interested in applying for the Program, I will still have other learning and networking opportunities available:

1) The annual "I DO Brunch" for planners:
No matter what your level of expertise is in the business, this event is a great way to meet other planners and share ideas, best practices, thoughts and comiserations in a beautiful environment, filled with great decor, amazing cuisine and lively entertainment.

2) The Power Course:
I've taught this weekend workshop for the past 10 year and have loved the sense of relevant information and empowerement it's brought to the hundreds of participants who've attended. It's being "revamped" a smidge for 2010 - so stay tuned for dates and locations!

3) Coaching/Consulting:
If you want something a little more "one on one" and a chance to sit down with me so we can delve deep into your goals, aspirations and business ideas, consider scheduling a Coaching Session. You'll get nothing but the truth from me during these meetings..no sugarcoating or "pie in the sky" verbiage. I believe that excellent wedding planners have a completely different DNA..these sessions allow you to discover what yours is.

I want to thank all of you who've inquired about the Internship Program for 2010 - please consider attending one of the other events in order to further your wedding planning goals..

The "I DO Brunch" For Wedding Planners

I'm throwing a little "shindig" and if you're a wedding planner or coordinator, new to the game or seasoned....you're invited!

My annual "I DO Brunch" is being held on Saturday, April 17th at the Gathering Place in Clarksville, Maryland. This is my way of getting a bunch of planners together so that we can do things which NEVER happen when we're working - namely:

1) The opportunity to actually enjoy an event

2) The opportunity to have others wait on and take care of us

3) The opportunity to sit down and leisurely enjoy a meal

4) The opportunity to wear high heels for the duration of the event

5) The opportunity to meet and network with others who "get" what we do

We're so excited to have planners from not only the Maryland/DC/Northern Virginia region, but colleagues from California, Texas, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (just to name a few) who are making the trip - what a fabulous way to learn more about what's going on in the industry from so many diverse points of view!

This year's affair is aptly titled "The English Garden" and with a culinary thematic of "When London Meets The Chesapeake", the "I DO Brunch" will surely make your tastebuds rejoice! Our gracious hosts, Putting On The Ritz Caterers and their Executive Chef have joined forces with us for a second year to provide an amazing bounty of delicious food and beverages including our signature libation - the "I DO Mimosa"!!

Early Bird Registration ends tomorrow - so now's the perfect time to purchase your subscription BEFORE the rate increases. For our out-of-town guests, we've arranged a room block at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center AND we're providing complimentary luxury transportation to and from the event venue. I admit - I LOVE spoiling my guests :)

Details are available on our website along with a lovely gallery from last year's event. We're looking forward to seeing you in April!!!!

True Love......

It's been exactly 2 months since I've blogged - for which I sheepishly ask for your apologies. There's been a TON going on over here at Premiere Event Management with me and TeamDIVA literally in a whirlwind of activity...details which we'll share with you over the next few weeks (yes - it's that MUCH!).

Today is Valentine's Day - and for many, that means a maddening rush to find the perfect card, grab a dozen roses, select the biggest box of chocolate, hit up the jewelry store for just enough BLING..oh, this list could go on and on for days.

I'm a romantic realist - so I keep things simple: Before you invest in all of the trappings that come with this "holiday", make sure you take care of the most priceless object..yourself. When you look in the mirror, say "I Love You" to the reflection that gazes back. You can't love anyone UNLESS you absolutely, without a doubt, are hopelessly in love with YOURSELF.

That's my story - and I'm sticking to it. :)

P.S. The symbol you see at the beginning means "Love" in Chinese. I think it's so cool that in 2010, the Chinese New Year starts on Valentine's Day......