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!!!!!

It's A Bird...It's A Plane..It's - PROPOSAL MAN!!!

Okay - so I had to go back and reference one of my favorite lines in a cartoon :) But seriously folks...I am pleased to announce the "Proposal Man" contest sponsored by Comcast and Searchlight On Demand.

So - if you are ready to "pop the question" and have a creative way in mind to do so...enter this contest! The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare for two to anywhere AirTran Airways flies AND a gorgeous solitaire diamond engagement ring courtesy of SMYTH Jewelers.

I'm going to be one of the celebrity judges on the panel..taking a look at what's coming in and seeing who's got the most "game" when it comes to saying "Will You Marry Me?" So - impress me..and who knows? You just may walk away with it all!!!

The contest starts on June 20th - details can be found at the Proposal Man website.

I can't wait to see these entries!!!!

Ah...To Be Young

And it's not that I'm old...age really isn't anything but a number. However, there are times when things come to my attention that make me appreciate the energy of being young.

I am always appreciative of the thousands of emails I get from my viewers and fans....and I read each of them. I have answered ALL of them :) But it's the following email from a young man in Raleigh, NC. which really got my attention:

"Hello:

This message is for Linnyette Richardson-Hall.

My name is Demetris Faison from Raleigh ,NC . Surprisingly, I am a graduating senior this year from high school. I have been designing Weddings and Special Events since my freshman year. I just wanted to touch base with you to let you know how much adore your designs and tastes on things. I would really love to meet you one day and maybe be hired as a floral designer for some one your events. Please view my website (www.creativetouchevents.com ) to get a preview on some of my work.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you and making a connection."

He's a graduating senior (many congratulations, Demetris!) which puts him at about 17 or 18 years old. So..I visited his website. This young man has his act together - seriously. I've been in business a minute, so I know stuff when I see it - he's got his company and it's goals on point. As I reviewed the different links in the site, it was obvious to me that he is wiser beyond his young years. And I love it. You don't have to be an adult to start and maintain a business - all you have to do is want it passionately and be willing to make things happen.

Those of you who know me or have taken one of my classes know that I am a contract/policy wonkette. This young man thrilled me to no end when I took a look at his policy statement - my immediate thought was that if he's doing this at 17...why can't folks who are twice his age do the same thing???? If he maintains this course - his business will remain successful and GROW...as it should be.

So...when you have a chance, check out Demetris Faison and the Creative Touch Designs website. I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I was.