Who could have guessed?

Many of us have siblings. I am no different. We had a rocky relationship up until I graduated HS. We were such different people! Me~serious, analytical, ambitious, intelligent. Baby Davey (aka~my brother) social, care free, the life of the party & too smart for his own good. But many life circumstances have brought us right back to the good 'ol days of clubhouses made of refrigerator boxes ( I was always the president), playing "restaurant" ( I was an entrepreneur from the day I was born), and making forts out of the couch cushions (has design always been part of my genetics??) . We have been for some time now the best of friends.

I am so proud of my little bro. He took the LONG road towards his goals and they are still wildly developing as we speak. But, after a treacherous climb, my brother created a milestone. He graduated college last week.

Now many of us can talk about hardships as a student. My brother is no different, but his mountains are not for me to discuss on here. The part that still amazes me is how similar we have turned out to be.

First, no need to state the obvious, we obvious look like we come from the same gene pool. But, he is now a "reader" and can debate you into a crying puddle of a human being if he disagrees with your opinion. But don't let his dialogue fool you, he really doesn't care that much. He is charismatic and still the life of the party~ and if for a second he thought giving his opinion would spoil the fun he would kindly move on and spare you the emberassment. For those of you who know me personally, I am direct. Very direct. I like to be clear in my communication~ less room for error or feelings to get in the way. But, I am much more of an observer and if for a second it would bring the "vibe" down, my opinions stay locked away until socially acceptable to share. We have the same ego and restraints.

And then there is the icing on the cake! I have been a part of the wedding & event industry for 4 years now ( love every bit of it). And my brother in his infinite wisdom, decided to get a degree in the one area of study he is completely confident can be a blast! Leisure Management( aka event planning).

Apparaently all the apples from our tree fall in exactly the same basket. Next step, take over the world.

Cheers Davey Baby ~xoxo SisterFace

Joyful Tiddings!

Happy Holidays to all of the fabulous people in my life!

And may 2009 bring you more love and happiness than you could ever wish for!

Cheers!

Meeting of the Minds at Monterrra

This December I got a chance to meet with some really fabulous ladies~ Alesha of A Day to Cherish, Emily of Your Heart's Desire, Erin of Inspired Events, Wendy of Sacred Moments, and Kim of The Event Essentials. We did lunch at Monterra at Westworld with Kelly the Event Coordinator for the property! The chef did an amazing job of creating a really fabulous fall menu!

After gabbing for hours, Kelly took us on a tour of Monterra and of Brett's Barn. Distinct spaces with a lot of character. Monterra has a stunning patio and fantastic event space. The chandeliers are so unique! Kim and I were cracking up on how our minds were compelety on track with transforming the space for a wedding..."flowers over here. bling over there"!

And that's exactly what the theme was for our meeting. "Great Minds Think Alike".

Cheers ladies~ See you all in January

Meant2Be Gives Back!

Tis the season to give back! I called Angie Van Daele of The Wedding Chronicle looking for the 4-1-1 on some volunteer opportunities this season for Meant2Be Events. She let me know of a great organization called Arizona Helping Hands that was setting up a toy drive with Phoenix Suns Charities at last weeks Suns/Jazz game~ I jumped on the chance to help kids this holiday season!

So I arrived at US Airways Arena with Angie and helped create some buzz for the organization. There were many generous donations...some cash some toys. One person donated an IPOD Shuffle- that will be one lucky kid!

The game started and the volunteers were offered a luxury suite from the Suns to enjoy the game! It was fantastic. Perfect view from a beautiful private room and great company! Angie and I had a really great time! Sometimes KARMA does deliver itself really quickly for your deeds! Happy Holidays!

Phoenix Bridal Show

What happens 3 times a year and can be the most eye opening experience in your planning process??? The Phoenix Bridal Show- and last weekend was no exception!

I was there all day on Sunday helping the show producer make it all come together smoothly! But it is always a great way to get thrown into the planning process!

Many times I'll get calls following the shows- some people just don't know where to start after being shown SO many great options for their day...

A few tips:

1. Take a deep breath. There are many people who can help - no need to stress on your planning process.
2. If you are ready to tackle it on your own-start by sorting through your bag at all your flyers by catergory- that way you can look through one section at a time while you are in the planning process!
3. Act quickly. There are many deals and discounts that are only available for a short time after each show. Those deals are a great way to save!

Best of luck see you all at the next show!

Good Times at the Dine Around

We were a little concerned of the lack of RSVPs for the last NACE dine around, but it was a smashing success! This was my second dine around, the first was last year in Tempe. And while closer to home is always better for me, it was a great adventure.

It began with a sleek caravan of fellow NACE pals- inlcuding Laurie Southwick owner of Something Creative by Laurie (linen diva extrodinaire), Jessica Sprouse of AGR Resort(loud, proud, and the best Catering Manager in the biz)Kristina Munoz of Arizona Weddings Magazine ( publication goddess and fundraising queen), the sweetest gals ever at our local desert oasis, Jane and Debbie- Desert Botanical Gardens, and of the course the cherry on top was Drew of Heidi's Events and Catering (my lunch date and partner in crime at the "trouble maker" table).

This was a combonation of crazy personlaities in a small space and only our wits and Mamma Mia to entertain oursleves!

Kim McDowell of The Event Essentials did an amazing job of organizing the whole shinanagans...there was food, fun, and lots of networking! We went to Renaissance Resort, Margaritaville, Fox Sports Grill, and Shout Piano Bar..Thanks so much to the local support for a great time!

Bride 911: The Emergency Kit

So the countdown is on and you know that there are just so many details to make sure don't get overlooked...

As a client of Meant2Be, you get a personalized emergency kit that is provided by us, but for those of you planning without a pro, here is a great list of goodies that you'll be happy to have handy on the big day!

Brush/comb
Cell phone (be sure to turn it off before the ceremony!)
Emery board
Extra panty hose
Hair spray
Handkerchief
Makeup
Mints
Mirror (small and portable)
Perfume, travel size
Baby powder (useful for getting out last-minute spills on a white dress)
Bobby pins and hair elastics
Brush and comb
Clear nail polish (also helpful for stocking runs)
Corsage pins
Cotton balls/swabs
Extra earring backs
Extra pair of flat shoes
Hairdryer
Iron
Lint brush
Makeup
Nail polish in the bride's shade
Sewing kit
Thread that matches the wedding/bridal parties dresses.
Shoe polish
Spot remover (test it out on an inconspicuous part of the dress before using!)
Static-cling spray
Straws (for drinking without messing up lipstick)
“Throwaway” garter
White chalk (to cover any stains on the dress)
Wrinkle out spray (test it out on an inconspicuous part of the dress before using!)
Antacid
Aspirin/ibuprofen
Band-aids (that best match your skin tone)
Contact lens solution/cases
Deodorant
Eye drops
Insect repellent (for outdoor ceremonies or events - be sure it smells nice!)
Lotion
Medications
Moist towelettes
Mouthwash
Smelling salts
Sunscreen
Tampons or pads
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Tissues
Wash cloth or hand towel
Bug spray (be sure it has leaves no spots and has no smell or smells nice)
Extra flowers (in case of sun wilting)
Handkerchief for dabbing sweat
Sunglasses (pre- and post-ceremony)
Just In Case
Cash ($20 – you never know what you’ll need it for)
Disposable camera
Driver’s license or photo I.D. card
Duct tape (good for any handy repairs)
Extra copies of directions to your reception
Important phone numbers
Notebook and pens
Portable flashlight
Roll of quarters (phones, parking meters, vending machines, etc.)
Snacks/bottled water (granola bars, dried fruit, etc.)
Umbrella
Watch

With a little planning all snafus can be easily corrected!

Happy Planning!

Table Talk

A little table top lesson for all my brides ! There is a right and a wrong way to set a formal table. So many times I get a question about proper placement for your table scape- so here is a diagram!

Jennifer & Marcus Continued!

I realized that I have never posted any photos from Jennifer's day!

She was married this year at Sanctuary Resort & Spa...

Thanks Jen for letting me be a part of your special day!

Jennifer's kind words:

“Marcus and I would like to express our sincere gratitude for all your hard work for our wedding. Planning a destination wedding in Scottsdale from Dallas, Texas proved to be quite challenging, but having your help in the final month made all the difference.

I was impressed that you took the initiative to contact all our vendors and let them know you would be working with us. It was so much easier to communicate through you rather that having to deal with each vendor separately. And when our pastor backed out at the last minute, you stepped in and saved the day!

When it came to the day of the wedding, you handled all the little snafus with ease and gave me the peace of mind that every bride needs on her wedding day. The timeline you developed for us made the reception flow perfectly. At the end of the evening the groom remarked that hiring you was a “great call.” Even he noticed! You were a pleasure to work with and your service was truly invaluable to us. Thank you for helping make our wedding day stress-free and all smiles!"

NACE Dine Around!

Join the Greater Phoenix Chapter of NACE for our Annual Dine Around as we explore the culinary talents of some of Glendale's finest eating establishments. The evening will combine culinary exploration, networking, and friendship as we explore the diverse city of Glendale.

Annual Dinearound
September 16, 2008
5:30-9:30 pm
Westgate City CenterGlendale, AZ
$50.00 Members $50.00 Guests

Go to Phoenix NACE To RSVP!

See you all there!

Summer Deals!

The Gals at TWIRL have big savings for you!

Splash into Summer with SAVINGS....
Outfit your bridal party with fabulous dresses from Twirl and SAVE this summer with this ONE-TIME-ONLY event...No measurements or sizing necessary - All bridal party members who pay their deposit by AUGUST 15, 2008 will receive 15% off the designer's dress price. This could mean up to 30% in savings depending on the designer you choose.We have received many new samples from several of our designers - make your appointment to see what's new!Need a rehearsal or reception dress? Treat yourself and save as well. You deserve it!

Bon Voyage! Tips to start planning the Honeymoon

Tne fabulous thing you have to start planning for is your Honeymoon~ but amongst all the crazy wedding plans how do you get started? Here are some tips to take teh stress out of your most romatic vacation.

1. Discuss the specific type of honeymoon you each want - tropical resort, city tour, cruise, etc.
2. Get recommendations from friends and family members on potential locations, hotels, and resorts.
3. Set a budget and stick to it. Include everything - from airline tickets to accommodations to spending money.
4. Shop for a travel agent and begin reading up on destinations.
Begin the process of securing passports if you don't already have them.

BonVoyage!

To throw or Not to throw?

The wedding toss is a lovely tradition that dates back to Ancient Rome. Throwing things at a newly wed couple is intended to symbolize good luck, fertility and abundance. It is also a wonderful way for your guests to partake in the ceremony and share in the festivities.

However, many properties won't allow you to do any form of a toss, even though there are eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional rice and bird seed - which are harmful to the enviroment. So before purchasing your toss choice ( dont for get your code:meant2bee ) be sure to check with your property or your planner to see what restricitions you may have!

Go Green!

Not only is this the hottest trend it's also can save the planet! Check out these eco-friendly ideas from Beau-Coup to help you plan a wedding uniquely green and save with a special Meant2Be Events code! (meant2bee) Enter before you check out!

Plantable Favors

Each two and a half inch blossoming favor card comes in a quality cream envelope and can be used in a variety of ways. You could label each envelope with your guests’ names, write their table number inside, and then place them at the reception entrance for them to find. Or you could set them at each place setting and write a personalized thank you message inside. However you choose to use them, your guests are sure to enjoy watching how “Love Grows”.

Eco Friendly Confetti
For the socially conscious bride and groom, we would like to do anything we can to make your wedding a little greener. Our eco-friendly wedding confetti is water soluble and biodegradable so you can have a festive, lively send-off without causing permanent damage to the earth. Simply rinse off for worry free clean up.

Keep Cool in Style!

Well as you know AZ can be unbelievably hot! And while consdering your guest experience~ know that it it prioirity number one to keep the hydrated and cool in style!

Bar Style

The signature drink is nothing new. By offering one or two drinks that match your wedding vision, you create a union between your decor and the food/beverage you offer.

But what I suggest to all my clients is a "pre-ceremony cocktail" . Opening the bar and hors duerves before the ceremony your guests will feel immediately catered to, and relax knowing they won't have to wait until the traditional cocktail hour to be hydrated! And in AZ that is so important!

Fan Style

Ditch the traditional program trifold, for a unique personalized fan. Your guests enjoy the self provided breeze!

Shade Style

You had to have the outdoor wedding. But with late afternoon sun, your space will be it's hottest for your guests. Provide them shade with parasols for your ladies!

Take Time to Be Fabulous!

For those of you who know me personally~ I am a spa rat.

Take these famous words that combine my favorite things... LOVING YOURSELF AND LOVING YOUR MAN!

"the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.”~ Kim C , Sex and the City.

Now that you are getting married ~ don't forget to keep lovign yourslef and indulging in the best spas is the first step to reminding yourself just how fabulous you are!

And your big day is just around the corner and you want to make sure you want to look your best! We all know a happy bride will be a glowing bride so take the time to pamper yourself.

There are many full service salons and day spas that specializes in bridal services. From up-dos to French manicures and every facial in between these spas are my personal favs for the best in pampering!Many of them offer private bridal suites, Hors D'ouvres, champagne of course lots of pampering for you and some of your gal pals! Others will give you the quite seculsion so precious during the hectic planning process!

Dolce Salon & Spa

Choose from our many salon & day spa packages as the perfect gift for your wedding party and the friends and family you appreciate most. From the bride and groom to each person in your wedding party, we will assist you in creating your most unforgettable day – the wedding day you envisioned!

Aloosions Salon Spa
At Aloosions Salon and Spa, we know everyone’s needs are different and everyone’s idea of a spa day is different. With that said, we let you custom create your own spa packages. When you create a day at the spa with three different services we will take 15% off the package created. (the services must be from different departments such as hair, skin, and nails. It can’t be touch up, partial weave, and hair cut!)

The Lamar Everyday Spa

Salon Lamar is the perfect place for Bridal parties to prepare for the big day. Our skilled stylists and make up artists will create a look that is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Ask about Bridal Parties and Spa Packages.

These are a don't miss for brides~ remember you deserve it!

The Icing on the Cake!

One of the most fun appointments I have with my clients is the cake tasting. And not so suprising is who many grooms I can get to attend this one too! There are a few things I recommend my clients consider when preparing for the tasting.
Consider Location. If you outdoors for the reception, remeber ICING MELTS.
Opt for a heartier frosting like fondant. Another tip: Make sure your cake isn't displayed too early. When the weather is warm, a cake shouldn't be left out for more than two hours. Keep it in an air-conditioned room until it's time for the cake cutting.
Be prepared. Your cake designer will have sample books, but being prepared with ideas and pictures will ensure you get exactly the cake you want to dive into on your big day! Also, determine your cake topper before your appointment. Now you can bring it to the appointment and the cake designer can determine the weight and extra posts and platforms necessary so your topper doesn't sink!
Here are some cake toppers I love!

Or you can have a cake topper custom made!

TWIRL

Love them! Go To TWIRL Boutique for fabulous savings!

Splash into Summer with SAVINGS....
Outfit your bridal party with fabulous dresses from Twirl and SAVE this summer with this ONE-TIME-ONLY event...No measurements or sizing necessary - All bridal party members who pay their deposit by AUGUST 15, 2008 will receive 15% off the designer's dress price. This could mean up to 30% in savings depending on the designer you choose.We have received many new samples from several of our designers - make your appointment to see what's new!Need a rehearsal or reception dress? Treat yourself and save as well. You deserve it!

NACE Elements Competition 2008

I hope you didn't miss this!
What a spectacular display~ there is not one place in Arizona where you can see the best interpretations of event florals and decor in one place then at the NACE Elements Competition. This year was at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge ....if you were one of the few brides or industry folk that had something better to do~ here's just a glimpse of some of the brilliant designs you missed!