event planning

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March 21, 2017

4 Tips for Proposing to your Bridesmaids – Black Southern Belle Edition

Michiel Perry / Love & Dating, Uncategorized / bachelorette party, black southern belle, bridal party, bridal shower, bridesmaid proposals, bridesmaids, bsb, engagement, Event Decor, event planning, girls night, rustic table settings, the South, weddings, Will you be mu bridesmaid? / 0 Comments

After the big proposal, the ring, and the tears of joy; comes the real work. One of the first tasks you must complete is a proposal of your own. You have to ask those special women in your life to be your bridesmaids! Why not ask for your bridesmaids’ commitment in a way that will make them feel as special as they are to you? We have 4 tips from Tamarah Smith of Tammy’s Table for making your bridesmaid proposals an amazing experience for your favorite girls.

1) The location

It would be ideal to choose a place that flows with the energy and taste of your bridesmaids. It can be a casual girls day out, binge watching Hulu with a bottle of wine, or even high heels and designer threads for a night out on the town. Simply try to tap into the personality of your friends and find a common activity that all would enjoy!

2) The presentation

Since these are your bridesmaids, an honor that only the closest of friends can have, they must have a deep-rooted place in your heart. The flower that springs from those deep roots are bright with memories of tough times they got you thru, adventures you’ve survived together and overall a spirit of joy they give you when they’re around. It would be special to share with each of them how they’ve impacted you and why they are your best friends. This can be done by presenting them all with gifts, keepsakes that they’ll always remember each other by. Also, write a note expressing your gratitude for that friend being in your life and how much they mean to you. This is the “I love you” moment that will bond you with your friends and commemorate this occasion.

3) Announcing your Maid of Honor

Along with the endearing sentiment of this moment, there is a title that only one lady can be privileged to hold that is the Maid of Honor. At best, she should be addressed last of all and with a touching sincerity as to make her feel how special she has been to you. For some brides, the concern of entitling only one person as the maid of honor is difficult and you don’t wish to hurt anyone. To keep the moment true, be sure to let them all know that they are not less important, and that they will all be by your side along the way into happily ever after.

4) Expectations

Finally, but most importantly, suggest that you’ll need help in preparing for the big day. Some duties include attending dress fittings, choosing the right accessories, meeting with vendors, planning/hosting the bridal shower to name a few. Keeping the bride stress free and positive is the objective and your bridesmaid’s support is pertinent. Be willing to organize ways for all the bridesmaids to participate and express their talents and creativity throughout. Also, set your expectations and their support with honey and not with vinegar. In life, our approach often determines the outcome.

Event Design & Floral: By Tammy’s Table

Photography: https://www.instagram.com/justindouglasphotos/

Petite Model and Model Coach https://www.instagram.com/deanafierce/

Petite Model & MUA: https://www.instagram.com/marinasbeautystudio/

Petite Model: https://www.instagram.com/curlisueme/

Petite Model: https://www.instagram.com/danielleesc/

MUA: https://www.instagram.com/ohmyrai_makeup/

MUA:https ://www.instagram.com/international_sonrisa/

Venue:https ://www.instagram.com/fitbstudiollc/

February 17, 2017

Tips for Styling a Rustic Wedding

Michiel Perry / Home Decor & Fashion / event planning, rustic weddings, southern, southern event planning, Swank Soiree Weddings + Events, the South, unique bouquets, wedding gowns, wedding venues / 0 Comments

Rustic Weddings are all the rave. And we can see why. They are beautiful and add a warm comforting touch to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Putting together a rustic wedding isn’t always easy. Take these tips from Paula Ewers of Swank Soiree Weddings + Events to make sure your future rustic wedding is one to remember.

Many times when you think rustic, you think burlap, mason jars and lace which are heavily used. To shake things up, add bits and pieces of your style and fashion. Let me let you in on a couple of tips that I found useful for my bride besties!

1. Procure a venue that exudes the beauty of your wedding vision.
Look into different types of venues that suit your needs. Be encouraged: you do not have to have your wedding at a farm or barn to achieve the rustic vibe you have in mind. Keep an open mind!

2. Slip in to a dress that embraces your curves and enhances your confidence.
Be patient in the search. Once you find your hidden treasure, hold on to it! Whether it be a lush princess cut dress or a vintage lace dress, the most important thing is that you feel good about what you selected.

3. Don’t be afraid of using pops of color or texture to make your wedding unique to you.
Brides at times can get lost in an earth-toned color palette. To change it up, add a feminine elements to your wedding by utilizing soft hues, crystal or pearls.

4. May your bouquet speak for you.
Hire a florist who is willing to think outside the box with the size and types of flowers used for your bouquet. Take a trip to the local flower market to obtain an idea of types of flowers you would like to use. You may find things that you never expected. Non-floral bouquets are an option too for those who are not in a floral frenzy and want something such as pine cone or cotton bouquet.

5. Calligraphy always adds a nice touch!
Using a watercolor or earth-toned agate stone as the background with a gold or bronze foil writing will give you the opportunity to personalize all your stationary in a way that sets you a part from the norm.

VENDORS:
Venue: Hollow Hill Event Center
Planner: Paula Ewers, Swank Soiree Weddings + Events
Photographer: Rhedeont Photography
Bridal Apparel: Patsy’s Bridal Boutique
Floral: Janice Hopkins, Artisan Florals
Vintage Props: Denise Knitch, Dixie Does Vintage Rentals
Hair: Anastasia Strattan
MUA: Nijia Britt
Models: Rebecca Tran & Rekia Richmond
Calligraphy: Kyra Gonzalez

October 21, 2016

Christina Mabry, Georgia Belle, Celebrating Events in Style

Michiel Perry / Featured Southern Belles, Supporting our BSBs!, Uncategorized / black creatives, black southern bele, Black women in business, bsb, event planning, event rentals in Georgia, photobooths, southern, Strike A Pose Photobooths / 0 Comments

BSBs have a thing for creating jaw-dropping events for every special occasion! Christina Mabry turned this southern belle trait into inspiration for her business. Her company, Strike a Pose Booths, make events fun and fabulous by adding a photobooth experience. Learn more about this creative BSB in today’s feature!

Your Name

Christina Mabry

Business Name

Strike A Pose Booths, LLC

What You Do

Photo Booth Rentals for all types of events

Where are you based?

Warner Robins, GA (Right in the heart of it all)

Why did you decide to start a business?

I wanted something fun that everyone would enjoy. I love photos and capturing those goofy moments when people just let go and enjoy themselves.

What is your favorite client story?

In this business, it’s hard to choose one favorite. However, I can say that for those last minute parties that we say “yes” to, it’s that satisfaction and gratitude that we were not only available at the last minute and exceeded their expectations! That always pleases me!

What is your website? www.strikeaposellc.com

Who are some of your business idols?

Jeff Bezos. The CEO of Amazon. I can’t get enough of that site and its services. He defines the real definition of putting the customer first and at the same time empowers his employees.

Do you have any mentors?

I’m blessed enough to have two! My grandfather who has always stood by me, motivated me and told me that I could do anything I wanted to do as long as I put my mind to it. I can always depend on him to tell it like it is. My husband is my second mentor. He’s one of my biggest supporters and is my rock.

What is your favorite thing about being southern?

The Hospitality.

What is your favorite southern dish?

Dressing. Not that boxed stuffing but real Thanksgiving dinner time dressing and gravy.

What is the most important thing you have done to build your business?

Being able to give back. When we first started out, we didn’t really have a product to show. Our local boys and girls club had a Kings of Style night. Not only were we able to provide a photo booth service at no charge, they helped spread the word and helped us grow. It really ended up being a blessing.

What are your favorite southern brands?

Monograms! On cups, clothes, pillows, you name it, I want a monograms on it ☺

What is your favorite item or piece of clothing to wear/use while doing business?

I have a pair of eyeglasses with eyelashes on them. They are the cutest things. Everybody loves them and often thinks they’re mine at first glance. It always ends with a good laugh.

Valentine's Day and Black Southern Belle - My Personal Story 16

June 2, 2016

3 Tips for Planning a Southern Destination Wedding

Michiel Perry / Love & Dating, Travel / black southern belle, destination wedding, event planning, floral designs, GRO designs, southern, southern belle, southern honeymoon, southern weddings, wedding planning / 0 Comments

Destination weddings turn your entire wedding into a romantic honeymoon experience. Taking your nuptials to the south with beautiful beaches and charming neighborhoods, adds an element of calm to the wedding experience. However, destination weddings can be stressful too. With these tips from Nathan Johnson, Founder and Lead Designer at GRO Designs , you can plan a stress-free destination wedding to remember.

Planning a destination wedding can be daunting. In essence, you’re taking everything you know about the event and taking it on the road to a location that you may or may not know very well. Planners need to consider local traditions, family traditions, and a couples’ own traditions and likes, and then literally marry those things into a wedding celebration that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone who is traveling to attend the important event.

Southern destination weddings are near and dear to my heart simply because I was born and raised in the south (Texas). Juggling the right pieces is both a challenge and a blessing because it makes you put the spirit of the couple and their wedding at the forefront in your mind as you make every decision regarding that important day.

Here are some important tips to consider when planning a destination wedding with a southern feel:

1. Go Local
Look at the city or area that the wedding will take place to see what local traditions or floral/design opportunities might pop up that will help your specific wedding. For example, when we planned a February 2016 wedding in Charleston, we loved incorporating the Spanish moss from the trees throughout the design of the florals and even this inspiration was used in the wedding invitation. We also utilized décor elements that are popular in the south with hemstitch linens, antique cut glassware, and mixed patterned china plates to achieve the southern warmth and hospitality feel at the dinner tables.

2. Know Your Couple
Get to know your couple as much as possible to discover how to personalize the wedding to reflect their personality and styles. For example, we incorporated the groom’s favorite iced tea recipe for the welcome refreshment, and grandmother’s pie recipes for the dessert stations. These are just a couple of the ways that you can customize even the catering aspect of the event. Florals are also a wonderful way to honor family members, for example using the same floral blooms for the bride that the mother of the bride had in her bouquet, or by using hydrangeas in the arrangements to remind the groom of his grandmother’s garden.

3. Create Surprises
Create an experience for the guests and include surprises that the attendees might not see coming. In Atlanta, we surprised guests with a fireworks sendoff at the end of the evening, and in Charleston we surprised guests with a parade of gospel choir singers to serenade them as they transitioned from the ceremony to reception. We have had fathers singing to daughters, a surprise venue reveals, and even small accents such as passing warm beignets while guests leave a reception…all of those things have brought smiles to the guests’ faces.

Image by Sean Money & Elizabeth Fay

March 2, 2016

Tallahasee, FL Raised Belle Planning Southern Experiences

Michiel Perry / Career & Finance, Featured Southern Belles, Supporting our BSBs! / atlanta, black southern belle, event planning, events, experiences, planning, southern belle, tallahassee / 0 Comments

Planning events and hosting people comes naturally to us women in the South. Ann-Marie Appiah, who now lives in Atlanta but hails from Tallahassee, FL has found a way to pursue this passion in her business and in her philanthropic endeavors. Learn more about her events and social causes and we showcase this Florida Belle who is making an impact through events in the Peach State.

Your Name: Ann-Marie Appiah

Business Name: A.M.A. Experience

Alma Mater: University of Central Florida

Sorority: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Hometown: Tallahassee, FL

Current location: Atlanta, GA

Website Link: www.annmarieevent.com

What services do you provide?

I am an event specialist. Launch parties for start ups , non profit charity events

But I am also completely open to the following events -corporate events -engagement party, -housewarming, -bachelorette/bachelor party,-birthday party-anniversary celebration,- graduation party-baby shower Services• Pre Event Consultations• Theme Development• Site Selection• Vendor Selection• Menu Recommendations• Event Timeline Creation• Invitation and RSVP Assistance• Transportation Arrangements• Event Design• E-Mail Marketing• Online Registrations• And More

Why did you decide to start a business?

I am so full of joy navigating clients through their ideal event. Those special days should have a piece of the client throughout the room in all the details. I thoroughly enjoy being able to help bring their visions to life.

Before you owned a business, what did you do?

National Program Coordinator for MarketSource. The client facing side and building relationships with them on their accounts has helped me build lots of tools for A.M.A. Experience.

What is your favorite client story?

I did a baby shower recently.and the client told me she wanted a mustache theme. I had a dream that baby shower should be a train theme. It was so convincing that I woke up out of my sleep and called the client. I told her “I have no idea why but God is telling me that we should do a train theme and I am asking you to trust me to deliver this for you”. She then tells me she works for a railroad company. That was such a fulfilling confirmation for me. The shower was lovely and she was able to use all the props for her son’s room.

What is the most interesting client request you have had?

I had a 21birthday in New York and the client wanted a specific cake from a bakery that was from her hometown in Tallahassee. It was a very interesting journey being able to deliver that exact cake for her to complete her special day.

What is the most important thing you have done to build your business?

Trust God. Being completely obedient in allowing him to use my talents to help people. I went to school for marketing and never thought I would one day have a special events company so I keep Him first in everything to guide me as this business grows to His will.

Who are some of your business idols?

Eliana of Ellybevents and Mindy Weiss !Such inspirations!

Do you have any mentors?

Gayle Skelton and Sue Anne Morgan. They both mold me in this event planning industry.

What do you love about being an entrepreneur in the south?

I love the unity amongst the communities and the diversity in the type of event themes, especially with the advantage of great outdoor sceneries with beaches to beautiful nature.

What southern values do you incorporate into your business?

Taking the time to listen to people and building that relationship with my clients. I love how in the South we have a sense of family and relaxation. We pride ourselves in enjoying small moments and are not always in a hustle bustle.

What are some the local causes you are involved in your community?

Breast Cancer Awareness. A.M.A. Experience puts on a Painted Pink Breast Cancer Luncheon every year. The campaign’s mission is to spread awareness on breast cancer and providing resources for prevention. Painted Pink was created to provide financial support to local charities offering aid and services to local Breast Cancer patients. Some of these benefiting charities include Emory Winship’s Breast Cancer Unit. The campaign works diligently in providing awareness and information, and in offering support in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. It is vital that everyone learn the importance of early detection, and have access to information and treatment of breast cancer. Our local survivors are proof that we can overcome the battle with Breast Cancer, through the support of the Painted Pink Campaign, and we can make a difference by giving the gift of hope, support, health and life … one survivor at a time. We raised $8,000 at my luncheon this year and had 120 guests at the Peachtree Club.

What is your dream for your business?

I want to elevate and continue to be stretched to outreach all the people who have a vision but don’t know the resources to execute it. I want to open a A.M.A. Experience office that is a venue space to utilize for clients events. I also want to expand the Painted Pink Breast Cancer Luncheon to multiple cities nationwide.

What did you love about attending college in the South?

I love how the collegiate communities thrive in traditions and the sense of pride for not only the school but what the city stood for where it is held. .

How would you define a #Black Southern Belle?

Poised. Polished. Cultured. Grounded. Confident. Aimable. Persistent. Endearing. Timeless.

How did being raised in the south influence your career path?

I knew from a very young age, the South is where I would pursue my career.. It just feels so right with my soul. I relate to so many traditions and lifestyles of the South and it truly brings me comfort to build my legacy here.

What is your favorite item or piece of clothing to wear/use while doing business?

I love a good Ruby Woo MAC lipstick. It makes such a statement.. Red lipstick is a bright and appropriate color for all events and it is my definite go to while doing my events for clients. Especially since most events I wear all black.