Pick Me

From super sweet 16's, to Bar Mitzvah's to birthdays and anniversaries, I love to create memorable parties with stunning details that blow even the most professional guests away. Whether you're looking to plan a holiday soiree or your families reunion, you don’t have to do it alone.  It doesn’t matter if need an event designer or just a helping hand in managing the planning process, there are plenty of party planners around but I give my promise I can help make the process more fun and exciting for you and your guests. 

Memorial Day

Memorial Day allows us to show our respect and gratitude to the men and women who have lost their lives fighting for our country -- and is also considered the unofficial kickoff of summer fun!! Yay!  It is a holiday that is celebrated every year on the final Monday in May, (this year May 25th 2014). We celebrate and honor them on this day with parades, fireworks, and family get togethers and other festivities.

Graduation

After long years of hard work, your scholar has made it! He or she is ready to turn the tassel and take on the world. It's your their big day so be sure to throw a party they will never forget. Graduating is a big accomplishment and deserves a big party to celebrate. Show everyone how proud you are of your graduate by throwing a huge celebration right after the ceremony complete with decorations, yummy food and of course presents. 

Super Bowl Party

The traditional Super Bowl Party is probably the least fussy, most unpretentious party you can host all year. So, there is no point in holding anything back! Super Bowl parties are one of the top at-home party events of the year. Super Bowl parties have become much more than a gathering of football lovers. 

Super bowl parties are known for two things: a big game and a big menu. Since the teams are the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens try to make signature dishes for each team. It will add a little flare to the party. For the 49ers try Cheesy Bacon Sourdough Bread and for the Ravens try some Blue Crab Tacos. Don't forget simple snacks as well like chips, dip, nachos, buffalo wings, cheese and crackers, sweet and sour meatballs, jalepeno poppers and you can't forget the hot dogs and hamburgers of course. Also you can make signature drinks that resemble the 49ers or the Ravens.   

For this year's Super Bowl, take the DIY route and make your own party decorations to give your bash a homemade and personalized touch. Whether your a 49ers fan or a Ravens fan you can make plenty of decorations for far cheaper then going to the store and just picking something up. Although it is much easier to go run to Party City or Target and get some stuff, making your own invitations and football decorations maybe fun for the kids as well. You can also spice up an old table by adding printed out signs of each team and taping them to the table edges. You could paint some old tin cans like footballs or players numbers, then place forks spoons or knives in them. You can even make your own pennants or flags to hang up. One way to show creativity at a party is with party decorations. One need not be an interior decorator to pull this off! Red, gold, black and white streamers  or purple and gold, are a great starting point. Stream them along the walls and above the doorway. Use bunches of team-colored balloons at the places where the streamers intersect for a festive look.



Ask the party guests to come dressed in the team colors to further add to the 49ers atmosphere. Hold a costume contest to see who represents the team best. Kids can come with their face painted in the teams colors. The adults might be up to some face painting as well! Another way to get guest involved more is you can have some sort of raffle. 

GO NINERS!!!

Valentine's Day Party

Calling all Cupids! If you're planning a special Valentine's Day evening for you and your honey, all you need are some candles and a bouquet of red roses to set the mood. But if you're throwing a Valentine's Day bash for your friends and family, you'll want to spice things up in other ways.Vintage-style Valentine's Day cards add a classic touch to your Valentine's Day party decor. Keep the lights dim and hang clear white Christmas lights or heart string lights. Use candles in creative ways to give off romantic lighting. Fill clear glass votive holders with red hot candies and top with tea light candles, use red or white pillar candles in groups throughout the party area, or fill clear glass bowls with water, add a few rose petals, and stick a few float in heart candles. 

If you're going to be serving a sit-down meal, sprinkle the candy hearts down the center of your table and place one or two on each napkin. Love is on the menu for Valentine's Day, and you can easily incorporate rumored aphrodisiacs like oysters and champagne into your Valentine's Day party food ideas. Looking for Valentine's Day dessert ideas, well chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate truffles, chocolate fondue and chocolate heart-shaped cookies are always a good way to go. Now don't forget about the drinks. There are so many choices for you to choose. Try and choose one theme drink for the party so you don't have to buy a lot of alcohol or other beverages. You can either find a drink that looks good and looks like a Valentines day drink and name it yourself and decorate it or you can use one of these:

<3 Love Potion Punch: A fun drink for the kids or non-alcoholic crowd. Combine 2 (64-oz) bottles of cran-apple or cran-raspberry juice and a 2-liter bottle of chilled ginger ale. Combine in a punch bowl, or pour into individual glasses and garnish with fresh raspberries.
<3 Chocolate Covered Cherry: For each drink, pour 3/4 oz. Amaretto and 1/4 oz. Kahlua into a coffee mug. Fill the mug the rest of the way up with hot chocolate, and top with whipped cream and a cherry.
<3 Love Potion #9: To create this drink you will need a pitcher or punch bowl. Pour 20 oz. of cherry kool-aid, then add 8 oz. of vodka and 3 oz. of white rum, Then add on additional pouch of cherry kool-aid mix and stir.  Add heart shaped ice cubes to keep it cold. 
<3 Love Birds: For each drink mix 0.5 oz of grenadine, 1 dash of dark rum, 2 oz. sour mix, and 1.5 oz of vodka, add ice and garnish with mint leaves or two cherries. 

For added party fun, have everyone come dressed in red, white, or pink. Red and pink are the traditional colors of Valentine's Day, but that doesn't mean you have to dress in hearts and flowers from head to toe. Also be sure to set the mood by playing some good tunes in the background. Songs about love are a good choice, but keep them upbeat mostly. You can also have some games for everyone whether they are for kids or adults.

<3 Full of Love: Fill a large jar with Valentine candies and have the kids guess how many candies are inside. The one that guesses the closest wins the candies.

<3 Valentine Craft Activity: Have the kids get crafty by making their own Valentine cards or collages. Just provide them with the supplies and let them get busy making their masterpieces.

<3 Cupid's Challenge: Purchase the Newlywed Game and have the couples compete to see who knows each other best, or get creative and make your own questions.

The Best Places for a Bachelorette Party

The bachelorette party is one of the many fun traditions that the bride-to-be generally partakes in. It's always a bundle of fun to get together with some of your girlfriends and spend some quality time.The days of sticking around town during your final days as a single are starting to fade away as more destinations and resorts are catering to bachelorette parties. So grab the girls and pack your bags.

1. New York, New York

2. Cape May, New Jersey

3. South Beach, Florida

4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

6. Austin, Texas

7. Montreal, Canada

8. San Francisco, California

9. Chicago, Illinois

10. Tenerife Island, Spain

Remember this is supposed to be fun for the bride so make sure she will be comfortable with what you choose. Schedule things that she'll like, with people she loves, and so the rules for who must be there and what must be done. 

Places to Have a Bachelor's Party

The countdown has begun for the big day. Soon your buddy will be exchanging vows with his lovely bride and embark down a wonderful journey. Deciding on a place to have a bachelor party may seem like an easy task but if your going to do it right, you and your buddies should have some sense to do it far from home. 

1. New York, New York
2. Black Rock Desert, Nevada (Burning Man)
3. Miami, Florida
4. Vancouver, Canada
5. Paradise Island, Bahamas
6. Munich, Germany (Oktoberfest)
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
8. New Orleans, Louisiana (Mardi Gras)
9.Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
10. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Choosing a destination bachelor's party is always a fun way to "do things up." Of corse you can always stay around town and have fun that way. I mean not everyone had $1,000's of dollars just lying around.  Stay at a posh local hotel and go hit the bars, play poker, grill, go fishing, whatever it is make sure it will be unforgettable.  

Picking a DJ

There are thousands of Disc Jockey's out there! But finding the perfect one for your occasion can be tricky. Choosing a DJ is one of the best parts of planning any event whether it's a birthday party, company event, or a wedding. Of course there is the occasional debate whether you should have a DJ or a band. The biggest advantage of having a DJ over a band is the cost. 

A good DJ is cheaper than a band, and they usually work for about 4 hours. One thing you can do to help pick a good DJ is to get references from friends, family, co-workers or ask someone that works at reception halls like the place you will be having the party. You can always ask around and try locally famous DJ's from radio stations. 

You also want to try to interview three to five different DJ's. Don't rush! They will all have different personalities so you want to see that in each of them and see which one is better suited for the occasion and the people. Ask if they have done previous parties similar to yours before. You can ask to see previous videos from other parties of there work. Don't forget to ask if they do any fun tricks or anything for the crowd. You can also ask for references. 

Make sure to let them know what kind of attire you would prefer them to wear and if they are ok with that. Some will wear tuxedo's others will wear jeans and a t-shirt. Let them know where you would like to have them set up and if there is anything you want them to play during the event. Another good question to ask is if he/she would like to be served during the event or if they are going to bring something themselves or if they are just not going to eat. It's is a little better if you just offer to feed them after all they sometimes go 10 hours without eating between setting up and tearing down all their equipment. 

Winter Solstice Party

The winter solstice in the northern hemisphere usually happens on December 21 each year or within 24 hours on either side of that day. This year it is December 22nd. Hosting a winter solstice party is an alternative or even an additional way to celebrate the winter. Have it a time appropriate for everyone including children. Send invitations either through the mail or email and have your guests RSVP so you can plan enough activities and food. Traditional winter solstice celebrations include having lots of light.  Have candles all over your house and turn on all the lights in your house. Also, decorate the outdoors by making luminaries and or a fire. The solstice is technically an astronomical event so set up a telescope outside and view the night sky objects if it isn't too cloudy, cold, or dark. Create your own family tradition by gathering in a circle around candles. Each person can light a candle and talk about something they’re grateful for or something they wish for another person in the coming year. 

Hannukkah

Hanukkah is a joyful holiday that comes with its own rituals, foods, games, songs and stories. Share Hanukkah traditions with family and friends. But the parties are not only a way for Jewish families to share their heritage; they're also a way to connect with friends and neighbors at a busy time of year. Here are some ideas for creating the perfect Hanukkah party.Let the Festival of Lights live up to its name by burning lots of candles. Save a special place for your menorah, and light candles around the seating area, bar area and entryway. The traditional colors of Hanukkah — silver, blue and white — create a dazzling table. Winter flowers like tulips, narcissus and hyacinths lend the right color and style for any type of gathering. 

Choosing a wedding theme

Most people don't see a need for a wedding theme. However, when all the little planning details start to come together, you should have some cohesion to everything. A theme influences your venue and supplier selections, as well as your choice of decorative features. Wheather you are choosing colors or picking a theme I can help you get the look you want. The season during which you hold your wedding can provide many cues for theme and color. Also, the combination of black and white always makes an elegant statement. It is especially fitting for an evening wedding. You can incorporate black and white in any number of ways – dresses, accessories, flowers, favors and even dessert. This study in contrasts can pull it all together.

Spring: Combine patterns for a unique look. Go for sophisticated stripes with flirty polka dots for a playful effect. Also you can choose a spring color, and use a slightly different shade of fabric on each reception table. Your tables will look unified, but not matchy-match.

Summer: Think of your favorite summer hangouts when planning your theme. Rather than just any beach, bring in elements specific to the beach you remember as a kid. If it was a cabin in the woods, go for a mountain theme. Another idea: Honor your honeymoon destination. If you're having a garden wedding but honeymooning in Hawaii, add orchids to your bouquets or fill the bottoms of your centerpiece vases with black lava rocks.

Fall: This season, wedding decor is all about texture. That means tablecloths in tactile, visually intriguing materials like quilted or ruched silk, linen, velvet, or even Ultrasuede .Metallic accents continue to be huge, from classic silver and gold to more unexpected pewter copper and bronze. Mercury glass vases will add glamorous pops of silver to cocktail tables and centerpieces. 

Winter: Red roses, calla lilies, and amaryllis are decidedly winter wedding flowers, but if you step outside the flower box, and you'll find a variety of options for winter blooms. Consider fuller flowers, such as white hydrangeas and soft ranunculuses. Give out small packages of chocolate-covered cranberries or roasted chestnuts. An over-the-top idea that will undoubtedly impress: Have your caterer set up a hot chocolate and churros station to top off the evening.

Other Themes for your wedding:

~ Green Wedding

~Holiday Wedding

~Military Wedding

~Cultural Wedding

~19540's, 1950's, 1960's Wedding

~Destination Wedding

~Western Wedding

Christmas

Do you want to have a holly jolly holiday season? Set the mood for Christmas festivities with some fun and exciting holiday entertainment. You could host multiple types of parties such as a cookie decorating party/ cookies swap, a tree trimming party, or even an ornament crafting party. If your family or friends love watching holiday movies, organize a low-key Christmas party with a holiday movie theme. Wow your holiday party guests with winter entertaining appetizers, from crab salad canapés and mini pizzas to dazzling party dips and sizzling sliders. You can arrange your Christmas party food into a beautiful display with some of my simple tips, just ask. You can also enjoy some of Santa's favorite reindeer games such as stocking stuffer surprise, candy cane relay, white elephant, a gift wrap relay or the Rudolph dash. Don't forget to add some mistletoes and a few surprises to make everyones spirits even brighter. 

Hope your holiday season is merry and bright!

Christmas Special! Book a party between now and December 26th, 2012 and get 15% off of your party. 

Marriage Laws

Marriage Laws are different for each state. Make sure to contact your local city office for more information. 


Virginia:

Legal age is 18, under 18 must provide notarized consent from parent or legal guardian. No blood test required. Both in party must apply in person. Know the complete full names of both parents, including mother's maiden names. License is issued in the city where the bride or groom reside. Valid immediately up to 60 days. $30 fee (cash only).

North Carolina:

Legal age is 18, under 18 must provide notarized consent from parent or legal guardian. For applicants under 21 a birth certificate is required. No blood test is required. Both in party must apply in person, or have a notarized document explaining why the other person is absent and a copy of his/her signature. The county may have an affidavit for you to fill out, sign, and return, obtained from the rester of deeds office in any county. In addition to ID bring your Social Security Card or proof of Social Security number. Valid immediately up to 60 days. $50 fee (cash only). 

West Virginia:

Legal age is 18. If either of you are under 18 years of age, you must have the consent (in person) of a parent or guardian. No blood test is required immediately. Valid up to 60 days. $36 fee (cash only) may vary from county to county.

Washington D.C.:

The minimum age for marriage is 18 years or 16 years with the consent of a parent or guardian. Proof of age for the applicant's must be shown at the time of application and may be demonstrated by driver's licenses, birth certificates, passports, or similar official documents. A blood test is not required. $35 fee for application and $10 for license (cash or money order). The $35 application fee is waived for couples who are registered in the District as domestic partners. By DC law, three full business days must pass between the day of application and the day that the license can be issued. Confirm what day you can pick up your license before leaving. Marriage license has no specified time frame.

Bridal Shower

There's no better way to honor a bride-to-be than with a bridal shower. Traditionally, a shower is a party for the bride and her closest female relatives and friends, where she is "showered" with love, good wishes, and gifts. 

Who is in charge?:

Traditionally the maid of honor always throws the wedding shower -- unless there are unusual circumstances. However, times have changed and whoever would like to host the party may.

Guest List:

Whether your hosts are inviting 18 guests or 80, the invites should go out a month to six weeks in advance. The guest list is usually comprised of the bride's closest friends and relatives. Ask her to make up her guest list and get it to you as soon as possible. 

Location:

You can be as creative as you want about where to have the shower. Keep in mind that party spaces get booked early in busy seasons, like during the holidays. Showers are sometimes hosted at someone’s house, but often they are held at a larger bridal shower venue. 

When:

 Usually a bridal shower takes place anywhere from 6 weeks to 2 weeks before the wedding. However, it's important to take into consideration what's going on in the bride's life! I have seen showers Saturday or Sunday but it can be whenever works!

Theme:

You want things to flow. Think about your bride, and her style and choose an appropriate theme. A theme shower is especially suitable for brides who have already accumulated many of the housewares that tend to be given as gifts at traditional showers. 

Tea Party

Round the Clock Party

Bling Party
Garden Party

Spa Party

Coffee and Desert Party

Wine Tasting and Cheese Party
 Breakfast at "Tiffany's" Party
French Flair Party

Italian Get-A-Way Party

There are so many theme's you can choose from just remember to think about your bride, and her style. 

Favors:

One way to make your bridal shower one that guests will remember is to give them a token of thanks for attending. Choosing the right favor is important, not just to serve as a reminder of the party, but to complete the theme. The best favors are fun and decorative, even designed to bring a touch of satisfaction to your guests for years to come. 

Traditions:

1. The tradition of the groom showing up with flowers just before his fiancee opens the gifts is back.

2.Making a bouquet out of the shower gifts' ribbons and bows and using it as a stand-in for the real one at the wedding rehearsal.
3.  One traditional game is to have guests divide into teams of two or three. Each team is given a roll of toilet paper, and with one team member as the model, they must each design a wedding dress out of toilet paper. The bride-to-be chooses the winner.

Bridal Expo's

Great Bridal ExpoSunday, November 11, 201212:00pm to 3:00pmPhoenix Convention Center111 North Third Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Finest Bridal ExpoSunday, November 18, 20122:00pm to 5:00pmThe Founders Inn and Spa5641 Indian River Rd.Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Great Bridal ExpoSunday, November 18, 201212:00pm to 3:00pmAnaheim Convention Center800 W. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92802
Great Bridal ExpoSaturday, November 24th, 201212:00pm to 3:00pmHyatt Regency Downtown5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 9411



Great Bridal ExpoSunday, November 25th, 201212:00pm to 3:00pmFairmont Hotel San Jose170 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Great Bridal ExpoSunday, January 6th, 201312:00pm to 3:00pmHilton Baltimore Hotel401 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Great Bridal ExpoSunday, January 13th, 201312:00 pm to 3:00pmSheraton Philadelphia 201 North 17TH Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Bridal ShowcaseSunday, January 13th, 2013Opens at 11:00amNorfolk Scope Exhibition Hall201 E. Brambleton Ave Norfolk, VA 23510
Great Bridal ExpoMonday, January 14th, 20135:30 pm to 8:30pmNew York Mariott Marquis1535 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Great Bridal ExpoSunday, January 20th, 201312:00pm to 3:00pmBoston Park Plaza Hotel50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02116
Great Bridal ExpoSunday, January 27th, 201312:00pm to 3:00pmHilton Alexandria at Mark Center5000 Seminary Road
Washington, DC (Alexandria), VA22311
Finest Bridal ExpoSunday, January 27th, 20132:00pm to 5:00pmNewport News Mariott at City Center740 Town Center DriveNewport News, VA 23606
  








*For any of the Great Bridal Expos you can visit http://www.greatbridalexpo.com to get tickets, or to find when one is going to be in your city. 
*For Finest Bridal Expo visit http://www.showbride.com to get tickets, or to find out when one will be in your city. 
*For Bridal Showcase tickets and information you can visit http://uniquelyyoursbridalshowcase.com.