The Great Bridal Expo

Hey there brides! Thanks for coming out to the Great Bridal Expo on Sunday. It was a pleasure meeting so many excited, beautiful, blushing brides. I look forward to hearing from you all about your ideas and dreams for your big day. Let the creative juices flow!

Earth Day Etc.

Earth Day it is. We've listed many green tips for hosting your wedding or event on our Web site www.animaginedreality.com. Please use them freely and help keep our home a beautiful place to live, work, and play. Also, please send in your ideas for green events to events@animaginedreality.com or post them as a response.

Come and visit us at The Great Bridal Expo in Charlotte on May 4th. We'll be there so you can meet us in person and get some info on our services. We're looking forward to meeting to you!

Bad Blog, Bad Blog

So it has been a month since my last post and that is just not okay. My apologies. However, we have lots of good news here. For one thing, we just finished up a two day corporate event for the Jarden corporation. They make goods such as Ball jars, Mr. Coffee makers and Coleman grills. The Ranson House was used for the venue. It is one of my all time favorites. It is a 100 year old home that has been renovated by its owners. Rhenea Raines is the owner and runs the events that take place there. She is extremely professional and caring. The event went off without a hitch (as long as you don't consider three days of ice cold rain in 40 degree weather during the spring the in south as problematic).
I also moved my family of four to a new home...so anyone who has done such a task can relate to my inability to type one extra thing at the end of the day. It is exhausting but wonderful. We are working on getting settled so the decorating can begin!!

Movie Stars

KA Studios is a fantastic vendor for videography. They are a husband and wife team who are unobtrusive, friendly, creative and fun.

Here is a piece of the work they did for my own wedding. They captured moments that my hubby, family, and friends will have a blast reliving.

Video Clip

Lush of the Irish

Southern Living is one of my favorite places to go for down home inspiration.
This month they are showcasing some great recipes that pair delightfully with beers to boot.
Bottoms Up: Patty's Day Inspired Dinners

St. Patty's Party Tips:

Uh...wear green
Have a beer bar with high end or creative beers
Have classic/inexpensive beers on hand to bolster your supply
Make taste testing fun with blindfolds and offbeat brewskies
Serve Irish inspired foodies (check out the Southern Living link for ideas)
Have green favors for your guests to spread the Irish spirit: glasses, beads, buttons, hair accessories, bracelets, themed t-shirts (Kiss Me I'm American???)
Play Irish themed movies in the background
Do NOT dye everything green. It's just weird.

Bride Beauty

I saw this article today as I perused the news. From what I've seen there is a lot of truth to the content of the article. Now, I'm a girl too and wanted to look as good as is gets on my big day as well...and that is not the problem. The problem lies in making getting thin and pefected the focus of the planning process.
If you are concerned about your personal aesthetics, making it a goal to be body-happy is a fair goal. Setting unrealistic weight and appearanced goals will only lead to dissatisfaction. Remember that the day is about celebration not perfection.
Clearly eating in a healthy and engaging in physical activities are not just a pre-wedding to do but should be a lifestyle and one that you and your fiancee can share and embark on together as you begin your life as one. Making healthy lifestyle choices is an attainable goal that will make you feel good about yourself as opposed to feeling frustrated do to missed goals and diet slip ups.
Don't be the bride who dosn't eat her own shower foodies!!!

Indigo Girl

Indigo Photography took the photos of John and I that appeared in the Charlotte Observer around Valentines Day. I took a look at her blog today and she has a cute little post showing our stories and pics. Check it out.
Indigo is a fabulous high end photographer who specializes in funky yet classic shots. They do wonderful work and we have been pleased as punch with the photos they've taken of us. Today I picked up the photos from our wedding and can't wait to share them with you soon.
Indgo is also showcasing a shoot from the Raffaldini Vineyard in Ronda, NC. I am working with a tres cool couple who is planning their Tuscan themed wedding there as well. Check out the pictures of the villa. It is stunning.