Sneak Peak - Peyton's Very Hungry Caterpillar Party

I was so excited when a past bride wanted to create a theme first birthday party for her little one. Well, the Very Hungry Caterpillar is hungry no more. The party was held at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur and included a storyteller, coloring books, story mats for the kids and fun cuisine. These pictures were taken on my cell phone, so stay tuned for professional pictures.

Tea sandwiches were shaped into a caterpillar - Stationery by T-evenire

This tissue caterpillar was a pain to put together, but looked great once it was finished

Peyton's had two cakes - this was the larger one 

Grape Kebobs Caterpillars were a hit at the party

Birthday's girl special cake

Glasses vases that I filled with peas then added eyes & pipe cleaners ears and flowers

My First Wedding - A Wedding Coordinator's Story

It is hard to believe that almost seven years ago, I started my first wedding planning company and on June 3, 2006, I coordinated my first pro wedding. It was just me and my assistant Samera. Funny, how things come full circle - again it is just me and Samera. Looking back at these pictures I can definitely see all of my details and ideas in full bloom. From the very start, I wanted to create a company that would offer clients great memories that would last a lifetime. Believe it or not, the wedding was perfect, especially if you don't count the part where I forgot to send the uncle down the aisle to light the memorial candle. No worries, the bride and uncle lit the memorial candle later - just the two of them. I love it when a plan comes together, even a Plan B.

Menu placemats were set at each place setting, they were also keepsakes

I punched holes in each "Just Married" card and the valet hung them on rear view mirrors of the guest's cars 

A floral wreath hung at the altar with the couple initials

Irish Dancer - Wedding

My couples never cease to amaze me! As an ode to the groom's Irish heritage a family member performed a Irish dance during the reception. I have to say everyone was mesmerized by the dance moves. The dancer received a standing ovation. Do embrace your heritage, culture and personalities throughout the wedding. Memories are forever!

Photos by Jamie Howell Photograph

Paper Party Decorations

I'm in love with paper, especially honeycomb balls and garlands! These paper decorations are making a comeback - what was old is new again. They were once very popular in the early 1950s weddings/receptions. I would filled a room with paper decorations (doesn't matter the occasion),  you can never have too many. I'm currently scouring Etsy and Ebay for vintage honeycomb pieces. This wedding can be seen on the British blog - Before the Big Day, photos by Mike Legg.

OMG Bridesmaids Dresses - Gossip Girls

It has been years since the Gossip Girl show aired this fab wedding. I have to say that I'm still obsessed with these bridesmaids dresses - OMG. Don't you wish every wedding would be this stylish. The garden wedding, printed patterns and accessories make my heart sing. Those black gloves, flower pin and belt add a touch of drama to the yellow dress. Oh yes, this collage is on my inspiration board - it is timeless.

Talk Radio - Nearly Beloved

I had so much fun at the Kiss 104.1 studios on Jennfier Keitt Show - Nearly Beloved. As a wedding expert, I never get tired of talking "weddings" all day. Well, the phone lines were ringing off the hook as Jennifer touch on topics about pre-marital counseling and woman who don't want to change their names after marriage. I also spoke about the best months to get married in Atlanta (April/May and September/October). Also, mothers and daughters who don't see eye to eye on new/old wedding traditions. Check out Jennifer's show on Sunday's 7-8pm. Can't wait to go back soon.

Jennifer Keitt and Gail

Host Jennifer Keitt

Great inspiration wall at radio station

SJP Sparkling Solid Perfect Bracelet

Accessories that work double duty are a win-win! Sarah Jessica Parker's chunky cuff bracelet holds a fruity-floral secret inside. Yes, the secret compartment holds sparkling solid perfume for easy touch ups. Better yet, the bracelet/perfume duo retails for $35.00, but I found a few on Amazon for $13.00 - what a steal! This would make a great bridesmaids gift and look great on your ladies as they strut down the aisle.

Nye's Cream Sandwiches

I have to tell you that I'm a BIG fan for Nye's Cream Sandwiches - can you say Key Lime. These were a hit at our recent ABC Association of Bridal Consultant regional meeting. We had a late night pj party and the ice cream sandwiches were a hit. Yes, they can customize the labels for any occasion and ship them direct to your door. Thank you Nye's Cream Sandwiches xoxo.

Baby Shower Design

It has been a while since I picked out baby furniture for my own children.  I have to say I was so amazed at the quality, design and vast selection of baby furniture while working on former Real Housewives of Atlanta - Kim Zolciak Biermann's baby shower a few years ago. This baby shower stretched my skills as a designer, from picking out every detail from the sheets, teddy bears and furniture.

I originally found a store for the baby suite and I picked out items that would serve a dual purpose. The baby bed served as the gift table,  the baby hutch served as the guest book table (Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes - found on clearance rack at Marshalls), a place to hold a few candles and flowers. Then I found out the color I picked "green" would not work.  I headed back to the store and picked out new baby accessories in a baby blue color.  So, think about how you can reuse items when planning your next bridal shower - the possibilities are endless.

Photo by David Christensen

Photo by David Christensen 

Photo by David Christensen

I originally picked green accessories (neutral color for a girl or boy)

Switching gears - moved on to blue 

I loved this blue baby basinette - it made the final design

This was the crib I picked but changed the green to blue