Elations Designs

What a beautiful and timeless wedding.  The bride and groom looked timeless and I can’t wait for you to see a few photos of them.  Chnoic wore a beautiful gown that was just perfect for her.  Her hair was pinned up so elegantly and she complimented Ryan who looked very sharp in his tuxedo.  The bridal party wore black and green and the colors were carried throughout the ceremony and reception decor.   Everyone in the bridal party all had fun and they were so accomodating to Chnoic and Ryan.  Ryan’s dad who was the best man kept everyone laughing with his jokes….even me.

The band at the reception was more than amazing.  They made a grand entrance into the reception after the couple had their first dance.  The guests were surprised too and they couldn’t stop dancing all night.   I can’t say that I had a favorite moment since this wedding went off without a hitch! 

Chnoic and Ryan, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your very special day.   It was my pleasure to be your wedding planner and witness your union.   You both are made for eachother and this is just the beginning of a life of happiness together. 

Nyya and Malik had so many ideas for their wedding.  They had details that reflected their Egyptology beliefs which I thought was just the right touch.  They incorporated a Sands of Time theme with of course sand during the ceremony and reception and a treasure chest for gifts.   The colors of the wedding were Ivory and Latte which the bride also wore with her long flowing locks pinned up.  

Nyya especially had to create a movie as I would call it for their wedding reception.  Nyya incorporated her love story with Malik to show at their wedding reception.   For all that do not know her she is an amazing videographer and editor and has her own production company.  Their wedding day was probably the hottest this summer but they didn’t let that hinder them from enjoying themselves and taking everything in.  What I took note was that they were very happy to be married and nothing stood in their way that day.  The bridal party looked amazing as well as the bride and groom.  This photo was taken by Nyya’s good friend and professional photographer Tracy Wilder.

Lately, my email box has been flooded with questions from aspiring event planners.  I am always one to help and give advice, especially since I was one who sought help when I first started.  My first advice to anyone wanting to start a business is to work hard and love what you do.   Then there are a few other things that must apply as you begin:

• Always remember that there is a lot required of you as an event planner. 
• You have to follow your dreams but do it right the first time. 
• Do not cut corners and work hard and even harder the next day. 
• You will see the fruits of your labor down the line but it will not come right away.  
• You have to be an honest and driven person in order to succeed in this business.  My clients depend on me to give them accurate information and to make sure that their wishes are carried out.   I never forget this as I work with each client. 
• You have to be assertive.  It is my job to guide my clients through the event process but I have to work hard to make sure that things are running the way that they should.   For example, there have been days when vendors do not return my calls on a timely basis which delays my progress but I realize I just have to work harder the next day to get things accomplished.
• You will get back what you put in.   Example, there may be a day where I have to think outside the box which will require a few additional hours but if that is what it takes to come up with a great idea then that is what I will do. 

Good Luck!

A few weeks ago I promised to post the images of a surprise party we helped plan.   Two lovely ladies were surprised with an evening full of family, friends and fun.  We were hired by Karma who wanted to celebrate her sister’s birthday and her mother’s master’s degree which both took place on the same day.  They were very surprise.  If you remember, we were a little afraid that that the surprise leaked but they had no idea.   The idea behind this party was to give a splash of yellow behind a fun polka dot themed event. 

The images were photographed by my good friend and talented professional photographer, Tiffani of Tiffani Sunshine photography.  Tiffani was a trooper that day and worked her tail off despite the wind.   She captured the day so beautifully. 

Thank you Tiffani for capturing the day.  Thank you also to Bernadette, Lisa and Sue for making the day possible with your assistance with setup and filling in where I needed you the most.