My First Inspiration Board

It took me a little while, but I figured out how to use my iPad to create inspiration boards. This was my main reason for buying an iPad. I thought it would be great to be able to sit with clients and show them several boards that I made to see what they liked and create a board just for them! And the best part about it is that I don't have to have the internet to do it :)


Here is my first attempt at a board. I picked these items because it would be a great wedding to have in Early fall. The colors of goldenrod and olive green mixed with natural browns and whites give a vibrant and natural feel. Very laid back and very DIY friendly. The only change I would make would be  the color of the sash on the great vintage dress. I would like to see it in goldenrod or olive. Other than that, I think a wedding is in order!

Invitations always set the tone for your wedding to your guests. Here,the invitations are playful and a great way to set the tone of a casual wedding. Small honey jars sealed with burlap could also be monogrammed to match the last name of the bride-to-be for a yummy favor. Instead of an open bar, use mason jars to pre-mix your cocktails (or just add sweet tea and lemonade!). The chalkboard place mats are fun and super easy to make. Add some of your favorite flowers to twigs, twine, and a mason jar to have a rustic centerpiece. Turn it into a evening wedding by adding lanterns to the table scape. Plain white dishes and burlap napkins are a no brainer. I'm in love with this whole look... Now, WHO WANTS TO GET MARRIED! :)

A Rambling of "Thanks"

Sorry folks, this post isn't going to be about New Hampshire even though that is what was promised "next." I very rarely go off the beaten path, or what I like to call my "plan," just ask my boyfriend, I have a "plan" for everything, but this can be an exception to the rule :)

This post will be about my event "stuff" and where it has been heading for the past few weeks. First, if you are reading this now, then I take it that you either, A. support me in my endevors to become wedding planner extraordinaire, or B. you are bored. Either way, I'll take it; although, if it is A, I wanted to fill you in.

I have been working my hump off trying to get my name out there. Wonderland Events has grown on FaceBook, I am getting more and more invitations on LikedIn from other event companies asking for services and what they can do to help me out, I have been prop shopping for unique items to make my parties one of a kind, and I have even been asked, or shall I say questioned, about doing a few upcoming weddings.

Needless to say I am overwhelmed with how well the business is going. I thought having 70 people "like" my FaceBook page was a sign that I was doing poorly since other companies have over 2,000. Then I realized they have been in the business for years and I have been in it for a few months. Last night I was on the phone with an amazing photographer (her blog is linked to my page) and she was giving me advice about what to do next and where to look for the best props. Tricks of the trade. After our convo, I was even more energized about my biz and am now full speed ahead!

I learned that I am doing just fine, and will continue to get better and better. I guess what this post is really about is a "Thanks" to those who pushed me to follow my dreams and to those who have shown their support!

Here are the two props I snagged. You better believe I can't wait to use them in my next party or inspiration shoot!!

I think that hat is just what the doctor ordered. A little bit of class from the top hat, a little bit of fun from the decor, and a whole lot of Wonderland, which is what my company is all about!

-M

Playing Catch Up

Do not fear! I have been taking pictures of all the wonderful sites of New Hampshire to share soon. From great wedding flowers and perfect bridesmaid l treats to the tasty food and beautiful scenery, I have lots of catching up to do!!


That is all coming in the near future, but I wanted to share a great blog I found about What to look for in a GREAT wedding planner.


You can find the link here: The Wedding Blog. It will tell you what to look for, and what not to look for when planning the day of your dreams with a little help from a gal like me! Check it out! And stay tuned! Once I figure out how to use my iPad 2 I snagged yesterday, blogging will be much easier :) 


Not only will my iPad allow me to have a great portfolio full of event ideas for my clients at my fingertips, it will also match all my WE gear. A white iPad with a baby blue smartcover! Woot!!


I'll keep ya posted,
M

Gem of the North

Today I leave for a twelve day vacation in New Hampshire. I know what you are thinking, New Hampshire? What the heck is there? (Or, at least that was my first thoughts) I was pleasently surprised on my first trip up North to find out that New Hampshire has tons to offer a girly Southern like myself. It is no Florida, but after flying up the coast to visit my boyfriend's family in Dover, New Hampshire, I realized that I could get used to having coastal beaches, endless rivers, broad mountains, and enormous amounts of specialty shops and food at my fingertips. If you ever find yourself wandering up the coast to New Hampshire, here are my picks of where to go, what to see, and most importantly, where to EAT! :)


It is 9:55 AM here in Gerogia and all I can think about is that this time tomorrow, I may very well be sitting in NewMarket, New Hampshire at the Big Bean Cafe. You think Paula Dean can make a bisuit? Well, let me tell you what, you ain't seen NOTHING yet until you try one of the BB's "grilled" garlic cheddar biscuits. TO DIE FOR! I pair mine with a omelet packed with cheese and ham with a side of their home fried potatoes... (I am totally aware that I am over- indulging myself and my caloric intake for a day; however, I would run 100 miles a week if I could have Big Bean everyday, and I HATE running!)

I can smell and taste that buttery, flaky heaven from here! Not an omlete kinda person, try Tommy's favorite, the stuffed french toast. I hear it is out of this world.


Enough about food for now before I take a bite out of my desk! Adventures to the University of New Hampshire's kayaking grounds is the next stop. Tommy's amazing mom is an outstanding kayaker, (and an amazing everything else) and his brother Nick, took up sailing last summer. Hitting the lake with a few kayaks ands a little sailboat is the plan. Granted, I hate to kayak because I am not good at it, but the scenery and company couldn't be better. Give me a large body of water and I am good to go.

Speaking of, the coast of Maine is hardly an hour drive away. As a kid, it was one of my favorite places to go and do cartwheels on a big green lawn facing out onto Booth Bay Harbor. Not much has changed. From the tidal pools full of little marine life to the huge rocks that are just waiting to by climbed, Maine's beachs are serene. The water is cool and when I say cool I mean freezing! But, Hey, thats probably because I am used to a bathwater ocean on the shores of Mexico Beach.

On the way back from the beach, swing through Portsmouth. It reminds me of my favorite city, Chattanooga, TN.  Right on the water and brimming with unqie shops and resturants, it is probably my favorite part of vacation. If you want a great brew with some good food, head to the Portsmouth Brewery. I find myself having to MAKE Tommy go eat somewhere else with me after asking him what sounds good and him always saying, "You know, I could go for the brewery again." Walk across the street to Fatdaddy's for some corkscrew Lobster Mac & Cheese that will make you melt it is so good. One of my personal favorites. Grab a coffee at the cool and laid back Breaking New Grounds or a piece of Chocolate cake that a glass of milk is a must with at the bakery across the way. Take a stroll down the sidewalk, past the bookstore, and around the corner you will find a seafood lover's abode called Jumpin' Jays. This is mine and Tommy's "spot." Its a little black dress kinda place with the freshest seafood brought in daily from coast to coast. The Mahi Mahi with Lobster Volute sauce is a sin.

Just thinking about all the great things I am missing has made me realize that this vacation needs a post about every other day, with pictures of all the marvelous things I have been describing. Stay posted. You never know what new adventure, shop, or food will show  up next :) New Hampy, HERE I COME!

Dog Days of Summer

In honor of my first Chamber Event, The "Dog Days Of Summer" 11th Annual Golf Tournament coming up this Thursday, I thought I would share a great "golf" themed party from one of my favorite blogs: Hostess with the Mostess. She has some graphic design background (like myself) and does a lot of her own invitations, signs, etc. Check it out!

Find the whole party here :

http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/01/real-parties-golf-themed-30th-birthday/

I will post how my first Chamber event goes shortly after the tournament!

Dream big,

M

Getting My Feet Wet, or Jumping in Head First

If I learned one thing about the economy and the lack of jobs generating in America, it would be this: Times are tough and working your butt off in college DOES pay off, IF you decided to work your butt off looking for a job AND putting yourself out there while writing a forty page thesis and trying to have somewhat of a social life senior year. I am grateful to have a amazing job and to be able to follow my dreams. How did I get here you ask? Well, let me tell you.

Graduating in the year 2011 didn't have much of an appeal. "Stay in school as long as you can," or "you will never find a good job if you don't have a Masters" is advice that I was given upon graduating. My response was simple. "Nope!" With no interest in more school and with the accomplished feeling of being a graduate taking over my soul, I began to look for my niche. I wanted to start somewhere that I could move up the totum pole, meet as many new people as possible, and gain connections that would stick with me for years to come in my career. What better place to start then at a Chamber of Commerce, right?

The Troup County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism looked at my resume and saw my hard work on paper. Writer, editor, event coordinator, organizer, legal intern, published author and volunteer were all hats I wore on the Hill. Two days later I was hired on. I walked across the stage on May 21st and I walked into the real-work-world on May 23rd. Prepared to challenge myself and to always give my best effort. That way, if I messed up, at least I would know I did all that I could. That attitude was a gift from my father, who adopted it from his father. It's pretty much my mission statement and way of life.

Another important man in my life told me that his goal in life was to have the job of his dreams and to wake up and want to go to work. My boyfriend, Tommy, taught me to go for my dreams because every person in life deserves to have a shot at what they love. So I did. And here I am.

My love for Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" taught me another way to live my life. Be outgoing like Alice, be a little crazy like the Hatter, be wise and confident like the caterpillar, value time as much as the White Rabbit, and be what I want to be, just as Carroll did. My "dream job" of becoming an event planner was up for the taking and I grabbed it by the horns and am riding it out from here.

Wonderland Events, Wonderland Events a whimsy, fun, and classic company, just as Carroll's book portrayed Wonderland.

I can't say that in just one short month my company is a huge success, but it has hosted some great parties and has had some very impressed guests. It will be involved in THREE inspiration shoots with Three great photographers and some up- and- coming vendors. And, for me, it has given me the chance to be creative and make others feel the fun and enjoyment I get from my job. That's really all I could ever ask for. So check it out! Wonderland Events is on FaceBook (click the link above!) and I'll get his blog pretty packed with info abot it as well.

Don't forget to follow your own dreams and to realize that life is what you make it :) WISH ME LUCK!