Simply Shay: "Sherri Shepherd, Sal & SGM"

On Saturday, August 13, 2011 Sherri Shepherd (44) married her fiancé, TV writer Lamar "Sal" Sally, at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago.  Wearing a custom designed Rivini gown, the bride was nothing short of stunning.  Their ceremony was classy and beautiful with just the right twist of "Sherri" to add some fun. "What happens when you are in your wedding dress and you have to tinkle? Uh-oh!" ~ (Sherri's tweet just minutes before the ceremony was to begin)

Sherri was walked down the aisle by her six year old son Jeffrey and her bridesmaids included her co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Niecy Nash, Kym Whitley, Yvette Nicole Brown, Cynthia Occelli and Wendy Peel.  The groomsmen were just "NICE".. lol

BTW - for those asking about that dance routine?  You'll have to wait to see exactly how that was pulled off but it wasn't like the practice run.

The nuptials were filmed for a one hour special on The Style Network Wedding Fabulous: Sherri Shepherd Gets Married, on September 13, 2011, therefore many of the highlights I am not released to discuss.  However, Shekinah Glory Ministries and Phil Tarver performed "How Deeply I Need You" immediately following "the kiss" and many of her guests stated "having Jesus at her wedding was the special final touch".

SGM is group of 21st century psalmists, minstrels, karar, encouragers and banner bearers, operate under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  they have pThough they continue to minister each Sunday at their local church, SGM also has ministered with such renowned artists as Bishop T.D. Jakes, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ, Albertina Walker, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Cece Winans  just to name a few. The ministry also has appeared on secular and ministry venues nationally and internationally -- including: New York's KISS-FM 9-11Unity Concert at Madison Square Garden, Sao Paulo Brazil's Pacembe Soccer Stadium, World Congress Center, T.D. Jakes' MEGAFEST in Atlanta, Gospel Superfest in New York and Atlanta, Million More March in Washington, DC (broadcast live on CNN and CSPAN), Stellar Awards Showcase, Barbados Gospelfest, TBN's Praise the Lord, Juanita Bynum's Threshing Floor and many other forums.  FOR BOOKING OR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: MJSPOON@YAHOO.COM
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Until Later - Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice, PR & Media for Shekinah Glory Ministries
Owner and Lead Planner of Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Simply Shay: "Put It In The Bag"

As you prepare for your wedding day OR any special event you may be wondering why do I need a purse and what will I put in it?  Unless you're going camping during your event I'm going to suggest you not have a back pack no matter how much you like it.  Small, dainty and elegant is the area you should try to stay in when deciding what should adorn your wrist. When deciding what to put in it, here are a few of my favorite things:

1.Small Mirror: There is nothing worse then smiling for photo's with food in your teeth.  Having a small mirror on hand will help with quick checks and freshening up your lip gloss.

2.Lip Gloss: Since I wear Walgreens flavored lip gloss I'm going to say get what you like BUT be sure to have something so your lips aren't "ashy"...

3.Mints: You’re going to be talking to people A LOT on your wedding day and chewing gum is on the tacky side.  Therefore, some nice mints will do wonders.  My Favorite?  Small Altoids... strong and to the point.. If you don't care for that container, you can find something more to your liking.

4.Nail Polish: Chips or runs (if you still wear panty hose).  Both of these can happen.  Keep clear for that run and your favorite polish (I prefer OPI) for those just in case moments.  My favorite? Cotton Candy!!!

5.Body Mist: This small bottle should have been my #1 pick.  I love the smell of DOVE body mist.  It's light and airy while just small enough to fit in your purse while providing a hint of fresh scent!

This is just a short list to keep in your small bag.  Your wedding planner should come with an Emergency Kit full of "just in case" goodies... ~ Peaceful Planning


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand looking for coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Simply Shay: "Wedding Favors"

Seemingly a simply task; many couples stress over what to give their guests as a "thank you" for attending their wedding, eating their food and dancing to their music.  Many couples prefer to give the guests something edible rather than an expensive crystal ornament. Candy, sugared almonds, mints and truffles are always a pleasing favor to give.
The tradition of giving wedding favors can be found deed in ancient European history. The bride and groom gave small presents, or favors, to their guests and well-wishers to thank them for sharing the momentous occasion.  Often suger was given and because it was such a rare substance, the contents of the ‘bombonaiere’ were of great value.

A symbol of well wishing the wedding favor represents the five most important ingredients of a marriage bond: Wealth ~Health ~Happiness~Fertility and Long Life

The wedding favor is a symbol of love and respect from the bride and the groom, and a token of well wishing for their future together and can include such items as ribbons, candles, picture frames, personalized book marks, laminated plaques, candy, seed packets, pillows, balloons, potpourri, and more. 

~ Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday: Ooh Yummy!!!

Keeping up with my Tasty Tuesday theme imagine taking that first bite of a cupcake, cake, cake pops or pastry followed by that sexy glance and immediately the word YUMMY! comes out of your sensuous mouth - your world is turned upside down!!
 
Raquel R Sanchez, owner of YUMMY!™, the most titillating baking catering company in NYC! If you can dream it, they can make it. However, they do have a menu of the most popular flavors, using the freshest ingredients, real butter, real eggs, real milk, real vanilla, real everything!  With over 15 cake flavors and the frostings being endless a tasting just might be in order? 

Private tastings are by appointment only and reserved for weddings and occasions over 100 guests. Call or email for more information. Otherwise, to sample their delicious cakes, try ordering an "Oohlala Sampler,” available every Saturday. The “Flavor Sampler” includes 3 mini cakes (4 servings each) of any 3 flavors, and they'll deliver it straight to your door. $35 in NYC, $50 in NJ. All cakes are buttercream only with a little sugar flower on top. No custom decorations or messages are included.

Delivery available anywhere in the tri-state area (NYC/NJ/CT). Delivery in NYC is a $25 fee. Outside of NYC is an additional $1/mile.  They also ship overnight to any location in North America. Items are sent frozen with a batch of your preferred frosting!

A 50% deposit is required to place an order. The remaining balance must be paid upon delivery or pickup, except for wedding cakes, which require the balance to be paid in full a week prior to the event date.

When asked for one piece of advice for Brides-to-be Raquel added "...Uhh...Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." Oscar Wilde
 

For further information contact: 
info@oohyummy.com

Phone 646.228.4056
Website http://oohyummy.com/ (coming soon)
Aim: UltraHoney
Yahoo: MissUltraa
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Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Simply Shay: "The Heat Is On"

Exclusively Weddings

Todays's blog post is dedicated to the heat!  I'm sure, like me, you've sat back and watched the many things that take place during a wedding ceremony.  How many of you have cringed at the site of the usher, wedding coordinator, cousin, photographer or anyone else with tissue in their purse (pocket) walking to the front of the church and passing either a box of kleenex down the attendants line or event worse.. handing it to the bride? 

Tissue sticks to your face (really I'm laughing) and paper towel is not only rough but just tacky.  Instead of using these, how about we focus on some nice hankerchiefs?  Here are a few tasteful suggestions for dabbing sweat and wiping tears for the couple and their entire wedding party.... they also make great gifts.
 

 Whether you decide on plain hankerchiefs or monogrammed; when you're standing at the front of the church and the heat is on, please dont use tissue :)

 ~Peaceful Planning

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Goodwill Among Your Vendors

Juanita Gaynor of Ellegant Affairs by Juanita, Inc continues her tips on building good vendor relationships.

Creating Goodwill among Your Vendors

Your goal is to develop a healthy and profitable relationship with a vendor; you have to make a conscious effort to show your appreciation. Below are some suggestions that you can use to create goodwill and cultivate your vendor relationships.

·         Offer a beverage to your delivery people. Keep coffee, sodas, and bottled water on hand for company drivers. They do not always get to stop and grab something; they get thirsty to.

·         Provide vendor meals. Remember your staff is not the only people working to set up an event;  but there are always several vendors who may be working to set up an event. This simple act encourages staff relationships and builds a sense of community.

·         Have a volunteer day. Choose a charity and get your company, vendors, and staff involved.

·         Invite vendors to events. When it is appropriate, put your vendors on the guest list of an event your company is hosting.

·         Offer your services. If your wine representative is planning his wife's 50^th birthday party, offer to plan it at no charge.

·         Extend an invitation to company parties. Holiday staff parties are a great way to integrate vendors into your company.

·         Don't forget the special touches. Event planners often receive perks such as concert tickets from clients, so remember your vendors if you cannot use the tickets yourself.

Vendors represent your business to customers in various regions nationally and internationally. Therefore, it is important and critical that you maintain a good relationship with them. More than that, a good vendor relationship will see you through in a bad situation. The goodwill the vendor has for you will translate to business growth, as the vendor will work hard to attain your business goals.

Author’s Bio
Juanita founded Ellegant Affairs by Juanita, Inc.  in 1995 age the age of twenty-one when she was looking for career where she could work closely with her clients, make an impact in their lives, feel relatively quickly the sense of accomplishment when all your hard work has come together. Juanita has brought her considerable talents to product launches, nonprofit gala events, fashion shows, corporate events and high-end social events, such as weddings, birthdays and bar mitzvahs. To each event she produces, Juanita brings her own unique sense of style, and her knowledge of the latest industry trends, plus a great team of youthful and dynamic employees to make her clients' dreams a reality.

She is a certified wedding planner that holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern Nazarene College and is currently working on a Bachelors degree in Global Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

She is currently working on her first book and working to expand her company globally. She credits her business success to her sensitivity to her client's needs and her desire to make every event an unforgettable experience.

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Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Good Vendor Relationships

Establishing Good Vendor Relations

By Juanita E. Gaynor

Having a solid relationship with your vendors can make you more efficient as an event planner. Imagine not having to take the time to choose floral arrangements because your floral designer is always spot on in her creations. Picture a relationship with your caterer in which you can choose a menu without scheduling a tasting because his cuisine is always magnificent. Developing your vendor relations will save you stress and time, both of which you can save for planning more events.

The Vendor Cast of Characters

Your vendor list will vary depending on your field of event planning that you specialize in. When shopping for a vendor, ask your colleagues and other event planners for their recommendations. You can also ask the company for referrals from other clients in the industry. Be sure to fully vet and qualify your prospective vendor before you decide to hire them. As with event planners, vendors rely heavily on their reputations to be successful. The following vendors are staples to have within you arsenal when you begin your career and as you continue in your career.

• Caterer

• Florist (Floral Designer)

• Baker (Specialty & Custom Designs)

• Purveyors (companies selling produce, seafood, meat products, and beverages)

• Wine and beer companies

• Liquor distributors

• Labor companies (electricians, general contractors, carpenters, and painters)

• Photographers

• Videographer

• Graphic & Web Designer

• Specialty stationery designer and/or printing company

Up Next?  How to create goodwill among your vendors

Author’s Bio
Juanita founded Ellegant Affairs by Juanita, Inc. in 1995 age the age of twenty-one when she was looking for career where she could work closely with her clients, make an impact in their lives, feel relatively quickly the sense of accomplishment when all your hard work has come together. Juanita has brought her considerable talents to product launches, nonprofit gala events, fashion shows, corporate events and high-end social events, such as weddings, birthdays and bar mitzvahs. To each event she produces, Juanita brings her own unique sense of style, and her knowledge of the latest industry trends, plus a great team of youthful and dynamic employees to make her clients' dreams a reality.

She is a certified wedding planner that holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern Nazarene College and is currently working on a Bachelors degree in Global Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

She is currently working on her first book and working to expand her company globally. She credits her business success to her sensitivity to her client's needs and her desire to make every event an unforgettable experience.
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Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Art Institute of Chicago vs. Summer Brides

If you wanted to have your wedding at the Art Institute of Chicago, be prepared to spend $5,000 for the outside terrace, and $10,000 for the entire third floor, including the Terzo Piano restaurant, according to Art Institute spokeswoman Erin Hogan.  A beautiful scenery unless you've booked it for this summer because that covered view of the city is now blocked by art.

Hogan and the Art Institute are working on ways to address the concerns of wedding parties including full access to Nichols Bridgeway, which connects the modern wing to Millennium Park.

"At the same time, we are an art museum committed to bringing contemporary art -- and art of all periods and places -- to our visitors," Hogan said.

Expecting a lush, green view of Millennium Park, Gabrielle Berger, who holds a degree in art history and formerly worked at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, booked the outdoor terrace months ago for her June wedding. To her delight (not) "Restless Rainbow," designed by artist Pae White for the terrace, will now obstruct that view.



José M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

Consisting of colorful vinyl strips, the artwork, opens to the public on Saturday, May 21st wraps around the terrace's glass panels and sweep across the floor. The panels on the north end of the terrace, which overlooks over Millennium Park, are 18 feet tall.

Booking in modern spaces has it's ups and downs.  You have to be OK with the possibility of change. 

"I knew what risks we were taking in booking the space," Berger, who thought the stark white walls of the museum's modern wing would fit with her wish for a "minimalist" wedding, told the Chicago Tribune. "But what they've selected to display in the space during wedding season is absurd."

 (Source: chicagotribune.com)
~ Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Your Career or Your Wedding

Everyone knows that planning an event of any size can be an overwhelming task when you don't have the TIME to dedicate to it.  Wedding professionals estimate that planning a wedding can take 250+ hours, therefore, life as a bride-to-be is overwhelming on steroids.  From flowers to what should you give out as favors depend on your nah or yah.  What am I saying?  Planning a wedding can be a full time job, and if you´re already a busy professional, guess what? Your work week doubled before you put the S on the Y.E (yes).  Now the question is how to balance your professional and personal life while keeping your sanity.

Organization
This is the best way to avoid headaches.  Having an appointment book is essential in organizing your work and personal life. Now you can see every appointment for the day, week or month.  Create a wedding checklist you can stick to  and use this same method for your work day.

Now & Later
Asking your boss to hold while you speak with your florist is probably a bad idea.  Instead, divide your day into time slots (as indicated in your planner) and have work slots and wedding slots.  Be firm with yourself and don't let one flow over into the other; this will do nothing but slow you down and add to your frustration.  Use your lunch and breaks wisely!  Consider arriving early or staying late so that productivity isn't jeopardized. 

All Work No Play
So the statement of "work hard, play harder" is out the door for YOU!  Use that "play" time to knock off some things from your to-do-list.  Those times when you'd be relaxing on the couch catching up on your DVR - addressing save the dates can done without missing a beat.

Get Some Help
Delegate, delegate, delegate. Since you're sharing this moment with someone else, divide wedding planning tasks evenly between you and your fiance. After that, take it a step further by giving small tasks to immediate family members or bridal attendants (small – don´t turn friends into full time wedding planners, they'll resent you later).  Finally - consider hiring a professional.

Enjoy the process ~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Who Will Make the Final Cut for Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler's Wedding?

So all you Chicago Bears fans - looks like we'll have a wedding to celebrate next spring (2012)when Kristin and Jay wed. 

According to sources, either she's planning either a really big wedding for 400 to include the football team or really small for like 40.  That being said, some of her former co-stars make not make the final guest list.  Also, don't look for a reality tv show from this couple anytime in the future either.... Kristin says, "Jay hates all that stuff."

Want more? Read it here...

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Shall We Dance? ....NOT!

Reality TV shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing With The Stars" have couples believing they too shake a tail feather on their wedding day.  However, for many, the first dance at a wedding reception comes with a lot of anxiety.  Where some couples believe they are the next Fred and Ginger and welcome the spotlight, others are afraid of embarrassing themselves on the dance floor like Master P.

If you really want to dance like a rockstar at your wedding reception but terrified those two left feet of yours may get in the way; consider taking dance lessons, and practice your first dance until you are comfortable with it. Now, you may be like my one darling couple Apryl and Dwayne, who took it to the next level. They welcomed being the center of attention and their well  choreographed first dance proved it!!

Choreographed first dances are a big trend right now. Instead of simply gliding around the dance floor to a romantic song, newlyweds are working together (with or without a professional choreographer) to arrange some very interesting dance routines. Usually dramatic, and often funny, the idea is to shock the guests and make a big splash.... almost like a flash mob! (ha)

Before you run out and start working on the Never Say Never video, ask yourself will your grandmother think it is funny, or will she be mortified?  How will your father react to his little girl “shaking her moneymaker” on her wedding day? When you look back on your wedding in five or ten years, will you be amused or embarrassed? Remember, too, that just because YOU think you can dance doesn’t necessarily mean that you have the rhythm to actually pull off the moves!

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Gift Registries

I received an interesting email inquiring about Gift Registries and the outlandish items being placed on them. What's acceptable and what isn't?You don’t need china or a blender but the new IPad or a Silver Cross Balmoral Pram baby stroller (priced at a measly $2900) would make your life more manageable. Again I ask, is that acceptable? Whether you’re having a baby shower, trunk party or a lavish wedding here are a few basic tips to consider when thinking about your gift registry.


1. Start Now and Keep Adding
Once you’ve let the cat out of the bag that something wonderful is about to happen; someone in your circle of family and friends will want to say congratulations with a gift. Wouldn’t it be nice if it’s actually something you want? Although it won’t be a complete wish list, set up your registry by the time invitations go out and keep updating and adding items as you think of things you need or want.

2. Register at Multiple Stores
National retailers such as Macy's, Crate N Barrel and Target have great selections. Make life easier by registering at all three. Doing so will also appeal to guests who naturally shop at different stores.

3. Create An Online Master Registry List
There's a site called GiftRegistry360.com that lets you link and sync multiple registry lists from different stores into one easy-to-navigate list. Even better, you can register at any online store —For you iPhone users, there's an app for that which lets you walk around the store and scan any item you want.

4. Spread Price Point Love
Imagine opening a friend's registry list only to find there's not a single item within your price range. When registering, consider the guests who will be buying you all of these gifts. Your guests will, naturally, want to spend varying amounts of money on your wedding gift

5. Say Thank You
This one is key: Keep thank-you notes personal. Try to send out thank-yous for any pre-EVENT gifts you receive within two weeks of getting them. Get thank-yous out for the rest of the presents within a month following your event.

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

REVOLT: Architectural Anarchy’s Launch Party

Architectural Anarchy is an eclectic mix of modern, industrial and vintage finds for the home specializing in art, artifacts and antiques.

On April 27th Architectural Anarchy hosted their Launch Event entitled “The Revolt” and featured amazing vendors like Art of Imagination, Pure Kitchen Catering, An Urban Affair, LLC, Erickson Design, Carasco Photography, and Tablescapes plus many more.

To view this new venue space that has something for everyone contact:
Architectural Anarchy
2229 S. Halsted
Chicago, Illinois 60608
(on the East side of Halsted between Cermak & 22nd Place)

Hours of Operation:
Thurs & Sat 11 am – 6 pm
Fri 11 am – 7 pm
Sun 12 pm – 5 pm

Phone: 224.522.452
Email: gosia@architecturalanarchy.com

(Photo Source: Carasco Photography)

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs. 

Beautiful YOU...

"Radiate your outer beauty by loving your beauty within". 

The truth about women is that we come in different shapes & sizes.  Whether you're full figured or thin, the chances are if you're preparing for your wedding, vacation, or simply out to dinner with friends there are some insecurities about your appearance. 

Without exception, EVERY bride deserves to feel beautiful on her special day.  So your bridal gown makes you feel like royalty, you have the most elegant jewelry, your make-up is flawless and as the doors open, he says "wow, you're beautiful".  After all that is said and done, allow yourself to believe it knowing that your true beauty comes from WITHIN! 

  "The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides...." Sam Levinson

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Simply Peaceful: Your Outdoor Wedding

Outdoor weddings can be romantic and beautiful. There is nothing quite like having a wedding at home, especially if it is your childhood home.  In fact, many brides find it very sentimental and a special place to host their wedding festivities. Planning a wedding at your house is a big undertaking, and there are many extra details which must be considered.

• Wedding insurance is a wise investment, and it covers things which would not be covered by a homeowner’s policy, such as if the wedding has to be rescheduled due to severe weather or if a vendor does not show up.

• Consider hiring a shuttle bus to transport your guests from their hotel to your home and back again at the end of the night if parking is limited.

• Check with your local police department about the noise ordinances in your town to find out what restrictions exist regarding both volume of music and what time music must end at night.

• You may feel absolutely comfortable with all of your wedding guests, but big parties can be targets for professional thieves. A couple of security guards can be discreetly stationed around the property to keep the house safe from thieves, and the reception free from wedding crashers, if that is a concern.

For more information on outside weddings and to view more photo's by VOE Photography, Inc. check out my Examiner Article.

~Peaceful Planning
Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay