The Sophisticated Affair Event Planning

Baby Campbell-Howard Baby Shower

2010-03-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, March 14, 2010 I, along with some wonderful friends hosted a Baby Shower for our Sophisticated Soror and Friend Shauntell. Shauntell and Kenyada are expecting their first Baby Girl in April and they are really excited. The color scheme for the shower was Lavender, Green and White and it was hosted at the Charles Towers Community Center located in Baltimore, Maryland. Below are some pictures from the shower:

Baby Kendal's gift table before the overflow of wonderful gifts!

We purchased Daisy centerpieces and wrapped the stems in Green ribbon.

The color scheme was also carried out in the the gifts for the shower games.

A Mold A Baby Contest was held and there were a lot of entries! The babies were made out of bubble gum and gum drops!

Shauntell and Kenyada were very thankful for all of the love that was shared towards them on this day! Congratulations Shauntell and Kenyada!!!

A Chic and Stylish Baby Shower

2010-01-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

The Sophisticated Affair is in the process of planning a baby shower for a special couple. This couple is very sophisticated, fly and the mommmy-to-be is such a DIVA. We're planning a shower that will be fun but will also reflect the personalities of the couple.

As I was perusing the web this morning, I came across a website, http://www.babylifestyles.com/. The featured Baby Shower was a Chic and Stylish Hot Pink and Black Baby Shower for Adults. Check out the table designs, decorations and dessert selections.

Event Planners: David and Kaylane Crandall

David Crandall and his wife Kaylane love entertaining and had a fantastic time doing this elegant and fabulous pink and black baby shower. The white lace table cloths laying over the black table cloths give the room an air of distinction. A baby shower after all, is a party for adults, and this is a super chic affair!

The flower “vases” were cleverly disguised glass baby bottles. Wrapped with three different layers of ribbon in hot pink, white and black, they are a special design touch to bring the ‘baby’ into the room. Black napkins were wrapped in pink and black ribbon and a baby rattle was tucked inside. Place cards and goodie bags also followed in the color theme of the day.

As a healthy dessert, the couple served strawberry ka-bobs. “I love how the cored out part was filled with whipped cream,” David said. But he takes real pride in the cake toppers that he made himself. “These three toppers took over two hours to do. By the time I was done making them I was tired of looking at them! I was actually really happy with how good they looked. I got lots of compliments too.” They removed the toppers from the cake before it was cut, not only because “no one wants to cut into babies” but because they “couldn’t even bring ourselves to throw them away. I think Kyla still has them!”

Sophisticated Engagement

2009-10-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Four(4) years ago today, Keno Brown, my husband, popped the big question and of course I said "YES!!" It was definitely a day to remember. Keno put a lot of thought into the proposal and made sure everyone and everything was in place and on schedule. He involved my parents, family and friends! I was definitely surprised.

Here is a recap of what happened....

While dating, Keno asked me the following question, "If I propose to you, how would you want it to happen?" Right after he asked, the commercial where the guy flew his family to Rome and surprised his wife with a second marriage proposal had just gone off of TV. So I said, "I want a proposal just like that!!" Well, that's exactly what I got, except for the Rome piece.

The evening of the proposal, we were going out on a date to a comedy show and my parents were headed out to the Symphony, so they said. When we arrived downtown we realized that we had time to stop and get something to eat before the show and Keno had just gotten a call from his friend Myque to meet him at the Harbor Place. As we walked over to meet Myque, I said to Keno, "I wonder what all of those people are reading. It must be an interesting article." We then walked by the band, and as we walked by, Keno tipped them and they started playing. I immediately started to take a seat to listen, but Keno pulled me to the center of the circle and he got down on one knee and he asked me to marry him!!!!! At the same time, our friends dropped their newspapers and said SURPRISE!!!!...and my parents stepped out from behind the Santa House smiling and clapping.

This engagement was definitely one to remember. I often thank my husband for making the proposal special and for putting a lot of though into our day.

Brides Can Be Cheap, But Not Tacky

2009-10-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Today my partner sent me this article to post on our blog. It's very good for the Recessionista Bride!
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(OPRAH.com) -- Planning the celebration of a lifetime during the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression is a daunting task, so it's no secret that many brides are cutting back. The average amount a couple is spending on their wedding this year is down more than $5,000 from 2008, theweddingreport.com estimates.

There are ways to hold a wedding without breaking the bank or breaking etiquette rules.

Etiquette author and expert Anna Post, the great-great-granddaughter of queen of correct behavior Emily Post, assures brides that thriftiness is tasteful. "It's okay to cut back right now," she says. "Economizing isn't something to apologize for so long as you're not doing something that's hurtful to your guests."
Still, there are a few cutbacks Post suggests you avoid. "I don't like seeing cash bars," she says. "I find that inconsiderate to your guests." Other don'ts: Asking guests to help pay for wedding costs on the registry and inviting guests to the shower but not the wedding.
Here are some unique (and Emily Post--approved) ways to save:
Think outside the cake
A large wedding cake can run hundreds of dollars. Add in the delivery and cake-cutting fees, and your confection may burst your budget.

As an alternative, the bride and groom of a wedding Post attended in Vermont opted against tradition and created a make-your-own sundae bar.
"So instead of cutting the cake, they had 'the first scoop,'" she says. "Everybody there had a great time with that."
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The Center of Attention
When choosing the flowers for your centerpieces, Post says to always choose blooms that are in season. For a big display on a small budget, more greenery and fewer flowers will give you the look you want for less.
Or, keep the display simple with a single statement-making flower. "I went to a wonderful wedding for a friend of mine who was from Hawaii. They did one beautiful, huge stargazer lily in the middle of each table," she says. "It was very fragrant, and there were about 20 tables, so 20 lilies are not incredibly expensive." Oprah.com: How to make your own floral arrangements
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Recycle, reuse
At a friend's recent wedding, Post says she was one of the last people to leave the church and noticed the bride's family taking the flower arrangements from the ceremony to be reused at the reception. "I love flowers and I hate the thought of them going to waste, so I thought this was a great idea."
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Digital don't
E-mail invitations are fine for shower or bachelorette parties, but weddings are a different story.
"Even if you're having a really casual wedding, I think -- call me old-fashioned -- this is such a huge day in your life that you don't want to send the wrong message to your guests -- that you don't take it seriously." We may live in an online world, but Post says the printed invitation will never die.
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Let's eat
When it comes to food, your guests' expectations will be high -- but that doesn't mean you have to serve filet mignon. "There are fabulous things chefs can do with pork, chicken and with fish," she says. Serving your menu buffet-style will also cost less than a plated dish.
A past trend that Post likes is the wedding breakfast or wedding brunch, which Emily Post wrote about in her first etiquette book published in 1922."This could be a great tradition to revive and could save a little bit of money," she says. "I'm starting to hear about it more again."
If you're set on an evening affair, Post says there is nothing wrong with a hors d'oeuvre and cake-only reception. "This has always been okay," she says. "It's safe to say that most people want to treat their guests to a wonderful day. If this is the way they can afford it, I think it's the absolute right choice."
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Cheers
If you are serving alcohol at your wedding, Post says it's better to save by limiting the choices, not the amount. "It's okay not to have hard alcohol. You could serve champagne, you could serve red wine, you could serve a signature drink," she says. Just please skip the drink tickets. "If you want to limit, limit what's available to people rather than charging them for it or rationing it out ticket by ticket."
Post says to remember that budget cuts are nothing to worry about as long as you keep your guests in mind. "When it comes to etiquette, for me and this was the same for Emily Post, weddings are very much about the people in your life." Oprah.com: How to throw a party on a budget

Signature Wedding Cocktails

2009-10-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Here's another Money Saving Tip for your special day. Instead of an Open Bar, offer one (1) or two (2) specialty cocktails. Align your specialty drink with the theme of your wedding and add a personal touch to your reception. The best thing about this is that you can limit your guests drinking habits while saving a few $$$. Even better, only offer your specialty cocktails during cocktail hour, and beer and wine during dinner. Now, don't leave out your guests who are underage or don't drink. For these guests, you can offer a non-alcoholic version of the alcoholic cocktail. It usually entails eliminating the alcohol portion of the drink and adding more mixer.

The Sophisticated Affair Photo Montage

2009-10-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Twitter Me Thursday!!!!

2009-10-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Follow your Sophisticated Planner on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/NicoleMBrown and read about my daily adventures. While you're there, share your thoughts, words of inspiration or just say "Hello!" I will be sure to tweet you back!

Twitterfully Yours,
Nicole

Washington Bridal Show Case

2009-09-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Washington Bridal Showcase takes place THIS SUNDAY, October 4, 2009 at the Bethesda Marriott. The LAST Bridal Showcase of the year!

When you attend the Washington Bridal Showcase, you will find more fashions, more new ideas and more choices than you can imagine. With spectacular runway fashion shows and aisle after aisle of displays from the Washington area's most trusted wedding professionals, you will find everything to make your wedding day extraordinary.

See the latest bridal fashions, taste samples from caterers and cake bakers, audition musicians, view the work of numerous photographers and videographers, discover new ideas and find expert advice. Many exhibitors offer show specials and money-saving discounts for show attendees. Everything for your wedding is here!

If you are among the first 500 brides to attend you will receive a one year subscription to Modern Bride Magazine included in your ticket price. Plus, every bride can register to win thousands of dollars in gifts and prizes, including a honeymoon cruise.

The Washington Bridal Showcase is THE bridal event of the season. Miss it and you will have to wait months until the next show. Whether you are just starting your planning, finishing up the details, or anywhere in between, you will find exactly what you are looking for. Come early and spend the day!

Healing Heels Event Recap

2009-09-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Healing Heels Dance Event hosted by LaQuisha Hall, Mrs. Maryland Galaxy 2009 and The Sophisticated Affair was a successful event. Special thanks to Mrs. Daphne Hicks, owner of Fitnance, for coming out and teaching us some very nice line dances and a big thanks to Adrienne Watson Carver, Mrs. Maryland International 2009, for donating her studio, Studio A Dance Studio. We had a fun time line dancing while raising money for Stop the Silence:Stop Child Sexual Abuse.

Tips for Buying Your Wedding Dress

2009-09-25T08:03:00.001-07:00

Most brides are very eager to purchase their wedding dress right after their boyfriend pops the infamous question, "Will You Marry Me?"; however, buying a wedding dress is something that you should take your time with. Try to visit different bridal shops to see what they offer. Do not feel obligated to purchase your gown during your first bridal shop visit. As you look for that perfect wedding dress, keep these four(4) tips in mind:

1. Just because a wedding dress doesn’t sport a designer label inside doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful or special. Discount wedding dress shops can be a gold mine for spotting gems and unique designs for less.

2. Take bridal accessories with you as you shop to see how your dress will look with shoes, bags, jewelry and other bridal attire items you plan to wear the day of your wedding.

3. If you just have to have a designer wedding dress, but you're working with a limited budget, find a skilled seamstress and take her a photo of your dream dress to replicate.

4. No designer uses the same size chart. Therefore you should always try on a wedding dress before you purchase it. This may seem like a no brainer, but it is an important detail nonetheless. At some events like Filene's Basement's Running of the Brides, you cant take your time like you would on a less-hurried shopping excursion, so keep that in mind before shelling out your hard-earned money on a designer gown.

Twitter Thursdays

2009-09-24T11:44:00.001-07:00

Follow your Sophisticated Event Planner on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NicoleMBrown and find out what she is doing on Twitter Thursdays. Tweet her and she will be sure to tweet you back.

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Technology has really made it easy for event planners to connect with customers, vendors and other event planners. It also makes the job a lot easier at times. When I reflect back on the planning process of my first destination wedding, I say to myself, "What would I have done without TECHNOLOGY!" I was able to communicate with so many vendors outside of the USA without having to leave several voicemail messages or listen to the phone ring thousands of times in my ear before someone answered. I was able to send a quick e-mail and receive a response within the hour. Technology has truly become our best friend!

Football Themed Garters

2009-09-21T12:54:00.001-07:00

For all of my brides who are marrying Football Fanatic Fiancés, here is a little something that will make him smile even more and be a big score at your reception...Football Themed Garters. Order his favorite team and give him a big surprise when he goes to remove it from your leg. You may want to order a second garter to throw away, because he may not want to part with it. Below are pictures of Sports Garters from Garters by Kristi (http://www.gartersbykristi.com/) and she sells the Garter Keepsake/Toss Set.

The Groom's Cake

2009-09-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

In the past, the groom's cake was actually called the wedding cake, and what we now think of as the wedding cake was referred to as the bride's cake. Over time, the terminology was reversed, but superstition surrounding the groom's cake was not lost. According to an old myth, if a single woman sleeps with a piece of the groom's cake under her pillow, she will dream of the man that she will marry. The first groom's cakes were reserved for guests to take home as a memento of the wedding. For this reason, they were usually made of dark, heavy fruitcake since it is durable and keeps for a long period of time. Contemporary groom's cakes, however, are not bound by old traditions. In fact, the groom's cake is a perfect opportunity to express creativity. Many grooms like to have the cake decorated or shaped into something that reflects one of their hobbies, or something the couple enjoys doing together. Check out these Grooms Cakes:

Healing Heels Dance Fundraiser

2009-08-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Sophisticated Affair has partnered with Mrs. LaQuisha Hall, Mrs. Maryland Galaxy 2009 in a fundraiser for Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse.

Location:
Studio A Modeling, Etiquette and Dance Academy
http://www.studioa-modelingetiquetteanddance.com/
3520 Brenbrook Drive
Randallstown, Maryland 21133
(Inside the Shopping Center)

Time:
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Ticket Cost:
$15
(Proceeds to benefit Stop the Silence:Stop Child Sexual Abuse)

Ladies wear your Hottest Heels and Gentlemen wear your Smoothest Dancing Shoes!!!

Support an important cause while learning line dances and enjoying refreshments. Prizes will be awarded to the ladies with the "Hottest High Heels" and to the Best Dancer. If you cannot attend this event, consider giving a donation. RSVP in advance at LHalla@stopcsa.org.

The Candy Buffet

2009-08-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Candy Buffets will always add a sweet touch to your event. Whether you're providing the service as your favor or just a bonus for your guests, the Candy Buffet will definitely be the hit of the party. This past December, I planned my church's Annual Christmas Celebration and provided a Candy Buffet for the guests and they absolutely loved it!!! The Candy Buffet consisted of Hershey's Kiss, Twizzlers, Blow Pops, Peppermints and Jolly Ranchers. By the end of the evening, there wasn't any candy left. I received several compliments on the idea. TSA has now added this service to the list. Please visit us at http://www.thesophisticatedaffair.com/ to schedule your free consultation.

Below are some pics of Candy Buffets that I found while perusing the web.

Personalized Aisle Runners

2009-08-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Looking to personalize your wedding even more?!? Add a personalized aisle runner with your monogram or your favorite quote. Below are samples of personalized aisle runners that can be purchased from various sites:
http://www.ebay.com/
http://www.idoweddingdetails.com/
http://ebweddingfavors.com/

Wedding Reception Brunch

2009-08-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Here is what The Knot has to say about hosting a Wedding Reception Brunch:

Reception Food: Throwing a Reception Brunch
Are you a morning person? Looking for a unique wedding twist? Consider a brunch reception. Be it a sunrise ceremony, your passion for breakfast, or a way to get a jump on your honeymoon, a brunch reception can be a delicious, low-key, and inspired choice.

Timing Is Everything
A brunch reception usually takes place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you'd like it to be more of a breakfast, 9:00 a.m. is usually the earliest starting time to consider. According to Rosemary Howe, a New York City caterer, your guests' stomachs may not be ready to handle heavy food right away. She suggests serving juices, coffee, and cocktails along with some light, fruity nibbles before moving onto the main course, to avoid overwhelming guests who may still be wiping sleep from their eyes. Then, of course, comes coffee, dessert, and wedding cake. Brunch is best served buffet style or as a seated meal (or a combination of the two). The other alternative is a cocktail brunch, where guests enjoy passed delicacies hors d'oeuvres-style (think scrambled egg tartlets and mini French toast) and cocktails (such as mimosas, bellinis, champagne, and punch) as they stand and chat, cheer, and celebrate.

Festive vs. Formal
Morning naturally sets a more mellow tone. A brunch can still be festive (think brightly colored flowers and mimosas), but it's probably not going to contain any rock star-style partying. Satisfy friends and family with a bountiful buffet and fresh juice bar. Fancy a formal atmosphere? Go for fine china, champagne, and a three-course meal. Also consider the time of year. If your big day falls during leaf-turning season, choose an ideal space where windows frame the colorful mosaic of gold and red hues. Planning a winter wedding? Consider a cozy brunch by a roaring fire. A tented springtime soiree in an English garden is a beautiful way to celebrate nature. When choosing a brunch spot, remember to see it during the time of day you are planning your reception -- ask yourself, is it dark and depressing due to a lack of windows? Does the sun beat down during the day, making the temperature inside boiling? It's important to see all of the room's blemishes.

Brunch Budgets
A brunch is one of the most cost-effective receptions you can have: Brunches can range in price from $17 to $85 per head, depending on the menu and the site you choose. Your liquor costs will be much lower than an evening affair (guests drink less alcohol in the morning); you won't have to shell out money for a band (although a string quartet is always nice in the early morning hours); and oftentimes reception sites are less expensive to rent in the daytime.

Brunch Food Trends
One word: Frittatas. According to Rocco DiSpirito, the chef at Union Pacific in New York City, this Italian vegetable-and-egg dish is all the rage. "The frittata feels lighter yet substantial without being rich. It's full of vegetables so it appeals to the health conscious and can be prepared with delicious cheese and herbs." Want to forgo the eggs altogether? Grilled veggies are a tasty alternative, according to Word of Mouth catering in New York City. Another hot brunch bite? "Smoked things," says Dispirito. "Not just salmon and sable -- but tuna bacon and salmon bacon, smoked tuna and smoked meats, and even smoked vegetables, which are great for late morning or early afternoon." Asian foods are invading the brunch bash as well, with delectable dim sum. "People like these well-seasoned bites of food with a surprise inside," says New York City caterer Karen Lee, who serves up these steamed buns and dumplings on stylish bamboo steamers. To add some spice to the soiree, some caterers are serving up familiar foods with a twist. Word of Mouth offers creative variations such as grilled chicken salad wraps, open-face sandwiches made on homemade dill sponge bread, and smoked salmon wraps instead of the traditional bagels and lox. Another hot trend is food stations, a lively (and less crowded) alternative to the standard buffet. One recent brunch reception we heard about featured an omelet station, a French toast station, and a crepe/pancake station (both with various toppings and syrups).

Tasty Tidbits

When planning the menu, be certain to have more than just a fruit salad as the only vegetarian or healthy offering. These days, with so many people watching their cholesterol and fat intake, scrambled eggs with cheese and sausage shouldn't be the only dish on the buffet table. Consider fruit yogurt, egg-white omelets, gourmet pizza, poached salmon, vegetable tarts, grilled veggie sandwiches, and salad nicoise.

To add a little flair, think beyond the ordinary. Instead of muffins and croissants, feature orange-scented scones and walnut banana bread.

Can you serve wedding cake in the morning? Sure, why not? You may opt for a lighter cake, such as carrot, lemon, angel food cake, or cheesecake, rather than a heavy fudge-covered cake. Or cut into a Mexican wedding cake -- a lighter confection made with nuts and powdered sugar. Another way to lighten up the mid-day wedding cake: Top it with fresh fruit.

Think Drinks

Go light on the liquor -- it may not even be noon! If you'd like to serve wine, consider offering it after some food has been eaten. And don't forget morning-time cocktails like bloody marys, mimosas, screwdrivers, mint juleps, punch, tequila sunrise (grenadine, tequila, and orange juice), bellinis (fresh sliced peaches or peach juice and sparkling wine or champagne) or champagne with a few raspberries dropped in. And, of course, include delicious non-alcoholic breakfast beverages such as coffee (think American, cafe au lait, espresso with lemon zest, cappuccino, Thai iced coffee), tea, (think black, green, mint, spiced, chamomile, Earl Gray, English breakfast), fresh juices (watermelon, papaya, grapefruit, or a grapefruit/orange/cranberry blend), hot chocolate (Mexican, cinnamon, marshmallow-drenched), and fruit smoothies (blueberry, banana, strawberries mixed with apple juice or non-fat yogurt). For a southern affair, think iced tea with lemon, peach tea, fresh strawberry or watermelon lemonade, and raspberry ginger ale punch.

Feathers, Feathers Everywhere

2009-07-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Don't want to use flowers for your reception centerpieces? Want to try something different? Try using Ostrich Feathers. Yes, I said Ostrich Feathers. They are the hottest trend in weddings these days. They are gorgeous and elegant and every Bride-to-Be is looking for them.

This morning as I was doing my daily Internet browsing, I ran across a site that had a lot of information about Ostrich Feathers, http://www.smileyme.com/. Here is what they had to say:

There are three types of Ostrich Feathers that you can use: Drabs, Floss or Femina

Drabs

Ostrich Drab Feathers are fluffy & light. They create a soft alluring atmosphere in any room & can be used in flower arrangements & craft projects.

Floss

Ostrich Floss Feather are good for a darker Victorian look. These are also perfect for shorter vases & ideal for the small party, decorating in the home or creating an elegant office look.

Femina

Ostrich Femina Feathers are a favorite for wedding decorations with a fuller appearance. These are very beautiful in vases & perfect for the elegant palm tree look.

GOBOS

2009-07-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

Want to add a nice personal touch to your wedding reception? Try using a Gobo with your personalized monogram. This piece of eye candy will definitely get the attention of your guests. You can either design your own monogram or you can ask a lighting specialist to design one for you. Below are some Gobo pics from various lighting specialists.

Hydrangea Centerpieces

2009-07-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love Hydrangeas. They are one of my favorite flowers and they bring such elegance to a room. During my daily Internet browsing, I ran across several pictures of Hydrangea Centerpieces that I wanted to share with you. Some are simple arrangements and some have very intricate detail. Enjoy!

The Norman's Trash The Dress Session

2009-07-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

While in Jamaica, Monica and Rob decided to do a Trash The Dress Session at Dunns River Falls. The photoshoot went very well and Michael of Photoshop Jamaica did an excellent job. Below is one of the shots from the session.

For this shoot, Monica purchased a second wedding gown from David's Bridal. She was able to get this dress on sale and did not mind getting it wet.

The Norman's Caribbean Wedding

2009-07-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

I finally accomplished my first destination wedding!!! Below are some pics from my sister's Caribbean Wedding held on the tropical beach of the Riu Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This was a great experience and a lot of fun. All of the vendors were very helpful and great to work with. Special thanks to Tai Flora Florist, Photoshop Jamaica and all of the ladies who assisted with the set-up. Everyone did a marvelous job!

My sister purchased her veil and gown from Betsy Robinson's Bridal Shop in Pikesville, Maryland. This shop is absolutely amazing and they are great with customer service. I highly recommend them to any bride looking for bridal attire.

Monica ordered her bridal party silk flowers from a Canadian florist. This was definitely cheaper than purchasing real flowers and she will have them for years to come.

Tai Flora Florist in Ocho Rios, Jamaica supplied the Huppah. This was a Bride and Groom request and it looked amazing.

The chair flowers and sashes were supplied by my mother.

The bride and groom gave small bottles of Appleton Rum as their favors. Jamaica is known for having great Rum products.

The centerpieces were supplied by Tai Flora Florist. This florist was very great to work with and I highly recommend them to anyone getting married in Jamaica.

The Riu Resort supplied the wedding cake. We sent them a picture of a cake and they were able to duplicate it. This cake was delicious!

After the reception dinner, we moved the party to the beach for dancing, drinks and dessert.

TSA Designs

2009-07-14T14:01:00.001-07:00

The Sophisticated Affair has a new edition, TSA Designs. We now design Programs, Invitations, Pageant Ad Pages, Autograph Cards and many more items. Below are some of our designs:

Bridal Shower Invite

Wedding Menu Card

Pageant Autograph Card

Good News!!!! We are a Pageant Sponsor!!

2009-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

The Sophisticated Affair Event Planning has officially been accepted to be the Autograph Card sponsor for the Stop the Silence Ambassador Pageant: http://stsambassadorpageant.weebly.com/. Stop the Silence Ambassador Pageant is a benefit competition to raise funds for Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse. While royally serving the community, the contestants will also promote the awareness of child sexual abuse. All proceeds (less administrative costs) will be donated to Stop the Silence.This pageant is directed by the lovely Mrs. LaQuisha Hall- Mrs. Maryland Galaxy 2009 and 1st Runner-Up Mrs. Galaxy 2009.

Caribbean Bridal Shower

2009-07-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 27, 2009 The Sophisticated Affair Event Planning hosted a Caribbean Bridal Shower for my sister, Monica, at The Wickham Mansion in Baltimore, Maryland. The colors were Purple and Green and the menu consisted of Jerk Chicken, Stir Fried Cabbage, Crab Balls, Peas and Rice and Mango Punch. Special thanks to New Psalmist Caterers for providing us with a delicious menu. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a professional caterer. Monica and her fiance Rob, will be getting married in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on July 20, 2009.

My Day STYLE Bridal Show at The Tremont Grand

2009-04-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, March 29, 2009 my mother and I had the pleasure of attending the My Day STYLE Bridal Show at The Tremont Grand Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. This bridal show was like no other. We got a lot of ideas for my sister's upcoming wedding in July. The vendors really out did themselves. There was special lighting, linen, china, flowers, flowers and more flowers! There was also a Table Top Competition for the best decorated table. All of the tables were beautiful. It was hard for me to vote. Next year The Sophisticated Affair will have to join this competition. I ran into a few event planners that I met at the "I Do Brunch" for wedding planners and shared good conversations with them. Below are some pictures from the event:

"I DO" Brunch with The Wedding Diva

2009-04-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, I attended The "I DO" Brunch hosted by The Wedding Diva herself, Linnyette Richardson-Hall at the Savage Mill Manor. The event was FABULOUS and the food was DELICIOUS! Putting On The Ritz was the caterer and they did an awesome job. Various vendors decorated each table in their own theme and they all did an excellent job. Below are some pictures from the event.

Vendor Display Card

Centerpieces

Aisle Style Bridal Show

2009-03-13T04:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.

Baltimore Hilton

East Building401 West Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

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The Aisle Style event is located in the Hilton East Building, Floor 1. It is the smaller building connected to the hotel, opposite from the lobby. The space can be accessed one of two ways: Option 1) Exit hotel lobby and cross outside veranda into East Building; Option 2) Take escalator to Floor 2 from lobby area, follow overpass into East Building, take escalator down to Floor 1 into event space. Please refer to signage throughout the garage and hotel to direct you.

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Attire

Business casual.
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Tickets

Available online or by phone. Learn more.

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Benefit

The Priceless Gown Project. Learn more.

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Parking

Convenient and secure parking is available. The garage entrance, located underneath the Baltimore Hilton, can be found on 401 Pratt Street. Turn Right after passing the main entrance to the hotel. Turn Right into the garage. Parking in this garage is $26 per vehicle.
Additional street parking and garage parking are available around the Hilton. Parking rates and restrictions apply at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Paid parking is available in the North Warehouse Lot, directly South of Geppi's Entertainment Museum.
There are EZ Park parking meters on Camden Street between North Paca and Howard Streets. The meter rate is $1 an hour for a max of two hours.
Marriott downtown (across from the Hilton) $24/daily

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Driving Directions
From All Points NorthTake I-95 South. Merge onto I-395 N via Exit 53 toward downtown/Martin Luther King Blvd. I-395 N becomes S. Howard St. Turn Left onto W Lombard St. Turn Left onto S Eutaw St.

From All Points SouthTake I-95N to Baltimore. Take Exit 53, I-395N downtown. Follow 4 lights to Lombard St.; make left. Go 1 block, make left onto Eutaw St. Go 1 block, turn right onto Pratt St.

From Towson and Northern Maryland (From Baltimore Beltway)Take the Jones Falls Expressway (83 South) to end (President St). At the third light, turn right onto Lombard St. Turn left on S Eutaw St.

A Purple Theme Wedding

2009-03-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

Next to Red, Purple is another one of my favorite colors. Purple is the color of Royalty, Nobility and Regality. Below are some ideas for a Purple Theme Wedding:

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

2009-02-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder how this tradition came about? Where it was started? What does each item represent? Below is an article that I found this morning as I was doing my morning internet browsind.

Each item represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family.
As for the colorful item, blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so purity was associated with the color. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, "Marry in blue, lover be true."

Red Theme Wedding

2009-02-25T13:19:00.001-08:00

Everyone has a favorite color. Some of us have more than one. Well, my favorite color is RED. Red is bold, vibrant, it's an attention getter and it happens to be one of my sorority colors. Ever since I was little, I've always liked the color RED. It would've been my wedding color, but my husband wanted something different. So we settled on Burnt Orange. Today as I was browsing the Internet, I ran across some Red Theme wedding pictures that I thought would be nice to share.

What To Look For In A Wedding Planner

2009-02-24T10:32:00.001-08:00

Are you looking for a wedding planner and really don't know what you're looking for? Here is an article, courtesy of Chicago Wedding Caterer, that will help you out:

Choosing to use a wedding planner can be a great way to take some of the stress out of getting ready for the big day. Picking the wrong planner, however, can quickly become a disaster in the making. There are things to look for to ensure the best.Since it's likely you will turn the decision making over to the planner, it is important to find one that is:
Knowledgeable. If event planning were a specialty that required bachelor's degree certification, wedding planning would need a doctorate's. A good planner is knowledgeable about putting together every detail of a wedding from the invitations down to the birdseed that's thrown on a couple's way out the door. They will cover almost everything.

Area savvy. A good wedding planner will know where to go to find exactly what a couple is looking for in just about everything. They can suggest the best printers, bakeries, restaurants, clubs and even florists within a geographical region. They will have at their disposal personal knowledge about these providers and will be able to suggest based on special requests, budgets and even theme requirements.Willing to listen.

A good wedding planner listens to a couple's requests and then decides or suggests based on them. The best wedding planners do not take over the show or make the big day "their" creation unless you want them to. They know when to ask questions, what questions to ask and when to steer clear of deciding. They should be as involved or as hands-off as a couplewishes.

Comes highly recommended. This is key in finding the best wedding planner. If a planner doesn't have satisfied former clients and a fair amount of experience, the person might not have the ability to handle all the details from the start to the ceremony. Be wary of those who come without references.

Willing to take on as much or as little as asked. Some couples ask wedding planners to handle every step in the process, from picking out the music to booking the reception hall. Other couples want their planners to perform a few major details. Good planners, however, can ride herd over as many or as few of the details as you want them to handle.

A person you can work with. If you and your intended are not comfortable with the person, go elsewhere. It is likely you will have to work closely with the wedding planner in the months, weeks and especially days leading up to the ceremony. If the person doesn't "click," do not sign a contract!If you do decide to go with a wedding planner to help you prepare for your big day, make sure to check into their background. Make sure they have the listening skills necessary to carry out your wishes and the organizational skills demanded to pull off a big event. When you choose the right planner, he or she will be able to take your "dream wedding" and make it a reality.

Wedding Reception Lighting Ideas

2009-02-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

Reception lighting always add a nice touch to the Reception Venue. "Lighting creates a mood," says event designer Preston Bailey, and when it's done well, lighting can make everything -- including your flowers, cake, and guests -- look better. Here are some reception lighting ideas.

Off The Cuff

2009-02-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

As I was perusing the Internet this morning I ran across these Beautiful Cuff Bracelets on http://www.brides.com/. Your wrist will definitely arrest attention in one of these beautiful bracelets.

Reception Centerpieces

2009-02-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

Centerpieces always add a nice touch to a reception venue. But you have to make sure you don't over do it and crowd your space. Below are photos of centerpieces that I found on The Knot's website, www.theknot.com, that I thought were very unique and tasteful.

Pink floating orchids topped with a bouquet of yellow, orange, green, and red daisies and carnations.

Tall cylinders with white orchids submerged in water and tiny vases with white hydrangeas on either side.

Fresh cut Tulips in a glass vase

Tight grouping of calla lilies shooting out of a tall glass vase, surrounded by smaller vases of phalaenopsis and dendrobium orchids.

What is the True Meaning Behind Jumping The Broom?

2009-02-18T08:16:00.001-08:00

Jumping the Broom is often practiced at African-American weddings; however, throughout the years the meaning behind jumping the broom has been misconstrued. As I was browsing the Internet, I found this great African-American Wedding website, http://www.african-weddings.com/ that explains the meaning behind jumping the broom.

"Jumping the Broom" is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of new beginnings.

Jumping the broom has become one of the most popular African traditions at weddings-traditional and African-centered. History tells us that the ancestral roots of this ritual began deep in the heart of Africa. It's original purpose and significance has been lost over the years because of the association with slavery.
This broom ceremony represents the joining of two families, it's showing respect and pays homage to those who came before us and paved the way. Therefore it should be practiced with honor for your ancestors and the beauty of our rich heritage. During the slave "transitions" we were not allowed to practice many of the traditional rituals of our past therefore, much of our heritage was lost during this time. However, a few were considered harmless and allowed. Today "Broom Jumping" is a ritual, handed down from generation to generation to remind us of a time when our vows were not legally sanctioned. During slavery, our ancestors sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom and into the bonds of domesticity. For our ancestors, this small ritual was a legal and bonding act connecting them with the heritage of the home land and giving legitimacy,dignity and strength to their unions. In there eyes this union was now sanctioned by "the almighty" It is said that broom jumping comes from an African Tribal Marriage Ritual of placing sticks on the ground representing the couple's new home together, I have also heard it said that the spray of the broom represents all of us scattered and the handle represents the almighty who holds us together...... You decide Today's ceremony can be performed at the wedding, after the minister pronounces the couple man and wife or at the reception, just after the bridal party enters the reception area. Should you decide to incorporate this wonderful tradition in you wedding remember to do it with the honor and dignity it represents.

The History of The Engagement Ring

2009-02-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why engagement rings are worn and not engagement necklaces or bracelets? Today as I was perusing the internet, I found the following information on the Wedding Gazette's website at http://www.weddinggazette.com/

The engagement ring of today also has its own varied and interesting history, some of which is explored below. Engagement rings have been known by many different names, have symbolised a variety of different things and have not always been made of precious metals and stunning gems!

Greeks
The ancient Greeks are thought to have been the forerunners in the rising of the traditional engagement ring. Given as a token of care and affection, the rings used by the Greeks were known as betrothal rings and were given before marriage. However, the giving of these rings was not always a pre-requisite to marriage and was often given in the same way as a friendship ring might be given today.

Romans
As seen by their use of the wedding ring, ancient Romans weren't the most sentimental of people, and the early version of their "engagement ring" were thought to have carved keys on them. It has been debated that this could have been to symbolise the woman's right to access and own half of everything following marriage. However, the more sentimental like to think that the key may have been a key to her husband's heart.

Royalty and the Affluent
Engagement rings as we know them today - stunning gems encased in precious metals - became popular in around the fourteenth or fifteenth century, when the affluent and the royals began to exchange and wear these jewels. However, these items were so expensive that nobody other than the royals and the rich could afford to exchange them. It was to be many centuries before these engagement rings would become more popular or traditional.

Why a ring?

The purpose of engagement rings and wedding bands is to convey deep emotions of eternal love, eternal happiness, eternal commitment, and eternal togetherness. In fact, these rings signify eternity - between the giver and the recipient. A ring, of course, is a complete circle with no break and no end or beginning, which means that it just goes on and on - it is eternal.
And, since folklore has it that the fourth finger of the left hand has a vein leading directly to the heart, it is only natural that both engagement and wedding rings would be worn on this particular finger, which was once reputed to be a direct route to the heart.

Summary
In short, it is clear that the giving of a ring in honor of a union, betrothal, and marriage has been going on since ancient times, and although it may not always have been as glamorous and romantic as it is today, it was still a way of exchanging a contract of betrothal or marriage.
Thankfully, today's wedding bands and engagement rings are not made of hair, grass, plants or twine as they may have been in ancient times, but of beautiful metals set with stunning gems, such as platinum, titanium, white gold, gold, sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds. These incredible items of jewelry are likely to remain as popular as ever as the centuries go by, and even as the rest of the world advances in to a futuristic and technological age, it's hard to imagine a day where a beautiful diamond engagement ring doesn't melt the heart of its recipient.

This Origin of The Wedding Cake

2009-02-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder where The Wedding Cake was originated?

The origin of the wedding cake can be traced as far back as the roman empire, when icing was not even invented. A loaf of barley bread was baked for the ceremony. The groom would then eat some of the bread and break the remaining piece over the bride's head!
In medieval England, the cake described in accounts were not cakes in the conventional sense. They were described as flour-based sweet foods as opposed to the description of breads which were just flour-based foods without sweetening. The presence of the cake was included in many celebratory feasts. However, there are no accounts of a special type of cake appearing wedding ceremonies. There are tales of a custom involving stacking small sweet buns in a large pile in front of the newlyweds. The couple would then attempt to kiss over this pile, with success being a sign of many children in the couple's future.
In the early 19th century, a popular dish being served was bride's pie. First appearing in the mid-17th century, it was a pie filled with sweet breads, a mince pie, or by some accounts, just a simple mutton pie. The main ingredient was a glass ring. An old adage claims that the lady who finds this ring will be the next to wed. Though bride's pies were not a fixture at weddings, there were accounts of these pies being the main centerpiece at less affluent ceremonies.
In the late 19th century, the wedding cake became popular, ousting the bride's pie from popular culture. The cakes were originally given the title "bride cakes" to emphasize that the focal point of the wedding was the bride (Many other objects were prefixed with the word "bride" such as the bride bed, bridegroom and bridesmaid. All these terms have altered or disappeared with the exception of bridesmaid.) The early cakes were simple single-tiered cakes, usually a plum cake, but variations were recorded. It was a while before the first multi-tiered cake appeared that the wedding cake started to resemble today's modern ideal.

The Wedding Sand Ceremony

2009-02-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

The Wedding Sand Ceremony, a celebration that is usually two to three minutes in length, is a meaningful joining of two lives. In this timeless ritual of marriage, the couple ceremoniously pours various colors of sand from a container, such as a seashell, into one special container symbolizing their coming together as one. This trend is starting to replace the Unity Candle Ceremony. Below are some pictures of Wedding Sand Ceremony Sets. They can be purchased from various wedding sites such as www.idotaketwo.com, www.foreverwedstore.com, or you can go to your favorite craft store such as Michael's or A.C. Moore.

Day of Coordinator Service

2009-02-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, September 27, 2008, I had the pleasure of serving as my cousin's Day of Coordinator for her wedding. I truly enjoyed assisting with this wedding. The wedding colors were Light Green, Ivory and Silver, and all decorations were created by Laura and her sister Cherly. These two young women have a knack for putting together exquisite flower arrangements and centerpieces. The wedding reception was hosted at The Brittany Reception Hall, a hidden treasure in Reisterstown, Maryland. Below are some pictures for your viewing:

The Browns

The Reception Head Table

Wedding Cake (Woodlea Bakery)

The Reception Site

The Origin of Bridal Showers

2009-02-12T13:47:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wondered how did bridal showers get their start? Or who even thought about planning a bridal shower?.....
A bridal shower is a gift giving party given for a bride before her wedding. The custom originated in the United States, although the first stories about these events have been known to originate in Brussels, Belgium around 1860. It remains a primarily U.S. and Canadian practice. Showers are usually coordinated by the bridesmaids, who invite guests to offer gifts for the home of the bride and groom. The custom of the bridal shower is said to have grown out of earlier dowry practices when a poor woman's family might not have the money to provide a dowry for her, or when a father refused to give his daughter her dowry because he did not approve of the marriage. In such situations, friends of the woman would gather together and bring gifts that would compensate for the dowry and allow her to marry the man of her choice. A frequently quoted legend traces the origin of this practice to sixteenth or seventeenth century the Netherlands. However there are also parallels with many dowry practices and the U.S. Colonial or hope chest (trousseau) custom. In the United States bridal showers started in urban areas in the 1890s, mainly among the upper middle classes. By the 1930s bridal showers had spread to rural America. The earliest use of this sense of the word in print may be in the Grand Rapids Michigan Evening Press 22 June 4, 1904: "The ‘shower parties’ that through mistaken hospitality the wedded couple are forced to attend..." And may derive from the custom in Victorian times for the presents to be put inside a parasol, which when opened would "shower" the bride-to-be with gifts.
Bridal Showers have since grown to become more elaborate affairs. Instead of hosting a shower at the maid of honor/matron of honor home, many bridal shower hostess are renting facilities to host the shower. Below is the Tiffany Blue Bridal Shower Tea that my mother and sister hosted for me at the Wickham Mansion. (Of Course they are partners with The Sophisticated Affair.) All of the women were asked to wear hats and come in their Tea Attire and the food was catered by New Psalmist Baptist Church Caterers. This was definitely a Sophisticated Affair!

The Surprised Bride!!

Tiffany Blue Decorations and Tiffany Blue Gift Box Favors

The Mother-of-the-Bride and Bride-To-Be.

Me and one of my Maids-of-Honor.

My Sister, my other Maid-of-Honor, and Me

The Tiffany Blue Cake from Woodlea Bakery.

My Sister's Destination Wedding in Jamaica

2009-02-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

I'm planning my sister's destination wedding and I'm very excited about it. She and her fiance will be getting married at the Riu Hotel and Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. They are having a beach wedding and their colors are Clover Green and Lilac. Here are some pictures of the resort. I'm looking forward to this wedding.

Here are a few favors ideas that we have in mind. I found these on The Knot Website. (http://www.theknot.com/)

Flip Flops in the wedding colors for the guest

Chilled bottles of water personalized with the couple's name and wedding date to keep the guest cool during the ceremony.

I really like the Candy Buffet Idea. I did one of these for my church's Christmas Celebration and it went over really well!

I really like this idea for the bridesmaids.

St. Valentine's Day

2009-02-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is steadily approaching. If you're still trying to figure out what you're going to do with your significant other on that day, how about a nice evening at home. Here are some place setting ideas.