Simply Elegant Events and Design

Our Chanel Valentine Event!

2012-02-26T06:00:00.020-08:00

We had so much fun at our Chanel event on Valentines Day! Here are some of the photos of the day that we can share with you! We are looking forward to our Chanel Fashion Show on March 16th and 17th and a Bridal event in April. If you are looking to get involved or get invited, please message me with your wedding date and any questions you may have. These photos are compliments of RICK CRANK PHOTOGRAPHY in Raleigh, NC and if you would like to be in contact with him in reference to having photos done, please let me know. We are thankful for the services he provided during this event and look forward to working with Rick and his staff in the future! Thanks again Rick!

This event was created for all Chanel customers and they received a facial, makeover and a photo for their networking page! We enjoyed each of our customers and look forward to providing them the best service possible. It was a fun day for all involved.

Photos compliments of Rick Crank Photography

If you are interested in hosting a spa event at your country club, health and fitness club or in your home, Chanel would love to talk with you.

The Chanel team will be putting together exciting events each month. We would love to hear some of your ideas as you will be attending these events and we would like to keep them exciting for you! It is not our intention to ever bore you, but to offer you the latest in Chanel skin care, makeup colors, fragrance and service from our staff! Please let us know how we can assist you !

Ceremony Decoration Ideas!

2012-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Love these little round vases with ribbon and flowers, simply hung from trees! Just beautiful
Some simple color!

Lanterns? Make sure there is absolutely no wind!

Ribbon is beautiful for windy areas!

Roping off your wedding before your guests enter is nice!

HAPPY PLANNING!

Looking for some fun cakes? Check out these from The Knot

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Possible black teeth after eating this wedding cake!

This might be for a very small wedding, but how sweet this is!
Delicate, but dramatic

Lovely lace!

This cake is kind of preppy and I like it.

This cake is so colorful and fun!

More budget savers!

2012-02-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here are some ways you can save on bridal flowers.

FEATHERED AND FABULOUS!

COLORED UMBRELLAS

The Wedding Budget!

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

The average American wedding costs $25,000! Here are some quick ways to control your costs:

Things that you may have not considered in your budget that can really make it crash are:

1. Pre-wedding party invitations (rehearsal, bridesmaids' lunch, etc.)

2. Tips (delivery people, hairstylist, limo driver, waiters)

3. Stamps (Don't forget you will need them for the RSVPs, too!)

4. Dress alterations

5. Salon services (hair, makeup, trials, manicures, pedicures)

6. Delivery fees, cake cutting fees, corkage fees (if you are providing your own wine)

7. Ceremony props (aisle runner, programs, petals for tossing)

8. Sales tax on most goods and services.

The first thing you need to do is come up with a wedding budget. Most of your money will go towards your venue, photography, wedding attire, music, rings, flowers, transportation and invitations. So, some quick easy ways to save would be:

1. Instead of buying fresh cut flowers try making displays with rocks, candles, greenery, twigs, and non floral items. Flowers are beautiful if they are in your budget, but you can really save in this area.

2. Instead of hiring a band, hire a DJ and only have him there for the minimal amount of hours the music is needed.

3. Instead of big bridal bouquets for the bridesmaids, have them carry colored lanterns, colored umbrellas or even oriental fans.

4. Instead of renting fancy linens, use custom fabric and trim with pinking sheers.

Below are some table centerpieces that will cost much less than fresh flowers.

More submerged flowers for any event!

2012-02-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

My favorite in the Spring is the tulip! Check out some of these beautiful looks. the hardest part is finding the largest vases you can find without purchasing them! It can be done and this is a great modern look with a lot of vivid color. The flowers actually look larger in the water.

Add a little colored sand

The bird nest look! Just love this!

Some Wedding Disasters!

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

1. Children at the reception

It can be cute and charming as they are walking down the aisle as the quests ooh and aah at the beautiful flower girl and ring bearer, but I have always noticed the parents of these children and how nervous they get as they just pray that the little ones will make it down the aisle doing exactly what they are supposed to. I have never not seen the children make it a beautiful event, it is the reception where the help is needed. Plan with a babysitter and a special room for the children at the formal event or setup special table covers with coloring cloth for them to have special activities to keep them busy. This is a long and tiring day for them and you don't want it to ruin your day too!

2. Drunk guests

You have planned everything just right, but you are running out of liquor? Maybe your guests are drinking more than you expected. Don't get caught with worry at the end of your event, have a shuttle bus set up to cater to your guests bringing them back and forth from the reception to hotel!

3. Snow

It is a little unlikely that your bride will be smiling like this stuck out in the snow! Make sure your tented event has enough heaters! In certain areas it can get really cold even in September.

4. Wind and rain

These candles won't look like this on a windy day if you are on the beach under a tent! So, you may have to say good bye to a lot of your candle ideas and go with electric lighting! Have a backup plan! Is it raining? Make sure you have a large golf umbrella that is big enough for two so that the bride does not ruin her dress.

5. Contracts

Get everything in writing! Last minute changes to your event on a verbal agreement? At least send the vendor a quick email to clarify this change so there will be no last minute misunderstandings.

Happy Planning!

The Cool Confetti Pop!

2012-02-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

So, everyone has seen the cake pop! You can get it at Starbucks and a lot of Mom's are making them and covering them with chocolate. This I thought was really cute for a child's birthday party, backyard BBQ or summer event and they are so easy and can be made three days in advance! Check out the recipe!

Ingredients:

8 piece(s)	(1 1/2-inch) soft-centered candy bars, (like Milky Way or Snickers)
1 pint(s)	vanilla custard-style ice cream, slightly softened
3/4 cup(s)	assorted-color candy confetti or sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

Insert a wooden Popsicle stick into one end of each candy bar and set aside. Place 1 tablespoon of ice cream in the bottom of a 3-ounce paper cup. Place candy in center of the cup, surround with 3 tablespoons ice cream, and smooth over the top.
Transfer cup to a baking sheet, repeat with remaining cups, and freeze until solid. Pour confetti or sprinkles into a shallow bowl and set aside. Peel the cup from each ice cream pop and roll in the decorations to cover completely. Store in freezer for up to 3 days

Looking for the perfect Valentine drink?

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Kiss Martini

I love this heart shaped strawberry! Make this for your Valentine! Making these non-alcoholic is easy too! I just had to share the strawberry heart! I love it!

Ingredients

3/4 oz. Pallini Raspicello - (more)
2 oz. Boru Vodka - (more)
1/2 oz. Godiva Liqueur - (more)

Instructions

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass rimmed with chocolate shavings. Garnish with a strawberrys

It's easy to rim with chocolate, just dip the glass into a plate of water and then dip into a plate of chocolate shavings. They should stick easily and dry on the edge of the glass!

Chanel "Kiss and Makeup" Valentine's Weekend Event!

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about the Chanel Valentines Event on Friday, February 10th, 11th and 14th. We will be doing facials and makeovers all day! We will have a nail bar set up for your convenience, music, food and special Valentine beverages throughout the day! We are excited to have photographers for Friday and Tuesday to take your photos. We will be showing you special techniques on makeup application along with discussing the new Spring Chanel line! Oh, and don't forget to try all the new fragrances while you are there! This event for special services is by appointment only, but we would still love to have you stop by and spend the day with us, so that you can view some of the new product! We still have a very few appointments available for Saturday and Tuesday only! Belk/Triangle Town Center Chanel counter (919) 792-2400 X269

Come pamper yourself before your big night out with your Valentine!

Bridal Gifts for the bridesmaids!

2012-02-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

LOOK! Tatum has the most magnificent jewelry available for your bridal party! The great thing is right now there is so much on sale! So, stock up now with gifts for your entire bridal party!

www.stelladot.com/tatumcroft

Visit her website and give her a call! You may even want to schedule a bridal party with her! It is so much fun! I can help you come up with an exciting party theme.

Wedding Stress

2012-01-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

What is most stressful about planning a wedding? What are some things that a wedding planner can do better? As I try to perfect who I am, I need some feedback from vendors, brides, parents, etc. Have you recently had an event? Was it successful? How could it have been better?Any story you have helps me to be better for you! A glorious Southern day it is!

Valentine's Day

2012-01-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day! Is this day for the girl or the guy? I always questioned was I supposed to do something for the guy in my life? I really always considered it a ladies day! When I was a young girl Mom always did something special on this day! We would come home from school or wherever we were and she had a nice (special) meal prepared with special treats! Maybe special Valentine pajamas or something out of the ordinary! As I grew older, I expected everyone to Love Valentine's Day and to really make it a special day. So, for those of you who have loved ones in your life, I challenge you to think out of the box and just celebrate LOVE and the people in your life and this day! I can't forget to tell you about the cards that Dad always sent on this day along with Mom! They really meant so much. So, I think it is just a day to remember your loved ones! Is Valentine's Day just for the ladies? Please feel free to share your thoughts! Oh and Happy Valentine's Day early!

Vera Wang Gown

2011-11-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Vera Wang

In 1990, Vera Wang opened her own bridal boutique in the upscale Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue. Since then, Vera Wang has become the authority on bridal elegance, and her name is now synonymous with a modern, sophisticated approach to classic style. She has revolutionized bridal with her sumptuous fabrics, fine details, and superior workmanship. With unprecedented passion and dedication, Vera Wang has brought fashion to bridal, capturing the tradition of a bride and the individuality of a woman in each creation.

Vera Wang collections are positioned in the highest end of the luxury market. Customer appeal is high: driven by an artistic, modern and luxurious design style, couture-like quality and a high level of customer service. Alexia’s is proud to be the exclusive Vera Wang retailer in all of central and eastern North Carolina and the only Vera Wang shop in all of North Carolina featuring her coveted Luxe Collection.

Simple Floral arrangements to spruce up any event!

2011-11-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

Winter Wonderland Photo ideas! Love this easy look!

2011-11-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

It's "ALL ABOUT FALL" in the South!

2011-07-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

With cooling temperatures during the Fall months, it is a prime time to get married in the South. September and October have been very popular months for planning weddings. With beautiful mountains and changing leaves, it is a picture perfect setting for your photographer! Not to mention a Bride will have a much better chance of keeping her hair and makeup in tact. Outdoor weddings are the trend with the younger Brides, whether you marry in a church and have your reception outside or as many Brides opt to have the entire wedding outdoors it is a wonderful time of year. Sending out save-the-date cards are always helpful as many guests will plan their vacations in the summer months and may want to save some time for your Fall wedding.

Love these flower girl dresses! What great Fall colors and how simple the flowers.

Brown ballerina flats just finish the outfit

Jeanette knitted quirky shawls for her bridesmaids, who chose their own chocolate-brown dresses and carried bright autumnal bouquets.

Chocolate Cake with Yellow Roses! Love this soft and delicate cake!

1 Corinthians 13 "Love is Patient, Love is Kind"

If you want to "GO GREEN" check out these pretty colors and Southern charm!

October Wedding/Kemper Mills Fant Photography Roanoke Virginia

2011-06-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

North Carolina Wedding Ceremony Sites

2011-04-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

Something old, something new! Something borrowed, something blue! Ever wondered the meaning of this?

2011-04-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

The next line of this old saying actually hints at its origin. The complete phrase is:

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

A sixpence is a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967. It was made of silver and worth six pennies. So this wedding tradition is definitely English, and many sources say that it began in the Victorian era.
Each item in this poem 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."
And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. It may date back to a Scottish custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. These days, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted, and many companies sell keepsake sixpences for weddings.

A great venue near Smith Mountain Lake Virginia and The Roanoke Valley

2011-02-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

http://www.mysundara.com/

LOVE

2011-01-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

Love is a beautiful thing and when you are newly engaged you seem to be floating on a cloud. We give each other so much attention and everything is new and exciting! But as Love grows deeper with time and life throws you some difficult situations, I always try to remember what LOVE really is:

Love is patient
Love is kind
Love does not envy
Love does not boast
Love is not proud
Love is not rude
Love is not self-seeking
Love is not easily angered
Love keeps no record of wrongs
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth
Love always protects
Love always trusts
Love always hopes
Love always perseveres
LOVE NEVER FAILS! 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Marry Me!

2011-01-22T23:16:00.000-08:00

Perfect Party Pillows

2011-01-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

I am thankful that God blessed me with a Mom and Grandma who taught me to sew and create. These pillows are custom and handmade to coordinate with your wedding attire. You can be as creative as you want and come up with something not seen and I will create it for you.

I just love these cute pillows to carry those special wedding bands down the aisle. Just remember not to tie the rings on too tight. In my wedding there was a long pause due to the fact that we could not get the rings untied. I guess we just didn't want to lose those bands. These are very showy and colorful! Be creative and design your own to be made to match your bridesmaid dresses or bridal gown. All you have to do is mail your swatch to Simply Elegant Events and Design and we will select a fabric to match your swatch. select your flower color along with type of jewel for the perfect party pillow! http://www.simplyelegantevents-design.com/ for more information. Prices start at $40 Call at least two weeks prior to your wedding date and I would suggest planning much earlier than that.

The Beauty of Nature!

2011-01-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

I am thinking Spring, but Valentine's Day is just around the corner. So, this year most people will have a Valentine Weekend Event or Wedding! The chocolate covered strawberry recipe can be found on http://www.gourmet.com/ and I loved these candied apple favors for setting up on a large display of different levels.

Why not show up to your event in an old red custom car?

I also loved this sweet packaging for wedding favors! Many personalized labels can be found at http://www.myweddinglabels.com/

Strawberry recipe on http://www.gourmet.com/

My Father-in-law came over with bundles of greenery this winter! He had clippings from his trees and all kinds of pine cones! Boy was I excited. I am still using the greenery now after all this time. It can actually work its way right into Valentine's Day decorating! I know my husband wasn't pleased to have to pull each individual stem full of berries out of the tree, but it sure made it festive! Little things mean so much!

Thinking Spring! Color, Color, Color!

2011-01-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

Spring weddings can be most magical! Yes, we always worry about rain on the horizon but, there is nothing more beautiful than freshly blooming flowers in Spring along with a fresh bloom of Love! When we take advantage of our surroundings we can make the most of our wedding. Selecting a local garden arboretum is a wonderful place to take advantage of during spring. With Spring buds coming up everywhere, whatever is added is over the top and will make the day magical! Always have a tent on reserve when planning an outdoor event! I love these simple flowers that cascade the ground as the couple walks.