Today is the last day to enter our Valentine's Day giveaway. All you need to do is tell us your big plans for Valentine's Day on the original post. I will announce the winner tomorrow - the grand prize is a mini Pottery Barn notebook and a Target gift card to spend on your sweetie (or yourself!)
Stay tuned for our biggest giveaway yet from Kristine at Figment Studios on Monday. This is one you will not want to miss!
This week I've been sharing what's been going on around our new office. I have enjoyed all of the feedback via comments & emails - a HUGE thank you very much for the encouraging words on our new logo, the fun office space, and our new blog. My designer is still working on our final logo, and will be updating the official website once that is all set.
Sunday I will announce our mini Valentine's giveaway winner (you still have time to enter!). And next week I really get down to business with fun vendor spotlights, an amazing winter wedding, an official job posting for an associate and a VERY special Valentine's Giveaway from Kristine at Figment Studios that you do not want to miss out on. I am so excited that Kristine is doing a custom piece for my new office, and I will share that with you as soon as it's ready.
Above is a photo I took of a Costa Rican rain forest over Christmas vacation. Isn't it absolutely breathtaking? I think I could live there, especially with this bitter cold winter weather we are getting in Michigan. I'm bummed I didn't have my shiny SLR before our trip. This was taken on my cute, red, Olympus Stylus Verve.
Since this week has been an entire week of show and tell around here, I wanted to share my brand spankin' new blog. Before you think I'm all fancy, I'm not; it's a template. However, I did do a bit of customizing to get the right colors and fonts. And a special shout out goes to Kelly of Glamour This! for helping me with my formatting issues.
The new layout is missing my beloved sidebar, but don't fret, all the information is still here. Some of it is in the handy navigation bar above, and other features are at the bottom - like my Rockstar Readers, the search function, and all of our archives.
The new layout will allow me to post much larger photos and also keeps everything clean, simple and organized.
[ps - the header photo is compliments of Amy Carroll Photography and is just a placeholder until my new logo is ready for its debut in February]
If you follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed that I've been working on a new logo for Pearls Events with my talented sister, Victoria. These are all preliminary compositions and not what the final will look like, however, I did want to give you a peek at what's been going on.
And early next week, I'll be posting an official job posting for an associate position. I cannot wait to find the right person to fill this important role. If you're interested, please email a cover letter + your resume to pearls.events(at)gmail(dot)com. The details of the position will be posted next week. Stay tuned...
Yesterday afternoon, after leaving my final Monday at my part-time job, and instead of working on actual work (Jammie, I owe you times!), I couldn't help but set up the rest of my office. I suppose the painting on Sunday motivated me to get ready for next week. I still cannot believe it came out exactly like I was hoping and under budget, too.
Without further ado, here is the whole room.
the tropical plants, which may not survive the winter!
half of my IKEA desk.
guest seating - I have a feeling Olive will be hanging out here.
red IKEA chairs.
my lovely desk and snazzy new lamp
Well, I've been talking about it on Twitter long enough to annoy any of my followers, but my office is finally coming together. After much anticipation, walls have been painted, files have been organized and I'll be getting ready for the mini grand opening celebration starting next Monday, February 2nd. I've lined up a slew of vendors to stop by and share coffee + tea with me during my first week, and I cannot be more excited. Stay tuned for more...
Saturday I did something out of the ordinary. I attended a photography workshop that made me nervous and a bit uncomfortable. Lisa Kae Photography, hosted a workshop which I signed up before I even owned a camera. Yes, I was that excited.
You may be thinking, "Why would a wedding planner want to take wedding photos?" Basically, I want details shots, especially for our full service clients. Yes, I usually get these from professional photographers, however escort card tables sometimes get picked over before the wedding party (with their photographer!) arrive at the reception. And how about that empty room shot? I like that one too.
I headed to Norman Camera, asked about the options and ended up with a beginner digital SLR. It is perfect for my detail shots (although I should invest in a macro lens), and I also look forward to taking many photos of Olive, our house, my new office - which is still in the works, but almost ready - and our kids (which do not exist yet). The photo above is my favorite from the day. Why yes, that is Kristen of K. Holly Studio that I spotlighted last week! Isn't she a gorgeous bride?!
If you are the least bit interested in photography, I suggest finding a photographer and take their class. Hands-on learning is the best way for me to learn and now I just need to practice what she showed me so I can capture the photos I want.
What have you done completely out of the ordinary lately?
Earlier this morning as I scrolled through my daily reads, I came across this eye-pleasing photo from the recent wedding of Macaire + Bill shot by Molly of MThree Studio. I'm in love with the lines, light + flower placement. Molly took a different approach to the traditional flower shot and I very much enjoy it. Don't miss the whole wedding post of Macaire + Bill - it's full of rich plums, winter whites, classic tuxedos and of course, Molly's amazing photography.
One of my favorite Grand Rapids photographers is GOING GREEN! I am so excited to help spread the word for Lotus Photographic's FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY contest, I can hardly stand it. Karrn + Ken Frost of Lotus Photographic are one amazing couple who run an awesome photography business, and I've shared many great conversations with Karrn about this contest and am excited they finally announced it. If you, or someone you know, has a great story to share, Karrn + Ken would love to hear it.
Straight from their blog...
Lotus Photographic is offering free wedding photography coverage to one couple in celebration of our business going GREEN!
That’s right, completely free to one deserving couple who is planning their wedding between September 2009 and August 2010. They are searching for a modern couple who is planning a unique wedding celebration with a commitment to incorporating environmentally friendly choices. The winning couple will receive complete wedding day coverage by Karrn and Ken Frost of Lotus Photographic and a DVD with all high-resolution files.
Who Can Enter?
Couples planning a wedding between September 2009 through August 2010 anywhere in Michigan. They would love to honor a couple who deserves this amazing offer, so they are looking for couples with a great story.
How to Enter?
Send wedding details, a photo of the couple and their story to contest@lotusphotographic.com. Include your wedding date + location, full names and contact info.
Contest ends February 13th at midnight, so get your entries in ASAP. The lucky couple will be announced on Valentine’s Day 2009!
I enjoy math. I like spreadsheets and equations and black + white answers. A frequent question from friends and colleagues is "How many people read your blog?" When I answer, they often wonder how I know.
After this blog was up and running for a couple of months, I installed an invisible (because, I'll be honest, the visible ones are a bit tacky, in my opinion...) stat counter. Above is the visitor count for the past six months. Another feature I enjoy is the keyword analysis. Here's a random sampling from the past couple of searches...how do you get events on pearl, and wooden aisle runners. I've never blogged about either of those topics in particular, but Google brings them here anyway.
Besides keywords, the stat counter tells me what posts are the most popular. In addition to the Link Love page (which is always number one) and our Portfolio page, the top five posts that get the most traffic are listed below. I noticed they were all written about a year or so ago, which tells me I need to get on my game again and start spending more time writing articles, well, instead of sharing cold, hard facts with you about my archives.
1. Birdcage veils, February 2008
2. Non-floral centerpieces, January 2008
3. Fabulous carnations, December 2007
4. Winter wonderland wedding, January 2008
5. An amazing tented reception, December 2007
Do you keep track of your statistics? If so, what are you learning from your stats? Are your readers local or worldwide? What are your most popular posts? Do people continue returning to read more? How long do they stay on your page? This is all info a counter can tell you.
[side note :: From what I understand, a stat counter cannot track people who read your blog from an RSS feed such as Google Reader, Bloglines, etc. These stats are merely the people who actually visit your URL.]
(ruby press via once a bride)
I already announced this on Twitter + my personal blog, however, I realize not everyone follows along there. As of February 2nd, 2009, I will be focusing my entire work week on Pearls Events.
What does this mean?
It means that I am too busy to continue working part time for my family's business, while still maintaining the high level of service my clients have come to expect. It also means my day will be more flexible for appointments. I plan to spend more time with my husband in the evenings, as one of my resolutions for 2009 is to "Stop working by 8pm." Yes, I realize this isn't going to work each night, but it's something I want to work on!
Along with my excitement comes an updated look to our branding, a face lift to both the website + blog, our first local advertisement(!), and of course, continued excellent service to our current + potential clients. There are other small plans in place for a refreshed business + a renewed Aletha, which I plan to announce as they roll out.
What are you doing in '09? Is this the year you make your leap of faith?
If you're an event professional in the Midwest (and beyond!) I know you're already following along on the Eventology 2009 blog. But, just in case you haven't seen today's post, I wanted to tell you more about how I got involved and how much I'm looking forward to the conference in April.
Katasha, of K Sherrie + Co, and I started chatting via Twitter in late 2008 about putting on a stellar Midwest conference for event professionals. We wanted it to be educational, fun and affordable. A month later, Katasha had three awesome speakers lined up, a location on hold and all the details in the works.
After the initial Twitter conversation, she started looking for logo designs and landed on the final design from Gourment Invitations. Once the logo was in our hands, I started working on marketing pieces for the event - from flyers + postcards to graphics + blog buttons. It has been a blast working with Katasha and I look forward to meeting a lot of you in Indianapolis April 7th and 8th. Look for me at the registration table upon your arrival!
Follow Katasha on Twitter
Follow Aletha on Twitter
Follow Eventology 2009 on Twitter
Visit the Eventology 2009 website
Become a Facebook fan of Eventology 2009
I am a sucker for a great kiss in the snow! Amy Carroll posted photos of a beautiful winter wedding from this past Saturday. This is just one of my favorites; check out the whole post here.
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of travelling to Detroit to sit down with two amazing Michigan vendors.
My first appointment was with Ryan Koral (above) of Epic Motion. Ryan is an amazing cinematographer based out of Royal Oak, Michigan. He also travels around the state (and beyond!), capturing some of the most gorgeous weddings. Ryan is a down-to-earth, fun guy and I had a blast chatting over breakfast. His clients rave about his work, so if you are looking for a cinematographer, do not wait to contact him; he books well in advance. Pearls Events blog featured him back in April, so check out the Q+A with Epic Motion.
My second appointment was with the talented photographer, Ksenija Savic (above). She is the woman behind some of my favorite images from 2008. I have been watching her work since Anne led me to her blog earlier this year. Ksenija and I had a blast and our three hour lunch meeting could have lasted all afternoon. We share a love for Jack Johnson, which makes us instant friends in my book. Ksen was featured on the Pearls Events blog back in June. Check out her spotlight here in case you missed it the first time around.
Michigan is full of talented individuals who do not get enough regional recognition, in my humble opinion. If you are a Michigan/Indiana/Ohio/Illinois/Wisconsin bride, don't limit your vendors choices from just your area, as most vendors are willing to travel, and welcome the chance to leave their stomping grounds. If you find someone you love, but who might be out of town, take a road trip with your soon-to-be groom/bride and visit. You will not be disappointed, and your photos/video/invitations/etc. will not look the same as your friend's/cousin's/sister's did.
April of April Foster Events, formerly Blu Sky Designs, just launched a brand new website + blog you must check out. With the launch, comes a little bit of fun for you! She is hosting her first annual Valentine Card Swap, based on the successful holiday card swap hosted by Vane of Brooklyn Bride.
Here are the details ::
-Send her an email [aprilfosterevents(at)gmail.com] with Valentine Card Swap in the subject line by January 25th.
-Include your name, address, email address, and website/blog address [if you have one].
-April will email you up to 5 names and addresses to send cards to by January 28th.
-Be sure your cards are homemade - anything handmade goes.
-Please send cards out no later than February 9th.
Congrats to Laura + Pete, an October 2007 Pearls Events couple. They welcomed Jackson Giuseppe into their family early Monday morning. This little guy is completely adorable and I cannot wait to meet him.
Yesterday while going through my reader, three of my daily reads announced their brand spankin' new blogs. My, are they gorgeous! And my, how I am a teensy bit envious!
Molly, my favorite Milwaukee photographer of M Three Studio, launched her gorgeous new blog. Janie of The Bride's Cafe came out with a beautiful new site to go with her lovely posts. And of course Vane, of Brooklyn Bride, has a new modern look for her awesome content.
Show these ladies some blog love today!
Earlier this week, Jane Tomlinson of Ink Umbrella in Chicago, contacted me. I popped on over to her gorgeous website and started checking things out. Within minutes, I contacted her to let her know I'd love to ask her a few questions. I hope you enjoy our little Q+A. If you're shopping for invites, add Ink Umbrella to the list of websites to check out.
Pearls Events ::What is the story behind the name Ink Umbrella?
Jane :: Ink Umbrella is a double entendre. While it literally refers to a large scope of design services offered under one umbrella, I hold the other meaning near to my heart. Carrying around my trusty (yet very fashionable) umbrella at a party (it wasn't raining) sparked a conversation with a very cute redhead who later became my husband (and the best reason to design a wedding invitation!).
Pearls Events :: Why + when did you begin your stationery venture?
Jane :: Vying for a sense of accomplishment and a creative outlet from my corporate graphic design job, I began designing wedding and social invitations for friends and colleagues. As the word spread, requests began to pour in for my custom designs and I realized I'd found my niche. It's the perfect balance for my entrepreneurial spirit and passion for design. In 2006 I left my corporate job and Ink Umbrella Design became a full-time reality!
Pearls Events :: What is your favorite project you've worked on to-date?
Jane :: This is a hard question for me because each design I create becomes a passionate project for me. I just love that a wedding invitation can set the tone for the entire event. It lends itself to so much opportunity and I love to see photos from my client's weddings to see how the invitation translates to the rest of the day.
Pearls Events :: What inspires your designs?
Jane :: I am inspired by many simple things in nature and outdoors, unique shapes, textile patterns, colors, luxurious paper, vintage fashion, and pop culture.
Pearls Events :: How does a client work with you if they are not local?
Jane :: In today’s technologically savvy world, it's truly just as easy to work with a client in my backyard as it is a client on the other side of the country. The majority of the design process is shared electronically though PDFs and emails whether local or not so the only difference for out of town clients is that I arrange to send samples and hard copy proofs and schedule phone or email consultations instead of face-to-face meetings.
Pearls Events :: What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
Jane :: Days off??? That's a new concept for me! As a small business, I rarely have a work-free day, however, I do manage to find time for the occasional hiatus every now and then! I love to be outdoors (OK, maybe not right now since we're amidst Chicago's brutal winter...) but in the milder months you can find me on long walks with our golden retriever through Lincoln Park neighborhoods. I also love running, traveling, dinner parties, board games, antiquing, bargain-hunting and spending time with friends and family.
Pearls Events :: What's in your coffee cup?
Jane :: That's easy - always a Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks - my guilty pleasure. It keeps me bright-eyed throughout the day and into my unconventionally long hours burning the midnight oil!
On Monday we will be spotlighting Jane Tomlinson of Ink Umbrella. If you're shopping around for custom invites this weekend, check out their website. But be sure to stop by on Monday for Jane's Q+A with us.
Today I realized that Valentine's Day is right around the corner and it falls on a Saturday this year, which means more people make plans. Since there are many newly engaged brides-to-be out there, I thought it would be a fun time to host a tiny giveaway.
Up for grabs is an adorable red Pottery Barn notebook to keep in your purse. I use mine to write/sketch/doodle when inspiration hits and I'm out + about. UPDATE :: I will also throw in a TARGET giftcard so you can spoil your sweetheart (or yourself!).
All you need to do is leave a comment about your Valentine's Day plans for your chance to win. I will be picking one name at random on February 1st so I can get it to you by Valentine's Day.
You may remember me blogging about our rockstar readers back in October. Since then, I have watched the list grow (over there on the left...), and sometimes I recognize new readers, but other times, I do not. Last week Robyn's photo popped up as a new follower, so I went to explore her blog for the first time. I quickly realized I stumbled upon the talented, local calligrapher, Robyn Love Steele of Designs by Robyn Love.
In steps fate...
Days later, I received an urgent help! email from our day-of-coordination clients, Amy + Carlo. Since their March 7th wedding is quickly approaching, they needed a calligrapher with fast turnaround time. Amy contacted me, then contacted Robyn and within hours, had a plan of action.
If you are looking for a calligrapher, check out Robyn's gorgeous portfolio, then give her a call. She works with brides across the nation, so even if you're not local, do not hesitate to contact her.
I am head-over-heels for this invitation design by Zenadia Design--I especially love the luxurious turquoise satin ribbon. It's from the recent wedding of Kaytie and Matt's and you can see more images over on the Zenadia Design blog.
Wedding Paper Divas sent me some samples this week and I have to say that I am quite impressed. They use quality paper that feels wonderful and after looking at their website, I am also impressed with their pricing. They offer standard printing and luxurious letterpress wedding invitations, plus auxiliary items such as place cards, address labels, gift tags, and thank you notes. 
Even though winter in the Midwest equals bone chilling temperatures and snow so deep the mailman may not show up, it also means a cozy evenings at home, snow crunching under your step, and a little magic.
If Greg and I could have another go at our wedding day, I would definitely put December 31st on the table. There is something about the clock striking twelve on New Year's Eve that excites everyone. Add that anticipation to the excitement of a wedding, and you have one great party.
Lynell Shooks, of Lizzie Weddings had the opportunity to photograph the gorgeous New Year's Eve wedding of Tracy + Chip. It was held at The Amway Grand Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. Modern Day Floral created the amazing decor + flowers, and MiPhotoBooth was there too. And there was a special guest appearance by Plain White T's (below), who were playing at Grand Rapids' New Year's on the Grand. Sounds like a great party to me.
[all photos copyright Lizzie Weddings. click on the images to see them much larger]
Last week, I had the pleasure of experiencing Julie's skills firsthand as she gave me a much-needed makeover. I've been a diehard Clinique user since I can remember, however, I sat next to Julie at the recent MWEP meeting and realized I was living in the dark ages. By the end of the evening, I was begging for a new look!
Since Julie is a Chanel makeup artist, I had a feeling she'd suggest I use Chanel products, but on the contrary, she suggested the best products for my skin (and budget!) So, what's in my new bag? NARS foundation + blush, Boots No7 concealer, Stila eyeliner, The Body Shop mascara, Paula Dorf eye shadow and L'Oreal lip gloss. Total spent? Under $150, and worth every penny.
Not getting married but want a new look? Julie offers two-hour sessions for $95 per person which includes personalized application + lesson in techniques, application of daytime + evening makeup, product suggestions + dissection of your personal makeup assortment.
A huge thanks to Julie for helping me feel a bit more sassy in 2009!
[image copyright Amy Carroll Photography]
I received an email from the Pink Initiative team and wanted to spread the word about the raffle that Emilie of emilie inc photography is holding to fund awareness, outreach, education and research for breast cancer.
Mercury Pillar Holders, $9.99 - $19.99. Could use just about anyplace.
Silver-Plated Grosgrain Mat Frames, $12.99 - $22.99. In many colors, perfect for any wedding to display black + white photos of your family's wedding photos.
Capri Lantern, $34.99 - $69.99. These lend a classic, nautical feel.
Nickel-Top Jars, $14.99 - $24.99. These would be great for a retro candy buffet.
Black Feather Wreath, $24.99. Two of these on the doors of church will make quite a glamorous statement.
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