Happy Anniversary Mr. President/1st Lady

Today marks the 19th weddign anniversary for America's First Lady and President. WOW! What a recipe for longevity. These two are surely in for many more years of holy matrimony.

We're BAAAACCCKKKK!!!!!

I know, I know, I know...you've probably been wondering, whats the hold up on the blog writing. Well, our lives have been pretty hectic making the world all the more beautiful, but...never fear...I PROMISE to do better! (smile) So buckle your seat belts and get ready to explore the wonderful world of the FAMLT Special Events blog.

Happy 1st Anniversary To The Eppersons!

We at FAMLT Events would like to wish one of our 2010 couples a HAPPY Anniversary! Last fall, we had the priveledge to work with Mr. & Mrs. Gregory and Edith Epperson. As expected they were a very chic couple and a joy to work with so we HAD to share our FAV pic of Edith making her breath taking walk down the aisle before hundreds of guests. We wish the two, many more years of wedded bliss!

Happy Anniversary to One of Our Fab Couples

WOW...we cant believe it has already been ONE year! We LOVE to let our couples SHINE, not only on their special day but also on our website forever! awwwwww...we know, we know...sweet huh? Last March, Candi & Abe Phillips entrusted 'For A Moment Like This' Special Events with handling all of the details of their wedding day from start to finish. I've never seen a couple so trusting, so we couldnt let them down, we HAD to deliver our best! Not only was everything just PERFECT, it proved to be a memorable event for us as well. We wish them many more happy years to come and we are thankful for the opportunity to get them down the aisle last year. Enjoy these pictures as we walk down memory lane......

Love At First BITE...The Coutour Cookie Bar

My love for cookies really had me craving some milk and chocolate chip sweeties this morning, but then a bell went off in my SPIRIT! IM GOING TO NEED A COOKIE BAR AT MY NEXT EVENT!!!! I am astounded with the idea of a cute lil martini glass and a cookie hanging in the balance...BLISS, thus I decided to share this great idea with my readers and PRAY that you all wont judge me for having a sweet tooth and subjecting my guests to have one as well. I mean, who WOULDNT love to get a small glass of milk and a cookie during cocktail hour at a wedding or during a cute debutante ball for girls? I know I would! So enjoy this sweet treat and be sure to call us at 'For A Moment Like This' Special Events to lay it out for you...please expect us to eat a few in the process.lol

Heart ya,

The Ultimate Consultant

Jumping The Broom

Wow...how BEAUTIFUL! There is nothing more special than tailoring your wedding day to fit your specific culture. One way of doing so in the African American culture is by 'Jumping The Broom.' The tradition of 'Jumping The Broom' originated in Africa, and was brought to the Americas by slaves that were not legally allowed to marry. Slaves were not privy to having large ornate ceremonies or sometimes not even an ordained officiant, thus they would decorate a sweeping broom with flowers, place it on the ground, hold hands, and jump over it at the same time. The broom would then be placed in the cabin of the couple as a reminder of their bond. This was special, because it was their very own 'I now pronounce you'...moment straight from the motherland.
The jumping of the broom is said to symbolize the sweeping away of all former things, and starting love anew with your spouse. I think this is AMAZING and ORGANIC.
Today, many couples pay homage to their ancestors by jumping over the broom after the wedding ceremony or as they walk into the reception and are introduced to their guests. Regardless, what place you choose to put it into your ceremony, it will surely add for a delightful addition.

The Engagement Party Replacement...Save The Dates

Back in the day...and I do mean BACK. lol When a couple became engaged it was customary to have a celebration in order to 'Publicly Announce' your upcoming marriage. Well Im sorry to inform you but....the engagement party in 2011 is almost POINTLESS! Technology has taken the place of the party. Unless its a surprise proposal party then the guests that attend already KNOW of your engagement. And lets face it folks, the economy just isnt what it used to be. Please dont get me wrong, if its absolutely necessary for you to kick off your engagement with a party just to announce your upcoming wedding, then by all means, do what you like. But please, I am begging you to keep in mind that an event of this nature can NOT have all of the 'fat trimmed off.' You MUST go luxe or go home. Why host a party that is cheaply done and give your guests the impression that your wedding will be along the same lines? Its too big of a risk. And if you are ANYTHING like me, Im a girl that was born with GLITTER in my veins and would like to have a bridal shower, wedding shower, bachelorette party, etc....dont PLAGUE your close friends with having to feel as if they have to continually GIFT you until you say 'I Do.'
Now days most couples forego having an engagement party and opt for more controlled and affordable ways to give loved ones a first PEEK into their engagement by starting wedding websites as well as sending out posh Save The Date Cards. I must admit...Save The Date Cards EXCITE me!!! I love love love the ones that feature pictures of the love birds from a couples photo session. It does my heart good to look in my mailbox and pull out something PRETTY! Recently, I received one such pretty in the mail from a college friend that I am assisting with a long distance wedding in Wisconsin...I was FLOORED by how her wedding date 9-10-11 is now STUCK in my head. I said all of that to say this...dont LIMIT yourself to sharing the excitment of your love with only the guests that can make it to an engagement party, instead, SPREAD the love economically by looking into wedding websites and Save The Date cards. Trust me....it's a great investment! check out the weddingpaperdivas.com for these pretties featured here.

Baby Shower Inspiration

I LOVE spring time! This is the time of year when a lot of new things arrive on the scene...flowers...butterflies...you get the idea.lol This is also my FAV time of year for showers. Theres NOTHING like having a good party in celebration of a new milestone in a loved ones life. So since I'm in a showering mood, I decided to shower my beloved readers with baby goodness! Get your umbrellas out! The teal/chocolate zebra giraffe combo for a baby shower was irresistible and I couldnt help but put a few things together for ya. The lemonade packages were just TOO chic. Hope this INSPIRES!

The NEW Baby Shower Conversation Piece

Sorry mommies...but the new center of attraction at baby showers now-a-days may be a tough competition between you..and...the diaper cake. I know, I know, I know, kinda sad huh? But pretty showers require pretty things. And there is nothing we as women like to do at showers more than ohhhh and ahhhh. So its IMPERATIVE that you deliver not only the baby, but the ohhhhing and ahhhing dynamic! Diaper cakes are becoming a new fad. Not only are they usable AFTER the shower, they create a pretty centerpiece for your gift table. They can be as simple or elaborately decorated as you please. We here at FAMLT Events create pretty diaper cakes to your specifications. If you can dream it up, we can whip it up! We have featured Jungle and Tahitian themed diaper cakes for those mommies that are hosting 'out of the box' baby showers soon. Contact us for your diaper or towel cake needs.

The Perfect Bridal Shower Gift

Okay soooo Spring is almost here and with it usually come a LOT of bridal showers. If you are anything like me, you are ALWAYS stumped about finding the PERFECT gift for the bride. My mind always races between questions like, 'Whats appropriate? What would she like to have? Will this be a gift that can serve her well into her marriage?' So, for those of us that are OBSSESED with gifting correctly, I have found a solution! Yes...I did.lol www.beau-coup.com features BEAUTIFUL jewelry boxes, that they engrave with the name of the bride or her new initials. This is a SPLENDID idea for a gift. I got EXCITED when I saw how feminine and gorgeous these jewelry boxes are. Check em out!

Love Is In the Air!

Happy Valentine's Day Readers!!!!!! This is my FAV holiday and of course today may mean something far more special for many of you. Valentine's Day usually brings with it the quintessential bling..yes...engagement rings. How exciting! Now I KNOW that this is such an exciting time for many soon to be brides and I know that you are anxious to choose flowers and bridal party members, but I have one simple request.....DONT DO ANYTHING! I know it sounds weird for a wedding professional to encourage newly engaged couples to NOT PLAN, but hey, you want the truth dont you? In my professional opinion, couples should wait at LEAST 30 days until they start the planning process. This will give you an opportunity to bask in the glory of each other before the chaos begins. It will also give you and everyone else surrounding you a moment to prioritize. So please, I repeat please, take your hands off of the wedding! And back away slowly!
You will have plenty of time to fret over wedding details after your month grace period. You'll feel more confident in your decisions, less worried, and able to think more clarivoyently when the planning does in fact begin. On another note, when you DO begin your wedding planning..leave it to us at For A Moment Like This Events...and leave the worrying to us.

Portraits of The Ultimate Consultant

If you know me..you know that I am VERY particular, detail oriented, and image conscience. I know I know...I can be a tad bit anal. smile. But when I ran across the FLAWLESS work of one of Pine Bluff, Arkansas' young, hot, photographers I HAD to set up an appointment immediately. Needless to say, Terrance Mitchell of PB Creationz took my beautiful and amped it up 10 notches...even I didnt know I was so adorable.lol So I decided to share my elation with all of my readers by posting a few pics to this blogspot for your enjoyment. Feel free to contact him for your photography needs at 870-413-2180 or visit him on Facebook under PBCREATIONZ Graphic, Photography, & Web Design

Post Wedding Brunch

The Post Wedding Brunch is a fun way to spend a little more intimate time with a few of your wedding guests on Sunday morning before they depart. The Brunch is usually quaint and limited to the bridal party as well as close relatives. It is held between the hours of 10:30 and 12:00 noon on the morning after the wedding reception. Not only will this event serve as a farewell to your guests but also as an opportunity for family and friends to be introduced and connect over pancakes and chicken...yummo! A wonderful touch would be for the Aunts & Uncles of the couple to sponsor/host the event. This way, they will feel apart of the planning process as well. For those couples that have opted out of having a rehearsal dinner BEFORE the wedding, this may be for you. As well as those couples that want to make a complete weekend out of sharing their happiness and would like to keep the good times rolling..this may be a great option for you as well. Oh and dont forget to send an invite to your Wedding Planner..we like hashbrowns and sausage too! lol

Custom Card Boxes For Any Occasion

These breathtaking beauties make me want to RUN to the nearest store and select a card for any occasion, address it to MYSLEF, just so that I can have the delight of owning a BEAUTIFUL box! When I saw the feathers and rhinestones on them I was SOLD! *sorry...I was born with glitter in my veins* These are PERFECT for weddings AND birthdays! GORGEOUS. Visit customcardboxes.com so that you can fall in love with their work the same way I just did!

The OMG Wedding...

Now that the dust has settled and all of the nation's wedding planning pros have calmed ourselves down...it is now time for me to address the Real Housewives of Atlanta Cynthia Bailey's Season Finale wedding....now first off I just want to make it clear that I wish Cynthia and Peters union the best. WELL NOW THAT THAT IS OUT OF THE WAY....time for some REAL talk...lol
The ENTIRE time that Cynthia was going through the wedding planning process I held my breath and clutched my beloved pearls. Her approach was ENTIRELY wrong, hence the tears and stress that were MORE than evident in the days and moments leading up to the wedding. First mistake, she did not hire a PROFESSIONAL wedding planner to take care of all of the details. Had she selected a good wedding firm to take care of her wedding, the blowups and breakdowns would have been kept to a quiet minimum by the staff. She obviously confused her fashion stylist with a wedding planner...BIG DIFFERENCE.
A professional Wedding planner is an INVESTMENT...we are as necessary as having cake at the reception. And I STRONGLY use the word professional...would you let someone pull your tooth if they weren't a REAL dentist? How about letting someone give you a major surgery if they were just INTERESTED in medicine yet they aren't a Dr.? OF COURSE NOT, so why would you leave the biggest day of your life in the hands of amateur family members that 'decorate their Christmas Trees nicely' or folks that only moonlight with weddings? Not a good idea. Having a sense of style is not the ONLY thing a wedding planner worth thier salt needs to possess. Planning events is NOT for the faint of heart.
It hurt my heart to see Cynthia in tears, frantic, confused, and broke while wedding planning. I even noticed that she had a full board of To-Do's that are usually DONE by a wedding planner. Her budgeting woes were HUGE but could have been tamed by a good planner that has SEEN IT ALL and DONE IT ALL. The lack of bridesmaids dresses as well as the mislocation of the marriage license were all things that could have been avoided...Cynthia's OMG wedding should serve as a lesson to ALL soon-to-be brides....A good planner can work with ANY budget. Leaving your wedding to chance will leave a bitter taste in your bridal mouth. Hiring a wedding planner will be one of the BEST things you can do for your wedding, your guests, and your SANITY.

Strut Bridal Salon

I ran across such a WONDERFUL website for plus sized brides! Strut is a gorgeous bridal gown boutique located in Phoenix, AZ with wedding gown samples starting at size 16, Strut Bridal Salon lovingly supports and caters to the plus size bride with sample sizes to 32, so we’re sure to help you find the wedding dress of your dreams.

From sassy to traditional, simple to sophisticated, they carry a large selection of wedding dress brands in today’s latest styles. With a variety of designers and gowns from $400 - $2500. As a plus size woman myself, I was very impressed with the calibur and quality of gowns displayed. Every larger girl has a little anxiety about obtaining a fashionable and complimentary gown for her big day just like women of a smaller stature....but oftentimes, the inevitable happens....the plus size gown selection will be very limited, matronly, or too *ahem* mature for the young sassy bride. The folks at Strut have risen to the occasion and serve as a flagship bridal boutique for the girl who has a little more to love. Check out the website at www.strutbridalsalon.com Ladies...STRUT your stuff.

An Old SOUTHERN Tradition....The 'Sip & See' Shower

After viewing a recent episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and watching Phaedra Parks-Nida host a 'Sip & See' Shower for her newborn son Ayden Adonis, many viewers posed the question...what the HECK is a 'Sip & See'? Now of course, being a southern belle myself, I immediately knew what Phaedra was doing and was happy to see such an old southern tradition revived on a national stage.
A "sip and see" is an intimate type of baby shower that can be thrown as a full baby shower or an open house. If it is thrown as an open house, you give a time frame in which guests can come and enjoy the new baby and give well wishes. Guests can mingle with each other and enjoy the refreshments provided. When it is thrown as an open house, it can be thrown by the parents of the new baby or hosted by a friend or family member. Gifts are not required, but most guests bring a gift as a token of friendship.
If it is thrown as a Sip and See Baby Shower, it is a little more like a traditional baby shower, but with less games. Since it is an actual baby shower, there is a hostess involved. It is more casual and both the baby and the mom are the center of attention.
Since 'Sip & Sees' are relatively considered highly classy, I have attached a few cute pics of favors that can assist in making the 'Sip & See' all the more memorable. Shoot me a message for ordering details. Kisses!

The Ultimate Consultant

Birth Announcement Chocolate

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Winter is surely in FULL affect around these parts. And well...we ALL know that after snowstorms, LOTS of babies are born nine months later. smile. So in celebration of the soon to be born 2011 babies, I wanted to find a cute lil shower favor or a trinket that could be shared with everyone you know. Thats right...you guessed it....BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT CHOCOLATES! I found these cuties at www.nicepricefavors.com. Not only are they cute, but they are delish as well. Hershey's is great! Now the great thing is...FAMLT can produce your custom chocolate birth announcement bars for a great price. Call us today!

Beautiful Wedding Songs!

I know that many couples mull over what to add to their wedding playlist. The soundtrack to your special day should be memorable as well as a direct reflection of your coupledom. From playing 'YOUR song' to having the band strike up a beautiful classic that will get your entire guest list on the dance floor, your wedding should have great romantic music! Whether you are trendy or more refined, here are some of our FAMLTE favs for your walk up and down the aisle, your first dance, or even a special Valentines Day playlist:

You're Just Too Good To Be True-Lauryn Hill
You and I-Stevie Wonder
Loving You-Minnie Ripperton
As-Stevie Wonder
Sweet Love-Anita Baker
When I First Saw You-Jamie Foxx & Beyonce
I Never Knew Love Like This Before-Stephanie Mills
So High-John Legend
Giving Myself-Jennifer Hudson
My Latest, Greatest Inspiration-Teddy Pendergrass
When All Is Said And Done-Beyonce
Here & Now-Luther Vandross
Ribbon In the Sky-Stevie Wonder
Overjoyed-Stevie Wonder
At Last-Etta James
Im Gonna Be Ready-Yolonda Adams
Because You Loved Me-Celine Dion
Golden-Chrisette Michelle
Endless Love-Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
When I Fall in Love-Nat King Cole
Spend My Life With You-Tamia & Eric Benet
I'm Ready-Alicia Keys
I Dont Want To Miss A Thing-Aerosmith
This Will Be An Everlasting Love-Natalie Cole
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Im Yours-Stevie Wonder

The Ultimate Dessert Party

Now now now...I KNOW that some of us are a bit timid when it comes to stepping outside of the 'hotwing and cheese dip' party food but I was recently speaking with a dear friend of mine and we were discussing have a Pretty Party (our slang for a girls night) for a jusicy episode of the Real Housewives phenomenon. We want to step outside of the traditional parties and have something fun and cute, thus we came up with two options...a Breakfast for Dinner Party...hmmmmm interesting....and of course...a party that boasts a Dessert Bar! I of course chose the Dessert Party...how unique and fun?! Just imagine serving the cutest little slices of pecan pie as well as decadent molten lava chocolate cake...I think I just zoned out for a moment. smile. Of course for those of us who are a bit more health oriented, serving fresh fruits would be great with lowfat creams.
The trick to making your Dessert Party interesting would certainly lie in the large variety of sweeties as well as in the LAYOUT of the dessert table. Creating layers is essential to a bakery shop style ambiance. Also feel free to place ice cream, mousse, or even fondue and pudding in classy martini style or shot glasses.
And lastly...create cute chinese take out containers that will allow your guests to take a little slice of heaven home with them! Bon appetit'!