Honeymoon edition of Shoes Day Tuesday

The day after my wedding I didn't even recognize my feet. They were swollen with blisters and hurt so bad! I couldn't wait to go to Mexico and wear flip flops for 95% of the trip. My little sister Taylor, who is fifteen, spent her own money to buy me some Just Married flip flops, so they were extra special for me. When we got to the beach I was hopping around like a bunny trying to get the perfect imprint for a picture (I'm sure I looked ridiculous). I wouldn't recommend wearing them shopping because they weren't very comfortable but they were perfect for the beach.

$7.99 at Jo Ann Fabrics. They also have them for the groom in black.

All my attemps in one photo haha

For a little more money you can have a bedazzled pair. They may even be more comfortable.

http://www.weddings2go.co.uk/Details.cfm?ProdID=375

Sugar Inc.

I was on yahoo the other day and saw a headline about a new show coming to the food network called “Cupcake Wars”, since cupcakes have become such a big trend for weddings I clicked to read more. To my surprise the article was interviewing Ava the owner of Sugar Inc. whose shop is down the street from me in downtown Dublin. I immediately gave Ava a call and was thrilled when she agreed to do a Q&A for the blog.
According to the Food Network Web site, "Cupcake Wars" pits cupcake makers against one another and judges decide who gets a chance to make cupcakes for a Hollywood event. After trying Ava’s cupcakes myself I think she has a good chance at winning. They were amazing! The icing was as light as cool whip but the flavor was rich and dense. I tried the mini-versions which allowed me to try more flavors. All the cupcakes are organic and the ingredients come from local growers. ($1.50 each, Large are $3.75). Sugar Inc. isn’t just a cupcake salon it also serves Red Bamboo Teas, smoothies, and now lunch.

Q. I read that you are from Hilo, Hawaii and came to Ohio based on a scholarship you received from Ohio State. How did you go from a chemical engineer student to cupcake maker?
A. I was studying cancer researcher. Baking was a fun break for me to get out of the 16 hour days in the lab and relieve some stress.

Q. Where did you learn to bake?
A. My Nana back in Hawaii. I can use to get home sick when I was at school and baking helped with that.

Q. Cupcakes have become a popular trend for weddings these days. Since you do both wedding cupcakes and cakes how far in advance do you suggest brides start looking for their baker?
A. It varies; smaller bakers tend to book up fast. I've booked as close as two weeks before. But, I suggest as far in advance as possible.

Q. What makes Sugar Inc. stand out from all other bakeries in Columbus?
A. All our cupcakes are 100% organic and come our ingredients come from local growers.. We have over 100 flavors and we now have gluten-free offerings. Our variety extends from Classic Chocolate, Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla to unique Fig Goat Cheese, Tomato Basil, or Almond Green Tea.
Our icing is unique as well because it’s not butter cream. People love our icing!
Q. On an average week how many cupcakes do you eat?
A. Quality control!!!
Q. What is your favorite cupcake flavor at the moment?
A. Horchata. They take 2 days to make but are worth the work.

Q. If you are chosen to compete on “Cupcake Wars” you will be judged on taste, presentation, and execution. Part of the challenge is making a 1,000 cupcakes display. What is your record so far in the amount of cupcakes you've made in a single day?
A. 700.
Q. If you were a cupcake, what flavor would you be?
A. Tropical Delight.
Q. What can we expect in the future from Sugar Inc?
A. We are starting a cupcake truck! It will be available for home and business deliveries, rentals, and corporate events.

Sugar Inc.Cupcakes is located at 39 N. High St., Dublin, OH 43017. Phone: 614.389.3459. There is free parking behind the shop and free Wi-Fi throughout the dining room. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11am to 9pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm. http://www.sugarinccupcakes.com/
Special thanks to Ava for taking the time to talk with me and good luck with the show. We’ll all be rooting for you!!

Photos by Danielle Richardson Photography http://www.daniellerichardsonphotography.com/

Dorothy inspired Tuesday Shoes Day!!

When I was a little girl and saw Dorothy's red shoes in Wizard of Oz I had to be her for Halloween. From the time I put on those sparkly ruby reds at age 6 I was hooked on red shoes. It doesn't matter if you're wearing them with your wedding dress or a pair of skinny jeans, the color pops!

In 1939 the Wizard of Oz gave us the shoes that inspired it all.

These shoes by Pura Lopez are perfect for a wedding or evening pump.

http://www.puralopez.com/

License to Wed workshop

Last month I had the privilege of going to North Carolina to attend the License to Wed workshop put on by the amazing Ivy Robinson. You cannot believe how much I learned in just two days! I was given an assignment to expand my portfolio by planning a “couples” wedding when I got back home. I immediately called my good friend Ashley from Henry Photography; we have been talking about doing a mock up for months so this was perfect timing.

This mock up had a little bit of everything. Sarah (the bride) is from the south and she wanted a southern feel to make her feel more at home, which is why the location of choice was Bryn Du Mansion. Mark (the groom) is an architect and very detail oriented and prefers simple streamlined décor which is what we achieved in the table setting. Their color pallet was purple and yellow with green and silver accents. If you are trying to figure out a way to bring more of your color pallet out during your wedding, try a signature cocktail! I chose a Purple Avalanche martini served with a slice of lemon for this particular wedding. It’s another fun way to be creative.

Have your signature drinks served during cocktail hour to add some fun and color.

The Berzillea inside the napkin ring was such a small detail but added so much to the whole look.

Boronia and Daffodils were used in the center of the tables.

If you are looking for a natural earthy centerpiece the Boronia is a good choice. Making a switch to a different vase gave the table a whole new vibe.

Serving cupcakes with added detail is another great way to be creative.

Add a thank you note to your guests or a card with your new initials.

A special thanks to Shari at Bella Floral Designs for being a part of this, she did an amazing job with these unique flower choices. If you are still in need of a florist I would highly recommend checking her out. http://www.bellabouquets.com/

Enough credit can’t be given to Ashley at Henry Photography. She photographed my wedding and we’ve been friends since grade school so obviously she is a favorite. But personal relationship aside she really is an amazing talent. http://www.henryphotography.com/

Shoes Day Tuesday

This blog wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have a post about shoes. It would be too hard to pick just one pair so I’ve decided to do it weekly! One week I might blog about a fantastic pair of Manolos and the next on a fabulous find at Target. My shoe-day will be every Tuesday since it rhymes. I counted last night and I own 57 pair of shoes so to kick off my shoe-day-Tuesday I'll share with you one of them, my wedding shoes!

I loved my wedding shoes so much they have now become a décor piece on the bookshelf in my office. Grazia is the shoe designer and Valentine is the specific shoe name. You can purchase these shoes at Bridal & Formal in Cincinnati or online http://www.lezustore.com/Grazia-Valentine-Silk-Peep-Toe-Bridal-Pumps-p/graziashoesvalentine.htm

These shoes come in white, ivory, black, and chocolate brown.

I added my new initials and my wedding date to the bottom of my shoes for my something blue.

Have you heard the expression "pain is beauty"?

As much as I love these shoes, my feet hurt! Be sure to add a Dr. Scholl's insert.

http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/forher/insolesandinserts.jsp

Jason and Mollys wedding

If you don’t already know me then I have to confess I’m a huge fan of the bachelor, I have watched all the seasons and am not ashamed. Do I think reality tv is where people find their true love? No, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be thoroughly entertained by some of the crazy ladies they have on there. Last night Jason and Molly’s wedding aired on abc, it took place at the beautiful Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. There were so many stunning details in this wedding, one of them not being the rain. (From one bride whose hair got ruined on her wedding day to another, it doesn’t matter.) Let’s start with that dress! Custom made by the fabulous Monique Lhuiller, the strapless white high tailed mermaid gown was covered in handmade roses and required 200 hours of work at a price tag of $45,000. She then paired the dress with the second stunner of the night…her shoes! They were a twist off the classic Manolo Blanik (pictured below) Molly’s were custom made green with peacock accenting on the back. They were served to her on a platter which is how I believe all shoes should be served. To top off her look she wore jewelry by Neil Lane and hair perfected by celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves.
They did not show as many details at the reception as I would have liked but Lara Beth Eden and End Design’s customized the table settings, Vanilla Bake Shop did a four tier square cake, and my favorite part from the reception was hearing Gavin DeGraw sing for their first dance. If you’re still looking for a song for your first dance take a listen to “Follow Through.”
As a planner I have to say there should always be a plan B for rain, if you don’t want to move inside then a tent at least needs to be on backup. All and all their wedding planner Jo Gartin did a good job on the million dollar wedding.

Available in many colors $715 at http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

For more pictures and details check out OK magazine this week.

Welcome

After a year in business I finally have a blog! Being a wedding planner has been a dream of mine since grade school and to be living my dream out is surreal. Through this blog I’ll show you my work through my client’s weddings, mock-ups, and I’ll keep you updated on the latest trends. Some of the things I love more than anything in this world are…my husband, my family, my dog Brody, and SHOES! Not always in that order (just kidding babe). My love for them inspires me as well so I’m sure I’ll blog about them from time to time. I’m very excited to be adding the MMJ Blog to the website, please check back often and leave some comments; I’d love to hear what you think.