Saturday, December 15, 2012

Meet Me At The Altar Saturday - Hanging



Sometimes it's not what's on the sides of you, it is what's above.  This amazing concoction of hanging fabric is the perfect contrast to this otherwise simple space.  The Wow factor is a 10!
Would you consider having hanging altar decor?

Aretha

Friday, December 14, 2012

The Show Will Go On

When I first heard of the news that Capella Court Gardens and Alexander Mansion closed ubruptly, leaving several couples without the venue they paid for, I was stunned, saddened, and then quite upset.

As a wedding vendor, I take my role in the most important time in a couples' life very seriously.  I truly cannot believe that anyone would have the heart to literally dissapear and the night without so much as a courtesy call to its clients. 

You can read about the details of the story here

What has brought me joy is to see all of the wedding vendors really stepping up to help these couples in their time of need.  We, here at An Adams Original have decided to offer free wedding planning services to all of the couples that had weddings scheduled at either Capella or Alexander Mansion between now and the end of January 2013.  We understand that now, more than ever, the stress has piled on, but we want to make sure couples can still find some peace and joy in their upcoming nuptials. 

We also want to give you a few tips on what to do if you are one of the couples impacted by this terrible situation:

1. File a police report with the City of Carrollton or the City of Garland, depending on the venue you selected.

2. Contact the Texas Attorney General's Office to file a complaint - they are currently investing, so make sure your story is documented.

3. If you paid by credit card, whether recently or months ago, submit a detailed written dispute to your credit card company.  Send it by certified mail.  If you paid recently it should be fairly easy for you to get a refund.  If you paid months ago, it may take longer, but under the "Truth in Lending Act" you should be able to recover your funds.

4. Check your wedding insurance to see what remedies are available to your for other vendor issues as a result of this fiasco.

5. Breathe. Rest in the comfort that the show will go on - you will marry the love of your life, and this will not stop you.

We wish you all the best!

Aretha

Monday, December 10, 2012

Meet The Planner Mondays - Introduction

Over the next several weeks I want to shed a bit more light onto who I am as an event planner and designer. While I love beautiful things and well executed events, I also have many layers to what makes me, me.

For starters...Hi!  My name is Aretha and I've been planning and designing events for almost 10 years now.  I started young, so don't start thinking of me as an old woman.  I'm relishing in my early thirties and don't want to rush one day of this joyous ride.

In addition to starting in the planning world early, I also started my family at a young age with the birth of my daughter.  She is now 14 years old and navigating her first year of high school, quite sucessfully I might add. She is one of two lights of my life.  She keeps me on my toes with her sometimes teenager antics, but I love every second because she is an amazing person - smart, kind, athletic and beautiful.

The other light of my life and foundation to everything is my amazing husband.  He is strength everyday and his love continues to be awe inspiring.  It was him that inspired me to turn what was once a "side project" into An Adams Original.  Since the day we had the serious talk about me really diving head first into what I love so much, I haven't looked back and he's been supportive and encouraging every step of the way.

Knowing how much my husband and daughter mean to me, is to get a glimpse into who I am.  My family is the most important thing to me.  They are the most beautiful things in my life; more beautiful than the most georgously decorated wedding guest table (and, I have some georgous creations, lol).


More to come next week...

Aretha

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Meet Me At The Altar Saturday - Love Story

As a book lover, this altar makes me smile.  While this is done very casually and quite laid back, there is beauty in this altar, and it fits perfectly with the simplicity of this couple's attire.

The same general idea could be excuted more upscale for a themed wedding that is focusing on the "story of your love."



Aretha

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Empire State of Wedding




In case you haven't yet heard, the ever amazing Preston Bailey has teamed up with the Empire State Building to kick off the 19th Annual Empire State Building's Valentine's Day Wedding Contest.

The contest is appropriately named "Love is in the Air," and this is your chance to be apart of the few who can say their vows atop the iconic Empire State Building.

Head over to the Empire State Building's Facebook page and tell them your love story...that's all you have to do.  Make it good, so you can win!

Aretha

Monday, December 3, 2012

Tis' The Season To Get Engaged

Engagement season has officially begun...let the planning and wedding brain begin!

For over a decade now, guys have decided to pop the question between Thanksgiving and Valentines Day.   I think it's sweet. After all the holiday season is all about love and family, so what better time to ask your love to become your family...forever!

Here is some finger candy for all those ladies anticipating the question over the next few months...


The Emerald Cut diamond has become more popular over the past few years.  While it doesn't give the sparkle of the more round cuts, it is nonetheless dramatic and stunning.  When added to an ornate band like this one, it is breathtaking.




This darling pear shaped beauty isn't reserved solely for Katherine Heigl or her celebrity friends; you could very well have this beauty on your finger after he pops the big question.  And, do I even need to mention the level of fabulous on this halo?!?!  I didn't think so.


Who says all engagement rings have to be diamonds??  Not me...I am in love with this pearl solitaire surrounding my just enough diamonds to satisfy the girl with the bling fetish. I absolutely see this ring standing the test of time. Say it with me - Classic!


Ok, before not I hadn't drooled.  I'm all for the platinum and white gold bands, but this yellow gold band encrusted with yellow diamonds is a pure beauty.  It is the perfect mix of old and new, and it gives the best feeling of vintage chic!  Too bad I'm in love with my ring and would never trade it in...But if I did, I'd love this!



Ok girls, pull yourselves together and get ready to put on your shock face when you see your equally beautiful engagment ring as the love of your life asks you to spend the rest of your days by his side.

And, don't forget contact me for all of your wedding planning needs!

Aretha

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Meet Me At The Altar - Architecture



Happy Saturday!  In honor of wedding day around the world, here is the latest installment of "Meet Me At The Altar."  A sure fire way to make sure you wow your guests (and even yourselves) is to choose a location with unique, bold, and breathtaking architecture!  This altar is everything right now!






Enjoy the rest of the weekend!


Aretha