{prepare2wed} cake toppers

So in my web surfing sometimes I find the most curious items..and so I thought today I would share  one of my latest finds of unique cake toppers! Enjoy!

Courtesy of Rock and Roll Bride

{blessed2be} pet life lessons

Ruby courtesy of Ivy Studios

As I was browsing through magazines to throw out, I found a really great article about pets. Now, if you follow me on facebook, then you have seen the wonderful pics that Ivy Studios did for me and my girls- Ruby &  Pearl.


The premise was about the life lessons we could learn from our pets...here's my version..


 Just being present is enough. Your pets dont have to say anything for you to know that they are there to comfort you. They want to be close, and unlike humans will never wonder how to find the right words. In life, often we dont know how to take care of our friends and loved ones..but more often then not, they just need to know you are there!

Pearl

Don't try so hard. Cats and dogs often go thru their own day with little thought to clamoring for acceptance like humans do. While dogs work for affection from a few loved ones, humans really work on a larger scale always seeking the approval of others and in turn losing a lot of the focus on what it is that truly makes them happy!


You can get along with anyone. The expression "fight like cats and dogs" is actually really far from reality. We all have seen all the crazy you tube videos of gorillas taking care of cats, Cats nursing orphan puppies, etc.  Many animal species are very open and accepting of obvious differences in the animal kingdom. We can take a big lesson here in tolerance!


And I saved the best for last, CELEBRATE EVERYTHING. Your pets are just excited for you to walk through the door. They are excited when you throw a ball, over joyed when you get up in the morning, and can't wait to take another car ride. Life will always present us with challenges- its a series of peaks and valleys. We should all take the time to celebrate all the small things that make our lives so great!


Cheers to our pets, the wisest creatures we know!

{prepare2wed} beauty prep for your wedding

Browsing through the latest in bridal prep, I came across this little ditty from Real Simple magazine..I have to say I heart Laura Mercier products. If you haven't had a chance to sample- run not walk to your closest Sephora .

My favorite these days are tinted moisturizers with SPF.  LM has a great illuminated that will add the glow that every bride wants to have on her wedding day!

{times2celebrate} fifth anniversary

It was this month...five years ago.....meant2be events signed our very first client! Happy FIFTH anniversary to us! Your fifth anniversary is silverware!


Thank you again to Kristin and Jason for putting your faith in me!

{soon2bes} erin & mike: an urban engagement shoot

I wanted to give a shot out to one of my fav May clients Erin & Mike! Just had a chance to drool over some photos from their engagement shoot done by the ever so talented Shelly Ivy of Ivy Studios! Rock stars!

busted with the spray can ..I think the likeness is uncanny! Gotta love the downtown phoenix wedding scene!

train movin' just as fast as their planning...we are right around the corner from their big day!

 

 

 They have much to celebrate- Mike is in the military and is coming home for good soon! Just in time to walk down the aisle! Congrats

{not2miss} Jenny & Marcus at Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center

Happiest of Anniversaries to Marcus and Jenny who through love and laughter had one of the most memorable ceremonies I have ever seen! Cheers to you...and thank you Marcus for the kindest words!

My wedding was beautiful, some months later now and people are still going on how beautiful everything was. I had nothing to do with it. I just let Regina do all the work, gave my input when asked, and I couldn't have asked for a better looking reception. The best part of having Regina, aside from the great looking wedding, was that I got to see the whole wedding like the guests get to see it. I didn't have to do any of the behind-the-scenes stuff that would have detracted from the illusion. It was like everyone was throwing me and my new wife a very extravagant party, and every need was catered to. 

And a special thanks to Debbie at Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center, The Event Essentials, Garage by Ivy, My fantastic Opera Singers, and of course the beautiful pictures by Mandy Hank!

{blessed2be} the biology of M2B

It's the terrible 2s! That's right...how far the company has come in such a short time! Just two years ago, I went independant with Meant2Be Events ! In that time, I have been honored in creating 35+ weddings and  10+ corporate events! Rock on with my bad self!

So while making plans to celebrate my 2 year old birthday, I wonder what makes us who we are? How can I celebrate a beautiful beginning and not perfectly have defined its progression?  Is it destiny?  Luck? How about biology? Let's explore.

DESTINY. Is my path in life in the stars lined with candles, adorned with chandeliers, and created with the finest in crocodile skin? Is it cosmic that I love to plan parties that people drool over? Is it fate that I have an eye for all things "bling"? Is there a planet in my house of Glam? Well , I cannot say for certain. But here is what I do know about this matter.

I am a Capricorn. In my research this is what I have found on Astrology.com

Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac, is all about hard work. Those born under this sign are more than happy to put in a full day at the office, realizing that it will likely take a lot of those days to get to the top.  Capricorns are both ambitious and determined: they will get there. The Capricorn-born are extremely dedicated to their goals, almost to the point of stubbornness. Those victories sure smell sweet, though, and that thought alone will keep Capricorns going. They are attracted to luxurious purchases despite their practicality. Capricorns are loyal to those they deem important, almost to a fault. A capricorn is also a foodie, and suffers from addictions to  spas, travel and wine.

Ok, so I added the last part. Pretty much this is saying that because my mom had me in January- I am a stubborn project manager who loves loves nice things. So far...destiny has a pretty good argument for M2B's successs...onward.

LUCK. Well this one is easy. If you believe in luck, well, you have just given all your power away. My philosophy has worked for me for many years now. Take ALL the Responsibilty and you will NEVER be powerless in creating a life you want.  One of my favorite quotes is by Thomas Jefferson: I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.

That being said, I still feel there is a pinch of "magic" in successful ventures big and small.

So maybe its biology. There is a difference between people who are left brain and right brain dominant. Here is a quiz for you to see which half of your brain is on vacation.
So my results came up pretty even on this quiz (15L/16R) so I found another one 
That test is of a dancer that is turning and based on which way she turns in your head is how you can tell if you are right brain or left brain or maybe drunk...I'm not really sure how anyone could see it anyway other then clockwise... but so far in two tests I am right brain dominant.....

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS ( I have noted my thoughts on this in parantheses)

uses feelings ( everything in my life is fab, delish, and I am madly in love with everyone)
"big picture" oriented (flailing hands in the air as I describe blowing up my ballroom)
imagination rules (enough said)
symbols and images (rockin storyboard proposals baby!)
present and future (actions are always for results 9-12 months out)
philosophy & religion (worship all things sparkly & know the meaning of life is the celebration of it!)
can "get it" i.e. meaning (I  totally get it.)
believes ( in magic ** see above commentary on luck)
appreciates ( the beautiful people who support and love me)
spatial perception (this one is simple, still surprised when I hear about others floor plans- yikes)
knows object function ( hmmm, you mean  I can't hang it from the ceiling?)
fantasy based ( OH YES I CAN HANG IT FROM THE CEILING!)
presents possibilities( Here's how it will be hanging from the ceiling when I'm done!)

In conclusion, I have discovered the many, many things that make M2B successful. I do believe that the planets were aligned as such so that I was born of two fab hip parents. My father who showed me through hard work and persevernece that I will never be without. A mother who lived her love for me through laughter, guidance, friendship and art. A brother who showed me that his brand of luck/magic lives on and that following your happiness is the way to go. Through their support I have come to have a life that I love and a business I never thought possible. 

Oh and it might help that my left brain checked out around 2005.

Cheers! 

PS. Thanks BQ for the family pics! Love that Asha is in your home slide show!

{Inspire2Design} Arizona Weddings: Cool Summer Attire with Hot Style

So in your Arizona Wedding plans it's important to consider your bridal party attire and how you will be effected by our heat!

I found an amazing designer by the name of Chis Kole owner of The Cotton Bride. His collections are made from the finest cottons, linens and natural fabrics! How better to start your amazing journey in couture style combined with the utmost comfort?

Here are a couple of my favs!

What about for your groom? Go linen! It can look sharp, chic, and sophisticated while letting him keep his cool! This gem was found at Just Linen - check it out! It's not just for beaches anymore!

How delicious! I just love a gray suit! Such a nice compromise from the traditional black tuxedo.

And why stop there?

What about your attendants...while you certainly can have your GMs in linen as well, let's not forget your ladies!

Here are some of my fav cotton dresses - classy enough to compliment your designer swag:

All in fabulous modern styles in breathable fabrics from JCREW.


Whatever your style, being comfortable on your most important day should be high on your consideration list. This is one day that has to be perfect and with all the planning you do- let's make sure you can focus on just how magical it is rather then trying to escape your discomfort!

Cheers to a beautiful wedding with HOT style and Cool temps!

{Inspire2Design} Arizona Weddings: Beat the Heat

So while melting away in the summer sun, the thoughts go to how long are we going to have these scorching temperatures? With Fall wedding season soon approaching, it's safe to say that ALL Arizona brides should consider ways to beat the heat on their big day.

For the bride: Your wedding can literally be a full day in the sun. And although the warm weather is glorious, it can also pose a challenge when it comes to looking and feeling your best: Hot temperatures can melt and move makeup and turn complexions shiny, and high humidity can be downright hair-raising. But armed with the right strategy, you will prevail -- and look your prettiest.

Beauty begins on the inside! The day before your wedding, cut back on dehydrating alcohol and avoid spicy foods, which can make you flush.

Give yourself at least 3 hours to get ready so your body temperature doesn't raise from running around too much. And shower early! Using an absorbing body oil instead of lotion. It will give you much better hydration and will be completely absorbed in a few hours so you can put on your dress safely.

Drinking Cucumber water that day will be important. Cucumber has cooling qualities that will not only hydrate but cool your core! Oh and it tastes great too!


For your guests: Providing shade and comfort to your guests is not only important but considerate. Your guests have traveled far and wide to be here for your day. Here are some things that we recommend!

Welcome bags are such a great detail when it comes to the beginning of your festivities. Most people don't know how to beat the Arizona sun so give them an extra bottle of water, sunscreen, and a chapstick with SPF. This will prepare them for their other activities surrounding your wedding day.

On the day, providing them with creative ways to keep cool can be practical and stylish. Parasols provide shade, fans for a breeze, and flip flops for swollen achy feet can make your guests feel like VIPs and allow them to enjoy your ceremony and reception!Luna Bazaar is a great resource for your paper goods! And please don't forget to put a self serve beverage station with cucumber water for them as well! They will appreciate the h2o under our blazing sun!

Cheers to your high style Arizona wedding!

{Prepare2Wed} Dolce Calender:Homework time!

It's time to put your thinking caps on...you've set your appts, make sure you are sure of the look you want for your big day. This means looking at trends, examining the styles that compliment your face shape, even looking at pictures of yourself will help you narrow down your best look.

2–3 Months Before
Continue skin care plan.
Research different hair and make-up styles you would like to try on your trial.

1 Month Before
Get your trial hair and make-up completed together. This allows enough time before the wedding if you want to try a new style but is close enough to keep your look fresh in your service provider’s mind.

Receive your final skin peel/microdermabrasion.

{Prepare2Wed} Dolce Calendar Week 3: Trial by jury

Alright ladies after a one week break - we're back! Four weddings in 2 weeks will do that to you!! So next on your Dolce Salon prep agenda is the TRIAL! Super important to the success of your look on your most important day. Be sure to bring all hair accessories you are considering, including veils,combs, headbands, even flowers. Also, bring all your jewelry to this appointment as well, including necklace and earrings. This will ensure that the look you decide fits your whole and complete vision for the day!

4 Months Before
Make your hair and make-up appointments for your trial and wedding day.
Make hair and make-up appointments for your bridesmaids and relatives as well.

M2B Tip: Change accessories from ceremony to reception. Jewels to feathers, or veil to flowers...this signifies the change in formality as well as a whole new look for pictures and more opportunities for us gals to get more delicious details! And what girl doesn't want that! 

{Image} Serendipity Jewelry

{Prepare2Wed} Dolce Salon Calendar: Week 2

So let me introduce you to the Dolce Salon Wedding Calendar! Each week I will feature a new regimen as recommended by the experts. Now I try to do this all now once a month anyway- but for those of you not addicted to the spa like me, here is the tips and tricks to get you looking like a million dollar version of yourself!!

5 Months Before
If your nails are short, begin growing them out or consider nail enhancements such as acrylics, gel or fiberglass tips. If you plan on having natural nails, begin monthly manicures and pedicures. This will ensure your nails are strong and look flawless for your wedding as well as serve as a nice break from all that wedding planning!

{Inspire2Wed} Bridal Jewelry, Bridesmaids Gifts that dazzle!

So the question that always makes me ponder....what jewels? Well, there are just so many styles and tastes that it is way too difficult to nail down just one!! So lets explore some great options:

DogEared Jewelry: This one came courtesy of a fab bride last October. Awesome necklaces, pearls and bracelets. There is sure to be one for your you BFFs. And you know a planner's gotta have pearls!

The Intristic Garden:  Looking for that perfect vintage "something blue"- I just love this bracelet from IG. Simple, understated and unique.

Amy's Bridal Jewelry:  Awesome selection of customizable crystal jewelry- yes your jewelry can be as unique as you!!


So many options! It really is never ending! Good luck!

{Prepare2Wed} May I have the rings please???

Ok so shopping on one of my favorite sites for everything fab, I came across some delicious ring pillows and had to share...please ladies THE REAL RINGS DON'T GO ON THE PILLOW. But they sure are an awesome accessory nonetheless - enjoy!

 

 

 WhiteThistleBridal  

ORomeo , MackensleyDesigns

{Prepare2Wed} Dolce Salon & Spa Wedding Planner

So you are getting ready for you big day? And hopefully you have the help of a professional planner to keep it running smoothly! But there are just a few things I cant do for my clients. 1. Get a license 2. Do your fittings. 3. Put together you guest list. and last but not least- get you glamorous for your big day! You want to be picture perfect - I know! But as much as I would love to get all your facials, manis and pedis for you - it just isnt going to give you the results you want!!

So let me introduce you to the Dolce Salon Wedding Calendar! Each week I will feature a new regimen as recommended by the experts. Now I try to do this all now once a month anyway- but for those of you not addicted to the spa like me, here is the tips and tricks to get you looking like a million dollar version of yourself!!

6 Months Before
Start a skin care regime. Schedule your first facial with an esthetician to get on a skin care plan that may include peels and/or microdermabrasion. Now I do micro once a month and let me tell you it keeps the fillers and botox away - for now anyway!

Now is the time to experiment with different cuts and colors. Once you find a look that you are comfortable with begin a hair care routine that includes regular deep conditioning treatments and trims every 4–6 weeks.

Since you are thinking hair- schedule your hair trials and book your stylist now. The better stylists book fast for peak dates!And at 6 months for you other planning you should have your dress ordered- which is a must in determining your wedding hair look!