What the Heart Wants

A question that I am asked on a regular basis is- What made me want to become an event planner. There are days, not often, that I ask myself the same question. It's more along the lines of, 'What was I thinking?!' Usually I give a quick response to this question- I enjoy helping people celebrating milestones the best way possible. But I have been putting a lot of thought into this question lately and I wanted to share with you what I've come up with. So, here's the long answer-

From the beginning, I have been a doer- I love the entire concept of DIY, I love being creative and I love people. Throw all of that together and somehow I ended up wanting to be an event planner.

When you look back on your life, you remember moments and big events- you probably don't remember the day to day grind. As a parent, I look back and remember the moment I found out I was pregnant, the first moment I laid eyes on my son... the first moment he was placed in my arms. I can remember the doctor's appointments and a few of the sleepless nights, but only because they weren't that long ago and they are already starting to fade. But, that first touch- I will never forget.

I remember my wedding day. I had a very special moment with my dad right before he walked me down the aisle that will be with me forever and to this day, I remember it in such clarity that it feels as though it couldn't have happened more than an hour ago. I remember our first dance, the wonderful speeches our best friends gave and the general happiness radiating from everyone that day. My aunt was such a wonderful help, taking care of all the behind the scenes activities that I have no idea whether or not everything went according to plan.

As an event planner, I love making that happen for other people. At my weddings, I always tell the couple- 'The only thing that matters at the end of this day is that you get married. It won't matter if all of the napkins don't match or if the candles in the centerpieces get blown out. You won't remember those things 50 years from now. You will remember looking into each others eyes as you recite your vows and how you felt in that moment.' Of course, no body listens though and stress is unavoidable. I get it, it's human nature. Weddings are expensive, it will be the most money you will probably ever spend in a single day on a big party. That's really hard to swallow for most people so they want to make sure everything is perfect and goes according to plan. If I can alleviate any amount of that stress so the couple can focus on getting down the aisle rather than napkin choices, then I have had a successful day.

Event planning gives me an outlet for my creativity and organizational needs. I really enjoy being the 'puppeteer' pulling all the strings and pulling it off behind the scenes, it just gives me great satisfaction.

Thank you for reading my blog, I truly appreciate your support and am looking forward to future posts!

Best of Destination Weddings Locations

It’s summer, and that means it’s wedding season. As people spend increasingly more money on that one day, many couples are turning to far-flung locations to create a unique experience. And, in many cases, a destination wedding can even get you more bang for your buck. If you’ve dreamed of tying the knot in a unique spot, check out some of these most-searched wedding destinations:

1. Hawaii

A wedding in Hawaii can be a simple hotel beach wedding on Oahu or a rainforest tropical locale on Maui. Just outside Waikiki, which is easy to get to and the most crowded beach on the islands, is Diamond Head. On the opposite side of the island are large pristine beaches at Kewala Bay and Waimanalo Beach. Turtle Bay Resort is the major hotel on the north shore of Oahu. While Kauai and Maui are the most popular of the less-populated islands, you can create a more remote experience on Lanai, Molokai, or the Big Island. Use My Hawaii Wedding or Weddings of Hawaii to customize your experience or create original packages with everything from lava rocks to whale-spotting. 

 2. Bahamas

If you want a picture-perfect beach wedding on a Caribbean island that’s easy to get to, then the Bahamas are the perfect setting. Made up of more than 700 islands and islets, which extend from southeast of Florida to the eastern tip of Cuba, the Bahamas has enough white sand and turquoise beaches for more weddings than you’ll have in your lifetimes. The Exumas, an area of over 300 islands or cays known for its clear blue water, and The Abacos, the island chain in the northern Bahamas, are off-the-beaten-path, picturesque wedding locations. Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, and Paradise Island are more common and easier destinations to reach. Hire a company like Weddings in the Bahamas to find low-cost and exotic wedding packages for your special tropical ceremony. Most hotels and resorts also offer wedding packages, including The Atlantis and Pelican Bay Hotel. Sandals even has an all-inclusive wedding plan; let your wedding party enjoy all they can drink while toasting the newlyweds.

3. Anguilla

The British territory of Anguilla makes up just 35 square miles of small islands in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. The actual main island of Anguilla is only 16 miles long. If you’re looking for a secluded island wedding (and a tax haven), then this is the spot for you. Along with the classic barefoot beach weddings, couples in Anguilla also enjoy the historic churches, tropical gardens, and seaside villas. Local planners, like Blue Sea Anguilla Weddings, provide packages for visitors looking to customize their experience. Viceroy Anguilla is the largest resort and possibly the most popular wedding spot on the island. It offers poolside weddings, beach weddings, and reception spots overlooking Barnes and Meads Bays. 

 4. Cozumel

On the Caribbean coast of Mexico, Cozumel sits off the Yucatan Peninsula and is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling – and for destination weddings. The island also has the only pearl farm in the Caribbean and two dolphin sanctuaries. Though it has plenty to offer, Cozumel was voted “The Best Value for Your Dollar” by Fortune Magazine. You can even legally be married in Cozumel during a one-day stop on your Caribbean cruise – as long as you plan in advance. Pick a large resort, like Secrets, for your beach wedding or a smaller boutique hotel, like Playa Azul. Let the natural landscape be your backdrop. Local wedding planners, like Cozumel Wedding Planner, also have arrangements with villas and special locations.

 

5. Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands’ wedding motto is: barefoot elegance. Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac have large wedding venues, plenty of vendors, and luxurious resorts. Or, for something a little simpler, just head to the beach. The unity sand ceremony is a popular Cayman Island tradition to add to your wedding vows. Both the bride and groom pour their containers of sand into a vase, letting the colors blend together into one – also creating a lovely keepsake to take home. But, avoid hurricane season from May to November. The Ritz-Carlton is a popular wedding spot, sitting right on the famous Seven Mile Beach. Along with its own pastry chef and floral designers, the Ritz also lets wedding guests set up their reception on the expansive Great Lawn. Also on Seven Mile Beach are the Grand Cayman Beach Suites (formerly the Hyatt). For something more historic, try the Great House at Pedro St. James. For a casual ceremony and some of the best drinks on the islands, head to Rum Point. 

 6. Florida Keys

A string of islands stretching from the southeastern edge of Florida into the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys are a laid-back and idyllic spot for warm weddings. Key West is the largest city on its own 4.2-square-mile island, where the Chapel by the Sea focuses on stress-free weddings – with sailing. In addition to all the amenities of professional wedding planners and packages right in Florida, there are also remote, smaller islands accessible only by boat. Take photos at historic Civil War forts or beneath the old Seven Mile Bridge. Hawks Cay and Little Palm Island offer luxurious, high-end wedding packages on private cays. Don’t have just your ceremony on a secluded water’s edge; have your whole reception there too.

  

7. Las Vegas          

Vegas may be known as the place for the quickie wedding, but it can also be a fun-filled destination for the couple and their family and friends. Over 90,000 people get married each year in Vegas and at least most of them have a good time doing it. Any of the hotels on the Strip – Palazzo, Bellagio, Excaliber, Mandlay Bay – have wedding planners and wedding plans that range from the supremely extravagant to the extravagantly tacky. A wedding in Vegas can be as classy as you want it to be. Or, do something a little more uniquely Vegas and visit the Graceland Chapel, where Elvis can sing before, after, or even during your wedding. The King may be a Vegas wedding icon now, but he originated there. The famous landmark has seen its share of celebrities and is a hotspot for couples in love. It’s also, conveniently, just four blocks from the county marriage license bureau.

 

 8. Outer Banks

Outer Banks weddings are not your typical beach weddings. This string of narrow islands off North Carolina is known for its natural windswept beauty and unique landscape. The northern beaches, with Kitty Hawk and Nags Head, are more well-known, but all the beaches are wild and clean. Have your ceremony on a pier, under the historic lighthouse, or among the dunes. Use a classic spot like Sanderling Resort or Tranquil House for a straightforward OBX wedding. Check with the Outer Banks Wedding Association for tips on vendors, locations, and inspiration. The Outer Banks are such a popular wedding destination that the association even hosts an annual wedding weekend and expo.

 

  

9. Los Cabos

A short flight south of California, Los Cabos (also known as Cabo) is a popular spot for destination weddings because of its logistical ease and stunning backdrops. While many couples choose to rent out local villas, Cabo is particularly well known for its all-inclusive weddings. Dreams and Riu Palace both have beachfront ceremonies and plenty of drinks flowing all night for the party. The wealth of high-end resorts makes the choices nearly limitless. The Hilton does full wedding packages, including activities for your guests. For a more personal touch, hire a local event manager. Creative Destination Event Company specializes in Cabo wedding planning at private locations, doing everything from helping you find the perfect villa to designing an elegant décor that you’ll be happy you flew to Mexico for.

 

10. Costa Rica

Yes, there are white sandy beaches in Costa Rica. But a destination wedding in this tropical Central American country is about more than just a waterfront ceremony. Go whitewater rafting or ziplining in the morning, and have your wedding at the base of a volcano in the afternoon. Monkeys, dolphins, or iguanas may even make an appearance during your big event. Event organizers like Our Costa Rica Wedding and Pura Vida Weddings can help with event details from afar – if deciding between rainforest and beach is too difficult. Or, opt for a wedding package from a local hotel, like The Resort Flamingo Beach or The Springs Resort and Spa. The Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort provides a unique setting among the rainforest hot springs at the base of the Arenal Volcano.

Bride Profile: Jenna Fox (Married May 25, 2013 in Breckenridge, CO)

 

 

1. Name & Location
 Jenna - The Lodge and Spa at Breckenridge; Breckenridge, Colorado (live in Denver, CO)

 

 

 

2. What attracted you to your husband?

His wit and sense of adventure

 

 

 

 

 

3. What 3 words would you use to describe your wedding? 

Mountain chic, fun

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. What was your first dance song choice and why did you choose it? 

Hold On by Michael Buble.  My hubby and I have been fans of Buble for our whole relationship.  We wanted Buble because his music just feels so classic; in 10 years I don't think we'll be cringing about how our wedding song was cheesy/cliche/dated.  In regards to the specific song, the lyrics themselves were incredibly important and we felt they expressed our relationship well, but also the pace/beat of the song was what we were looking for in a first dance.

 

 

 

 

 

5. If you could go back, what would you change about your wedding?

The only thing I would change would be to allow more time for photos/portraits, especially of the family.  My husband wasn't interested in getting every possible grouping for family photos so we rushed through that, but I realized after the fact that I never got a posed picture of just me with my parents, which made me sad.

 

 

 

6.  What advice would you offer to newly engaged couples?

RELAX, focus on the things that are most important to you and your fiance, and don't succumb to the pressure/desire to go overboard.  In the end, as long as you have each other and a valid marriage license, nothing else truly matters.

 

Easter done right...

 

 

 

Holy cow! Where has the time gone? Sorry for being MIA there for awhile; baby came and life got CRAZY! Now that I've settled into my new duties and schedules, I'm ready to revisit the blog life. What a better time than Spring? I love Spring... most of the time. As I've mentioned previously, I live in Colorado; spring can bring anything from 70's to blizzards here. Right now it's about 60 out and I'm sitting in my office wishing I could be out in the garden.

Enough about me.. let's get to it. I want to share some Easter ideas with you all!


This first post will go over some ideas to decorate the home and get ready for your Easter gathering. Then following posts will talk about some gift ideas for Easter baskets and hostess gifts, I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes and egg dying techniques (that don't require the expensive kits you buy in the store).

 

Setting The Stage

 

Burlap Wreath  

I love having a decorative wreath hanging on our front door. I almost always have one up, even if it's not a holiday month. It's just a great, warm greeting into our home. Here's a picture of the wreath I created for Easter. I just strolled the Easter aisles at Hobby Lobby for inspiration and this is what I came up with.

Here's a great tutorial for the method I use for almost all of my wreaths - I've found this method to work for just plain ribbon as well the burlap. You just use more with the ribbon. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Burlap-Wreath

Below are some pictures of inspiration for your own Easter wreath.

 

My secret for hanging wreaths on my front door without a bulky wreath hanger:

 

                                         

 

Yes, that's an upside down command hook on the interior side of my door. Then I just string some ribbon around the wreath form, tie the ends of the ribbon and hook it around.

 

 

Decorating

Are you hosting this year's Easter egg-travaganza??  I am not this year, at least I don't think I am, but I still love to decorate for the holidays and be prepared just in case I end of hosting some sort of gathering. And, who doesn't love looking at the bright, cheery spring decorations that come with Easter? There's nothing better to get your spirits up and prepare you for the warm months ahead. 

I've posted some pictures below to get your creative juices flowing. Here's a link to my Easter board on Pinterest as well for some more bright ideas - www.pinterest.com/craftycrystalm/easter/ 

 

 

How pretty is this speckled egg and burlap garland? Clearly I have an addiction...

Get out of town! How cute is this??

Where do I get this??

Comment below with what your favorite things to put out for Easter decorations are, I always love to hear what other people do for the holidays!

Hoppy Easter!!

Cocktail Party Basics

If you'd like to have a party but don't want the hassle of a dinner party, much less a blowout, think "cocktails." Invite up to 30 good friends, stock up at the liquor store, put together the easy appetizers below, and you'll be set to throw an elegant soiree.

Quick Appetizers

Keep it simple but don't skimp on appetizers. If your guests are drinking on an empty stomach, your elegant cocktail party could become a frat-style bacchanalia pretty quick. (Save that for your first-anniversary toga party.) Present your apps with flair -- think unusual containers and unexpected garnishes -- to disguise their humble origins. Some easy, quick hors d'oeuvre ideas:Cheese and Bread
Yep, the classic. The bonus is that this requires absolutely no cooking or preparation, yet it looks gourmet. Offer a variety of cheeses. Colin Cowie, entertainer extraordinaire, suggests serving three ripe cheeses: a triple creme cheese (like brie), a blue cheese, and a goat's milk cheese. Another unusual option is sheep's cheese: It's creamy and subtly delicious. Serve with crusty French bread -- don't cut it into slices, just leave out a serrated bread knife. Set out small jars of different mustards for an additional treat.

Fruit
Don't bother with an elaborate fruit salad: Just display some munchable fruit, such as strawberries or grapes, in a swank bowl. It's a nice break from standard stick-to-your-ribs fare.

Sausages
Cowie also suggests serving sausages with mustard at an elegant cocktail party. Just buy a variety of sausages at a gourmet shop or supermarket (go for turkey-apple or chicken varieties if you want to stay away from ultraclogged arteries). Grill 'em and slice 'em up. Serve with the same mustard and bread you've put out for the cheese.

Olive Paste with Toasted French Bread
Buy an extra loaf -- or six...bread is always good to have on hand -- of the same crusty French bread you're serving with your cheese platter and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Lightly toast in your broiler. In a blender, mix black olives (any pitless variety will do), a few tablespoons of olive oil, juice from half a lemon, and pepper to taste. Voila! Instant olive paste. It looks gourmet but takes less than a minute to make. Make the paste a few hours in advance -- it gets better as it mellows.

Cocktails

As the title "cocktail party" implies, cocktails are crucial to the success of your event. What type of cocktails to supply? First off, forget beer and froufrou frozen drinks, though you can stock up on wine, water, and juices for those who don't want to imbibe too brazenly. Check out our Bartending 101 article for some classic cocktail recipes, but feel free to experiment and create -- and name! -- your own signature drink. Some more unusual choices:Blue Moon
2 parts Finlandia vodka
1 part pineapple juice
Dash blue Curacao
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled and strain into a martini glass.

Wave Cutter
Equal parts Bacardi rum, cranberry juice, and orange juice
Pour all ingredients into a highball over ice.

Coco Vanilla Martini
2 oz. Stoli Vanil vodka
1/4 oz. dark creme de cacao
1 oz. melted chocolate
Pour vodka and creme de cacao over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well until chilled and strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with the melted chocolate.

Purity
2 parts Finlandia vodka
1 part peppermint schnapps
1 sugar cube
1 mint leaf
Pour vodka and schnapps into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled and strain into a martini glass. Drop in a sugar cube and garnish with a mint leaf.

Tunes

Go elegant with some classic jazz (you can't go wrong with Charlie Parker) or with some of that Ol' Blue Eyes. Or make it smooth with some cool R&B. See our piece on party music for more ideas. The goal is to keep your guests relaxed and the conversations flowing.

Décor

No need to go overboard with the decorations. You can make your living room look chic on the cheap.

• Buy one bouquet of flowers and distribute the blooms among several vases scattered throughout the room and in the bathroom.
  
• Light a dozen votive candles (a few bucks for 20 at most drugstores) and place them on saucers throughout your living room for a warm and festive glow.
• Buy some cool paper cocktail napkins and coasters. You know, the kind imprinted with martini glasses or tiki gods or perhaps emblazoned with the phrase, "Your place or mine?" They'll do double duty as conversation starters and groovy décor.  

Aloha Summer!

Aloha and welcome to summer! In this post I will go over some ideas to host the perfect luau, without all of the over-done aspects and cheesiness that have become the standard for this ever popular trend.

Food

If you've ever been to a traditional luau in Hawaii, you know that the main event at a luau is the pig roast. You can do this over an open fire pit (for the dramatics) or build a traditional Imu (earthen oven). Here's a link for instructions on how to build an Imu. 

Oh, you don't want to dig a big hole in your backyard and wait hours for a pig to cook? Don't worry, me either.

One of my favorite burgers at Red Robin is the Banzai burger; I feel like this burger encompasses all elements of a luau between 2 simple buns. And I think it's just heavenly.  The burger is marinated in teriyaki sauce and comes with sliced pineapple.... please excuse me for a moment while I wipe the drool from my mouth. Like the Banzai burger, though, your luau food should revolve around tropical fruit. Whether you make a fruit salad full of it, put it on kabobs mixed with teriyaki grilled chicken or make marinades with it. There's no such thing as too much fruit at a luau. Some of the popular choices are: pineapple, coconut, mango, banana, kiwi and papaya.

 

 

 

To go with your yummy food you will of course need some libations! Again, go with the fruit! Pina coladas and mai tais should be staples. Serve up some fruit punch for the kids and put the little paper umbrellas in every glass.

 

 

 

 



Décor

With grass skirts, palm leaves and fresh cut flowers, how could you go wrong? I love to use grass skirts along table edges, who says you have to wear them? Instead of placemats, lay palm leaves or cut up banana leaves on the tables. Scatter some shell necklaces or loose shells throughout. The beauty of the luau is that you can do it up as much as you want or leave it low key and on the reserved style with just a couple tropical elements. Either way, the theme will get across to your guests and it leaves room for adjustment to your personal style. Make your fresh fruit serve double time as food and décor! I love this idea:

 

 

How pretty does that look? Still have some of those old tiki torches just sitting around in your garage collecting dust? Perfect! Use them to provide light, atmosphere and keep the bugs away. If you want some fresh flower arrangements, go with arrangements that  include tropical flowers such as orchids, hibiscus or birds of paradise.

 

 

 

 

Instead of buying those cheap plastic leis that fall apart the moment you touch them, buy fresh flowers and have your guests make their own! They will love to take them home and you don't be stuck with a million fabric leis and no use for them (unless this is an annual party you host and you can reuse them year after year).

 

Check out Oriental Trader for some great buys on party supplies and inspiration!

 

 

That's all the ideas I have for now! Below are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing when planning your own luau! Leave a comment if you have a question or any ideas of your own!!  

 

I love the bamboo wall and coconut shell glasses here!

 

 

 

 

 

How pretty is this??

 

 

 

 

Multi-purposing!!

 

 

 

 

Hello good time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer BBQ Season

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the flowers are in full bloom. Memorial Day weekend was the kickoff to summer BBQ season and the season is now in full swing. In this month's posts, I will go over some fun BBQ ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Let's start off with a good old fashioned country western BBQ.

 

 

 



Food

Food is the most essential part to a BBQ, duh! If you have access to a slow cooker, making authentic, delicious BBQ is a piece of cake. If not, don't worry! It's still doable! Some traditional dishes include pulled pork, ribs, potato salad and corn bread.

Here are some links to some of my favorite BBQ recipes:

Crockpot BBQ Ribs

 

 

 

 



Pulled Pork Sandwiches






















Classic Potato Salad

Buttermilk Cornbread

Not feeling the BBQ sauce slathered feast or looking for something a little easier? Set up a hot dog bar! Grill up a bunch of dogs and assemble a variety of toppings so people can make their own creations. Some favorite creations: The Italian {Pizza Dog}: Pour pizza sauce into a hot dog bun. Add shredded cheese, pepperoni slices, and olives. Top it with a freshly grilled dog, and enjoy. The kids love these!!  The Mexican: This is my favorite – Mix some taco seasoning into your mayo, to make it spicier. Schmear a bit on your bun, add your hot dog, then sprinkle with a mexican blend cheese, jalapenos, and salsa. Sooo good!  The Russian: This is always a favorite with the guys… Spread a  bit of cream cheese on a toasted bun, then add your hot dog. Smother it with a pile of sweet relish, and sauerkraut. It’s messy, but they tell me it’s good stuff!

In addition to the above ingredients, you’ll want to make sure to have basic condiments like mayo, ketchup, and a few types of mustard. I also like to have a crockpot of chili, shredded cheese, relish, sauerkraut...etc. Different bun types also add a nice touch. Stuck on what you want to put out for your hot dog bar? Think about the last time you went to the ballpark and all the options you have there, you can't go wrong.




Décor

The décor element for a country western BBQ can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. I love décor that serves double duty! Bring in the country western flair with bandanas and mason jars and have the bandanas serve as napkins while the mason jars serve as drink ware.

I love this idea; wrap silverware in bandana napkin and place in the mason jar. You can set these out along a table for people to grab up while they're filling their plates or attach a chalkboard tag to mark seating placements at individual's seats.

 

 

I like to make my own citronella candles for summer time as well. There are a variety of ways this can be done to match your personal taste. (Here's my favorite tutorial on making your own citronella candles).  Make these bad boys and pour them into recycled tin cans, mason jars or baby food jars then place throughout your party to help keep bugs away and your guests more comfortable. When the sun goes down, they also help provide lighting. String up some old white Christmas lights or outdoor string lights to add to the ambiance.

 

 

Keep the Party Going

 

What's to be done after everyone has filled their bellies with your delicious BBQ creations? Party! Keep the true country western flair by playing country western music throughout the night. Lay some plywood boards on the grass under the string lights and let your guests 2 step and line dance the night away! 

 

Here's a sample playlist:

 

I Love This Bar - Toby Keith

Friends In Low Places - Garth Brooks

Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett
Boot Scootin’ Boogie - Brooks & Dunn

Any Man of Mine - Shania Twain

What Was I Thinking - Dierks Bentley
Heads Carolina, Tails California - Jo Dee Messina
Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
I Feel Like A Woman - Shania Twain
I Like It, I Love It - Tim McGraw
There’s Your Trouble - Dixie Chicks
Two Pina Coladas - Garth Brooks

Chattahoochie - Alan Jackson
Sold! The Grundy County Auction Incident - John Michael Montgomery
This Kiss - Faith Hill
Bye, Bye - Jo Dee Messina

Don’t Rock The Jukebox - Alan Jackson

Boondocks - Little Big Town
Alcohol - Brad Paisley
Beer For My Horses - Toby Keith with Willie Nelson
Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
Save A Hose, Ride A Cowboy - Big and Rich

 

Need to brush up on your line dancing skills?? Go HERE for some step sheets to popular line dances.