New Years Eve

New Years Eve parties have always been a let down for me. I think it's because as a child I could never stay awake long enough to wait for midnight. Then, when I finally stayed up one year, I was sorely disappointed with it. I expected fireworks, lightning, the sky erupting in color, something, anything. Instead, it always seemed as if the people in NYC were having a grander time than I. So, for many years I declined from any party and instead curled up on my couch reading and going to bed before the midnight ever came.

However, now as a event planner, New Years Eve is another event in the marathon of winter events that I partake in. While I still love a quiet New Years Eve, I can appreciate a good party and I keep telling myself that one of these years when I am not exhausted I will plan a New Years Eve party. I have this awesome party all planned in my mind along with my long list of ideas and things that I need for it. Every time I find something from the list, I place it safely in my storage closet and label it Jessica's NYE party. One thing that I am still lusting after are gorgeous Swarovski Crystal Champagne flutes.



Anyway, I hope you all have a fantastic New Years Eve, whether you are celebrating it curled up reading a book or out at a glamorous party.

Wish List

Holiday shopping is something I both love and hate. I love walking around the malls and stores looking at all the Christmas displays and decorations. I also hate the craziness of shopping. So, what usually happens is I do my shopping online (seriously, I do almost all of it via the internet). From decorations to presents and everything in between, most of it arrives in the mail. To me, there is nothing more exciting than receiving a box in the mail... and many days I can be seen checking the front porch and waiting by the mailbox for the delivery man. Then, whenever I feel like getting into the Christmas spirit, I make a brave trip out and walk around the stores. There is something fun about not being a part of the craziness and stress, but instead, taking in and appreciating all the sights and sounds. Sometimes I can wander for hours, not worried about the crowds, the long lines, or the waiting.

Anyway, below are my top picks for presents this year, and yes, you can get them all online. Enjoy!


Pastry Sampler, $36, Zingermans.com; Cherry Salsa, $6, CherryRepublic.com



Coasters, $3.50 each, Pier1.com; Aqua Throw, $90, WorldMarket.com



Pink Grapefruit Bath Collection, $12-14 each, Sephora.com; Slippers, $12.50, OldNavy.com



Pearl Ring, £8.50, TopShop.com; Ondo Necklace, $10, Aldo.com

Womens Christmas Dessert Gala

Monday, November 29, 2010
I had the lovely opportunity to help with the decorations, desserts and hosting at a local event. The event is a Christmas dessert gala for women who come to fellowship, eat dessert and hear a great speaker. This was my first year and I had a lot of fun. Over 300 women attended, my mom and grandma included, and the event was a big success. Below, I will post pictures of the decorations I did, as well as the desserts I made. At my purple table: each plate was hand painted and unique, each guest received hand made favors, and I used my grandmother's fostoria china. Enjoy.

Not You Mothers China

Many people I know do not like china, my own mother included. I have many brides that think it is stuffy, old fashioned and ugly. Well, let me put in a few good words about china, and if you still feel that it isn't for you, well, fair enough.

When many people think about registering for china or china in general, they think of their grandmothers or maybe the random china plates sitting in the local thrift store. Well, first off, that china sitting in your grandmother's cupboards is vintage and I'll bet if you used your imagination, you would love it. Ever heard of mismatched place settings? You take a plate with blue flowers and pair it with a salad plate that is striped... can you say eclectic? But you don't like look you say? These days, china comes in every style you can imagine. And since my words of love for china can only go so far, I've posted some pictures of china that perhaps will convince you it's not so old fashioned after all.

For the Designer (Vera Wang)

For the Elegant (Waterford)



For the Socially Conscious (facts about food consumption around the world)


For the Garden Lover (Maryse Boxer)


For the Artist (Mikasa)

For the Modernist (Noritake)


For the Eclectic (Martha Stewart)


For the Playful (Noritake)


For the Minimalist (Mikasa)


And my favorite... (Richard Ginori)

Betty Crocker...

...I am not. But that doesn't mean I don't try. And though many think I actually keep shoes in my oven, I don't because I actually love to bake and cook. But, alas, it is not where my talents lie. Many assume that since I am creative and love throwing parties that I must be an awesome cook. Clearly, I have everyone fooled. It's my amazing skills of what I like to call, "semi-homemade" that get me through. I did make 2 wedding cakes though and as much fun as it was, I am pretty sure I will never do that again. But on Sunday, I decided to try to bake again. Here's what I baked:

Kate Dekoster's Wedding

I don't have the professional pictures yet, but here are 3 pictures of her wedding. The first is of her and I in her wedding dress I made for her. The second is of just her and the third is of 2 of my favorite people.

Forgive me...

it's been a while.

Somewhere between the craziness of life and the rare moments I have had to catch my breath I realized my blog has fallen to the side, ignored.

I have been busy. But there are no excuses to justify my lack of updates. The weddings and events I have done this summer and fall have been beautiful.

I also had the great opportunity to design and sew a wedding dress for a dear person that I grew up with. I will post pictures after her wedding.

And lastly, I had the awesome experience to travel to New York City for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. I got to see first hand what goes on in planning fashion shows and events. Having the great opportunity to actually assist in fashion week and the runway shows was amazing. I also got to see some amazing shows and meet some amazing people.

Currently, I am busy meeting with brides and working on their 2011 weddings, designing wedding dresses, planning a Breast Cancer event and getting ready for the holiday parties that will start flooding me in the blink of an eye.

Now, I know this isn't the most detailed blog update, however, that's beacuse I truly feel that pictures are better than words. So check out the pictures, and until next time, remember to make life memorable.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC

Recently Engaged?

Then you probably are looking for someone to take your engagement pictures, right? Well, one of the photographers I work with is offering a free engagement session... so email me if you are interested. He does amazing work!

David and Cassey's Wedding

Being a part of a couple's wedding day is such an amazing thing and I felt very lucky to be able to help David and Cassey. Their wedding was so well thought out which made it so much more special. Everything Cassey had planned had meaning and significance. Anyway, I'll just let the pictures do the talking.

John and Lindsey's Wedding

May 29, 2010

I have been looking forward to this wedding ever since Lindsey contacted me a year ago. After I met with her and John, I felt very lucky to be a part of their special day. They went with the classic wedding package and Lindsey did such a great job having a lot the details figured out. I helped her fine tune some details and to make sure she and her family/guests could enjoy the night and not worry about anything.

I got the awesome privilege of working alongside the fabulous Paul Carlson and using J's Fresh Flower Market which Lindsey and her bridesmaids helped put together. The wedding and reception were amazing and Lindsey did such a great job making everything personal. The wedding ceremony was at her church, 1st Covenant and then the reception was at Noto's (a place I am very familiar working with).

The wedding colors were teal and green (so pretty) and I loved that Lindsey didn't wear a veil, but instead wore a teal feather in her hair (very SATC). The flowers were gorgeous and the weather was perfect.

The wedding was great, the bridal party was a lot of fun, the guests were great as well, and there's nothing better than having guests, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, and everyone at Noto's thank me for doing such a great job (and of course the bride and groom). Lindsey and John, I wish you all the best as you begin your amazing journey.