The ULTIMATE Salon and Spa Experience!

Last week, I had the amazing opportunity so spend the whole afternoon at N'Vogue Salon and Spa. Beth Teate, an amazing Christian woman and business owner, wanted me to see what N'Vogue had to offer for my brides-to-be! My afternoon spa schedule consisted of a Deluxe European Facial with Annette; Hair cut, shampoo, and style with Kristan; and make-up with Tammy! It was all so fabulous. I love being pampered...I don't get to do it enough!

I had actually never had a facial before (i know, crazy.) and it was so great. My skin felt so clean and refreshed and moisturized! Annette, the master esthetician, was so gentle and knew just what my skin needed.

Then onto the hair.... Kristan, a Master Stylist, gave me an amazing massaging shampoo and gloss treatment. I think at one point I fell asleep in the chair, ha!! She also gave me a great cut, best one in years! I didn't think I wanted any layers, but when she finished, it looked awesome!! (Now if only I could do it at home...) I will for sure be going back to Kristan to keep my hair looking good!

Next, I was able to sit and have a nice chat with Tammy, the Senior Make-up Artist, about how they treat their brides-to-be! As she was doing my make up, adding some trendy new tips, she told me about their Bridal Package. They always do a Make-up and/or Hair "run-through." It is included in the package! At N'Vogue, they want to make sure you are completely satisfied with how beautiful you will be on your wedding day!

N'Vogue is also a great spot for a party! "A Day at the Spa" to celebrate a birthday with your girlfriends, or any special occasion. They would love to accommodate you!

N'Vogue is located in Vestavia Hills, in the City Center. Not only do they offer great services, but they also carry several full lines of make-up and skin care products in their Boutique! Some of their lines include Julie Hewitt, Paula Dorf, Kiss Me, and Tina Earnshaw.

As an added bonus, N'Vogue also has trendy jewelry, handbags, candles, and gifts. You can do some great Christmas shopping for all the ladies on your list in one place!

I had a great experience at N'Vogue and can't wait for my brides to have the same experience! Thank you to Beth and Misty for everything!

Check out N'Vogue's daily blog for AWESOME tips and tricks, and GIVEAWAYS!!

Holiday Party Ideas

It's finally (or already) December! One of my favorite months because there are always so many PARTIES! Not only do I love attending Christmas or Holiday parties, but I also love hosting them! I am blessed to have been hired to plan and coordinate a couple Holiday parties this year, so today I have been doing some brainstorming (and internet searching, of course) to find some good ideas to use this year.

I love the magazine Real Simple, so of course I went right to www.realsimple.com for some quick holiday entertaining ideas!

Great idea for a kid's cookie decorating Party!

Winter fruits add so much color and texture

Or use the red and green wrapped kisses for more color!

In the south, you can find a Magnolia tree on practically every corner. Your neighbor would be glad to provide you with such a holiday staple!

Pinecones are also easy to find and make a perfect RUSTIC centerpiece

Pumpkins are on sale in November! Cut off the top, scoop some of the insides out, and put a jar with water inside....

Now, on to FOOD--- the good part! MarthaStewart.com always has fun, different, and EASY recipes...

I love Shrimp Cocktail because its so simple and easy to eat at a party. Most people are trying to eat healthy around the holidays too!

A great idea for a small party-- set out by the bar and your Spicy Pecans will for sure be a hit!!

Stuffed Mushrooms are one of my favorites-- and especially these, made with goat cheese!

This Lemon-Thyme dip is a perfect match to your favorite veggies!

A hot bake Brie cheese spread with candied pecans is a perfect appetizer on a cold December night.

And last, but certainly not least, Goat cheese and Sun-dried tomato Crostinis....DELICIOUS!

Looking forward to the parties!!

Back from Jax!

Here are a few quick pics of Leighton and Ryan's beautiful river-side wedding!

Stay tuned for more pictures and details!

Stevi + Grant 10/10/09

It has been a few weeks since the wedding....I think I'm still recovering actually! But, it was GREAT. For my first "official" wedding, I believe I can say it was a success! Thank you to Rob Ingram (http://www.robingramphotography.com/) who took some wonderful pictures for me. Here are some shots from the beautiful outdoor (no rain, thank you, Lord!) wedding that I was so thankful to be a part of.

Beautiful floral arrangements by Kate Tankersley


The ceremony took place across the little red bridge, overlooking the babbling brook. So naturalistic and beautiful. I absolutely loved the scenery, surrounded by trees and just so intimate.

The reception was held in the tent with several guest tables, a stage and dancefloor, bar, and food buffet.

The program table and champagne for the guests as they arrive.

Stevi wanted to use her grandmother's beautiful carnival glass as the centerpieces to the guest tables. They looked awesome with the purple and blue flowers. Such a special touch to personalize the wedding reception!

The beautiful bride and her new sister-in-law, Melissa, an long-time friend of mine! (Who I stole some of the rest of the pictures from =)

The Bride making her GRAND entrance (while I fluff her train ;).

sweet ceremony!

Party Time!! First Dance

My mom, and Beth, the mother of the Groom

Melissa, dancing with her brother, the Groom!

Garter Toss

Leaving to sparklers-- always a favorite!

Thank you, Stevi and Grant, for giving me the opportunity to work with you two and help make your wedding fabulous! What a great evening of family, fun, and sweet love.

Brittany + Hunter 9/26/09

Brittany and Hunter's wedding weekend was so great in so many ways. Brittany was such a beautiful bride, as you can see, and so LAID-BACK! It's refreshing to be with a bride like she was! Even though the weather wasn't picture perfect, it didn't hold us back from some great photos.

We started off Friday with a Bridesmaids Luncheon at Olexas (planned by yours truly ;) ha). Great food, fellowship, and fun! Then Mrs. Hadley treated us girls to mani's and pedi's at the Venetian Nail Spa (my favorite!). It was so nice to just sit, relax, and have fun with the girls! Then we all went over to the Cheesecake Factory and had an afternoon cocktail and some more "girl time".

The Rehearsal went smoothly at the church and then everyone headed to The Club (the atlanta girls had a hard time, emphasizing the "THE" part, ha!). We had great food and drinks and enjoyed an entertaining slide show!

Thankfully the only time it rained was Saturday morning before we had to be at the church. By the time we were ready for pictures, it had stopped! Thank you Lord!!!

With the beginning of fall, Brittany chose to use "fall colors". Vince Gray, with Flowerstems, did a fabulous job on the bouquets and arrangements. With our brown bridesmaids dresses, from Bella Cotoure, the rich reds, oranges, and yellows POPPED.

The wedding was at Mountain Chapel United Methodist in Vestavia, and the reception was at The Loft at Flowerstems, downtown. Carolyn Counts catered one of her last weddings before retirement and Diane Olexa did the BEAUTIFUL cakes.

Z and the Party Faktory definitely kept the party going. Brittany and her family love to dance, so they had a blast with Z!!

I am so thankful to have been a part of this wonderful occasion and for the friendship I have with Brittany and Hunter. Much love to both of you and I wish yall a future of happiness!