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!

What can I do for you??

Many people have been asking me what it is exactly that I do.

First, I would like to say that my ultimate goal is that any of my 'packages' or services are completely customizable to what the client needs or wants. I am here to make everything easier on you, whether it is to enjoy your 6 month engagement or to relax and and have a good time at the party you have been looking forward to for your whole life!

There is absolutely no need for the bride or mother of the bride to have to deal with anything besides looking beautiful and enjoying their day! I am here to make sure everything runs seamlessly for your wedding weekend and that any little thing that might come up (because we all know that things happen...), will be promptly taken care of. It is almost impossible to go without a wedding coordinator these days. There are SO many details that need a lot of attention, and that is where I come in. I make sure that everyone is on schedule (vendors AND wedding party!) and that there is nothing to worry about, so that the bride and her family can enjoy this event they have been looking forward to!

During the planning process, I am here to handle all the little details that need to be covered. I take care of all correspondence between vendors and make sure everything is perfected in each contract. Many girls think they are able to take care of this part on their own, however if you are working or in school, it is sometimes difficult to take phone calls or emails that are necessary to the planning process. Sometimes there is wording in contracts the average person doesn't notice or understand, but to someone in the industry, it could mean a huge addition to the total price or something isn't included!!

I am here to make life easier for you, plain and simple. And as an added bonus, to give you suggestions and reminders that you haven't thought of yourself!

Wedding and Event planning can be very stressful to the average person. Don't let it be! Contact me at molly@swankysocials.com and let me help you!

Getting down to business...

It's official.... my business cards, stationary set, and website (well, almost) are complete! I am so thankful to everyone who has helped me get this far. I could not have done it on my own, that is for sure! I really never thought about all the emotional stress that goes into entrepreneurship, but it is something I never expected. On the other hand, I am more excited about my future than I ever have been before. I know I have the support of friends and family to make my dreams come true!

This weekend I am off to the beach for the last relaxing weekend of the summer. I haven't been since April...I'm probably Vitamin D deficient! Then the next weekend starts my "Wedding Season!!!" I am so excited to be a part of Brittany, Haley, Stevi, Leighton, and Maggie's weddings. Obviously, I love anything and everything that is weddings, so to see these beautiful events play out is so exciting to me.

Yesterday, I went to see where Stevi and Grant will be getting married. It is absolutely beautiful! With the fall breeze in the air, I can only imagine how great their weekend will turn out. More about this to come for sure, as we start nailing down all the details for the October wedding!