{MAKING THINGS HAPPEN} What is your core?

Yesterday I drove 6 hours home back to Savannah from Chapel Hill, NC after the Making Things Happen Conference was over. About 10 minutes before I got home I was thinking about some of the things I had learned at the conference. And one of the major components is figuring out your core. What fires you up. What you love. And I keep coming back to the desert. Why the desert? That makes no sense. I'm from OREGON. I grew up in the rainiest non-desert like environment ever. Then I went to college in WASHINGTON. Even more rainy and more non-desert like. But still, there is just something about the desert. And not just that, but things that remind me of the desert. Arrows, antlers, bohemian styles, aztec, southwestern, Mexican food, more arrows, more antlers, cactuses, succulents, desert sunsets, the colors of the desert, etc. But I kept telling myself shit that makes no sense. Your core cannot be a place! Your core has to be something meaningful, something deep, like real deep. Something real, something you can't see but something you feel. Then it hit me.

The desert is my core because of the memories that come with it. The feelings I get when I think about the desert. The desert is my core because of the way it makes me feel and the things it reminds me of. From the memories I have as a kid running around a deserted island somewhere along the Williamette with my dad pretending we are indians, to going on this Don Juan Trek (I think that's what it was called but I most likely am wrong) in the desert as a kid with my dad and family friends and going on long hikes in the desert in Arizona, to listening to my dad telling me about growing up in Phoenix, to listening to my dad telling me about driving back and forth during the summers from the desert to California where he went to college and how he would roll down the windows and take in the desert air, to visiting Chet (my dad's college friend) in Arizona at his house in the desert, to enjoying Spring Break in Palm Springs, to going to Mexico and staying in a tent in the middle of the desert in Tijuana, Mexico two summers in a row on a mission trip to build houses for underprivileged families and learning the word of God everyday, to driving cross country with my boyfriend and staying at the Grand Canyon Ranch in a little cabin and sitting under the stars by the fire listening to an old guy play country songs on his guitar, to exploring the Grand Canyon with Chris and feeling so small yet so in love.

That is my core. It's not the desert. It's the history, the feelings, the memories, the love, the stories, the family that is my core. Thinking of the desert brings me home, to a younger place. Thinking of the desert reminds me of my dad, who actually grew up in the desert and reminds me I am my father's daughter in so many ways. He built me into the person I am today, and I am grounded in the person he is. Thinking of the desert brings me joy in my relationship, reminds me of the moments that I fell in love with Chris all over again, the moments that meant so much to me, the moments that I knew he was the guy for me. Thinking of the desert brings me peace, and happiness, and joy. And just makes me smile.

Now this brings me back to Making Things Happen. At this point you are probably wondering why does this matter? Well, let me tell you why. Because to be fulfilled, to live a wholesome life you must follow your core. And no this does not mean I am going to up and move to the desert. But this does mean that I need to understand what fires me up and how I can translate that into my business. So if love, family, memories, stories, relationships fire me up and are my core... then, those need to be my focus when working with clients. If the weddings I am helping couples with are not focused around those things then I am failing. So moving forward, I strive to focus my couples on what matters. It is not just about pretty flowers and pretty decorations, it is about sharing your story, and making a wedding memory that is focused on you, your fiance, your family and friends, and the things that matter most. I mean, sure we all love the pretty, but wouldn't you so much rather have friends leaving your wedding thinking wow, that was so unexpected, and so... them. Well, that's what I want for you and that's what I want to do for you. With that being said... here is some visualization for what brings me back to my core...

{Photo Credits} Bride & Groom via Jose Villa // Bouquet via The Sweetest Occasion, photography by Half Orange // Bride in Desert via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Leo Patrone // Tablescape via Once Wed, photography by Charlie Star // Drink Cart via Ruffled, photography by Brushfire Photography

{MAKING THINGS HAPPEN} Goal Setting Part 2

Gosh, now as I sit down to do Part 2 of my goal setting I am looking back thinking oh gosh... I did a horrible job at Part 1. I mean c'mon... all the things that fire me up are actual physical things that inspire me? Does that count? That has to be wrong. It should have been things like honesty, making people happy, friendliness, the intangibles, etc.... Gosh now I am honestly feeling like I let myself down. But I guess that's part of this process right? Digging deeper. Sean T (Insanity workout coach) always tells you to "dig deeper" at the hardest parts in his workouts, and although I seriously hate him for that because it's right when I am like 'oh gah can't move another inch' but at the same time I know that I need to do just that to successfully complete the workout. Guess it makes sense in life too? At those times when you just feel like skimming the surface and taking the easy way out you got to instead push yourself to dig deeper.

So I think here I have to add to what fires me up before moving to Part 2 of my goal setting. I think maybe the number one thing that I really should have included is making people happy. There is nothing that drives me more in life than this. I love making people happy. There is no greater joy I feel than when someone thanks me for my work. For those of you who don't know I also work as a bridal consultant at a dress shop in town. I don't think I'll ever forget this one bride. She was so happy, so in love, such a joy to work with. She had all her girls with her and they had a blast while in the shop. After she found her dress I rung her up and she was about to leave. But before she left she grabbed my hands, and gushed about how incredible it was working with me, how happy she was that I was her consultant, and how I made it such a fabulous experience for her and then she gave me a hug. It was so sincere and so meaningful to me that I started crying (true life, but at least it was happy tears). Because it truly makes me so freaking happy when others are happy with the work I've done for them and when they are appreciative of how hard I work.

Another thing that fires me up? My family telling me they're proud of me. Gosh I know that sounds so silly but it's true. There is nothing that makes me happier and more excited than when I can tell my family or boyfriend about something I've done lately that will make them proud. It is probably one of the best feeling in the world. Guess it makes sense that the song, "Make Someone Happy" is one of my favorite songs? Guess it also makes sense why I am constantly trying to make people laugh, even if I am cracking a joke at an inappropriate time... it is all in good fun. Because if I can make you smile and make you laugh than I am happy too. Although I must admit I don't have the best jokes. I try hard though, that's what counts right??

Oh gosh, see this is what happens when my boyfriend leaves town. I stay up until 2am blogging and blabbing. Now to Part 2 of the Goal Setting!!!

Step 4: What are the three biggest lessons you learned from what DID work?
1. I can't do it alone. I need the support of others, whether it is my dad, my family, my boyfriend, business friends and vendors. I can't do everything by myself and when I do try to do everything myself I get overwhelmed, stressed out, burnt out, and exhausted. This lesson is an important one because I think it is very clear that if I want to grow the company that I am going to need some really good help and a really good assistant... it's in the works!!!

2. Hard work can pay off and if you put your all into something you can achieve your dreams.

3. Doing something you love is so gratifying. I am on the right path and as long as I am loving what I do than I need to be doing what I love because that is one of the most important and one of the easiest ways to happiness.

Step 5: What are the three biggest things you learned from what did NOT work?
1. Take your time. Dot your i's, cross your t's. Slow down. Make sure you are doing good quality work not skimming through things just to get by. If you are thorough you will not be as likely to make mistakes that upset others. You need to make sure you are giving the highest quality of work.

2. It does not count as spending time with Chris if I am on my laptop. Period. Spending time with Chris needs to be spending time with Chris and Chris only.

3. You have to take everyday as it comes and realize that success does not happen overnight. Be grateful for what you have accomplished thus far. Also, as silly as I feel for quoting a Miley Cyrus song... let's be real... "it's the climb."

Step 6: DO MORE of what fires you up then report back... today I am going to spend some time preparing things for clients, I am going to shop around town for the perfect dress that inspires me for my next styled shoot on March 25th, I am going to paint the side tables for our living room and paint our bar cart that's been sitting in the corner for a month now, I am going to put the cactuses where they belong and make another terrarium, I am going to take Winnie for a walk, I am going to dance around the room to Taylor Swift... (did I say that out loud!?!? aw shoot, now you know that I have this weird strange obsession with Taylor Swift...) I am going to go to an antique store, I am going to mop the floors because a clean house is a happy house, I am going to do Day 5 of Insanity, I am going to smile at all the people I encounter and if I can slip in a sarcastic joke then I will definitely be doing that too.

Part 2 of the goal setting to be continued after I do more of what fires me up... oh I'm so excited. Tomorrow... I mean today is going to be an amazing day. Now off to bed!!!

{Photo Credit} "DO More of what Fires You Up" Print via Lara Casey

2012: A Year in Review {21 weddings, 2 styled shoots, & 1 love shoot}

This past year has gone by so fast but at the same time it feels like there is no way just a year has gone by with all the changes that have happened in my life. A year ago at this time I had only worked at one wedding and in January I was starting to get excited for all the weddings to come. Little did I know that by October I would be taking over for Layla and continuing on trying to build the company she started. It really puts into perspective that life is short. Super short. I mean shorter than me, and I am only 5'2. But seriously, this past year has really showed me how important it is to make each day worthwhile and live your dreams now because it really is never too soon to start following your dreams. I know that might sound cheesy, but I truly believe it and am so grateful that I had the opportunity to start living my dreams at such a young age. Anyway, I wanted to put together a look back at 2012 and all the weddings Layla and I did together! I hope you all will enjoy!! 

Whitney + Rene {3/3} I think this wedding was foreshadowing life as a wedding planner... and by that I mean there is never a dull moment. While setting up for this wedding at the American Legion photographed by DreamWeaver there were tornado warning sirens going off and it was raining harder than you have ever seen. The ceremony was supposed to be in Greene Square but instead we had to go with Plan B and move the ceremony inside. Fortunately it was still a gorgeous event and I loved all the vintage details, the burlap, the blue mason jars & the mismatched china! Whitney & Rene are a young couple in Savannah that own the local foodie magazine, Well FED, make sure you check it out!! 

Andrea + David {3/16} This wedding photographed by Shannon Christopher at the Mackey House was absolutely incredible. We literally took over the entire venue, from their outdoor swings to their bookcases inside... everything was decorated and personalized for the couple. I know this was only my 3rd wedding but it really showed me how passionate I am for styling events. At this wedding I got to have some freedom styling the event & I knew from that moment I was doing something I really loved. This wedding will always be memorable to me because it was the first wedding I helped out at that was published! Check out the publication here on Style Me Pretty Georgia! 

Jenny + Robin {3/30} This intimate wedding at Wormsloe Plantation photographed by Alexis Sweet was so sweet and special. It was also my first time ever checking out the gorgeous historic site. The setting is positively breathtaking with the mossy trees that form a pathway. This was another event where I got to have some fun styling the decor of the "Love is Sweet" table! I loved their bee theme and thought it was perfect for a Savannah wedding! 

Cassie + Paul {4/7} Our second wedding at Whitefield Chapel was such a charming wedding photographed by Concept A Photography! I think Whitefield Chapel is by far the cutest chapel in Savannah. It has that Savannah charm that comes with the mossy trees and it is so rustic and quaint tucked inside Bethesda. I am excited because we are in the process of moving and now we live about 10 minutes from here so I will be real close to home when we have our next wedding here!

Blaine + Will {4/14} BIGGEST wedding we have had with a bridal party of 18 and over 250 guests at the Savannah Station. This wedding showed me just how much extra work is necessary for guest counts larger than 150... oh and how gorg are these pink bouquets by Garden on the Square photographed by Beacon Photo!!

Dani + Craig {4/21} Our first wedding at Tybee Island!!! I loved the quirkiness of this couple and their bridal party!!! This wedding was also at 10 Downing and was photographed by Andrea Mate. I cannot wait for another wedding out at Tybee Island, such a lovely location for a wedding! 

Angie + Tradd {4/29} All I have to say about this one is don't you wish you had that gorgeous bouquet of peonies by A to Zinnias on your dining room table? I know I do...  Oh & another way a wedding planner can save the day?? When your saxophonist, James Rinalducci, decides to start playing the Star Wars theme song we are there to make them stop before you even notice, but did a great job playing their ceremony music and after. James even played at another couple's elopement ;) 

Katy + Adam {5/5} I am not going to lie... this wedding was a blur for me for two reasons. One, because this was when we had a wedding every single weekend and two, because we had like 4 different weddings at 10 Downing and they all seemed to blur together. It's funny though because the pictures from Memories n More are some of my favorite wedding detail pics! I love the navy and yellow color palette & seriously think the lemonade stand was the cutest!! I also love love love how they used lemons to add some color to their decor!

Towanna + James {5/12} Remember up there how I said the life of a wedding planner = never a dull moment? Well, another example given here mostly just because I am a dog lover. I got to babysit the little yorkie terrier after their wedding & transport the little guy back to the kennels where he was staying. Seriously though how cute is this little guy in his little tuxedo!?!?! He loved being apart of the wedding at Forsyth Park... but too bad he couldn't make it to the intimate reception at 109 West photographed by Don Wright Photos! This wedding felt more like a big house party especially when the bridal party brought out the Patron for shots time...!!

Katrina + Matthew {6/9} The coolest part about their wedding (other than how breathtakingly gorgeous the European style brunch wedding at the Olde Pink House was) is that the bride has now started her own luxury invitations company, Nina Barrow Designs. I had the pleasure of collaborating with Katrina on the last styled shoot I designed, she did the faux invitations, escort cards and a really neat bar tray! I love her work and you definitely should go check it out as soon as possible so you can swoon over it too! Ooh and this wedding will always be memorable too because this was the second wedding we had published on Style Me Pretty Georgia!

Carrie + Shan {6/27} This couple had a very sweet elopement in Whitefield Square photographed by Studio Gap Photography! I can still remember going to their hotel to meet up with them and in downtown there was some film production going on. Well, turns out... the guy who plays Snape in Harry Potter was in town filming and Carrie & Shan saw him walking around! I thought that was pretty cool although I highly doubt I would have been able to recognize him unless he were wearing a black cape...

Melanie + Barren {7/7} This was by far the hottest wedding we worked in the dead heat of July. Biggest lesson learned here... bring water, water & more water for couples who decide to get married in the summer in the south!!! Although it was hot it was also a very sweet wedding at the Botanical Gardens photographed by Life's Stories. By the way, if you haven't been to the Botanical Gardens I would definitely recommend checking it out... I've actually been wanting to go back to check it out while not working. I hear it's pretty big and there are neat paths that walk back and all the flowers are gorgeous. I bet it's perfect to go in the springtime when everything is blooming...

Elizabeth + Joe {9/2} This couple was awesome because their first dance was the tango. It was amazing & everybody loveeeed it. This wedding marks a milestone for me because it was at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. When I first moved to Savannah, the first job I could find was as a Hostess at the Mansion. I really wanted to move up while working there and eventually get into working at weddings and events... I can still remember standing at the hostess stand watching the event coordinators and being very envious that they had the job I so badly wanted. Working at a wedding here was so huge for me because it showed me that whatever I put my mind to and work hard at I can do. And now here I was doing what I always wanted to do! On a side note... don't you wish you had an awesome headboard like that??? (photographed by Dragonfly Photography)

Lindsey + Blake {9/3} And here is another example of how wedding planners lives are never dull... for this wedding at Reynold's Mansion on Sapelo Island photographed by the very talented Traci Arney, Layla and I got to ride a ferry boat to the island! It was a blaaaaast. The bride and groom had a very intimate wedding and they even let us take a little break and ride bikes & golf cart down to the beach. It was such a fun and memorable day! But maybe the most memorable part was getting to try Blake's incredible gluten-free pineapple wedding cake... delish! However, I am 90% sure that Reynold's Mansion is haunted... there is a creepy circus room upstairs and a bowling alley in the basement. Oh and these creepy halls where the freezer is... which I unfortunately had to go down to several times to refill the wine!!! So scary... 

Hope + Matt {9/22} I don't have any images to share from their wedding except for the one of me above... That picture was taken 5 minutes before I was supposed to be at Garibaldi's to start setting up for their wedding. So the story behind this is... I also work at a bridal shop and had to work that morning so I brought a protein shake with me to work so I could have a snack between there and the wedding. Once I got to work I put it in the freezer so that it would stay a shake... Well, I took it out a little while before leaving work but on the drive to the wedding it was still kinda mushed together. Needless to say while driving and attempting to drink it without a straw or spoon this is what happened to me. All down my shirt & pants... super cold. I called Layla laughing hysterically... Thank goodness I had a change of clothes in my car. But seriously... lesson learned, always bring a spare change of clothes & shoes wherever you go. You never know when you'll need them! 

Dana + Jason {9/29} I loved this wedding, especially the flowers done by A to Zinnias! The arrangements were so gorgeous & unique!! I wish I had more pictures of this wedding to share because it was such a beautiful event with a beautiful bride & groom!

Courtney + Harry {10/6} I quickly fell in love with the Roundhouse Railroad Museum at this wedding. Such a gorgeous and unique venue... I absolutely loved how they even had a train ride for their guests. I cannot wait to share the rest of the photos from their wedding with you all because they are so breathtakingly gorgeous! They had their ceremony in front of an awesome brick wall in the courtyard then had their reception inside one of the larger rooms. They had cafe lights strung up for nice casual lighting. Their band were the cutest old guys I have ever seen! They even told me that they were featured in The Last Song, filmed at Tybee Island! 

Amber + Patrick {10/19} This wedding at the Trustee's Garden photography by Viktoriya Erich Krudu was one of the funnest for me because we did all their flowers!! I loved learning more about flowers from Layla and I think this really helped me decide that in the future I want to start offering flower services to more and more brides because it is such a fun way to get creative and decorate! I loved the unique florals we did for this wedding... especially the artichokes in the blue mason jars... that was the best. 

Melissa + Antonio {10/27} Whenever I think of their wedding I am going to think of how sweet their last dance was. All the guests got in a circle and held hands while Melissa & Antonio danced in the center to the song "What a Wonderful World." Partway through he picked her up and carried her in circles. It was the sweetest moment and I know they will cherish it forever. So glad I got to videotape!!! Also, I loved their wedding because I got to really be apart of helping with the design. I created the programs, escort cards, and other decor for their event. It was a really gorgeous fall wedding at Whitefield Square and Richmond Hill City Center photographed by Alexis Sweet. Layla did the amaaaaazing flowers for this wedding and I love love loveeeed the bridal bouquet! 

Natalie + Reid {11/3} I absolutely loved this wedding for several reasons. First, because it was green and handmade (bridesmaids crafted all week to create garlands & buntings... super adorable). Second, because I got to photograph their wedding. They did not want to hire a professional photographer and so I got to use my new camera to take pictures. I am no professional but I love how they came out! Third, because their wedding was like an impromptu event at Fort Jackson (i.e. in the woods). Fourth, because she wore a floral halo. Fifth, because it was our first wedding that was in 2 languages (English & Polish). Sixth, the young people stayed super late, had a blast, partied with good company, and danced in circles holding hands. I loved it and obviously got an awesome video of it. <3

Yliana + Nicholas {12/23} An evening luxury styled elopement in Forsyth Park in December? What more do I need to say! This was such a glamorous and gorgeous event. I cannot wait to see the professional pictures from Taken Photography (those above are from my iPhone lol). It was really fabulous though. They had a chuppah & a gorgeous 3 tier cake by Carrie at Two Cakes. Everything about it was gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! What a perfect way to end the year with our 21th wedding...

But that's not all... 

Mint + Gold Styled Shoot @ Southern Pine Company: This was such a fun day!!! I can't even describe to you how fun it was to put this together with Layla & Izzy Hudgins, our photographer. This shoot was not easy... it was hot outside and the venue is a reclaimed wood furniture making company so it is very dusty. We were dirrrrrrty by the end of the day. We spent about 8 hours out there setting everything up then moving everything to the next shoot location. It was so rewarding though because our shoot was featured on Green Wedding Shoes & will also be in the next magazine _______. Oh yes it is a secret until it comes out & then I will reveal!!!! Oh and another cool thing is we had Vitor Lindo from the Institute of Cinematic Photography do a behind the scenes video... super neat...

Oh yeah... and there's meeeeeee, not so sure how comfortable I feel about sharing this side profile shot of me with yall but I do think it's a neat pic Alexis snapped while I was lighting the candles for this love shoot. I am 90% sure I was dropped on my nose as a child because I have an unfortunate bump in the middle and well there are other reasons too... ;) 

This love shoot was for none other than me & my man!!!! It was a blast! Alexis Sweet braved the marsh with us while we set up a desert inspired lounge area. I put cactuses in recycled tin cans & used vintage antique coca-cola and sprite bottles that my boyfriend had as candlestick holders. Everything else was from one of my favorite stores, Target. Best part is I spent less than $100 on all the decor but it was perfect. Simple, charming and showcased my favorite style so perfectly! I will be sharing the rest of the shoot soon with yall!

Last, but most certainly not least... I styled a small inspiration shoot at the Dresser-Palmer. I have added on a team member to do flowers for us and could not be more excited at how amazing she is! Kelly is really talented and quick... I was shocked at how fast she put together a gorgeous bridal bouquet. I cannot wait to see how the professional images from Diane Dodd turned out!!! I would say all in all it was a success... and of course it's always fun to have an excuse to eat 5 French macarons... 

Phewwwww. Glad that is all done now. This is most definitely the longest blog post I have ever written or taken the time to put together. I hope you all enjoy checking out all that Simply Savannah Events has accomplished this past year! It has been an amazing year and I am so excited that we have come this far, helped so many great couples get married, and started to get published! I am even more excited to see where this company goes in 2013! With already 10 weddings booked I know it is going to be a great year!!! Cheers and hope you all have a Happy New Year's Eve and even happier New Year!!!!! 

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Lemons & Oranges and A Business Announcement

Flowers are not cheap. I just ordered all the flowers for the styled shoot we have scheduled for this weekend... I cannot explain in words how excited/anxious/nervous I am! Anyway, back to the flowers... not cheap. Not one bit. But lemons & oranges are cheap. And colorful. See where I am going with this? I am not going to lie... this idea was inspired by some of the Instagram pictures I saw today from Engage 12. I am so envious of all the wedding industry professionals that got to attend! I will go next year! 

On a somewhat related note... I have a business announcement to make. Simply Savannah Events is going to be getting completely re-branded. I know I have changed it a lot so far and you may be wondering why I keep changing it basically on the monthly... well, the truth is I attempted to design a logo and look that I love but was unable to achieve what I really wanted. So, I have made the decision to work with a professional and get branded! I am super excited to get the process started and after looking at lots of companies I have chosen to work with Molly Jacques (seriously check out her work---incredible). We will be getting started on everything in February but I wanted to get you guys excited because this is a huge step in my career & the branding of the company! Enough of my blabbing... now time for some fruit & wedding inspiration!

Day 11: Lemons & Oranges

{Photo Credits} 'When Life Gives You Lemons...' via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Birds of a Feather // Table Decor via Style Me Pretty, photography by Wings of Glory // Centerpiece via Style Me Pretty, photography by Picotte Weddings // Oranges in Box via Style Me Pretty, photography by Meg Perotti // Lemons & Oranges Cake via One Fab Day // Orange Favor via Style Me Pretty, photography by Jessica Charles // Fruit Candies via Der Zuckerbaecker // Lemon & Orange Garland via Project Wedding // Groom via Armorology, photogrpahy by Jill Thomas

SIMPLY ME: Love Shoot in a Marsh

I am so excited to share these images! Last Friday the amazing Alexis Sweet of Alexis Sweet Photography ventured into the marsh with my boyfriend & I for a love shoot! I knew Alexis would be perfect for shooting us since she makes you feel so comfortable and she had photographed me before for the Bohemian Styled Shoot. She was awesome and I would highly recommend her! I was real excited she was okay going along with this crazy location and also glad we didn't get my car stuck driving back there. Alexis was able to capture everything so beautifully and I am so happy she got some of my dog, Winnie, looking at the camera! Anyway, for the shoot I knew I wanted to use these old vintage Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper bottles Chris had gotten passed down in the family, and I thought it would be cute to put some tall tapered candles in them. I also love succulents and cactuses so Chris and I bought some and put them in recycled tin cans. We were originally going to do a table and chairs but I figured that would just be too difficult to trek back into the woods, which was fine because we found an awesome blanket and some amazing aztec pillows at Target and the really neat wooden tray with antlers on it. I love how everything turned out, although I must say the candles did burn my hair and that did not smell very good haha...! Anyway, thank you so much Alexis! You are amazing!

{Photo Credits} Alexis Sweet Photography