Cinco de Mayo and Me

I have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo for as long as I can remember. My fondest memory is close friend, Lisa (the big sister I never had), who is also Mexican introducing me to the culture and her infamous bean dip. She moved off to Tacoma, Washington and I kept it going. Then going off to college, I continued to celebrate while others would ask, "What is Cinco de Mayo?" As I moved on to adulthood, my annual ritual continued. I have watch others become more and more aware as the parties have grown all around Charlotte and become more popular. I am so excited to have more people join me in the festivities.

I've seen some recent controversy about the true origin of Cinco de Mayo. Some believe that it is not the celebrating Mexico's independence and others have their own opinion. To me, Cinco de Mayo is about celebrating life, family, and friends. I just love to celebrate (what party planner does not?) and accept any opportunity to do so. This year in my true Cinco de Mayo fashion, I am looking forward to my sister being by my side- as always. I'm celebrating my year of blessings, loved ones and giving myself a chance to "let loose". I invite you to do the same and leave you with one of my favorites - The Margarita recipe (courtesy of! Enjoy!

·  Salt, for rimming the glass (optional -- I, personally, hold on the salt)

·  Ice

·  1 1/2 ounces tequila (blanco, 100 percent agave)

·  1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

·  1/2 ounce Cointreau (simple triple sec adds calories and gives me a "heavy" feeling)

If using salt, place in a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with a dampened paper towel, then dip in salt.If using salt, place in a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with a dampened paper towel, then dip in salt.

Real Wedding: Happy Anniversary Ernie + Omer

Happy One Year Anniversary Erni & Omer.  On May 1, 2011 Erni and US Marine, Omer stood in front of their closest friends and family during an intimate ceremony outside of the Orchid Conservatory at Belmont, NC's  Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.  Erni's father, who once served in the military, walked her down the aisle in uniform. 

Continued blessings to you both and thank you again for allowing me to be a part of your special day!

Upcoming Event: Girls Night Out

This will be my second year involved in the Annual Girls' Night Out.  So- What is Girls Night Out??

Girl's Night Out - It's a little of everything women love - networking, cocktails, a fashion show and silent auction - all in support of a wonderful cause.    Shop the fabulous silent auction for deals on items such as luxury jewelry, pampering packages, swank items for the home and more! All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.

The Stilletto & Cocktail Party Packages are SOLD out!!!

Stiletto Package ~ $95 per person - SOLD OUT!Includes the VIP Girl's Night Out experience, first two rows of seating for Fashion Show, 2 drink tickets at the

VIP bar, Hors d'oeurves and Swag Bag

The Cocktail Party ~ $300 for a party of 4 - SOLD OUT!Includes the Girl's Night Out experience for four, reserved table for your friends, 2 drink tickets per person, Hors d'oeurves and Swag Bag

The fashion show features fashions from upscale boutiques and retailers.  Some of the fashion models are "Model Moms," women who have stayed in a Ronald McDonald House and can share the story of what this wonderful House can mean for a family.  This part of the evening is very touching but makes me want to do so much more. 

There are still a few Pump packages available so you'd want to grab your girlfriends and a ticket NOW!!

Pump Package ~ $60 per personIncludes the Girl's Night Out experience, 2 drink tickets and Hors d'oeurves

Real Weddings: Happy Anniversary Sonia + VJ

It's hard to believe that one year ago Sonia and I were rain dancing and crossing our fingers in hopes of clear skies after a week of rain in the Fayetteville, NC area.  But sure enough the skies opened up and sun shined for a beautiful day to hold their garden ceremony at The Cape Fear Botanical Gardens.  Happy One Year Anniversary Sonia & VJ.

See more pics from Sonia + VJ's wedding on our website.

Bridal Event: Lineage Bridal's Grand Opening

Are you ready to take a sneak peak at what Lineage has to offer?  On May 16th,Charlotte wedding boutique,  Lineage Bridal will host their Grand Opening at Roof With A View to show off their couture bridal designs, accessories, and more.  Lineage offers a diverse and stunning collection of couture bridal gowns at a price you can afford.

So drop them an email to RSVP and while you're at it -- set an appointment to check out their closet of bridal gowns.  Space is limited and the evening will include a runway presentation and collection from Elle Magazine 2011 Fashion NEXT Award Recipient, Faith Thornburg.  This will be an evening that you would not want to miss!!

Pucker up to RED!!

Bold. Red lips are so hot right now.   Nothing helps me express my moods than playing with my makeup and I was so happy to finally find my perfect shade.

Stylist, June Ambrose recommends chosing a shade to compliment your skin tone:

• Fair Skin: take a backseat to bolder reds and grab a shade with a more coral hue or true reds. 
• Medium Skin: stick to true reds and reds that have a pinker, cranberry-like shade. 
• Tan/Dark Skin: go for the rich deeper reds or vibrant bright red. 

There are still brides who hesitant to go with such a bold color for their wedding.  I, personally love the bright red and its classic, feminine feel. 

Erich McVey Photography

RH Photo Arts

The Nichols

Are you ready to go for red?

bebe goes bridal!

Known for its funky, edgy looks, bebe has announced the launch of its first bridal collection.  Featuring The collection not only features bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses -- but didn't leave out the events leading up to the wedding.  There's no need to look any further for you engagement, bachelorette, or bridal shower.

Designer Rami Kashou was commissed to design an exclusive collection of Bridal and Bridesmaids dresses under the label "Rami Kashou for bebe"

You'll find the collection in select bebe stores and on bebe.com  We'd love to hear your comments. What do you think about the looks?  Would you walk down the aisle in an bebe dress?

March Wedding Workshop

Looking for tips and just simple ideas to get you started.  I (Aisha) am excited to be facilitating a March 17 workshop at Central Piedmont Community College.  The direction of this course is to not only give you the opportunity to network with other brides-to-be but to understand what goes into just being a bride.  We'll discuss everything that goes into planning and I'll even dispel a few myths about destination weddings.  So go on over to the college's website and register today!



Class: SLF 7101
Location: Merancas Campus

Time: 10am-1pm

To Register:  http://schedule.cpcc.edu/myschedule/show_sections/2537/#add
Questions:  aisha.thomas@cpcc.edu

Inspiration: Bring the Oscars to your living room

There is just a few days until The Academy Awards and we'd like to share 4 tips and inspiring looks to get you ready to plan your own Oscar event (or just in the glitzy spirit).

1. Walk your own red carpet in the comfort of your home

2. Eat & drink in style

-enjoy elegant and stylish h'orderves complimented with some bubbly (Moet being the official sponsor)

3. Stunt the paparazzis and get inspired by the ultimate fashion icons paired with fabulous accessories

4. Create your own Oscar gift bags full of goodies for your friends attending the party
 

The DNC is coming.. The DNC is coming... To The Wadsworth Estate

D-N-C..You have to live under a rock if you reside anywhere near Charlotte and still have no clue about what these three letters mean.  Memorial Day weekend will kick off The Democratic National Convention and Sunday, September 2, 2012, The Wadsworth Estate and 11 other venues throughout the area were selected to host thousands of delegates and welcome them to the Queen City.  With venues chosen , the next step is to decide who will coordinate and plan these events. Therefore, within the past couple of weeks, the selected properties have hosted scheduled tours to prospective event planners who have hopes of being chosen to manage the logistics at one of these properties. Each planner will have to follow a vigorous proposal process and meet certain criteria.

The Wadsworth Estate is a registered Historic Site.

Today we hosted our final venue tour at The Wadsworth Estate to our second group of planners. The property is home to us, but it has been such a proud and rewarding experience to share the estate's history and charm with our industry peers.  It's hard to imagine that in 193 days, The Wadsworth Estate will be entertaining hundreds of delegates and welcoming many others to our city.  A special thanks to the Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee and everyone who registered and participated in either tour.

Owner, Judge Shirley Fulton shares the history of the estate.