Reflections of Time

As I sit back and think about the last year and envision my next steps I am a little overwhelmed, but in an AMAZING way! I am so blessed that this journey has taken me this far! I am more blessed by the people I have meet along this road and reconnected with! I am the person who will buy blue and white candy for a party, not because anyone wants them or even likes them, but because they match the colors or theme!! Some say I go over board, but I disagree! Thus the obsession began……

I started P3 with dreams of being a well known planner, but I will be honest I have done a lot of charity work, and volunteered more time over the last year than I ever have in my entire life. The joy that this brings me is immeasurable. I have not been able to give millions of dollars to any organization but the thing that we all should keep in mind is that every little bit helps and makes a difference in the total outcome.I have volunteered my time, as well as my amazing employees,  to help some fantastic organizations in this area such as Love is Bald, Boardwalk Makeover Group, St.Baldrick’s, Children’s Museum, Pretty in Pink, Be the Match and many more. I look forward to many more volunteer options coming and some already scheduled. I am hoping that this next year fills me with more happiness, self worth, but more importantly can inspire someone else to follow their dreams to step out on a ledge, volunteer your time, and help make a difference. Pay it forward!

There are so many wonderful ideas and plans in progress I can not wait!  I have new options coming available to my clients in October, Pleasure Island Day of Hope Project,  19th Annual Pleasure Island Seafood Blues & Jazz Festival (http://www.facebook.com/events/312057858888842/) and so much more!!

I am looking forward to a very busy 2013 as my dates are getting booked up fast and I am loving my new friends I am  making on this journey and appreciate everyone’s support and love .<3

Wedding Budget Ideas and Tip

As an Event Planner I have been involved with several weddings and I am often asked by my clients what they should spend their money on and what they can skip on or do without. My response is always that my clients need to decide what is important to them as I have learned over the years that no matter what the event the things of importance vary. One thing that I can say holds common is a GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER!! There are a lot of things that can go wrong, be forgotten, and ignored, but having terrible pictures of your special day can never be replaced, redone, or changed. Please also keep in mind this is not to say that you should spend a thousand dollars on a fantastic photographer either. There are amazing photographers out there!! Interview them, look at their work, check out their website/facebook page, ask for references, and MOST important make sure their style matches yours!! Every couple is different as is every photographer. Find someone you and your spouse click with because you want to be comfortable to share your intimate moments with them so that he/she may capture those on film! To me photograph can NEVER be replaced, changed, or altered and it captures the love and adoration within the bride and grooms eyes with which they can look back and even on the darkest day it can make them smile and remember the butterflies they had in their stomache once upon a time!

The Magic and Wonders of Face Painting!!!

The Magic and Wonders of Face Painting!!!.

The Magic and Wonders of Face Painting!!!

Have you ever seen a child’s eyes light up with magical amazement, wonder, and beauty? I have…..

I have been volunteering to face paint down at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for years now and never will get tired of the wonders that it brings to a child’s face. I have been hired for multiple birthday parties, events, fairs, and done more volunteering. Pick your perfect situation of a little girl Sarah coming along and sitting down at the chair in front you to ask you to paint a magical fairy. I look at her cute little face and can not let her down. Internally I am thinking that I have never painted a fairy before can I do this?I can’t even draw people very well….but I can NOT look into her eyes and disappoint nor tell her I can’t do it so I try…..

I start to paint and let the magic unfold. The fairy looks amazing!! I am loving it..Turquoise wings….skirt..ballet shoes…brown hair tied up in a bun…..then I have to start adding some of the facial details. Remember I can’t draw people, and I am beginning to not like her..oh no what do I do? People watching, taking pictures. I add some sparkles and glitter because what girl can’t resist those? I reach for my mirror and pull it up so that she can see her reflection and her little fairy. She SQUEALS with excitement and I feel so fantastic!! She loves it! My weird, unusual little fairy. SHE LOVES IT!!! Thank you Sarah!

Do’s and Don’ts for DIY Weddings

I wanted to write this as this subject has been heavy on my heart especially during the planning process and so many brides wanting to DIY. Please be careful with DIY!!! I know its a money saver but just a few things to keep in mind….

The final days before your wedding can be extremely hectic. So first rule of thumb is if you can not do the task months before your wedding, let a professional do it! All the better reason to hire a Day of Coordinator or Wedding Planner. Remember there are last minute errands to run, seating charts to finalize, rehearsal dinner, placement of wedding party, and the list goes on.

Some great DIY options could include but are not limited to invitations, decor items, and favors. These are great options as they can be done far in advance by yourself or with the help of others. You can line envelopes with colored paper to dress them up, fold a thousand paper cranes for decorations, make flower balls to hang from the ceiling, or paint paper boxes to fill with candy as your favors. 

Please remember to leave some things to the professionals such as photography, food, and flowers. I am sure that some of you are saying I can lay flowers on a table why pay someone else to do this? I know that this sounds like a great idea to be able to save money, however the day of your wedding the last thing you should be worried about is what your tables will look like or stressing yourself out trying to oversee this time consuming task. You need to be getting prepared and beautiful!

Brides & Grooms please keep in mind that your photographer to me is the MOST IMPORTANT decision you will make in your wedding planning process because he/she will capture your day so that you can cherish it for the rest of your lives, look back show your kids, share with your loved ones for years to come. You don’t want to be unhappy with the outcome, and there is no reenacting the scene or second takes!!

Make your decisions wisely, remember that weddings are not cheap, but it is a wonderful day of joining in a unity to cherish for the rest of your lives. Make your ONE DAY COUNT!!

Father’s Day

Father’s Day……an Event that should not go unnoticed!!

We all have a different type of Father..different situations..different circumstances, but no matter what it’s Father’s Day. Call them, text them, send them a card ( old fashioned I know, but special). My father is my father not by blood but by love! He is special, amazing, and I love him to pieces! He helped shape me into the woman I am today. Did he make mistakes, yes, but don’t we all? At the end I know I could call him and he would be there for me no questions asked. 

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Gearing up and JUMPING OUT!!

I have stepped out on a limb and following my dreams 100%!! I have resigned from my position at my full time job and am now focusing on P3 completely. This is a bit of a scary adventure, but with faith ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. After giving my resignation at work I received two brides wanting my services, and am happy to say….CONTRACTS ARE SIGNED!

I write this on my blog for NO purpose other than to encourage everyone to believe in themselves, trust yourself, and always strive to be better!! I have wanted to start this business for over 5 years and finally got the courage last August to just JUMP!! I had a business partner who wished to go her on way in January and I could have very easily given up but that never was an option. I kept things rolling and now I am so happy with everything God has given to me. I am grateful and blessed. My goal is that every couple I help get married, every birthday party I plan and every face I paint may light up with joy from the outcome and walk away my friend!

THIS IS MY DREAM!!!

“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
Michael Jordan