So we've just rounded the 6 month mark with Baby G and my friends and family are gung-ho on the shower planning. I must say, as the planner for most celebrations and fetes it's been hard to sit still and let the planning commence without me.  What's harder though is allowing myself to be the guest-of-honor....something I haven't had to do in 8 years since our wedding.  It's odd, I just don't want a big to-do with lots of people and presents.  So I got to thinking, there must be other brides and mothers-to-be out there that feel the same way, who would much rather spend time with their favorite people than with the games/food/gifts.  So here is a list of shower alternatives specific to Charlotte:

• The Wine Palette in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. It is a fabulous way to spend a fun-filled evening by creating your own original masterpiece painting (led by an instructor so no worries if you are a beginner or a professional) and the best part is you get to bring in your own wine/beer and/or food. Cost is $35 per person, but they are offering $5 off per person for Graceful Hosts out there (enter ClipArt online or call/email to book).
  

Just wanted to share a few snapshots of a modern brunch reception from this past weekend at Centerstage NoDa.  The bride and groom wanted a loungy, casual feel that still spoke to their natural, ethnic, modern taste. 

So several months ago, a lovely and excited bride came to me and asked me to bring Charleston to the Dairy Barn in Fort Mill.  I was so excited to get my hands on such a unique location, especially one that reminded me of my roots in Moo-nesota.  So here are a few preview pics taken by my fabulous assistants!  We'll be posting a full gallery from Josh Jones the talented Photographer soon!

You might be wondering how we brought Charleston in to such a classicly rustic space....well, we used a lot of wrought iron lanterns and bowls, soft colors and had custom-made chandelier silhouettes made for the interior of the barn.  We didn't ignore the 'country' either, so we used some plaid and burlap in select spaces to add texture.  Oh, and did you see our indoor window boxes....fabulous, right!?

This seems to be the summer of the wedding crasher for several of my clients.  While we have only had one instance where actual un-invited  guests showed up to the festivities, we've had several circumstances in which guests are RSVP'ing for more than the said invited guests.  In fact one guest responding for 15 people!  Other's want to bring uber-distant relatives, friends, and adult children.  This has been a tough etiquette call to make, but here is what I advise our clients to say:

1. Thank you for your enthusiasm about our wedding day!
2. While we'd love to have everyone there, we do have space/budget constraints.
3. Therefore, we can only extend the invitation to you, not _____.
4. Thank you so much for understanding!

My other word of advice, when you are getting your RSVP's in and notice a discrepancy from your carefully tailored guest list, chat with someone neutral about that particular circumstance (mom, planner, friend).  Then make a decision to allow it or confront it....if you want to un-invite the un-invited guest then do it quickly....like pulling off a bandaid!

I just finished and mailed a design plan for a lovely modern couple set to marry next June at the Mint Museum Uptown.  I knew I could get adventurous and fun....so here are a few of the inspiration pics I sent:

So the cats out of the bag (so to speak!)....I'm 4 1/2 months pregnant and feeling fabulous!  I'm hungrier than a horse but not looking too plump yet which is great because we have several more weddings and events to get through before this little one is due.

I'm feeling a little bummed out though....I'm an event planner by trade (obviously!) and love entertaining on a personal level, but that doesn't mean I want to plan or even mildly contribute to my own shower(s).  

My generous MIL thinks otherwise though....she keeps asking my opinion (then decides the opposite) and it's about things that should be a no-brainer for a baby shower.  For instance, here's the question I fielded last week: 'Should we invite several of our couple friends and make it more of a cocktail party?'  Really, did she just ask a pregnant women if she wanted to stand in a room of couples she barely knows and watch them drink wine and cocktails?  Yes she did.

So my question to all is this: what do you think is appropriate and inappropriate to serve at a baby shower?  I know my thoughts, I just want to hear the opinions of others on this matter.

I'm so, so sorry for the delay in posting these pics....this was an incredibly beautiful wedding....do you remember the inspiration pics I posted a long time ago for this one?  
Well, it was picture perfect (though don't judge these pics, they were taken with my iPhone....professional pics coming soon!)

Nothing beats a refreshing beverage on a fiery summer afternoon!

Right now I am sincerely loving the simplicity of making fruit flavored and/or infused ice cubes to add a little Zing! to those average summer cocktails....

How about Pomegranate Ice cubes thrown into a fresh Vodka- Lemonade?  
 
 At the moment I am sipping on some crisp cold club soda, and I'm thinking to myself what could be nicer than gorgeous plump summer Blackberries frozen into ice cubes and mixing it up with some fresh mint leaves?  Yum!!! 

Everyone knows about adding  a dash of Chambord to a sparkling Prosecco or a bubbly Spanish Cava, but I'm thinking to add a more exciting Pop to your punch, scoot over to your local fruit stand and grab some fresh Raspberries or delicious Black Cherries and freeze those babies up to add color and excitement to your next bubbly adventure.

Or how about throwing some ripe summer Peach and Mango ice cubes into your standard Sweet Tea or Arnold Palmer??  Turn on some Zac Brown Band and hit the front porch!

I'm also in love with the idea of using up this morning's leftover coffee and adding coffee ice cubes to a Kahlúa or Baileys for an after dinner night cap! 
Maybe stick with the decaf though...

All this talk is making me thirsty.
It's 5 o'clock somewhere! :)

Cheers!
Michaila

What an unforgettable weekend in Belmont, North Carolina at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.  This wedding was filled with unique treats and cheerful surprises: from the Jones sodas in the garden, to the whimsical centerpieces, or the hot sauce table names, and the merriment coming from the guests as they filled out their Madlibs of marriage advice for the newlyweds.  Though the weather certainly tried, there was nothing that could spoil this party!  Our topless tent, outdoor dance floor moved inside and guests came in to indulge on the 6 different flavors of cupcakes and the multi-tiered candy bar before making it back out onto the dance floor.  Overall it was playful, joyous, and merry!

Cheers,
Michaila

June 11, 2011: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Radiant: adj. bright with joy, hope, and excitement.

Perhaps it began with the dazzling rays shining from the hot June sun over the magnolia trees in the terrace?  Or the brilliant smile beaming from the Bride as she made her way towards her Groom?  Next, the radiance traveled inside to cocktail hour where it seemed to flicker like delicate fireflies floating amongst the trees.  It continued on into dinner where candle light sparkled against the champagne silk linens.  And made a romantic appearance as the stars twinkled above the clear top tents during the toasts.  Finally, the radiance bid the couple farewell as they strolled under the glimmering cheers of their sparkler send-off.

Cheers,
Michaila

June 4, 2011 : The Mint Museum of Art on Randolph