MY PICTURES FROM REAL WEDDING: NIKI AND STEVEN

HERE ARE A FEW PHOTOS MY STAFF TOOK WHILE SETTING UP FOR THE WEDDING OCT 10.2009 OF NIKI AND STEVEN WHITE. I HOPE THE PROFESSIONAL ONE ARE RELEASED SOON!

REAL WEDDING- NIKISHA AND STEVEN

OCTOBER 10TH 2009 WAS THE DAY OF MORE THAN A YEAR OF PLANNING BECAME A REALITY FOR NIKI AND STEVEN. THE COLORS FOR THE BIG DAY WERE A TRIO OF RED TONES. THE DESIGN ELEMENTS EVOLVED MORE OVER THE LAST 9 MONTHS AND I MUST SAY THE BOLD DRAMATIC COLOR COLLECTION DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I HARDLY CAN WAIT FOR THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS TO BE RELEASED. I PROMISE I WILL POST THEM SOON!

DON'T CALL IT A COME BACK......

I AM ALWAYS DOING RESEARCH ON TRENDS, STYLE, COLORS AND CONCEPTS AS IT RELATES TO WEDDINGS AND OTHER EVENTS. I CAME ACROSS SOME PHOTOS AND I NOTICE SOMETHING. THE ALL WHITE BOUQUET COULD IT BE MAKING A COME BACK? IS IT A TIMELESS TRADITION THAT FADED, AS MODERN BRIDES HAVE BECOME SO BOLD WITH COLOR ENSEMBELS. WELL WHICH EVER THE CASE MAYBE IT IS STILL JUST AS REGAL IN THESE PHOTOS TIMELESS ,BOLD AND ELEGANT! THE TREND SEEMS TO BE WHATS OLD IS NEW AGAIN LIKE THE BRID CAGE HEAD PIECES FOR THE OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAM / VINTAGE LOOKS.
THE PAST HAS A WAY OF ALWAYS REPEATING ITSELF.
(PHOTOS @PROJECTWEDDING.COM)

ELEGANCE THE BRIDAL SHOW ...PART 2

ELEGANCE BRIDAL GALA WAS NOT JUST YOUR TYPICAL BRIDAL SHOW. THE EVENTS PRODUCER AUSTIN FLOYD HAD A VERY UNIQUE CONCEPT. IT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT DREW ME TO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. "GALA" THE WORD ALONE SETS A DIFFRENT TONE FROM 'SHOW'. THE IDEA BEHIND THIS WAS FOR THE BRIDE TO EXPREIENCE THE VENDORS AND THE PRODUCTS AS A MORE PERSONAL -SEE IT, TOUCH IT OR IN SOME CASE TASTE IT KIND FEEL. SHE ASK THAT BRIDES DRESS IN BLACK AFTER FIVE COCKTAIL STYLE DRESSES TO GO ALONG WITH THE REAL MEANING FOR A GALA!
MY DESIGN FOR THIS SHOW WAS VERY DIFFRENT FROM WHAT I PRESENTED AT THE "TALK OF THE TOWN" SHOW TAPING. AUSTIN ASK EACH VENDOR TO DO A BOOTH THAT WOULD ENGAGE THE BRIDE IN A ACTIVETY, SO SHE COULD "EXPERIENCE YOUR SERVICE. MY BOOTH WAS A OVER THE TOP BRIDAL SHOWER/BACHOLRETTE PARTY THEME.
THE DESIGN(BACORLRETTE PARTY) WAS BASED OFF A LAS VEGAS NITECULB I CALLED "THE DIVA'S LOUNGE". IN MY BOOTH WE PLAYED VEGAS STYLE GAMES FOR SHOWER PRIZES. I EVEN HAD A WORKING MINI SLOT MACHINE THAT SOUNDED OFF AND FLASHED LIGHTS WHEN YOU WON THE JACKPOT! THE TABLESCAPE DESIGN(BRIDAL SHOWER) WAS CALLED "THE ULTIMATE DIVA". I LOVE SHOES SO NATURAL I PLAYED TO ALL WOMENS FETISH FOR FOOTWARE BY SUSPENDING RED HIGH HEELS IN MY FLORAL VASE. OH DID I MENTION I ALSO HAD A HIGH HEEL CHAIR THERE TO SIT IN.... OH IT WAS TOO FAB!

MT ZION BUSINESS EXPO AND BRIDAL SHOW....

THE BRIDAL EXPO WAS HELD ON SATURDAY OCT.3RD AT THE ANTIOCH LOCATION. HERE ARE SOME PICTURES FROM THAT SHOW. MY TABLE FEATURES WHITE ROSE DESIGN INFUSED WITH SPIDER MUMS AND LOOPED LILLY GRASS EMBELISHED WITH CRYSTAL ACCENTS TO COMPLEMENT THE FIVE ARM SHANNON CRYSTAL CANDELABRA. IT IS PERCHED ON A SERENE BLUE RISER WITH MIRROR. THE DESIGN IS COMPLETE WITH ONE OF OUR OVERLAYS THAT ALSO HAD A CRYSTAL BEADED TRIM.THE LOOK IS CAPPED OVER A BUSSLED COVERINGS FROM "COUTURE COVERINGS BY CHIC" COLLECTION AND THE PLATES ALSO FROM OUR STOCK OF "FINE DINING EXPERIENCE" COLLETION. HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS DESIGN AS MUCH AS WE DO SHOWING THEM OFF!

ELEGANCE BRIDAL GALA -RECAP PART 1 OF 3

THE BRIDAL GALA WAS A LOT OF FUN TO DO. THIS FIRST BLOG POST IN THIS RECAP IS ON THE TALK OF THE TOWN SHOOT. THAT WAS MY FIRST EVER EXPERINCE WITH LIVE TV AND LET ME SAY IT GOES AS FAST AS YOU SEE THE SEGMENT. HERE ARE A FEW PHOTOS FROM THAT SHOOT. WE WILL TRY TO POST THE SHOW SEGMENT SOON!

SORRY WE HAVE BEEN AWAY ....

I MUST SAY WE HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR BEING AWAY SO LONG BUT WE PLAN TO GET BACK ON TRACK ....PINKY PROMISE!!!

WHAT'S COMING UP.....WHAT'S GOING DOWN !!!

WE ARE PLEASE TO TELL YOU OUR NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE IS ON THE WAY!! WITH ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES YOU CAN IMAGINE. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL COME BACK TO THIS BLOG AS WE WILL MAKE ALL THE NECESSARY CHANGES HERE AS WELL. IT IS OUR GOAL TO STAY IN THE KNOW WITH WHATS FRESH, WHATS HOT AND OH SO CHIC. THE NEW SITE DATE LAUNCH HAS NOT BEEN GIVE TO ME YET BUT WHEN I KNOW YOU WILL BE SURE TO FIND OUT RIGHT HERE ON OUR BLOG. THE OLD SITE WILL REMAIN FOR A FEW MORE WEEKS.


REAL WEDDINGS: NIKISHA AND STEVEN` I WILL SHARE WITH YOU THIS WEEK AS WE "FALL" RIGHT INTO THIER BIG DAY!

SHOWS: FIND US AT MT ZION BRDAL EXPO OCT.3 2009

VENDOR SPOT LIGHT.....3 OF 3

If pictures say a thousand words then JASON MCNEALS work speaks volumes. His fun loving energy and sences of humor comes thur every photo.
I have sat in on his bridal photo sessions, he is so easy going and open to fresh ideas that put his brides at easy. Some of my favorite phots are "in the moment" shots. The above photos are my featured bride of my website on the " CHIC PRODUCTION" page. He also takes the most adorable family and baby portraits. Please visit JASONMCNEALPHOTOGRAPHY.COM for more of this fanfair. I hope you love it just as much as I do.

I WILL !

SO most of your plans consist of making all the preparations for the big day. BUT rarely do I here couples making all the adjustments for the big life that is about to change. So today's blog is about a big little "elephant" that no one talks about but should, a will. Of course everyone wants to think of it as one of those things that is to much to think about. But the fact is, if you have assets or have a massed any wealth it is worth taking a look into along ,with life insurance as well. Especially if you have a home and children to consider. It is absolutely critical to have a will if you have a child. But even if you haven't gotten to that stage in life, you may want or need a will to direct what happens to valued possessions -- such as a dog, a car, an condo you own alone or a special comic collection -- in case of your early death.
A will typically wouldn't control who gets "joint property" (such as a house you bought with your spouse) or accounts for which you have designated a beneficiary, such as 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (and possibly bank and brokerage accounts as well). But when it comes to your other assets, if you die "intestate," or without a will, your state's laws will determine who gets what. The distribution laws vary by state, but generally your possessions pass first to your spouse and children, if you have any.
If you have children, a will lets you determine who will take care of them and manage their money if, say, you and your spouse parish together. In addition, you can use a will to set up a trust for your children, so they don't get the inheritance until they reach a certain age.
If one parent dies, a will can make sure everything goes to the surviving spouse, and not partially to young children. If you don't do this, your spouse may have to go through hoops like filing certain papers and checking in constantly with a court to manage your children's money.
Keeping It Simple
A simple will is generally just a document that specifies how your assets will be distributed. It's typically formulaic. The American Bar Association's Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust Law, states assets go to your parents, if they're still alive. If they aren't, then the order of succession is usually first to siblings. Unless you have a will, any significant other or favorite charity , wont get anything. A Sept. 11 cases where as a young man who was about to be married. Because he had no will, his estate went entirely to his family, and nothing went to his fiancee.

In review this blog is not ment to scare you with the little big elephant, its to inform you and help you make the other life commitment once you say "I WILL"!

ELEGANCE BRIDAL GALA.........

WE WILL POST PICTURES SOON .
CHECK BACK!

EXTRA!!! EXTRA!!! SEE ALL ABOUT IT ON "TALK OF THE TOWN".....

PLEASE WATCH! THE SHOW WILL AIR THIS TUESDAY AT 11 AM.

CHIC BY STEPHANIE ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER VENDORS WILL BE FEATURED IN A ON LOCATION LIVE REMOTE FROM THE ELEGANCE BRIDAL GALA , IN MT. JULIET!

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT....2 of 3

Truly the flowers are one of the key elements that make a wedding. So choosing a florist that fits your style should be one of your very first decision. RHONDA PATTON is a soaring Design Star in the Nashville floral market. This dynamic diva knows flowers, her wide knowledge of color, suitability and style makes her one of the most savvy and sought after designers. Her plush presentations have grace many space all of Nashville such as HILTON , LOWE'S VANDERBILT, SCARRIETT BENNETT as well as the SORMMET CENTER . Her unique ability to transfer a space into a floral haven is awe inspiring. Her work has appeared in the womens magazine 'HER', she has designed many weddings even for former TITANS players. Rhonda designed the wedding that is featured on my website ,vibrant and bold. She, was voted best Floral vendor on Ashely'sBrideGuide.com 2008 and featured on Talk of The Town this past spring.

Check out her website for more photos and her latest blog on all things bridal. WWW.RHONDAPATTONWEDDINGS.COM , a POWERHOUSE in the Nashville Bridal market!

VENDOR SPOT LIGHT...1 of 3 post

When it comes to wedding cake you really should look for cake that looks good and taste good. So I must say when I came across a cake designer that was great in both respects I just had to tell you. Rebecca Schreher of CAKES BY REBECCA.COM is such a starlit in her on right. Rebecca, not only makes a great product but she is a delight to work with. One of the things I most like about her is she pays attention to what you want and she makes suggestions if your not sure of design by drawing it out right in front of you. She is prompt and her setup is fast and clean. It is so wonderful to find vendors who produce a great product, take pride in high quality workmanship , as well as, arrive on time and dressed professional . We look forward to a long partnership with Rebecca keep up the outstanding work!

Whats in a name 2 of 5... COUTURE COVERINGS!

WE are please to present to you COUTURE COVERINGS by CHIC. Another phase to our branding is this unique collection of goodies. The line will consist of ensemble designed to create a cohesive look to your decor. Each piece can be used in layers or stand alone to add to your design. In the collections we have table runnners, overlays, chair caps , organza chair coverings, table coverings, napkins, door wraps and much more.
Our line will be un-veiled in the coming week live on "TALK OF THE TOWN." The first feature is a design called " MIDNIGHT IN PARIS" the look was inspired by a local couple who honeymooned in Paris this past MAY. We will share more of the details with you the show will air TUESDAY THE 11TH on local channel no.5. Or visit our booth this Thursday at the Elegance Bridal Gala!
Check back for new post on the BIG REVEAL!

IDEAS and INSPIRATION...RE-CREATE or RE-DESIGN

With so many TV shows, books. magazines and websites or blogs to get inspiration from its know wonder why re-creating the look has become popular. The key to having your event unique is getting ideas that complement your own style. Taking elements from designs that you can reflect into your event is a good thing. Having your wedding be personalize has all was been the way to go. So when you are trying to figure out your design be careful not to copy what you see instead fuse that look with your own. Brainstorming with your planner is a good idea when you have pictures of styles that you want to transform into your day. Most people can look in a book and copy what they see ; a good planner event designer will re-create your style from the images you bring them. Of course we all know its easier to bake a cake from a box but the diffrence when its from scratch is... a matter of taste! So with that said "GET INSPIRED ,RE- CREATE...MAKE IT YOUR OWN NOT A CLONE"!!

What`s in a name..... (PART 1 OF 5)

IN an effort to set aside our branding we thought it would be fitting to give you a little bio on who we are as a company, and what is to come for 2010. In the weeks and months to come we will share with you our goal for the 2010 season for weddings as well as unveil our new product line on tap for 2010; But first lets talk a little about our development so you can better understand our company.
The company name C.H.I.C is an acroynmom meaning- CRERATIVE- HIGH STYE -INTERIORS AND CUSTOM EVENT
The word Chic (pronounced Sheek)
1. attractive and fashionable; stylish: as in a chic hat.
2. style and elegance
3. Adopting or setting current fashions and styles; sophisticated
4. The quality or state of being stylish

Our mission as a company is to set trends and standards based on that very definition. We are determenine to make an impact on the design industry as a whole. To always produce work at the highest level of integrity and elegance period. OUR STYLE is a collective one I like to call un-conventional-elegance that is polished with a bit contemporary but classic , modern but savvy. In most designs we like to take things and twist them to create cutting edge work that gets notice. That is why branding is so important to us. Because there are times when you are defined by what people think you do when in essences there is so much more. We are passionate about all things designed and Interior Design is the next phase to come. Check back soon for more!

EXTRA! EXTRA!! READ ALL ABOUT IT.......

CHIC BY STEPHANIE HAS A BOOTH IN THE ELEGANCE BRIDAL GALA!!!

This is a unique chance for you to see our work and what we are all about please visit me at the show AUGUST 13,2009.

I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!

GO TO THE SHOW WEBSITE WWW.ELEGANCEBRIDAL.COM

AND PRE-REGISTER TO RECIEVE $2 OFF YOUR TICKET!

DETAILS.... DO TELL

The details of wedding express alot about your style and taste. So with that thought in mind look for little things that will add extra flair like silk ribbon tied around a napkin or applied to a candles adds color to the table scape. Another elegant look, little bling goes along way. By adding crystal embellishments to a menu card or a program will instantly give drama to any paper. Everything is better when it sparks! As you begin to discover the world of flowers and which style align best with your wedding style, you'll want to consider color shape and scent. If you enjoy the exquisite scent of gardenias, lilacs or peonies ,this surely will bring an add magic to your wedding day. I could go on but you get the picture. Add elements that will be notice and remember the Details do tell!

THE WEDDING DRESS -PART2 ...UN-VEILED

The hair style is a important piece to the wedding day puzzle. So with that said when looking for a headpiece and the right hairstyle it could take awhile. The modern brides today opts not to wear a traditional veil at all. Some brides just wear a classic up do with a tiara. From my long time experience as a hair stylist, I always suggest styles that compliment the dress. So if your dress is simple for example I would style your hair in maybe a soft sweeping chignon not a big plastered up do with pin curls every where. I love doing style that are interchangeable. For instance if during the ceremony your hair was in a curly pin up style with the veil tucked in at the back. We can change for the reception by taking the veil off and letting the curls down and maybe pinning the hair to one side for a relaxed but elegant look. The most important things to remember when choosing a style and a headpiece are these do's & dont's:

DO get a pre-wedding day hair appointment least 30-45 days before the big day.

DON'T get your hair colored the day of your wedding, it may lead to a disaster.

DON'T get hair extensions for your wedding day if you cant maintain them for the honeymoon, he may not understand why your hair is laying on the sink and not in your head.

DO what is comfortable and natural for you just jazzy it up for your wedding day, remember pictures tell a different story.

THRILLER:THE MARK MICHEAL JACKSON LEAVES BEHIND.....WEDDING DANCE TREND

Micheal Jackson's, Thriller, was a phenomenal in the 80s. When the pop icon burst on our TV screens with his smooth moves. Who new that video would spark a trend for weddings. As we fast forward more than two decades have gone by and THRILLER has provoked brides and grooms. Couples have found their on way of entertaining their guest just as Jackson did in the video that kept us mesmerized. On this day we give a loving tribute in Honor of the man and the music that inspired not only bridal party dances but the world as a whole. For decades to come the music will live on though tragically the star did not. Wedding Thriller take a look at this or go to You Tube for other wedding dances inspired by the late Micheal Jackson, 1958-2009.

THE WEDDING DRESS : DOES SIZE REALLY MATTER.......PART 1

Yes, to most women it does. The whole process of finding the right gown can be over shadowed by the fit and cut that vary from one manufacturer to another. So before you go headed to the gym or go on a cabbage soup diet. Here are a few things you should know. Clothing manufacturers realized years ago that if a pair of jeans had a smaller size on its label, women are more likely to purchase it. So they took a size 10 jeans, slapped a size 8 label on it and viola, customers are happier in the dressing room and more likely to purchase the jeans. Coutre clothing resisted this trend, as did wedding gowns since women choose the dress first and then are measured for size. So when you go into the bridal store don't get upset if your size 6 frame is being strapped into a size 10 wedding gown. Size does not ' matter' the measurements do!

CUTTING COST NOT CORNERS.......

So I was having a talk with a floral vendor recently. She and I were discuss this very topic. As a vendor we get brides who bring in picture from a couture bridal magazine and expect us to make this picture magically appear for cheap. Although we love to think out the box and recreate fabulous design. The budget is always a prime factor in the equation. With shows like Platinum Weddings and In Style Celebrity Weddings brides want to mimic what they see. Never mind it cost 1.5mill and the floral alone were $500,000.00. Don't panic I am certainly not suggesting it will cost that I'm simple saying be realistic in your choices. Consider this live florals can be expensive but they can be done inexpensively and not look cheap. How is that possible, well by doing certain things like buying a white Calli Lilly and spraying them the color you want. If it is cheap chances are it looks cheap. What you want to find is the best person who can execute your vision within your budget. While still keeping their creative integrity in tack. Please believe me when I say if its in a book its likely not because it was cheap. To get the look for less go in with an open mind when you have those pictures you found on DAVIDTUTREA.com or PRESTONBAILY.COM, their table decor can run in the thousand per design. So when your local florist or decor designer says I can recreate this for $xxx.00 per table. If you have ten tables to dress, she has done it for less than one of the tables the big guys charge. Be smart there are ways to get what you want at a fair price without feeling taken advantage of on both sides. As a vendor we want to do our best job for you but we also want to be compensated for the work as well. That way at the end of the day we are all happy....

DIAMOND REALLY ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND...

THE DIAMOND one of the worlds greatest jewels. Making the right choice can be a task for any groom. So have him consider these facts when he goes to purchases your shinning new friend.

The 4 C's are four variables that are used to calculate the value of a diamond -- Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat Weight.

Clarity describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. This is determined by the number, size, nature, and location

Color describes the amount of color the diamond contains. This can range from colorless to yellow with slight tints of yellow, gray or brown. Colors can also range from intense yellow to brown, blue, green, pink and red. These fancy colors are rare and therefore more valuable.of the internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections.

Cut refers to the proportions, finish, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. Well cut diamonds sell at a premium and poorly cut diamonds sell at discounted prices. With the advent of technology, the cut of the diamond can be determined through the use of the Dia-Mension system, a computerized system which takes accurate measurements and proportions of a diamond in seconds, in addition to the standard millimeter gauge

Carat is the unit of weight for the diamond. A carat is further subdivided in 100 points ( 0.01 carat = l point ). One carat is equal to 0.20 grams. Value per carat increases with carat size, because larger rough diamonds occur less frequently. In other words, 2 half-carat diamonds taken together will not cost as much as 1 one-carat diamond, as the one-carat stone is more rare.

So give him a little push in the right direction and tell him what you read today on this blog. So you want end up with chips of a stone or a rock that it takes a microscope to see.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE THE 411! MAYBE "HE WILL GO TO JARED'S" OR EVEN BETTER TIFFANY!!!

WHO'S WEDDING IS IT ANYWAY....

When you first get engaged the excitement seems to bubble out your ears. But once the reality sets in. Its dealing with who pays for what, that will soon burst those bubbles. These days few families have set aside a budget for their little princesses so unless your a platinum bride think realistic about your plans. Because you will find trying to feed 200 guest want go far if the budget is not in place. Most couples opt to DIY. Which can be a good thing and prepare you to budget wisely during your marriage. Or turn the sweetest girl into bridezilla because she wants what she wants and it now!
On the other hand if mommy and daddy are digging into their pockets. Well it can be a toss up. Mom could want the best all white flowers and you love color. Or daddy wants to know why he has to pay a DJ when cousin Willie can do it for free. So just to recap be realistic about your day and just know you got pictures that immortalized the day good, bad or indifferent.

What makes your wedding day shine...

Your style can make your day shine. If you want to make a dream wedding a reality,choosing a style is the first step ,during the entire process it becomes the corner stone for the entire event. Whether your simple and earthy or exotic and bold. The color scheme sets the tone as well and most plans are dressed around it. So during your planning stick to what you like but think of things others will enjoy. Its your day but keep in mind if your a vegan you may not wanna go with a earth menu totally. Because if your friends and family are not you may be stuck with a lot of tofu and veggie wraps at the end of the night. Keep it fun. keep it personal make it chic!