Sandals Bahamas here we come!

As you may know, Ever After is a representative and major fan of Sandals vacations and honeymoons! It's the most romantic place in the world because it is designed for couples! Everything is included: fabulous meals, luxury suites, activities, etc! I can't say how impressed I am with Sandals! The service, the value, the views- Wow!

Today (~6:45 am), I am off to Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort! This is the fourth time I've been to the Bahamas, but the first time I've been to a Sandal's property there! I can't wait to see the difference. I have been to both Freeport and Nassau, Bahama.

The first two times I went we stayed in hotels on the island. They were a run down and not ideal by most standards. I liked the local markets, the crystal blue waters, the culture... but I was not impressed with the resorts. The third time I visited via cruise- that was fun! We stayed in port overnight and were able to explore a little. We went shopping, visited Atlantis, went scuba diving! It was great-but one day does not give you enough time to relax or explore the island!

I expect this trip to be very different than any before! This one will be filled with relaxing beaches, yummy food, fire dancing, and luxurious rooms!

Go Sandals!

Planner Girl:)

Telethon with Guy Fieri

Last Night's telethon was a success! The telethon was broadcast on all 3 television networks to show that we can unite as a community for the United Way! The telethon was held at the Bijou theatre and hosted by Hallerin Hilton Hill and Guy Fieri of Food Network.


Guy is the host of Diners, Drive ins and Dives. He spoke about the episode where he highlighted Knoxville's own Pizza Palace on Magnolia. Although he did not mention it on air, Guy revealed earlier that day that it's one of his 2 favorite places to get pizza. The other place is in South Chicago!


The Telethon's goal was to unite the community and raise $250,000 for the United Way of Greater Knoxville!


KingBilly performed on stage as the telethon continued. Their style is best described as country, rock, and blue grass!

Guy and Hallerin talked about the United Way Auction that kicked off last night. Ever After is a proud sponsor of United Way. Look at the auction for a bridal shower and rehearsal dinner package from us! You can also bid on signed UT items, books, guitars, etc.


The telethon was just a kick off! We raised over $254,000 to exceed our first goal. Now we are looking to the online auction, spare change drive, and Pilot pumpers events to make up the total that is needed to serve Knoxville's less fortunate!

Get bidding!
Planner Girl:)

United Way Sharing the blessing!

As a bride to be, you are no doubt blessed! The United Way of Greater Knoxville is wonderful organization that helps those less fortunate get back on their feet. The United way helps educate folks, increase their income, and helps them with health care needs. Today launches their big fund raising campaign and Ever After is proud to be involved! Below are just some of the fun events going on!


1) Telethon with Guy Fieri (of Food Network) and Hallerin Hilton Hill
You can call in any time today to donate $10, $20, $50... whatever you can give. The number is 1-877-970-GIVE (4483). Join us tonight at the Bijou Theatre to see Guy in person as the telethon wraps up. All of the local stations will cover the telethon. We've already been on the Noon news this morning to get the word out. Tonight's telethon is from 7:00-8:00 and only $20 to get in! I can't wait to support such a great cause... and meet Guy Fieri- now that's a winner, winner chicken dinner!



2) On line Auction
The United Way is also auctioning off some awesome items on their website. Signed UT items, signed guitars, a 1948 Indian Chief motorcycle, dinner coupons, an Ever After package and more!!!!



3) Spare Change Drive October 12- November 6
Everyone can spare some change right?! It's resting at the bottom of your purse... or couch. It's hiding in your car. Look for local area businesses for the change drive. Elementary school children are also getting involved to collect change. Every little bit helps and you know it adds up!


4) Pilot Pumpers at Pilot Gas Stations, October 19- October 21
Come fill your tank and meet local celebrities as they pump gas for the United Way!



9/11 Tribute
I also wanted to acknowledge the volunteerism of the United Way campaign. On 9/11 over 300 volunteers met on Market Square to remember the victims of 9/11. Then they spread out across Knoxville to pull weeds, paint, help clean up, and other tasks for businesses! What a great show of our volunteer spirit. Below are some pictures of the morning ceremony with DIY's Amy Matthews and Chris Grundy.

Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale
Knox County Commissioner Mike Hammond
Scripps Network VP and Pres., John Lansing
DIY's Amy Matthews and Chris Grundy reveal the fund raising goal!
Families of the heroes of 9/11 marched from Market Square to the 9/11 exhibit.


Give back!
Planner Girl:)

Brunch with David Tutera

Recently, I attended an event called Style in the sky! Style in the sky was a combination of a bridal and fashion show which drew some big names! The speakers included Harmony Walton whose client list includes: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley, Will and Jada Smith, and many others. Many TV shows and magazines consider her their go-to person for all that is weddings! She is also the owner of the bridal bar, which serves as a resource to brides. Locally, we have the Bride's Lounge that serves a resource for Knoxville brides!





Prior to the event I was able to attend a brunch with David Tutera. David is the event designer to the stars. Among his celebrity clientele are Star Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Elton John, Barbara Walters, Tommy Hilfiger, and Susan Lucci. He brought pictures to share with us from Star's wedding! David is also the star of We TV's "My Fair Wedding".



The colors of the brunch were hot pink and orange. The centerpiece was wrapped with banana leaves, bamboo, and tropical flowers! David's key point was to change up the setting every 30 minutes to keep guests entertained.

Ever After has often used this theory in weddings we've planned. For example, at a wedding at Historic Bleak House we moved the guests to a different location. Following dinner in the gardens, we had guests move to the house for the cutting of the cake and dancing on the patio! We've also followed this theory in music. We had a violin stroll for dinner and then the band kicked up the party after the cake was cut! Now that's how to entertain your guests!


Following brunch with David the bridal show started. Brides were able to sit in on seminars from the experts. Local vendors were on hand to showcase their talents and services. Following the bridal show there was a fashion show with Anne Barge! Anne's gowns have been featured in magazines worldwide. She also provide the gown for the Today Show's Win a Wedding!



The show was fabulous as you would expect. However, my pictures were not as swift! Check out her site to see the real deal. Below is a picture of Calandra Terry, Kristie, and Anne Barge.


Style it up!
Planner Girl:)

Dinner with Sylvia Weinstock

I recently got to meet Sylvia Weinstock as she spoke about her trade: Cakes! The Summit Club in Birmingham, AL (similar to Knoxville's Club LeConte) hosted our dinner. Her short stature and signature coke bottle glasses were unmistakable as she walked toward us. Her clientel includes: Donald Trump, Oprah, Mariah, The Kennedys, Eddie Murphy, Whitney Houston, Catherine Zeta-Jones, etc.


We had a great meal. Sylvia shared with us that she only uses butter cream frosting. She does not work with fondant. That is also the reason that she does not do cakes for outdoor weddings! Her cakes are featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Town and Country, Brides, and Modern Brides magazines. While Sylvia was in town she judged a cake decorating contest.

The cakes and Sylvia were even more impressive in person!

Although it did not win the contest, my favorite cake was the pink and pearl jewelry box cake pictured below. I love the detail and elegance of it!

Cake rocks!

Planner Girl:)

Rock the Runway

In May we attended a charity function in Birmingham, AL. The event was titled Rock the Runway and benefited children's hospital. The event was coordinated by Scot Wedgeworth of lush Weddings, Events and Entertaining.



The red carpet event was held at the Redmont in downtown Birmingham.

Models adorned with gorgeous wedding gowns stood and sat in swings suspended from the ceiling.

As VIPs we made our way to the roof top where the band was to play. The second floor of the hotel had a DJ spinning tunes and hors d'oeuvres!

A fashion show with gowns by Heidi Elnora (of Project Runway) entertained guests and the band closed out the night!

What a fun event!

Planner Girl:)

August Bridal Show!

Sunday's bridal show was a success! Premier Bride hosted the show at the Knoxville Convention Center. The show had good food, cash prizes, give aways, fashion shows, and more! Our Ever After booth displayed a mannequin from Walker's Formal wear.

Ever After provides tuxedo service with every package. We help with pick up and return. We love to help our brides save money on their tuxedo rentals!

Our booth also displayed information from Sandals! We are about to go visit more locations this Fall- can't wait! Here are pictures from our St. Lucia visit!

The pool, the activities, the suite with no walls between you and the ocean!

Ever After brides get discounts offered through Sandals as well as a free gift from us! Often the gift is a spa treatment or excursion valued at up to $150.

Our bridal show booth also had a candy buffet, which was readily devoured by visitors to our booth.

No one can resist a good candy buffet! They are still the star of wedding favors! Our buffet featured M & M's, bling rings, rock candy, jelly belly's, and other pink and green goodies!

The large crystal tree adorning the table was provided by Lisa Foster Design. The tree is perfect for winter themes or as a fabulous centerpiece! We used it in June for an outdoor wedding. We uplit the tree with a purple pinspot and placed seed packet favors at the base. The bride is thinking of buying one for her home since her guests keep asking about seeing it at Christmas!

Happy planning!

Planner Girl:)