My Experience at the Bridal Bazaar (part 1)

There are many different experiences a event planner has, but one of the ones most profound experiences is when you have to represent your business in front of hundreds, possibly thousands of people.  I started planning for this from the minute I finished the first one.  I knew I had to step things up, have my assistants help me and talk to as many brides as I could.  So in this plan to make things better for my business, hoping I would get more clients I decided to video some of the steps I take to plan an event.  I treated my company as it was a client.  Before you continue this blog, I have to ask you to forgive my video taking skills, as you will see you need light in the room for the video to come out clearly and at 4:30 in the morning the light was...you'll see.  

I thank God for my assistants. Kayleigh and Kristin their youth and excitement for this profession makes me remember all the good things in life.  On the first day both of them were busy and could not help out on the set up part of the day.The next couple of videos came out a little better...it was around 7am and the sun was up.  Trying to do it all myself gets a little much, I say this in just.  I don't ever try to do everything myself.  I work with many wonderful vendors, photographers, videographers, florist, and wonderful people that are all in the business of helping others.  We all love to make our clients have a special day and memories that last a lifetime.  Second step was to gather all the things I would be taking for the event.  

The third step was putting it all into the car.  Event planners not only purchase, rent materials but they also have to prepare things so they look perfect for their clients.  On an ideal event we get to prepare the venue the day before.  Reality being what it is it is usually the day of the event which means that the day of the event we are working a 12-16 hour day.  When we are hired for the "Day of " event it always brings a smile to my face because we are limited what we can do.  MK Pure Diamond Events "Day of"  Events always start with making sure I can attend the rehearsal so I can met the family and see, understand how the bride wants things to run.  It is also making sure that day things get started off to a good start.  I do not stay for the completion of the event or the clean up.  The bride and groom are totally responsible for this.  Here is a clip of what the car looks like with all the things loaded up for the Bridal Bazaar. 

 The day of the Bridal Bazaar Bridal Bazaar August 2012 was filled with excitement, anticipation and hope for my future and that of the ladies working.  Like Van Gogh, Monet, or any other great artist.  An event planner sees things in an artistic manner.  We look at the space we are renting much as an interior designer it is a way to express ourselves.  The décor is an expression that can make or break our business, if we don’t represent ourselves, can we represent our clients interest well. 

We decorate our space, like an artist paints her/his canvas.  The colors, proportions, design, scale, height, width, depth all of this plays with our senses, letting us express emotions, relate to people and share a special moment in time with them, creating a memory.  Memories are the meaning of life.  The bible tells us “The memory of the righteous is blessed.” Prov10:7  As you read this blog, I hope you are blessed.

Prior to the event, with months of planning it took several days to find, purchased and design the things we wanted.  In the video clip you can hear me describe that I awake at 4:30 in the morning to put things together.  Trying not to wake my neighbors I put all the items in my car and drove to the San Diego Convention Center.  I wanted things to be perfect for the brides and was trying to make sure I got to the appointment on time I got there an hour and a half early.  This ended up being a blessing because I was able to go to a local restaurant, relax and have breakfast.  Got to share with you MaryJanes  close to the Omini Hotel has the best coffee ever.  It is not bitter and rich in flavor.  I am pretty picky about my coffee so that is truly a compliment.

Back on track with the Bridal Bazaar, these ladies could not have made it any easier for the vendors.  MK Pure Diamond Events MK Pure Diamond Events arrived was told were to drive my car for unloading.  I loved it!  I didn’t have to lift, carry or take anything to my booth.  I was so impressed I can’t tell you how happy it made me.  By the time I parked my car, all the items I needed were at my booth.  It was such a great experience.  Event planners are always catering to others and making sure every need is met, but this time, my needs were being met.  Wow.  It's great when people help you out.

I have to give credit to the ladies at the Bridal Bazaar, they run a program that is amazing.  It is so well run that they know all of their vendors.  They treat them with repeat and help all of us when we need it.  I am so excited to be a part of one of the many vendors the Bridal Bazaar represents.  I hope for many years of doing business with them and pray that God will bless all our businesses.

MK Pure Diamond Events would like to give a big THANK YOU to Patty, Betty and Linda at the Bridal Bazaar for all you do for us vendors.  Answering all our questions, helping us become better for our clients.

I would also like to give a thank you to the Pastor that taught me "All things are possible."  you know who you are.  Love to you and your family.

 

Honeymoon

 I asked myself…what I know about HONEYMOONS.  I finally realized I know nothing.  On my honeymoon my husband and I called home to see if our new home was ready to move in when his sister said whatever she said, that caused our honeymoon to be cut short.  Who leaves their honeymoon early?  Honestly, we did.  Today I realize that the Honeymoon set a foundation for the relationship.  It is one of those moments in time that when things get difficult it is something you booth have to talk about it.

Here are something’s I would do different if I could.  This is not meant as a complaint, more like if I knew then what I know now.  The wedding and honeymoon are a reflection of the people in the relationship.  What is important to the both of you?  If you are people who like being with each other and want to shut out the world then do so.  Maybe a quiet, intimate wedding and honeymoon is what is perfect for you.

If you are a person who is budget conscience, then plan a small wedding and spend most of the money on the honeymoon.  It is a time to make all your dreams, plans, thoughts of what you both hope for in the future.  It is a time when you should both be equally having fun.  Not one better than the other.  The honeymoon should be a place you both should enjoy spending time together.

Know if you are the type that has a large budget, go for it.  Go Big!  If you go Big on the Wedding, then you have to Go Big on the HONEYMOON.  Why? Hum!  The honeymoon is where you booth start your real life together.  The wedding is the dream.  It is beautiful, lovely and should be everything you both ever wanted.

HONEYMOON, have traditionally been about what the man wants.  That is no longer true.  Men and women desire time well spent on their honeymoons.  Imagine a large wedding spending thousands of dollars and then coming home to a flat.  That how the future thoughts of one another will be, flat, she will blame you, you will blame him, etc.  Big weddings need to have Big Honeymoons so your high expectations of one another can continue.

Setting expectations:  What are their expectations to be set in a HONEYMOON?  We have wedding expectations, why not honeymoon expectations.  How will he perform?  Right!  Men wonder this about woman all the time.  Does your man wear the right lingerie to light the flame within you?  Does he expect you to wear the lingerie and do all the work to get him aroused?  If he expects this from you, are you not supposed to expect it from him?  Equally yoked right?  Expectations of one another are set by so many of social expectations that I make my clients have time to speak to one another of their desires.  No, I am not there when they are talking about it.  But I do help them find help if they are having difficulties talking about it because family members have their expectations as well.  To be able to discuss, communicate with one another on expectations for ones future is the beginning of a relationship that works for both parties.  If you can’t talk about the “HONEYMOON” the relationship part of it all, you just might not be ready to get married.  The “HONEYMOON” is something a couple should be able to discuss throughout their whole marriage.  Without it the marriage is questioned.  Mainly it is questioned within the couple, when the couple is made to doubt about themselves then the world (family, friends) question.  Mainly, because we speak of this to our friends trying to correct it, if you can talk to each other about intimate things at the beginning of the marriage you should be able to throughout your marriage.  You can always start the conversation with remember our “Honeymoon” discussions.  We each have an obligation to ourselves, and our partners.  In Christian marriages it is to our partner and then us.
                                               

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Restaurant Critic I Am...

  Maria Garcia-Kamon

                                                                                              MK Pure Diamond Events  www.mkpurediamondevents.com

Restaurant Critic I Am...

It is a funny thing about being a meeting and event planner/wedding planner.  Part of our job description is to go on tastings.  Food tastings that.  Restaurants and chefs know that it a meeting and events planners’ best interest for our client to find the right type of food to be served at our client’s event.  For some people it is simplistic flavors, for others it is all about the mixology (mixing of different drinks to become a new flavor) and fusion (mixing of different food flavors or cultural food flavors).  Organic, non organic all of this plays a role when it comes to food.  You have to enjoy food, the character of the food making process and understand what it brings to the event or takes away.

Many of us attend events where we do not know anyone other than the guest of honor.  Focusing on the food gives us conversation starters.  If it is a dish prepared with care and an understanding of flavors, it allows the person people to feel comfortable and can be the subject for conversation.  Once that begins then it is a matter of time before friendships are formed.  Friendship or business acquaintances lead to many possibilities.  In a world where we are always on the texting, Internet, and into our own selves (and I am guilty of this as much as anyone one else) food has always been a bridge to bring people together, creating relationships, business deals, families and all that is good.  If our tummies are full, then our bodies can create.

 View from Vigilucci Restaurant, Carlsbad CA

Often I get asked what my favorite restaurant is. I don’t just have one.  Every once in a while I like to go out to eat all by myself and enjoy the quite time.  One of my favorite restaurants is Vigilucci’s Restaurant.    They have several restaurants in North County, San Diego.  Why this restaurant, one might wonder.  Honestly, because it doesn’t matter which one of their restaurants I visit, from Carlsbad to La Jolla, I am treated with respect. 

The food is always delicious.  Today, I treated myself to a lovely salmon lunch.  The salmon had a pink (Vodka/Pomegranate) sauce I had never tasted before. Wow, what great flavor, although I had plenty to eat and left full, it left me longing for more.  The side dish of spaghetti and vegetables were also amazingly flavorful nothing else needed to be added.  Normally we add salt, pepper or cheese, but I am telling you the chef did an amazing job.  Perfection!  Unfortunately, today I had another appointment so I didn’t get to eat dessert. I did see others enjoying themselves, and when you see others enjoying themselves then you know it must be as amazing as the meal I just ate.  I do have to say, I was so enjoying my time and my meal I requested something they don’t normally do, coffee to go.  The waiter was so respectful he. I didn’t want to be too relaxed for my next appointment.  That is one thing the environment a Vigilucci’s Restaurant did create.  The Carlsbad’s Vigilucci’s Restaurant creates a sense of relaxation while you are ordering, eating and just time to enjoy their lovely environment and your meal.

As I watched others hassle in getting things ready for the Carlsbad Beach fest I was grateful I could enjoy the sunshine, ocean view and the summer breeze from their protected patio area.  Had I been dressed a little more fashionable I would have enjoyed myself just as much in their indoor seating area.  I am very thankful for the clients I have, knowing what it is like to be hungry makes going out to lunch so much more special.

Party Planning

Children’s parties are a lot of fun.  However, children grow up and want to have fun as well.  For children’s parties there are wonderful party planners that specialize in these types of celebrations.  Although, I have planned them I do not specialize in them.

Here is some fun adult party planning themes.

Casino Night

Ghetto/Gangster

Spy or James Bond

Movie theme:  Pick a movie and have guest arrive as one of the characters

Era

Back In Time/Generations:  Pick a year.  Look up the theme and begin from there.

Glamour

Glitz

TV Shows:  Jersey Girls; Housewives of_________?:  Duet; Star Search,  etc.

Sports theme are lots of different types pick one.

Game Night Bring all your childhood games out and play them.

Although, these are wonderful themes MK Pure Diamond Events does not specialize in party planning we are a meeting & event planning company that specialize in event planning for 50+ or more guest.  There are some wonderful places you can go to for great recommendations.   Our company enjoys giving you ideas that are trending.  Some of these we have used with our clients, some we have not.  Either way you are more than welcome to call our company for a free 15 minute consultation.

Bon Appétit

 Bon Appétit is the French for 'Enjoy your meal'. It was also used in many other places such as the name of a magazine. But if you heard this or someone wrote it in an email or a letter, just know that it means enjoy your meal.  Definition by urbandictionary.com

It is a word we always used in my preschool class when the children sat down for lunch.  One of the funniest time children have in school.  The teachers and I would ask them about their meal.  What they enjoyed what they called what they were eating.  Kids come up with the funniest words for foods their parents pack in their lunch box.  One of my student’s mom would bring him a warm meal every day at lunch time.  It was my favorite time in school as a teacher and a director. Listening to the children’s laughter, the teacher’s correction on etiquette and then our laughter as our students tried our corrections.  It is so cute to hear a child say please, thank you, may I, could you please….  They look like little grownups….                                                                                           
                                                                                                                              (Picture compliments of Emily Post website)

I stopped teaching and directing because as my own children grew they had needs and my teaching income did not provide enough to live off of.   Here is a little propaganda.  Vote for more educational funds. 

Event planning is a little like being a teacher and a director.  Only the students are grown up and educating them on etiquette is more like reminding them. One of the funniest part of being a meeting and event planner for my clients is attending the food tasting. Just like lunch time in school adult also enjoy a good time and meal.  I love a good meal just like anyone else.  It is not the meal in and of itself.  It is all the preparation for the day, finding the right combination of dishes that would please them.  Talking with the chefs, clients, finding out their interest and creating a special feast for their banquet is my very favorite thing to do.  It takes hours to put all of these things together.  

If it is a wedding, I get the privilege of speaking with her about her and his favorite foods, and then I have them speak with their parents about their favorite foods.  It is a time for their new families to become one family.  Questions help a client find commend things to agree upon to make the day less stressful.   If there is a match we pick a meal.  In alphabetical order there is a beef, chicken, fish, and vegetarian dish to try out.  The fun part for me is seeing if the chief and I can come up with a combination that will make our clients feel like we know them.  Food feeds our body, minds and our souls.  It helps us spend time we share those we love the most.  At the end of each tasting, sometimes at the beginning, we work some magic with mixology.   We come up with a beverage that has their name on it.  It is a drink the couple or the guest of honor is known for.  It may or may not have alcohol.  Usually it is the main drink that is served throughout the night saving my client money.

Then next time you are looking for an event planner, know that there are hours upon hours it takes to make your event beautiful, to make you feel wonderful to hopefully have your day be as special as the person who hired her.

What Makes Women Beautiful?

Today the top list came out for 100 beautiful women…what does that really mean to the woman?  It really got me thinking about what it means to the woman vs. the man.  Are they the same or different?

As a Christian woman being brought up in a Christian home we were taught beauty is fleeting.  As a business woman I see and speak with so many women who are so amazingly beautiful not just their looks but who they are.  I have to agree with Maxim’s Stephan Colbert’s number one choice. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/22/stephen-colbert-maxim-hot-100_n_1536642.html  There is nothing more beautiful then woman who overcome adversity and become beautiful in and out.  Women who have overcome the past to live again are amazing and should be applauded weather they are young, old or something in between.

Men may look at the outside but God looks at our inside.  How we think, how we treat others and how much grace we show to those who have caused adversity in our lives.  His grace and mercies are abounding.  That is what we are told.  We may be thought of as a “Bitch” dirtyvinylent.com, but the truth is we love our men and can only do so much for him, before we have to get out and not be burned completely.  So right on Stephen Colbert for giving credit to the women who survived!  I too am a survivor!

Knowing when, how to be a beautiful woman is an art in itself.  So thank you to the men that publish the articles of what beautiful women are.  The truth is the beauty is one of those words that can be described in many ways.  It can be looks, money, manner in which she conducts herself in adverse time, or everyday life.  My hope is that I was one of those women that in adverse times I showed the grace, mercy, peace, love and understanding I was given.  Each women has the right to define her beauty within herself and sometimes it’s breaking away from those she love and sometimes is hanging on to those she love with hands as love.  At the end of it all, it is living a life with no regrets even if it turned out different than what was expected.  Like Oprah says “It’s about doing the best we can with what we know”.

OMG! What is under all those wedding dresses???

Weddings, fashion, bridesmaids, mother of the bride (MOB), mother of the groom (MOG) all female attendees.  Okay, women in general, there are things we all love and one of those is to look good.  We love to look and feel beautiful.  From little girls to mature women we all love to feel like we are worth a million dollars.  From our faces to our feet.

This is one of the reasons I love working with brides.  They know that day will be as exciting as a red carpet walk is for a movie star.  All eyes are on her.  Everyone loves and adores her especially the man she is about to marry.  That moment is a moment of perfection and therefore she should feel and look it.  How does this become a reality for any woman?

I always tell my brides it starts with the undergarments.  When her groom takes off the wedding dress on the wedding night she wants to look great.  The lovelier the better.  She can play shy, or sex boom.  Whatever, she wants to be for her man that night is all up to her.  As a wedding planner one of the things I enjoy is gathering the MOB & MOG going up to the room and decorating it for a night of romance.  I will share more on this topic later

The bridesmaids are women who also need to feel imporatant and beautiful. We have all seen the bridesmaid movies out lately describing the horrors of dresses or bridesmaids out there.  In my experience most brides want the best for their bridesmaids and want them to purchase a dress that they will use again.  Very few woman do.  The memories of the night are somehow tied up in the dress.  Bridesmaids need to feel like they are worth a million dollars as well.  Some of them spend a great deal of money just for the honor of becoming a bridesmaid.  It is a way of showing friendship, love and loyalty.  Bethenny Frankel has just launched a like of affordable shapewear for woman.  Here is to the girl who wants it all at affordable prices.

After reading the article by Megan Gustashaw, I thought I would refer it so you too can share with others.  No matter, if you are in a wedding or ever day life the foundation we wear under our garments is what helps us feel like a million dollars.  If we feel like a million dollars we will act like it, if we act like it the possiblities are endless. When everything comes together and you feel, look and act like you are worth it.  Then you are!  So ladies spread the word of what Bethenny Frankel is trying to do.  It is worth sharing. 

Next time you are looking for the perfect item also consider shopping at MK Pure Diamond Events.  Where everything is about you.  www.mkpurediamondevents.com

Thank you to Glamour.com for posting this article. 

Bethenny Frankel Launches Affordable Shapewear Line With Macy's (And Other Shopping News From Across The Web)

by Megan Gustashaw

Bethenny Frankel's affordable shapewear line, called Skinnygirl Solutions, is now available at select Macy's stores across the country and on SkinnygirlShapers.com. Everything is under $50!

Here’s a snap from the ad campaign. Bethenny cast ‘real women’ (i.e. her own friends and employees) as models. The collection has a mix of everyday basics and lacy, racy styles. Chic!

Read More http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/05/bethenny-frankel-launches-real.html#ixzz1vFb5ueEr