a weekend at the Redmont..

Now that the rain has FINALLY ended, it feels like Fall is here. Walking down the sidewalk tonight, I got a chill and absolutely loved it! It's time to start bundling up and making soup!

Someone should send me a good recipe to try! I'm always a fan of a white chicken chili... hint, hint.

Moving along... This past weekend I spent most of my time at the Historic Redmont Hotel. A busy week lead up to a beautiful production of weekend events!

Saturday evening I put together an engagement party for April, one of my brides-to-be. In a kick back to her sorority colors of pink and green, I planned the night's details in those beautiful tones.

Baby and the City

On Sunday I had the pleasure of putting together a baby shower for a Birmingham notable, Nicole Allshouse, morning anchor for ABC 33/40. This mommy-to-be had some of the best in Birmingham preparing a non-typical "shower" at Above, the rooftop bar of the Redmont Hotel. With cake from Olexa's and catering by Kathy G. you know it had to be a good time. Now we just wait for Baby Bryant!

Quick Snap of Nicole and myself. It was a very sunny day!

Yummy Sweets!

Beautiful Cake and Baby's first things from Brombergs

Fabulous Display as always from Kathy G.

With Confero involved, you know it's never going to be a typical event... even a baby shower!

Back to my roots...

This weeks blog will take us all the way to Curry, Alabama where I spent a lot of my time as a child. Michelle Tubbs, editor of Alabama Weddings Magazine, invited myself and Mandy Majerik up to her office to preview the images of our Signature Style shoots. Before we made our way to check out the photos, we made a stop for lunch at Cujo's Pizza. It has been almost 10 years since I'd been there, but it was just as I remembered. I ordered the exact same sandwich I used to as a young teen. It was a great way to start off the day!

They will deliver by car or boat!

After lunch, we made our way to the most peaceful place I've been to in so long! Michelle's office overlooks a beautiful wooded area with a 3 acre pond beyond that. A natural spring creek runs just outside with the neatest wooden bridge connecting the offices to her home.

It was a much needed vacation from the busy city life.

Michelle and I stopping to pose for a quick snapshot.

Once we made it inside, we spent hours looking through all the amazing photos. I was amazed at the artistry of Armosa Studios on the shoot for HotHouse. Such true talent!

We then moved onto the Confero Shoot I set at Workplay. I don't know where to begin to explain the beauty of those photos. We sat for hours, looking through almost 600 images of just perfection. One spectacular shot after the other - I sat in my chair and just teared up. And I'm not just fluffing because it was Confero's shoot, Mark Broadway showed true talent by capturing the warm romantic edge of my shoot. The photos below are just simple snaps I took with my iphone of the screen, to give you a sneak peak. I can't wait for the magazine to come out so you can experience them too!

Thank you again to EVERYONE who played a part in making my shoot SO wonderful!

Equality Alabama Gala

After the much needed mini-vacation to visit with Michelle, it was time to get back to work. On Saturday I had the Equality Alabama Gala, held at Cahaba Grand. It was a great event! The florals, decor & lighting set a new bar for the organization. I can't wait to see what we do next year!

Beautiful Entry by HotHouse Design Studio

When evening came, I lit the table from underneath to add visual impact.

Classic centerpieces by Red Mountain Design.

Lighting makes the most dramatic effect for any event.

Keynote Speaker, Congressman John Lewis.

2009 Emmy Awards

Wrapping up the weekend was quite enjoyable! The Emmy's were amazing, and Neil Patrick Harris did a fantastic job this year as host! His opening musical number was a smash! There were some great moments through the night and some of my favorite shows took home the gold! Congratulations to everyone!

Now that's how you host the Emmys!

One of my favorite actors from stage and television,

Kristen Chenoweth takes home the night's first award for

Best Supporting Comedy Actress for Pushing Daisies.

Tina Fey at the Creative Arts Primetime Emmys, which preceded

last nights ceremony. She received an Emmy Award for her

impersonation of Sarah Palin on “Saturday Night Live.

The cast of 30 Rock and the amazing Tina Fey!

And a big WAR EAGLE!!!!

3-0! Come on boys, we're back in it!

Till next week! Best!

True Southern Style

In the famous words of Minnie Pearl, "Howdy!"

First I want to say - I love being southern. Things are slower, kinder and more refined in the South. There is something in the air that you don't feel when you are in New York or LA. Sure, there isn't quite the hustle and bustle that runs through Time Square... but if you have ever stepped foot on a college campus for an SEC football game, it's there. That electricity that runs through your body when every familiar stranger screams, "WAR EAGLE!"

Fall is my favorite times of year for several reasons. I get to dress in layers, and on any given Saturday, (when I don't have a wedding) I jump in my car and head down to Auburn to spend the day with 87,451 of my closest friends. We tailgate, TigerWalk and remember why we loved being "On the rolling plains of Dixie." Expect lots of “WAR EAGLE!” tweets in the coming months! So far so good.. 2-0.

Quick shot of Aubie and myself on the field at Jordan-Hare.

A photo of me from Tiger Walk last year!

A photo of my nephew Jacob and I in the press box when I took him to his first AU game.

All this talk of SEC football has had my brain churning in so many ways. I recently stumbled across this selection of bow ties that not only remind me of Alabama and Auburn football, but also how much I appreciate a well-chosen bowtie. A few blog posts ago, I shared my tips for the “modern groom” and this one is no exception. Bow ties are a good thing!

This "Southern" post was conceived while waiting for one of my brides at aloft’s bar in SoHo. I ran across a book in the lounge area, “It’s a Alabama Thing” by native Alabamian author Ellen Patrick. It features all sorts of fun sayings that represent the essence of Southern charm. Skimming through the pages, I was reminded of why I am proud of my Southern roots. Below are a few quotes from the book. Be sure to check it out!

We stand by the truth but like to bend it some; We joke about our hard times but are serious about our fun.

We move away but can never leave home; We find friends wherever we roam...

We got Eastaboga, Arab, Clanton, and Florala - Lickskillet, Slapout, Eclectic, and Creola.

It has been a long week of slaving over a hot Mac Book and recuperating from my Labor Day weekend in New Orleans with a fabulous bride. Proud of an Auburn win this Saturday and looking forward to designing the Equality Alabama gala this weekend at the Cahaba Grand.

I’ll be sure to fill you in with the happenings from that event – as always.

In closing, a true throwback to my Southern roots... “Ya’ll come back now, ya hear!”

Who says bachelorette parties are only for girls?!

Here we are, late Wednesday night.... and I've been meaning to blog since last Thursday! Where do the days go?!? So much has happened since last week, I don't even know where to start. I think this blog is going to be mostly pretty photos, and I'll let you write your own story to my life this week.

Quick note.. Last Thursday, Angela had me over for a delicious meal! it was SO great. Swordfish, Cherry Tomatoes, Potatoes & Fresh Beans. Some guy will be super lucky to have her one day!

The weekend quickly came and it was time for the New Orleans trip for Heidi's Bachelorette Weekend. You would think I had TONS of great photos of all the madness..... wrong. On night one we all made a pact that NO crazy photos would make it to blogs or facebook. So, you get to see a few photos from the fun nights, and my other finds in New Orleans.

Angie and I on the road- windows down, radio up & having fun already.

One of our days was spent in the French Market.

SUCH a cool place with so much to see.

Musicians everywhere. I was blown away all weekend by the talent.

Quick snap of JL posing with a baby crock. Ha!

My nose has a new love. French Quarter Candles!

I made a new friend as I was browsing different scents.

I bought the Moon Grass & Currant and Fig. SOOOO good.

Be sure to check them out!

Shot of Andrew Jackson's statue in the square.

I'd never been a tourist in NOLA, and I have to say it was quite a beautiful city.

All of the artist that were lined up around the square were amazing.

We stayed at the fabulous Hotel Monteleone.

I got to room with sisters Charlotte & JL from Bella Bridesmaid, and Angela Karen.

It was hands down the most fun I've had all summer.

We ate, drank and shopped till we couldn't walk. It poured most of the weekend, but we just played in the rain. There was bull riding, dancing, daiquiris, spinning bars, masks, bloody marys and SO much more I dare not mention.

Looking back, it was more than just a bachelorette party for all the girls... it was a chance for me to bond with some of my best friends. We talked about life, love, Jesus and business. I learned so much from them all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for an amazing weekend. Can't wait for more!