Bridal Bootcamp: 2010 Review

The first ever Russellville Bridal Bootcamp was held this April at the Hampton Inn in Russellville. It took the planning of several vendors to make it happen, and I am excited about the opportunities to make it even better next year!!! I want to take this opportunity to thank the twenty or so attendees we had for coming out to learn some great tips from our vendors and leave with some pretty fantastic goodies!

This years' vendor list can be found on our flyer. Go show these vendors your support and ask them for more tips to help you better plan your wedding day. We enjoyed seeing those of you who came out and would love to meet those of you who didn't get a chance to make it.

We'll see you next year!

CHECK OUT THIS LINK TO MELISSA MCCROTTY'S BLOG TO SEE A FEW PICTURES FROM THE EVENT.

Happy planning!

It's fun, it's free... It's a COOTIE CATCHER...

Like many of you may do, I just happen to stumble upon some pretty great finds once in a while. One place that I find it incredibly easy to "fall" upon an ingenious idea is when I visit www.marthastewartweddings.com. Just to let you know, I think Martha is nothing short of an Einstein of all things love and lace...

If you have been fumbling with favor ideas or just want to spend as little as possible on a neat favor or gift, check out this link to make your own cootie catcher. In reality, all you need is some paper and scissors. That means, this could be FREE!

Here is a photo sneak peak, but I definitely recommend witnessing Martha online for yourself! Enjoy!

EBL

Monogram Memories...

If you know me at all, you know I always say "it's all in the details." It doesn't take a lot of money or a lot of time to create details to set your event apart from the rest.

For instance, take the TREASURED MONOGRAM. Monograms can be created in all shapes, sizes, colors, and are as unique as the couple they reflect. Not only is the monogram in itself unique, but there are countless ways to showcase your monogram.

One of the most popular and chic ways to display a monogram is to showcase it with lighting. In Arkansas, the price range for a lighting technician to create this lighting effect for you can range anywhere from $200 or more. It may seem like a lot, but you only need one to have the big WOW factor that makes your event memorable.

Another way to showcase a monogram is in the little details. What do I mean by this? Well, it is very simple to use your monogram on favors, place settings, in the arrangements, on/with the food, and MANY other ways. As I said, the possibilites are endless. You could use your monogram on a guest book or even on the bridal bouquet. Use small versions of your monogram to mix in with confetti or to sprinkle around candle light...

For events other than weddings, the same can be said for you. If you are having a birthday party, use your initials (monogram) as your "logo" for the event. Maybe you could have it put on your cake, but always remember to use a color for your monogram that is cohesive to the rest of the overall look.

So without further adeau here are some photos of some creative and beautiful ways to use a monogram. If you are looking for other monogram ideas, simply use an internet search engine and search "wedding monogram ideas" or peruse your latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings or other wedding magazines. With monograms, the possibilities are endless. ENJOY!!!

Vendor Love

The 2010 Russellville Bridal Bootcamp was held at the Hampton Inn on April 10. Without these vendors, it would not have been possible. Brides in attendance were excited about the event and thankful for the opportunity. To share my own love for our vendors, here are some local vendors in Russellville that made it all happen.

Melissa McCrotty Photography

Cathy's Flowers

Spittin Image Wedding Videography

Katy from Shortcuts Salon

Jonya Davis with Beauti Control

ABOUT Magazine

Main Street Russellville

Rendezvous Bridal Wear

Copper Pig

Patti Cakes Bakery

Hampton Inn

Don't think you should try this at home...

I just had one of those wonderful flashbacks on an event I did in the fall and I wanted to share it with you! For Saira's 25th Birthday, she wanted an over the top GIRLY, laid-back affair with her closest friends. Fortunately, she chose me to make this idea come to life, and so the 25th Princess Birthday was created. Since almost everything was some feminine shade of pink, I was not surprised when she requested pink popcorn.

I wondered how I would do it, but I soon came up with a "good" idea one night when I was at home. I use an air popper when I eat popcorn so I used that. I sprayed it as usual with an olive oil spray; however, I colored the olive oil with a couple drops of red food coloring first. It worked like a charm! It looked really cute in the blue cups of "Princess Popcorn," but I don't think I'll be trying this again for good reason. My hands were stained an odd red color for about a week and I always had that "greasy hand" feeling.

So, you have been warned. There are ways to color popcorn the color you want, but try to find another way besides coloring olive oil spray; otherwise, you will have very bright and very soft hands from both the coloring and the spray. You have been warned!

*EBL

Chic DIY Chandelier

When my husband came home from teaching at Lamar today, he told me about an interesting project he helped his students complete. Apparently, the students of Lamar High School have been collecting soda bottles for a special project to be displayed at prom this weekend. I just had to do some research to find out what he was talking about.

Now, I just love a beautiful chandelier! Imagine my delight when I started some online research to find out what he was talking about! Believe it or not, all it takes is some fishing line, soda bottles, good scissors, a light, and a base for the top. The base could be some simple hoops for instance. Although it is a fairly easy process, it is time consuming. Still, the results are well worth it!

Welcome...

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new blog...

In case you haven't heard, we offer assistance to weddings, parties, meetings, and everything in between. More details about our prices and what we have to offer can be found at our website, so check it out if you haven't already.

***Events By Layla***

What we hope to accomplish by providing this blog is to give you, our viewers, an inside look into some tips and tricks to planning an event. There are already ideas about some do-it-yourself projects circulating around, so we will be sure to update you on the latest information!

Stay tuned for photos, videos, and other guidance that will help you plan your next event. As always, we hope you will contact us if you like what you see. We promise to give you professional service and access to our dedicated staff. HAPPY PLANNING!

*lOvE* *eVeNtS bY lAyLa*