Office Christmas Parties

Tis the season to be busy and I love it. Arizona is a unique location for wedding and event planners. Our busy season isn't the summer like most of our counterparts across the U.S. Our busy season is September through April for the most part and why wouldn't it be? The weather is fabulous giving not only brides and grooms a day to remember, but also guests and corporate employees a well deserved break, especially for those travelling from out of town. In addition to the prime wedding season we still experience the busy holiday season. Christmas and New Year's send all of us in the business into overdrive. The parties are a nice addition to weddings and large corporate events. Here are some pictures from an office "Open House" I planned this past week. We had dueling chocolate fountains, a gourmet coffee bar and wonderful food, music and time with family and friends. If your Christmas party responsibilities leave already hard working staff frazzled treat them to our planning services so they too can enjoy the evening. Call us today to schedule your events for the New Year!

http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/

Destination Paradise

When looking for destination locations for weddings and corporate events most "beachy" resorts typically offer sand, water, palm trees and amazing sunsets but not much else. I visited the Boca Raton Golf and Beach Resort and was quite impressed. Not only did I walk by multi-million dollar yachts on a daily basis, I also walked by gardens, fountains, golf course views, beautiful, unique ballrooms and a fabulous spa with private pool. This is a resort that can certainly offer the Florida loving client more than just sand. The amenities and staff were top of the line. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Inspiration

I attended the women's dinner at Red Mountain Community church a couple of weeks ago and had so much fun. Each table was sponsored by a woman who was in charge of its design. Each table was as beautiful and special as those women who attended. Take a look and be inspired by these creative women and turn your Christmas dinner table into something your guests will be talking about for months if not years to come. Enjoy!

Are You Overwhelmed At Work?

No matter what size business you have from non-profit and churches to large corporations, MBS Consulting, LLC can help. I know that my company can become overwhelming quickly especially during the high wedding season and holidays and I see the stress of being overwhelmed in my corporate clients too. Sometimes it helps to bring in an outsider to assist your company with project management and coordination, procedure documentation, strategic planning, and grant writing just to name a few. So treat yourself and your staff to a fresh start the upcoming year. Call MBS Consulting, LLC for a free consultation. 480.330.3311 or e-mail at organize@cox.net. You'll be glad you did!

Fox News Taping! Book your Limo, Shopping & Spa Tour Today!

I had such a good time today at the Fox News filming of our Limousine, Shopping, and Spa tour we have running through December. Alexis and John from Fox were a blast to watch in action. Absolutely You has partnered with our friends at Platinum Ride Limousines and Dolce Salon and Spa to bring you an incredible Christmas shopping extravaganza! Stay tuned for more information on when it will air. Check the tour schedule by going to our website and clicking on the limo shopping link on the front page. If the dates you see don't work for you just let us know. We can work with any schedule. Call Rachel today to book your shopping tour. 602.930.9584

http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/

Fundraiser for Hope & A Future! Donate today. Tax breaks for 2007

Wow. I finally have a moment to breathe and update you all on some cool things. This past Saturday we had the opportunity to work with Margie of Party Presentations on the design of the First Annual Fundraiser for Hope and a Future, an organization that helps foster kids in Arizona. The evening was hosted by Janice K. Brewer the Arizona Secretary of State. Special guest was Comedian Ken Kaz. There were many fabulous items to bid on including Arizona Cardinal gear signed by Tim Rattay, a guitar signed by Casting Crowns, laptops, artwork and much, much, more. There's still time to make your tax deductible donations for 2007. For more information visit http://www.azhope.com/.

Thank you to all who donated to the silent auction!

Andrea's closet, Apache Gold Casino Resort, APS, AR Contracting & Consulting, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Highways, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Arizona Theatre, Arthur Murray Dance, AZ On The Rocks, AZ Party Pals Children's, Ballet Arizona, Big Earl's Greasy Eats, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Castles N Coasters, Claim Jumpers, Classy Closets, Coach & Willy's, Compass Restaurant, Cox Communications, Desert Botanical Garden, Don & Charlie's, Durant's, First Things First Foundation, Fox Restaurant Concepts, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Gainey Village Health Club, Harkins Theatres, Hassayampa Inn & Peacock, Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale, Inn Suites Hospitality Trust, Insight Management, Leasures Designer Portraits, Little America, Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Fire Department, Phoenix Symphony, Phoenix Theatre, Photo Joe Studio, Ping, Polar Ice, Pure Fitness, Rolf's Salon, Salon Bela Pelo, Scottsdale Resort & Conference, Starbucks, Super Suppers, The Cheesecake Factory, The Legacy Golf Resort, The Phoenician, Pine Canyon Club, The Spanish Place, Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, Village Camelback Health Club, Wildlife World Zoo and Women of Scottsdale

Individual Contributors

Bill Caspare, Deby Campbell, Denise Teichert, Erin Daugherty, Buc Bridwell, Jan Brewer, Joy Daugherty, Katie Spicer, Kristin Spies, Marilyn Freeman

Event Coordinators

Margie/Party Presentations

Rachel/Absolutely You Event Planning

Fun and Relaxation in the East Valley

I visited two fabulous new locations in the East Valley today. The Princess Palace and Salon Azul. The Princess Palace is owned and operated by a mother and daughter duo, Rosemary and Shanna. I wanted to be a little girl again, but since that's not possible I spotted the coolest diaper bag that's now on my Christmas, although I'm not pregnant and don't have any kids :) Yes this boutique is that fabulous. They have anything a little girl could hope for. She can be a princess to her heart's content. They also throw birthday parties and your sweetie pie can register for her own birthday presents. Guests get 10% off when the purchase for her too. A full service party starts at $350 for up to 8 guests including a three course meal and birthday cake, favors and games. There are gifts for every budget and their Etiquette Class will be held November 17th from 10am-11:45am and 12:30pm-1:15pm.

For more information call 480-832-1488 for shopping and party fun!
www.PrincessPalaceBoutique.com

Salon Azul was amazing. First class all the way including the staff. You have to meet their team. They offer Hair design, color, and retexturizing services including hair extentions, Waxing services, Nail Care for hands and feet, Make Up, and Massage. They also have packages for those up to 12 years of age, teens, relaxation, and the ultimate in pampering including a custom manicure, pedicure, facial, shampoo and style.

Hours of Operation:
Sun & Mon Closed
Tues-Thurs. 8am-8pm
Friday-Sat 8am-5pm
Gift Cards are also available
http://www.salonazulaz.com/

These two fine businesses can be found at the corner of Power and McDowell just south of the 202 (Red Mountain Freeway)

10 Biggest Mistakes Wedding Guests Make!

I realize that I talk about weddings quite a bit, but must remember many have already had their big day. Regardless the chance of us all being wedding guests in the future is pretty high so make sure you don't make this list.

1) Not sending RSVP's. Please send these in. They're so important from the planning and budgeting aspects. If you received an invitation, the couple obviously wants you there, but they need to know if they need to rent a chair for you to sit in or a dinner for you to eat. Help them out by sending your RSVP.

2) Sending RSVPs With Extra Guests. Once again this becomes a budgeting and planning issue. The average Arizona wedding cost $29,000. Bringing additional guests can rack up charges quickly at $80-$150 per plate, plus rentals of chairs, china, napkins, etc. Please be understanding if they allow dates only if you're engaged or children 18 and older.

3)Bombarding the Bride! The bride is busy. See if they have a website to answer your questions.

4)Buying a non-registry gift. The bride and groom took the time to make this process easy for you and to register for things they really need and will use, with the occasional fun item. Pick something from the register that reminds you of a funny story about them or your marriage and include that in the card. This way you both win.

5)Showing up late. Just don't unless it's an emergency. They may have arranged for you to be included in pictures or have you seated in a place of honor without you knowing it. If you are truely attending for the bride and groom attend. If you are attending to be seen or for political reasons, just check the regrets on the RSVP.

6)Bringing a big, heavy gift. Do yourself and the couple a favor and have it shipped to the bride or groom. That way you don't have to lug it around and they don't either.

7)Giving unexpected toasts.

8)Requesting Songs unless the DJ asks you to.

9)Drinking too much. Remember there will likely be a videographer. Be warned. You may end up on UTube.

10)Crashing Your Wedding. If you weren't invited please don't attend. It's not all the movie makes it out to be. They may also have undercover security.

MSN Lifestyle:Women

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/couplesandmarriage/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=5624550&page=1

The Princess Project

We had the distinct honor of working on the Princess Project dinner this past summer up in Payson. The Princess Project is for teenage girls in foster care here in Arizona. They are treated to a day of pampering and formal evening to celebrate the beautiful young ladies God created them to be. Each girl was given the opportunity to choose a formal dress, shoes, and jewelry to keep. They were also treated to beautiful hairstyles and make-up by the Dolce team who came up for the day. Each girl was given a corsage, escorted down the red carpet into the formal dining room and treated to an elegant dinner followed by dance lessons by a professional dance instructor. It was a splendid evening.

If you are interested in donating new or like new, current style evening wear or sponsoring a girl so she can attend the Princess Project Ball (cost of $150) please contact Rachel at http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/.

Kate & Joe's Cake Rental

Last weekend I had the pleasure of working with a really cool couple, Kate and Joe. It was a fabulous wedding with unique twists including a kilt-wearing DJ, an Internet ordained minister Chelsea,who rocked by the way, and a rented cake. Originally the cake was to be made by an aunt, but when that fell through a few weeks before the wedding Kate learned of cake rental and had their designer cake shipped in from Michigan. It costs from $100-$150 for the cake design of your choice and up to $100 to ship it. You can then buy your favorite flavors of cake "sheet" style like a birthday cake and serve a large number of guests for a much more affordable price than traditional large wedding cakes. The cake is made of styrofoam with one section left open for you to stuff Twinkies or a slice of cake inside. You can cut the cake and serve the cake to each other as brides and grooms usually do. The cake rental was featured on ABC 15's Smart Shopper earlier this month. Check it out!

California... Always Romantic

With all the devastation this week and smoke spanning from San Diego to L.A. California still lived up to it's romantic beach image. I sat rooftop Tuesday night at a beach side restaurant in Hermosa Beach and took in the beautiful sunset. There was an amazing beach front resort right next door. This would be a great location for you and guests to celebrate your upcoming union or vow-renewal. You don't even have to put shoes on when you leave the room. Beach weddings this time of year are very reasonably priced. This is actually their low season, although the weather is lovely and much better suited for weddings. The rates go up May-September so you and your guests can enjoy a beach wedding, practically to yourself, without breaking the bank. Call us today for more information.

California Fires

I flew to California again this week and was amazed with the smoke and devastation. Here are pictures of the fires on day one vs. day 4. Amazing. Please pray for the people in Southern California. If you wish to help out please contribute to sound organizations such as the Red Cross. There are several scams that have already popped up.

Day 1 on the top right

Day 4 on the lower right

Not a mountaintop in sight.

http://www.redcross.org/

A Southern Gem

I love small towns, especially small Southern towns. I love them so much that I chose to get married at my parents home in Arkansas instead of Arizona. They live on 5 beautiful green acres. Nature isn't the only draw for me. It's the food too. I just visited one of my favorite eateries a few weeks ago, Cotham's Mercantile. They are home to the famous "Hub Cap" hamburger. Why is it called "Hub Cap" you may ask. These hamburgers really are as big as an old hubcap from an automobile. Sound like this may push your diet overboard? Split one with a friend, but don't forget the fried green tomatos and sweet tea. They're a must! This restaurant is minutes from the Little Rock airport. Fly in for a day or weekend getaway. For more information on what to do in Arkansas just e-mail us.

Cotham's Mercantile

"Where the Elite Meet to Eat"

Open Mon-Thurs 11am-2pm

Friday-Sat 11am-8pm

Most expensive entree's:

Five piece fried catfish dinner $11.99

Hub Cap Jalapeno cheesburger 8.99

Daily Specials:

Fried Pork Chops, Homemade Chicken & Dumplings, Homemade Meatloaf and Southern Fried Chicken

Extras:

Fried Green Tomatos $3.49

Large Onion Rings $3.89

Hushpuppies $1.49

Cornbread $.49

Sweet Find!

While in northern Texas this week I came across a sweet find, Margie's Sweet Shop and Deli. I was driving by and noticed a beautiful wedding dress and the mention of wedding cakes and simply had to pop in and check out two of my favorite things, weddings and sweets! I walked into a bakery with shelves of tempting delights staring right back at me along with smiling faces to greet me. I felt the calories soaking into my body just by the aroma of cakes, breads and other fine treats. The trend for wedding cakes in this neck of the country tends to be polka dots. How much fun! Next time your near Wichita Falls stop in to Margie's Sweet Shop and try the cream cheese brownie or heck, order these as your guest favors. You'll be glad you did.

http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/

Margie's Sweet Shop & Deli

4029 Callfield Road

Wichita Falls, Tx

940.692.2591

Do It Yourself Wedding Favors

Whew! My feet are killing me. I just returned from this morning's wedding, the wedding of John and Jing. (I will have pictures for you in the near future) It was such a beautiful day that I would actually call it a perfect wedding day. It was cool but sunny with a light breeze. After summer weddings with melting make-up, cakes, favors and wilting flowers to contend with I couldn't be happier with today's outcome. I love seeing couples add personal touches to their wedding. John & Jing are of Chinese decent and they did a lovely job mixing Western tradition with their Chinese heritage. When guests signed in they had a beautiful red and gold box with favors. Each favor was determined by the birth year of each guest. My symbol was a snake. I opened my package and was told that I "am wise and intense with a tendency toward physical beauty, yet also vain and high tempered and that the Rooster and Ox are my best signs. Lucky for me my husband is an Ox :) Who knew! I loved this special touch and so did the guests. I was also inspired by the Today Show's wedding, this past Friday, featuring Arizona's own Jessica and Codey. Jessica loves saltwater taffy so the guests had Tiffany green salt water taffy simply packaged in parchment paper with a personalized seal. How easy is that?!! Now that the weather is cooler try to make homemade chocolates for your guest favors. You can buy molds at Michael's or Wal-Mart. Get your bridal party together and make your own chocolate favors and treat yourselves by licking the spoons! Enjoy every moment of the process.

Oceanside Wedding

I wanted to share some shots from my trip to Laguna Beach this weekend where I met with some fabulous resorts, salons, stylists, photographers and florists. Although we're based in Arizona, a destination hot spot, we travel all over. The florist stated they get all of these lovely assortments FRESH every day. They can even get fresh tulips year round! Whatever your design desire we can make it happen.

www.AbsolutelyYouEvents.com

Scottsdale Bridal Ball 2007!

What a wonderful evening we had participating in last night's Bridal Ball at the Scottsdale Center of Performing Arts. In attendance were some of the finest wedding and event vendors in Arizona and tons of beaming brides and grooms to be. Take a look at a few of our pictures from the event. Contact us with any questions regarding your upcoming wedding or event. The 2008 season is filling up quickly and we're already booking for 2009!

Happy Planning!

Rachel DeVenuto

Professional Bridal Consultant

http://www.absolutelyyouevents.com/

CHANGE OF DATE!!!Bridal Show! Mark Your Calendars

Please join us Sunday October 28th (previously scheduled for Sept 15th) for the east valley bridal show from 9am -2pm. Meet vendors from all over the state and be sure to visit the Absolutely You Event Planning table. Ask for Rachel!

Location:

Northwest corner of Arizona and Warner

2018 N. Arizona Avenue

Chandler, AZ 85225

Bridal Gift Registries...Your Something New!

Brides and grooms get extremely busy analyzing every detail of their upcoming wedding, honeymoon and home design. I recommend when the bulk of the planning is over and locations and vendors are booked that they take a break and have some fun choosing registry items. Fire often shoots from the groom's eyes at this point until I mention places they may not have thought about and are a little unconventional.

I'm so blessed, as a destination specialist, to live in a much sought after destination state, Arizona. I run into more and more couples who aren't traditional so why should their registry be? One of my favorite places to recommend has become REI. What an awesome place for an active, nature-loving couple to register. They have it all from the latest outdoor clothing trends for him and her to hiking, skiing, and triathlon gear just to name a few registry options. Check it out today!

www.rei.com/giftregistry

The Latest Designs Are Here!

I am so excited to announce that the latest invitation, announcement, napkin and gift deisgns have just arrived. You can check them out at http://www.absolutelyyouevents.cceasy.com/. Get 25% off your entire order until September 30, 2007 so order today!