We all know the excitement of getting an invitation in the mail.  We handle it with great care, peel away the ribbon tie or wax smudge, admire every layer of sophisticated detail, and relish in the fact that we deserved such a gorgeous request for our attendance.  Invitations serve as the initial tone setter for any event.  In the days of e-mail, e-letters, and e-want you to come but don’t care how I ask you, there is something so special about a personally designed and handcrafted invitation.  It speaks to the event’s theme with its color scheme, ribbons and accessories, and romantic script.

The invites produced by Megan Brusca of One of a Kind Customized Design say, “Hello, I am a beautifully assembled and designed work of art just for the purpose of inviting you to my special day”.  Since launching in February of 2010, she has taken great care in adding style and expression into every fold.  If you ask me, this was truly to the advantage of bride’s and party planners alike.  You now have the go-to-gal for making your event really spectacular.  She takes careful consideration of her client’s ideas, filters them through her ingenious imagination, then spins out these amazing paper, ribbon, and inked concoctions.  Take a jaw dropping look for yourself!

As if the invites weren’t enough, she will also create all the wedding stationary to match (table & place cards, menu cards, programs, cake & other detail cards, etc)!  How gorgeous are these?!  And get this, she guarantees 100% client satisfaction.  That means she collaborates with you all the way until you are completely in love with your custom Megan Brusca Design.  Although, I am not sure how anyone could ever be disappointed with these perky, fashionable, and beautiful creations!

So go ahead and contact Megan and begin work on your event’s style statement.  And please do not limit yourself to only utilizing Megan’s talents on the big “I do” day . . . think bridal luncheons, private dinner party menus, baby showers, birthday invites, and let the list go on.  She will bring eye catching uniqueness to any event large or small and will always be big on style.

One of a Kind Customized Design Website

One of  a Kind Customized Design Blog

Shop One of a Kind Customized Design on Etsy

Like One of a Kind Customized Design on Facebook

Follow Megan Brusca on Twitter

Signing Off,

Crystal & Becky (guest writer)

*****
copyright 2010, Crystal Genes Photography, Charlotte NC Wedding Photographer

My own bachelorette theme came to me in a dream…literally.  I can’t remember the specifics now, but I think that a giraffe made an appearance at my bridal shower and bingo…when I woke up I thought: “Party Animals!”  A cute giraffe print invite was mailed, and all the girls showed up dressed in animal prints and ready to party!  My sister found cute accessories: discounted cat ears after the Halloween season, and animal print slap braclets found on the internet.  We were all dressed up and pub-crawled our way through Charlotte with stops at Cosmos, Whiskey River and Buckhead.

Other ideas I have found on the internet include: “GI Jane”, “Retro 80’s”, or my favorite, “Ugly Bridesmaids”…all the girls wear their past bridesmaids dresses with funny updo’s and makeup!  There is always the “Bar Golf” theme made popular by the movie Wedding Date, or perhaps a classic “Black and White” party.  What are your ideas for a fun Bachelorette theme?  Share with us!

New posts coming soon!  Stay tuned!

When I saw “Delish Gourmet Cupcakes” in the Lake Norman Magazine, I just couldn’t help myself!  I had to jump on this opportunity to review (aka: sample) delicious gourmet cupcakes!  I quickly telephoned Aryn Keogh (owner, entrepreneur) to set up a time.  And let me just preface this story, we were not disappointed!

Aryn began her home-based company just two years ago.  With a desire for “delish” cupcakes and a perfectionist determination, she came out with a winning recipe!  She used a trial and error approach and admits to baking over 2000 cupcakes before committing to this recipe!  Twelve flavors are offered, ranging from a traditional but classy vanilla to a unique coconut!  Aryn’s favorite flavor? Amaretto!  And the one I’m dying to try? Peanut Butter!  She has considered all things when it comes to her cupcakes: flavor, appearance, and even allergies.  I’m sure many of you will be excited to know she offers a gluten-free and sugar-free vegan cupcake!

These cupcakes not only taste delicious, but they are show-stoppers.  One look at the website and you will be captivated!  Aryn takes a hands-on approach to designing cupcakes unique to your special occasion.  Her commitment shone through when she designed special wedding cupcakes just for our visit!  Whatever your theme, she will delicately craft each cupcake perfect for you!  I of course had to know how she learned this art, and where her natural talent comes from.  Her mother is an artist and has truly supported Aryn with her start-up, lending her kitchen space and dreaming up new and fun cupcake toppers!  They find inspiration for their cupcakes in a multitude of places: magazines, nature and the internet.  Speaking of internet…Aryn’s self-taught approach to baking cupcakes and running her own business began on Youtube!  All of those beautiful butterflies, swans and monograms were learned from watching videos and perfected through countless hours of practice and focus.  Many are hand-crafted from fondant and chocolate, but to get the most stunning of toppers, Aryn hand paints edible rice paper designs (seen in the butterfly display on her website).

Recently in the wedding industry we have seen the “cupcake tower” explode into a trend.  Aryn takes this trend to the next level with an attention to detail and a drive to create the perfect look for you.  Each tower is hand-picked or crafted specific to your wedding. The tower seen here can be decorated with paper and designs that fit your wedding look.

Aryn’s dream is to bring her home-based business to a storefront location, a plan that will allow her to sell her delicious creations 24 hours a day!  Until then, all her cupcakes are baked to order from her home in University and hand delivered within an hour’s drive.  She does orders for as little as a dozen and as many as 500!  She doesn’t sacrifice quality for quantity however, and insists on baking through the night before to deliver the freshest, tastiest cupcake to your door!

Check out her website for ordering and delivery.

Signing off,

Tanya & Crystal

*****
copyright 2010, Tanya Kummerow Events & Crystal Genes Photography, Charlotte NC Wedding Planner, Charlotte NC Wedding Photographer

Early Wednesday morning we visited the Quarry at Carrigan Farms.  Now if you think back to a week ago you may remember the 6-8 inches of snow that fell, and the cold, frigid temperatures.  Needless to say, it may not have been the ideal day to visit an outdoor wedding venue!  Well, the appointment was made in advance, and in the interest of bringing a review to our readers, Crystal and I set out on quite a chilly adventure. The morning was foggy and quite peaceful.  We headed out in 4-wheel drive with Doug, the owner, down the country road. 

We passed the frozen, lifeless apple orchard.  He assured us that in spring the trees are alive with beautiful blossoms.  One couple even married in the middle of the orchard last year!  We made it past Lake Carrigan and finally down to the quarry. 

The snow looked gorgeous surrounding the water and rocks.  Unfortunately, not exactly the setting you would imagine for an outdoor wedding!  Luckily for us, Doug was able to help us visualize what it would look like on a beautiful spring day.  Beneath the cold, slushy snow is white sand beaches that would warm your toes.  And the gloomy foggy skies would be replaced with beautiful blue, brightened by the sunshine.  In the autumn you would be surrounded by nature’s colors in deep orange and red.  Just the thought of such a beautiful day warmed my frozen fingers and toes!

Doug led us to the beach where most couples say “I do.” The bride’s entrance is something to behold from this point.  She marches down a 250 foot boardwalk to her awaiting groom.  Doug said, “each step she takes brings her closer and closer, and her beauty becomes more and more clear”.

Beyond the sandy beach is a pavilion that awakens with twinkling lights at dusk and party music as the ceremony ends and the reception begins.  Doug’s concept of the perfect wedding is simple: “Good food, good music, good friends.” He assures us of this winning equation!  In an effort to keep it simple but classy, Carrigan Farms offers up their own catering for the event.  Using the freshest ingredients picked from their own gardens, the quarry is not only a unique wedding venue, but a “green” one as well!

Lady the farm dog and her 13-mo-old pup will likely greet you on the farm

The best part of this venue is Doug’s laid back approach.  With no limit on your time for an evening event, wedding-goers typically party through the night.  And if you have partied too hard, feel free to stay the night…in your own car of course!  His only rule: if you are still here in the morning, you get to help clean up!  Even the water isn’t off limits!  Doug tells us many brides and grooms end up swimming on their wedding night! Of course there is a staff person on duty to make sure things don’t get too out of control…although he may not be lifeguard certified, so swim at your own risk!

The quarry is a beautiful location.  It can be dressed up or dressed down.  We suggest minimal decorations, just let the beauty of the landscape take over.  For the ultimate delight, top your evening off with fireworks!  Doug can recommend a company to do all the work for you.  His best suggestion: surprise your guests and maybe even your groom with a show!  Keep it a secret and let the fireworks off.  It will be an evening your guests will never forget!

Check out their website for more photos and information about scheduling your wedding at Carrigan Farms!

Carrigan Farms is located at:
Intersection of 150 & 152
1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy.
Mooresville, NC 28115
704-664-1450

Signing Off,
Tanya & Crystal

*****
copyright 2010, Tanya Kummerow Events & Crystal Genes Photography, Charlotte NC Wedding Planner, Charlotte NC Wedding Photographer

Here are the basics:

Green Rice Gallery holds 50-150 people in a contemporary gallery space.  Art work hangs from walls, windows and stands alone on the floor creating a fun, intellectual atmosphere.  The cost is reasonable at $500 for a 6-hour time slot and the space comes with a host of vendor recommendations for your caterer, cake and flowers.  Carla is thorough in her commitment to your special day.  She helps coordinate, decorate and designate!  She is willing to be as hands-on as you need her to be.

Here are the perks:

Green Rice Gallery not only offers a unique space to view lovely art, but also opens its studios up to the public as well.  During your reception, your guests can walk down the corridor of art studios, viewing works in progress and taking in the life of a true artist.  Do your guests see something on the walls they want to purchase? Or better yet, are they offering to purchase your favorite piece as a wedding gift?  Carla and her staff are ready to sell any piece right then and there!  Even better, why not have some art work created of your special day?  Carla can set you up with a “plainer painter,” one of their own, very fine artists for your event.  He can capture the very essence of your wedding day in a painting made specially for you!

If our words don’t describe how great this location is, check out our photos.  Better yet, take an afternoon to check out the gallery and meet with Carla!  Even if you are already married, she’ll make you want to do it all over again just to host your event at the gallery!

If you are still not convinced, or need help visualizing how the space could be decorated, check out their wedding show on March 14^th from 12-3pm for a visual of your wedding day!

Green Rice Gallery

451 East 36th Street

Charlotte, NC 28205

704.344.0300

Hours of Operation:
Wed-Fri 11-6, Sat 12-6, Sun 12-4 or by appt.
Open late 1st & 3rd Fridays for Gallery Crawls!

www.green-rice.com

Signing off,

Tanya & Crystal
.
copyright 2010, Tanya Kummerow Events & Crystal Genes Photography, Charlotte NC Wedding Planner, Charlotte NC Wedding Photographer