Play That Funky Music

There are times when clients tend to struggle with the decision to choose either a band, DJ, or sometimes both. The trend that you see more often is the band may play during cocktail hour and have DJ play during reception. One thing I have suggested to my clients is to utilize your dollars. We have hired a diverse band, that can sing at least two or more genre types of music. During the break or to get a good shuffle, we have utilized the famous IPOD. (of course) That has saved clients a whooping $600 or more. When selecting a band or DJ a few things to consider:
*Experience - how long have they been singing or DJing.
*Are the band/dj familiar with the venue?
*Are the band/dj properly insured?
*Make sure the band/dj is properly dressed.

Beauty Essence

I had an opportunity to meet a fabulous woman, Mrs. Susan L. Taylor. Susan Taylor is the former editor of Essence Magazine. She spent over 27 years publishing with Essence. She visited San Antonio to speak on The Power of Healing and Empowering for the Sistas in Business Power speaking series. Mrs. Taylor spoke on taking care of yourself, and body, before you can take care of others. Mrs. Taylor is now pursuing her passion for her foundation National Cares Mentoring Movement. She has a passion for helping African American children. I was privileged to assist her with the signing of her latest book All About Love.

The New Bridal Budget

We are so excited to have been featured in the Jan/Feb issue of San Antonio Weddings Magazine. ADE had an opportunity to chat about The New Bridal Budget. For over the past ten years the wedding industry has seen a shift from the traditional planning of the wedding were the brides parents and/or family pays for majority of the wedding. Now you see that couples tend to split the budget between the two of them. Reason being I have seen more brides getting married in there mid 30's and are settled in

their careers.

A few tidbits from the article:

• The bride and groom pay for the entire wedding themselves
• The cost are divided equally between both families
• Each family is responsible for covering the cost associated with the number of guest they invite.

Budgeting is very crucial to not only planning your wedding, but also in your marriage.

Real Weddings

It's a wrap...The wedding of Shulanda and Gary is complete. My staff and I traveled to my home town of Houston and had a fabulous time last weekend. The couple was a joy to work with these past few months. As with most clients miss working with them all after all the planning and the wedding is over. I have attached a few pictures from my camera.
Congratulations to Gary and Shulanda

Highlights of the evening:
Bridal Colors: Wine & Sky Blue
Theme: Feathers

Vendors:
Photographer: HTown Photography
Flowers & Linen: Darryl & Co and Linens n Decor
Cake: Bavarian Cake
Ice Sculpture: Ice Designs
Band: Austin Lydia & Company
DJ: DJ Unlimited
Venue: Ashton Gardens
Menu consisted of: Cocktail hour - Mini crab cakes, Smoked chicken quesadillas, cheese and fruit display, Signature drink
Dinner - Southwest Caesar Salad, Cilantro Adobo Marinated Flank Steak, Herb Garlic and Lemon Crusted Roast Chicken, Shrimp Etouffee, Green Beans, and Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes.