Gifts I Love...

I'm always being asked by friends and clients for great gift ideas, either for bridal attendants' gifts, wedding presents or parent's gifts. So I've decided to start a series on Gifts I Love to share with you all some great, cost-effective gift ideas you can use too!

This week- The Bridesmaid Gift/Wedding Gift

Check out this incredible special on Fabric Gift Bags. A fabric bag is always a functional, yet appreciated gift to give your girls. This gift set comes in two sets of assorted colors, including Primary (yellow, green, red and blue) and Pastel (light blue, pink, lime green, and lavender). The most amazing part is you get 32 Fabric Bags for only $7.95!!!!! That's .25 a piece....seriously!

For such a great price, you can afford to have these monogrammed for each girl and still have a beautiful, custom gift for less then $20! And you'll be sure to have multiple bags left over to use for future gift giving opportunities.

You simply can't beat this deal but hurry, it won't last long.

Yummy Part of The Biz....

I'm am VERY excited to be participating in a food tasting for Rocky Top Hospitality on Monday, February 23rd. Rocky Top Catering is a division of Rocky Top Hospitality, the culinary minds behind Twisted Fork, Micheal Dean's, Red Room, Bogarts, Hive-Five and 1705 Prime!

We are extremely blessed to be the preferred wedding planner and floral designer for both their on-site and off site catering events. Monday, Rocky Top will be hosting a private tasting for approximately 60 brides who will be having their wedding with Rocky Top and Catering Director, Kathy White, has asked me to design some spring-inspired centerpieces for their table decor.

Linens will be provided by Classic Party Rentals, who have pre-selected a vibrant color palette of fuscia, mango and yellow. Drawing inspiration from the linens, I designed two separate centerpieces to complement the decor.

I'll post images on Monday to show-off our vibrant designs!

Have a great weekend!

A little about Rocky Top....
Rocky Top Catering, is committed to making your next function a memorable experience that is literally something to talk about. Our goal is perfection, one plate at a time. Whether you entertain in one of our unique restaurants or off-premise in a location of your choice, you will receive the same outstanding attention to detail and incomparable food and presentation that have won us loyal customers and rave reviews since we opened Michael Dean’s in 1998. We won’t settle for the ordinary, and neither should you.

Voted Best Caterer in the Triangle for 2006 - CitySearch.comVoted Best Caterer - National Association of Catering Executives (NACE)

Reem Acra Trunk Show

My good friends Alexia and Micheal Joyce of Alexia's Bridal Boutique in Cary, NC are hosting a Reem Acra trunk show February 19th through the 21st.

A trunk show is when a designer send their newest collection of gowns, not yet avialable in most stores. Fantastic incentives will be offered with the purchase of any special order gown during the event.

A Reem Acra representative will be on site to offer style and fit expertise.

Call today to schedule your appointment at Alexia's Bridal Boutique.

919.481.6633

Only Tuesday?!?!?!

I honestly can not believe it's only Tuesday. We have been busy bees around KFP this week. I've gotten to meet with my friends at F8 Photo Studios, Neil Boyd Photography and booked a new wedding with Michelle Robinson Photography just today!

I've also been working on wedding design for two gorgeous weddings this fall. This week Rachel and I designed two custom invitations with unique monograms, handmade envelops and one covered in fabric to incorporate textural elements.

We also had a gorgeous cake designed by Gregory Bingham of The Art of Cake. I wish I could give you previews of how amazing this cake is going to be, but I don't want to spoil the surprise!

I'm also working on a fabric design to drape an entire ballroom in fabric, complete with LED lighting that will change colors throughout the evening!

Meanwhile, my floral designer, Demitris is on a trip checking out a new flower grower we have found. Our initial research has shown that they carry the most incredible flowers that are quite superb in quality and size! I am hopeful that he will report back with another great resource for our clients!

Lastly, we are having some really beautiful new marketing pieces printed this week, which features some images from two phenomenal weddings from last year, both were shot by our friend Christoble of Azul Photography. Check these out:

Well I'm off to meet a group of photographers and catch up on what's new and hot in the photography industry. Just another way we are continually working for our clients. So, as you can see, it's been a busy week already. Just imagine what we can accomplish by Friday!

Until then.....

A Little Piece of History

This week I visited with my friends over at All Saints Chapel in downtown Raleigh. All Saints Chapel meets a very big need in Raleigh, by providing a spiritual environment to host a wedding ceremony, without the membership commitments that almost all Raleigh churches require.

Built in 1875, All Saints Chapel has been an integral part of Raleigh's downtown charm for over a century. It's details have been perfectly restored for an intimate wedding and reception. I personally love the architectural elements of the arched windows and stained glass backdrop of the handsomely appointed sanctuary. The rich wood beams create an elegance that is warm and inviting. The perfect location for a candle light ceremony!

It was a pleasure to meet with several brides who were taking advantage of the weekly open house, which takes place every Tuesday from 4:30pm-6:30pm. So be sure to stop by and visit the ladies at All Saints. You will not be disappointed!

Versailles Comes to the Carolinas

The Falcon's Hamlet is the latest event venue to be introduced into the local market. But make no mistake, this venue is far beyond anything we have ever seen in this area.

Inspired by the French architecture of Versailles, The Falcon's Hamlet is a grand palace nestled among the rolling hills of 150 acres of farmland. When I first approached the wrought iron gates, I knew instantly this was going to be something special.

Special Events Coordinator, Tim Kavenaugh and intern Lacey Hardee, gave my assistant Rachel and I the Grand Tour! Beautifully bred horses strolled lazily through the pastures as baby calves suckled from their mothers in the cow pastures. The barren winter trees gave us a clear view of the incredible amount of water surrounding the Hamlet from three directions.

As we approached the bustling construction site of the main building a shiver of excitement washed over me as I realized how impressive this venue will be upon completion. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this venue and it is an honor to be a part of something so special.

The Hamlet recently had a photo shoot with the talented photographers of f8 Photostudios and I was honored to provide them with the jewel toned bouquet for the shoot. Check out some of the images here.

This is inside the stables, which are an exact replica of the Queen of England's private stables.

Let's "Do Lunch"

Last week I had the opportunity to have lunch with someone I consider to be one of the most inspiring business minds in this area.


I have been following the career and growth of Missy McLamb Photography for over ten years and it was such a treat to sit across from Missy and talk freely of her company's success and how it developed over the years.


Not only did I learn so much more about what her studio has to offer to my clients, but I took a lot away from a business ownership perspective. I think what stood out for me the most, was to stay focused and commited to my primary objectives and to always be prepared. You never know when an amazing opportunity will present itself, your dream bride will call or a magazine will publish your work, but you have to be ready every day. It's all about timing.



Thanks again Missy!

Image by Nick Pironio

Copyright 2008 Missy McLamb Photography

Website Updates

The time passes so quickly, but I am actively focusing on getting more and more of our beautiful weddings online.

We've uploaded 5 new weddings just this week!

Check out all of our lovely brides on our website to see some of our work from '08!

P.S. Thanks to f8 PhotoStudios for this awesome pic from Danielle and Kent's wedding.