Hair

So I dyed my hair.

In the scheme of things it was not really that big a deal, to anyone except me. It was one of those things, I wanted to be spontaneous, which I never am. I thought I would like it, and I do, sorta.

The good thing about this is that I don’t have to live with it for long. I will see pictures of myself and think, “Why in the world did I do that?” Then I will vow not to do it again, although in a few months I will get the itch again.

So here is my advice today. Don’t have a wedding hairdo that will eventually be a hair don’t. Use the following tips and make it something you can look back at and say “Well at least my hair looked good!”

Plan Ahead
If you have your hair colored, permed, or treated, have it done at least one month before your wedding date. The extra time will soften your style a bit, so it looks more natural. Also, should disaster strike, you'll have time to fix it.

If you're headed to a sunny honeymoon destination, keep your locks luscious by putting SPF 30 sunscreen on just the ends of your hair. It'll keep damage to a minimum and preserve your color.

Loosen Up
Don't get your hair done (or do it yourself) too early on your wedding day, and don't wear it pulled back too tightly. Your scalp may start to hurt and you could get a headache if you wear a killer updo for too long.

Keep It Neat
Get a trim a few weeks before your wedding date to neaten up your tresses and eliminate split ends.

Shop Around
Try consulting more than one stylist for your trial run so that you find the best person for you. There may be someone in your usual salon who specializes in the look you want for your wedding. You won't be slighting your regular stylist if you try this person or ask for a recommendation; having your hair done for a big event is very different from getting an everyday great cut or color.

Get Help
If you plan to do your hair yourself, go for it! Just don't do it by yourself. Have a good (honest) friend with you to give perspective while you work.

Be True to the Real You
Don't go too over the top -- it will just leave your guests wondering who that chick in the white dress is! Besides that, an overly complicated 'do is just one more thing for you to worry about -- and we all know that's not something you need right now!

Courtesy of theknot.com

Just a thought.

Stashed in the back of a closet at my mother’s house is something that I run across from time to time when I am searching for Christmas gifts. It is stored in a clear box and looks much like it probably did the day it went into the closet. It’s my mothers wedding dress. Maybe she still has hopes that one day I will wear it down the isle, but I think she knows me better than that. Not that a dress from the 70’s is not classic and beautiful, but it probably wouldn’t fit into the décor I would pick.

I know that the current trend is to take a piece of your mother or your grandmother’s wedding dress and sew it into your own wedding gown, but what about taking it that much further. What if you did something that no one would expect. What if you turned the dress into monogrammed handkerchiefs to present to your mother, grandmother, bridesmaids or husband to be. I can think if nothing more special than giving my mother something so meaningful to remember the day with. At the reception you could also honor this dress by placing a picture of it, before it was “revamped” with a note explaining to guests the gift you had given out. What a wonderful way to incorporate your family’s old heirlooms into your beautiful day.

*Sorry to spoil the surprise mom, but I am hoping by the time I get married you will have forgotten about this.*

It's Your Party and You'll only Cry if you Want To....

As the new Private Event’s Director at Berry Creek I have learned a few things.
1. It’s always a good time for a Party.
2. Party’s are only as good as the time you put into them.
3. If you cry because your party wasn’t what you wanted it to be, then you didn’t call us.

I am not going to lie, I get up every morning excited to come to work and plan parties. I know it sounds crazy but it’s true. Nothing excites me more than looking at Bridal magazines and fabric swatches. What can I say, I find joy in little things.

With the onset of a new school year and even hotter weather, we are slowing down this month in Private Events. The exciting thing is that once September hits, we are busy busy busy. The Social Committee has once again planned some great activities for the coming months. I don’t want to give away too much, but be on the lookout for “Dog Days of August,” Berry Creek Tailgate Party and Homecoming,” and “Soap Box Derby Contest.”

I am also happy to announce a new addition to our website. http://www.berrycreekcc.blogspot.com/ which helps showcase some of the Events and Weddings we have had at the club. Obvioulsy if you are reading this then you already know that. I will also be giving some helpful hints on planning parties for yourself, and why we love the vendors we work with!

Don’t forget that we are always here to help you plan your upcoming event. Holiday Party season is almost upon us and we are booking up fast. Don’t be left out in the cold with no room for your guests! All you have to do it make the call and we can help do the rest.

Joelle and Dyron 7/7/07

Joelle and Dyron are one of my favorite couples. They are the kind of people that make you glad you are in the business you are in. I had the pleasure of working with this couple on July 7, 2007 and although we had our bumps, I couldn't have been more pleased with the results. Special thanks to Seth Black at www.sethsobsession.com/galleries/12 for providing me with some great pictures.

This Rainbow came out around 6:30 when the ceremony was suppose to start.


Unfortunatly we had to move inside and have our ceremony there, only because it continued to rain and wouldn't stop.

Mom's

This is my mom.....I am convinced she is one of the few who read this blog....other than Stacy of course. Isn't she just the cutest thing ever. She will call me after she see's this and say "Rachel professional's don't want to see this....." I will have to tell her that part of being my family means sharing this special time with me. Thanks Mom.....I couldn't do it without your support!

Thinking Outside the Box

I recently had the opportunity to attend a great conference in Houston for Catering Professionals. The great thing about the conference is that you have the opportunity to think outside the box. Don't just read those Bridal Magazine's, read the fashion magazines and home decor books. You never know where the inspiration for the wedding of your dreams might come from.


The pictures below are taken at one of our dinners where the theme was "Alice in Wonderland." Let me tell you, this is definitly thinking outside the box!

Outside Weddings

Random Pictures

I found some random pictures on my computer at work and thought I would post them for others to see. They are some examples of things you can do if you are looking to do something simple. Unlike the picture above, this style can be accomplished on a budget. The other great think is when you save money on decorations, you have more money to spend on other things!

As most of you know one of the most important things on your wedding day is Photography. I recently had the pleasure of meeting the most amazing photographer and have become obessed with her pictures. I also met with her to look at her albums and she is a total dream to work with. Stacy takes bride and grooms and really brings there special day to life.

I know what you are thinking....why is Rachel harping on this photographer....what is Stacy paying her? Well folks I can assure you that Stacy pays me nothing for my praise. My stalking of her page is because of my jealousy for the talent that she possesses. I only hope when I get married she will pencil in some time to help me capture my wonderful day!So check her out....I promise you wont be sorry. Tell her I sent ya, and maybe she will be that much nicer to you.

http://www.stacycross.com/

http://www.cross-blog.blogspot.com/