Einstein......'Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.'

Why do I always gravitate to quotes and thoughts about simplicity? Because we live in a world that spins on confusion, complication and complexity. The things I am blessed to be around, as an event planner, ARE simple. Gracious candlelight, garden roses, fresh produce, lovely textures. My role, as a planner, is to find that place of simplicity and authenticity and to bring my clients there.

I was honored to plan and create an amazing weekend for Barry Weiss and his fantastic friends from New York. The finale evening was hosted by Thomas Keller at Bill Harlan's winery. I was humbled by the talent and gracious hospitality. I'll write more about the weekend in the near future. Oh.....to sit at this lovely table on a rainy Napa Valley evening....

Winter Inspiration

There's something so happy about this pot of flowers....it's unpretentious, simple, colorful and has great movement. Don't 'over-think' flowers, let them have their own voice. I've learned that from the greatest of all designers, Kathy Hoffman.

My favorite ribbon color, for now - very thick, soft/mossy-olive color, double faced satin. It makes every bouquet pop. Spring, summer, fall and winter, this color works! Mother Nature uses it all the time. Who better to learn from.

My intro.....

Thanks for reading. I am new to this world of blogging, it's tre cool. One feels like a columnist for Martha Stewart, but really, you're just an average Joe - or Josephine - in your PJ's and stained uggs trying to tell the world your wisdom, and possibly show off a bit.

I will be simple and helpful in my wedding blogging. Brides, take note, it's a free crash course and oh-so valuable!

I'll write my knowledge, opinions and perceptions which I've gathered through 10 years of upscale wedding planning. I know this will all be helpful and hopefully will bring about a few giggles, save some $ on the budget, and keep peace between an overwhelmed bride and groom.

A few of my favorite words when it comes to wedding planning....authentic - something every wedding should be, value, honesty and warmth. Frankly, I just love what I do for a living and sometimes I have to pinch myself - am I getting paid for this? I didn't always feel this way - the stress was overwhelming and attacking my health. When I decided that the wedding really isn't ABOUT me, but about me understanding the bride, when I decided to be honest about my role and my fee, when I decided to take fear and it's nasty cousins of anxiety and procrastination out of the picture ....... Boom, there you have it - ahhh, I love what I do. And, I am darn good at it.

My articles will be pretty short and I'll use my favorite tool - bullet points.

Congrats on your upcoming wedding and enjoy every minute of the months to come. If you're feeling overwhelmed or off track, call me, not to hire me, but to let me give you 5 mins of my time and help you fall back in love with the dreams you used to have of planning your wedding when you were a wee girl.

Cheers,