JULIA and JEFF

How many people can say, "I love my job."? I can!!!!! Here is an example of another beautiful couple with a heart of gold. Thank you for allowing me to be involved in your special day.

Photographer: Kevin Milz Photography

Cake: Cakes Du-Jour

Reception: 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa

LA'ZENDRA & BRIAN

From the day Brian proposed to La’Zendra in a restaurant atop the tallest building in Boston, The Prudential Building, planning the wedding of their dreams began with much anticipation. As fate would have it the bride is a wedding consultant at one of Asheville’s coveted event locations and she dreamed that her event would be as memorable and beautiful as any other event she has planned for other brides.

The theme, Breakfast at Tiffany’s set the mood for the event with a color palate filled with hues of platinum, tiffany blue and white. The wedding and reception would include several activities which required expert supervision and instruction from experienced wedding professionals. In an effort to pull the event off without a hitch while retaining her sanity during the planning process La’Zendra requested the services of not one but two wedding planners located in Asheville, NC to orchestrate the event which would be held in Charleston, South Carolina.

Wedding planners, Lisa G. McMillan of Exquisite Events & Consulting and Nicole Riley of Verge Events partnered to make the bride and groom’s wedding the epitome of their vision. Vendors servicing North and South Carolina were brought in to ensure the venues; florals, cake, and décor were in complete harmony.

Wedding Planners: Exquisite Events & Consulting and Verge Events

Photographer: Aaron Imaging

Ceremony Venue: Life Center Cathedral

Reception Venue: Charleston Marriott

Cake: Lady Fingers

WEDDING & EVENT FUNDAMENTALS CLASS

CONGRATULATIONS

Wedding and Event Fundamentals Class
Winter 2008

The students who attended the Wedding and Event Fundamentals class at Blue Ridge Community College were given the opportunity to learn about many segments involved in planning a wedding or special event. They gained knowledge starting with how to develop a budget with a bride and groom to understanding the key elements in creating an unforgettable event.

Each class was unique in its approach in teaching the group which best practices to use in the event planning industry. Several prominent guest speakers provided the class with tips and suggestions on partnering with vendors and working with clients to ensure a seamless event. One highlight of the course was the field trip to the Kenmure Country Club where the staff welcomed us with refreshments, a site tour, and an informative question and answer session.

I could go on continuously about all of the experiences we had during class but there is not enough blog space available. If you would like to find out more about the class and its upcoming schedule please contact me at lisagmcmillan@msn.com and I will be happy to discuss it with you.

CAKES BY JANE INTERVIEW

March 17, 2009
Melissa Kreidler of Cakes by Jane

When you want your wedding cake to be designed by the best and taste just like grandmas, look no further than Cakes by Jane. Melissa Kreidler, owner of the company values producing a beautifully designed and scrumptious cake without sacrificing quality. Her work has been featured in several nationally published magazines, such as Bon Appetit, Southern Living and showcased on Food Network.

Read on about what makes Cakes by Jane an exquisite pick for your wedding. Enjoy!!!!!!!

Exquisite Events & Consulting: What influenced you to become a cake decorator?

Melissa: What influenced me to become a cake decorator were my friends, my children, and my creative talent combined with the love of food.

Exquisite Events & Consulting: What do you enjoy most about creating your cakes?

Melissa: The thing I enjoy most about creating cakes is being given the opportunity to use my creative talent.

Exquisite Events & Consulting: Which wedding cake was the most difficult to create and deliver?

Melissa: Wedding cakes are always a joy to create. I would have to say it’s the one of a kind unique design of the grooms’ cakes or custom cakes my clients put their trust in me as an artist to design. They are always challenging therefore making them the most difficult to deliver sometimes.

Exquisite Events & Consulting: What advice would you give to brides who are looking for the perfect wedding cake?

Melissa: The best advice I could give to brides about creating their dream cake would be to, sketch out on paper the vision you have and build your surroundings, themes, and colors schemes from there on paper. Taking this sketch and other photos you may have to the cake artist of your choice helps them a great deal with making your cake visions become your realistic wedding cake dream.

For more information on the delicious cakes created by Cakes by Jane visit their website at http://www.cakesbyjane.com/

INTERNS

INTERNS! ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

We are proud to announce opportunities for internships in 2009. Our program consists of training prior to and during an event while providing you with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, time management skills, and much more.

INTERNSHIP INCLUDES: Reviewing Contracts, Contacting Vendors, Client Relationship Management, Scheduling Appointments, Confirming Final Details, Event Set Up and Break Down, Greeting and Directing Guests

REQUIREMENTS: Positive Attitude, Detailed Oriented, Communicates Effectively, Professional Attire, Reliable Transportation

TO APPLY: Submit your resume and brief summary describing why you would like to become an intern via e-mail to lisagmcmillan@msn.com

CLASSES

Wedding and Event Fundamentals

Blue Ridge Community College Course Cost: $55

INSTRUCTOR: Lisa G. McMillan, Exquisite Events & Consulting
ROOM: Continuing Education Building Room CONE 122
DATE: January 20, 2009 through April 7, 2009 *Tuesdays except 2/10/2009
TIME: 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

Learn the “how-to” before the couple says, “I do”. Each session will be filled with interesting discussion, interactive role play and surprise visits from prominent industry experts.

Course Description: This course is designed to provide instruction to those students looking for a career in event planning. Students will learn the basic steps in planning an event from start to finish by applying best practices in time management, customer relationship management, contract analysis, calculating budgets, and organizing an event which successfully captures a client's overall vision.

TO REGISTER: Contact Exquisite Events & Consulting 704.578.1974 or Monique Eaker at Blue Ridge Community College at 828.694.1744

Newspaper Article: Toast the Bride, Groom

The Asheville Citizen-Times contacted Exquisite Events & Consulting regarding the protocol in making a toast during the wedding reception. I recommended, "The toast should be congratulatory in spirit and infused with best wishes for the lucky couple." As long as you consider the duration of your toast and prepare for the loving sentiment to be bestowed upon the bride and groom, then you are well on you way to a memorable moment. For further information on toast tips and my comments please visit the Asheville Citizen-Times archives section dated june 2008.

JEWEL TONES

Western North Carolina is bursting with Fall colors and this year's showing is spectacular. Jewel tones set amid the majestic backdrop of the mountains are all you need when accenting your wedding. I snapped a few images from some of my previous events at the Crest Center and Pavilion and the Inn on Biltmore Estate to give you an idea of the hues used to invoke a warm and inviting atmosphere. Remember, don't limit your color palette nor your imagination.