THE VENUE

Looking for a spectacular location for your next event? Try THE VENUE. I attended an Open House for The Venue last night hosted by Marta Bodenhorst and it was fantastic. Here are a few pics...

Guess who I saw at the event, All That Glitters Events! Sheila and Amy are a wonderful team.

KATHLEEN'S TEA ROOM

If you are searching for an elegant venue to hold your bridal luncheon or wedding reception look no further. Kathleen's Tea Room is the ideal location for delicious food, beautiful decor and an attentive staff in Fletcher, North Carolina. I was invited to lunch by my new friend, Emily McCollin of Occasions by Emily and met the owner of the tea room, Tami Halliman. Tami has a great welcoming smile which makes you feel at ease immediately. We had a wonderful time together as we sampled the Avocado Sandwich, Seafood Quiche, Carrot Cake, and Coconut Macaroon which were remarkable!!! Emily, thanks for your friendship and the great experience at Kathleen's Tea Room.

DIANA at BILTMORE RECEPTION

A gigantic crystal tree in the middle of the bar. Simply Gorgeous!!!

A sushi bar display created by Masterpiece Ice Sculptures. Jeff Pennypacker and his team are amazing craftsmen. Check out their website for more photographs.

And I sampled everything...

Nicole is the best intern, ever!!!!!!

Oh what an event!!!!! Earlier this week I had the esteemed pleasure of attending the Diana at Biltmore reception. The staff personally welcomed each guest as they entered the property and there it was in front of you, an event space like no other. The gorgeous decorations, bountiful food displays and a bar to quench any thirst set the stage for an elegant reception. Oh, did I mention the band, A Social Function. They rocked the house! My intern Nicole and I had a marvelous time and we were excited to share a few photos.

COREY CAGLE PHOTOGRAPHY INTERVIEW

Exquisite Events & Consulting has been working with Corey Cagle Photography on several events. Each image she shoots is carefully edited with love and attention leaving an album filled with precious memories which are cherished for years. From the moment you meet Corey her personality draws you in and her photos close the deal. Thanks Corey for being a wonderful friend and superb photographer.

What influenced you to become a photographer?
Corey: A friend was taking a black and white photography course in college, and I admired the images he created. I loved the creative side of what he was doing. It was inspiring! I was curious, so my husband bought me a nice camera for Christmas...and then the true love began (of photography that is!).

What do you enjoy most about being a wedding photographer?
Corey: There are two things I love about what I do. The emotion is the best part. I love to come away from the day knowing that when each couple sees their images, they feel the emotions all over again, getting to relive those moments over and over. The second is capturing some really awesome portraits of the couple. I get to be totally creative with these and play! I love my job!

What makes an image memorable?
Corey: When it captures the essence of the subject being photographed and tells a story. If you see yourself in an image or can feel what is happening, you will remember it.

What advice would you give to brides who are looking for the perfect photographer?
Corey: Look at several photographers' portfolios and see what it is you like about each persons work, then choose one that you feel most comfortable with. This is someone that will be around you throughout your wedding day. Being able to relax in front of the camera can make a big difference in the final products. Some photographers prefer a more photojournalistic approach, and some a traditional. I like to mix it up throughout the wedding day and add in a creative touch. The most important thing is to relax and have FUN!

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.