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.

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