Introducing Michelle Rago

As a planner, I'm am always looking for new ways to give my clients the best I have to offer. I learn who they are and what is important to them, and then I tailor my coordinating, consulting and planning around them. This way, they can exercise whatever creative cravings they have for their wedding without me getting in the way! Let's face it...some couples really want to "get their hands dirty" when it comes to their wedding. Others? They just want me to show them 2-3 ideas and then pick one.

With that said, I MUST introduce to some and present to others...an awesome lady by the name of Michelle Rago.



Michelle is an exceptionally talented event designer who has just launched her own blog. Michelle has been an inspiration to many for some time now and in 2004 she was "crowned as the "Wedding Design Dynamo" in 2004. A member of the 25 most important trendsetters in the nation.

I purchased her book, Signature Weddings - Creating A Day Uniquely Your Own - and I can't put it down. It has inspired me to approach my wedding planning and design in a whole new way.



In the book, she describes her process and how she creates the wonderful weddings she is so famous for. She starts with simple things...that seem to have no apparent relationship...and ends up with wedding experiences that please the eye as well as the soul!

If you're looking for inspiration from an expert, you must visit her site and her blog...you will NOT want to miss the magic!

Brides.com is having a cake contest!! {Guess I'm hung up on cake lately!}

Vote for your favorite here at Brides.com and you could win the cake of your dreams!!



{Photo from Brides.com website}

Justine Miller Photography

Justine Miller of Justine Miller Photography has thrown her hat into the wedding photography ring. And if these shots from an engagement session for my clients, Sonja and Ely are any indication, that hat has A LOT of talent!


I've spent some time getting to know Justine over the last few weeks and I look forward to a long, prosperous relationship with this new "Power Shot!"

Justine was kind enough to share with me, some of the details of who she is and what makes her photography skills so unique. Take a moment and read about her below. And be sure to look for a current special discount offer from Justine at the end of this post!

Also, visit her website, for more amazing shots! I'm sure she'll capture your sacred moments just as they happen so you can cherish them FOREVER!

~Give me an overview of your business and its products/services: I am a provider of captured memories... Ok I am a photographer :) We provide services capturing moments ranging from the announcement of your engagement, the enchantment of your wedding, the wonder of pregnancy, and the day you fall in love all over again... with your newborn baby.

~What makes your business unique when compared to others in this category? I don’t just focus on capturing one day in your life... there are many wedding photographers who do just that. I am a lifetime photographer. I only service a limited number of weddings per year, so that I may still have time to capture all the other moments in life that matter.

~Where do you draw inspiration for your creations, products, or services? My biggest inspiration is my own children. They make me look at the world from a new perspective....and they teach me new things every day. I also belong to numerous photography groups that serve as not only inspiration, but push me to bring my photographs to new levels almost everyday. I believe the day you stop learning is the day you die.

~What has been your proudest moment as a business owner? I was very proud the day I opened the doors of my business. I had such a supportive family and am so thankful they believed in me and took a risk on me.

~What product or service has been your best selling item? I guess for weddings it would be my coffee table albums.

~How do you set yourself apart with regard to your customer service? I am the only one you will ever speak to. I am prompt and professional in my responses and aim to please... I don’t hide behind a customer service representative.

~If you could offer one piece of advice to brides, what would that be? Relax and let Wendy worry about the small stuff :)

I like that last answer, Justine! :)

So there you have her! A brand new, fresh face on the wedding scene! As a special THANK YOU to my readers for taking the time to learn more about Justine, from now until Sunday, March 16th, she is offering 10% off any of her wedding packages of $1,000 or more OR a $150 print credit…it’s your choice. In order to be sure you receive this offer, be sure to mention that you heard about her from Sacred Moment Weddings!

New Jewelry from dejarnette new orleans

Awhile back I featured a wonderful piece of jewelry from dejarnette new orleans. When I received the package containing my new treasure, I was truly impressed with how it was sent to me. The box and wrapping was meticulous and made me feel as if it was Christmas!

Well, I received an email today announcing some new pieces! Take a look:



1. brass calliope
2. under the ocean "My personal favorite!"
3. chunky turquoise
4. on the mediterranean
5. flip-flop "PRETTY!"
6. paisleys "Another fav!"
7. coliseum
8. petite cherie

Dresses: Henri Josef’s New Range!

I was over at the PolkaDot Bride blog today and found the most WONDERFUL dresses from Henri Josef!

Here's a sneek peek...



I'm not going to try and tell you about what else I saw over there...Go on over to PolkaDot Bride and check it out for yourself!

THEY'RE STUNNING!!

{Photos courtesy of Henri Josef via PolkaDot Bride }

Terrica The Great!

I'm feeling better, children, but this bug isn't letting me off the hook easily! Thank you to everyone who has sent well wishes and chicken soup my way...it's really helped!

Since I've been sidelined, I've had a chance to get caught up on my internet surfing. Lookee what I found today:



One of my sheros, Terrica of Fabu-luxe Events has published a e-zine called {Fete} ish...an online magazine that will tickle your wedding and "all things pretty" fancy! Terrica is such a super savvy and smart girl! Check it out and let her know how much you "heart" her just like I do!

Cough, Cold and Flu OH MY!!

I have been sidelined with a nasty cold for the last few days. Prior to that I was in Vegas, hanging out with some of my family members from the east coast. We had a ball but I think I overdid things!

Hopefully I'll be back tomorrow and we can get back to ALL THINGS WEDDINGS!

In the meantime, go check out Terrica's post on a company that creates wedding logos...as always, she finds some of the best stuff!!!

More Wedding Trends for 2008

I just read an article over at the Bridal Guide. It lists many of the best wedding trends for 2008. Some of the top wedding professionals in the industry contributed, including many of my favorites...Jung Lee from Fete, Floral Designer Ariella Chezar and Tara Guérard, of Soiree in Charlston, South Carolina.

Take notes! This one is a must read!

Sonja and Ely - March 14, 2008

I have been working with this couple for more than a year now and we are in the home stretch. We're finalizing details and are very excited about the BIG DAY!

I shared their inspiration board with you awhile back and I'm happy to say we are EXCITED about how all the details will come together. I'll be sure to post pics from the wedding later in the year.



These shots were taken by their photographer, Justine from Justine Miller Photography. Justine has a wonderful eye and I look forward to working more with her in the future.

Check back soon for more shots from this shoot!