Dec 30, 2011

Day 8: Becoming one of them

Combined post: 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8!

The countdown continues with 24 days to go until I'm 30 and I must say the past 5 days have been such a roller coaster of excitement. To catch you up my sister aka partner in crime is ENGAGED to the man of her dreams, the plus for me is that I get to gain a new brother (I hope he knows that I'm apart of the deal too hehe), Making ME is growing and making such a proud mama out of me, and me well I'm planning to take 30 by storm!

I feel like so much of my life has been about making discoveries...subtle and on a grand scale. When I was a teenager I discovered my love for music, in my twenties I found my passion for planning, and in my late twenties most days I feel like I'm having a love affair with all things resembling design. I can see a pattern, ribbon, color and literally fall in love with it and decide exactly the kind of event I want to use it for. I remember starting this business in my head years before I ever saw it on paper, I yearned for a business that could allow me to discover my inner strengths and passions while transforming women into wives. I could watch them take their first steps into this remarkable journey, but what I hadn't thought about until my last wedding in November is that they were watching me too and I WAS MAKING ME. I was becoming this woman who was a combination of all the women I had admired, they were strong, confident, creative, passionate, idea flowing, and take the world by storm women...I was becoming one of them.

Dec 25, 2011

Day 3: Christmas Day

It's Christmas!! This morning I was up bright and early to deliver my lovely holiday cookies and joy....aka presents! All were happy and with a full belly and enough laughs to last in to the new year it seems only fitting that I do a bit of blogging before the end of the day.  To keep this short I'll say this......

To find more holiday quotes, head over to Creating Keepsakes


Dec 24, 2011

Day 2: Christmas Eve

Today is Christmas Eve and I can't help remember that this would be my last Christmas Eve or Christmas for that fact in my 20's. As I reflect on nearly 30 years of tradition, family, and laughter I can't help but think about my sister. We would laugh and giggle until all hours of the night attempting to stay awake and catch a glimpse at the ole' big guy himself. My mom doesn't know this but when I was around 10 my sister spilled the beans...there was no Santa...puh I remember thinking. As I feel softly asleep I remember being awaken by my sister and practically dragged down my grandmothers staircase. To my surprise there was my mother sipping a glass of eggnog and wrapping presents with my grandmother and aunt. I think that image will forever live on in my memory.

I didn't know it but that day helped me to remember that Christmas wasn't all about the presents, it was the kindness and love from family that would carry me through anything in life.


Here we all are!


Dec 23, 2011

Day 1: Introduction to the countdown

Today is December 23rd and while my mind is swirling with holiday joy and spirit I can't help but think of a huge milestone that is taking place in exactly 30 days.  Yup, in 30 days this gal is turning 30! Now I won't go on and on in this post about how terrifying it is for me  to say goodbye to my 20's, instead I'll be taking the next 30 days to delicately say hello to an exciting new chapter in my life. Let's start from the beginning shall we......

Day 1: That's Me! I'm the one on the left (of course) and there's my rock, my sister Stephanie, she's been one of the people  who's been there gently guiding me through life's terrain.



Now really how cute are we???!!


Nov 1, 2011

Inspiration Board: Gingham love....

Today was filled with inspiration and as we move into yet another winter I'm still dreaming in vintage/gingham/strawberry shortcake love! I can't wait to do my very own interpretation based on this inspiration....


Credit: Inspiration board and links to pictures provided by: snippetandink.com....Thank you!

Top row from left: floral print clutch by Ila Handbags, photo of strawberry lemonade in mason jars from flickr, strawberry buttercream cake from Call Me Cupcake
Row 2: photo of red gingham shirt and drink by Thayer Gowdy, bouquet with pink and red ribbon from Martha Stewart Weddings (photo by Johnny Miller), women’s red gingham bow tie from Forage
Row 3: strawberry shortcake basket favor from Martha Stewart Weddings, thank you note by Rifle Paper Co., photo from J.Crew

Oct 31, 2011

Food Challenge!

I need a little bit of help.....

I'm thrilled and I mean over-the-moon excited that I will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my home.  It's a little girl's dream come true in my family and I'm finally felling like I've earned my "big girl pants". Now that the excitement is wearing off and reality is setting in...I-AM-FREAKING-OUT!  I haven't turned on my oven in a month, my fridge is a condiment only container, and I haven't cooked a meal in goodness knows how long.  I am a good cook, but for one day I'd like to be a great chef, but I need a little help and a lot of inspiration. I need to find my passion and love for food all over again.

Game Plan: I've purchased a cookbook! THE Cookbook that will help to inspire me and turn this takeout queen into chef for a day.

Challenge: 1 dish per day until all 500 + delicious recipes are completed, filled with step by step instructions and pictures. Oh goodness can I really do this?

Wish me luck! I've already combed through the cookbook and labeled everything I'd like to cook for the week---WOW I'm really doing this!


Sep 16, 2011

I don't know how she does it?

I recently saw a movie preview of one of my fav gals, Sarah Jessica Parker or SJP as I call her. SJP and I go way back to 1996 when I fell in love with her infamous character Carrie and even more in love with the mysterious Big. I guess you can say Sex and the City was one of my first T.V. loves and crushes.

Anyways the title of the movie really got my wheels turning, how do we do it all? Many vendors in the business (myself included) are often juggling a second full or part time job along with planning, photographing, creating your wedding invitations, and etc.  Although I like to think we all wear a very special cape under our clothing and have an extra 5 hours in each day, sadly we don't.  It takes a lot of careful planning and scheduling each week to make sure we prioritize our clients, our jobs, and our full time lives.

I'm really-really lucky, I have an incredibly supportive family and boyfriend and friends who help me maintain a healthy work/life balance. In my off time and when I'm not planning your wedding, or just because event my boyfriend and I are entertaining friends...just because!


**Photography credit: Summer Street Photography

 And with a little magic and a lot of love THIS is what everyday feels like for this planner.


Granny's Collection


Ready for another update on what's new with Making ME?


A few months ago we shouted from the roof top our new vintage plate collection, we instantly had a pour of interest from brides, clients, and vendors to use our plates.  What we didn't tell you about was another very special collection that we've been slowly piecing together. To give you a little background on how this collection "came to be" I'll start from the beginning.

Nell taught me to gamble, in life, in love, and on a slot machine! She wasn't your traditional grandmother, but she was the toughest old lady I knew and in very matter of a fact way you always knew what was on her mind (yes, I do get that from her).  About 8 months ago my grandmother fell suddenly and unexpectedly ill and as my family prayed and bonded together and eventually continued on, I was in New England, so far away from home and still heart broken.  I couldn't think of anything except our last conversation which ended in "I love you" and how that could have been the last words we ever spoke to each other.

Alas one day out shopping for a few vintage plates I stumbled upon a plate that my grandmother had in her cabinet, with a stack of 20 new plates this was instantly my favorite but unfortunately it wasn't vintage. Each shopping trip I found myself more and more interested in collecting what I was dubbing as "Granny's collection", and with each found plate I felt closer and closer to recreating a collection that she would be proud to have in her cabinet.

Initially purchased as a way to keep my grandmother close to me turned into a wonderful collection that I know she wouldn't want me to hide away. Granny's collection is inspired by my sweet-sweet grandmother, Nell and is reminiscent of the late 60's and 70's, you'll find a combination of stoneware, bone china, and fun patterns.

My grandmother is so special to me and I'm happy that today she is still with us and currently recovering. I'm also happy to say that each time Granny's collection is rented a donation will be made to Granny.

.....Enjoy the preview and stay posted for more beautiful pictures of this collection






Sep 14, 2011

Thanks for the "LIKE"


A year ago when I started dreaming of how this business would grow I had no idea the kind of journey I had begun or the path of twists and turns that lay ahead . My dream was simple: plan fabulous weddings for fabulous people. I knew I had a lot to offer to any client but what I didn't expect was what I'd get in return, 859 supporters, followers, and friends! With all of you on my side I know we're in good company.

Keep "liking" us and loving our work and in turn we promise to show you those fabulous weddings, and fun creations with a touch of vintage.

Don't forget to follow us on the blog!



UPDATE: 936! THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU!


Sep 12, 2011

Now that we're 1!

Now that we're 1......

We'll be featuring tidbits and touches of what's new with Making ME Event Planning Firm (we have a lot to share with all of you!). Let's kick it off with our brand new sparkling website! A few months ago I decided to give us just a little face-lift and I'm quite proud of how far we've come, not to worry we're still the same gals who will cry at your wedding, toast to you and your husband, and eat cake (with you of course!).

So what are you waiting for? Fall in love with our website page by page here....



Sep 11, 2011

Sneak post: Jennifer and Ed


Yesterday I had the pleasure of planning a beautiful wedding in Nahant, Massachusetts. Given that I am not a native New England-er I've been excited to travel to and plan wedding's in the eastern part of the state. Nahant is simply stunning and the views of the Boston skyline and rocky coast is easily compared to something magical. On a crisp almost fall day Jennifer and Ed were wed and I couldn't have been happier for the two love birds. I promise a full post with pictures are in the very near future but for now feast your eyes on the little gift the two sent me home with (flowers and cake, my fav!) and a picture of the lovely couple.

These two have firmly occupied a place in this wedding planners heart.




Aug 18, 2011

We're 1!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKING ME EVENT PLANNING FIRM!

A year ago I decided to take a leap of faith, simply put I stopped dreaming and started doing. As the months ticked on I found the confidence to articulate to my clients a love for event planning and passion for the perfect party, and with a little help from wonderful friends and family I began to see a business that I could be proud of.  Many people will tell you that the first year in any business is tough and take it from me IT IS, I can certainly remember more than a few sleepless nights and tearful mornings. The people that really helped me get through it were the team of loved ones I had huddled in my corner ready to give me a pep talk at a moments notice.  They were also the faith fans on facebook, twitter, and this blog who loved to "like" a post,  a picture, and even thrilled to wish me good luck before each wedding and a huge congrats afterwards. Our future is looking bright and thanks to all of you even brighter than I could have ever imagined! To celebrate I will be hosting a lovely "thank you" party and can't wait to share pictures and a little more with you at a later date. 


In the meantime let's toast to year two!











Jul 25, 2011

Feature: The Stylish Planner and My Stylish wardrobe

Last week I was incredibly honored to be featured on The Stylish Planner, feeling like I am a.) an amazing planner and b.) stylish, it seems only fitting that I share this write up about yours truly and in the spirit of sharing also share with you a few snapshots of my closet. While it may not be the prettiest walk in you've ever seen it's highly organized and designed each season by a feature pattern. A feature pattern is a pattern I've fallen in love. This year I fell in love with a leopard pattern and have it in the shirt, scarf, and skirt! My closet is kept neat and fresh by only allowing the things I truly love and wear to be in the space.

Feature Article:



Photo by: Henry and Masci Photography



Photo by: George Rivera Photography

Name:  Phebe L.

Location:  Lowell, Massachusetts       

Company Name:  Making ME Event Planning Firm       

Number of years in business:  1       

Website:  www.makingmeepf.com       

Blog:  www.makingmeepf.blogspot.com       

Twitter handle:  @Makingmeepf       

If you are a wedding and event professional other than a planner, please describe your product or service.  We are an event planning firm in love with all things vintage that focuses on planning, design, and vintage place settings.       

How would you describe your personal style?  Casual and elegant with fun and playful layers. My wardrobe and personal style are always ever changing and I’m inspired by a myriad of colors, the warmth of summer, cool of winter, and crispness of the fall and spring.       

What is your “go-to” meeting attire?  A tailored blazer paired with a shirt with a lovely pattern and skinny jeans paired with adorable flats. When appropriate I love to pair this with a fun scarf.       

What is your “go-to” evening industry event attire? (i.e., associational meeting, vendor or venue open house, etc.)  I love a great black cocktail dress! My personal favorite Shoshanna, Rachel Roy, or Mark and James by Badgley Mischika.       

What is your attire for wedding/event day set-up?  Black Tights and ruffled top paired with my favorite Ann Taylor flats.       

What is your attire for actual wedding/event?  A black dress, with Kitten heels!       

What style and brand of shoes do you wear on wedding/event days?  Ann Taylor flats (Set up) and Ann Taylor Kitten heels (actual event).       

Tell us about your favorite jeans and why you love them.     I have a great pair of skinny jeans from The Gap that I LOVE, they have just the right amount of give in them and they are so versatile and can be worn with a blazer, scarf, flats or even heels.       

Who is your favorite celebrity style icon and why?  Sanaa Lathan, this girl KNOWS how to wear a dress, but can easily glam up a simple pair of jeans with a fluttery top and a gorgeous accessory.       

Please share with us (in 50 words or less) your favorite style tip:  Keep it simple! Your wardrobe is filled with every day pieces that can easily translate into making your wardrobe fabulous. Think jewelry, scarves, and shoes. You can make a skirt, jeans, or legging look like a million bucks paired with the right accessory.       

What would you like people to know about you that they may not discover just by viewing your website or blog?  When I was really little I was convinced that I wanted to be a Chef.  My sister and I would play cooking show with our pretend Julia Child voices for hours…we secretly still play cooking show when I’m home except now we really cook!  Oh yes and of course we still use our “Julia” voice-ha!  Ok so maybe I use my “Julia” voice every time I cook!       

What is your most treasured possession?  Old family photos of the women in my family that go back 3 generations. The women in my family all had a strong entrepreneurial spirit, seeing them is a reminder to me of the woman I’d like to become.       

What message would you like to convey to others in our industry?  Don’t be afraid to do something different! We’re in an industry that demands creativity and out of the box thinking.     


Now for pictures of my closet........






Jul 20, 2011

We promised a recap of Sarah and Scott's wedding and here it is......

Such a lovely day and a lovely couple, wishing them many years of love and happiness!














Jun 26, 2011

Sneak Peak: Sarah and Scott's Wedding

Last weekend I was honored to travel back to my hometown of Havre De Grace Maryland for a wedding. The Steppingstone Museum set the stage for what I can only describe as a magical place; one that I had proclaimed would be the setting for my wedding when I was 5. It was exactly as I had remembered in my mind...rolling hills, herb gardens, stone walls, and views that even I can't describe.

Sweet tea, cakes, cookies, pies, and a make your own snow cone machine oh my! This indeed was a southern wedding filled with all the charm and fixings! The love that these two expressed throughout the day is telling that they're going to have a long happy life together! Congrats to Sarah and Scott!!!

Enjoy the sneaks and stay posted for more swoon worthy pictures to come…….



Photo Credit: Aaron James Dussault Photography


 

Photo Credit: My lovely samsung tablet! 
Sweet Table designed by yours truly!
Wooden Cake Stands made by yours truly too....





Photo Credit: My lovely samsung tablet!



 


Photo Credit: My lovely samsung tablet!






Photo Credit: My lovely samsung tablet!



Photo Credit: Aaron James Dussault Photography







 
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