Howerton+Wooten Events Blog. The musings of a Maryland Wedding and Event Planner

Our Blog Policy

Now that our blog just celebrated a birthday, I thought it was a good time to remind readers of our blog policy.

If you have any questions, give us a shout at blog{at}hwevents{dot}com

Love & Soul Always, Kay

I Love This Dress: Christian Siriano

To be honest, the picture above doesn't do this wedding gown justice.  I saw this Christian Siriano gown on Oprah yesterday, and I became an instant fan.

The gown's soft color would work well on a bride of any hue, and the layers of satin silk organza make it simply luxurious.

As Christian said, " . . . this [gown] is really for being dramatic and sculptural for that fantasy dream."

The rest of us will just call this gown fierce!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photo: www.Oprah.com)

Room Service Furniture & Event Rentals DC Annual Showcase

Attention DC Area Event Professionals!

This event is for you!

I look forward to seeing you there!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

 

Happy Anniversary to Our Little Blog

I cannot believe it!  It's been two years since we started our little blog.  Time truly does fly.

Since we started with this post two years ago, we have had the privilege of meeting so many lovely bloggers, brides and industry professionals.  We have laughed and learned quite a bit along the way.  And we are grateful to all of you for your comments, feedback and support.

Thank you so much.  We look forward to hanging out with you a lot longer.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

New Blog Find: Mindy Lockard - On a Personal Note

A very wise woman told me recently, "No matter what you do, always be gracious."

This year, I took that advice to heart and I try to live by it daily.

That's why I love Mindy Lockard's blog so much.  It's focus is "A Look at Gracious Living One Day at a Time."

Some have said that Mindy's blog teaches manners and etiquette.  I believe she is teaching different ways to show kindness to others, care for mother earth, and enjoy the little things that really matter in life.

My favorite part of the blog is the little box that shares a thought about Gracious Living.  When I clicked on the blog today, the box said, "Gracious Living is Giving Back to Your Community."

I couldn't agree with you more Mindy.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Love Should Not Physically Hurt (the reprise)

Chris Wooten (I love that guy) gave me the heads up yesterday that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

So, in honor of this month's initiative, I am reprising a post that I wrote earlier this year -- Love Should Not Physically Hurt.

If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, do your best to remove yourself from the situation and get help.  I promise you that you did nothing to deserve this.  Here are some numbers to call.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 TTY

Love Is Respect National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: (866) 331-9474 or (866) 331-8453 TTY

 

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Monday Morning Thoughts: Sometimes What is Cheap is Expensive

"Cheap is expensive in the long run. Why buy twice when you can buy once? Commit to quality and it commits to you." - C&D’s Manifesto of Style

Every now and then, I hear stories about planners receiving panic phone calls from brides because the bride's current planner just isn’t up to par.

You see, the planner the bride initially hired was a lot less expensive than the planner the bride called in a panic.  She figured she could go with a less expensive planner and have extra money for the other wedding items she wanted to purchase.

Unfortunately, she ended up severing her agreement with the initial planner and starting an agreement with the new planner less than two months prior to her wedding.

As a result, she spent almost twice the amount planned because she paid for the services of a wedding planner twice.  In other words, this young lady went for short-term savings and increased her long-term costs.

When you are in the market for a professional wedding planner (or any other wedding vendor for that matter), price is important.  But you should also consider the following points –

· Number of Years in the Business

· Experience as a Wedding Planner

· Experience with Your Preferred Venue

· Wedding Portfolio/Examples of Past Work

· Business Practices (licenses, insurance)

· Chemistry (do you feel comfortable with this vendor)

· Referrals from Recent Brides and Grooms

· The Planner’s Ability to Carry Out Your Wedding Needs

Like the C&D Manifesto of Style says, “ . . . It’s better to have fewer quality things, than low grade quantity.”

And take it from me, you don’t want low grade quantity on your wedding day.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Happy Birthday Caryn!

 
Today, all of us at Howerton+Wooten Events are celebrating the birthday of the coolest member of our team!

Happy Birthday Caryn!

You have always been a blessing to us since day one!  We are truly grateful.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Planning To Lose a Little Weight before Your Wedding Day?

While I was chuckling at the Slim-Fast ad above, I remembered a story I heard about a bride without a wedding gown.

Apparently, this young lady purchased her wedding gown two sizes too small because she planned to lose the weight before her wedding day.

Unfortunately, she didn't lose the amount of weight needed to fit into her gown and her seamstress was unable to "let out" enough of the dress to accommodate her current size.

Here's the deal.  It's much easier to take in your wedding gown than it is to let it out.  Get the dress in your current size and have it taken in if you lose weight (not the other way around).

Sure, it will stink initially, but it will be a lot less stressful at your final fitting.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photo: Slim-Fast)

Peanut Butter Pie: An Easy Fall Recipe

This has got to be one of the lightest peanut butter pie recipes I own!

Before my family faced the challenge of living with peanut allergies, this recipe used to be a favorite for my husband.

I found it more than 10 years ago on the back of a postcard from Mount Vernon Realty Inc. in Northern Virginia.

Ingredients

1. Four (4) ounces of cream cheese

2. One (1) cup of confectioners’ (powdered) sugar

3. One (1) nine-ounce package of whipped topping

4. One-third (⅓) cup of peanut butter

5. One-half (½) cup of milk

6. One (1) 9” graham cracker crust

Recipe

1. Whip the cheese until it is soft and fluffy.

2. Beat in the sugar and peanut butter.

3. Slowly add the milk, blending thoroughly.

4. Fold the topping into the mixture.

5. Pour it into the pie shell.

6. Freeze until firm.

7. Before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup or top with chocolate curled shavings.

 

Enjoy!

 

Love & Soul Always, Kay