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Whew....it's finally done. We have moved to our new name and website, Sharon Ivy Weddings and Events. Check it out and tell us what you think!

We're working on the new blog and a little something extra too! Stay tuned!!

It's March Madness at Altar Bridal Shop!

Altar Bridal shop is an awesome bridal shop in the Waldo area. Their motto is "Altar brides don't accept the tired definition of a bridal gown or how to shop for one. They choose to think differently. What a coincidence, so do we."

I have visited the shop on a few occasions and wanted to buy another wedding dress (even though I have absolutely no need for one). They have some of the most creative and unique bridal designs (and bridesmaid dresses too!) including Carol Hannah's (Project Runway star) line. The owners have posted a recent Facebook special that all of you stylish ladies are sure to love!!

Here's the scoop:

It's the March Madness Facebook special: $300 off any wedding gown purchased in the month of March IF they reach 300 fans by March 15th.

Now for the nitty gritty, small words, restrictions, need to know information:

The offer must be mentioned at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offer and the offer is only valid on original purchases made in the month of March. Any purchase made prior to the 15th or before the goal is met will be extended the discount in the form of a credit to a balance due or a cash refund (but only if mentioned at time of purchase).

Here are the store details:

Altar Bridal
332 W. 75th Street
Kansas City, MO, 64114
816-926-0555

Hours
Tues - Wed: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thurs: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Facebook
Store Website

So, become a Facebook fan and make your appointment today!

Congratulations to Madeline and Alex!

I have some of the coolest clients! I really do!! Madeline and Alex are getting married this September and have a chosen to mix their love for fall colors with an urban vibe. The talented Patrick Binder took their engagement photos. For more of the shoot, check out Patrick's blog.

Madeline and Alex customized the photo with their save the date information. I especially like the graffiti!

I cannot wait for September guys!

It's Cherry Blossom Season! A real baby shower with this springtime theme!

I just love surprises! My good friend in Dallas, Christina, recently gave birth to her second baby girl! Since she was having another daughter, she was adamant about not having a baby shower. Well, one of my best friends, "CF", and I were not to be swayed. I declared: "Let's have a bath instead!!!" (Leave it to two lawyers to get specific about terminology!)

So, the secret bath plans were underway. The first order of business was to decide upon a theme. Since we knew Christina was decorating the nursery in chocolate brown and pink, we decided to go with a cherry blossom theme. We found these cute cherry blossom invites at Paper Source. You purchase them blank and print them yourself.
We contacted Christina's husband and mother to gather addresses to send out invites with the secret information. I clocked a few hours searching for the perfect venue. After numerous phone calls and email messages, we selected La Duni restaurant in Dallas at North Park mall to host our small group of ten.

Next, came the decoration plans and favors. I, of course, carried the cherry blossom theme throughout the shower. Since we were in the private room of a beautiful restaurant, the decor was simple. I purchased the coordinating cherry blossom stamp from Paper Source and had a stamping fest!

We had one long table, so I rented brown satin chair sashes to be used as runners from Be Seated in Olathe. I purchased some vellum from a local craft store and free handed cherry blossom branches over the paper. I wrapped the vellum around tall glass candle holders to give the table a nice glow and a hint of cherry blossoms. Unfortunately, I was using my new camera which didn't have very much memory. But, trust me, the table was really cute!!

CF and I had the most difficult time trying to decide what favors to give the guests. We found cherry blossom candles, lip balm, bar soaps and other goodies. Nothing seemed special enough. We brainstormed and decided to experiment with cookies. CF created this awesome chocolate chip and dried cherry cookie recipe. I suggested that we name the cookies "Sophia blossoms"- "Sophia" for the baby's chosen name and "blossoms" to sync with the theme.

We created recipe cards and favor tags, which I drew free hand and hand stamped with cherry blossoms.





For a simple keepsake, we chose to do a picture mat signature board. I free handed the cherry blossoms on this as well.


We managed to get to Dallas with our Sophia blossom cookies, cherry blossoms centerpieces and sanity in tow! Christina was completely shocked and really touched. She loved the Sophia Blossoms! CF and I had the best time planning this sweet surprise bath for her.

Oh yeah, for dessert, we ordered La Duni's cuatro leches cake. It was complete heaven!!! I cannot wait to get back to Dallas!

It's Sweet Week-Gotta love cupcakes!

While out shopping a few weeks ago, I stumbled across this simply adorable shop, Smallcakes, A Cupcakery off of 143rd and Metcalf. Well, as a good planner, I simply had to do some investigating!

I got a carrot cake cupcake with cream cheese frosting and a German chocolate cupcake with coconut pecan frosting for my hubby. Here is a pick of the goodies...one fell over on the drive home (taking those corners too quickly, I guess!)

After I got home, I waited a whole day to try to cupcakes. (I had a calorie fest on Saturday and needed to balance out my intake!) So, the next evening I decided to try just a little taste of the cupcake. I wanted to savor it for a couple of days. That picture above was at 8:08 p.m.

Here is my cupcake at 8:15 p.m.

I tried to slow down, I really did. The cupcake was moist, flavorful and a generous size. The cream cheese frosting was a little sweet for my taste, but it balanced the cupcake perfectly. (Hubby enjoyed his cupcake too!) Smallcakes offers a number of flavors, including adorable sundaes! Smallcakes would be perfect for a bridal shower or for a wedding cupcake tower. They also offer the option to host private parties.

Stop by and get yourself a little treat. You deserve it!

It's Sweet Week: How to cut your wedding cake!

Cutting the wedding cake is one of my favorite times at the reception. After all, it puts us one step closer to being able to eat cake!

I have a few tips regarding this honored and sweet moment.

1. Speak with the photographer about the most appealing place for you to stand while taking photos of the cake cutting. Typically you will stand behind the cake to allow the best view of you and the cake.

2. Make sure to ask your DJ/Band leader to announce the cake cutting. Guests want to see the action and if they are in the middle of a conversation, sneaking off to the restroom, etc. they may miss the moment.

3. Discuss your cake feeding preference with your significant other. The groom may think cake smeared across your face sounds funny; however, you may think your couture gown could do without the cake crumbs.

4. Do you want to use your hands or use forks to feed one another? It seems like a simple question; however, everyone has an opinion!

5. Cut a small piece of cake from the back of the bottom layer and go for it!

Enjoy your cake cutting. Don't forget to wipe the crumbs off your mouth!

A gourmet brownie on a stick? I'll have two!

Meet the Browniepop: insane goodness!





A few weeks ago, I met with Marsha Pener Johnston, the owner of Browniepops. After seeing a write-up on her company in the Kansas City Star which featured the pops decorated like the famed members of the KISS rock band, I contacted Marsha right away! She was gracious enough to meet me and even provided me with some samples. (Bless her heart!)

First, let me describe these little gems. When you first bite into the pop, you experience an outer layer where the brownie has been dipped in smooth chocolate that has hardened, forming a crisp shell. Then, you reach the brownie layer. It's rich, chocolate and gooey, and tastes just like a brownie that has come fresh from the oven.







I shared one of the pops with my co-workers. Let me just say that I had to keep the sample plate moving. People were reaching for seconds and not remembering one of the first rules we learned as kiddos: "Learn to share with others!!"











Browniepops is the perfect solution for a non-traditional wedding favor or something to use on your deluxe dessert or candy bar a la Amy Atlas. The Browniepops come in 11 different unique flavors including cream cheese swirl, peanut butter and Missouri Mud. You can personalize the Browniepops to give away as favors at your wedding or special event by providing the company with your custom ribbon and tags.* You can also request they be drizzled in a certain hue to match your wedding colors.* (Marsha requests at least 2 weeks lead time for custom orders; however, the lead time depends upon the complexity of your order.)








Now that you're salivating, you simply must try a Browniepop. Order them online or purchase them locally at Dean and Deluca in Overland Park. I guarantee you won't regret it! (While you're there, can you get one for me? Thanks!)





* subject to minimum order requirements and additional charges or fees.