Our new website has launched!

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 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!

Monday musings and developing your wedding timeline!

Hello Monday, February 22, 2010!



Before we get to the wedding goodness, I have to share.

I had a bad morning, so I wrote a mini rap. Keep in mind, I have no lyrical skills, but had to do something to make myself laugh! So, here goes....



Woke up late,

With a headache

Off to work

Awwww maaaaan....

I forgot my purse

No parking pass or any cash for gas

It's gonna be a long day, that's my hunch

Oh well, at least I've got my lunch



Now that you've chuckled at my corny sense of humor, let's get back to regularly scheduled programming.....



Since we're talking about running late, there is no time like the present to offer up some tips to keep your wedding day running smoothly.



1. Create a timeline or itinerary for the wedding party. Distribute the timeline the week before the wedding so that if anyone has questions or concerns you have time to adjust accordingly. You should also advise your wedding party, in detail, about your expectations.



2. Make sure to include the street addresses and phone numbers of all the important places they will need to be in the itinerary (i.e. the salon, ceremony site, reception site, rehearsal dinner venue, etc.) A lot of people use GPS devices, so make it easy for them to plug in the address and GO!



3. Allow extra time for getting ready. It goes without saying, we girls do a lot of stuff to get "wedding ready"! I always build in extra time (at least a 1/2 hour) for hair and makeup. If you are hiring a professional make-up artist or hair stylist, your maids or mothers won't have had a trial run with the professional. Or, there could be a case of "DIY- bad hair day" going on. So, having extra time to tweak make-up or hair styles is imperative. No one wants to look less than their best on the wedding day!



4. When it's time to depart for the ceremony, build in a little extra time in your itinerary. This isn't like running to the store where you grab your purse and keys and hit the road. You've got to make sure you have your dress, toiletries, rings, etc. all packed and arranged in the car, limo, etc. (no crushing the gown!). If all of the ladies are leaving together from one centralized location, then you have multiple purses, make-up bags, dresses, etc. to contend with.



5. Remember what I said about expectations? This is key for photographs. One of my brides last year was extremely worried about post-ceremony pictures taking too long. She had been in a wedding where the bridal party kept wandering away, resulting in chaos during formal pictures. My suggestion is to choose a central gathering location for post-ceremony pics and ask everyone to gather there immediately after the recessional. Moreover, remind them to remain in that area until all of the pictures are completed.



Are there any timing tips or concerns that you have? Please share!

Sacrifice? Now? It's the Lenten season

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday marking the beginning of the Lenten Season. In short, Lent is a 40 day period of sacrifice and prayer in preparation for the Easter holiday. The 40 days represents the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted. During Lent, we are encouraged to give up something that will be a sacrifice, a stretch, a challenge. Whatever sacrifice we make should ultimately improve our faith journey. Lent is also a time for us to engage in doing good works and serving others.

Well, I have had a difficult time trying to decide what I should give up for Lent. This process was made more difficult, in part, by this past Sunday's sermon at my church. The pastor told us that we should have progressed in our faith journey and not still be in the same place were were 5, 10, or even 2 years ago. He used an example stating that "If you gave up candy 5 years ago, then you shouldn't be giving up candy now. Your sacrifice should be greater than that." Ouch....

Well, I had really thought about giving up candy. It is a well known fact that I can eat a pack of Starburst in under two minutes. (no kidding!) Now, I must admit, I have given up candy for Lent, a few times. One year, I got really jazzy and gave up all sweets. (It was a long 40 days. really. long.) So now, I was stuck without my "no candy "option, what was I to do? Yesterday, I told friends on Twitter that I needed some divine inspiration. I wasn't kidding.

So, I spent some time thinking about all of the things I needed to work on and reflected upon a few recent conversations I had with some friends and family members. After that, I came up with these two points.

1. I am horrible about keeping in touch and contact with people. I let too much time go by. So, I am going to make a list of 40 people that I haven't talked to in a while and reach out to them. I want to see how they are doing and what's happening in their lives.

2. This was brought on by my mother. She hates the use of cell phones while driving and asked me last night to stop driving and talking. I promised her I would. That's gonna be just a teenie bit hard because I do a lot of talking and driving. So, I figured Lent was a good time to start. Just to let you all know how hard it will be, I called a local rock company while I was driving to work today. I have driven past their signs and yard rock display for months and always tell myself to call and inquire about custom work. Today, I called...It's only the second day of Lent....just pitiful!

I know that there is more I need to do, but this will get me started. I will write an update at the end of the season!

What are you giving up for Lent? How is it going?

In my mailbox- Paper Source catalog

For the crafty types in the world, Paper Source is just a bit of heaven on earth. For those of you unfamiliar with the store, they carry a variety of greeting cards, invitations, blank paper, blank cards, stamping supplies, exquisite handmade papers, delicate ribbons.....okay, I could go on and on. Believe me, I have spent my fair share of time (and money) in the local shop in Kansas City.

In the most recent catalog, they have these adorable chalkboard items. I fell in love with two things: a chalkboard coaster and candle tin. They brought out the inner child in me!
















I used to love the chance to write on the blackboard at school. (except that one time when my name was listed on the chalkboard for being disruptive in class...anywho, I digress).

I think these items would be awesome favors, place cards or escort cards. You could write guests names on top of the tins with their table assignment and display those on a table. Or, how about writing a "thank you" or "love" note to all of your guests for them to take at the end of the event? For the coasters, the same escort/place card idea could be used. Here's one better- a personalized welcome note at each guest's place setting (think coasters propped up on tiny easels!)

I feel an inspiration board coming on with these little gems! How would you use the chalkboard favorites at Paper Source?

Around town---Restaurant Week Kansas City!

Kansas City foodies.....ARE YOU READY?

Tomorrow begins Kansas City's Restaurant Week. This awesome event will satisfy any palate. From January 22-31, 100 of the best and finest Kansas City metro area restaurants will offer multiple-course lunches and/or dinners at the deliciously low prices of $15 for lunch and $30 for dinner (beverages, taxes and gratuity are not included).

The goodness keeps on coming....10% of the price of each multi-course meal purchased will go to Harvesters to help fight hunger in the Kansas City community.

So, how does it work? The website lists all 100 restaurants participating in the event. The restaurants have PDF files of their lunch and/or dinner offerings. Scroll through the list, read through the menus, start salivating like Pavlov's dogs and then make a reservation using Open Table. There is a link for reservations right next to the menus. It's that easy!

Now, ladies and gents this week comes at a perfect time for wedding plans. Some of the restaurants offer catering services and depending upon your venue, you can get a tasting of what some of your reception fare could taste like. Some of the restaurants can accommodate wedding receptions and this event gives you the chance to take a peek into the venue and evaluate their service level. You just might discover the perfect place to host your rehearsal dinner while you're noshing.

Or, quite simply, you could use this opportunity to eat a lot of delicious food and do some good for Kansas City's community. Enough said!

Super Sales----till Saturday!

Okay, I may be the only person, but it takes me forever to make it through the Sunday paper. How about you? As I scanned the paper, I saw several items that would help brides. So, here are my finds in for the KC market.

1. Get organized. If you haven't already, invest in a small file box along with hanging folders. This helps you keep all contracts handy, a place for your notes, a print out of the budget, etc. Office Max has IRIS File-N-Stack Handy boxes on sale, along with hanging folders and manila folders. They also have bonus rewards on heavy duty binders!

2. Get GLAMOROUS! For you ladies doing your own makeup or who want to do some experimenting before your make-up trial, head to CVS. There are some great sales on Revlon and CoverGirl cosmetics...even "buy one get one" on select Revlon products with a CVS card. I think I may buy a few new items to get ready for Valentine's Day!

3. Inspire the little ones. World Market has a 365-piece Everything Craft Jar on sale. The kit, made for kids 3+, has all kinds of goodies that will keep the kiddos entertained during the reception.

4. Get crafty. Michael's has Favor Kits and the BRIDES line of invitation kits on sale. In addition, they have other goodies like silk petals and party bubbles on promo. You know you want bubbles floating over your head as you float down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs.!

Are there any sales or bargains you've come across? Hurry girls, get shopping!

You're Engaged....Now what????

First, congratulations on your engagement! I know that you're beaming....looking at your finger constantly and just loving life! That's exactly how you're supposed to feel! hehe!


Now that you two are on the way to marital bliss, what should you do next? Well, here are a few tips to get you started.


1. Discuss your budget. That means talking to everyone who is contributing to the wedding fund. Also discuss contingency plans. What happens if someone loses their job or gets sick and cannot contribute? What will you do?



2. Talk about your dream wedding with your fiance. Will it be outdoors in a remote field, at the church where you grew up? Do you want a lounge/cocktail fete for the reception or a 5 course sit down dinner? Do you want it in the morning or evening? Get all of the ideas down on paper and come to some type of consensus....and remember it's two people getting married....not one!!



3. Make a guest list. This gives you an idea of how many people you've got to plan for. Yes, your parents get to invite their friends!


4. Select a wedding date and an alternate wedding date. What if your dream venue is booked on the first date? You want to have a back-up plan.


5. Select your bridal party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girl, etc.) You need to know how many people will be standing at the altar with you. Nothing is worse than cramming in a lot of people in a little bitty space! Plus, your bridal party needs to starting planning and budgeting for the big day.

6. Research and visit ceremony venues. Look at different types and locations. Pictures often can't tell the story of a place. Remember to consider the vicinity to lodging if you will have a lot of out of town guests. Also consider the distance to the reception and how easy it will be to navigate.

7. Research and visit reception venues. The same notes apply. But, also look at the restrooms. Are they adequate? Is there space to store items (you and your maids purses and make-up bags) so that you can keep them handy, but safe. Is there enough dressing space? Take a look at the catering kitchen and know what amenities are present.

8. Now, go dress shopping! I know how exciting it is to buy a dress, but you want to make sure that the dress fits the ceremony space and reception space that you and the hubbie-to-be hav chosen. What if you picked this long, grecian style dress just knowing that you're going to have a simple, outdoor wedding and then fell in love with a beautiful chapel and decided to go a little more formal. That dress doesn't fit the venue and may look a little out of place. To satisfy the need to shop, look at lots of magazines and The Knot.

9. Choose a photographer. Pay attention to each individuals' style. Are albums included? What about the rights to images? Do they offer those cute thank-you cards you adore?

10. Hire an officiant. You do want to get married....legally.....don't you?

Okay, this should get you started for now. Does anyone have any questions about what to do next? If so, leave or comment or email me at Sharon@kiss-events.com.

Happy Planning!

Open house at 2000 Grand

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit 2000 Grand, the event space above The Cashew in the Crossroads district during their open house. They had a great turnout, especially since it was First Fridays in the Crossroads district.

2000 Grand has these huge garage doors around 3/4 of the space which open giving you an unobstructed view of Crossroads into downtown. This is an amazing venue for a wedding reception. Our September 2010 clients have selected 2000 Grand for their wedding reception. The second floor is also available for events too!

This is the perfect venue for summer and fall. Can't you just picture your guests hanging out enjoying cocktails with these views?



During the open house, I got to catch up with Sharon from the Gown Gallery. Look for their move downtown to occur in the near future.

I also met Katrina from Papermill Designs. As it turns out, my husband used to work with her. It really is a small world!!

Papermill's designs are artistic, sophisticated and original. They offer letterpress printing and the invitations were exquisite! I especially loved their business card! It was a coaster with the quote "Eat, drink and be married!" Just too cute!!Check out their blog!

17 things to consider BEFORE hiring a wedding photographer

Guest blog post by Chris Cummins. Chris is the owner and chief photographer of Glow Imagery, a Kansas City wedding photography studio specializing in documentary wedding photography and contemporary portraits. In his spare time Chris loves reading, cooking and giving belly rubs to his beagle, Opal.

The wedding date is set! Already, the excitement is building for your big day. You want awesome wedding pictures. But the challenge feels daunting. You know your family shutterbug Uncle Ned is not who you had in mind. Chances are you have never hired a photographer before. So where do you start? You know you want to interview the candidates, but what do you ask them? Here are 17 great questions to ask photographers before booking.

1. Are you full-time? When did you start shooting full-time?

The truth is most wedding photography operations are very fly by night. The photographers are doing their photography on a part-time basis with negligible photography experience. Do you believe your once-in-a-lifetime event should be on-the-job training for your photographer? I didn't think so. A full-time photographer has already made the considerable life-long investment of their energy, time and money to create a valued and trusted service. Your wedding memories deserve your photographer's 100 percent commitment not a 20 percent commitment.

2. Why do you like to photograph weddings?

This question helps you to gauge who your photographer is as a person and artist. Take stock of the person's passion and energy. Does he/she seem enthusiastic or kind of flat? People who love what they do have a tendency to be very good at what they do and working with them is always more enjoyable and fun.

Also, knowing a little about what makes the person tick is a good way to feel out what kind of a personality "fit" you may share with the photographer. After all, you will be spending an entire day with your photographer, so do what you can to be sure the person you pick will be genuinely excited to be there and pleasant throughout that day.

3. Will you be the actual photographer to shoot our wedding? If not, who?

It's not uncommon for photographers and larger studios to have a network of shooters. If you learn the person you are talking to will not be the shooter then insist you talk to the person who will and also insist you see their personal portfolio.

4. What kind of input can we have on the shots? i.e. subject matter, shotlists and ideas from other wedding shots we liked?

A formals/posed groupings worksheet is sometimes necessary when planning when and how to get that part of your wedding completed and done in time. Lots of communication is key here. When working with a good wedding photographer, it is important when capturing the unique qualities and moments of your wedding to keep it open-ended for your photographer. A good photographer cannot produce every photo you can think of, but he/she can produce photos you never dreamed of.

5. (For self-described photojournalists) How much of your candid-looking work is posing and setting-up of shots or do you get shots as they happen without posing or reenactment?

"Wedding photojournalist" has become a buzzword which has lost its specific meaning with its surge in popularity among photographers. Often, the term "photojournalist" means candid-looking when used by photographers and studios to describe their own work. Often these photographers will set up and reenact a few things during your wedding day but rely heavily upon traditional portraiture for a lot of your photos... there is nothing wrong with this approach if you are comfortable with that. However a true wedding photojournalist has the talent and ability to anticipate, observe and "see" moments as they happen without the need to interfere with the natural flow of your wedding day.

6. Are the digital files available on CD/DVD? If so, are they high resolution?

This is a popular request by couples. The discs can vary widely in price. Also ask if there are any discounts applied to the CD/DVD after a certain time has passed from the wedding. For example, the photographer may offer the discs at half-price two years after the wedding.

7. What kind of improvements do you make to the files on the CD/DVD?

It is nice to have your pictures in hand to keep safe and make whatever prints you like. Keep in mind all digital images on the disc should be toned, adjusted and worked a little to make an adequate print. You should have some guarantee of the quality of pictures on the disc.

8. Do you have a list of references with contact info?

This is a rarely asked but very effective question. A real live person who has worked with a photographer will give you valuable, objective information.

9. Who do you carry liability insurance with?

Businesses that adhere to professional practices will deliver professional service and results to you. Chances are slim you will ever have to worry about insurance coverage. But accidents can and do happen. Would you let a roofing company put a new roof on your home that did not have liability insurance? How about a mechanic working on your car? I hope not.

10. What is the delivery time for the various products you offer?

It really shouldn't take half a year to receive an album, your proofs or any other products. Try to be timely with any input your photographer requires as far as albums, edits to help this process along.

11. With the albums, how does the design and picture selection process work? Are there any fees for changes we would like prior to the album's production?

You should have some input into important keepsakes of your wedding like an album. Some photographers charge extra for a certain number of changes to the albums they design for you prior to the printing and binding of any album. Make sure such fees are all clearly stated. Beware of time deadlines too, they are necessary to preventing production bottlenecks.

12. When will the proofs be ready? Is there a time limit for the online proofing galleries?

If working with a digital photographer, online proofing (when you first get to see your photos online) should be completed within a couple of weeks of your event. The time period of online availability for those galleries varies among photographers. Some post them for three months, others post for a full year. Check with your photographer.

13. What happens if the photographer is ill? What about back-up equipment?

Any successful, established professional studio should have a network of shooters available for emergency help. You should have a written assurance the substitute photographer will be a competent professional.

14. Should our event last longer than scheduled? Will the photographer stay, are there extra charges?

Most weddings will not exceed a six to eight hour time commitment from your photographer. If you think you will need more time, find out how your photographer handles extra hours.

15. What associations do you belong to?

Another useful way to gauge a photographer's qualifications and professional commitment.

16. Why should we hire you?

Again, this question is similar in spirit to Question 3. Your photographer's answer should communicate some excitement about the privilege to shoot your wedding.

17. May we see your second photographer's entire shoot from a wedding?

Wedding photography studios often promote themselves as two shooter "teams." They are often a husband and wife duo. They are usually not the 2-for-1 benefit they advertise. For the most part they are maybe one decent photographer and a person who is nothing more than a camera holder with very little qualifications or experience. Have you seen an entire take of both photographers? Insist on seeing the second photographers entire shoot.

Finding and hiring a photographer can be a big job and a little mysterious. The right questions can help you and your future spouse find the best photographer for you. Congratulations on your engagement!

Article written by Chris Cummins, a Kansas City wedding photographer.

Transportation Part II- Guest Parking

With the revitalization of many urban areas, a host of new ceremony and reception venues have developed giving brides some fantastic options. The beauty of original hardwood floors, tin ceilings and rooftop views captivate the bride and groom and before you know it, their checkbook is out and the contract signed. Unfortunately, with many urban destinations, the facility may not have a dedicated or exclusive parking lot.

When your guests arrive to your wedding, they too will be captivated and swoon over the sheer beauty and unique qualities of your venue. That's exactly the response you and Groomie were going for, correct? Well, KiSS Events doesn't want anything to interrupt their swooning!

For many guests, your wedding may be a venture into a part of town they rarely travel and for out of town guests this is uncharted territory. The frustration of one way signs may be a little stressful and add to that the stress of finding a parking space and your guests will be overly anxious for the bar to open at the reception. Please don't think of adding a parking ticket to the mix!

We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you include a map and/or directions within your invitation; however, it may not be the most helpful. When compiling directions and maps, make sure to spell them out with enough detail so that everyone arrives on time and in the right mindset for your joyous occasion. To help those of you in the Kansas City area, here is a link to a downtown map including details about the traffic flow of each street and available parking lots. If your guests are staying in the downtown area, here is a link to a map laying out all the neighborhoods of downtown that they may take a little time to visi during their stay in Kansas City.

Make sure to remind your guests to read the parking directional signs if they decide to park on the street. FYI, urrently metered on street parking is free on the evenings and weekends.

Happy traveling!