Just who is Sharon with KiSS Events?

Hey there world! Here is my very first video post. (shiver me timbers!!!)

I have been a bit aprehensive about recording myself and then putting it out there for the world. Well, I am trying to move forward and push myself out of my comfort zone.

So, meet me, Sharon, the owner of KiSS Events. Please excuse the random interference...not sure what that was! (Remember, I did say that this was my first video....ha!)

I look forward to posting more video blogs in the future! Stay tuned!!

KC Weddings Bridal Spectacular, July 2009

I know....this post is really late! But, better late than never!

We participated in the KC Weddings Bridal Spectacular on July 25th and had a blast! I had been pondering for quite some time about what do to for the booth. I wanted something that was fun, interactive and attention-grabbing. Well, after a few days of simmering, it came to me! We're named KiSS Events; why not have a kissing booth? So, we enlisted the help of our handyman....I am certain he didn't want to fix our deck that week anyway!!!...and he built me an old-fashioned KISSING BOOTH. And I must say, it was soooooooo cute!

So, I decided that people could take pictures in the kissing booth and have their picture taken as a little keepsake. I enlisted the help of a fellow exhibitor and AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER, Stacey Schmitz. He had a photog on site to snap some funny moments and a few smooches too.

To make the booth "KiSS Events" worthy, we gathered a few moments to help inspire our guests. We had a Marilyn Monroe wig, rock star wig, feather boas, floral tiaras, and of course, lip glosses to make everyone's pucker "kiss-worthy"!

Here a few shots of the booth and some kisses! We had so much fun laughing and smiling with everyone and meeting the brides, grooms and their families.

Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to peruse the show too much, but we did see a few of our favorite vendors! Katrina from Papermill Designs stopped by to say "hello". Above and Beyond Catering had a show-stopping booth that could be seen across the exhibition center. They have some new pizzas on their menu. I could have eaten a whole pizza pie, it was so delicious!! We had a booth next to Brancatos Catering/All Seasons Tent & Rentals. They created a divine tent that had a lime green ceiling and sheer, gauzy white drapes framing the sides. It was taken to the "simply stylish" level with their place settings and florals. Oh, and everyone kept walking by with a sample of their pasta dish....let's just say I had more than one sample (but who was counting??)! Finally, I had a chance to say "Hi" to Shana from Shana Vaughn Designs. She had some lush garden arrangements that just made you feel good. She gave me a rose and hydrangea arrangement to take home! (she's soooo sweet!) I surprised my mom with the arrangement because she was a tremendous help in getting the booth and props ready. (thanks mom....love you!)

A few folks even asked if the booth was available for rental.....WHY CERTAINLY! Contact us to discuss your event.

Hugs and kisses!

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?

Out on the town: K. City Coffee House & Wine Bar

I really do have the coolest friends! I do......

Some really great friends, Robb and Kina, have ventured into their dream. They have opened a new business in the River Market area: K. City Coffee House and Wine Bar.

I stopped by the shop last week for a client meeting and had the BEST hot chocolate. It was chocolatey, but not too strong. Topping off the delicious cup of sweetness was the ambiance. K. City is outfitted with beautiful art work, comfy furniture and FREE WiFi. They have recently added paninis to their already bountiful menu which includes cookies, quiche, scones and Big Momma's cinnamon rolls. Yum-e! You can peruse wedding websites all day and have something good to eat after you've worked up an appetite. Wedding planning is hard work, after all.

K. City is also available to rent for intimate events and gatherings. They also rotate artwork regularly. so share your talent. This beautiful shop is located at 412 Delaware, Ste. B., Kansas City, Mo.

Upcoming events include:
Feb. 17th - Girl's Night In - A relaxing evening full of free stuff, indulgent facials & new make up by Estee Lauder.
Feb. 18th - Open Mic Night
Feb. 19th - Musician Aaron Michael Fuhr 6p-8p

For more information on the art gallery, hosting events and upcoming events, please contact Kina at info@KCityCoffee.com or 816.472.5552. Get the latest info about K.City by following them on Twitter @KCityCoffee.

See you there!
(congrats Kina and Robb!)

Just a thought.....

Last night, I had a mini meltdown. I am not the most tech-savvy girl and yesterday, I hit "the wall" while trying to work with my computer and camera. You know "the wall" I am talking about. The one where you've tried and then re-tried, then asked for help, then thought about it some more, then came up with a new strategy and that didn't work either. So, last night I gave up! I turned off the camera and computer because NOTHING was going according to my "new and improved plan."

I worked on something else, totally unrelated, for the rest of the evening and went to sleep. I, unfortunately, suffer from the condition of "over analyzing." So, when I got up this morning and walked past the computer and camera, I got upset again. I left for work and dropped off my dry cleaning. When I got back into the car, I noticed this coupon for Krispy Kreme donuts that had been riding in my car for the month or so. At that moment, I did not have much extra time and I was nowhere near a Krispy Kreme shop. Something in my spirit told me that I needed to do something nice and unexpected for the people I work with, even though I really didn't feel chipper or in a very giving mood.

I took the 20 minute detour and wouldn't ya know, the HOT NOW light was on at the donut shop! Yeah! I got my 2 dozen original glazed and drifted down the highway. I announced that there were warm Krispy Kremes in the break room to my co-workers. Someone asked "What's the occasion?" I responded that "Jesus told me to be nice today." Someone else said that having that donut made her morning; it had been a little rough already. Another just popped her head into my office to say thanks.

I came to my desk and wrote this post. I didn't expect people to be so appreciative...they were just donuts. I am glad I listened when Jesus touched my heart. The lesson is quite simple: Give and go the extra step when you don't really feel like it. You may be surprised how the act touches others, but most importantly, how the act changes you.

Have a good one! I am going to get a donut. (I hope they are still warm!)