Lauren & Bill Enchanted Wedding

As a child, Lauren dreamt of having an Enchanted Butterfly wedding day. It was so much fun to see her dream come true! Lauren incorporated butterflies throughout the entire celebration. Her bouquet was a butterfly surrounded by flowers, the centerpieces were adorned with sparkling butterflies, and even her Godchildren were dressed as fairy butterflies.

I first met Lauren, Bill, and Peggy (aka Mom) at Something New when I helped them select their save the dates and invitations. Lauren had seen how much her Mother put into her sister's wedding and how busy she was throughtout the day. Lauren wanted her Mom to be by her side all day, and to relax and enjoy the wedding. At one point during the recpetion, someone had asked Lauren how she was doing, she had a big smile and said "this is just amazing, I am having such a great time". I knew then that I had made Lauren's dream come true.

Lauren and Bill own Meyer Fitness, so it was fun to see this fit, field hockey, tough-girl become a princess on her wedding day. Bill was the comedian of the group, you never new what he was going to come up with at each meeting. Let's just say...our appointments were never boring.

Thank you Cari Photograpy.

Kate and Marc May 29, 2011

The "cutest family of the year award" goes to the Tworeks! When I first met Ed and Virginia, the parents of the bride, I could tell that all they wanted was an amazing wedding for their daughter. Before they gave me an answer to any question I had, they would always say, "let me check with Kate".

Kate lived in the DC area, so planning wasn't the easiest. Luckily, her mother and father stepped in to make the day happen. I loved that even though they were planning the wedding, they ALWAYS stopped to make sure it was what Kate wanted. Virginia made several trips to DC to show Kate centerpieces, décor and anything else that needed a final approval.

Virginia designed the reception room beautifully; and, on the day of the wedding it was fun to watch Kate when she finally saw everything put together. Even though they used Kate's ideas and she approved everything, she didn't really know what the final look was going to be. It was nice of Kate to take a moment out of her reception to thank her parents for all of the hard work they had put into the wedding. It was well shown and well deserved!

I have seen many brides enjoy their wedding day by dancing and having a good time. But, Kate has topped them all. She was on the dance floor for almost the entire time. Every song had a special “move” she had – it was so much fun to watch.

Susan and Ryan May 21, 2011

There is nothing like a Chrysler event! I first met Susan and her Mother during the invitation process at Something New. They had selected beautiful but yet very different invitations – a great first impression for their guests. Our invitation relationship soon grew into a coordinating relationship. I was very happy to hear they wanted me to help with their reception.

Susan and Ryan had an amazing reception at the Chrysler Museum of Norfolk. The color and theme came from a Scottish Tie; at least, that's how it all started. The Chrysler was beautiful with square and round tables, a beautiful grey overlay, personalized beer mugs for the men and wine glasses for the women.

The guests enjoyed “Pringles” as they left, for a late-night snack. The Groom's last name Pringle, how fitting!

Mary and Robbie May 7, 2011

Mary and Robbie were referred to me by a couple that I had planned a wedding with over six years ago. At the first meeting, I knew this was going to be one of those 'fun weddings'! Without fail – it was a blast!

The ceremony was held on the beach at Dam Neck. A bamboo arch, tiki torches, and lots of friends and family helped to create the perfect setting. The reception was held at The Dam Neck Club. Roger, from Astro, kept the dance floor filled all night! The centerpieces were were designed and decorated by the Mother of the Bride and a close friend, they did a fantastic job creating a one-of-a-kind design.

Mary and Robbie will be missed dearly-I know the love they have for one another will last a lifetime.

Mary, I will never forget your final words to me at the end of the night. I am still laughing :)

Andrea and Jeremy April 23, 2010

First, it was a great honor to be asked by another wedding professional to help with his soon to be daughter-in-law’s wedding. Thank you, Jim from LeTempt Video Productions for sending Andrea, Jeremy and Cindy (the bride’s mom) my way.

From the very beginning, Andrea and Cindy trusted me to lead them in the right directions for vendors, design, stationery and all the amazing details of a wedding. It was so great to see a very close mother and daughter work so well together in making this very important day happen. There was never an appointment the two of them were not together.

Every detail of the wedding had been thought about and planned out. Her colors were navy blue and yellow – these two colors together at the Contemporary Art Center were just stunning! Andrea and Jeremy married in the Atrium Room at the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia Beach. While her guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the Rodriguez Room, we changed the ceremony to the reception. It was fun to watch her guests’ reactions as they entered into the beautifully decorated, transformed room!

Roger from Astro DJ kept everyone on his or her feet dancing all night long, while Cathy from East Beach Catering made sure everyone enjoyed dinner. I am really looking forward to sharing additional pictures from Veronica Dana Photography. Thank you to Catherine from Distinctive Floral Designs for the beautiful flowers and arrangements. Ampa Events, the specialty lighting made the already stunning room look even more stunning with the navy blue lighting.

Brooke and Chris March 26, 2011

It all started with one of the most endearing phone calls I have received. Dad called me with many questions regarding his only daughter’s wedding. I could tell from the hello he wanted this day to be perfect for her. I was happy to help with any questions he had to help ease his mind. The planning began right away; we booked the reception at the Cavalier on the Hill and the ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in Norfolk. Brooke mentioned she was not the little girl who always dreamed of her big day, but she had visions of the church, and when she first walked into First Presbyterian Church, she knew right away that this was it! Brooke and Chris were so easy going and a really fun couple. The reception showed their personality with a fun band, beautiful décor and nothing but good times! What a great way to start weddings in 2011 with such a wonderful couple and family! Thank you Alexander's Photography!

Little Joe's Surprise Birthday Party

SURPRISE! Little Joe from Little Joe’s Auto turned 60! Shirley, Joe’s wife, called me about three weeks before his birthday. She wanted some help planning Joe’s surprise birthday party; she had her location selected, but nothing else. I jumped on the opportunity to complete this very special day for her.

Within three weeks, we changed her location to the beautiful Water Table at Fisherman’s Wharf. We designed centerpieces and decided on rentals. Ken Carmichael displayed his amazing lighting throughout the entire venue, as well as his light-up bars. East Beach provided the delicious catering and Astro DJ brought their photo booth and rocking DJ! Confirming limo transportation and the party limo bus for her out of town guests, reserving a hotel block and SO much more all happened in less than three weeks!

It is truly amazing what you can complete in such a short amount of time, but the true amazement was seeing Joe’s reaction. He thought he was going out to dinner with a group of friends, then to walk in to a decorated room full of family and friends who traveled from all over the world to see him on his birthday was very unexpected…his expression was priceless!

Working with Shirley and her daughter-in-law, Robin was so exciting. I am looking forward to working with this fun family many more times!

Dare to Dream…About Custom Invitations!

Something New welcomes Envelopments to our vast collection of invitations! Envelopments is the newest and trendiest line of invitations because you have the luxury of making your invitation look exactly the way you dream! Envelopments is a unique invitation line that allows customers the freedom of changing everything about the invitation or keeping it the exact way of their sample “recipes”. You have the option of changing the color, size and shape, weight, pocket, cardstock, paper, design, envelope, containers, stamps, and more!

Color:
Change from a variety of different colors that are metallic, matte, textured metallic, or letterpress. We also have a range of colors to choose from as patterned papers and patterned cardstocks. There are many colors that you will have no problem matching your invite to your wedding colors!

Size and Shape:
Any size is possible with Envelopments because you can choose to have your paper custom cut to the exact size and shape you want. We carry pocket folds, pocket cards, envelofolds, twist cards, folded cards, liners, containers, envelopes, and more.

Weight:
Choose from different weights of paper and cardstock for a thin invitation or a heavy-quality cardstock.

Customization:
Customize your invitation by cutting, scoring, drilling, slitting, shapes and sizes.

Visit our Envelopments site to look at recipes to mimic ideas, but possibly change colors, or look at the different patterns and colors to start building your own invitation. Our store carries samples that help you visualize and play with coloring to design the invitation of your dreams!

Visit our website at http://www.envelopments.com/dd/10127/default.aspx or visit Something New inside Maya Couture at 12 Best Square Norfolk, Virginia 23502

Set up an appointment with one of our invitation specialists today to make the first impression of your wedding or any event, a memorable one! 757.457.1801

A few recipes:

Thank you to all of our amazing couples who help make this possible. We have truly enjoyed working with each and every one of you thought the years. This award would not have been possible if it wasn't for you.

Thank you for letting us be apart of your special day!

Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase

Thousands of brides poured in to Scope Exhibition Hall on Sunday, January 16 for the Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase. Every bride needs invitations and Something New came to their rescue! We brought 15 of our albums along with our new invitation line, Envelopments. We decorated our booth with lines of invitations hanging from sparkling clothespins. Displayed on shelves were a small selection of other products we offer such as guest book and pens, cake server set, toasting flutes, garters, flower girl baskets, ring bearer pillows, favors, and more!

Every bride that stopped in Booth 13 had the opportunity to enter in to a drawing for 25 free invitations and 25 free RSVP cards. Emily Wiesner was the lucky winner! But every bride walked away a winner with a 10% off postcard for when they are ready to order their invitations. Numerous brides commented on the variety of invites we provide and were amazed by the endless selections in Envelopments. We helped many brides answer their questions about invitation etiquette and searched through albums to find a particular theme they wanted for their invites. We love having the opportunity to meet countless brides at the bridal show and assisting them with details for the most special day of their life!

Don’t forget…you should order invitations six months prior to your wedding date!

Visit our new line of invitations: http://www.envelopments.com/dd/10127/portfolio.aspx

Personalize Your Postage

What a great first impression of your wedding, not only with custom designed invitations from Something New, but with personalized postage! Have a special monogram, design, color, picture of the two of you, or just want to WOW your guests before they even open the invitation.

Personalized postage is a great way to EXPRESS your wedding!

Tanya and Al December 11, 2010

Getting married can bring stress, but planning a wedding inside your new home can bring additional stress. Tanya had met with me only a few months ago with nothing done yet, but she knew she wanted to get married in her home. Tanya and Al’s home is beautiful, but laying everything out can be difficult with spacing so the guests are comfortable, and making sure Tanya’s vision comes true.

When we first met Tanya, she said was inviting 75 guests, so we planned on less to show. Well…all of her guests attended the wedding, which is wonderful because most of them traveled to be here with them!

The ceremony took place in her family room, which we quickly changed to a lodge/dance area. The living room, located off the family room, held extra seats, cocktail tables and a very comfortable couch. Then, the deck was tented with clear sidewalls overlooking the water. We placed the bar under the tent with additional seating, a fo’ fireplace, and cocktail tables. I loved watching the guests move from room to room and really enjoy themselves.

Tanya and Al have fun on your honeymoon!

Tiffany and Kyle November 20, 2010

Tiffany and her dad first met with me just a few months prior to her wedding. She was so quiet and easy to decide what she wanted. Both her ceremony and reception was held at The Founders Inn and Spa.

What a beautiful day both Tiffany and Kyle had, the weather was warm and just perfect to have the ceremony outdoors! The centerpieces were simple, yet so beautiful, all the guests wanted to take one home. I had to hide one just so the couple could take one home for themselves.

Tiffany’s mother spent a lot of time with the details of the wedding cake. For someone who has not made a wedding cake before, you could not tell. It was not your typical white wedding cake but it was what the couple wanted. It was amazing and the guests talked a lot about it throughout the evening.

Cherie and Cale November 13, 2010

I was happy to meet Cherie at Wedding Week Virginia at the beginning of the year. She had her location selected and was ready to jump in to all the other details. With her “very involved as he could be” fiancé overseas, she did a great job keeping up with the details while attending school full time and working. During the entire wedding planning, she was so sweet and dear to everyone and me.

Cherie and Cale’s ceremony was at First Baptist of Virginia Beach, it was decorated with touches of starfish and beach accents. After the loving couple married, they ran through a toss of lavender outside.

The reception followed at the Sheraton Oceanfront. The room was decorated with lots of hand-done beach décor; everything was so beautiful, you would have thought they were store purchased. The kids had a fun treasure chest table with goody bags and lots of fun activities. The “big” kids had many fun activities as well, as they danced all evening.

I will miss Cherie and Cale’s open hearts and love for each other.

Looking forward to sharing details and pictures from Sam Hughes Photography!

Kelly and Chris October 16, 2010

I first met Kelly over five years ago when she was a bridesmaid in a wedding I was coordinating. Her mother had asked for my card because they both knew her sister was getting engaged really soon. Within two months, I received the phone call that Kim, her sister, was engaged. Well this is how it all started with a great new family I have joined!

Kelly first met Chris just a few months before her sister’s wedding. After a long series of bad dates, Chris broke the streak. Kelly always imagined her wedding day as a little girl; I do believe her dreams came true.

Kelly and Chris had their ceremony and reception at the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk. The ceremony had a romantic glow in the room from Blue Steel Lighting, with everything decorated in black, white and touches of green. The reception was stunning with alternating linens, floral arrangements with black feathers, flavored popcorn favor station, chocolate fountain, midnight snacks and Hotcakes Band having everyone on their feet all night long!

Looking forward to sharing pictures from Dana Duncan Photography!

Kara and Jose October 9, 2010

This fall wedding season, I have been very blessed with wonderful couples and families! Kara and her mother met me and hired me immediately, that same evening I received an email from Kara. She was already expressing the stress relief both she and her mother felt. She could not believe how fast I replied and accomplished tasks; I was happy to know that I was already making her wedding planning enjoyable. Kara and Jose exchanged vows in her home church in Hampton; it was beautiful inside and outside. During the ceremony, Kara and Jose gave his son, now their son, a very special gift to remind him that he is very important in both of their lives. The reception followed with a trolley ride to The Chamberlin. It is always wonderful to see almost all the guests dancing all night and I mean all night!

Thank you to Keith Cephus Photography!


Thank you to Jim LeTempt Video

Sarah and John September 25, 2010

Where do I start with Sarah Sybert…first, she took advantage of the “One Stop Wedding Shop” inside Maya Couture. She purchased her gown, bridesmaids’ dresses and rented tuxedos at Maya Couture. She hired Char’s Floral Design, Keith Cephus Photography, LeTempt Video and me with CMT Event Planning. She saw the great value and how easy it was to do all her planning under one roof. She would come in for a dress fitting, and then meet with me, or talk to Char about a few flower ideas. She never had to worry about going from one place to the next or worry if all her vendors would be great on her wedding day. She saw how we all work together as a team and she knew by using all of our services her wedding day would be perfect!

Sarah traveled often to help her family and friends, but she was always on top of the wedding planning. When I finally met John, I knew why they both chose each other. As I told Sarah, you can tell they are a prefect puzzle piece together.

Sarah and John married on Little Creek Snug Harbor on a grassy area overlooking the water. The guests enjoyed the reception inside Snug Harbor.

I know Sarah and I will remain close friends, I am looking forward to many more events with her.

Thank you Keith Cephus Photography.

Thank you LeTempt Video Productions.

Missy and James September 18, 2010

Missy rented a beautiful home in Sandbridge for her ceremony and reception, but she needed a little help in pulling it all together and making her vision come true. Missy and James are both in the military; he was out to sea for most of the planning. Missy would be called at different times without knowing, so she was also out to sea for most of the planning. She did not return until the Thursday prior to her wedding.

Missy was always calm, a little stressed, but always smiling and remembering what the day truly was about, saying “I Do” to the man she loves. Watching James and Missy together was so much fun as they were always hand in hand and smiling at one another like no one else was around.

Everyone enjoyed the reception under a tent, with great food and all-night dancing.

Rachel and Ricky September 18, 2010

Rachel and her mother were so wonderful to work with! The first time I met Ricky, he was in his sheriff’s uniform and told me he had a warrant for my arrest. Great way to meet the groom - after that I knew this was going to be fun!

Rachel married in her church, New Life Providence; it was a beautiful ceremony. Rachel and her mother did a wonderful job designing the layout.

The reception followed the ceremony at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel; guests were greeted with mimosas, as it was a morning wedding. During the reception a lady named “Pretty” sang a solo to “At Last,” her name described her voice perfectly; she is a truly talented woman. It was a beautiful solo; you would have thought she was lip singing the song. Everyone enjoyed the brunch style foods, with pasta, an omelet station, French toast, carver and so much more.

I will miss the talks her mother and I had, but I am looking forward to sharing pictures from MC Photography.

Tiffinie and Shawn September 4, 2010

Tiffinie and Shawn had a large wedding party of 26! The wedding party was so wonderful to work with; for 26 men and women they were all on time, helpful, nice and ready to do whatever it took to make it a wonderful day! Tiffinie’s bridesmaids danced down the aisle as the men greeted them with their flowers and escorted them to their places. The ceremony was beautiful as her children gave her hand to Shawn.

Following the ceremony was a fun filled evening at the Filipino Cultural Center. Shawn had surprised Tiffinie during the garter removal; he and a few of his groomsmen danced and sang “There Goes My Baby” by Usher. Tiffinie and all her ladies had some surprises too as they soon changed into their dance clothes and performed a few dances of their own.

Jenny and Glenn August 28th

Jenny’s maid of honor Trisha referred Jenny and Glenn to me. I had helped Trisha plan her wedding a little over three years ago. Jenny had planned to marry at the Founders Inn, but she had a concern about not getting married catholic because her family is catholic. In addition, it was always her dream to get married in a catholic church. I introduced her to a priest that would be able to marry her at the Founders. Her concern was Glenn was not going to be here until the week of the wedding due to the military. She would email me and tell me she had a hard time getting a hold of the priest and again Glenn is not home. I told her to keep with it, he is a busy priest, but she would love him. Soon I heard the great news, she was not only getting married by the priest, but she became a member of the church and would be married in the church. Her dream had come true!

Jenny and Glenn’s ceremony was beautiful and filled with loving family and friends. The ceremony was followed by the reception at the Founders Inn. The theme was romance and the room was filled with romance just by watching the couple together all night. You can see and feel the love they have for one another.

Kristen and Jason August 21st

Kristen and Jason hired me because they both were not going to be in Hampton Roads due to school and military. In addition, neither of their parents lived around here. We would hold what I like to call “Power Meetings,” where we get in as much as we can all in one day. Kristen and Jason came to a Holiday Cocktail Party I had at the store, met almost all of their vendors, and hired them. Then, Kristen and I would meet and get all the other details locked in before she was off to school. When Kristen and Jason were finally back together in Hampton Roads the week before their wedding, we had a food tasting and a few last appointments. This way they were still able to experience food tastings and all the fun stuff, even if it was the week prior.

Kristen and Jason had a military wedding in a Methodist church on Shore Drive. It was a joy to work with the church coordinator. After the ceremony, buses transported the guests to the new Water Table in Rudee Inlet. The view over-looked Rudee Inlet during a fishing tournament; the beach-themed room was decorated with bamboo chairs, chocolate seashells and little touches of beach here and there.

This couple was great to work with. All the planning they did together, even if he was out to sea, they would involve each other in every detail. Jason looked at Kristen as if she was the only beautiful woman around. Kristen lit up the room with a glowing smile and laughter.

Looking forward to sharing pictures from Amy Stills Photography.

Nina and Antoine August 14th

Nina and her mother interviewed me sometime in 2009; over seven months later, I received the exciting phone call that they wanted me to help plan Nina’s wedding. I was very thrilled to be a part of this special day. With the wedding only eight months away, we got things moving quickly.

The warmth of the sun shining through the 30-feet glass windows greeted guests as they walked in to the Rotunda at the Half Moone in Norfolk for the ceremony. Nina was not only given away by her parents, but by her one and a half year old daughter as well. Their daughter was by their side as they exchanged marriage vows.

Soon, the wall to the reception opened and guests walked into a stunning room filled with tall centerpieces, candles, a chocolate fountain, a grand wedding cake, a violinist, and so much more. It did not take guests long to get on the dance floor.

Thank you MC Photography.