My Day Magazine

I am very excited to have been published in a nationwide magazine, My Day Magazine. Laura and Chris where truly wonderful to work with and I will miss them while they are in Japan.

Laura and Chris had gotten married on April 4, 2009 at the Half Moone in Norfolk. Laura had decided to let me help her plan her wedding about a year before the big day. From the beginning it was like we had always been friends.

Laura—thank you so very much for what you said about me, it was a pleasure to have helped you plan such a wonderful wedding. Congratulations on having your wedding published in the magazine, it was a great day! As Keith Cephus says, “we killed that wedding, we killed it!”

Jamie and Ricky Alls August 1, 2009

What a journey Jamie and Ricky have gone on! It all started when their dream location double booked them for their wedding day. It took over a month to find a new perfect location; they had found it but were still not convinced it would be the same. But after Saturday I know now they were convinced! It was so great to see Jamie smile again once she saw all her visions turn into reality.

Jamie and Ricky had a romantic ceremony at the Hilton Oceanfront over looking the ocean. While guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, the room was transformed into a 1940’s Audrey Hepburn theme reception. The couple wanted the guests to have fun and get into the theme; they had blackjack tables, the cake had handmade brooches, there was lounge furniture to relax, and a lot of fun dancing.

Thank you to the Hilton Oceanfront, Sam Hughes Photography, Char’s Floral Design, Something New Invitations, Astro Casino’s, Buck’s DJ Service and to everyone else who helped me to make this day possible for Jamie and Ricky. Enjoy Jamaica! I am looking forward to hearing all about it when you return.

Thank you to my brides, grooms and families

While I have been updating my blog and website, I have looked at some of my past spring couples and families in 2009. I have to say I met some wonderful women this year, I know I have made some true friends! Each year I am very lucky to have great couples and families, but it seems to be different this spring. It is like I have not worked for my couples but rather with my couples.

I had a bride a few weeks ago tell me half way through her night she wishes she could do it all over again and she would not change a thing. Then she stopped and said “No, I would change one thing, I would have you as my guest, not working”. I replied, “I have never danced with a bride during her good luck dance”, but for her I did, “so I am a guest right now”. I found out later that was one of her most favorite parts of the night. I think we still talk just about everyday through email—please keep them coming.

As spring wedding season is slowing down and I am now getting ready for fall wedding season, I find myself looking for those daily emails from my spring brides. I am very lucky to have made such good friendships that most do email me. My favorite is how we can now get together and talk about how the wedding was and what great times we all had. I love telling them all the stuff they “didn’t see”!

Thank you to all my couples and families. I am looking forward to many other gatherings together!

Faby and Jason June 27, 2009

Faby and Jason—where should I start? What a cute couple. I know I say that about a lot of my brides and grooms, and it is true, but there is something about this couple. They got married at St. Gregory Catholic Church and the reception was at the Barclay Towers.

The reception room was filled throughout with specialty lighting from Moonlight and Sound. There was a chocolate fountain from Sir Chocolates, a cake you would truly think was not real, and family from all over that you would want to take home.

Faby got her dress at Maya Couture after deciding to let me help with her planning and wedding day. She even invited Diane, her dress consultant, to the wedding; which she and her family did attend. We will all be long life friends even after the wedding.

Faby and Jason—I have had so much fun throughout the past year with you. I hope I truly made your weekend, “Fabulous Faby’s Weekend and Jason too!”

Thank you from Allison Wedding May 30, 2009

Hey Malissa!

I hope that you are doing really well! I wanted to thank you again for doing such a wonderful job the day of the wedding. Everyone had a blast and I wish I could relive that day again. All of our family members and friends were impressed by your work. The day went so smoothly and I know I never had anything to worry or stress about leading up to the wedding.

Thank you again for everything! You will always be highly recommended by me and my family!

Sincerely,
Allison Pisel

Jeannette and David June 20, 2009

I just don’t know where to begin with Jeannette and David, I had helped plan her sister’s wedding last year. Which also was on the hottest day of the year! This family has always been wonderful to work with. I was always lucky to have everyone, including dad, at every meeting. In my blog about Carrie’s wedding, I had mentioned I was becoming a part of their family but I now know I am defiantly family.

Jeannette and Dave got married at a cute little church in Norfolk then had their reception at Norfolk Little Creek Base. The reception was a blast everyone danced and had a great time. At the end of the night most guests didn’t want to go home.

I will miss them, but I know I will always see the Teague, West and Saich family. Jeannette and Dave: have a wonderful honeymoon in the Bahamas’. I am looking forward to dinner when you return. Thanks for still emailing me everyday - keep them coming I love it!

Shannon and Jim July 20, 2009

Shannon and Jim first met with me when I helped them place their invitation order. They then decided to hire me to help plan their wedding. Even though they had gotten married on the hottest day of the year, they had a beautiful ceremony at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens then they had a romantic reception at the Lake Wright.

Shannon decided to plant her own flowers and make her own centerpieces that she would give to her guests. They had turned out beautiful, she should be proud of herself for a job wonderfully done.

I am sure Shannon and Jim had a great time after the reception many of their family and friends joined them for a pool party at their house.

Happy Birthday June 14, 2009

Another Wonderful Sisino Party!! I just love doing the events for the Sisino Family, this one was really special. I had gotten a call from Barbara and she wanted to have a surprise birthday party for her husband Marc. I already knew this was going to be difficult because they work, live and do everything together. Even on my way to her house to start the planning I had to turn away till Marc had left. But three days later I had received a call from Marc who also wanted to have a surprise birthday party for Barbara. (Their birthdays are one day apart from each other). Well I figured we would throw one party on one day and the true surprise would be they both had the same idea for each other. But not one week later a friend and spilled the beans.

So we had a Fabulous 30th and Over the Hill 40th Birthday Party together for both of them. What fun everyone had playing ping pong, cornhole, badminton, riding the surfing machine, jet ski’s, swimming plus more. It is always great to see a large group of guests truly enjoy themselves.

Barbara did have one nice surprise for Marc, we had made a photo montage for him of them and their kids. I do think the kids had gotten more embarrassed than Marc because of baby pictures.

Marc and Barbara, Happy Birthday – I am looking forward to the next great event!

Thank you from May 30th Wedding

Malissa,

So, I want to give you a big thank you for all your work this past year and a half. But especially this past weekend. I could not have done this without you. The wedding day was perfect!! Everything went so well!! I was really able to enjoy the whole day. Allison I know was so happy. It was just as she had dreamed it would be. You are such a wonderful person to work with and an expert at everything concerning weddings. Thank you for making my daughters wedding day something I will never forget.

With warmest regards,

Andrea Pisel

May 30, 2009 Allison and George

Here is another great mother, daughter team they did each appointment and decision together. I started working with Allison and Andrea a year and a half ago. At this point we are almost family. Allison is such a laid back type of bride, as she would say, “cool as a cucumber.” It was great for me at the end to know I had made sure each detail Andrea wanted was completed.

Allison and George were married in the Renaissance Court in The Botanical Gardens. Then, the guests joined them in celebrating at the Town Point Club over looking the newly modeled Town Point Park and Elizabeth River. I had so much fun watching the guests and wedding party dance and have fun together.

Allison had a special surprise for George after they had cut the cake – she had his “cool car” made into a cake. Right after, George had his own surprise and did a special solo-dance to Allison.

Thank you to Town Point Club, Veronica Dana Photography, Buck’s DJ Service, LeTempt Video and all the other vendors who helped make this day so special.

May 23, 2009 Elizabeth and Ulises

Elizabeth and her mother started working with me over a year ago. While Ulises’s lived in Chicago, Elizabeth traveled back and forth for visits. But now they are finally living together after a romantic ceremony at St. Gregory and a fun reception at the Marriott Waterside.

Elizabeth and Eleanor (mom) had fun planning every detail of the special day; they did each appointment and thought together. I know Eleanor is going to miss Elizabeth in Chicago.

At the end of the night Elizabeth walked up to me with a big hug and said, “I am so glad I picked you to help my dreams come true and be with me on my wedding day.” I thought it was so kind because I always thank the family for letting “me” be a part of their special day.

Please visit the slide show of just some of the images by Del Haven Studio.

Wedding Slide Show

An Extra Thanks

Malissa!

I just wanted to email you to tell you how much I LOVE the programs. They are amazing! They might even be my favorite accent to the whole wedding! Thank you so much for your help.

Best, Amy Woods

It is always nice to get an extra thank you when you are not expecting it.

Thank you Amy - have a wonderful wedding day!!

Lori and Kyle May 16, 2009

Lori and Kyle are such a sweet couple, a true good fit together. I started helping Lori towards the end of her planning process, just helping finish up those last details and making sure everything was complete.

They had a beautifully decorated ceremony in Windsor, VA and a reception at the Nansemond River Club in Suffolk. Guests enjoyed the warm evening on the patio and dancing the night away. For a couple that wanted to leave their reception early, it was hard to get them to say goodbye.

Lori and Kyle are blessed to have a wonderful, loving family and it is always nice to feel like you belong to the family by the end.

May 9, 2009 Marylou and Clint

Marylou and Clint first came to me from a referral from a wonderful past bride. With a not so traditional style reception in mind, they had chosen the Granby Theater in Norfolk. They had a beautiful ceremony on the stage of the theater with a fun and relaxing reception to follow. The guests enjoyed the comfortable lodge areas while watching family and friends dance below.

Marylou and Clint always had details complete and ready to go on time. They made my job pretty easy. I will miss working with them – have a wonderful time in Hawaii! I will look forward to dinner when you return.

Thank you to Jaclyn Robinson Photography and LeTempt Video!

CMT Event Planning is now on Twitter.

I love it – you can follow us under cmtevents.

We will look forward to it!

Thank You From a Past Bride

Malissa,

As we approach wedding season I find myself comparing your work, ideas, and my wedding with every other wedding I see or hear about. And honestly, I haven't seen a thing that I wish I would have had or experienced anything I wish we would've done. Thank you so much for all your hard work and making our day so wonderful.

Chris's sister is getting married in June and we just received her invitation. As I pulled it out of the mailbox I couldn't help but think how tacky it looked to have our address merely printed on it. I am so glad you had me address all of mine personally, although I can't say I enjoyed it! Handwriting them really did give it a little something more and I feel as though it was a bit classier that way too.

When we look back on October 11, 2008 Chris and I agree that it really was a Perfect Day!

Thanks again for all your wonderful work!

Michelle Adams

New Arrival

Congratulations to Kim and Mark! Kim and Mark welcomed a new member to their family April 15, 2009. Jack Joseph Herbert was to excited and just couldn't stay in any longer and surprised the family 8 weeks early. He is doing great and growing bigger everyday.

Kim and Mark let me help plan their wedding on October 27, 2007, I am very lucky to still have this wonderful family in my life.

Thank you Herbert and Wood family!

Laura and Chris April 4, 2009

I just had a knock at my door and someone had sent me a beautiful arrangement of tulips. It is not my birthday or anniversary. When I opened the card it read:

“Thank you! Malissa, Thank you so much for making our day so special. It would not have been possible without you! Chris and Laura”

I have been thinking all weekend about what I was going to write about this wonderful couple and how much I truly enjoyed working with them. Sending me flowers should explain to all how wonderful they are.

Thank you Laura and Chris!

I remember when Laura’s mom Diane called to interview me on the phone. She said Laura was never the type of girl who dreamed of her wedding day – well I do believe she had something in mind. Her ceremony at First United Methodist Church in Norfolk was simple but romantic. The reception followed at the Half Moone with stunning details all around. Watching the guest’s reactions as they walked into the reception was amazing all in itself.

Laura, Diane and Chris thank you so very much for letting me be apart of your planning process and this wonderful day. I will miss our nightly emails to each other. Have fun in Bora Bora and Japan!

As always it was a blast working with Keith Cephus Photography and Digital Dreammakers. A special thank you to all the vendors who helped make this day possible: Omar’s Carriage House Catering and staff, Lucy’s Sweet Treats, Distinctive Floral Design, Half Moone, Rob Dalby (DJ), Venture Tours and Tona Brown (Violinist). Thank you Atlantic Event Rentals for all the wonderful rentals and taking time out to assure every detail.

We are very excited to announce that Laura and Chris’s wedding will be featured in My Day Magazine. This is a magazine located in Washington, DC but is nationwide in all Barnes and Nobles. Make sure you pickup My Day Magazine’s next issue.

Quinn and Brad ~ March 6, 2009

When I first meet Quinn and her mother last year I could tell she had things under control. All she needed was to get married and make sure I could help setup and keep things organized. Quinn was, as most brides, very busy with selling her house, painting the new one, school and planning one of the most important days of her life. But she managed to get it all done.

Brad and Quinn had a romantic candle lit ceremony at the Contemporary Art Center. The ceremony was quickly changed over to the reception while the cocktail hour was under the sparkling 16-foot Dale Chihuly Chandelier.

Quinn was taken away when Brad surprised her with a family montage. This wasn’t just any montage – both his and her parents talked about their weddings, marriages and about Quinn and Brad. The reception was filled with dancing and great times.

Quinn and Brad – have a wonderful honeymoon. I cannot wait to see you both when you return.

Thank you to Roger at Astro DJ, David Swartz Photography, Contemporary Art Center and Royal Coach Limo for the photo as well.

January 10, 2009 Amanda and Raymond

I loved the way this couple worked together. They worked well together in helping each other make decisions, but still worked just as well independently. They have two wonderful children that bring such joy to each of them.

Amanda and Raymond had their wedding ceremony and reception at the Founders Inn and Spa. The day turned out to be warm and sunny day to have a romantic ceremony in the formal garden. The reception followed with dancing and fun times.

I hope you both enjoyed the special touches Maleka and I created for you in your honeymoon suite. Congratulations and thank you for letting us be apart of your special day.

Picture soon will follow by Visions Photography.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!

I am very excited going into 2009, I have such wonderful couples and families that are letting me be apart of their special day. I am happy to announce Maleka and Shea will be coordinating weddings with me again this year. I do not know what I would do with out these two wonderful coordinators. Another great announcement Kelly will be returning to the office again, I am looking forward to her creativity!

Please join us in the Something New store on January 22nd from 3:00-7:30pm for our invitation party. You will receive one day savings on invitations, accessories and more!

Call or email for additional information
757.340.6319 something-new@cox.net.

Hello Malissa,

I just wanted to Thank-You for your services for my wedding! The Favors & Programs added the right touch for My Special Day!!! I also wanted to send you one of the pictures of the favors!Thanks again and take care!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Tramaine Newsome

Thank you from the Mother of the Bride

Dear Malissa,

I want to shout it from a mountaintop for everyone to hear!! “It” being that you are the most FABULOUS wedding planner there could ever be! You left no stone unturned, went beyond the call of duty and did so much MORE than you promised before, during and after our wedding. You made one of the most stressful days and events of our lives so easy for us. We didn’t have to do a thing other than be there and enjoy our guest and the celebration, and then just drive home! You did it ALL, and I do mean ALL!

However, it is so much more than that you made a hectic day so smooth and easy. As you know, our wedding planning hit a really rocky road when our venue unexpectedly decided to do a major renovation. The renovation was supposed to have been completed well before our date but ran way over the deadline by months. With less then 12 weeks left we had to shift gears quickly and find and acceptable “stand by” venue in the event the first one was not ready. Malissa, when you got word of our dilemma you jumped in with both feet to come to our rescue and helped with our negotiations. We actually had to plan two separate weddings in two separate locations! In the end, we did not get the “official” word, until 1½ days before the wedding, that we could NOT have the reception at our original venue! The disappointment, headache and stress of all this would have been a ten fold without wonderful you and your very special ways.

The testimonial that these words are sincere is that we have booked another wedding with you in June of 2009. We could never ever fell that anyone else could fill your shoes – you have set the standards extremely high!

Malissa, words cannot express our gratitude for all that you have done for us. A million heartfelt thank you’s.

Yours truly,
Marti and Bill Teague

Sisino's Halloween Party! October 25, 2008

I have been very happy to help Barbara and Marc plan their family events for the past two years. When they asked me to help plan a Halloween party I have to admit I was very excited, who doesn’t love Halloween!

The first party of the day was a kid’s party with 50 children. I divided the kids into seven groups for seven different activities, after 15 minutes each group would go to another activity. At the end they had snacks, drinks and got to go home with lots of activities and goodies. Each kid was smiling the entire time, I think even the parents had a great time!
Thank you to Barbara's Dad - he made a great scarecrow!

Thank you to Lighting and Sound for the great special effects!

After the kids went home, it was time to change the house over to an adult only party. Outside was a graveyard and the driveway outlined with luminaries. As guests entered they got a scare out of the human scarecrow. In the dinning room was a candle lit room with Halloween décor all around. Downstairs was the “Cobweb Club” with dancing in a blacked out club. Upstairs was fun and games that included, Cornhole, Beer Pong, Pool, BlongoBall and the UFC Fight. The upstairs had special effect lighting to give the room a glow.

Thank you Barbara and Marc for letting me be apart of another fun family party. I am looking forward to 2009!

A very special thank you to all those who helped me make this event possible.
Kristie, Tim, Kelly, Carrie, Dina, Stephanie, Shea, Anita, Jasmine, Abby