Recently purchased Sade’s new release, “Soldier of Love” and it is of course, another phenomenal one for the books. I have a few favorites, but this song immediately hit me as being perfect for a father-daughter dance. I’m a little obsessed with songs that are perfect for the father-daughter song because so many of them are just over-used, over-worked, and recycled (going green does not apply to your wedding playlist- please inject personality here). So without further ado- sit back, relax, and let the sweet melodies that only Sade can produce- take you away.
We were waiting for the bus
No-one much around but us
Then I see this young boy cut a look at me
I’m stunned
In a daze
He had the whole street set ablaze
It’s only love they say
Makes you feel this way
She liked his eyes she wanted more
The baby gonna have your smile for sure
He saw a lovely girl
Smelling sweet and soapy like fresh air
She saw him looking acted like she didn’t care
That’s how we knew
And so love grew a flower
A flower that is you
Your daddy knows you’re a flame (x4)
Even to the angels it may sound like a lie
For you child
He was the troops and extra backup standing by
For you child
For you he’s the best he can be
For you child
For you he’s the best he can be
Oh child don’t you know
Your daddy love come with a lifetime guarantee
Your daddy knows you’re a flame (x2)
Yeah daddy love you child
Your daddy knows you’re a flame (x2)
Daddy love you yeah
It’s only you he’ll say
Made the young boy hungry for the man he is today
It’s only love, love, love, love
Can make you feel this way
My sister-in-law, Melody of KTD Floral Design is having a baby and I won’t be able to make it to her shower due to the fact that I’ll be attending Lara Casey and Jeff Holt’sMaking Things Happen intensive in Las Vegas. I’m bummed and excited all at the same time. Bummed because this is probably going to be Melody’s last baby, but I’m really just kicking that word probably around for the sake of Melody’s sanity. I’m not entirely sure that it will be her last. Excited because I get to meet Lara Casey, Jeff Holt, and oodles of industry people that I admire, stalk, and idolize because they’ll either be attending the intensive or attending WPPI! It’s schmoozing at it’s absolute finest! Hobnobbing with the best of the best! And eventually, Melody will meet them all, too. She is our consultant, after all. So Mel, just keep in mind that I’m taking one for the team, girl!
In honor of her last pregnancy, we- The Divas (what we have dubbed our close circle of wild women)- came up with a fair-themed baby shower and I wanted to make sure that the invitations were a reflection of how fun this event was going to be. I won’t lead on as to what will be taking place until after the event is over as Melody and some of the guests that will be there are avid readers of the blog. However, I do want to share the end-product with you. It is a gate-fold invitation that was printed on both sides, so as to save money and trees by not having to use extra paper.
Here’s to wishing you the best of luck and a successful birthing experience, Melody! We can’t wait to meet the newest addition. Let that little boy in your belly know that he needs to talk to the Man upstairs and send a good little soul to bless my belly, too.
We’re quickly approaching graduation season and the studio is abuzz with party ideas for graduation parties galore! We’ve had some serious activity in the office and we’d like to share all the news, but let’s say that we’ll do it in small doses, eh? Just know that I haven’t forgotten about my commitment to you and this business.
On the graduation front, I’d like to share some fabulous news. My dear friend, Kia Gregory of Kia Gregory Photography is offering a fantastic special on some Senior Portrait Mini Sessions. Check out the flier below and get more information on booking, here! You absolutely must take a look at her work. It. Is. Phenomenal.
We do a lot of wedding monograms, but I haven’t really had the opportunity or the confidence, I should say- to post that work. I spend too much time comparing my work to the work of other stationery designers and I don’t know why. There is enough work for all of us and enough clients to go around that will either gravitate towards my style or their style because no matter what- we all have a pretty distinct customer that we may attract. I obviously, attract those who have a close connection to the Polynesian islands and this logo was no exception. You may remember that I blogged about the logo and process here.
Well, I finally got my hands on some of the Kamaile’s Krafts‘ collateral. I can’t wait to see the pictures Malou will send with her actual merchandise attached to the tags. These pictures are of questionable quality, but it will have to do until I can get my hands on a camera that shoots better quality pictures. I hope you’ll bear with me and look past my inability to take descent photos
I added a sweet border of island-inspired palm leaves and flowers to give it even more of a vibrant, colorful, and tropical feel. The frame around the back-to-back “k’s” really gives it a strong, and clean finish that is sure to be able to stand on it’s own if Kamaile’s Krafts decides to expand their brand.
Let us work on a logo for you! And just in case you were wondering- we do much more than island-inspired logos. We’ll do whatever you like and we’ll keep working until we get it right.
I never knew such a day could come
And I never knew such a love
Could be inside of one
And I never knew what my life was for
But now that you’re here I know for sure
I never knew till I looked in your eyes
I was incomplete till the day you walked into my life
And I never knew that my heart could feel
So precious and pure
One love so real
Can I just see you every morning when
I open my eyes
Can I just feel your heart beating beside me
Every night
Can we just feel this way together
Till the end of all time
Can I just spend my life with you
Now baby the days and the weeks
And the years will roll by
But nothing will change the love inside
Of you and I
And baby I’ll never find any words
That could explain
Just how much my heart my life
My soul you’ve changed
Can you run to these open arms
When no one else understands
Can we tell God and the whole world
I’m your woman, and you’re my man
Can’t you just feel how much I love you
With one touch of my hand
Can I just spend my life with you
No touch has ever felt so wonderful
(You are incredible)
And a deeper love I’ve never known
(I’ll never let you go)
I swear this love is true
(Now and forever to you)
(only for you)
To you
Can I just see you every morning when
I open my eyes
Can I just feel your heart beating beside me
Every night
Can we just feel this way together
Till the end of all time
Can I just spend my life with you
Can you run to these open arms
When no one else understands
Can we tell God and the whole world
You’re my woman, and you’re my man
Can’t you just feel how much I love you
With one touch of my hand
Can I just spend my life with you
Can I just spend my life with you
Can I just spend my life with you
(Forever here with you)
Can I just spend my life with you
Can I just see you every morning when I
Open my eyes
My husband and I have been married for about a year and a half, now. And call me crazy, but I dream everyday about where and how we’ll renew our vows on our 10th Anniversary. I know for sure, that I would only want our immediate families and really close friends to be there. For a while, I figured that it would take place in New Zealand, but then I saw this
This is a photo of the Infinity Chapel in Bali. How fitting is the name, “Infinity?” The water seems to be an infinite picture of pristine and calm. You can see right down to the bottom and lose yourself in all the serenity of those rocks. My heart warmed as the idea of walking down that long aisle, into that architectural dream of glass, into the arms of the man that I love- passed over me. My first rational thought after I awake from this dream? “Let’s do it!” I mean, just look at this beautiful wedding in Bali, which was shot by the ever-so-wonderful and one of my favorite photography teams-MangoRed of the Phillipines.
Photo Source: MangoRed featuring the wedding of Ron Chan & Pamela Ong
Go to MangoRed to see more eye candy from this gorgeous wedding. They have pictures of a reception that just won’t quit. MangoRed- they’re international baby!
If I had to do it over again and I had $1000 or less to make it happen, but a ton of family and friends who were willing to help (and I do)- I would enlist all of my baking buddies and myself to make something as decadent or as fun as they like for my Sweet Soiree. I would also have it at my sister-in-law’s home because she has a TON OF SPACE to pull something of this magnitude off. I’m sure you can find the backyard of a friend or family member, or maybe even a picnic area at a park- to do the same.
Day event? I’d put up fun and colorful DIY decor like pennant banner flags, which I would string up high, in a zig-zag fashion across the yard. Then sweets sweets everywhere, borrowing plates, stands, tablecloths, and buckets from every single friend, auntie, and grandma you could possibly imagine. I’d borrow long tables from a church that I attend and cover the tables with rolls of fabulously-found-fabrics from the Discount Fabric Store. I’d borrow chairs from my dining room and from that of my friends and family members to add to the homespun feeling of the event.
Night event? Everyone bring your Christmas lights! I’m stringing those across the yard, as well! Candles candles everywhere! The set-up is still the same and your dessert tables look something like this
I’m currently working on a custom invitation for a baby shower. I would tell you the theme, but the celebrant is an avid reader and I don’t want to give away the surprise. Stay tuned though, it’s going to be uber sweet and I’ll be posting it soon. I’m also in the market for a letterpress machine- so let me know if you come across any. I’ll swoop down on it like an eagle.
I’ve also been working on some logos for a couple of different companies. I thought I’d take this time to show one of the completed ones to you so that you know I’m not just idly twiddling my thumbs.
This logo was done for Malou Smith, owner of Kamaile’s Krafts based out of Sunnyvale, California. Her website and overall branding is under-going some changes right now and I’m excited about her impending success. Her products have a very strong island vibe and so I thought I’d create a frame for the back to back K’s that mimicked the shape of a traditional Hawaiian quilt pattern. I created several variations, but just as I suspected- she picked this one out of the bunch. I created new business cards, product linesheets, postcards, and product tags/ packaging. She’s getting everything printed as I type this and I can’t wait to show you the final products.
I would show you the others, but those companies aren’t ready to go public yet. Stay tuned, though… lots of exciting things going on.
So remember when I told you that plans for a business partner fell through? I was a little brokenhearted about it for a while. Just a wee bit. Then I decided to carry on with my consultant, Melody and be done with it. Then, my bestie, who I didn’t even think read my blog sent me a text message saying, “I didn’t know you were picking up a business partner.” Just for a moment- my heart stopped and I thought to myself, “I didn’t think you’d be interested.”
Me: Yeah. It didn’t work out, though.
BFF: I’ll help you if you need it.
Me: Oh cool. Did you want to come on as a consultant?
BFF: No, I wanna be partner.
Instantly, Lara Casey’s post came to mind and I started thinking about taking risks.
Me: It’s a lot of work.
BFF: I’m not scared of work.
Me: True true.
The next day I sent Jennifer Alvarez- my best friend- the contract. Today, Jen is now- my business partner. Taking a risk, never felt so right. She is the owner of Jenuine Sweets, which will soon be re-launching under a new brand and name. Stay tuned for that, as well. I love having the exclusive on what’s up and coming on her baked goods. I hold the coveted title of “Jenuine Sweets Taste Tester.”
Our new adventure will be interesting, for sure. One thing I know, though- I can totally count on her.
Since my last post, I have connected with countless people and have spoken about the fire burning within. I feel as if I have inspired others to come forward with their own purpose and their own torches to carry. The amount of excitement brewing in the air is just taking my world by storm.
In my previous post- I had stated that I didn’t feel that I had anyone who could understand my state of mind and wished that I had a group of supporters like those who have already attended Making Things Happen, who have made lifelong friendships and have made each other accountable for each others’ success. That kind of strong support system is invaluable and I wanted in, bad! In walks Michelle. In order for you to understand my relationship to Michelle, I must tell you how we met.
On New Years Day 2009, I spent it with the girls that I call My Divas, in Patterson, California, which- by the way, IS IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE! And I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Jennifer and Mari were the best hostesses and I spent it with people that mean the world to me. Jennifer had invited family members of her own and it was then that I had met her cousin, Michelle- who used to attend school with my husband. We didn’t talk much beyond pleasantries and good eats and the honest truth was that I never thought I’d see her again. That was January. Fast forward to December. My work was published in Eco-Beautiful Weddings e-magazine. Shortly after, she contacted me about what I did in terms of marketing. For reasons unbeknownst to me- I didn’ t know her very well- I happily divulged every single thing that I do to get my company name out there. The crazy holiday season hit and we didn’t correspond for a little bit.
It was during the holidays- as 2009 came to a close that I started feeling that sense of urgency in relation to my success. I was hungry for so much more than what I had- spiritually, physically, mentally. I could feel myself opening up to all the positive possibilities. At the same time, I grew frustrated about the fact that my husband was the only other one who was feeling this great shift in the possibilities of life. I was determined to spread the good will and the positive energy that I was feeling. Enter 2010.
Michelle contacted me after the holidays with an e-mail to meet for lunch. I immediately laid into that e-mail with all the things that I was planning, how I was feeling about the future, what I was doing to put action behind my intentions, and I gave her the link to my last post so she could read up on how serious I was about this. Did Michelle ask? Of course not! Do I even know her well enough to share my dreams, my hopes, my ideas? No- I don’t. But there’s a reason why I’m practically speaking typing in tongues to her about all of this. It’s an energy, a force that is beyond my control. God is telling me to live my dream out loud. I no longer have to hide in the abyss of what-ifs. Instead, I choose to revel in the reality of what next? Michelle’s response to the unsolicited story of my very-soon-to-be future life?
The gist of it was this:
These past couple months, I’ve just been having this itch or hunger to GROW. The only way I can describe it is I feel my body wanting to grow taller, broader, wider! The energy to allow changes to happen want to bust outta me! I truly feel NOW IS THE TIME and that meeting you was no accident. It’s definitely the forces of nature, and our intent to do great things, that brought us together.
So I’m not crazy. I’m just passionate about this life, this job, and what I can do for my clients, my colleagues, my industry. The goal? Unwavering strength and belief in the Lord and myself; ultimate happiness; and true success. The time? Not now, but right now. And I knew this, but Michelle and I were just trying to find a little bit of time to meet up. Both of our schedules were fairly tight. Then today, out of the blue- hubby and I decided to go to San Francisco for some sushi- an hour out of our way. We ate there and were on our way home when we decided to stop off at a store on Clement called, Kamei’s so I could get a salad spinner. So random. As we walked down the aisle, I heard a woman call my husband’s name then she called mine. It was Michelle. There we were- in a store that neither of us intended to be in- at the exact same time in the exact same aisle when we haven’t seen each other since January of 2009. What is that, right?
