Hidden Treasure ...The Kirkland Conference Center

Are you looking for a great venue for a corporate retreat? Have a lot of out of town guests and want to have everyone on site for your wedding celebration? Look no further than The Kirkland Conference Center. Right off New Hampshire Avenue, this hidden treasure boasts 33,000+ square feet of meeting and event space, has onsite catering, hotel accommodations, a chapel, and so much more. There is something for everybody.


The Kirkland Conference Center is located on the campus of the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland. There meetings spaces all host built in projectors and screens. They have smart classrooms that are ideal for distance learning. With a chapel on site you can get married, host your reception, and have all your guests stay right on site. The hotel accommodations are spacious, clean, and most have terrific views of the 45 acres of land surrounding the Kirkland Conference Center. There are game rooms, basketball courts, a baseball diamond, and more…

Whether you need event space for 5, 750, or anywhere in between, the Kirkland Conference Center has it all.

Contact Sherry Joseph at (301) 628 – 5606 or sjoseph@nlc.edu . She would love to assist you in hosting your conference, retreat, or wedding at The Kirkland Conference Center.

The Kirkland Conference Center at the National Labor College
10000 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, Maryland 20903
http://www.acc-kirklandconferencecenter.com/




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Commitment Ceremonies - Celebrations of Love

Are you planning a commitment ceremony and have no idea where to begin?

Distinctively Yours Event Management can take away all your worries and make your celebration a wonderful expression of love. Although a lot of the same elements that are in traditional wedding ceremonies are present in commitment ceremonies – Greetings, vows, reading/musical selections, exchange of rings, pronouncement of marriage, and the reception – commitment ceremonies in most states are not legally binding but are rather public affirmation of the couples love and respect for one another.


The couple should include key elements that represent their love and style to make the ceremony uniquely theirs. We would love to help you customize for celebration.


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Free Day of Coordination Contest Entry - Abigail and Darrell

Darrell and I met in High School when we ran on the same Cross Country team.  I had a crush on him, but if you ask him how he remembers me he would say "all knees and elbows." 

About 13 years passed and the end of a bad marriage brought me back to the area while he came home to help his mother who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  One night I recognized his profile on MySpace and sent him a message.  We were soon our first date.  I waited five months and when I knew I wanted to be with him forever I introduced him to the most important people in my life, my son and daughter. 

 For the last four years he has been by my side.  It hasn't been easy.  We were separated for months when I helped my grandmother who broke her hip.  I've also underwent four surgeries to deal with chronic pain.  Then in 2010 my car was struck on two separate occasions by another car through no fault of my own.  I can't tell you how frustrating it has been dealing with even more pain while trying to plan a wedding.  Physical Therapy has greatly helped, but going three times a week is a huge time commitment. 

Our budget is less than $5,000.00 so almost all the details are DIY and I would be sad if any were forgotten on our wedding day and that is why I desperately need a day of coordinator.  We have a few friends who have offered to help and it would be great to have a professional to pull it all together on June 4, 2011 in Marietta, PA.  Thanks so much for the opportunity!  Winning this would make me feel less stressed and incredibly blessed!!!

Wedding Stationery

Stationery is a recurring theme during your wedding planning thus requires a great deal of attention. When the guests receive the save the date and then the formal invitation it gives them an idea of what to expect for your wedding. This is why it is important to choose the right stationery to announce your wedding.

There are many different options when deciding on stationery. Some couples create their stationery themselves with kits purchased online or in retail stores. While others work with a stationer or graphic artist to create custom stationery for their wedding. If working with a wedding planner, they can introduce you to qualified stationer.

If you decide to DIY your stationery please make sure that the stationery is properly assembled, neat, has the correct postage. One of the benefits of using a professional stationer and/or graphic designer is that they would be designing a one of a kind stationery package for you and that they are responsible for constructing all the pieces for you.

When designing your own stationery be sure to include the proper wording on all pieces. Your wedding planner is a great resource for assisting with stationery wording.

Don’t be afraid to be creative with your stationery. It should be as memorable as your wedding celebration.
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Hey Mr. DJ put a record on I want to dance with my baby!!

One of the most memorable events at a wedding, after the wedding ceremony, is the entertainment at the reception. Entertainment can be in the form a DJ or a band, depending on your music preference or the theme of the wedding. It is important to meet with the DJ or band that you are interested in hiring to be sure that their personality and style in is in synch with your needs and style. Some things to consider when making a decision are amount of time needed for reception, space requirements, repertoire, and costs.

It is important to decide whether the DJ or band will play for both the cocktail hour and the wedding reception or just the reception. Also, it is important to know how much time is needed for the DJ or band to set-up and break down as this must be taken into consideration for schedule planning. Make sure that you know how much space the DJ or band will need as this imperative when planning your floor diagram for your reception. Make a list of music that should not be played during your reception and stress to the DJ or band leader the importance of respecting your request. And last but not, cost is important. Remember you get what you pay for so just because the price is low it does not mean you are getting a bargain especially if you are disappointed at your reception.

While speaking with the Vice President and Director of Operations, John Paul “JP” Berry of Absolute Entertainment I asked what he thought made Absolute Entertainment different from other entertainment companies. “I think the one "physical" thing that sets us apart from the competition is that we offer the option of an in-house "live" music demonstration in our sound studio with one of our salespersons/dj's ... and in this way we can work with the client "creating" the event that the client desires. The competition will more than likely meet you in a coffee shop or book store ... which, in our eye, is really not a comforting way to meet a performer and see their skills. Our ideal client is one that loves and has a passion for music as we would. We believe that the events we create are indicative of the clients "soul" ... and while we are injecting our professional expertise, the event is NOT about us. The music does the talking. Overall, the performer you select is the individual that will be entrusted with running your event. It's imperative that you meet the performer and see what they can do if you are shopping from scratch.” We love working with Absolute Entertainment and believe you will too.

Deciding on right entertainment for your reception can be a difficult task but hopefully the above tips will help make the decision an easier one.

Absolute Entertainment
http://www.absoluteentertainment.com/

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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A different kind of venue - La Banque de Fleuve

I had an opportunity this week to check out a new venue in Havre de Grace that would be ideal for a gathering for 125 guests and was wowed and amazed by La Banque de Fleuve. This quaint but soo totally interesting venue is perfect for a small wedding, business meeting, cocktail hour, holiday gathering, and more.

La Banque de Fleuve is Harford County's newest event facility overlooking the Susquehanna River featuring beautiful marble and woodwork. This one of a kind historic building was originally constructed for First National Bank in 1904. My favorite thing about the venue is the bank vault that is still on premise and serving as a wine bar. The owners have preserved many of the original features to maintain the historic feel but have updated others for a more modern appeal. If you are a looking for a unique venue that will keep your talking, check out La Banque de Fleuve.

La Banque de Fleuve
http://www.labanquedefleuve.com/

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Hair and Make-up for YOUR special day!

All brides want to look radiant on their wedding day. Most would agree that eating right and exercise are the best ways to prepare but having a great hair stylist and make-up artist to pull it all together is a must. Even if you have skills in hair styling and make-up application, it is YOUR day so you should be relaxing and enjoying getting pampered – so hire professionals!

I strongly suggest that you make an appointment with the stylist that you are interested in so that you can get an idea of what your wedding hair and makeup will look like. This is an opportunity for the artist to try different hair and make-up styles. You do not want any surprises on your wedding day. It is important to be honest with the stylist. If you don’t like something, say it! Any professional would want you to be happy on YOUR special day so they will work with you to find the hair style and make-up look that you love.


I absolutely love my hair stylist and makeup artist, Carla Williams of So Serene Salon. I recommend her to all of my clients. Carla has been in the industry for many years and has done work for celebrities, political officials, and athletes, working in print, television, and film.

When asked what sets her part from other hair and make-up artist, Carla says "I sincerely and genuinely care about my client’s outer beauty as well as their inner beauty. When that person sits in my chair to have their hair or makeup service, I ask a lot of questions about their beauty goals, their lifestyle, their nutrition & diet, even their medical history. This allows me to truly understand who they are and ultimately design a look that is best suited for them, not necessarily the latest fad. Their time is exclusively their time. My goal for each client is to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually uplifted upon the completion of their service. God has blessed me with the gift of service and the talent to use my creative mind and hands to bring out the beauty in others. He gave me the vision for So Serene Salon, a place where beauty meets serenity."


Carla says she has two types of clients - In-salon and Outside of salon.


“My in-salon client is anyone who appreciates quality hair care & makeup services in a cozy classy serene atmosphere where the conversations are of substance. My ideal client is someone who does not mind being pampered, educated, and loves the sound of a gently flowing water fountain accompanied by soul soothing music.  They are the stay-at-home moms, account executives, event planners, teachers, students, brides, paramedics, doctors, attorneys, waitresses, correctional officers, first ladies, engineers, retirees, business owners, models,..anyone!


My ideal outside client varies. Any event with a wedding party, production company, photographer, television studio, beauty pageant, or cosmetic company that allows me to showcase my makeup and hair skills and talent is bliss!”


Carla offers some helpful hints for dealing with the winter and the effects it has on the hair and skin - “Brrrrrr! It’s that time of year when the temperature is going down and coat collars are being turned up. With that being said, a lot of people begin to experience hair breakage and dryness in the nape area. Wool coat collars, knit hats, and textured scarves can cause hair breakage, so here are a few things we do and advise at So Serene Salon to help “winterize” your hair:



1. At So Serene Salon, we specialize in “Winterizing” our clients’ hair by providing additional treatments like the Brazilian Keratin Treatment for strength and protection, or the Hot Oil and Hydration Treatment for added moisture.


2. Using a silk or satin scarf to cover your coat collars and under hats your hair will prevent unwanted friction and trauma to your hair. You can go to the fabric store to find a variety of silk or satin fabrics.

Our skin also needs to be pampered and protected during these cold days. I recommend moisture, moisture, and more moisture. I carry a line of skincare products by Soul Purpose. They are infused with wild-crafted shea butter, acai berry, aloe vera, Vitamin D, and oils such as jojoba and grapeseed to name a few. These can be used from head to toe. I love using them in my clients’ hair for moisture, shine, and a wonderful scent."

I highly recommend Carla and So Serene Salon for all your hair and make-up needs!


So Serene Salon
1330-A Reisterstown Road
(Located in the Alley Shops)
Pikesville, Maryland 21208
(443) 919-2800
http://www.soserenesalon.com/

Happy Planning!
http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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Butterfly Release for your wedding

Butterflies have many symbolic meanings. In Japan the butterfly represents long life and is thought to represent marital bliss. The butterfly stands for wisdom and everlasting knowledge in ancient mythology but mostly commonly butterflies are known to represent change. What better way to depict the change from two hearts to beating as one then a butter release?


Butterfly releases are unique in expression and lasting in impression and are a great alternative to bird seed, doves, or balloons. It is important to work with a reputable butterfly farmer in ordering your butterflies. Also, having a person certified in releasing butterflies is helpful.

http://hatice6.bloguez.com/hatice6/647715

There are many butterfly farmers that can assist you with securing butterflies for your release; however, we work with Jodi Hopper at Wish A Upon a Butterfly for her commitment to her customers. Jodi is always available to answer any questions or walk customers through any problems. Her goal is to make sure your release is flawless. Jodi sees every client as ideal, “I have yet to meet someone who wasn’t.” Jodi suggests ordering your butterflies at least four to six weeks in advance. Explaining your vision for your butterfly release will allow your butterfly farmer to better instruct you on how to create your vision and they can let you know what will and will not work. Most importantly, Jodi suggests having guests take pictures of the release in case there are angles the photographer(s) cannot get.

To learn more about butterfly releases:

Wish Upon a Butterfly
http://www.wishuponabutterfly.com/
(724) 667-7101

Happy Planning!

http://www.distinctivelyyoursevents.com/

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