December 29, 2010

Welcome 2011

Alpha Prosperity Events would like to wish all of our clients, fans and supporters a very Happy and Prosperous New Year! With the approach of 2011 right around the corner, we know that the new year will bring on new energy, fresh ideas, and a renewed creative spirit to be all that we can. And no, I have no plans to sabotage myself by making any new year's resolutions but I have already set some goals for 2011. For those that follow me on Twitter, you already saw my statement for goal setting borrowed from A. Glasgow ~ "In life, as in football, you can't score and find success if you don't know where the goalposts are."  Keeping this in mind, how many of you actually have a goal set for something in particular?

This statement can apply to something as simple as event and wedding planning as well. Let's say you are planning a wedding for 2011 or 2012, and your only thought is that you want your wedding day to be perfect. Well, if you haven't put a measurement on what is perfect or what will make it perfect, how do you know when you have reached it. Or, if you haven't set the amount you intend to invest on certain items, you may find yourself short changed on the one thing that would have made your wedding perfect. When planning your big day, your business venture or anything else, make sure you establish where you are trying to go and what you are trying to reach; otherwise, you may wind up with a lot of fumbles, interceptions, and unhappy team players.

See you in 2011!!!

Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

December 21, 2010

"Houston, We Have Granted a Wedding Wish!"

Our Blushing Bride & Groom
Just a little teaser of what we have been up to for the past several weeks. We have been super busy planning and coordinating a beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple at the spectacular La Torretta Resort & Spa in Montgomery, TX.  As mentioned in a previous blog, we got the chance to plan the first wedding event for the Wish Upon a Wedding - Houston Chapter, and it has been a tremendous experience.

Esmeralda and Jose-Luis make a beautiful couple. We really enjoyed meeting their wonderful family, many of who came all the way from Weslaco, Texas. They were a great couple to work with and they made my job as their wedding planner, oh so easy and memorable. The bride was clear about her wedding vision but was also flexible about working with us and the other vendors so that we could get her the dream wedding she wanted; and thank goodness because we had about thirty days to get this dream wedding planned, coordinated and celebrated.  To add a special note for us, we got the chance to work with so many wonderful wedding and event vendors that were instrumental to the beauty and success of this event. I must say a huge thank you to them all and that I hope to get a chance to work with many of them again. We even got the opportunity to make many new friends throughout the process.
Photo Courtesy of Grasshopper Productions

Photo Courtesy of Event House
Photo Courtesy of Elegant Custom Invitations

I know you want to see more but we don't want to give away too many of the fabulous details just yet, so stay tuned because there is more to come. I must also, thank the members of the Houston Chapter's, Wish Upon a Wedding Board and Committee, for allowing us to be a part of such a wonderful endeavor and for assisting us throughout the process. I look forward to our continued involvement of volunteering and contributing to this very worthwhile cause.   


 
Event & Wedding Planner  
Alpha Prosperity Events  
Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

November 28, 2010

Wish Upon A Wedding Houston Wish Granter

Yes, I know we've been missing on our blogging duties for the last couple of weeks but it has truly been a whirlwind of activity for Alpha Prosperity Events. Some of this excitement centers around the wonderful opportunity of participating as a wish granter for the 1st wedding event for Wish Upon Wedding, Houston Chapter.

Wish Upon a Wedding provides weddings and vow renewals for couples who have faced terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. When we were asked to provide the wish/service of wedding planning to a deserving couple it was a "no-brainer" for us, and it has been non-stop planning meetings and activity since meeting this beautiful wedding couple. To make this even more interesting, we have less than thirty days to get this wedding event planned, produced and completed.

I don't want to give away too many of the details just yet because this fairy tale event is truly worth waiting for, but if you want to keep up as the plans unfold, follow us here on Twitter or "Like Us" here on Facebook.  

 
Event & Wedding Planner  
Alpha Prosperity Events  
Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

November 7, 2010

Choose Professional Photographers for Great Memories

Collins Metu Photographer
 Great memories are made even greater by great photographers. I know this a strange statement coming from someone that is not a photographer but it's the truth. I must give kudos to the excellent professional photographers out there because a professional photographer can make something out of very little. A professional photographer knows what equipment to use, how much lighting or flash is necessary for light challenged situations and they know exactly how to position themselves to get the perfect shot.

Zasey Photography
 These are things to remember when you are thinking about getting a friend of the family or other family member to be your photographer. Yes, they may have a digital camera, but do they know how to use it. A professional photographer is also less likely to get caught up in the wedding celebration and family festivities, so he or she will tend to get a broad range of photos of all the happenings and all the guests at your wedding. When you choose a family member or friend, you may end up with a hundred photos of the new baby, who made their debut at your wedding. Kids are cute but, you are the bride and groom after all.

Sonny Randon Photography Studio
Just a little sage advice from this wedding planner; when working with your wedding budget, make sure you hire the best, professional photographer your investment dollar can afford. If you want great memories that you will enjoy for years to come, there is no other option. Not sure about who to select, we can help you choose from the many professional options out there. That's what we are here for.

Stay tuned for more trendy, wedding and event planning ideas, brought to you by Alpha Prosperity Events.


Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events  
Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans



October 29, 2010

Alpha Prosperity Events

Are you looking for that last little something to bring your wedding or special event together? That little something that gives you confidence, knowing that you stayed on budget and still got everything you wanted? Or, that little something that assures you that you can relax and enjoy the festivities because your event is in good hands? Well, you have found that little something in Alpha Prosperity Events ~  Personalized Planning and Coordination. We Create the Events that Say "Let's Celebrate!"

 
    

Please check out our video above and let us know your thoughts. For more detailed information about our services and how we can assist you, click here to view our website. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.



 
Event & Wedding Planner 
Alpha Prosperity Events 
Southwest Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

October 13, 2010

If Music be the Food of Love...

What is a wedding or any event for that matter without music. Music sets the mood and creates the backdrop or scenery for the masterpiece you are creating with your event. Music can create memories, renew relationships and restore the spirit. Much like food, music creates atomosphere.

When selecting music for your wedding reception, don't box yourself in with only one choice or vendor. Of course you may want either that band or deejay to keep the party rolling but what about music selections to impress and wow. Why not kick your wedding reception off with a fabulous bride and groom entrance along with a second line band and parade. With that kind of trumpet solo, all will stop and pay attention. Mariachi bands are also very exciting here in Texas but don't think you can't get a mariachi band in Michigan. And of course, for something a little more formal consider a group of symphony musicians or trumpeteers. Your guests may or may not be familiar with this type of music or entrance but I guarantee it will make an impact. As a matter of entertainment, you will be introducing your guests to something new, something that is sure to be memorable. For more ideas about music for your wedding ceremony, reception or other special event, give a look to Notes from Colin by Colin Cowie.

So yes, if music be the food of love, make sure you serve up heaping portions of it on your wedding day.

And there you have it, another trendy wedding and event idea from Alpha Prosperity Events. See you next time.


Event & Wedding Consultant 
Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans 

October 1, 2010

Happy October ~ It's Party Time


MarthaStewart.com
  Happy October Everyone. What??!! Not a holiday??? Yes, I am well aware of that but how can you not get excited about the 1st of October, because it seems to start the party season. Look around. All of the retail establishments have there holiday stuff ready, letting you know it's time to celebrate something. So, what are you waiting for an invitation? Let's get to planning and partying.

If you are not the party planner type, don't fret because there are lots of options. You can look us up and let us take care of the details for you or if you are feeling festive and want to dabble in the planning yourself, there are some great blogs and party sites out there, like this one, to help stir up your imagination and creative juices. Here are a few ideas from some of my other favs that I want to share with you.


Hip Hostess Series - Dallas by Hostess with the Mostess

Hip Hostess Series - Dallas by Hostess with the Mostess


http://www.hostessblog.com/2010/09/glam-halloween-purple-lime-green/

 
http://www.hostessblog.com/2010/09/glam-halloween-purple-lime-green/
 
http://www.pizzazzerie.com/

Reading the blogs from other designers and planners really gets my creativity going. Find your favorite blogs and visit them often because one can never have too many trendy design and party inspirations. So, what are you waiting for? Get your party on.


 
Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Southwest Houston ~ New Orleans

September 25, 2010

Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss (Well, It's About Time!)


 Photo courtesy of TLC
Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss

Finally, a television bridal series that I look forward to watching. Glad to see things are looking up for plus-size brides, who want to be drop-dead gorgeous on their wedding day too. We at Alpha Prosperity Events will be following this series to see if the designers are sending appropriate sample dress sizes for the plus-size bride. If Kleinfelds and Randy Fenoli can't set the tone for a change, where sample wedding dress sizes are concerned, I don't know who can. The series starts October 1, 2010 on TLC. Check back and leave your comments about the show. I'd love to know your thoughts.

Hope this a trendy idea, that will make finding the "dress," a lot less stressful for the full-figured bride. Here's to big bliss

 
Event & Wedding Planner 
Alpha Prosperity Events 
Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

September 19, 2010

Cake Charms - A Memorable Gift for Bridesmaids

Often times we hear so much about the "bridezilla" demanding that everyone and everything be about her, we forget that there are future brides out there, that truly appreciate their family and closest friends being a part of their special day. Even with all of the wedding planning excitement, these brides realize that her friends and family have taken on not only a huge time commitment to be a part of the wedding, but also a huge financial commitment. There is the purchase of the bridesmaid's dress, chipping in for the bridal shower and bachelorette party, as well as travel and a wedding gift. Many brides purchase jewelry for their bridal party to wear with their bridesmaid dress, but many also want to give their bridal party something a bit more meaningful from the wedding festivities; something to remind their bridesmaids of their bond of friendship during this special time in the bride's life.

Photo: Courtesy of Mignon Faget
In the south, we celebrate a Victorian tradition of cake charms in the wedding or bridal shower cake. The charms are under the bottom layer of the cake, attached to ribbons on the outside of the cake. Before cutting the cake, the bridesmaids, and sometimes other close female friends that are not part of the bridal party, pull one of the ribbons from the cake. Each charm held significance and foretold the bridesmaid’s future. Sometimes color- coded satin ribbons are attached to each charm so that single, married, and junior bridesmaids may pull charms with appropriate messages. Along with their symbolism, wedding charms also make for unique gifts. Bridesmaids may use them as pendants or wear them on charm bracelets. More importantly, they are a reminder of a very special time in a bride’s life. You can find wedding cake charms in bridal shops or catalogs. The following is a listing of the various charm types with their symbolism:
  • Airplane - A life of adventure and travel
  • Anchor - A life of stability
  • Baby Booty - A life with happy and healthy children
  • Captain’s Wheel - A life of adventure and travel
  • Carriage - A fairly tale life
  • Church - Next to be married
  • Cross - A life full of peace
  • Cupid - Love will strike
  • Eiffel Tower - A life of travel
  • Entangled Hearts - An everlasting love
  • Flower - A blossoming relationship
  • Frog - You will kiss a prince
  • Four Leaf Clover - Good luck in your future
  • Heart - Your love is a true love
  • Heart with Hands - A life filled with love
  • High Chair - A life with happy and healthy children
  • Holy Bible - A peaceful life
  • Hope Chest - A marriage in the future
  • Horseshoe - Good luck will come your way
  • Kite - A life of fun and leisure
  • Magic Lamp - A life of magic
  • Moneybag - A life with financial security
  • Oil Derrick - A wealthy life
  • Owl - A life of wisdom
  • Pacifier - Next to have a baby
  • Picture frame - A happy marriage
  • Rings - Engagement in near future
  • Rocking Chair - A long, happy life
  • Rose - A life of beauty
  • Shamrock - Good luck will find you
  • Star - A wish will be granted
  • Telephone - Good news is coming your way
  • Unicorn - A life of fantasy
  • Wedding Cake - Next to be married
  • Wedding Bells - Next to be married
  • Wedding Couple - A wedding in the near future
  • Wine Carafe - A life of romance
  • Wishbone - Good luck in love
  • Wishing Well - A wish will be granted
  • Wreath - A happy home
Now that's a great trendy, giving idea, don't you think? Stay tuned for more trendy event ideas and inspirations.

Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Southwest Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

September 8, 2010

Still Think You Don't Need a Wedding Coordinator?

To be a successful wedding coordinator and planner, you have to do a lot of research to keep up with trends and needs of the industry. As much as we would like to be thought of as the "all great knowing one," it doesn't always work that way and the knowledge or know-how doesn't come that easy. To service our clients, we have to do lots of research and homework to be the best for our clients. 

While doing my homework, I lucked up on the blog, At Home with Jodie Duncan by Jodie Duncan. She had a wonderful post on the importance of using a wedding coordinator. I don't usually repost another professional's blog entry but this one was so compassionate about why we coordinators do what we do and why we want to do it for you, our client, that I just could resist. Enjoy.


by Jodie Duncan - At Home with Jodie Duncan



Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Southwest Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

August 30, 2010

Simple Recipe for Bridal Shower Beauty

I attended a bridal shower recently for one of my brides and I was so impressed with the love for the bride that showed through the work that was done for the shower. The decor was simple but very trendy with pops of color in red, black and white. And don't you just love this cake? So modern, and elegant. A big shout out goes to the brides sister and bridesmaids. They truly went all out for this sweet bride, blessing her with lots of love and gifts to begin wedded bliss.
 

 


The attention to detail and placement of objects like food and decor made all the difference for this outdoor shower.

The bride was so moved by all of the attention and we as guests were so touched by her appreciation of us being there. It just goes to show, that as the bride, people want to do so much more for you when you are appreciative, loving and not acting like a bridezilla.



Stumped for ideas about how to make an event beautiful and special? Give us a call. We love planning small intimate events like this. Want to plan something yourself, just stay tuned to Coco Trendy Event Ideas for more trendy planning ideas.


 
Event & Wedding Planner  
Alpha Prosperity Events Southwest
Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans

August 22, 2010

Great Filing System for Event Planning Organization

Wonder File Portable Workstation
Need organization for all of your wedding and event planning materials. Try the Wonder File. It's a great idea for keeping all of those magazine clippings, fabric and color swatches all in one nice neat place. And you can even take it with you when you need to. I know I sound like an infomercial but I really like the convenience of this file. As a wedding and event planner, having at least two is a great way to keep several things organized by client.  And after the wedding planning is done, you can use the file for other organizing needs; unlike some of the other wedding planner folders that are out there.  

Now how's that for a trendy wedding and event planning idea!


Event & Wedding Planner Alpha Prosperity Events Southwest Houston ~ Richmond/Rosenberg ~ New Orleans

August 4, 2010

Sometimes, We All Could Use a Professional!


Well, our new logo has finally been completed. It was such a labor of love to get the right feel and look for a design to represent us and after a lot of investment, it's here. Hope you all like it as much as we do.


I want to thank the wonderful Nicole Mullins for all of the hours and phone consultations she so patiently devoted to me to get this done, the right way. I totally relied on her skills in graphic arts and branding because these were skills that I just didn't have. Could I have done the logo myself? Of course, I could have. I did the last logo, but I wasn't happy with it because I could never get the colors or positioning right, and it just wasn't me. And to be blunt, I just didn't know what the heck I was doing. So I sought out a professional that could listen to my vision and deliver my product, which she did.

My journey through this process is much like planning a wedding. Of course, you can plan it yourself and that is a wonderful experience if you have the time, the energy and the know how to get it done. But after planning your wonderful masterpiece, don't you want to sit back and enjoy the moment. A professional wedding coordinator can make that happen. Sometimes, hiring a professional just makes sense.




Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Southwest Houston ~ New Orleans

July 31, 2010

Unusual Venues for Your Wedding or Event

Looking for an unusual venue for your wedding? Would you consider Home Depot, Taco Bell or Wal-Mart? I recently heard that a couple got married in the shoe aisle of a department store.
Check this out to see what other brides and grooms are doing.
Wild about the idea or not your cup tea? That's okay. Just know that when it comes to your day, just about anything is possible. Setting up a wedding or event at an unusual venue is just one of the many great reasons to use a wedding planner or coordinator. We have lots of resources to bring any plan or idea to life.

Now that's a trendy idea.


Event & Wedding Consultant
Alpha Prosperity Events
Southwest Houston ~  New Orleans

July 11, 2010

Personalize to Exude Luxury for Your Wedding Day



If you are looking for that luxury item for your special day, why not create your own luxury by adding customized selections and personal touches that speak to who you are as a couple. Guests tend to remember those special wedding ceremonies and events, where they came away from the event having learned more about the couple or how they choose to celebrate their union as a couple.

This weekend, at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza, Nadine Moon of Who Made the Cake and Select Jewelers, created a sweet luxury that had everyone in awe. This cake had a hefty price tag of $1,400,000.00 and may be out of rich for some, but you can add a touch a bling to your to wedding cake for a lot less.

Consider using brooches, rhinestones or colored stones to add the wow factor to your cake, bouquet, attire or even to your invitations. Use your imagination while planning your wedding event, to create that special luxury item that will add that personal touch to your special day. If you are still stumped, consult a wedding planner about other ideas and how to incorporate them into your event. And remember, just because it looks expensive doesn't mean it has to be expensive.

Now that's trendy. Happy planning.


Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
 
Greater Southwest Houston ~  New Orleans

June 29, 2010

Wedding Do's and Don'ts from the Guest's Perspective

One of my event assistants attended a wedding recently and she came back with a list full of things that she found interesting about this wedding. I don’t think she ever considered herself a wedding expert but I must say when it comes to wedding and event coordination, she has definitely been taking notes. Here, we share with you some “Do’s and Don’ts,” from the wedding guest's perspective.

Hire a Wedding Coordinator ~ If you are going to have a wedding guest list of anything over 100 people you should hire someone to organize particular highpoints and activities of the wedding. A wedding coordinator would be beneficial to create timelines to keep things flowing and to keep all players/vendors in the know about when things are happening or when tasks need to be done. Don't leave this task to a family member; they want to enjoy the wedding too.

Don’t Skimp on the Entertainment ~ When hiring a band or DJ, make sure they have the ability to act as the Master of Ceremony. If you have to skimp here, make sure your wedding coordinator can step into this role. Your guests will be very disappointed if you start cutting your cake and they aren't ready with their camera or they are in the restroom and miss the whole thing because there was no emcee to announce what was happening. We have some great recommendations if you need help in this department.

Discuss the Dress Code with the Entertainment ~ Make sure it is clear what they will be wearing while performing. It won't look very cohesive if your guests are dressed in cocktail attire and the band or DJ is dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.

Greet Your Guests ~ As the bride and groom, you made the choice to invite three hundred people to your wedding. I can only assume that you made that choice because all of these people are near and dear to you in some form or fashion. Make sure you get around, visiting every table to speak to as many guests as possible. Of course, you may still miss some people but no one can say you didn't make the effort. My assistant was so disappointed and felt slighted because after traveling quite a distance, and buying a very nice gift, the bride never walked around to say hello to her or any other guests.

Just a little trendy advice from the guests you are inviting to your wedding. Hope you were paying attention.



Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Southwest Houston ~ New Orleans

June 17, 2010

Dreaming Past Others' Limitations

Don't you find it dissapointing when well-meaning family members or close friends are so unsupportive of your dreams? How do you dream past it?  How do you not let their limitations, limit you?

Well, this is definitely not a new issue. Since the beginning of time, someone was always questioning another persons vision, direction, goals or dreams. When you have an inkling of an idea or vision that you want to accomplish, trust me that idea will be challenged or questioned. It's not always meant to snuff out your dream or plan but often times it causes one to change direction or focus. It happened to us as children, when we dreamed of being an actress or ballerina.  It happened to us as teens, when we wanted to travel the world or attend an out of state college. It happened to us as adults when we wanted to start our own business or purchase a new home.

By now I am sure you have related to one or two of these. The point is we had a dream or vision that didn't coincide with someone else's. This same dilemma happens to so many brides and grooms to be. Through all of the planning, so many people have gotten involved and pushed their own vision that you no longer see any of the dreams or wishes of the bride or groom.  I deal with this as well, especially where my event planning business is concerned. This business is not for everyone and not everyone is ready for the work or risks that one takes when owning a business.

So how do I dream past others' limitations?  Well, I seek guidance from God first. I have found that when I do this, I am able to discern what is best. I meditate on scripture and positive quotes of motivation. I also surround myself with positive others, like supportive family members, business coaches and other business professionals that will give me the information and support that I need to accomplish my plan or task.  But, be warned. When seeking out others, be prepared that you may get an opinion that has the ability to deflate or derail your whole plan, if you let it. It's okay to seek solicited advice from credible others but understand that their visions or fears do not have to become yours. 

Don't let the well meaning intentions or ideas of others hinder or change your vision. In planning your life, business or event, you may realize that there are people who don't want to see you happy or successful. Put these type of people in a category off to the side (the side you don't visit very often,) and keep right on going with your planning, as you intended. Keep your eyes on your goals and on the "who, what, and why of it all." You may find that you have to make some changes here or there but it's okay if you are true to yourself and know that you followed your dream and vision and not someone else's.

Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Southwest Houston ~ New Orleans

June 3, 2010

Second Wedding Ideas for the Encore Bride




MakeLoveReal.net

Planning a wedding can be a joyous occasion. And if this is a second wedding for you or your groom, you get to enjoy the fun of planning all over again, making sure it is exactly what you want and not what your family thought you should have. Here we share just a few ideas to keep in mind if you are planning an encore wedding.

• If you want to wear a traditional white wedding dress, do it. The old thoughts of encore brides wearing white no longer apply. Most encore or second time brides look for a dress that they feel is more practical for them but the choice is strictly yours. Wear what makes you feel beautiful and what fits your vision for your special day.

• Personalization is always a great option but when you can incorporate touches that highlight the blended family or your triumphs over the years, it creates a more memorable experience for both you and your guest. Check out this oh so cute, customized cake topper. This is a piece that you can keep and cherish as a memorable reminder of your day.



• When choosing to register for gifts, you may want to survey what you already have and update or add-to. Another option is choosing to register for your honeymoon and have your guest purchase tours, dinners or contribute to the cost of the honeymoon.

• If you have children, involve them from the beginning. Let them discuss their thoughts or feelings about this new transition in their lives before all of the appointments, shopping and festivities interfere with your time. Ask for their opinion from time to time- maybe on the dessert or some part of the entertainment selections.

• You may want to consider a destination wedding. They are a popular option for 2nd weddings and they don’t have to be someplace exotic. I am very partial to New Orleans, by the way. It's a great way of combining your wedding, and your honeymoon all in one. Your guests may also welcome the opportunity to use this time as an extended or family vacation.

• Hire a wedding planner or coordinator that is in touch with you and has a feel for what you want. A planner or coordinator that knows how to get the job done within your guidelines and expectations is key to your successful and memorable wedding event.

Now that's trendy. Happy planning.


Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Southwest Houston ~ Richmond/Rosenberg ~ New Orleans