Dream Weddings Bridal Show of Houston

Dream Weddings Bridal Show of Houston

April 16, 2011, 10AM - 5PM

Crowne Plaza Reliant Park

8686 Kirby Dr.

Houston, TX 77054

All brides dream about their wedding, but never imagine how much work is involved in the actual planning of this special day. If you’re planning a wedding, a bridal show can be a great way to meet and talk to many vendors, all at one location, and the Dream Weddings Bridal Show of Houston definitely delivers.  Don't miss this great opportunity to wrap up your wedding planning items and tasks. Or better yet, stop by our booth Alpha Prosperity Events, book your selected services and relax; we'll take care of everything else. 

Photo courtesy of Photographics

If you have never been to a bridal show and don't know what to expect, don't worry. Click here for ideas and strategies to help you make the most of the show; and don't forget to stop by our booth to take advantage of our excellent savings and deals for all of your wedding planning and coordination needs.

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

Destination Wedding Feel, Right In Your Own BackYard

A few months ago, I traveled to Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands for a relaxing vacation as well as to do some research for some destination wedding events. A destination wedding can be a beautiful experience for not only you but your guests as well. These wedding events are usually very intimate, and create many opportunities for fun, travel and celebration. As great as these type of events are, sometimes that much dreamed about locale just won't work with every budget.

A dear friend and client is experiencing this exact issue. She is wanting a tropical, destination wedding but financially, the timing is just not right to do any traveling. So she is opting for a local venue with a lake. She loves the sand, the sun and the aqua blues and green of the ocean and, so that is where we started. It's important to her that her guests feel the casual elegance of a beach, even if there isn't a beach.Take a look at the inspiration boards we created to help start the planning process.

We are still tweaking the process but this is giving us a place to start. By the way, if you want to play with inspiration boards, check out Style Me Pretty's Style Circle. There are lots of great photos and layouts to help build your inspiration board and rev up your creativity. Well, I think we are ready to start planning. What do you think? Is there anything you would suggest we add or take away? I would love to know your thoughts.

Stay tuned for more trendy ideas using the senses to create the effect for your destination wedding event, at home.


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

My Favorite Reception Food Trends for 2011

Still trying to figure out what scrumptious dishes to serve at your wedding reception? Well, Event Solutions Magazine has come up with the suggested catering trends for 2011, recommended by experts in the hospitality industry. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Pies for entrees and dessert - Are cupcakes really on their way out? I hope not, but a deep dish apple pie sounds very appetizing.  And speaking of Chicken Pot-Pie as an entree, yummy for the tummy.
• Smaller Food - Two-bite hot dogs, tacos, burritos, are not necessarily new but they are becoming more mainstream, especially for active receptions where guests are moving about, greeting and dancing. In New Orleans, they have done mini po-boys and muffalatas for years, and they are always a big hit.
• Old Italian Dishes -Familiar dishes like spaghetti, lasagna and other regional Italian ingredients.
• Down-home Southern cooking - Grits will become an all-purpose starch. Well, down south it always has been. I remember fish and grits every Friday for dinner, and they predict that shrimp and grits could be the next popular dish.

Are you seeing the possibility of a trend here? Looks like warm thoughts of family, familiar traditions and celebrations of old may be a strong planning theme this year. What wedding planning themes or trends are you considering for 2011?


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

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

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





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

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

Our Coco Trendy Vendor Spotlight

I attended a wonderful bridal show event and got to meet a really great vendor whose time has definitely come. Meet the wonderful folks of On-Site Wedding & Event Sitters.

Cher Gray and her team create a wonderful resource to allow your family and guests to enjoy your wedding event "kid free." The folks at On-Site Wedding & Event Sitters express that they offer safe, fun and exciting on-site childcare for children 12 and younger at the location of your event. "Everyone can relax and enjoy your wedding knowing the children are having fun just a room away."

This picture above demonstrates the area for the children that is prepared in the back of the room where the event is held. This is a great option for just a small number of children at the wedding. There is a sitter at the table area with the children as well.



I was so impressed with the set-up, that I was tempted to just hang out and be a kid again.

This is a wonderful option for wedding couples to utilize. It makes it a lot easier when trying to plan the wedding and they know there are a number of guests or family members that may need child care assistance. For the guest or family member that doesn't want to burden the bride or groom with any additional expense, there is the option for the wedding guest to hire the On-Site Sitters for themselves. Check out their website for the many options and services that are available. Wow, now that's trendy.

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

Discover Your Birthday Color at Colorstrology

We all have or have had a favorite color once upon a time. Our selection of a favorite color is usually driven by one emotion or another. When creating the perfect shopping experience, companies invest a lot of money to research this topic to make sure consumers are inspired to spend some time and to spend some money. When selecting the colors for your wedding, what colors will you select, what colors will inspire you or give you that...feeling or emotion you seek on that special day? Why are you driven to that color? Well, here's a fun site that may clear some things up for you.

Discover Your Birthday Color at
Colorstrology by Michele Bernhardt ~ sponsored by Pantone INC

I'm a November baby and my favorite colors are pinks, reds, and browns. Imagine my surprise when I checked out this site and clicked on the month for November.

"The Pantone Color for the Month of November is Claret Red (Pantone Color 17-1740), Intense, Passionate, and Transforming. This color inspires strength, depth and love. People born during this month can see beyond the mundane and into the hearts of others."

You can even take the color analysis further and select your specific birth date for more detailed information. When I entered my specific date November 5, the color Jester Red (Pantone Color 19-1862) came up. Entertaining, Quick and Intelligent, the analysis suggests meditating and surrounding myself with this color inspires patience and knowing.

I was so inspired by this because it really hit the mark. As a wedding and event coordinator, I am very passionate about what I do and about helping to make others wishes and dreams come true, helping to create their heart's desire. Did learning this information about colors and my birth month create an aha moment for me? No, not really but it did give me a little insight about why certain colors were in my wardrobe or in my office more than other colors. It gave me some insight of colors to surround myself with I needed energy, or a creativity boost. Now, I don't know if this is an exact science or what, but knowing the info sure doesn't hurt.

Just for fun, check out Colorstrology and see what it says about you.



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

My Wedding Trend Favorites of 2009

As you know, 2009 is about to come to a close but I think there are a few trends from 2009 that just may travel into the new year. You know the saying, "Everything old is new again." I also like the old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Some of my favorite trends from 2009 that I hope to see in 2010 -

* Bird Cage Veils - Talk about chic and trendy. I just can't say enough about this beautiful headpiece, and BirdcageVeils.com has some of the best I have seen. Melody Ginn has done a great job with these beautiful veils. You can find her at BridalVeils.com

Source: BirdcageVeils.com

* Backyard Weddings - Interested in this trend, check out our previous posts, here.

* Landscape Decor - A woodsy topiary used as centerpiece, tree bark or greenery used as centerpieces or place setting decor, vases filled with simple blooms and greenery.

Source - Fresh Blooms of Houston

* Groom's Cake - Remember the gray armadillo from Steel Magnolias? This southern tradition has evolved into a way for the bride to do something special for her groom.

Source: Sonny Randon Photography

* The Dress - Ultimately, you are who people came to see, not the dress. Pick the dress you feel best in, the one that makes you shine even more.

* Favors with Meaning - There is nothing worse than spending money on favors and finding that most of your guests won't enjoy them, let alone remember your wedding when they look at it.

* Dances that Wow- the popularity of all the dancing shows and dance studios have prompted brides and grooms to create their perfect first dance as a married couple.

*Hire a Day of Coordinator - Hire a professional wedding coordinator for the final weeks before the wedding. They are the experts at making sure those last-minute details get done, and you can't beat the great pair of extra hands that come with a wealth of knowledge and "quick-fixes" to boot.

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

Strategies to Make the Most of Bridal Shows

This past weekend I attended the Bridal Show Extravaganza. This show is one of the largest in Houston and when I say large, I mean large. I was completely exhausted after all the walking we did. I attended this with one of my very excited brides and she wanted to see everything. And there was definitely a lot to see.

There were tons of vendors from photography, cake decorators, bridal party attire, wedding planners, you name it, they were there. There was so much to see, one could easily become overwhelmed with the whole process, unless you had a wedding planner or coordinator like Alpha Prosperity Events. Therefore, since it is my job, as a Houston Area Wedding Coordinator, to make sure that you don't get overwhelmed, I have listed some things you can do to make the most of your time, while attending a bridal show in Houston or in your area. If you keep these thoughts in mind, I guarantee, you will feel like you got something accomplished.

1. Before going to the show, try to find out what vendors will be there. You can usually find this out online at the show's website.


2. Make sure you are not pushed for time. These shows have many vendors and ideas available and you don't want to miss any thing because you are in a rush.


3. Decide what vendors you are still needing to select or interview. Visit those vendors first.


4. Come prepared with a list of questions, the first question being, "Are you available for my date?" If they are not available, move on to the next vendor. Keep your questions brief for this first contact.


5. Be prepared to schedule an appointment. Vendors are trying to meet as many people as possible, just like you are. If you like their answers to your few questions, and they may be someone you want to consider, schedule another consultation with them at a date later in the week. Be aware of when their "show special" ends, and make sure it will still be available when you meet for your consultation.


6. Take your own notes, listing what you liked and didn't like about each vendor you speak with. Try to also write something about the vendor or the booth (very organized, nice outfit, close to Missouri City and Sugar Land area, loved the booth colors in pink and brown) to help you remember who was who.


7. Keep all your notes in one place, like your planner or notebook. The vendor will probably have fliers and handouts, but don't rely upon these only because you won't remember who was who after talking with so many.


8. Bring the groom, if you can talk him into it. It's his wedding too, and he might have some helpful ideas or suggestions about what he would like to see. Also, there are lots of tuxedo vendors at these shows as well, so you can get him and the groomsmen all "tucked" away.


9. Try not to have too many people attend with you because everyone will have an opinion and will pull you in different directions. But it is good to have a few trusted friends to help with some ideas and to help hold the many items you will pick up along the way. (All that paper gets heavy after awhile).


10. If you feel very comfortable with a particular vendor and they are meeting all of your needs, be prepared to book that vendor, right then and there. This is especially true if you are at on a short time line or if this vendor is a popular provider of service.


11. You may want to bring your own pre-printed labels. Vendors will be seeking your name address, wedding date and email when you enter for their give aways and raffles.


12. Bring your datebook, checkbook, credit card, so that you can take advantage of discounts and "show specials."


13. There are lots of freebies and ideas so register for everything but ask the vendor what they plan to do with your info. We wouldn't want to get spammed.


14. Wear comfortable shoes because you will do lots of walking.


15. Have fun and enjoy the attention because you will get lots of it.

The bridal shows in Houston offer a lot of vendors, information and great deals all in one place. You can do as much shopping or as little shopping as you like, it is totally up to you. These vendors have made a substantial investment to put themselves and their product before you. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to get some face to face contact with those you are trusting to help make your wedding day perfect.

And for those of you that can even fathom the thought of going to a bridal show or any thing like it, hire a wedding coordinator to make all of this planning so much easier.