We are happy to announce that So Chic Events was selected to win the Bride's Choice Award for 2011 from WeddingWire! This means that we are among the top 5% of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence in the wedding industry. Thank you to all of my amazing clients who make doing what I love so easy! You're the best!
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I'm getting back into the swing of things after a very relaxing, much needed and amazing family vacation to York Beach, Maine. Every year we rent a cottage overlooking the ocean and within walking distance to downtown, the beach and the zoo. This year was probably the most enjoyable one yet, perhaps because both of our families came up for a few days or simply because the older I get the more I realize how important it is to take time to unwind, just enjoy family and soak up these moments as much as I can. It was also the first year that I did the absolute bare minimum where work is concerned, I actually let myself have a vacation.
We did so much while we were up there, we shopped, went to the beach, the zoo, Fun-o-rama, mini golfing, bowling, a Red Sox game, walked around downtown and got ice cream at Brown's (if you haven't had it and you're ever at York Beach, you must get it! It's near the Nubble Lighthouse, between Short Sands & Long Sands Beach). Overall the weather was great, there was only one day where we had a few showers but they were over quickly and didn't stop us from doing anything.
It has been a really wonderful Summer and as sad as I am that it's coming to an end I am looking forward to Fall, the cooler weather and all that it brings - sweaters, boots, the changing leaves, apple & pumpkin picking and so much more. It also means school is starting back up, however this year it's not just the boys that are going back to school, I am as well! That's my exciting news. This Summer I decided it was time for me to embark on a new journey, one that I've been wanting to do for awhile but the timing just wasn't right. Well now it is. I'm going back to school for graphic design which is something that has been an interest of mine for quite some time. I love the versatility that graphic design brings to everything and I'm really looking forward to using it in many of the custom designs I already offer which will provide a much broader spectrum of options. I can't wait to offer some great new features, and as I go along and learn I'm sure I'll be playing around and sharing bits and pieces so stay tuned!
Venezie Bags has recently reopened their shop after a little hiatus and is having a "Name that Bag" Giveaway Contest! So if you like Venezie Bags, here's your chance to get one for free! Check out the Venezie Bags Blog for details by clicking here.
Finally! They're split between 2 galleries, Theme Parties & Kids Parties, because a lot of the decor could fall into the theme party category even though it was for a 4th birthday party. What can I say, I tend to go a little overboard. But I have a lot of fun doing it :) And because I got so many kudos on the invitations I created, thought I'd post the top part.
My new website that is. As of last night she went live! I am beyond excited to have a custom site that isn't exactly the same as someone else, no more templates!
The talent behind the design is Chrissy of Bring the Bling, out of Vero Beach, Florida. So head on over to my new site and check it out!
Thank you Chrissy for a wonderful job!
One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.
~ Lucille Ball
I'm currently beyond overwhelmed with everything on my plate. Hurting my back in early July really took it's toll not only on me physically, but also in every other aspect. It has really set me back with everything, as you can tell with the lack of posts. This blog has been collecting dust :( It seems I'll be feeling better and just when I think I'll be able to return to a semi-normal routine, I have a relapse and I'm in horrible pain once again. But when I'm able to deal with the pain I have to focus on clients and of course my children which means this has taken a back seat to everything else. But I thoroughly miss it!
Today I'm trying to play catch up. Well in all honesty, I've been playing this game since we returned from vacation on the 18th. I'm hoping to make a decent dent in that lengthy "to do" list today though. Since I was definitely getting discouraged with my overwhelming list I thought a quote to inspire me would be a good thing and I found the one above. It's helping me keep my head high (and focused) on getting things done.
I want to take a minute and apologize for not posting very much in the last week or two. Things have been rather hectic lately. I was having email issues most of last week and that was rather frustrating. I went back and forth with my hosting company and the template company and couldn't get it worked out and out of frustration made a very quick temporary site. The reason why i say "very quick temporary site" is because I'm in the process of having a new site designed which will be completely custom so I just needed something to have up in the meantime. I won't bore you with the details of why my email wasn't working but basically it had to do with the site that I had, and the only way to fix my email was to have a website that was directly associated with my hosting company servers. So I apologize for not having the best site right now but it has all the same information as my other one, just not as pretty. And a new, very pretty one will be up in the next month or so. The most important thing was being able to get my email! That being said if you emailed me between 7/19 - 7/24 I may not have received it :(
In addition to the email and website drama, I also hurt my back very badly. :( I mentioned that briefly in my last post. Well since that last post it got worse, actually the very same day as that last post. After a trip to the ER and a follow up visit with my primary care, it turns out I (somehow) slipped a disk. I'm still baffled as to how exactly I did this. I've been on multiple medications - pain meds, muscle relaxers etc. for days and was pretty out of it so there was no way I was posting anything because quite frankly it probably wouldn't have made any sense. I could barely keep my eyes open although wasn't getting very restful sleep. I am doing much better now and am doing pretty good off of the pain meds (so far) and hoping that I'm on my way to recovery, but I'm still being very cautious and not pushing my limits either. I miss being able to get down on the floor with my boys and doing puzzles and just being silly so I don't want to do anything to jeopardize that :)
So stay tuned...regular posting will resume this week!
Things have been rather hectic lately. As always I'm doing a handful of projects at once. I've been brainstorming for the company cookout that I'm helping mom with and have come up with a few more ideas so I'm pretty excited to put them into motion. I would love to do an ice sculpture but I'm afraid it wouldn't last long in the August heat, so sad.
I'm also brainstorming ideas for Liam's (my younger son) 4th Birthday Party, which is a Harley Davidson theme. I'm still on a hunt for a motorcycle bouncy house and have yet to find one, so if you happen to know of a rental company in either Massachusetts or Rhode Island that has one, please share it with me! Perhaps there is one out there and they just don't have a website which is why I haven't found one online.
I have a bunch of blog posts in the works and once I finish a few loose ends I'll get back to those. Once I do I'll be posting about a great gift for your future hubby, a solution to the (possible) childcare issue you have at your reception and a new project I've been working on. I'm also going to take a page out of a fellow planners book and start posting an inspirational quote each week. I figure we can all use a little inspiration!
Choosing gifts for your Bridesmaids, either you know exactly what you’re getting them or you don’t have the slightest idea at all. There’s the usual gifts of course…jewelry they’ll wear the day of the wedding (and hopefully after it as well), trinket boxes, picture frames…but you don’t want to do what everyone else does. You want to do something different, something unique, for your girls.
When I first decided to start my business I knew I had a passion for what I do. I knew I had what it takes to be successful and I knew there would be bumps in the road just like anything else in life. What I didn't know when I first started it were the opportunities that would present themselves when I least expected them.
Two weeks ago I was reading a blog and came across Engage08!. It was actually the logo that I saw that caught my eye, rather clever with it's catchiness, because ultimately that is what made me read on and feel the fluttering butterflies arise in my stomach. As I was reading who would be speaking at Engage I was excited and then I came to the name that would ultimately do it for me: Preston Bailey. I was supposed to meet Preston in February 2007 at a conference here in Massachusetts, but a family situation that arose that same day prevented it from happening and it's sat with me since. When I saw he was on the list of speakers for this I knew I had to go, this was opportunity #2 to meet him, what are the odds of getting #3?! So after a week of contemplating it I decided to do it. I made arrangements for my children, I booked a flight, a hotel and registered for the symposium.
The minute I met the first of my new friends, Stacey Kane & Dianna Fletcher, at breakfast, I knew I hadn't made a mistake. What I experienced that day was probably one of the most memorable days of my life so far (other than the birth of my children of course). It was a day filled with networking and amazing speakers, and when I say amazing, I mean some of the best in this industry. To say I’m inspired is an understatement. This post is long but to skimp on the details would be a crime in itself.
Opening up the day was Rebecca Grinnals & Kathryn Arce of Engaging Concepts, the two phenomenal women who made this all possible. I will also say that it didn't take me long to realize why so many people there spoke so highly of them, they're nothing short of marvelous.
Simon T. Bailey, who is brilliantly inspirational, was our first speaker and his words honestly made my eyes fill up. His sense of humor was refreshing and his message enlightening. He helped me see the bigger picture of being a mom and a business owner, and assured me that "Brilliant Balance is Possible", Yes Simon, I (now) believe it is.
At lunch I had the pleasure of sitting with Kathryn Arce of Engaging Concepts, Terri Zollinger of Terri Z Photo and Harmony Walton, the editorial director of Get Married & founder of The Bridal Bar. We all exchanged our "stories" of how we got where we are, and I think we all agreed that Kathryn's was the best. I was so happy to have a chance to talk to Harmony at lunch since I had to leave right at 5:00 to catch my flight home and would miss hearing her speak.
After lunch I introduced myself to Susan Moynihan, Editor in Chief of Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, who also let her humor shine through while she spoke to us. I think I may have stuttered or slurred a bit when I first started talking to her, I can only hope she doesn't think I was drunk. Maybe if I had a drink it would have helped to calm me a bit! The energy of the day was so high I was definitely not my usual self in terms of being able to speak! And really for someone like myself who is still fairly new in this business to be around such wonderful people, the sheer magnitude of it all, I'm just happy I stayed on my feet!
The next 2 guests were also beyond fascinating. Marcy Blum who is not only talented but also absolutely hilarious, shared her insight and experience in this industry. Sitting beside her was the AMAZING Preston Bailey, who is an unbelievable inspiration to me. 
To hear from them both about their experiences throughout the years in this industry was beyond inspiring. I mean these are people who have worked with celebrities like Oprah and Donald Trump so you know their work is fabulous.
After they spoke, everyone lined up to have Preston sign his book that was given to each of us in our marvelous gift bags from Tulla Belles. While waiting in line I felt like a little kid, I hugged my book so tight to try and stop my hands from shaking. I introduced myself to Preston and told him the story about how I was supposed to meet him last year and he gave me the best hug. I unfortunately missed having a chance to talk to Marcy as after I had my book signed, I was unable to find her (and had a plane to catch), but I was grateful still to of at least had the opportunity to see her and hear her share her wisdom.
Before leaving, I was able to hear Christine Boulton, of Think Like a Bride, speak (briefly) about blogging before I had to leave. But I actually had the pleasure of talking to her on the ride to the airport (we both had early flights!) and her insight and honesty was much appreciated! Sadly, I missed hearing Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs who I really wanted to hear as I love reading her blog. I did however make it a point to say hello and introduce myself to her, I would've kicked myself if I didn't at least do that!
Wow, that's long! As you can tell I had a lot to share about this! It was such a wonderful experience and I am so happy that I stepped out of my comfort zone and went. Not only did I meet new friends, I can now say that I have gained valuable knowledge from the best of the best. It was well worth the money, the time away from my boys, and the less than enjoyable traveling. Rebecca & Kathryn, keep me on the list for next year because I wouldn't miss it for the world!
Attention Brides-To-Be!
You're Engaged! Congratulations! This is such a happy time for you, but what's next? Where do you begin with planning your dream wedding?
You are cordially invited to a unique and personalized wedding workshop designed with you, the bride-to-be, in mind. I will be joining with one of the area's most popular wedding professional DJ's, Ron Auger, in an educational wedding workshop. Together Ron and I will share with you, the future bride, our professional advice and personal knowledge on subjects such as:
How to hire the right DJ
What to look for in quality entertainment
How to coordinate your reception.
Keeping your wedding costs down while enjoying your dream wedding.
Should you purchase wedding insurance?
Staying organized, keeping calm and enjoying your engagement, what to do and when?
And much more.........
Ron and I are bringing this workshop to you absolutely free. Set in a comfortable, casual atmosphere, this workshop will allow a more personalized educational experience and give you a chance to share and gather ideas with other brides as well. We offer this valuable information to you for no other reason but to provide you, the bride, with the best possible personalized information to help you plan your special day.
In order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere and to give you the personal attention a future bride like you deserves, we are limiting this workshop to the first 20 brides who reply, so reserve your spot NOW. Again, this is a free workshop, all we ask is for your commitment to attend. In return Ron and I will share our collective wedding coordination information with you.
This is not a sales conference or a gimmick. There will be times during your planning phase that you wish you had someone to talk to, someone who could offer you advice without obligation. This workshop is your opportunity.
Here are the details:
Date: Monday, June 2nd
Location: PINZ, 110 South Main Street, Milford, MA
Time: 6:30 PM arrival, 6:45 PM start
P.S. We wouldn't think of leaving your future husband out on all this fun. I mean guys like dealing with wedding planning too, don't they? If he decides that sitting around and talking with other brides about color schemes, music, finances, just isn't his thing, he's welcome to wait for you in the Blue Dog Sports Bar located inside Pinz. He can grab a cold one and catch the Red Sox game on their wide screen TV's while you take that first step in creating your wedding to remember. Game starts at 7:05 PM.
To reserve you seat, send an email to: info@sochicevents.com OR workshop@djronauger.com
Just say "Sign Me Up" in the message box.
For more information feel free to contact us anytime:
Shelby O'Connell
508-478-2309 or info@sochicevents.com
DJ Ron Auger
508-889-9635 or djron@djronauger.com
Event Sponsors:
So Chic Events www.sochicevents.com
DJ Ron Auger www.djronauger.com
Pinz Entertainment Center www.pinzbowl.com
My new logo (family)is complete. You may be wondering what a logo family is, well it's basically the same logo but slight variations for different things. As you see above, it's the same as the home page on my website. And here in this post it's slightly different, more condensed for a smaller area. :) I have been working with a very talented graphic designer, Erik Fadiman, for the past few weeks and we have finally found "the one". You may see some of Erik's work here.
A what? An ezine! It's an online newsletter basically and we're going to be launching one in the coming weeks! I'm waiting on a stationary design template for it and once it's ready, so am I! I am VERY excited about this new little venture of mine and trust me when I say venture because it is indeed one. But nonetheless an exciting one! I already have topics in mind that I want to share and it seems my brain just keeps coming up with more! Woo Hoo!
So...what will be IN this ezine? Lots of things! I'll be sharing tips and ideas with YOU for FREE! Yes, that's right FREE!! Why am I doing this? That's simple. I'm doing this because I want to reach out to more brides. However the tips and advice I share can also be applied to several other events that you could be throwing or planning also, so it can be invaluable to many.
Now what? How does one sign up for this? Simple again! Just shoot me an email at info@sochicevents.com or you may also go to our website, www.sochicevents.com and fill out the form on the guestbook page. If you email me, just put "I want my ezine!" in the subject line.
Once the first ezine goes out, it will be a regular thing. I'll probably send them out monthly until I get the hang of it but my goal is to send them bi-weekly. If at any time you decide you no longer want the ezine (like after you're married or throw that party) then you can unsubscribe at any time. Kind of a win-win situation. Gotta love that!
Pink Initiative is a collection of wedding industry professionals and private donors dedicated to funding awareness, outreach, education and research for breast cancer.
