Sunday, December 5, 2010

A Great Day at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center!

Hello Fans of Bella Mia...
I wanted to send a quick note about my experience at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. My site visit was coordinated by Portia, Senior Sales Manager. Portia definitely has a knack for sales, she was outgoing, fun, and presented a number of ideas about how the site could be used to accommodate various events. The facility is wonderful! The outdoor area surrounding the property is well-maintained and picturesque. Additionally, the ballroom features gorgeous chandeliers that grasp your attention as soon as you walk in the room. The guest rooms feature a contemporary design that I loved and the view allows you to see for miles. So of course, the question on your mind is, "How's the food?" We experienced the sushi, lamb kabobs, and the grilled chicken sandwich with fresh mozzarella and raspberry pesto...one word, "delicious"! This is an event location that should definitely be on your radar and Portia [703-845-2613] is great to work with. Thanks for your time Portia!

Cheers,
Anita

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Warning: Don't read if you are hungry! :-)








As much as I love my job and what I do...I'm not going to lie, sometimes it's really hard.

We did an intimate dinner for our clients this past weekend where we brought in a Chef...(who rocked by the way...) to prepare a 4 course meal for our clients and their guests.

The meal was out of this world good.....at least it looked that way! ;-) Our clients confirmed it too! All that's left are the pictures.....enjoy!!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

So...I started this new thing....

....if you go to Facebook and "like" Bella Mia Weddings and Events you will be able to read all about our 30 days of being Thankful.

While I have to be perfectly honest with you, I am thankful ALL 365 days out of the year, but November seems like the perfect time to share 30 of the bazillions of reasons why I am Thankful!

One other thing I would like to share with you...besides what I am Thankful for... ;-)......is a Thanksgiving decorating tip.

Whether you are having a Thanksgiving day dinner made for the masses or you are having a small little intimate gathering...you want to make the table inviting. You can do that by setting the table with matching linens, a centerpiece, place cards, candles, and so on.

Of course browns, oranges, and golds work very well this time of the year. I tend to stay away from the busier tablecloths and napkins (like the plaids, and prints). I like things a little more streamlined in color...maybe a nice shimmery brown table cloth with gold napkins to match in the same fabric. Or you could do a creamy table cloth with darker napkins. Whichever you do, keep in mind that no matter how careful you or your guests are, there is always something bound to spill. To add a little pop into your table you can add a low centerpiece that is proportionate to your table size. Remember to keep it rather low though so your guests don't have to dodge the centerpiece just to talk to the person across the table.
Another nice touch that I like to add is decorative napkin rings that fit the occasion. I have a set of 10 squirrel napkin rings from Pottery Barn that I like to use...not because I like squirrels but because they are a cute conversation piece and unique.
I also like to use place cards even though we have a fairly small family. Place cards just add that little touch to an exquisite table without over doing it.
Of course we can't forget about the actual serving pieces!! Your sweet potatoes can be a decoration in it's own if it is served in a coordinating bowl. You can choose to use serving dishes that have more of a pattern to them or you can use all of the same color. No matter what you use though, the colors in your foods will make the table pop!!
Happy Decorating! :)
xoxo,
Tammy

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The little things in life.

So this day started off great....the sun was shining, my Son still had one more day off from school, I was having people over for breakfast, and I had my favorite coffee to brew for friends and family! Oh, and the most important thing...everything was ready!! I just had to heat it up! If things aren't ready to go then I start to panic so I make sure that I never go into panic mode.
Anyways...I showered and got ready to come down and brew the coffee....I couldn't wait for the sweet smells of my chocolate raspberry creme coffee to fill my home. I filled the reservoir up with 12 cups of coffee (because I knew this coffee would be a big hit and I was right...), turned the coffee maker on and went about my businesses. As the aroma was filling my home so were strange noises that didn't sound very good. I happened to look over to see my coffee maker falling apart!! Right in the middle of brewing my little cup of heaven!! What was I to do other than to PANIC!! I managed to hold it together long enough for it to brew 6 and a 1/2 cups of coffee....but what happened to the rest of the water? And more importantly....did I have any instant coffee to offer my guests??
As panic sets in (didn't I just say that I do everything in my power to avoid panic??) my husband....my one and only said that he would drink tea instead and save the coffee for us. What a man....taking one for the team! ;-)
Luckily we all had one big mug of coffee and we enjoyed every last drop of it!
Needless to say...the old maker went in the trash and the new one was set in it's rightful place on the counter.
I will enjoy it tomorrow as I brew my new orange cream coffee. :)

Friday, October 29, 2010

Happy Boo'ing!!.....2 days early!

Ghosts, ghouls, and goblins...oh my!!
Witches, wizards, and warlocks...oh no!!

It's a fun time of the year and with Halloween being on a Sunday this year, we know that are a lot of parties this weekend. Matter of fact...we designed 2 of them for this weekend. :)

While this is a FUN holiday....it's also a holiday that should be taken very seriously. Please read our safety guidelines....you've heard them before so consider them a review. :)

1) Drive carefully through the neighborhoods...you never know when a little goblin will run out into the street.

2) Please make sure all your little monsters and princesses have reflective tape AND safety lights on them. This is especially important for all the darker costumes.

3) Please make sure that costumes are short enough that they can't be easily tripped on.

4) Please make sure that all paths and walkways are clear of debris and trash and the leaves are raked up. Leaves can be very slippery especially when wet.

5) Leave your outside lights on even if you run out of candy. Kids don't always pay attention to lights and will still knock on your door.

6) Please please please check ALL the candy that your kids get. This couldn't be stressed enough.

7) Never let your kids go trick or treating alone...always go with them.

8) Be sure to take any candy away that your kids could be allergic to or that could be a choking hazard.

9) If you have had too much to drink...please call a cab or a friend to come pick you up.

and finally......

10) Have FUN!!!



Happy Halloween from your friends at Bella Mia!!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Gobble Gobble....

Turkey day is right around the corner...can you believe it?? This is of course after Jason scares the bejeezers out of us, Freddy invades our dreams, and all the little ghosts and goblins take our candy. I don't know which is more scary!! :)

Anyways, when I was a kid, Halloween was the starting point to the holidays for me...the pivotal moment where all was right with the world and Santa made everything all better. Now as an adult, Halloween means so much more...it means parties, teas, get togethers, decorating, present buying, wrapping, card making, card writing, baking and aye aye aye!! The list goes on and on!! It's no longer a magical moment in time but rather a tiring FĂȘte that seems to never end but at the same time is over in the blink of an eye.

I may seem to be a goddess of organization at times...(at least that is what some of my friends call me) but that title doesn't come easy. I am going to share one thing with you that helps me get through both big and small events.

Now you may want to write this down....trust me, you'll want to keep this tip with you at all times!!

Ready...??

3 small words that make a world of difference....

MAKE A LIST!!!

Make a couple of lists if you need to but definitely make a list!! Make sure you carry your notepad with you....everywhere!! Make sure to write everything down and when I say everything, I mean everything because eventually you will forget to write at least one thing down if you don't have that list with you at all times!!

I know it seems elementary but it is the key to success!! My lists have helped me get through some very important events in my life....such as the birth of my Son! :) Seriously...if I didn't have a list he would have come home clothed in a diaper and a hospital blanket! Even my husband loved my list at the time!!

Anyways....I digress....what you learned tonight was the key to success and the prescription for keeping your sanity. You can thank me later! :)

xoxoxo,
Tammy

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Ladies....this one is for you!


It's never too early to think about holiday presents! Did you know that after Labor Day is the unofficial start to the holiday gift buying season?

Why not give your spouse the gift that will leave him wanting more? Give him sexy photos of yourself. Our professional photographer will leave you feeling happy and satisfied and the professional stylists at the W Salon will do your hair and makeup so you will feel like a superstar.

All sessions are private. Please see the flyer and contact us to reserve your spot today!

Fall is in the air...

Well, the heat has finally moved out to make room for the cooler temps. Don't get me wrong...I love Spring and Summer as much as the next person but this past Summer was way too hot!! I thought I would never have a chance to wear the cute boots that I got for the Fall!! :)

Along with the cooler temps comes the onset of the holiday season and what a busy time of year it can be!

Instead of stressing through another holiday season why not call us to do all the work for you? We will take the stress off of you so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your family and friends.

Call us for your no obligation quote on making sure that you have a stress free party this holiday season.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Fall into Fashion 2010






Fall into Fashion 2010 at Fairfax Corner

Our fashion show this past Saturday was a huge success! Of course we have a few people to thank for this:

Lindsey w/ Peterson Corp. who is the Marketing Manager for Fairfax Corner...she was great to work with.

Sue from Cupcakes Actually for sponsoring the event! Her Cosmopolitan Cupcakes are still available for the rest of this week so make sure you stop in.

Vanessa and Markette...the ladies did a fabulous job! It's always a pleasure to work with both of them.

The stores that participated and showcased their best Fall outfits: Aerosoles, White House Black Market, Lucy, Chico's, and Chic Envy...they all had some beautiful clothes that were a huge hit!

The vendors...we felt like we made some new friends as they were all very friendly and outgoing.

Pollock, the band! They did an awesome job at playing family friendly music and were requested by many guests that were there.

DJ Ill Phil...he did a great job and DJ'ing during the show and playing music afterwards.

Distinct Concepts for their outstanding dedicated service to providing us with graphic design work for this event.

And last but not least....both of our photographers Mike Stog who was our main photographer and whose work you can see on this blog as well as our Facebook page and Gena whose work is also featured here and our FB page.

A big Thank you to everyone who helped to make this event a huge success! We are looking forward to many more events at Fairfax Corner. We can only hope that we have the same beautiful weather that we had this past Saturday.

Please visit our website for our upcoming events...ladies, we have one especially for you! :)

~T


Friday, September 10, 2010

Drumroll please....

I have been waiting for this moment when I can finally make the official announcement...

So as you all know...Bella Mia is hosting a fashion show in conjunction with Fairfax Corner on September 18th from 1-5pm.

We will have music, a live DJ, vendors, a fashion show (of course) and....just in.....our emcees for the event are none other than VANESSA AND MARKETTE from DC on Heels!! Yes, it's official...they are emceeing the event! We are so excited!! :D

Make sure you mark your calendar to come out and see the latest fall must have fashions, check out our cool vendors, listen to some great music, and see the 2 lovely ladies behind DC on Heels!!

Our vendors include:

Jewels by Parklane
Isagenix,
Kura Designs
Asha Enterprises
Signature Designs by LaNorma
Lia Sophia Jewelry
Distinct Concepts
Miche Bags
Global Exchange
AK Henna Designs
Chez Kevito
W Salon
River Moon Films
3 Little Birds Stitch
Arbonne
and of course Bella Mia!

Can't wait to see you all next weekend!!

xoxo
Tammy

The Park





So Anita and I had the pleasure of partying with Vanessa and Markette of DC on Heels at the Park on 14 in DC!! Does the Park sound familiar?? Well, it has been featured on The Real Housewives of DC.

While we didn't see any of the Housewives, we did meet a bunch of amazing people who are business owners and entrepreneurs like ourselves. And the ambiance....well let's just say that it was a first class Restaurant and Hot Spot! Living so close to DC, I take it for granted and never really get out there (mainly because the traffic scares me) but it truly is an awesome place to hang out! I think I'll catch a ride with someone and head out there more often! :)

Enjoy some of the pictures from the evening...

xoxo,
Tammy

I realized....

....that I never made the official announcement.....

I have a partner!! :D

Anita Triggs joined me about a month or so ago and is officially the "other half" of Bella Mia Weddings and Events!! And I couldn't be happier!!

I realized at the beginning of the summer that I would need/want a partner but I didn't know where to turn to because they say never mix business with friends or family....so where does that leave me?? Well, turning to online marketing places of course! Sort of like the 'personals' of business! Of course I was nervous because I didn't know where I would end up but luckily I only met nice people. Anita and I met a little later in the process but I loved her from the beginning!!
As soon as we get our website re-branded you will be able to read all about her! Of course, if you book us for an event or a party you will be able to experience her infectious zest for life, joyful personality, and bright shining smile for yourself! :0)

xoxo,
Tammy

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A lot to catch up on....

I really really need to get better about blogging!! So many exciting things are happening with Bella Mia that I really need to share more!

First and foremost....the fashion show!! Please mark your calendar on September 18th for the 1st ever fashion show at Fairfax Corner featuring live entertainment, vendors, a fabulous fashion show, and delicious cupcakes from our sponsor "Cupcakes Actually"!! They are rolling out their finest cupcakes in honor of the occasion..."The Cosmopolitan"! You'll never think of the Cosmo the same.

Also, please watch out for updates regarding our upcoming events. We will be announcing our Girls Night Out Boudoir Shoot coming in October! Ladies, brush off those stilettos and pry your man's favorite team jersey out of his hands and come and get some sexy pictures done for him. They will make great holiday gifts or just because.... ;-)

Please follow our blog so that you are in the know all the time!

xoxoxo
Tammy

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Whew...I can breathe now!!

For the past month or so, I have been consumed with a big event that I feel passionate about. The All Night Grad Party at the High School.
We have been working on this party for the better part of the year but as time drew closer, so did the responsibilities. I have to say, it was a huge undertaking for me as I was unfamiliar with a lot of the aspects and the people involved (one of the many downsides to not living in the same school district). But the party was a huge success and went off without a hitch!! The rewards of hearing how the kids had a great time and seeing them laugh and have fun far outweighs missing one night of sleep. :-)

Now that the ANGP is over, I can finally focus on Bella Mia! One thing I am going to try and do is to hold a fundraiser with various salons where we collect hair and donate it to stop the oil leak!! Did you know that nylons stuffed with hair will help to clean up an oil spill?? I didn't but I think it's neat!! I'm also going to focus on pet salons as well...they have a lot of fur too! :)

I'll update everyone on that goal as soon as I have updates to give!

Until then....I have some more events that I am working on.

Creatively yours....
~tammy~

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Fourth of July is a summertime favorite for so many. It's a time for BBQ's, parties, friends, and family.

Of course there are the standard party decorations that you can get from the party store like the Stars and Stripes bunting, or the red, white, and blue balloons, or little American Flags however, why not make your own festive party decor? It's simple, inexpensive, and fun for the entire family!

For a pretty festive table take a white plastic table cloth and sprinkle red, white, and blue confetti all over it and then layer it with a clear plastic table cloth. If you can't find a clear plastic table cloth then go to your local fabric store...most will sell it by the yard.

For a festive and fun center piece why not make a mini candy buffet? Take various clear glass jars of varying shapes and sizes and fill them with fun and sassy candies. You can get red, white, and blue m&m's, red twizzlers, silver hershey's kisses, blue cotton candy, rock candy, starlight mints, and red, white, and blue lollipops, etc.

For the dessert table you could do a cupcake tree with red, white, and blue sprinkles or maybe little mini flags in each cupcake. For a little fun you could always buy special sparkler candles to use on the cupcakes. Please keep in mind that regular sparklers burn up to 1800F degrees which can be very dangerous around small children not to mention that regular sparklers give off a black soot like dust which may be harmless but isn't very pretty on your dessert.

There is so much you can do to make your party classy and pretty but very inexpensive.
If you want some more ideas on how to make your 4th of July party shine please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions for you. Also remember that for a small fee, Bella Mia will come and decorate for you so you can relax before the big party!

Have a safe and fun 4th of July and a rest of the Summer!

Don't forget to book your Holiday parties early because they will be here before you know it! :)

Creatively yours,

Tammy

Monday, May 31, 2010

The SATC event at W Salon was WONDERFUL!!









We had such a wonderful time at the event last Thursday! There was so much food, fun, and laughter the whole night.

We pulled out all the stops for this event...no stones were left unturned! We had everything from food to beautifying yourself to taking pictures of yourself.

Anne, our make up artist was there to touch up your make up after getting your hair done. She was a natural...she knew how to make you comfortable even while she was putting on eye lash extensions!

The photo booth....oh boy, seriously? Do I need to even mention how popular that was? Everyone loved going in and making kissing face in front of the camera....yes, even yours truly made some goofy faces! ;)

Food....well, our menu included Turkey roller sandwiches from Costco, fruit salad, cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, and....wait for it....wait......cupcakes from Cupcakes Actually!! They are sinfully good!!

We tired the staff of the W Salon out with the event so we are letting them take a break but don't worry....we have some big events in the works such as a bridal hair show in June, a grand re-opening, and a fundraiser to benefit Cancer.

As far as Bella Mia is concerned...I am working on a Bridal Vendor Fair and I hope to announce the date, time, and location within the next couple of weeks. I will be looking for an assistant or 2 for the event so if you are interested in making some extra money, let me know.

Well till my next blog..which will hopefully be sooner than the last...take care and try to stay cool in this heat!

Creatively yours,

Tammy

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Calling all SATC fans...less than a week!!

So...I've already said that we were busy meeting with vendors the other day, right? Well, S and I had the pleasure of meeting with JB from Sweet Dreams Studios where we signed him on to be the photographer for the event. We are especially excited because Sweet Dreams will be bringing their super cool mobile studio photo booth!!
We will have a special "Star" room where you can go with your girlfriends and take some cool photos of yourselves after your glam makeover....speaking of glam makeovers....don't forget to stop by the make-up artist before going to the photo booth!
Now I don't want to give too much away on here but this is going to be a big event! We have pulled out all the stops to make sure that everyone walks out of there feeling fun, flirty, sexy, and beautiful!
Don't forget to RSVP to the event on the 27th of May. We hope to see you there!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

So much to do...so little time....

....but I'm loving every single minute of it!! :)

So today was a whirlwind of activities from meeting with several vendors to finalizing details of the Sex and the City event to working on my website!!

First things first...my website is live but it's not complete yet. I still have some things to clean up on it and some tweaking I want to do but I hope to have it finalized by this weekend.

The vendors...we met some great people today and are excited about some of the connections we have made for this event and future events. Oh, and there will be future events! W Salon and I have been chatting about different events we want to have and we have some great things in the works. I am so happy to have partnered up with such a great Salon and a great group of people! W Salon has some of the friendliest stylists I have ever met before. They always greet you with a smile.

The event...who isn't excited about Sex and the City 2?? Everywhere I turn the "buzz" about the movie and the event is all over the place!! We are so happy that people are excited about this event. We love it when someone asks us a question or calls to RSVP...that is the best feeling ever!

Watch my Facebook page for more updates on this event and other events that I am doing....and watch for the "new relationships" that we are forming!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

...Sex and the City...


Ok, so I have to admit that I wasn't a big SATC fan until I watched the movie for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Yes, admittedly I only watched the movie because of my affiliation with the big event at the W Salon on the 27th.
Now that I have seen the movie I must say that I am excited about the premier of SATC 2!! I plan on going to see it with a group of girls right after the event!
Speaking of the event...have you reserved your space yet? We have swag bags for the first 100 people as well as cosmopolitans, appies, prizes, and cupcakes from Cupcakes Actually!! Can you say yummy??
Come dressed as your favorite character whether it be Miranda, Charlotte, Samantha, or Carrie and win a prize for the "best dressed".
Mark your calendar for May 27th and come and have some fun!!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

It's been a while...

I can't believe I haven't blogged in so long! Well, wait...I can believe it because things have been so busy!!

I have a friend who we'll call S...S has opened her very own Salon in Burke called Salon W. Well, through the magic of facebook...I have reconnected with her again.

S found out about Bella Mia and contacted me about an event that she wants to have at her Salon....a Sex and the City Premiere event! Well, having never seen a show in my life...I knew that it could be a big thing but I never knew how big it could be!!
I won't go into too many details because things are still in the works but....Salon W is definitely an up and coming salon in Burke Va....and I'm not just saying that because I am officially the "exclusive event planner" for Salon W! ;-)

S...I am so happy for you...you have turned that place around!!

Oh, and I am proud to announce that I am officially hooked on Sex and the City now...thank you very much!! lol

Next time you are on FB look up Salon W and become a fan to follow along!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

It's coming along!

Our first annual "Will you..." engagement shootout is coming along nicely. We have 5 awesome photographers lined up to take some beautiful images of newly engaged couples at an absolutely beautiful location!
Unfortunately, since we are still waiting for final approval...we can't disclose it just yet. However, as soon as we get that final approval you can bet that we will make the big announcement soon!!
Make sure you watch for the announcement!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!!

So I saw this great idea that a photographer did in California where she hosted a "shootout" for engaged couples to raise money for a charity.
Basically she invited fellow photographers to come and do mini engagement sessions for engaged couples for a donation.
I thought this was a great idea but wanted to incorporate it into my wedding and event planning business....
So....I found some of the DC area's hottest photographers and we are doing something similar. Ultimately I want to do this for a charity as well but I didn't have enough time to get that set up so...I am hoping to do this again in the Fall.
If you know of anyone who just recently got engaged...please pass this on...

The 1st Annual "Will You..." Engagement shoot...
May 1st from 10-noon (times could change depending on the number of participants)
There are 5 photographers participating...I will post names and bio's in the next week or 2.
Location- Somewhere in the Tyson's area...am working on a location now.
What will happen: You will get a 15 minute mini session with each photographer as well as a few low-resolution images. You may also have a chance to order more images...depends on the photographer.
Also, you will have a chance to enter for a FREE videoagrapher to do your wedding! The free videoagraphy session is being offered by Moon River Video. 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive 50% off of the package of their choice with Moon River Video.
How much will this cost?? NOTHING- NADA- ZIP- ZILCH!!! It's FREE!!

Why are we doing this? We want you to have a chance to "test drive" some of the area's hottest photographers before you book!
I will also be there (of course...I'm hosting the event) with bridal packets and information on Bella Mia's services....also, you will have a chance to enter for 50% off of the package of your choice OR a FREE "Wedding Angel" package which includes online support only.

What are the rules you ask?
The rules are simple...you must be engaged and have a wedding date set.
You can not have a contract with a photographer or wedding/event planner already.
And....you must RSVP by the 28th of April to be included in the event.

This FREE event is one that you should really plan on being at...mark it in your calendars and call to RSVP and of course, pass it on to all your engaged friends!!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

I've got that "lost" feeling!

It's with a heavy heart that I tell you my dear friend Chris passed away over the weekend. Even though we all knew it was coming....it doesn't make it any easier to accept the news that she is gone. It certainly didn't make it any easier when her sweet husband called me Sunday morning to tell me personally even though I knew through Facebook.
Her husband....wow! What can I say but those 2 were so in love and it showed through all of the nasty stuff! He took the time to contact all of her close friends the morning after she passed. My husband would never do that!!
Chris will always be in my heart and soul as the sister that I always wanted. Cancer may have taken her body but it can never take her spirit!
I love you Chris and I miss you so much! I don't know how many times I have reached for the phone to call you but then I remembered... :(
RIP Sweet lady!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Is it over yet?

This past winter has been awful! We have had more snow this year than we knew what to do with! Literally....it was piled all over the place because they didn't know what to do with it!

Last weekend was beautiful....nice and warm and sunny!! Oh how I missed the sun! The last couple of days though have been cold and rainy. According to Accuweather...we are on a warming trend....I hope it stays this way!!

Along with the warmer weather comes outdoor parties and BBQ's! Oh how I love this time of the year! Nothing like the smell of a BBQ going and kids laughing and playing.

Are you looking for new creative ideas for your next outdoor party? If you want your party to stand out from the rest then call me! Together we can create the outdoor party of a lifetime...or until the next party at least! :)

I am here for any type of party or event that you are having! Call or email for your no obligation customized party packet.

Friday, March 26, 2010

A lesson learned...the hard way!

So as many of you know...my life has been incredibly busy lately with everything that I am involved in. I won't go into details but this past weekend was a true testament to how busy I am with one of the biggest fundraisers for the All Night Grad party happening. Now even though I was not one of the key players (thankfully, I have committee chairs to do this)I was still running around doing different things.
Don't get me wrong...I enjoy every second of it but sometimes I tend to put off the important things...like calling a dear friend when I said I would!

Yes, that dear friend is Chris. I kept telling myself that I would call her and I kept putting it off. Not on purpose....other things just got in the way.

After being offline for a couple of days, I get back on to find out that she has taken a turn for the worst. Talk about feeling really bad!! I told her I would call her to let her know how the fundraiser turned out. She was really interested and really cared....and I screwed up! Not that it would have changed anything but at least I would have heard her voice one last time...had one more good conversation with her...and heard her laugh one more time. Now, all I have is memories of her voice, our past conversations, and her infectious laugh!

Chris is being kept sedated and comfortable right now...that's about all they can do for her anymore.

As I called her house today...not really knowing what to say...I could hear her laughing at me telling me to stop being silly. I honestly didn't know if I wanted someone to answer (well, of course I wanted Chris to answer and this to be a horrible nightmare but that didn't happen) or it to go to voicemail....but what would I say if it did go to vm?
Luckly, her husband answered. He is such an awesome man! A pillar of strength...her rock.
We talked for a little while...we laughed and of course we cried! I tried so hard to stay strong (if you know me, you know that I cry easily) but when G started to cry...I of course lost it! They have such a strong, loving bond to one another and you could hear the pain in his voice.

As I hung up the phone, I had a pain in my heart knowing that not only will G lose his best friend and his life companion but also that I should have called earlier.

Next time....I will stop what I'm doing and do what is most important in life! You just never know....

Chris....I love you now and forever. You will always have a special place in my heart!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

There is always a reason!

As some of you know, Bella Mia Weddings and Events has been a longtime dream of mine but came to fruition because of a conversation I had with a good friend of mine one night. I told her about my dream and she said she always thought that would be fun to plan other peoples parties and she wished she could do it.
C has been battling Breast Cancer for about 5 years now. Sadly, chemo wasn't doing what it should be doing and it was making her sick...so sick she had to give up her photography studio because she couldn't shoot anymore.
To make a long story short....everything I do with Bella Mia will be in honor of C and once I get everything set up...I plan on becoming affiliated with an organization to fight Breast Cancer....in honor of C and everyone else fighting the horrible disease.
On another note....about 2 weeks ago, C asked me to help plan her Life Celebration party. I'd be lying if I told you I was thrilled about it but I was very honored. I love C and would do anything for her, as she is my hero. She is an incredibly strong lady!
I didn't know if I should blog about it or not....even though I really wanted to. So what do you do when you have a question and you don't know who to turn to? You turn to your Business Idol and ask her! In this case, one of my business Idol's is The Party Goddess!
She gave me some good sound advice and I followed it!
C....I love you...keep fighting girl!!!

Friday, February 26, 2010

I got swagger!!

How many of you are envious of the "swag bags" that the stars receive when they attend an event? I know I am....I mean, they come with anything from simple Spa certificates to beautiful Diamond necklaces and sometimes even CARS!! Like the rich and famous need handouts, right? ;-)

Well now you can be the giver of a "swag bag" at your next event! A HANDMADE "swag bag" at that!

I will customize a handmade bag for any occasion be it a baby shower, bridal shower, wedding, kids birthday....or just because! Make your event stand out with customized "swag bags"!

You can choose to have the bags filled with age appropriate and event appropriate "swag" or you can fill them yourself!

These "swag bags" are priced to order!

Contact me TODAY!!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Give me Sunshine and warm weather!

Well, it's been a crazy couple of weeks with all this weird weather we have been having. First, we had a storm which dumped about 6 inches of snow....then a couple of days later we were under yet another winter storm warning where we got about 30 inches of snow!!! Then...if that wasn't enough, a few days later we got 9 more inches!! Needless to say....I am soooo over snow! I used to tolerate it but I can't even do that anymore!

My Dad...the oh so lucky one, got to escape the 3rd storm and head to Florida! While, normally I think he is ok with being gone for a few days but this time he was a little worried about leaving my Mom here alone so we went and picked her up so she could stay with us for a few days. It was fun...she made me a homemade birthday cake and we watched HGTV and movies.

The weather has finally been cooperating and a lot of melting has been going on (which is good because my gutters are filled with ice). The only bad thing is that we still have a lot of snow banks around and with as much snow as we have gotten lately...you can imagine how big they are! Well, thanks to the snowbanks and drivers who don't pay attention in extreme conditions....we got into a car accident on Presidents Day! Luckily we are all ok...just shaken up. But we are down a car and that makes things a little more difficult when trying to run a business and a family.

Well, wedding season will be in full swing very soon....and hopefully Bella Mia will make a grand entrance into the Wedding and Event planning industry! I have big plans for advertising and getting my name out there.....if only the weather would continue to cooperate!

Creatively yours.....

~t

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Back to reality...

Click on the Valentines Anagram to enlarge and have fun! ;-)




Valentine's Day is around the corner and what better way to celebrate then to have a romantic dinner! Don't worry about trying to figure out how you are going to keep it a secret from your lover...that's my job! ;-)
Give me a call today as time is running out.....I have a few openings left! 571.315.0806

Looking ahead to the summer...


We are still under a winter storm warning in the DC metro area until 4 am. I know one day, I will look back and it will be a distant memory.........until next winter!
Unfortunately, I am not a big fan of snow, ice, or cold of any sorts unless it is in the form of a snow cone! :)
Remember the days not long ago when you didn't have a care in the world and you spent most of your days outside eating snow cones to keep cool? Ahhh, nostalgia at it's best!
Have you ever wished that you could just go back to the good old days even if it were for a day?
Well, now you can! Why not throw a "Drive in Movie" themed party? You don't need a big huge parking lot or even a huge movie screen to make it a big hit! There are plenty of things that we could do to make this a party to remember.
This could be a fun event for guests of all ages.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Welcome to the exciting world of Bella Mia...

First I want to welcome you the the blog for Bella Mia Weddings and Events. Why a blog and not a website you ask? Well, I can manage a blog a lot better than I can a website! It doesn't take as much knowledge to maintain a blog! :-)

Bella Mia may be a new company but there are years and years of experience standing behind it! You can rest assured that when you hire Bella Mia for any wedding or event you are getting a top notch company with excellent service and a unique outlook on making sure your event is exactly what you want...and more!!

Bella Mia is being dedicated to a good friend of mine who is battling Breast Cancer. So as a "grand opening" special...any event or wedding that you book with Bella Mia in the year 2010...5% of the net profits will go to the Susan G. Komen fund.

Also as a grand opening special...if you refer me to a friend or company that signs a contract, you will get a small gift as a token of my appreciation. If you employ Bella Mia's services, then you too will receive a special gift!

Ciao for now... ;-)