7 Questions to ask your Make-up Artist!

Whether for a wedding or any special event, the make-up artist (MUA) plays an integral role for the host or guest of honor. As the saying goes, IMAGE IS EVERYTHING! Here are a few questions that you should ask before retaining services of a MUA.

1. What is their background and how many events have they done?

2. What is the total cost and what does it include?

3. Is a trial run included? And if so, what happens during this time?

4. Where will the services be rendered (salon or your residence)?

5. How long will the services take?

6. Does the MUA have a replacement or back-up if they are unable to perform the services in case of an emergency?

7. Will they be available during the event for any touch-up needs? If so, will this be an additional fee?

Do not be afraid to ask these questions, as most professionals will be more than willing to discusses their packages. Remember, this is your event and your special time to shine. You want to make sure that YOU and your event are memorable!

Trick or Treat!!!

Please have a very fun and safe trick or treat day!!!

Eleni's: Customizing Creations

Last year, I blogged about one of my favorite bakeries in New York called Eleni's. They are know for their unique designer cookies, but recently they have added personalized cookies and cupcakes to their repertoire. These goods are perfect for celebrating personal events as well as marketing for businesses. I played around with the design tool to see how their cupcakes would look with my company's logo on them. Let's just say that my order is on it's way! The cookies that I designed were pretty cute as well. I couldn't make up my mind as far as which ones I wanted to order, so I decided to wait a while before ordering them. As I states in my previous blog regarding Eleni's, their sweets are not for the faint at heart. A dozen of customized cupcakes will cost approximately $47.00/dozen while the cookies are priced at $5.00 each. The one thing that I can attest to is that their products truly taste as good as they look. So if you are looking for a memorable statement to make for your next event or marketing campaign, consider Eleni's!

Scanning for fans!

The one thing that all businesses are constantly looking for is a way to become more popular and relevant. To maintain sustainability in the business world, you need to have as many fans of your service or product as possbile. But in order to stand out in the business world, you have to be innovative and have a digital presence. Most people will agree that we are currently living in a digital world. Trade publications are vastly being replaced by their online versions. Magazine and newspaper subscriptions are steadily becoming obsolete. With the push for digital media comes the need for more computer and mobile applications. One such application is the use of QR code. This unique bar code lets customers - and potential customers - instantly learn more about a business, by visiting a mobile version of the business. Many magazines, such as Get Married, and websites, such as Google Places, are utilizing this technology. The only thing that a person needs to utilize this code is a smartphone and a barcode reader on their phone. There are many difference QR does reader applications for smartphones. When you see a QR code, just use your phone to scan it and it will take you to the mobile version of the business or article that it is intended for. The above code is for my Google Places business page. Try it out and let us know what you think of this form of technology!

Wed to Black

We recently planned a commitment ceremony in which one of the brides wore a black wedding gown. I was a little reluctant when she told me of her desired attire, but once I saw the gown I was awestruck. Tradition has always held the notion that a wedding gown must be a shade of white as it represents purity. But, more and more brides are shying away from tradition for their special day. Black is a very elegant color and can be successfully used for a bride's wedding attire. More and more designers, such as Enden Bridal, are flirting with black for their wedding collections. I tell my brides to not be afraid of color and embrace their own style. Look forward to seeing more and more wedding gowns in non-traditional colors.

We have a new location!!!

Memorable Events by Apryl, LLC is pleased to announce the new location of our offices:

The Wells Fargo Center
440 Monticello Avenue
Suite #1860
Norfolk, VA 23510

We look forward to servicing all of our past and future clients at our new location which is the heart of Downtown Norfolk's business district. As always, consultations are on an appointment basis only.

Divine Find: Smarty Had A Party!

I am always looking for vendors and sites that make my business and personal life easier, but nothing makes me happier than finding a site that does both while helping me save money. Smarty Had A Party! is such a site. This company was a fellow contributor for an article that we recently worked on. Let's just say that I spent over two hours on the site. The site touts that it offers elegent disposable dinnerware but there is so much more to find there. Everything that you need for your event planning needs may be found on this site and the best thing about it is that you can purchase items wholesale. Please take a look at their site and discover why I consider it to be a Divine Find!

Party on the seas!

We recently had the pleasure of being a contributor for an article for Manitou Boats entitled "How to transform your pontoon boat into a floating party." The article touches on every aspect of a boat party from safety to cuisine. Please click the link here to read the article and tell us what you think!

The memories are in the photos!

One of the most important aspects of any event is the photography. You will always have your memories of an event, but the pictures always provide a vivid reminder of the experience. There are some important questions that need to be asked before hiring a photographer for any event. I have compiled a list of questions that should be asked of all potential photographers before hiring them for your special day.

1. What type of photography do they specialize in?
2. What type of camera do they use?
3. Are they familiar with the venue (have they worked there before)?
4. Will they have an assistant with them?
5. How many photos come in each package?
6. How many shooting hours are included in each package?
7. Will they accept a list from you of preferred shots wanted?
8. Will they give you the negatives, and if so what is the charge?
9. Do they have liability insurance?
10. What attire will he/she be wearing?

Event photos are an investment that you do not want to take lightly. Make sure that you take out the time to research the photographer, obtain client reviews, and ask all of the pertinent questions. Remember, although the event may last for only one day, photographs are eternal- so make it memorable!

What image are you painting for your company?

At some point in our lives, we have all heard the saying that "Image is Everything." Well, that is one of the most true statements that you will every hear in life, especially as a business owner. As a company, you can have the best product or service, but if without the proper visibility, marketing, and image your company will go into the same pile as other little known business gems. That is were public relations come in. Public Relations (PR) is all about reputation- that of your personal self and/or your company. It's the result of what you do, what you say, and what others say about you. It is used to garner trust and understanding between an organization and its various publics. Memorable Events by Apryl, LLC is not only an event planning company but we also specialize in the field of public relations. The services that we currently offer are:

*Public Relations

*Writing (Press releases, brochures, biographies, etc.)

*Media Training (Newspaper, magazine, radio, television)

*Marketing

*Website assessment and revision

We would be pleased to sit down with you to discuss how we can take your company to the next level. Visit our website www.MemorableEventsbyApryl.com or call (888)542-1333 for more information.

Saying Hello to Baby with "Hello Kitty"!

Today we helped Melisa Skinner celebrate the upcoming arrival of her baby girl Aubrey at her "Hello Kitty" baby shower. We utilized almost every color that we could, which helped to make the atmosphere lively. The grandmother-to-be also kept with the theme by wearing a "Hello Kitty" shirt. The cake was prepared by The Baker's Soul. It was white almond with butter cream frosting. To say that the cake was good would be an understatement. The thing that I was most excited about was the "Hello Kitty" cookies that I ordered from Etsy. Melisa was very surprised to see the cookies as we had not previously discussed that.

The guests enjoyed playing games such as "The Baby's Price Is Right," "What's in the diaper?" and "Name that baby food." It is so funny to see adults cringe at the thought of tasting baby food, but yet do not hesitate to feed it to babies, lol. I made sure that I made that game difficult for them by purchasing the multi-flavored baby food.

Melisa had so many gifts that they all could not fit on the designated gift table. One thing is for sure, baby Aubrey will definitely be traveling in style.

I could go on and on about the shower because I love baby showersm but I will stop here. We offer much blessings to the soon to be parents and want to thank them again for allowing us to help make their day Memorable!

Change is always good!

Memorable Events by Apryl, LLC is has made a lot of changes within the past year, but we are now embarking on some major changes. With any organization's growth, restructuring is a necessity. We started with our logo. Many of you have been with us through the ever-evolving changes of our logo. I think that I am FINALLY satisfied with the results. Another major change is that we are incorporating our public relations expertise within our business. It is something that we have done on a small level for friends and family who are business owners, but never solicited to the masses. There are so many exciting things that we will be sharing with you in the weeks to come! Stay tuned...

10-10-10 Asian Themed Wedding

Yesterday, the former Valerie Jones married Marion Williams on what some may consider the luckiest day of the year- 10/10/10. The couple opted for an Asian themed wedding in the colors of gold and black. We accented those colors with white orchards and Chinese paper lanterns.

The couple did not hesitate to show their love of the Asian attire. During the ceremony, the couple wore black and white- the bride in a traditional Asian white sleeveless kung fu suit and the groom in a traditional tuxedo. During the reception, the couple did not hesitate to coordinate with the color scheme. They both changed into black and gold kung fu suits. By the end of the evening, they were both donning t-shirts that read "Married on 10-10-10."

The Williamses were a pleasure to work with as they knew exactly what they wanted and was not afraid to experiment non-traditional wedding decor. This is always a plus for me and it allows me to stretch my imagination!

Again, we congratulate Valerie and Marion on their special day and want to thank them for allowing us to help make their day memorable!

Congrats Bridget & Tonya!!!!

Yesterday, we had the honor of assisting Bridget Semones and Tonya Powell in making their commitment ceremony memorable. The couple has been together for 5 years and finally decided to formally celebrate their partnership in front of family and friends.

The ceremony was held at Earlyhouse Plantation in Louisa, VA underneath the naturally adorned gazebo. The theme was rainbow, which was incorporated with the bridal party wearing Chuck Taylor sneakers in the colors of the rainbow.

This couple was such a joy to work with, and we wish them much success and blessings in the years to come.

We would like to thank Dana Briggs of Elegantly Yours Events for assisting us with this wedding, she helped to ensure that induced her touch of elegance!

To see more photos from this event, click here.