Tips for the Bride: Planning your Wedding Entertainment

As Jen prepared her iPod for her trip to Japan and China we got to thinking about music. Just about a year ago today, we were planning out the playlist for Jen's wedding (OMG has it really been a year already?!) and so we figured it would only be right to give you some pointers on your special event entertainment based on first hand experience and research.  Part of the fun of planning a wedding or party is deciding on your entertainment, which is, of course, an essential part of any successful event.  If you want everyone out on the dance floor you need to be sure to select the appropriate music for your audience (and of course, you'll have to include a few oldies for grandma and grandpa). The biggest factors to consider when selecting your musical entertainment are your budget and your personal style and tastes.  Here is a breakdown of the pro and cons of each scenario to help you decide on entertainment for your wedding or other social event.

1. Hiring a small group of musicians like a jazz band or string quartet: Hiring a small group to perform instrumental songs at your wedding or affair can be a beautiful touch that creates an atmosphere of elegance and romance. If your venue is historic, you can consider playing music from that era, such as some great Sinatra or fun Ragtime Jazz.  But, keep in mind, classy bands like this come with a really high price tag that averages about $600 for the first hour and $200 each for every additional hour and it will vary depending on where you are from.  There are some great options if you can't afford this, though!  We suggest asking a friend or two to perform a song, such as your first dance song or for your walk down the aisle.  These are some of the most important moments of the night, so it's always a little more personal and romantic to add fun, unexpected touches that are sure to make a huge impact.  Plus, a friend might be willing to do this for you for free or in lue of a gift!

2. Of course, you may want to hire a professional band instead to play some of your favorite tunes. A band is certainly more fun, and more costly, than a solo musician or orchestra style entertainers  The up side is they play many of the songs that are currently popular, and that your guests are sure to love, and nothing can compare to the energy that comes from having a live band at your event (plus consider the general "coolness" factor!)  But also, keep in mind your musical tastes and remember a band might know a lot of current pop songs, but their repertoire is going to be limited.  They might know "Livin' on a Prayer", but are they likely to know that obscure Postal Service song you love or that old Elvis song your grandparents used to dance to? Probably not.  And, again, bands are very pricey, so if you are planning to budget for a live band in the NYC/New Jersey area you can expect to pay around $5,000 or more.  Or, if you aren't down for that price tag, consider scouting out some local talent - there are plenty of young, aspiring musicians out there that would love an opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd for a much more reasonable fee!

3. Hiring a DJ is very popular and for good reason.  DJ's can provide all of your favorite songs, can have an nearly unlimited selection to accommodate the largest variety of people, and are the most affordable option when compared to a live band or musician.  In addition, a DJ doubles as the MC of the evening and helps to control the flow of your event (which is crucial!).  Now, the biggest downfall to the DJ is not having full control over your music. Sure, Lady Gaga is super talented and we adore her, but do we really want to hear the whole album? Actually, we do...but our guests might not! And many of us might actually die if we hear [insert any lame late 1980's/ early 1990's line dancing tune]. But, simply providing a "do not play" list (and stressing the importance that you will literally hurl if you hear said songs) can help to ease your mind.  The other factor is to make sure to choose a DJ who's voice you can actually stand for multiple hours.  Some of the ones we've encountered are cheesier than others, so just be sure to choose one that fits your personality and can control the flow of the event without stealing the show.

4. And, finally, you can always be your own DJ and provide music through your Ipod. This is definitely the most affordable choice, plus you have the luxury of crafting your own playlists and knowing that it won't be messed with!  This is a wonderful option for the couple on a budget that has list of off-beat "must have" songs that a DJ is not likely to have in their collection.  We are huge fans of the Ipod wedding, but we suggest hiring a professional to run the playlist for the night.  Sure, you can just ask a friend to help out, but hiring a professional ensures that your guests can relax and have fun and also that your playlists transition properly and your night stays perfectly on schedule.

Please don't stop the music.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Red Dress Gala Raises $48,000 to fight the #1 killer in women, heart disease

I had the most incredible opportunity to serve as guest speaker for the Alpha Phi Red Dress Gala at ASU! What an experience that I will never forget! The hospitality extended to me from the sisters of the Gamma Pi Chapter at Arizona State University was more than I could have ever dreamed of! You ladies will always have a special place in my HEART!

All proceeds (a whopping $48,000 raised in one evening) from the Red Dress Gala will benefit the Alpha Phi Foundation, the Heart Foundation. A nonprofit organization, the Foundation is the philanthropic partner of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, one of the oldest national sororities. The Foundation empowers women to give. Funds raised help to improve women’s heart health, support our sisters in need, and educate about the value of philanthropy with a priority to support programs that study heart disease and its treatments in women.

With Katelyn. What an amazing young woman. She took care of me the entire weekend. She was in charge of booking my travel arrangements, my hotel and made sure I was treated like a sister and a queen! Thank you Katelyn! AOE

With Alpha Phi Sister, Emily Johnson…also a former competitor in the Miss Teen International Pageant! Such a joy meeting this amazing young woman!

More about our sisterhood…Alpha Phi’s are leaders, scholars, contributors, lifetime members of a sisterhood that value these traits. Alpha Phi is a sisterhood of outstanding women supporting one another in lifelong achievement, a sisterhood that values the past but looks forward to the progress and promise of the future. We are dedicated to promoting sisterhood, cultivating leadership, encouraging intellectual curiosity and advocating service. Alpha Phi develops character for a lifetime!!!

I shared with the 400+ in attendance how Alpha Phi helped develop my character for a lifetime, instilled in me impeccable leadership abilities, loyalty, service, and love for others. It helped lay a foundation of service and a spark to help others and the world around me.

Today, the Alpha Phi spirit is alive and well in me…a pioneering spirit, a commitment to excellence, and the strong desire to help others…these are some of the qualities I gained as an Alpha Phi!

I’m so glad I never stopped living the Alpha Phi Mission! As Mrs. International, I am devoting my year of service to help others build their families through the miracle of Adoption…in hopes that my own adoption story will give them hope and inspire them to never give up on their dreams of building a family. I am also supporting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Movement! Come to think of it, it’s a perfect fit…the Joy of Giving and still living the Alpha Phi Mission as Mrs. International 2010. Alpha Phi’s Foundation is the “Heart Foundation” fighting the #1 disease in women and the International Pageants has the national alliance with Go Red to do the exact same thing!

During my presentation, I shared with the ladies that heart disease remains the #1 killer of women taking 1 in 3 women each year…approximately one woman every minute!!!

I encouraged them and I encourage YOU to take a strong stance against heart disease. Make it your mission to stop the #1 killer by empowering other women to take care of their hearts. 80% of cardiac events in women can be prevented by making the right choices for their hearts! I challenge each one of you to lead by example! Use your voice, share your story, GO RED, make heart healthy choices and you can HELP SAVE LIVES!

Get Inspired, Take Action Today…Save Lives!

AOE,

Shannon

International Food Festival

Food, great weather, fun music… that’s right - I got to experience my first festival in DC – The Adam’s Morgan Day Festival! The weather was fantastic, and there was so much to see I only remembered to take ONE picture!

It’s great to be able to experience different cultures through food, & that’s just what this festival let me do. I even got a really cool handmade bracelet. It was a really great International experience!

Ashley Smith

Color Day: Cranberry and Orange

Last week we played around with some Fall neutrals, but what about the warm, rich colors of fall?  We LOVE the combination of cranberry/burgundy with a burnt or pumpkin shade of orange. So much so, that Jen used this combination for her very own wedding.  Orange is becoming a huge trend in weddings, and pairing it up with another traditional Fall shade, like burgundy, insures your wedding will channel the spirit of fall in a way that is modern and tasteful. 

Cranberry/Burgundy and Orange Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: David Difuntorum Photography, Freed Photography, Abby Rose Photo, Kingen Smith, Tasting Memories, Joyful Heart Design, WeddingBee, Inventing Weddings, Project Wedding, Juja Crafts, Bake Your Heart Out, I Do Inspiration           

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Mrs. International is MARCHING to beat Breast Cancer!

Angela’s Army Update….Our goal of $11,000 has been replaced with the most recent total…. $13,020

I am so excited to be honoring the life of my sweet cousin, Angela Wike! Angela was a brave, intelligent, and beautiful woman who was passionate about this fight! Join me, Halle-Grace, Jason, and my entire family this Saturday as we honor Angela’s life at the Susan G. Komen Race in Charlotte, NC.

This is a personal invitation to join our team this Saturday, October 2, 2010! We are geared up and ready to MARCH in Angela’s Army! Every $1 counts. Help our team double our goal!!! After losing Angela and my grandmother this spring, I know firsthand that cancer does not discriminate nor does it care how old you are or who you are….Let’s BEAT this ugly disease!!!

Until next post, remain blessed!


Shannon

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon

This past Sunday, I volunteered at water stop number 7 at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge half marathon on behalf of the American Heart Association. It was a very early morning; we got up before 5 am and had to be at the event by 6:45 am to start filling up the water and power aide cups for the 5,000 marathon runners!

Miss DC International, Chelsey Rodgers, and I manned the water stop as a team. It started out pretty slowly with a few runners coming through, and of course the fastest, most competitive runners had no time for our water, but by 9:00 am we were in full swing and the runners were coming through fast and furious. We left our water station at 10 am to walk over to the ceremony where the winners were being acknowledged and the charitable donation checks resulting from the proceeds of the race were being presented.

Chelsey and I were presented the $5,000 ceremonial check by the President of Burke and Herbert Bank, who organized the event. The 6 top runners were all from Ethiopia and Kenya. They are all well known runners who travel around the world to compete in races like this one. Winning times were in the one hour and twelve minute range- wow! Running 3.1 miles in a little over an hour is truly an incredible feat!

Next was the presentation to the “American winners”- again, the top 6 Americans, 3 men and 3 women with completion times starting in the one hour and twenty three minute range.

It was a great event and inspired me to continue running, which I discovered my love for this summer while training for the International pageant. I hope that one day I will have the strength and endurance to run a race like this one, but for now, I’ll stick to less competitive runs around my neighborhood.

Juliana McKee

Fall Fashion: Army Green Jacket

The arrival of beautiful foliage means that the change of seasons is upon us and, although the past weeks in NJ have been unseasonably warm, we should prepare for cooler days.  When the temps drop the trees might undress, but we like to bundle up! So, a favorite must have item for fall is an army or military inspired green, lightweight jacket.  Because they're light weight they are perfect for fall or spring and great for layering over thin tees or sweaters! We've been seeing this look everywhere, varying from feminine flair to rugged chic. Just think of the 90's grunge scene, but pretty.

One of our favorite looks is this cinched anorak by BDG. It's large hood makes it perfect for shielding you from the crisp fall winds, but it's lightweight enough to wear even in September. The details are what make this jacket stand out: we love the cinched waist, hidden zippered pockets, and split hem in the back. This is one fall trend that we'll definitely be sporting.

Another great casual look is this cropped military jacket from Forever 21. It also has a large hood and hidden zippers, and the cropped style makes it perfect for layering. Just throw on a buffalo plaid scarf, and you're all set for apple picking!

A similar, but more polished look is this utility jacket from J. Crew. The jacket sports a comfortable knit trim collar, and is water resistant, which is handy for when you trek through the rainstorms in Nam.

We also love this cropped military jacket by Ann Taylor Loft. The structured Mandarin collar and broad belt will have you marching down the streets with authority, but what really makes this jacket stand out is its deep color. Described as "burnt olive" on the website, this shade of green is rich and vibrant, which is a nice change of pace from all the faded greens. And it especially looks good on red heads, as pictured above.

If you want something less casual, then try on this belted faded olive trench from Victoria's Secret. The large brass buttons and high collar give this a military feel, but the belted waist gives it a nice feminine fit. This look is great for both work and play,  and is a bit more interesting than your standard khaki trench.

Another fashion forward look is this lightweight parka available at Top Shop. This is a more urban take on the traditional army green, with a jersey body and cotton layers giving it a soft, cascading look. This parka would look great with leggings and combat boots (our other favorite fall trend) or with tights and heeled oxfords. 

Finally, we love this military inspired overcoat from Mod Cloth. Made from a warm wool blend, this is a great coat to have come November, when temperatures begin to drop and you're forced to forgo your light blazers for something more substantial. The cut of this coat makes it appropriate to wear to work,  but would work equally well with jeans and booties.  

At ease, soldier!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Healthier You/Fit Kids Expo 2010

Recently, it was my honor to represent the American Heart Association at the “Healthier You/Fit Kids Expo” for the Washington Metropolitan Area.

On that day I was representing three missions of the American Heart Association: the Alliance for A Healthier Generation (educating and encouraging children to be able to make better decisions regarding their nutrition and fitness), The Power to End Stroke (encouraging people to fight stroke in the context of their own cultural and ethnic communities) and Go Red for Women (fighting heart disease and stroke amongst women).

This event afforded me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful families from differing backgrounds who had made the decision to come to the expo and look for ideas that might lead them and their loved ones to a healthier lifestyle.

Many women and children filled out pledge cards aimed at a healthier lifestyle, and I provided them with cookbooks and other materials designed to help people provide healthy, nutritious and tasty meals for their families.

There was a fashion show of amazing women who had made big changes in their lives, each of whom had lost 50 or 60 pounds through exercise and healthy diet choices. They are true role models for young women and girls who want to have happy, healthy lives.

I was so glad to see a group of healthy women being celebrated for their healthy beauty in a society that often celebrates unhealthy beauty.

I hope those watching realized that healthy is beautiful. I know that between people like me speaking out and events like this, we can continue to make a change in the perception of beauty and teach girls, boys, men, and women to love themselves for who they are and not for how they look compared to pictures in a magazine.

Juliana McKee