I love planning events. I love having a reason to celebrate or creating one when necessary. To me an event is an experience, a memory, something to happily look forward to and fondly look back on. All of my events have been labors of love - and I'm always looking forward to the next event to come.
For me the process is relatively simple. I typically select a theme; find an invitation or work with a designer (or an Etsy-shop owner) to create something custom (digital or physical); and think of event-day activities and physical assets.
Photo Credit: Steve Pugliese
Desmond's Barnyard Bash
Planning my son's 1st birthday party was no small feat. With a large family and many friends, we had no choice but to throw a big party. When Desmond was around 10 months old, we started working on animal sounds. He didn't have any real interests yet, but a barnyard animal party seemed fitting.
I landed on the theme, took to Pinterest and Etsy for an invitation and other assets (favor tags, return address labels, water bottle labels, and thank you cards), and then started thinking about food signs, favors, the menu, the cake, centerpieces, and an activities for the kids.
Baby it's Cold Outside - Baby Shower
I was so excited to become an Aunt and that my sister would get to experience motherhood so I jumped at the chance to plan a baby shower for her. Together with my village (Mom, Stepmom, Aunt, Cousin), we put together a fun event to gather families and shower the new baby with love. Knowing that it's mid-late February in New England, we assumed it would be cold outside. Thus the theme was born.
Once we had the theme, I worked with my husband to create the invitation, inserts, favor tags, and games, found some printable signs, got and decorated chalkboard signs, and before we knew it, the day arrived!
Photo Credit: Steve Pugliese
My Wedding
A wedding isn't just a day for your guests to remember forever, it's a day that you will remember forever. Because of this I took ownership and great joy in planning every little detail. I worked with my husband on all of the stationery (invitation, inserts, signage in and around the venue) but also organized every thing else (Chuppah, color scheme, outfits, gifts, vows (we each wrote our own), ceremony music, rehearsal dinner, after-party, guest gift-bags, centerpieces and cardbox (handmade), etc).
I might only have one wedding in my life, but at least I can look forward to renewing our vows with a planned celebration sometime in the future.
THE BERKLEE BAKE-OFF
As a foodie and someone who loves planning things, I jumped at the chance to execute this event on behalf of the Personnel Committee. I managed Baker recruitment, reserved the space, promoted the event, secured prizes from local businesses, and designed the voting system, as well as organized the judges.