Graphic designed by Jess Lehry Designs aka The Savvy Bride. 

I’ve been talking about The Style Plan workshops for a while now.  This content really comes from the heart, and I say that knowing that it sounds cliché.  I went through a very difficult time last year in my personal life that completely shattered what I thought I knew about myself.  That difficulty turned out to be a tremendous blessing in so many ways.  One thing that was crystal clear in the midst of that was that if I wanted to keep my business and continue doing the work that I loved, I had to completely change the way I operated the business.  (In my case, that translated to bigger is not better.)  Another thing that happened was that I took two months off and stepped completely away from the wedding industry during that time.  I was able to think about my business with more clarity than ever before, and my creativity soared.  I took lots of notes and journaled my thoughts, but did not allow myself to work on any new ideas until the personal situation was nearly resolved.

Out of that time away, The Stylish Planner was born, and along with it, the desire to put my experience and everything I had learned into a format to be shared with others.  That was a year ago and I can’t believe the first in a series of workshops will be held in my hometown of Atlanta in just two weeks!

From the infant stages of the workshop, my wonderfully talented friends and StudioWed owners, Nicole Riley (Asheville), Michelle Gainey (Atlanta), Mary Alice Sublett (Nashville) and Debbie Orwat (Denver) agreed to sponsor and host the event.  This unique relationship provides me with talented StudioWed vendors at my fingertips and allows me the opportunity to tap into their skills and expertise and showcase them to the workshop attendees.  While the workshop format will remain the same in each city, here is a sample of how vendors are participating in the Atlanta workshop:

LUNCH:  I requested a healthy lunch, used fresh, nutritious ingredients that busy professionals could easily incorporate in their everyday lives.  I also asked for the Chef to share with us their thoughts on healthy eating and how good nutrition affects our health overall.  Endive Fine Catering has already exceeded my expectations with this wonderful menu:

1)  a traditional middle eastern mezze spread of white bean and garlic hummus, babaganoush, select Persian olives, tabbouleh and grilled vegetables served with sliced cucumber and ethnic flatbreads. 

2)  soy bourbon glazed salon file over a strawberry spinach salad with baby curly spinach tossed with raspberry vinaigrette topped with sweet and spicy roasted pecans, dried cranberries, crumbled maytag blue cheese and fresh sliced strawberry. 

3)  California rolls with chef’s choice of smoked salmon, ahi tuna, cream cheese, avocado, tri-colored bell pepper, pickled daikon and cucumber served with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger, and

4)  miniature wonton tacos filled with Thai chicken, Asian vegetables, fresh ginger and cilantro sautéed in a bold sherry soy tomato sauce. 

NOTE:  Chef Drew will also conduct a live demonstration of sushi rolling techniques!

Photography:  I asked that one of the StudioWed photographers in each location be available to photograph attendees for a small fee.  I thought it would be a great idea for attendees to have the opportunity to update their headshots for their websites, blogs, Facebook and Twitter avatars and more.  I’m so excited that the incredibly talented and fun Janet Howard of Blue World Studios answered the call for the photography spot!  For a $30 fee paid directly to Janet, attendees will receive 8 – 10 images within a couple of weeks of the workshop date.

Hair & Make-Up:  Scoobie West is one of my dearest friends in the wedding industry.  I simply adore him.  He will be on hand to share his thoughts on hair and make-up trends and tips, talk about the importance of good grooming and how to look your best.  (He will also discuss some male grooming trends for the gentlemen in attendance.)  Scoobie will also offer a discounted hair & make-up styling session to The Style Plan attendees to be booked with him at a date and time of your choosing.  I’m hoping he can teach me some new up do looks as well as how to apply faux lashes!

Dress Designer:  The wonderfully talented Erica Angeline will be with us and during the Personal Image segment of the workshop, she will speak on fashion and discuss in detail the importance of good tailoring.  This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from a designer what fits are best for your body type.

Desserts/Treats: Peachy Treats will provide a delicious surprise.  I’m not picky at all when it comes to sweets, I love them all, so I am definitely excited to see what is in store for us at StudioWed!

The Style Plan news highlights:

- I’m very pleased to announce the charity of choice for The Style Plan is Wish Upon A Wedding.  1% of all proceeds of every Style Plan workshop will be donated to the wishing well.

- On Monday, June 14th, I will be announcing guidelines for a scholarship opportunity to the Atlanta workshop.  I will offer this in each city with the same guidelines.  I remember all too well how overwhelming things were for me when I first started in the industry, so I definitely want to be sensitive to those who are just starting out.  One Atlanta area wedding professional will receive a full scholarship to the workshop as long as the guidelines are met.

- In addition, I am offering a limited time discount to five attendees.  E-mail me at info@thestylishplanner.com with a short note on what interests you most about the website, and you will receive 1/2 price registration ($75).  This offer will be available until all five slots are filled or until tomorrow (June 11) at midnight.

To learn more about The Style Plan workshops, read this post I wrote last week and see the workshop outline, list of deliverables and registration information here.

I’m curious to know – what interests you the most about The Style Plan workshop?