Training for Wedding Professionals

Around the first of the year, I was doing research on the internet. I happened upon a website that offers training for wedding professionals on how to work with same-sex couples as they plan their weddings. I noticed that only two people from Texas are listed on their website as having taken the course so I e-mailed to ask if they've had a training in Texas. The answer was "no" so discussions began between us about scheduling one here. I called a colleague who works in the event planning/catering business and she agreed to collaborate. I found a venue as well so the training is scheduled to take place this summer at one of the most beautiful and popular venues in Houston.

This training comes at a pivotal time in Texas. The Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on whether or not same-sex couples have a right to marry nationwide. During the recent Texas legislative session, HB 4105 was introduced that would have prohibited state or local funds from being used for an activity that includes the licensing or support of same-sex marriage.  Also, a state or local government employee would not have been able to recognize, grant or enforce a same-sex marriage license. The bill did not come up for a vote before the deadline.

Business people who offer merchandise or a service to the public have at some point or another probably sold or provided their merchandise or service to the LGBT community. It make sense then, that if there is the chance same-sex marriage could soon be legal in Texas, wedding professionals would want to be trained by experts in the field on how to assist same-sex couples in planning their weddings so they could be prepared and "ahead of the game,"so to speak.

Good to Be Back!

I'm BAAAACK! It's been a while since I've posted on this blog; I'm happy to be back. Lots going on with Meetings and Milestones. I just completed a project for the Ft. Worth Riverside Lions Club. I planned the April 25th 75th Anniversary Celebration of their chapter. Since it started in 1940, the party had a 40s theme. I collaborated with some great vendors in the Ft. Worth area. The venue was the Golf Club Fossil Creek. Creatively Printing designed the Save the Date, invitations and programs. Fete and Frivolity provided framed, lighted posters from 1940s movies. The McKinney Dance Band played 40s tunes. Guy Phillips from What's That Guy's Name/Photography by Guy T took portraits and candid photos during the evening and Texas Star Bakery made the fabulous cake. I had such fun planning and coordinating the event as well as making all the centerpieces which also followed the 40s theme. I want to thank my high school classmate Eloy and the Lions Club for hiring me as the event planner. It was a blast!

Here are two photos of the party: one of the venue and one of the beautiful cake and the feather centerpiece I made.

My next project is planning a training for wedding professionals. More on that later.

Glad to be back!

Fall is a Great Time of Year!

The photo here was taken in the fall of 2007 at the Balloon Festival in Albuquerque.  I love this time of year in Houston, too. The weather starts to get really nice. From October to March the highs are usually in the 80s then the 70s (yeah!). My husband and I take walks in Hermann Park (we live half a mile away) and just enjoy observing nature and people. This morning on our walk, we noticed tons of families. The zoo must have had some kind of special program for Halloween. The line of cars was unending but lucky for us, we don't have to drive there! There have been lots of changes in the park this year. The whole Rose Garden and Garden Center were redone. It was open last Saturday for one day only and is supposed to be open all the time in December. Looking forward to that. The fall looks like a busy time for me. Next Saturday I'll be a vendor at The Wonderland Gift Market at Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, TX.  November 15th I'll be a vendor at the 2014 Mom's Holiday Market at The Woodlands College Park High School. Meetings and Milestones is also currently planning three events for 2015: a dinner/dance for a service organization, a large business conference and a high school reunion. I have space on my calendar for more events so e-mail me (meetingsandmilestones@gmail.com) or give me a call (832-215-1863). My present projects are being planned long distance so please keep that in mind if you're looking for an event planner but don't live in Houston. Happy Fall, everyone!

The Life Changing Conference for Women

Coming up next week in the Houston area there will be three opportunities to attend The Life Changing Conference for Women. It will be held Wednesday, August 27th in Pearland, then Thursday, August 28th in Sugar Land and Friday, August 29th in North Houston/Spring (see flyer). I'll be selling my faux flower arrangements at the Sugar Land event then attending the North Houston/Spring event as a participant. 

Pictured here is one of my favorite creations. This is from my "Wedding Collection." This arrangement would be perfect as decoration for a bridal shower, bridesmaid luncheon or party, rehearsal dinner or the reception. It should last for years as a keepsake and can be used for again and again as decoration for future events like the couple's anniversary parties. Take a peek at the Meetings and Milestones Pinterest boards; I have my creations on display there.

Upcoming Craft Shows

So pleased and excited to announce that Meetings and Milestones will be participating in upcoming craft shows featuring our flower arrangements! On Thursday, August 28th we'll be at The Life Changing Conference for Women in Sugar Land then on Saturday, October 11th we'll be at the Houston Trade Days at the NRG Center (formerly Reliant Center). We'll also participate in the 2014 Mom's Holiday Market in The Woodlands on Saturday, November 15th. I've applied to be a vendor at juried events in September and another one in November but have not heard about those yet (for juried events you apply and send examples of your work and the committee coordinating the event selects the vendors). Wish M+M good luck! I really enjoy the creative process involved in making flower arrangements from selecting prospective planters at resale shops to selecting flowers to putting the whole thing together. I'd like to continue doing this for a while!

Antique & Craft Mall of Pasadena

I'm really excited to announce that as of Friday, June 27th, my flower arrangements are now available at the Antique & Craft Mall of Pasadena (as well as The Treasure Trunk in Kingwood). At the Antique & Craft Mall I was lucky to snag a booth on the first aisle which faces the front window. This place is sooo cool! You should check it out but when you do, give yourself 1 1/2 - 2 hours at least so you can see everything.They have antique furniture, vintage clothes, decorations, collectibles, etc., etc. The other day I even saw an antique Texaco gas pump! The store is owned and operated by Scott Graves.

The Treasure Trunk

So excited and pleased to announce that as of Friday, June 6th, my faux flower arrangements are now for sale at The Treasure Trunk of Kingwood!  This is such a cool store!  It looks like an old house with a bunch of little rooms within it.  As you explore each of rooms off the main hallway, you'll discover products of many different vendors like clothes, jewelry, antiques and now...my flower arrangements! The store is located at 22616 Loop 494, Kingwood, TX 77339. If you are going north on Hwy 59, pass 1960 then a bit north from there take the McClellan exit but continue going straight (this is Loop 494).  The shop is on the right next door to Goodwill and across the street from Lowe's.  Take a look if you're in the area!  I can also create custom orders; just e-mail me at meetingsandmilestones@gmail.com. My work is posted at www.meetingsandmilestones.com.