Growing Up With Teacups and Castles
Never underestimate the experiences of a childhood, for me, they set the stage for event planning. Growing up in the countryside of Montana, I didn't have what children have today...I had MORE!
There were Castles
Having a passion for reading at an early age was solace for a time that preceeded a televison in every home. I quickly learned all about castles and the kings and queens that inhabited them, their sprawling gardens with stone ivy walls, their balls and coronations, their grand kingdoms and servants that were faithful and true.
Growning up in the countryside of Montana meant that one had to be a little creative in their daily play. Thus, many a castle made of straw was built and with a little bit of imagination, it was not unsual during the course of a day to be both the queen of the vast land and then just moments later, be cast as the humble servant of the same kingdom!
Afternoon Tea Times
As a child, my vacation from the countryside was to visit my grandparents in the small city of Billings, Montana. Spending a few days there was a delight - my grandmother took me on the bus to shop or we would visit my grandfather who outfitted men in fine suits, ties and hats! My grandfather was the best dressed man I have ever met to date!
If our afternoons weren't spent shopping or shelling peas on the glider, then my grandmotehr and I would surely be visiting her neighbors for afternoon tea.This was when neighbors actually visited with their neighbors, knew the names of all their children and their children's children...a lost art of human intereaction in today's world!
These afternoon teas were absolutely enchanting. None of these neighborhood women were of great wealth, but their tea settings were those of royalty! Each took individual pride in displaying their fine china cups, their hand work in their fine linens, and their culinary talents for a crisp thin sugar cookie or a fine tartlet! These were the magical afternoons that planted seeds that would only blossom some years later.
The China Closet Today
In the very beginning, it was my desire to open up my imaginary china closet and bring out all the finery and special talents to share with my clients when they were creating their once in a lifetime events!
It is not a secret, but we all delight in eye candy and that is where I get so excited! When a client comes to me with an idea, we instantly begin to build an inspiration board of details that will enhance that idea.
One of my favorite clients came to me with a drawing that she did for her daughter. It was fabulous!!! She had used water colors and had created the most divine color of BLUE!
Where did that idea lead us? The painting led us to the color palette for the event and we were able to incoroporate the art here and there. The painting was showcased on the table tops when it appeared at the top of their menu card.
How wonderful to have worked with this client in creating a unique and personal look for her daughter's wedding...it was so special, so memorable! We had great fun putting her details together!
The Inspiration!
