Nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina you will find one of the best wedding caterers around. Chef Kim Lloyd, owner and operator of Celine and Company knows how to serve up some of the tastiest cuisine for your wedding or special occasion.  In this episode, Chef Kim lists the 5 must have appetizers to select for the cocktail hour and how she incorporates your culinary wishes in each delicious bite. If there is a family recipe that you would like to showcase during your event she wants to know more about it and will invite you into her kitchen to collaborate on the cooking process. There's nothing like being "hands-on" to ensure the flavors and presentation are how you envisioned for your guests. From cooking offsite on a breathtaking mountain top to on premises at her 6,000 square feet historic building, Chef Kim with over 25 years of experience and her talented staff leads the helm in combining the right ingredients for a perfect match.  LINKS and RESOURCES: Website Celine and Company Instagram Celine and Company Catering Address: 49 Broadway Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Email: kim@celineandcompany.com Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting  Instagram: Exquisite Events and Consulting Podcast: Busy Bride 101:Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On the Go Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974

Busy Bride 101

Wedding Catering Advice Seasoned With Love and Experience

Corey Johnson of Corey Johnson Studios brings calm and encouragement during chaotic moments at your wedding as he photographs you and your loved ones. It takes a critical eye to know instinctively when and how to craft lifetime memories and he is an expert in pulling all of the aspects together flawlessly.  One would never suspect that Corey is legally blind when viewing his images or seeing him in action. The camera lens sharpens his gaze while taking photographs and the end result is simply, AMAZING!  Listen as Corey explains how he uses his unique ability to produce timeless images. Plus, check out his tips for your wedding or special event. LINKS: COREY JOHNSON CONTACT INFO: Website: https://coreyjohnsonstudios.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreyjohnsonstudios/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coreyjohnsonstudios LISA G. MCMILLAN CONTACT INFO: Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram: Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On the Go Phone: 704-578-1974 Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com  

Looking Through The Lens With Corey Johnson

Your skincare routine may very well be one of the most carefully thought out steps to a healthy and clean glow on your wedding day. Long gone are the days of purchasing products randomly or selecting  them without any forethought. So many of today's products are fragrance free, hypoallergenic, cruelty free, and paraben free and they should be considered high priority in your beauty bag.  You deserve better and Brittany Gray of Fancy Face Inc with headquarters in Canada shares tips for every bride to consider leading up to the wedding day and beyond. Her company has just launched a new skincare line which includes "Poetry in Potion Serum " and "Daydream Rosewater Cream" to include in your daily regimen. Every artist starts with a clean canvas, why not allow your skin to be the canvas of glowing beauty on your wedding day and everyday.   Links: Website Exquisite Events and Consulting Instagram Busy Bride 101 Brittany Gray Website Fancy Face Inc Instagram Fancy Face Inc Facebook Fancy Face Inc

Luxurious Skincare Tips For Every Bride

Hair and Makeup Secrets To Looking Radiantly Beautiful On Your Wedding Day When it’s time to select your makeup artist and hair stylist for your wedding, hire someone with impeccable experience and photos of their previous work. Search for your team soon during the wedding planning process as you will need to schedule a trial run with their services. The best is booked early and often, so don’t hesitate in seeking the best makeup and hair vendors in the area. Wendy Morris, owner, and lead makeup artist of Blush Asheville has a team of professionals experienced in creating a natural and realistic look and not like someone else. Listen to some of the tips she provides to making you look amazing. “Always Remember, Your Wedding Is For The Two Of You!” Links: Guest Speaker: Wendy Morris Website: Blush Asheville Instagram: blushasheville Host: Lisa G. McMillan Website: Exquisite Events and Consulting Follow Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On The Go Instagram: busybride101 YouTube Channel: Busy Bride 101 Podcast: Busy Bride 101 Contact Lisa! lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974  

Hair and Makeup Secrets To Looking Radiantly Beautiful On Your Wedding Day

Welcome to Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips For The Bride On The Go!  If you’re vacillating about the type of dessert to serve your guests at your wedding, Mandy at 50/Fifty: The Art of the Dessert has a multitude of options to choose for your special occasion.  From specialty cakes and pies to elaborate dessert displays filled with cookies, truffles, or even an armadillo red velvet cake. You’re sure to find a delicious bite to satisfy your sweet craving. To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram and on our YouTube Channel at Busy Bride 101 Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. Always remember, Your wedding is for the two of you! Links: 50/Fifty: The Art of Dessert Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 Contact Lisa! lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974

The Sweet Tooth Dilemma

Mary Bell, owner and principal wedding planner at Mary Bell Events is an accomplished wedding professional. Her extended knowledge in producing and designing luxury weddings has led to her success as one of the most sought after destination wedding planners. Her service areas include but not limited to the Carolinas and Florida regardless if your event is set amongst a grand castle or perched near the waves along the coast, she's has you covered.  Her clients are immediately welcomed by her confident demeanor and positive attitude. During the pandemic couples are searching for a professional who is able to pivot as guidelines associated with the pandemic are ever changing. Check out her advice in this episode. Mary and her staff have a solid processes in place to make your wedding a dream come true. Listen and learn. You're sure to be impressed with her approach to planning weddings. LINKS Mary Bell Events Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 CONTACT LISA! Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974        

Savvy Advice To Plan An Authentic Wedding Despite A Pandemic with Mary Bell Events

Hans Daniels, owner and DJ of Nice Entertainment delivers a fun and insightful peek into the world of being a DJ. He and his talented staff of DJs and musicians provide a sophisticated and energetic dynamic to your wedding. If you have been searching for a wedding DJ who is dedicated to making your planning less stressful and your guests wanting for more, then, you've found your DJ.  During the interview he covers: How he got started in the business. Reading your audience and creating a great musical vibe. What questions to ask a prospective DJ. Backyard wedding set ups. LINKS: Nice Entertainment Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101   CONTACT LISA! lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: 704-578-1974    

Dropping Knowledge! DJ, Hans Daniels of Nice Entertainment Reveals Secrets to a Great Wedding Reception and Keeping Your Guests On The Dance Floor.

Find yourself confused about what drinks to offer your guests at your wedding reception? Look no further, Bryce Bjornson of Jack's 47 Mobile Bar fills you in with perfect beverage offerings. His experience is just what you are looking for in determining delicious drinks for your guests along with the benefit of eliminating long lines at the bar. He even discusses a quick way to calculate how much alcohol to purchase without overspending  Bryce discusses his fleet of vintage trucks, carts, and bars outfitted to bring a touch of elegance to your event. No plastic coolers here! Just fabulous drinks on tap and a coffee bar to boot.  LINKS: Exquisite Events and Consulting Jack's 47 Mobile Bar Pistons and Prosecco   CONTACT INFO for LISA: Email: lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone: (704) 578-1974  

Cocktails Anyone? Mobile bar options to enhance your wedding reception

Welcome to Busy Bride 101: Wedding Planning Tips for the Bride On The Go! As a wedding planner I've seen the wedding the wedding industry explode with creative and breath taking ways to personalize your event, particularly fashionable clothing during the pandemic.  As we are still dealing with exasperating times, we have to re-think how we plan weddings and I have an option for you to add to treasure chest of wedding attire. You definitely need a beautiful dress, amazing shoes, and last but not least a stunning bouquet. Yet, I have another item to add to your checklist. It's bridal swimwear! Couture to be exact.  Whether you're planning on relaxing in your swanky cabana poolside with a refreshing libation or splashing in the waves in an undisclosed resort, take a listen as to how you can continue to feel like the belle of the ball beyond the wedding day.   On today's episode I have invited the creators of Bliss On, a couture bridal swimwear line and the inspiring women behind the brand are here, Kat Platt and Jenny Pope. Welcome ladies! Let's jump in and tell everyone about Bliss On. Links and Resources Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 YouTube Channel Busy Bride 101 Instagram Facebook Bliss On By Kat Platt Bliss On Website Contact Lisa G. McMillan Email  lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone (704) 578-1974

Elevate Your Wedding Attire with Bliss On Bridal Swimwear During a Pandemic

Welcome to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go and I’m your host, Lisa G. McMillan, wedding and event planner at  Exquisite Events and Consulting. Today’s episode is “Pivot My Wedding, Now”. When ringing in 2020 who knew how the upcoming year would unfold. Many have proclaimed this as the worst year ever! You may find yourself scratching your head wondering on occasion how your wedding plans were hijacked, and why things quickly started spinning out of control. But it's easy to label 2020 as a horrible period during your lifetime. Let's journey deeper and recognize your achievements or as I like to call them, victories as you plan your wedding. Victory Number 1: While postponing your event you learned how to decrease your guest count without looking like the bad guy. Look, you knew when you first created your guest list there were folks you really didn’t want to invite. This gave you the “out” you needed. So, instead of spending hordes of money on mediocre meals and drinks you decided to pivot and you chose to either one, splurge on elevated meals and signature drinks due to the smaller size or two, pocketed the cash and funneled it towards a down payment on your new home together. Victory Number 2: Remember the lighting package which included spotlights directed at each guest table and splashed along the walls for a burst of color? As an alternative, you and your fiancé came to a consensus to string an amazing canopy of twinkle lights on the patio in your parent's backyard. For added dimension and texture to your centerpieces you draped eucalyptus garlands and boat loads of candles to each dinner table. This is such a cost savings and it is just as beautiful as your original design concept. Victory Number 3: The initial idea was to illuminate your custom designed monogram onto the dance floor. When all along it became more interesting to view as it glowed on top of the water of your swimming pool surrounded by floating luminaries along the edges. Now, that’s how you stretch your imagination! It’s a game changer. Victory Number 4: Your 85 year old grandparents who are unable to be present at your ceremony eagerly await to watch you exchange your vows by live streaming it in their home as your cousin uses her laptop for easy viewing, safely set up in the living room.  Victory Number 5: Nothing beats a huge multi-tiered wedding cake with flowers cascading down one side of it. Even though your guest count was significantly down-sized, shockingly, you can still have your dream wedding cake. Your pastry chef can create a fake cake with multiple tiers. Each layer is made with foam and the outside has REAL icing! Unbeknownst to your attendees, the top tier is edible in your favorite flavor. Here’s how it works, once you cut your cake, the cake table is wheeled off to the kitchen where slices of sheet cake are plated and served with ease. You can have your cake and eat it, too! When you sit back and reflect on all the memories 2020 has brought your way, remember the good times. Yes, it includes the unexpected and the unprecedented. However, it’s uncovering your renewed energy to face changes head on, to create unique and budget saving options but most of all to celebrate love and togetherness. I'm not making light of the lives taken or financial burdens brought on by the pandemic. I simply ask you to rejoice in the happiness that only love can bring during tragedy. Continue to marvel at how you find solutions to a problem you didn't create or could control. You ROCKED 2020 and that's something to be proud of and celebrated! Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram at Busy Bride 101 or visit our YouTube Channel. Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. Always remember, your wedding is for the two of you! Links and Resources Mentioned: Website Exquisite Events and Consulting Podcast Busy Bride 101 YouTube Channel YouTube   Contact Lisa! Email lisagmcmillan@msn.com Phone 704-578-1974     

Pivot My Wedding, Now

Welcome to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go and I’m your host, Lisa G. McMillan, wedding and event planner at  Exquisite Events and Consulting. Today’s episode is “Backyard Wedding Wins During a Pandemic”. Planning a backyard wedding may seem as easy as 1-2-3 but I wanted to point out a few elements to remember as we’re still navigating through the pandemic and muddling through its constraints. Tip Number 1: Depending on how much space or acreage you have in your backyard don’t fall in the trap of becoming too lackadaisical about the design, functionality, and most of all SAFETY of your guests and vendors.  So, let’s start with safety! At some point you’ll need electricity during your event. Even in this hi-tech world you probably don’t have wireless connectivity for all of your speakers, microphones, tent lighting, LCD projection or coffee urns. If you happen to fall in this category, I suggest you first,  identify where you’ll plug in your devices.  Then, hop in the car and get ready to buy a few power strips. Most pros supply their own power cords and know exactly how to cover them up without injury to your guests. They apply cord covers, mats, or adhesives to hide cables and so should you. Tip Number 2: Here’s another tip about safety. Add plenty of sanitizer in convenient areas for your guests. This is an outdoor event so place them at the back door of your home. Don’t forget about the small packets or pocket-sized bottles at each guest table. Tip Number 3: When it comes to design your backyard wedding can be as modest or elaborate as you want. Figure out where you want to exchange your vows. Is it under a sprawling oak tree you climbed often as a child? Or is it in front of the babbling brook where you first kissed your fiancé? Wherever it is, create a ceremony space overflowing with romance. Soften the look of hard wood and metal fences with delicate fabrics or light foliage.   Who said you couldn’t add clusters of flowers or ribbon on each side of the front and back rows? It’s your backyard, no rules here! Tip Number 4: If, at the last-minute rain threatens on your wedding day, look no further than your living room to say “I-Do”.  No worries here! Just place enough chairs for the immediate family to sit and everyone else can stand during the ceremony. You wouldn’t believe how many times an unexpected afternoon shower has been the backdrop for some of the most meaningful and unforgettable weddings. Tip Number 5:During the cocktail hour provide appetizers in individual sized containers or skewers. This is not the time for using the same serving spoon to scoop out spinach and artichoke dip. Let’s place a moratorium on unattended buffet stations which promote cross contamination. Yuk! Tip Number 6: When considering the functionality of your backyard wedding keep in mind how to handle your rental items. I know delivery of tables, chairs and linens may be a fleeting thought. But like all events you must check in the quantity delivered against the amount you ordered. By the way, they should match. When ordering napkins always order 10-20 more. It covers any dropped during service or if the caterer needs any for display purposes. Tip Number 7:  Make certain your tables and chairs are stored in a dry area away from moisture. Just make space in the garage or covered porch for this task. If you leave those items under your tent exposed without a tarp you run the risk of theft, wildlife destruction, and unanticipated weather issues. These suggestions are just a few of many ideas for your backyard wedding. So, stay tuned for more! Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram or on our YouTube Channel Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. Hey, don’t forget to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, today and every day. Visit the website for the CDC for more information. Always remember, your wedding is for the two of you! Links and Resources Mentioned: Instagram   Podcast Busy Bride 101   YouTube Channel YouTube Exquisite Events and Consulting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   Contact Lisa! Email lisagmcmillan@msn.com   Phone 704-578-1974     

Backyard Wedding Wins During a Pandemic

Micro Weddings: The Next Big Thing Whether it’s rain, sleet, snow or even a pandemic, planning your wedding during the unexpected can be frightening. You’ve imagined your event filled with infinite amounts of hugs, kisses and high fives and guests dancing closely to your favorite tunes.   Yet, lately we’ve been told to social distance and wear a mask. Well, I’m here to tell you, better days are ahead. Your dream wedding is around the corner and I’m going to help you make it a reality, one squirt of hand sanitizer at a time. Links and Resources Mentioned: Website Exquisite Events and Consulting Podcast Busy Bride 101 YouTube Channel YouTube CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  WHO World Health Organization  Contact Lisa! Email lisagmcmillan@msn.com  Phone 704-578-1974

Micro Weddings: The Next Big Thing

Join us as highly acclaimed photographer, Tonya Damron of Tonya Damron Photography discusses First Look considerations, family portraits, and how she navigates her team through the coronavirus pandemic.   LINKS AND RESOURCES: Tonya Damron Photography Busy Bride 101 (Instagram) Busy Bride 101 (YouTube Channel) Exquisite Events and Consulting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention World Health Organization  

Wedding Photography with Tonya Damron

In this episode, "DIY Flower Fails with Mandy Frazier" Lisa and Mandy discuss the potential pitfalls of creating your own floral centerpieces, bouquets, corsages, and other flower arrangements for your wedding and reception. Your host, Lisa G. McMillan is joined by florist, Mandy Frazier of An English Flower Cottage. Mandy is an award winning floral designer and has styled lavish and modest events for 22 years and provides services for brides and grooms throughout Western North Carolina.  Listen to her examples of DIY flower fails and how your can overcome potential disaster if you decide to take on the task of creating your own floral arrangements.   Links and Resources WEBSITES Exquisite Events and Consulting An English Flower Cottage INSTAGRAM Exquisite Events and Consulting Busy Bride 101 An English Flower Cottage

DIY Flower Fails with Mandy Frazier

Welcome to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go and I’m your host, Lisa G. McMillan, wedding and event planner at  Exquisite Events and Consulting. Years of planning weddings has given me focused insight towards organizing successful events. Budgeting, logistics, and constant interaction with others play a significant role in creating moments of a lifetime and dealing with the effects of COVID-19 Coronavirus and how we respond to it, is challenging but manageable. I realize you’re trying to figure out your next steps, don’t worry. I’m here to help YOU. Take a moment to listen to a few of my suggestions to get you started right now during this unprecedented time. Tip Number 1:Your first decision is to figure out if you want to reschedule or cancel. If your wedding is set for the Spring of 2020 get on the phone and contact your vendors immediately. Determine what future dates are available. Communication is key. Be pro-active and initiate dialogue immediately. Tip Number 2: Find out how much it will cost, if you decide to cancel your event. This means pulling out all of your vendor contracts and reviewing their cancellation policy. Pro Tip: Ask if your payment schedule will shift along with the new wedding date.  Tip Number 3: If you change the date of your wedding you always have the option of having a civil ceremony with just the two of you. Then, once conditions are much better for all concerned, throw the biggest, baddest, party ever! Kazoos for everyone! Tip Number 4: Update your wedding website with the latest information about your wedding. This is a convenient and effective way to communicate the most recent news, they can use. Other economical methods to deliver up to date details is through word of mouth, text, or email. Tip Number 5: If you have a significant reduction in your original guest count here’s a way to recoup a few dollars. Run straight to your jam-packed 3-ring binder of wedding stuff and look for receipts? Are there any returnable items you’ve bought such as favors, décor, or candles? Unless its miniature bottles of sanitizer for everyone I would try and get my money back. Tip Number 6:Please check updates regarding COVID-19 Coronavirus on the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Their links are in the show notes. We’re in this together, so let’s do this! Thanks for listening to BUSY BRIDE 101, Wedding Planning Tips for the bride on the go! To keep up with us and learn more tips, follow us on Instagram at Busy Bride 101 or visit our website at www.exquisiteevents.info Subscribe to get notified of new episodes and to share with your friends. Always remember, Your wedding is for the two of you! Links and Resources Mentioned: Website Exquisite Events and Consulting  Podcast Busy Bride 101 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention World Health Organization  Contact Lisa! Email lisagmcmillan@msn.com  Phone 704-578-1974     

COVID 19 and Planning Your Wedding

The Busy Bride 101 Podcast: Wedding Planning Tips for the Bride on the Go, offers quick and easy wedding planning tips and advice to streamline your next steps to create the wedding of your dreams. Your host, Lisa G McMillan, owner and founder of Exquisite Events and Consulting, offers inspired techniques to bring you closer to sorting through the list of details and guides you in determining what questions to ask wedding vendors.

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Busy Bride 101

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