Mental Detox from Think Splendid

The first thing that I usually lay eyes on every morning is the email from the blog Think Splendid which I subscribe to. I know it's not healthy to be checking email first thing in the morning to start your day, but this blog is different. It inspires and motivates me to get up and to get energized for all the things that I want to do for my business. Now, THAT'S a great way to start the day off for all of us!

Liene Stevens is the founder of Splendid Communications and Blue Orchid Designs, and she is considered the social media expert to many of us in the wedding industry. It seems like we learn something new from her each day through her blog posts and her tweets on twitter. I recently had the pleasure of meeting her in person at Engage!09::The Encore, and she is super nice, down to earth, funny, and brilliant. I only wish I had more time to talk to her!

Today, she did a blog post call Mental Detox 2009 Edition and it was JUST what I needed as I wind down and reflect on all the happenings of this year. As we gear up for 2010, we should all keep this list somewhere close to us, so that we can refer to it often and stay positive, encouraged, and motivated.

Thank you Liene! This is the best Christmas gift for all of us!

The Wedding University Webisode #4

Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV was kind enough to film parts of our rehearsals for The Wedding University, so that we can share with you some of the valuable topics that will be covered. We are currently having a holiday special, where registration is reduced to $55 per person, and $45 for each additional person. This special will go on until January 15th. After the 15th, registration will be $75 per person, or $125 for two. Please click here to register soon, as space is very limited!


Wedding 360 Webisode 4 from andrew msv on Vimeo.

SPEAKER BIO: TODD FISCUS

Todd Fiscus, head of the highly acclaimed design team at his namesake company, todd.event design. creative services, has been consistently turning up the creative volume on special events for over fifteen years. Termed “The Sultan of the Soiree” by PaperCity Magazine, Todd has designed everything from extraordinary weddings to charity galas to rip roaring ranch parties in locales from Maine to Mexico.

Known for creating contemporary “life excursions” that capture the client’s personality, Todd has established himself as the expert to ring up when you want to ring in a celebration with style. He provides a unique and memorable experience through artful detail and flawless orchestration.

Clients like the Dallas Symphony, the Mansion on Turtle Creek, Michael Kors, and Harry Winston have looked to Todd and his team for event styling. This includes design and management of every aspect of the event; seating, place settings, floral design, and lighting, down to the perfect playlist to keep guests grooving, as well as unique party favors they’ll talk about for weeks. When it comes to weddings, Todd’s lengthy client list of diverse brides know they can expect what Brides Magazine described as a “witty remix” on weddings. With a passion for traditions with a twist, Todd first gets inspired by the bride-to-be’s style, be it classic, romantic, modern, or rock n’ roll. He then adds his own inspirations and creates the dream to fit the budget, from a black tie extravaganza in a 30,000 square foot tent to intimate nuptials featuring an elegant box lunch.
Todd is also responsible for designing restaurant, lounge and bar installations in high profile projects like Tillman’s Roadhouse, and PM Nightlife Lounge. Todd has succeeded in captivating even the “been there, done that, seen everything” crowd by transforming everyday activities into unforgettable experiences.

Todd has been featured in numerous publications including Elle Décor, Better Homes and Gardens, The Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, Gourmet, Vanity Fair, The Robb Report, The London Times, InStyle Weddings, Western Interiors, Conde Nast Brides, Veranda, Texas Monthly and Martha Stewart Weddings.

From temporary sanctuaries to permanent installations, Todd Fiscus embodies the adage Life is a Party - live and celebrate with style.

Wedding 360 is honored to have Todd as one of our design teachers at The Academy. Not only will Todd teach his approach to design, but he will also share his insights on trends for 2010, and some of the 'behind the scenes' of operating a large scale creative business. In addition, he will teach about production and floral design. Wedding planners and designers, do not miss this opportunity to learn from Todd!

The Wedding University Webisode #3

I can never get enough of Gloria Wong and Nancy Liu Chin, especially when they collaborate together as a team! Not only are they incredibly creative and talented, but they are also super entertaining. The decor and design portion of our inaugural Wedding University was definitely one of the more popular sessions amongst the students, and next year, it's going to be even more spectacular!

Here are some snippets of Jean and I, along with Gloria and Nancy, planning the design and layouts of the next Wedding University!

Another big shout out to the fantastic Andrew Hsu of Studio MSV for putting this webisode together for us!


Wedding 360 Webisode 3 from andrew msv on Vimeo.