Arizona's First Bridal Week

DIY Friday Feature

2010-07-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

(Picture taken from DIY Bride)

Our Friday feature today is about the doing it yourself option for your wedding. Many brides do this now for many reasons. It may be reasons due to financial, sentimental, one-of-a-kind or simply just making it home-made and completely to the couple's taste.

We at ABW are avid twitter stalkers of the bridal industry and love eying new products, websites, trends and pretty much anything about the industry. Today, we found diybride, based out of San Jose, California and even though they are not an Arizona company their website is very resourceful none the less for any wedding anywhere.

We're glad we did our research on them, their website features many resources for "Do It Yourself" projects from the cake to sewing the gown. They even have books for sale, which is a great to carry around with you while you wait for appointments or prefer to read books instead of staring into a computer screen.

Happy surfing! This website will keep you entertained all day and once you are done reading you will most definitely want to start many of the projects by the weekend.

Company: DIY Bride
Website: http://www.diybride.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/diybride
Books: DIY Bride Crafty Countdown, The DIY Bride (40 project for your ultimate one-of-a-kind wedding)

A Thoughtful Treat

2010-06-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Photo taken from Fairytale Brownies -www.brownies.com, Father's Day is just around the corner : )

We received a box of treats today unexpectedly from our wonderful friends at the Prescott Wedding Walk and as we were about to choose someone at random for our Wedding Wednesday feature, this may be all about desserts today.

We were curious when the packaging read Fairytale Brownies and thought there would be no way the brownies could have survived a trip through the Arizona heat, but it did.

We opened up the box and it was well insulated and even had a ice pack, but the box of brownies didn't get wet from the condensation due to the careful wrapping around the ice pack. I think we were more impressed with the packaging then the actual treats.

But everything from Fairytale Brownies was well done, there was even a little note that read:

Caring for your Brownies: Fairytale Brownies are always guaranteed fresh upon arrival. If you can resist eating all of them in less than one week, refrigerating or freezing is recommended. Brownies will stay fresh for 30 days in the refrigerator or 6 months in the freezer. Thawing takes about one hour at room temperature, or remove the wrapper and microwave on low power (times will vary).

You are probably thinking that putting them in the microwave is going to blow your mind away, when they are warm they taste like they were freshly baked. I can't make brownies as good as this, so it was pure enjoyment because you don't have to spend the time making them and cleaning up the mess.

Thanks again to Cindy Reeves of Reeves Photography and Fetu at the Prescott Wedding Walk, it was a thoughtful, delicious, and the best gift for any girl or boy.

Fairytale Brownies - www.brownies.com
Phone: 1-800-Fairytale
Twitter - http://twitter.com/ftbrownies
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/fairytalebrownies?ref=ts

Wedding Wednesday feature!

2010-05-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of Wedding Wednesday, I decided to a blog. As you can see it's been a long time coming. When you do 10 events in one week, one tends to want to take a long break from everything. But we (the Arizona Bridal Week team) is in full force again, until after the next bridal week, which may or may not be Spring of 2011.

It takes a lot of planning and we may need more people to acquire this year to be able to pull off another event next year. If you are interested in volunteering your services, help plan events or simply have a few ideas to throw our way send them to info@arizonasbridalweek.com.

We are partnering up / have partnered up with several other companies and have events this year, so all ya have to do is attend a few shows connected with companies like

Jennyvi Dizon Couture
Arizona Bridal Affair
Thee Wedding Warehouse
Lillian Lottie Couture
Ventola Photography
Reeves Photography and Videography
Angelina Rose Photography

These are just a few, there will be more to come when I get any word of more events I will post : )

Now that I have re-introduced myself again, I wanted to feature a photographer who was great to work with during the Arizona Bridal Week. Her name is Keri Doolittle and she is currently transitioning from Arizona to Colorado.

Her work and personality shows that she has a passion for life, especially when it comes to photo journalism. When you meet her you instantly feel the energy she has and could you imagine the energy she will have to shoot your wedding. When the reception is well and done, Keri will be the last person standing still shooting with her camera, capturing something you never expected to - a perfect intimate photo with your new spouse. Something that only Keri Doolittle Photography was able to capture.

Pictures taken from http://www.keridoolittlephotography.com/blog

Wine Pairing TONIGHT at WineStyles!

2009-09-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Winestyles TONIGHT http://tinyurl.com/ycyq24z - enjoy the wine from the large selection at WineStyles and catering by Fresh From the Kitchen LLC, just email info@arizonasbridalweek.com to RSVP (even if you don't have a ticket, you will not have to pay if you RSVP before 4pm today).

Special Day Rate & Gift Bags for Sunday, Sept 27th

2009-09-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday Sale!

For tomorrow's Sunday Expo show we are discounting week long tickets and offering up a special day rate for this show only!

Come out to the MADCAP Theaters (use to be the Harkins Theater on Mill Ave) and enjoy our day rate of $5.00 a person or $8.00 a couple. We are also discounting the week long couples tickets from $35.00 General Admission to $20.00 and our $75.00 VIB (Very Important Bride) couples ticket to $50.00.

As an added bonus every attendant gets a goodie bag sponsored by getmarried.com filled with getmarried count down calendars, getmarried pens and a coupon for 20% off redeemable at getmarried's online shop.

We also have delicious cookies from Cake Contessa, $5.00 off name change coupons from MissnowMrs.com, $300. off your photography package and a free engagement session with Christina Smith Photography, if a couple signs up with Reeves Photography & Videography at Arizona Bridal Week, they will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win the new iPod nano (with video camera) with their names and wedding date engraved! There will be many more give-a-ways prizes during the day, but you have to attend if you want to win.

Don't miss out on your goodie bag full of savings and don't miss out on a fun filled day of events and entertainment! Our DJ and photographer with Bridal Show Special will be providing great tunes and will be taking pictures and printing them for our guests to come home with a memento from the show. I'm sure our infamous Reverend G is sure to entertain as well, but if you haven't found an officiant to marry you Reverend Giovanni is exactly what you need!

Below is what we have in store for our attendants! All guests are welcome to come at 9:00am, come there early to increase your chances of winning!

For a $5.00 donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure gets you an additional entry into the raffle drawing for prizes all day and gets you into CCSP bridal poker games available all day to win additional prizes.

9:45am - 1st prize winner announcement
10:15am - Yoga Demonstration by Karve Studio - get your body into bridal shape!
10:45am - 2nd Prize winner announcement
10:50am - Makeup Demonstration by Cherelynn Baker
11:10am - 3rd Prize winner announcement
11:15am - FREE popcorn and water to watch a fun loving wedding movie
1:00pm - Afternoon Makeup Demonstration by Cherelynn Baker
1:30pm - Announcement of our $1000. Cornelis Hollander Fine Jewelry Gift Certificate

Important Reminder!

2009-09-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Bridal Week is almost here! Just wanted to remind all ticket holders that you must RSVP for the following events:

Monday, September 28th, 2009 at WineStyles

Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Location:
9788 W. Northern Ave. ste. 1430
Peoria, AZ 85345

This event is RSVP only, seating is limited and to brides 21 years or older - to RSVP email info@arizonasbridalweek.com or call 602-284-2073

RSVP's must be made on or before September 25th, 2009.

Thursday, October 1st at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
Time: 6:00-8:30pm
Time: 5:00pm - 8:30pm

Location:
5700 East McDonald Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

This event is RSVP only, seating is limited - to RSVP email info@arizonasbridalweek.com or call 602-284-2073.

RSVP's must be made on or before September 25th, 2009.

Arizona Bridal Week Ad for the Wedding Chronicle

2009-08-22T15:45:00.001-07:00

My media associate and the photographer of this photo, Nikolai de Vera and I worked on this ad for about 7 hours. I think we are finally happy with it :) It will run in the Wedding Chronicle in September.

Enjoy!

Credits:
Photographer: Nikolai de Vera
Model: Britnee Johnson S.I.M Agency
Venue: The Wrigley Mansion
Desserts: Cake Contessa
Floral: Thee Wedding Warehouse / Endearing Floral Design
Gown: Jennyvi Dizon Couture
Makeup / Hair: Kensington Makeup Artists
Wig: Devious Wigs
Accessories: Impeccable Eye

Participating Venues:
Sept 26th - Thee Wedding Warehouse
Sept 27th - MadCap Theaters
Sept 28th - WineStyles
Sept 29th - Lillian Lottie Couture
Sept 30th - The Wigwam Golf Resort
Oct 1st - Sanctuary Resort at Camelback Mountain
Oct 2nd - The Wrigley Mansion
Oct 3rd - Embassy Suites Phoenix Biltmore

Visit Our Sponsors:
Jennyvi Dizon Couture
Cornelis Hollander
Kensington Makeup Artists
S.I.M Agency
Tri-Rentals
The Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
GetMarried.com

Register to Win Arizona Bridal Week Tickets!

2009-08-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

Register to win a couples ticket to the Arizona Bridal Week, September 26th - October 3rd, 2009. The week includes 8 days of bridal fashion and events, showcasing unique venues like Sanctuary Resort at Camelback Mountain, The Wrigley Mansion, Embassy Suites Phoenix Biltmore, MadCap Theaters, Thee Wedding Warehouse, Lillian Lottie Couture, Fleur't Boutique and Winestyles.

Enjoy a week of fun filled events sure to help you plan the wedding of your dreams, while being entertained with fast paced bridal fashion shows featuring local designs by Jennyvi Dizon, Angela Johnson, Susan DiStaulo and Alex Garcia. The Arizona Bridal Week will not only provide brides-to-be with direct access to top local vendors and designers, but will also benefit the Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Registering is easy. Simply visit www.arizonabridalweek.com and fill out the bridal registry form. Several lucky brides will win tickets to the Arizona Bridal Week and an exclusive invitation to the media preview on August 28th, 2009.

All brides who register before September 15th, 2009 will receive a free gift voucher redeemable during the Arizona Bridal Week, September 26th through October 3rd, 2009.

Arizona Bridal Week Gets Married

2009-07-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

and

Arizona Bridal Week Partners with Get Married!

Phoenix, AZ—July 10, 2009— Planning a wedding in Arizona just got easier and a lot more entertaining. Arizona Bridal Week is proud to announce the recent partnership with Lifetime’s TV show Get Married. With the collaboration of the only eight-day bridal event in Arizona and the ideas from the highly resourceful wedding show “planning is a piece of cake.”

About Arizona Bridal Week

Arizona Bridal Week will debut in the Valley from September 26, 2009 to October 3, 2009. The upscale, eight-day event will not only provide brides-to-be with direct access to top local vendors, but will also benefit the Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Arizona Bridal Week is devoted to premiering the more fashionable side of the wedding industry by featuring exciting themed events, unique venues, and a fast paced atmosphere. For more information, visit www.arizonasbridalweek.com.

About Get Married

Get Married is a national, integrated multi-media wedding planning destination, and the only resource that reaches couples through a highly synergized, tri-media platform: a TV show on Lifetime Television, a highly-trafficked website and a glossy print publication. Whether brides watch, read, or surf, Get Married is making wedding planning a piece of cake.

ON TV: Get Married’s show airs on Lifetime Television weekday mornings and streamed daily on GetMarried.com. Hosted by world-renowned wedding and event designer Colin Cowie, Get Married’s series includes interviews, ides and inspirations from the most sought-after industry experts.

ONLINE: The robust website – GetMarried.com - offers brides unique video content, image galleries, informative articles, local resources, planning tools, and interactivity with other brides and wedding professionals.

IN PRINT: Get Married magazine, the “new shopping & trend guide for the savvy bride,” will introduce and translate the latest wedding trends while offering a fresh perspective, in a new, uplifting and edgy voice for creatively-innovative and inspirationally-driven brides.

Get Married’s three-pronged wedding platform offers brides the most informative and personalized wedding planning experience.

Blogger Brides
Blogger Brides, is an online blogging community brought to you by GetMarried.com. In addition to offering brides in-depth content, ideas and resources, Get Married’s Blogger Brides provides unique digital components including the ability to post video online. Brides and wedding professionals can view video clips from Get Married’s TV show as well as video blogs from our host, renowned celebrity event designer, Colin Cowie, as well as co-host and TV star DeAnna Pappas.

From the real bride to the celebrity blogger, Get Married’s Blogger Brides community offers its bloggers an assortment of wedding insights and trends:

Star Bloggers: Industry experts offer the latest trends and insights from high-profile – and often celebrity - weddings. Follow star bloggers including celebrity wedding experts such as: photographer Robert Evans who shot Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ wedding, as well as Get Married’s host and co-host, wedding extraordinaire Colin Cowie and TV star DeAnna Pappas.

Blogger Brides: Real brides discovered by Get Married who share their wedding planning process, everything from choosing the perfect dress to walking down the aisle.

Community Bloggers: Anyone! All members can blog and share ideas, photos, videos and wedding related information with their friends and family.

For more information on Get Married, visit www.getmarried.com

For more information, interviews or photos for the Arizona Bridal Week, please contact info@arizonasbridalweek.com or visit www.arizonasbridalweek.com for more vendor / partner links.

Meet the Arizona Bridal Week Vendors! Thee Wedding Warehouse

2009-05-11T18:46:00.001-07:00

1. With only three words, describe Thee Wedding Warehouse.
Delightful – Detailed- Darn Happy! (I know that’s 4)

2. What makes your Thee Wedding Warehouse unique?
We are one place that a bride can literally plan her entire event, from invites to chargers…we have it!

3. What will attract every bride to Thee Wedding Warehouse
The joy of planning their event without the stress of planning.

4. What is the inspiration behind Thee Wedding Warehouse?
When I planned my own wedding here in Arizona, I hated every minute of it. I wanted a place to go and do it all with people who knew their “stuff” and not feel like my budget was a joke.

5. What would a “Day in the Life Of...” story be?
Well… it begins with a phone attached to your head at 9 am; we make sure our brides never know what really happens during the planning and execution of a wedding! From the flower table to the invite desk we never stop and fortunately it’s a new day every day!

6. What is your #1 must-have?
A happy client!

7. What makes the perfect wedding?
Romance.

8. Why did you choose to participate in Arizona Bridal Week?
It sounds like a good thing!

Easy Wedding Fashion Tip from Thee Wedding Warehouse

2009-05-01T01:08:00.000-07:00

http://theeweddingwarehouseblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/add-petticoat.html

Tip from... Jennyvi Dizon.. custom designer.

The best way to change the look of a tea length gown is to add a petticoat - pictures enclosed : ) This is the same exact tea length gown, but they look drastically different. The petticoat can be worn for the ceremony to dress up the formal pictures, but when you get to the ceremony you can take out the petticoat to enjoy the night : )

On May 23rd.... Jennyvi will be here at Thee Wedding Warehouse from 9AM to 3PM. She will be on site showing different styles for every different body type. She will also be able to answer questions regarding how affordable a custom dress can be. We will be having mini make overs and all kinds of fun stuff. Check out our events page for all the details. Please RSVP by email.. info@theeweddingwarehouse.com.

May Daze at the Thee Wedding Warehouse

2009-04-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

May Daze @ the Thee Wedding Warehouse

Driving Directions

Date: May 2nd, 2009

Time: 9:00am - 3pm

Location:

500 N Bullard Ave,#C29

Goodyear, AZ 85338

Join us on May 2nd from 9 AM to 3PM for May Wedding Daze. Workshops on Photography, Videography, and Entertainment. Check out the newest trends and get advice from trusted professionals.

RSVP to info@theeweddingwarehouse.com

9AM DOOR BUSTER SALE..... 40% off all in-stock wedding accessories. Hurry sale ends at 11 AM. 10AM Cosey Photography Speaking on "Why is it important to hire a professional photographer and not uncle Bob"

11AM Daniel Wagner Film Productions will be speaking on "Why you need a videographer and the difference between photo journalistic videoing and that other way...

11:30 A2Z Photo Booths - How about a little fun during cocktails?

Kym Ventola

12PM Kym Ventola, Ventola Photography will be speaking on "A Picture Perfect Wedding: How to create the right photography timeline"

Ventola Photography will be giving away a bridal portrait session. Includes hair and makeup. Drawing will be held at noon, must be present to win. Valued at $800.00

1PM Curtis Whipple " Questions to ask at DJ before hiring and the difference between professional and a hobbyist"

2 PM Fresh Look Images - What is Photo Journalism? What inspires us as photographers.... We can't wait to see you all... and learn from these fabulous vendors right along with you. Don't forget to check out our webpage and watch for our emails as we go through "May Wedding Daze"!

May 9th at THEE WEDDING WAREHOUSE food and cake all day from 9a-3p with Fresh from the Kitchen LLC. Please visit ( http://theeweddingwarehouse.com/page_shopeevents.html ) for more information.

For more vendor events visit
http://arizonasbridalweek.com/VENDOREVENTS.html

Our Final Earth Day Winner, Shop Devious

2009-04-25T00:04:00.000-07:00

Meet our fifth winner and final winner, Shop Devious Beauty Lounge & Boutique

In honor of the Earth in our boutique we always encourage recycling by offering vintage, re-sale and antiques. We go one step further by offering 10% off the daily purchases for those who bring in 10 or more hard handled recycled shopping bags for re-use in the boutique. We re-use shopping bags everyday for shoppers and we put out a bin with free stuff from the boutique that we cannot sell, so that those in need may have a chance at re-using it. We drink out of a water dispenser and collect our own water at the water booth. Most of the display cases and racks in the boutique were recycled too! It’s so easy to re-use wish we all did.

Thanks,

Anna Marie

ShopDevious.com Beauty Lounge & Boutique

1229 NW Grand Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Hours: th-f 2-8pm & s-s 1-5pm

myspace/shopdevious

Devious Wigs & Things LLC

Where fashion is a canvas for all self expression!

Awesome Green Products for Your Bridal Party

2009-04-23T22:24:00.000-07:00

This is our fourth winner from our Earth Day Promotion, we only have one more vendor to feature and then the contest ends Friday, April 24th

Eco Artware:

I have an online gift store, Eco-Artware.com, featuring gifts from recycled, reused and natural materials that are perfect for bridal parties. Here are a few suggestions from our catalogue. All are handmade by indie designers:

For the Groom:

-- Vintage typewriter key cuff links customized with each person's initials ($43) http://www.eco-artware.com/catalog/NB3-typewear.php?c=cufflinks;

-- Multi-tool pen: A wooden ball-point pen which can easiiy be changed into four different toos: A Phillips screwdriver, regular screwdriver, art knife and tweezers. The tools are stored in the pen barrel and can be exchanged for the ink cartridge. ($34) http://www.eco-artware.com/catalog/MTP1-multi-tool-pen.php?c=desk

-- Record label coasters made from 33 rpm vinyl records. Laminated to protect the label from moisture. $20 for a set of six. http://www.eco-artware.com/catalog/JD4-vinyl-coasters.php?c=tabletop

For the Bride:

-- A Dragonfly Wish Box: A tiny hand-painted brass dragonfly alighting on a handmade hand decorated brass wish box that is embellished with found and recycled objects. Each box is lined with a small piece of an old handwritten letter and contains a dried rosebud. It can be used to preserve personal wishes or as place to hold special earrings a ring, or pills. ($35) http://www.eco-artware.com/catalog/MR10-dragonfly-wish-box.php?c=womenAcc;

-- A Pearl in a Recycled Silver Square Necklace: A .75" square pendant made of 100% recycled sterling silver and a 1mm freshwater pearl suspended on an 18" sterling silver chain. ($60) http://www.eco-artware.com/catalog/CG13-pearl-square-necklace.php?c=necklaces

-- Recycled Silver Juice Pack Clutch Bag made from cleaned plastic fruit juice packs. (Eco plus: keeps non-biodegradable boxes out of the landfill) ($29) http://www.eco-artware.com/catalog/HSD2-Juice-Pack-Clutch-Bag.php?c=bags

Reena Kazmann

Director

Eco-Artware.com

Gifts from recycled, reused and natural materials

http://www.eco-artware.com

Fresh from the Kitchen greens, our 3rd Earth Day Winner

2009-04-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

Our earth is our home. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that everyone does their part to make a difference.

As a catering and special event coordination company, Fresh from the Kitchen LLC supports and uses as many organic ingredients in our food as possible. Organic is not only healthier, but it takes care of our planet by not polluting the earth and environment. When it is not possible to use organic ingredients, as they are costly, we always use all natural ingredients. No preservative or chemicals are present in our foods. By taking a stand as a company against chemicals and preservatives, we feel we are helping the environment one step at time towards eliminating such pollutants.

We also take it upon ourselves to recycle. A lot of catering goods and foods arrive in cardboard boxes or other recyclable material. We either re-use the packaging or make sure it gets taken to the local recycling plant.

Further, we carpool in order to help reduce the carcinogens in the air, and use smaller fuel efficient vehicles to transport our catering wares as opposed to large trucks.

We constantly stay aware of our surroundings in order to beautify our planet even more. Basically for Fresh from the Kitchen LLC, Earth Day is every day.

Fresh from the Kitchen LLC

info@freshfromthekitchenllc.com

Noelle Salinas

602-694-1197

Theresa Noble

602-694-2878

The Earth Day goodies continue : )

2009-04-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Meet our 2nd winner, Heather Wilson

As a professional Makeup Artist in the Phoenix market, the majority of my clientelle is brides and photo shoots. In the last year, I have gotten more and more requests for "green" products. Having severe allergies myself, I have spent the last 2 years putting together products for my clients and my brides, that are made especially for extremely sensitive skins. These products are usually fragrance free, mineral oil free, vegan, and in "green" containers or products that are in refillable containers. It is amazing how durable, and long wearing these products can be- and still give you that healthy glow on your wedding day.

Heather Wilson

Make- Up by Heather Wilson

www.makeupbyheatherwilson.com

602-750-2379

Our first Earth Day Vendor winner! Congrats Marcia

2009-04-22T15:55:00.001-07:00

Congrats to our "Earth Day" vendors, who shared their green stories with us. Meet our first winner, Marcia Mauskopf

Scottsdale AZ wedding photography gallery Marcia The Art of Photography is

pleased to announce their new product line, GREEN : THE PHOTO COLLECTION.

This new eco-friendly line of wedding photography is environmentally

friendly, utilizing the latest digital techniques both for creation of

images and delivery to the consumer. In addition, eco-friendly albums and

presentation boxes are available from such premiere companies as Cypress and

Couture Book. In addition, clients are offered incentives for making

multiple green vendors their choice in their wedding plans.

According to Owner/Operator, Marcia Mauskopf, this is as much a lifestyle

choice as business decision. "As I look at the changes I've made in my own

life, I realized it was important to offer these choices to my clients, too.

While there will always be a big market for photography as wall art, more of

the people coming to me are requesting digital files to enjoy on their

computers and other digital products.".

More information can be found by going to http://www.marciaphoto.com or

contacting Marcia personally at 480.366.4476

An interview with Jennyvi Dizon, designer and producer of Arizona Bridal Week!

2009-04-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK- Jennyvi Dizon, designer and producer of Arizona Bridal Week, was interviewed by the MakeUp University’s Cherelynn Baker. Baker will be a vendor in the first ever Arizona Bridal Week and sheds light on the inspiration behind the exciting event, Jennvi Dizon herself!

1. Why do you do what you do in terms of sewing and fashion?

It’s my life, ever since I could hold a pencil, I remember sketching clothing and then sewing clothes at age 5 for my Barbies. It’s in my blood to sew, one of my father’s jobs in the Philippines was a tailor and I think it just naturally carried on to me.I enjoy sewing whether it’s leisurely or for clients, I am good at it and it gives me great satisfaction when a garment I designed and sewed comes to life when it is created.

2. How to you start a piece or collection? Tell me about the process from start to finish of a piece of clothing or gown?

When I tried out for a couple reality shows they asked me the same thing, as much as I want each piece to be thought out. It just pops in my head sometimes, but after that I suppose when I do start on one piece I can see a similar theme from every piece in the line. A cohesive theme that glues the whole collection together from start to finish.

3. Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from history, I love designing adaptations of historic fashions and making my own designs based on a historic theme. It could be as simple as taking inspiration from a style of fringe or vintage furniture and creating something from what I see in the history books

4. Do you use the trend forecast book?

I don’t, I usually do my own research and usually design from what I like. For example, a bride of mine was wanting a polka dotted wedding gown and couldn’t find anything, so doing research of my own for fabric, I got inspired and decided to do a whole polka dotted line. Just because of my client and searching for polka dotted fabric. And now I’ve seen polka dotted gowns and clothing everywhere

5. Where do you get your fabric?

I have a bunch of sources, but my favorites for organic fabric is Dharma Trading Company, Fabric and Art Supply, for my silks I love Thai Silks, House of Fabrics, New York Fabric Center

6.What do you listen to when you sew?

When I sew I like to listen to music I can sing to, I love local music and one of my favorite singers is Courtney Marie Andrews, but I listen to a lot of Indie Music, the Decemberists, Sera Cahoone, Grand Archives, The Bird and the Bee, the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, Trans Am (I have a whole list, let me know if you want me to go on)

7.Where did you learn to sew?

I learned to sew from my dad when I was 5 and starting sewing machine sewing when I was 9 or 10. I also enhanced my couture skills when I went to Phoenix College : )

8. If someone wants to buy one of your creations where can they get it?

They can get it at Lillian Lottie Couture or directly from me at the moment, but soon I am going to be a national designer and hopefully I will be carried across the nation in bridal boutiques in every state : )

9. What’s next for you?

I am producing the fashion shows for the first ever Arizona Bridal Week and I am gearing up for my national campaign

10. Who is your favorite model/designer/photographer?

My favorite designers are Roberto Cavalli and Oscar de la Renta

11. Who do you want to work with most and why?

I would love to work with Oscar de la Renta, when I was in school I did a report on his company and found out his company has survived 4 recessions and I would love to work with a man who can do that in fashion.

12. Any regrets?

Not at all, I love what I do. I was born with this talent and I am going to die by it as well.

Being your own boss

2009-04-13T12:07:00.001-07:00

Posted on www.jennyvidizon.blogspot.com

Working for yourself is hard, making your own money takes time and being your own boss means you have to take destiny in your own hands.

As scary as it seems, this is what business owners live for. I was never content to sit idly by waiting for someone to tell me what to do. If anything, I am the type of person who runs ahead, even if it meant going into uncharted territory. This often means figuring things out on your own and making the most sound possible decision for every situation that may arise.

And that's the difference between business leaders, they are built with a hard exterior ready to face any unexpected complications from the decisions they made. But I've learned that a decision in business is never a mistake, it's either a decision with positive results or a decision that you have to work your way through.

I know a lot of people who have hopes in starting their business and anything new is always scary. I always tell them "go for it," in the long run doing what you love is the best decision anyone can make for themselves. Self doubt is always going to be there, it is there for me even after 5 years. But all in all, I like setting my own schedule, sewing all day, meeting people and seeing the brides face when she tries on the dress she has always hoped to wear on her wedding day.

And I know no one said owning your own business was easy and taking the challenge is the first step. You would be surprised how happy you feel when you do, even if you decide to keep your day job, you are starting something new and special that you can be proud of. You will also be surprised about how quickly you want to work on your business on a full-time basis and how much day dreaming you will do at work once you take the first step.

You will find out soon enough that daydreaming while you own your own business is easy, choosing which dream you want to fulfill first is the hard part. : )

Thank you,
Jennyvi Dizon
Bridal and Evening Wear
www.jennyvi.com

Referring the Right Vendors

2009-04-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

As bridal professionals we have a close network of vendors that we love to work with. As we get to know our brides, we realize that each one is different and each one is unique. When referring other vendors, I think it is vital to pick and choose the right one in the same way our brides have picked and chose us.

Referring the right kind of vendor is a reflection of your company and your services, if the vendor we chose to refer does not put out a quality product or the service is not up to par to the brides expectation she will always remember how she connected with that vendor. In which leads back to you and to your company.

If we are only as good as the company we keep then, I suppose we have to keep up with the vendors that suit our needs and the brides needs the best. If you are friends with your vendors, which I am, sometimes it is hard to decide who to refer the business to since I know so many photographers, so many florists, so many venues and so on. Often times, deciding is my dilemma and when it comes down to it. I refer my bride upon what the vendor is known for or what the theme the vendor is best for.

For example, with photographers I ask my bride if she considers herself more artsy and then I will refer my friend Sheila Bocchine with four white walls photography, because Sheila is known for her Pinhole photography. Or if she is looking for an upscale and mysterious type theme or look, I will refer Jeff Gleason Photography or if the bride is looking for a fun and uplifting photographer I will refer Ventola Photography.

So, I think it all depends on the brides preferences and really getting to know their personality and simply just talking about the vision most brides want to capture.

The modern world

2009-03-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

"In the modern world it is unnecessary to cut down trees to spread ideas" By Bill James (Boston Red Sox's special adviser and Baseball Abstract writer).

My husband and I are huge baseball fans and we came across this quote by Bill James. It is very true that we live in a time where the resources to spread information is now mostly through electronic form. We live in the "E" age and the more that I think about it, we live in a time where we need up to date news and sometimes I feel that I way too connected.

Do you ever feel that you are not as productive, because you have to work on the social media part of your business. Social media is a big part of our businesses now, if you don't have a Twitter, it's like your business is not worth following. It's worse when you don't have a real website, people think that if you didn't invest in a real website that then they should not invest in you.

The times are a changing, but the positive side in things is that through the blogs and information that we share sometime we truly are able to connect with real people and people who care and support you from afar.

For my sake, we will call it the "E" connection. : )

Thank you for taking the time to read : )

Always,
Jennyvi Dizon
Bridal and Evening Gown Designer
www.jennyvi.com

(Fashion show producer for the Arizona Bridal Week)

Photography by Evan Taylor, Jennyvi Dizon 2009 Destination Collection, Make-up By Kensington Makeup Artists, Hair by Santana (Sachi Salon), Stylist Nelson Hawks, Models:Taybree Sorensen - FORD - RBA, Nelson Hawks

Fashionable Bridal Drink

2009-03-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, I put bridal in there so brides would read it, but now that I have your attention. Dirty Blonde Cocktails is one of our latest vendors to be included in our many list of fabulous vendors. Just imagine sitting by the runway during the first ever Arizona Bridal Week looking at the wonderful exciting new line from local and national bridal gown designers, sipping on some Dirty Blonde (if you are of drinking age of course) and thinking what else could a girl ask for.

Well, maybe that's what I'll be doing. Actually, I'll probably need a whole 10 cases of it before I can get to sit down. These runway shows are so fun to look at, but you can't imagine the time and effort to produce a line and then produce the runway show.

But that's what we want to do for our brides during September 26th - October 3rd is to put forth the effort to show them a good time. For now, since we have to wait a cruel 6 months away to experience 8 days of pure bridal runway bliss, check out our newest vendor Dirty Blonde Cocktails. You know you want taste some yummy alcohol now that I mentioned it. : )

Welcome to the official blog of Arizona Bridal Week

2009-03-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

(Photo by Kym Ventola with Ventola Photogrpahy, make-up by Holli Christensen with Kensington Make Up Artists, gown by Jennyvi Dizon Couture at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Now that we have many of you interested in the first ever Arizona Bridal Week, we are finally finalizing plans and venues to get you more pumped up for the whole week of September 26th to October 3rd.

Our main goal is to make the whole week be a more fashion forward bridal week to entice prospective brides to come to the event. As a woman, I can tell you first hand that whenever someone says fashion show, I am there in a heart beat and I think many of our brides are the same way. Mixing two industries like fashion and bridal only spells more bookings to all in involved.

Many companies are cutting back on marketing, the people who put their company in front of the bride several times will be the company she books with first. That's why we decided to put fashion in the mix, the bride will remember the great bridal oriented attire and your company along with it.

This is not your ordinary bridal booth expo show, its a fun fast pace fashion show with plenty to see and do while you are waiting. It's not about passing out a million fliers to the brides hoping one of them will read it, at this show you already have the brides attention, you just have to find a way to engage them into talking with you more.

Some of the easy questions are "Which one was your favorite gown," Which designer did you like best, I can see you in that one, etc.

As you can tell we are ecstatic about devoting more effort in this event. We are open to any suggestions you may have in making the first bridal week even better. Remember we are all working together to make this an event Arizona will never forget. Please speak up and let us know.

In the meantime stay tuned! We will be adding more and more content to our website at www.arizonasbridalweek.com and if you have any questions please free to email info@arizonasbridalweek.com.

Some of the future options is a listing of all of our vendors websites and their blogs, so the brides can see what is new with your company and so they have an up to date preview of what's going on. Also, for each venue / day we will have individual listings and a brief history of the property and which vendors will be at that show.