The Annual Fundraiser is upon us!

The Gals are busy busy busy working with Maggie's Giving Group (MGG) on their annual fund-raiser. In the past we have raised over $40,000 for local and international non-profits. This year, the MGG Fundraiser is proud to be raising money for SisterLove, a non-profit organization that is both local and International. SisterLove pours energy and funds into HIV education, prevention and human rights advocacy for women in our city as well as South Africa, where more people suffer and die from HIV/AIDS than any other country. Women account for nearly half of all new HIV infections every year, with few options for protection and limited access to healthcare and information that can save their lives. That is why, for more than 20 years SisterLove has work has helped women and their families cope with and conquer the effects of this pandemic.

The good folks at Endive Catering and Peachtree Tents and Events have joined in and our hope is that you will too. Join us this Thursday for an evening not soon to be forgotten with amazing music and international cuisine. Get involved with this very worthwhile event. Plus, you get to hang with the Gals of Sashay... thats not to bad either. :-) Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door BUY TICKETS NOW!

October 21, 2010 at 7pm
Spelman College
Johnetta B. Cole Auditorium
350 Spelman lane, SW
Atlanta, GA30314

I Do Under The Blue

Sashay Events is thrilled to finally announce that we have been chosen to be the official wedding planners for The GA Aquarium and The Bert Show's "I do Under The Blue" wedding giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN AND HOLLY!
THE LUCKY COUPLE WILL SAY “I DO UNDER THE BLUE” AT THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM ON AUGUST 28TH!

Now YOU can help plan the wedding of their dreams! You’ll be able to vote on her bridal gown, the photographer, their honeymoon and all the important things the bride and groom need to complete their fantasy wedding at the Georgia Aquarium. Check it out. This is bound to be fun! I Do Under The Blue Voting

After the Holiday Rush

The Gals of Sashay have been busy with new brides and projects galore. We apologize for keeping you out of the loop. We have just been having to much fun over the last few weeks. And... we have started planning for the next holiday party. That's right kids. Valentine's day is just around the corner, but this party isn't just for all the love birds out there. Single, Married, Engaged, or Dating, we have a party for you to attend. Come February 13th, Sashay Events will be a part of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Valentine's Party. Stay tuned for details to come.

As the holidays creep in, we start to think about gifts. One of my favorite gifts to give are delectable sweet treats, and this year is no different. I have started the search for what candies & cookies to make this year for my friends and family. Would you like to share any of your favorite treats? Here are a few of mine.

1. Buckeyes
2. Dark Chocolate Cherry Truffles
3. Mint Chocolate Fudge
4. White Chocolate Cashew Drops covered in Milk Chocolate
5. Holiday Chocolate Bark with pistachio's and cranberries (My Mom's favorite)
6. Thin Mint Cookies
7. Carmel Pecan Bites
8. White Chocolate Chex Mix
9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzels
10. Eggnog Snickerdoodles

I could go on...but I should stop myself. Which ones should I choose?

With one holiday down and two more to go, the Gals of Sashay are finding themselves very busy indeed. However, we did find some time over the Thanksgiving holiday to put on our "Betty Crocker" face and have some some fun in the kitchen. Here are a few tips we picked up after this years Thanksgiving weekend with our families.

1. Allow your family to only stay a week or less
2. Never start a home repair project over the holidays
3. Have family events planned for the holiday weekend
4. Start preparing food before Thanksgiving day to save you time and stress
5. Get family involved and have them prepare some of the Thanksgiving dishes
6. Go around the table and find out what everyone is thankful for
7. Eat a lot of food and save room for dessert (my favorite part to eat and make)
8. Find time to relax
9. Enjoy the leftovers
10. Wish your family safe travels home and get ready for Christmas

The Sweet and Saucy Top Ten: Chocolate

Here are Sashay picks for the best chocolate treats around. Some are even local so be sure to go out of your own taste test exploration. Don't let these savory sweets melt in the summer sun!

1. Highland Bakery Chocolate Peanut Butter Mini-Cupcake
2. Sweet Sensation White Chocolate Key Lime Pops, ATL
3. Cyrila Baalam Nut Chocolate, Belize
4. Theo Fig, Fennel & Almond Dark, Seattle
5. K Chocolat Dipped Orange Peel, ATL
6. M Cupcake Chocolate Cupcake with Oreo Frosting, ATL
7. Theo Bread & Chocolate Dark, Seattle
8. Chocolate Pink Key Lime Truffle, ATL
9. Lindt Dark with Chili, Switzerland
10. Well…classic Hersey Milk Chocolate of course

Atlanta Bridal Bar Opens!!!

Good news to all Atlanta, and for that matter, all regional brides... The Atlanta Bridal Bar has opened and Sashay Creative Events is proud to be a founding member here in Atlanta. Check it out!

There's a new jeweler in town!

Okay Ladies... this is a good one. I just discovered the most amazing new jewelry maker based in Charlotte, NC. JOULES DESIGNS BY JULIE PAGE SMITH Sold exclusively at Cottage Chic. Stones are semi-precious and the gold is 14 karat gold-filled. Necklaces (such as the pink Chalcedony, ruby, tourmaline and freshwater pearl) are $64 for 3 stones and one pearl, can add additional stones for $12 each. And just for that added touch of pizazz, each necklace is designed around and hung from vintage playing cards. What fun! I also heard a rumor that she makes earrings and can custom design based on each client's desires. What better way to really tell your Bridesmaids how much you appreciate them?

The Ritz at Reynolds Plantation...WOW!

So last weekend, The Gals of Sashay headed out to The Ritz at Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee. WOW! What an amazing place. We think everyone should get married there... of course, we are a bit bias after they wined and dined us all weekend. We had cocktails, a pontoon boat ride, a BBQ followed by smores, and that was just the first day! Monday morning we were treated to a beautiful breakfast in the Presidential House. This is a 4 bedroom house that guests can rent and host their own private events. Perfect for Bride or Groom Families who want to further entertain their wedding guests. After breakfast we were treated a trip to the Spa. What a treat! Finally, we were led on a tour of the property which concluded in the Grand Ballrooms where we enjoyed an exquisite example of a served Wedding dinner. Scallops in a blood orange sauce, cleansed by raspberry sorbet in champagne and followed by a dual entree of lobster and fillet. And it would not have been complete without the buttercream wedding cake. We were so impressed. The Ritz has certainly lived up to its reputation of excellence.

Sashay on Daily Candy Atlanta!

Yes that's right Ladies and Gents...Sashay has hit the big time! Today's featured dose of sweets on Daily Candy Atlanta is all about the Gals of Sashay. This is Daily Candy Wedding's first issue and Sashay Events is honored to be chosen for the launch of such a well established and recognized publication. Aren't we looking sugary sweet?

Sashay on Daily Candy Atlanta

ATTENTION ALL BRIDES!!!

If you have not yet picked that once in a lifetime dress for your wedding, we have fantastic news! La Raine's Bridal Boutique, one of Atlanta's best local bridal salons is having an unbeatable sale every Thursday from 11am to 7pm. They are clearing out all discontinued samples at discounted prices! Gowns will be sold off the rack for as low as $99. These gowns have been professionally laundered and in order to keep them in the best possible condition, the gowns are only available for try on every Thursday. Get there soon as gowns are sure to fly off the rack.

As a side note, La Raine's also makes custom veils in house. They are beautifully hand made and can be matched to any dress. They are at a remarkable bargain for a one of a kind veil. Don't miss this extra touch!

The "Gals" at Star Bar!

The Star Bar, typically known for their Tuesday nights with DJ Romeo Cologne, was the place to be last Friday night. The featured act was the long awaited, but fully expected, band Second Shift. Second Shift gave a great performance and clearly had a great time together on stage again, however, the show was overpowered by the invigoratingly fresh new sound from local band, Y.O.U.

The Gals of Sashay have been long supporters of Y.O.U and had a rocking good time dancing to old material and listening to new. If you have not had a chance to check out this band you should. I’ve even heard a rumor that they will do weddings and event. Hint. Hint.

The Gals of Sashay never miss an opportunity to see good local music. Next time – we hope to see you there!

Sailing Away to 2009!

The Gals of Sashay rang in the New Year at The Historic Biltmore Hotel this year. We danced and sang and celebrated to the super smooth sounds of Atlanta's hottest cover band, "Yacht Rock". Alyssa even graced the stage and sang a few songs with the band. It was a perfect way to end a great year and welcome a new one. 

We worked with "Yacht Rock" on one wedding this past year and would love to do more. Booking "Yacht Rock" for your wedding or upcoming event is definitely our Tip of the Month. It is a sure fire way to make sure your event will not soon be forgotten.

If you have not heard of "Yacht Rock" yet, then where have you been hiding? Come on out to the 10 High every Thursday night and see what the fuss is about. See you there!

Calling all Cowboys and Cowgirls!

With 5 new happily married couple, the Sashay Gals have had their hands full this fall, but in typical Sashay style, we jumped back on the horse and pulled off the best Hoedown Birthday this side of the Mason Dixon!

A rickety wooden barn lined with hay bails and rusty tools was the only consideration for this Western Evening. Guests kept warm by the crackling bon-fire that cut the chill from a crisp fall night. Our Sashay team created a rustic look with simple floral arrangements of sunflowers, a variety of fall mums, cattails and wispy tall cut grass. With vintage pitchers as vases, this look was complete. You may need to do a little digging to find these antique gems. We suggest searching your local thrift store or even your Grandmother's cupboard. And remember, the search is half the fun.

So strap on those chaps, grab your cowboy hats and have a "Yeehaw" of a good time!

Check back soon for photos from our latest fall weddings.

www. The World Wide Wedding? - Monthly Tip

It used to be that you got engaged, you invited your family and friends to a wedding and you got married. It was THAT simple. Well, not anymore. Now a days a wedding is more of a production, people travel across the country, sometimes even across the ocean to attend a wedding. Keeping guests up to date on wedding details, changes, accommodation ideas, travel tips, registry, etc. can be a lot to handle for the Bride and Groom who are already busy planning for their big day.

Sashay to the rescue! We have recently paired up with Wedding Window, an online resource where the Bride and Groom can create a personalized wedding website. You can choose between hundreds of design layouts, upload your own photos, insert your personal messages to guests, and the best part...It is so EASY! Just visit the Sashay Wedding Website and get moving. You are closer than you realize to having an online Wedding Website alerting family and friends about your day and any details they may need. Enjoy!

Busy Gals in July

Well... It is already August 1st and the Gals of Sashay have been a little busy (hince the no July Blogs). We promise to make it up with double the fun in August, but for now, lets talk about July.
We enjoyed our annual Nantucket July 4th trip. Working with the Nantucket Country Club as well as private clients on their New England Independence celebrations. Our favorite Music Group "YOU" traveled with us this year and really impressed guests. If you have not booked a music act for your next upcoming event "YOU" is the way to go.

Our featured Bride and Groom this month has to be Kyle and Colleen. They were married at Cathedral of Christ the King on Saturday July 19th and followed their ceremony with an extravagant reception at the Biltmore Hotel. They make the cutest couple, but don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself at Art Pinney Photography. Art and Shawna captured some amazing moments. To quote Art on his blog "the events of the day were carried out smoothly and effortlessly, overseen by alyssa and katy, the fun, energetic duo comprising sashay creative events." Oh, we are blushing now. Thanks Art and Shawna.

Our very own local BREW!

Sashay Events and The Atlanta Brewing Company have teamed to host Private Events at The Brewery. You should see this space! Come out every Wednesday and Friday evening (5-7pm) to tour the Brewery and taste Atlanta's best locally brewed beers. If you like what you see give us Gals of Sashay a call and we will make your next event one that your guests will never forget. Perfect for Rehearsal Dinner Parties, Anniversary Parties, Corporate Galas and Sports Parties!Any plans for next years Super Bowl??? This IS the spot.

More on this amazing partnership to come soon.

Overcome the Dreaded Bridesmaid Dress - Monthly Tip

Note to the Bride: "And the best part is that if you cut it off, you can totally wear it again." is not a quote your Bridesmaids want to hear. Mostly because that is just not always the case.

While uniformity is beautiful, traditions have changed, and the days of Bridesmaids wearing matching dresses, although lovely, is no longer required. There are ways to get the feel of uniformity while giving your friends the chance to have a dress they really can wear again. We have three suggestions to make your gals happy and match.

1. The Little Black Dress.
Always a classic choice and to give the appearance of uniformity set a specific style, fabric or length. Everyone will feel good and who doesn't need a little black dress.
2. Shades of Color.
The same dress often comes in a variety of colors. Use different colors or shades of the same color for a unique and elegant effect. This looks really nice with shades of brown (chocolate, mocha, tan, champagne, etc.)
3. Variety of styles.
Once you have your color palette set, allow your bridesmaids to choose their dresses based on a specific color scheme. You can either give them full choice or pick the dresses yourself and allow the gals to choose from your selections.

Bottom line...have fun and look good (matching or not)!

Consider these Cocktail Treats! - Monthly Tip

With May being the first official summer month, it brings with it our first true taste of hot weather. A refreshing signature cocktail can help pull together a seasonal theme, set a light and festive mood for your wedding and relieve your guests from the summer heat. Consider these tasty cocktails for your reception, rehearsal dinner, or, of course, your cocktail hour.

The Sparkling Julep *a unique twist on a classic southern favorite.
Muddle a handful of mint leaves and simple syrup
Add some crushed ice
Stir in Kentucky Bourbon (2 oz.)
Top with a splash of Champagne
* First muddle the mint and simple syrup, then add ice and bourbon. Finally add a splash of champagne and garnish with a lemon twist and sprig of fresh mint.

Fresh Grapefruit Martini *nothing is as refreshing a fresh squeezed juice
Fresh squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
Vodka
A splash of Rose Water
* garnish with a thin slice of red grapefruit will make this drink look as refreshing as it tastes. A sugar rim is optional for a sweeter treat.

Champagne Mojito *add some fizz to that trendy South American cocktail
Rose's lime juice
1/2 lime wheel
Fresh mint leaves
Champagne
Fresh mint sprig (for garnish)
* fill 1/8th of a champagne flute with Rose's lime juice and add the lime wheel and mint leaves. Fill the rest of the glass with champagne and garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

Cherry Blossom *celebrate the blooms of spring and summer
Three Olives Cherry vodka (1 1/2 oz.)
Orange juice (1/2 oz.)
Grenadine (1/4 oz.)
Red Bull (1/4 oz.)
Maraschino cherry
* pour first four ingredients over ice, shake, and garnish with a maraschino cherry. This cocktail was created for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.

An Ideal Partnership!

So we sat down with Chef Anthony over at Café Lily in Decatur last night and over a fantastic glass of Klinker Zinfandel (Café Lily is know for it’s extensive list of Zinfandel wines) we formed a partnership between our two businesses. Café Lily is greatly looking to expand their events business and Sashay Events is up to the task. We have already worked together on several events, the most recent being a fundraiser for The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network where we raised more than $17,000 dollars.

If you have not dined at Café Lily it is time to do so. The food and wine are outstanding and the atmosphere…well…perfect. If you are looking for a new venue for a Party, Social Gathering or Corporate Dinner Café Lily is the place. Just give Sashay a call and we will set it up.