Thank You!

A big 'thank you' to everyone for your phone calls, emails, and blog comments today! It all feels so surreal. One of the questions that was asked was where the boutique is located. We like to say it's at the corner of 'Main and Main' because it's right in the middle of the city.

For those wanting to visit, A Modern Event is located at 125 Ottawa Avenue between Pearl and Fountain Street. Boutique hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday by appointment. You can learn more by checking out the website.

If you visit before our grand opening, please bear in mind that the store is a work in progress. We're still waiting for many products to arrive and working on the edgy tablescapes. But trust me when I say, you'll all be blown away when we have our open house! If you're interested in attending, send us a quick note at events@amodernevent.com with your name and the number of people planning to attend. We would hate to run out of champagne!

~Jodi

The Big Announcement

I have butterflies in my stomach as I write this. If you had told me five years ago that I would own a successful event planning firm, I wouldn't have believed you. And if you had said I would become a partner is Michigan's first event design boutique, I would have said you were crazy.


Well, both are now my reality! And I'm so excited to announce the opening of A Modern Event... an event design boutique. Located in downtown Grand Rapids, this spectacular boutique is the collaborative effort of In Any Event, Modern Day Floral, Ben Harrison Photography, and Sweet Cakes Design.

This boutique was born from the idea that Grand Rapids lacked a speciality boutique solely dedicated to educating brides and those planning special events. At A Modern Event, you'll be able to browse through lots of design magazines, sip sparkling water, view the portfolios of some of Michigan's finest vendors, be inspired by cutting-edge tablescapes, and shop the area's finest collection of china, chargers, linens, chairs, soft seating and accessories. In addition, we'll sell fresh flowers, letterpressed wedding and party invitations, bridal books and magazines. All in a comfortable and complimentary setting.

We are in the process of preparing for our grand opening celebration slated for April 23, from 5-8pm. Please mark your calendars now because you won't want to miss it. And if you already know you want to be there, feel free to rsvp at events@amodernevent.com.

It's an exciting time and the founding members of A Modern Event feel so fortunate that we can bring this to you. Stay tuned as we continue to refine the storefront and create an environment that you will fall in love with!


~Jodi

Boxed Water is Better for the Earth

Okay, I think I'm in love! I was at our school auction over the weekend and they were passing out boxed water. That's right. Boxed water because it's better for the earth. Instantly, I began to think how this simple black and white carton filled with water might change the face of events. Can't you just envision this stuff at swanky cocktail hours? I sure can!

After inspecting the carton, which is made of recycled and renewable materials, I soon realized that this revolutionary product is produced right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I mean really, the genius behind this makes me smile. And knowing that some brilliant individual(s) here in Grand Rapids developed it, makes me want to show my teeth when I smile!

You've got to check this stuff out! Visit the website and learn more. My new goal for 2009 is to offer this stuff at an event. Heck, I want to design an event around the stuff!

~Jodi

{photo credit-Boxed Water is Better}

Random Thought Thursday

Hopefully my 'random thoughts' don't bore the begeesus out of you. I've been so busy this week working on the kid's school auction that I haven't had a lot of time for things like the blog fabulous and twitter terrific. So, all of that boils down to one thing. You're getting my random thoughts tonight.

1. I should be sewing the quilt for the auction right now but instead I'm writing this post.
2. Did you know I could sew? Oh yeah, sisters. I can get my groove on with a sewing machine. It's one of my not-so-well-known talents :)
3. I've had a migraine for the past 7 days. This creates a bit of a problem since I'm a busy girl. Since my migraine medicine {Imitrex} costs $50 per pill {no, I'm not kidding!}, I figure this headache has cost me $350 thus far. Seriously, that's a plane ticket to the tropics!
4. I'm tempted to write my migraine an open letter.
5. Yesterday, we landed two new events. I'm excited about both of them.
6. Nope, the new website isn't done yet. I'm happy to report that I continue to make revisions to the revisions to the revisions to the revisions.
7. In two short weeks, I will be announcing something VERY EXCITING! I'm mean, so exciting that I haven't been sleeping for a couple of months.
8. Grey's Anatomy just started. My dear husband just walked in the door from his soccer coaches meeting. And I'm signing off for the night. Good night my lovelies!

~Jodi

I'm simply giddy this morning after learning that one of my industry heroes, Tara Guerard of Soiree Charleston, has started a blog! There are a handful of event planners who's work speaks to every essence of my being. And Tara is at the top of the list!

In my opinion, everything Tara touches turns to eye candy. To be given an afternoon to sip tea and talk shop with her would be a dream come true! Since that probably won't happen, I'll sip tea and read her blog instead!

~Jodi

Great Find!

I'm a sucker for a great napkin ring! I think the passion can be attributed to my mom. She's a fantastic entertainer and as a little girl I watched her throw some amazing parties. They weren't necessarily elaborate, but instead personal and intimate. She had some great napkin rings that she brought out for such occasions. And in my head I can still envision what they look like!

Well, I ran across these really cool napkin rings the other day and had to share them with you. They're on clearance at Crate and Barrel for 95 cents! When I saw the above photo, I immediately thought that the orange, blue, and olive green would make a stunning color palette for an event.

In the same clearance section I found this wonderful napkin on sale for $1.95. Wouldn't it be fun to have the napkin embroidered with your initials in orange and pair it with the blue napkin ring above? I think I'm in love!

~Jodi

*{photos courtesy of Crate and Barrel}

Dress Shopping in Chicago = SUCCESS!

Yesterday, I had the privilege of dress shopping in Chicago with my bride from Australia. One of the locations I always tell brides to go is Ultimate Bride. And more often than not, that's where they find their gowns. Now, I know why. The representatives were incredible! They were kind, they listened to what my bride wanted and they didn't bring her gowns that were more than she wanted to spend.

I'm thrilled to report that we found the perfect dress for her! It's this gorgeous Rivini and it looked absolutely stunning on the bride-to-be. With permission, I'm giving you a sneak peek. Don't you LOVE it? I've always been a Monique Lhuillier fan but now Rivini might be my new favorite designer!

After settling on the dress, we scooted over to Stuart Wietzman to find the perfect pair of shoes. And we did! The gown is champagne so we're going to have them dyed to match. But after the wedding, she's going to have them dyed black so she can wear them with cocktail dresses.

If you're looking for a marvelous couture dress shopping experience, you have to visit Ultimate Bride! Be sure to ask for an appointment with Stephanie. She's just marvelous!

~Jodi

{photo courtesy of Rivini}