Dear Blog...

Dear Blog,

I'm sorry for neglecting you....my house, laundry, and doggies are feeling the same way....

this image should explain it all.  We'll be in touch soon. 

Love, The Crazy Girl

P.S. "Hot and Dangerous"....I hate to admit it but this song is awesome, and

since Justin hates Kesha...I think it makes me like it more!  I'm just sayin....

 

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Big Announcement # 2!!!

So, my "Big Announcement #2" is that....I'm finally launching my own company!!!  Yes, it's true!!  Jennifer Starr, Stylized Weddings & Events is official!

If you've been following my blog over the past year, then you saw this post nearly a year ago, I posted it on March 8th, 2010.  Tears, roll down my face as I think as to how much our lives changed almost exactly a month after that post. 

So here I am, almost a year later....wiser, stronger, and even more passionate to make this dream become a reality.  This has been a dream of mine, for as long as I can remember, and know I'm finally at the point in me life to......
make this happen. 

You may be wondering what's with the new name and logo?  Well the one great thing that came out of this past year, was time to think.  As much as I loved the name SweetPeas, after many events and much conversation, it made more sense for my mom to take over SweetPeas Floral and for me to launch my own company...using the one name that has remained consistent through all my years of experience in this industry: "Jennifer Starr"

This will allow me to branch out to the Event World and target certain demographics while my mom can maintain her passion and expertise with floral design and take on business as she desires. We will still collaborate from time to time for certain events, but maintain creative control over our different companies. 

So, it brings me great pride to announce the beginning of a new chapter:  "Starr Style"

Please stay tuned..... as I will be blogging about how I plan to succeed at my role as Director of Weddings and Events at Superstition Springs and start a company,  announcing the launch of my upcoming website, announcing my business debut party, and might even be....highlighted in an upcoming bridal magazine! 

Also, I'm proud to say I've booked my first official "Jennifer Starr" Wedding this August at the Royal Palms, which I'm just thrilled about.......things are starting to fall in place and I'm so appreciative. 

Much Love to Blog Readers for the Continued Support!!

P.S.  Very special thank you to Tony Tuttle, the artist behind designing my logo and introducing me to my husband~ what a talented person Tony is!!

P.P.S. This marks off # 43 off my list!

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First Day....

First day back in action was pretty awesome!  I'm beyond excited to start researching all my ideas... I can't wait to turn my new "Southern Plantation" venue into to the next wedding hot spot in the valley!  I'm thinking I'll be needing a mint julep and a trip to South Carolina or Georgia..... to get me inspired....hmmm..... 

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Reflection on Valentine's Days....

  Hello World and Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Yes, yes it's true....I'm one of those gushy people that loves days like today.  I remember as a little girl, I would get so excited to make my little valentines mail box at school, pick out those silly little cards~picking out an extra special one for whoever was my little crush at the time, and pass out pinky sprinkly cupcakes, and always eating a ton of those little message hearts....

So in the spirit of Valentine's Day...I thought I would be fun to reflect on past ones...with My Love....

2004

Though we started dating in 2003, our first date wasn't until March of 2003, so our first Valentine's Day was in 2004.....Justin made the BIG mistake of setting the bar really high ;)  Complete with roses, jewelry, and an entire day filled with a ballet at the Orpheum and dinner at Zinc Bistros.

2005

I'm not entirely sure how this happened, but at one point we decided that we would take turns planning Valentine's Day each year.  So this year was a date that I had planned...with dinner at the Farm at South Mountain and a customized dessert for my Valentine.... 

(I'm not a fan of this photo but it's one of Justin's favorites for some reason...he even has it in a frame in his office.....the bracelet and necklace were a gift from him, that particular Valentine's Day)

2006

Would you believe that we don't have one single photo from this year?  In fact, yesterday we could barely remember what we did this year.   We finally determined that this was a year that Justin planned Valentine's Day, and he took me to Flemings (because I had never been before). 

We were just a month and 1/2 away from our wedding day, and I remember I was dieting hard core.  And after we had this meal, I got so so sick!!  I hadn't had such savory in food in such a long time that my body went into shock~not very romantic...perhaps that's why we don't have any photos....

2007

Our first "married" Valentines Day....and I guess we decided to "share" the planning of this day.  As I planned a delicious breakfast for my sweetheart (actually I think I served "Einstein's Bagles" on fancy plates). Justin took me to Tomasos later that night for a romantic dinner.

Though we had a romantic dinner, I remember the service being really bad and slow and the meal not tasting that awesome...I think that's when we decided that moving forward we would A.)  Never celebrate Valentine's Day on "actual" Valentines Day...because everyone else did...making the experience not so great or B.) Have dinner at home

2008

This year makes me laugh.....I don't really remember a lot from it, and this was the only photo taken....Judging by the spread of gifts it looks like it would have been a fabulous time, but Justin likes to tell the story as ...

"the valentine's day you got pissed at me"

I remember this being a really busy time...work wise for me and school wise for Justin...and we had decided just to stay home and have a nice dinner..... I remember Justin asking me...."are you sure, you're going to be okay with this?"...and I kept saying..."yes, I'm so tired let's just stay home".

Apparently (though I hardly remember this ;)....I came home from work to find Justin on the back patio grilling up some steaks...and I then decided that wasn't "romantic enough".... thus.... as Justin so eloquently puts it... "the valentine's day you got pissed at me" ....I'm guessing that's why we don't have any lovey dovey photos from this year :)  Poor Justin (he really shouldn't have set that bar so high the first year)

 .....I've gotten better, I think...I hope;)

**Ever since this Valentine's day, we've celebrated dinner at home...so at least this started

a new tradition**

2009

For whatever reason, it was Justin's turn to plan Valentines Day again this year...... perhaps to make up from the year before:)  I came home from work to fine a little Valentine's day picnic set up in our living room.....just perfect...



You can read more details on this particular year here on this past blog post.....

2010

Hmm... even though this was just last year, = I can't remember which one of us planned this year.... I think it was a mutual plan...just a nice relaxing night at home, I think we ordered Olive Garden to go....nothing too super memorable.....but nice.

You can read more about this particular Valentine's day here on this past blog post.....

2011, This Year...

Guess, you'll just have to keep reading my blog to find out!  Since Justin has his rotation today~we celebrated yesterday.  I planned Valentine's Day this year... and this morning as Justin was leaving he told me..."I think yesterday was the best Valentine's Day we've ever had". 

I'm glad my love, you're the reason I believe in days like today......Happy Valentine's Day...
..I love you





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Big Announcement # 1!!!

I have a new job!!!  Yes, again..... I'm crazy I tell ya!!  In all actuality I've been considering the idea for quite some time... perhaps I should back up a little....

What have I been doing professionally up until this point?
I left Seville back in December of 2009 where I had worked as the Private Events Director.   I had a wonderful experience at Seville for over 5 years....but I was at a point in my life where I wanted to shake things up, grow, learn, and branch out to the Wedding & Event Industry in the phoenix valley....because it's huge!!

 I went to work for Still Life Studios in January of 2010 as their Sales & Marketing Gal.  I had partnered with Still Life Studios previously at Seville, selling their services in my "Seville Experience Packages", plus Still Life had shot my wedding in 2006, plus my talented husband is subcontracted through Still Life to shoot weddings....needless to say... Still Life is like family to me. 

So, I've been with Still Life for the past year and we've worked so hard to partner with other venues, and have done such a great job....because we have some amazing sites that our team gets to shoot nearly every weekend.  And let me tell ya....doing Sales and Marketing for a team of such amazing artists/photographers/and designers...was a total cake walk, because it's easy for clients to see why they should book SLS!!  The most amazing part of my experience with working for SLS is all the new people I've met, and all the new venues I've seen!!

In August of 2010...Chris Nagy, owner of the lovely Regency Garden called me.  His business partner had just moved out of state and he needed someone to come in and help with Sales and Wedding Coordination two days a week.  So I jumped in....while still keeping my role at Still Life and balancing both jobs.  Regency was a wonderful experience because I was able to see a new side of the wedding industry....a Private Venue.  Chris has poured his heart and soul into Regency...and it shows!  The way he runs and operates Regency is completely different than a corporate setting...and it works~considering he books well over 100 weddings a year. 

Well after Christmas....I started feeling the urge to challenge myself again in new areas...so what did I do?  I applied for a new job.  As much as I LOVE Still Life & Regency.... Still Life is Matt's "baby", and Regency is Chris' "baby"....and I'm ready for "my" baby again.... after taking a year off from being in the Event Director role, I was ready again.....
So, What am I Doing Now? I just accepted a role at..... Superstition Golf Club as the Director of Catering & Events!!  I'm totally excited about have a new property...and blank canvas....just waiting for me to put my

 "Jennifer Starr" into it!!!

It's a totally unique property...very different from Seville and Regency.  It reminds me of a "Southern Plantation" as the ballroom sits up at the top of the hill.  I'm totally inspired to "define" the feeling...I need to do some research and totally build, brand, and market....I love a new project!!  I'm thinking very "Gone with Wind-ish"...perhaps I'll turn the bridal suite into a "vintage" glam theme.

One thing I know for sure....I will learn how to golf!!! I still can't believe I worked at Seville for 5 years and never once picked up a club, I'm determined this time!!

I already have a Bridal Fashion Photo Shoot in the works....if you know of any beautiful woman who would like to be in a shoot and still have a dress that fits and is "in style"... please let me know:)

I officially start my new role on Tuesday February 15th, and I can't wait to get things rolling.  I will still try my best to partner with Still Life one night a week for client meetings and hopefully on Mondays to help with marketing efforts...and I'm sure I'll still do some coordinating at Regency from time to time as well.  I'm so thankful for all that I have learned over the past year...it certainly wasn't an easy year emotionally...but I learned so much from all the people in life.

  A special thank you goes out to

Matt Wheeler and Chris Nagy..... thank you both for all you've done for me....

your energy, spirit, and love is contagious!! 

**Blog Readers stay tuned for one more big announcement that believe it or not....I'm even MORE excited about!!!**

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My Sweet Jax, is Having a Girl!!!

  Last Sunday we spent some precious time with the Tuttle Family

Yesterday Justin was able to spend some time working up some "teaser" photos for email to Jacquie. They just turned out so beautiful, I had to post them on my blog this morning....

 After two boys, Jacquie is finally having her girl!!!!  Congrats Tony, Jacquie, Ethan, and Jackson!!!! 

We Love You Guys and Gal (s) !!!!!

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Going Big Time.....

I'm super excited right now..... I have so many new fun things to share with my blog readers..... but I'll have to keep you waiting in suspense...until I have all my duckies in row for the big announcements....

 

But I'll give you a hint..... one of the announcements involves....a bride, a groom,
a wedding at the Royal Palms....and me!! :)

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Eye Candy to an Event Designer....

  The Special Event 2011 was in Arizona last week, and I'm sooooo mad at myself for not re-arranging my crazy schedule last week so that I could attend!!!!  The Special Event (TSE) is the largest tradeshow and conference in the world for event professionals....and it's in a different state each year.   I attended in 2009 to the San Diego show....and I'm now so bummed that I didn't attend this year :( 

Melissa Jill, a talented photographer here in the valley that I admire...took these images.

  Just thought I'd share....

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Christmas 2010

(Deep breath).....you may have noticed that I haven't blogged in a little while, I think it's because I knew this next blog would be a difficult to write....sometimes it's hard to find the words....  but if I had to describe this past Christmas in one word....it would be Bittersweet....

While it was important to carry on, try to be mature adults,  and spend time with loved ones....it was still really hard knowing that we wouldn't be celebrating with Mom Starr.  It almost seemed in a way that the innocence of Christmas was partly gone~because I realize it now..... Mom's Make Christmas. 

But, with my angel in heaven (my mother in law) and my angel on earth (my momma) we got through it...somehow.  I know with time, creating happy times will hopefully be easier...but this past year, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard. 

Christmas Eve at Grams & Gramps:

My Grandparents are really something special... 7 Children, 9 Grandchildren, and as of (this evening, Christmas Eve) 3 Great Grandchildren.  Christmas Eve has always equaled Grandpa Jim and Grandpa Jane, I've never known anything different.  We always have dinner (usually mexican food), open gifts, take a family photo, and make fun of each other all night ~it's a pretty great tradition.  And after a long night of festivities my Grandpa still manages to make it to Midnight Mass to sing. 

And here's the gang....well some of them, we're missing 14 people in this photo... you may notice my sweet Justin isn't in the photo, he had left Christmas Eve early that night...he just wasn't feeling it...but I did gain a "Starr" in the photo ~my brother in law...Shannon.  Shannon was able to experience a "Casa Grande Christmas Eve".... and he survived.

And although our family keeps getting bigger, somehow our Christmas' keep getting smaller...maybe we can all be together this year at Easter, or perhaps plan a family reunion this summer, or maybe come up with a new way to celebrate Christmas so that everyone can be together.

Christmas Morning at the Norris House:

We always stay over at Mom and Dad's home, and this year so did Shannon.  Mom made a lovely breakfast and my Granny Morris and my uncle Gene came down as always, to celebrate with us.  It was a busy, crazy kind of morning because we had a flight to catch.  Although I know Mom and Dad weren't crazy about us flying out to New York on Christmas day...they were supportive. 

Mom always make sure everything is decorated so beautifully and makes her home so warm and cozy.

I was very excited to give my parents their big gift from me and Justin this year.  We had all of their old vhs tapes transferred over to discs and put on a hard drive.  This was one of my 101s, which I'm so excited I was able to complete.  It was a big project, but I love the joy it brings my parents to view all of their most precious memories. 

The Morris/Norris crew in all our morning glory....even though we were in a mad scramble....rushing out the door at full speed (as Justin, Shannon, and I had a plane to catch)  I made everyone stop and smile, perhaps it's not a family shot that we will ever hang on the wall, but it sure was a moment. 



Christmas Night with the Starrs:

We had decided this year, in an effort to try and make things less sad, that we would go away on a trip this year. So me and "the boys"...Shannon, Trevor, and Justin spent Christmas in New York City. We knew that although this year would be dramatically different, it was important to be together as the  family even though we didn't do any of our regular "traditions".

We enjoyed our "Christmas" dinner at the famous Stage Deli, where the sandwiches were a mile high and there we famous autographed head shots all over the wall of people who had dined there before. 

Followed by a Horse Drawn Carriage ride through Times Square ~ it was freezing, it was crazy and although it wasn't easy...it will surely be a Christmas that we always remember. 

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