UrDreamPlanner's Friday Fun: Cape May Zoo!

This week, I took a day off from business and was able to experience the Cape May Zoo. This was my first time going to a zoo (despite when I was little, which I don't remember so in my mind it doesn't count..lol), so this was my first time going to the zoo. It was actually a surprise! And I must say, that if you live close to the shore or don't and want to have an amazing experience, go to the Cape May Zoo!!!

Cape May County Park & Zoo!

Perks about the Cape May Zoo:

#1. Their animals are amazing!!! I was so excited seeing peacocks, zebras, the giraffes, the bears and so many other beautiful animals...I truly loved every moment of it!

#2. You can take the whole family and there is something for everyone. They have a playground, campground and eating areas.

#3. You can feed the goats and they want you to feed them and pet them. {I did not do this..because I am not a goat person, but others loved it..lol}

#4. It Is FREE!!

#5. It's great for a date day. You can take your spouse or significant other and take a walk through the zoo and learn about the animals, as well as, learn something new about each other!

#6. Did I say it was FREE?? Yes, free parking & free entrance! {You cannot go wrong with free!}

 Me at the Zoo!

Don't just take my word for it, but go experience it for yourself! If you live in Philly/De it is so worth the drive up 55 & 47! If you already live near the shore (Cape May, Wildwood area, etc.) pay it a visit, as you are only 20+ minutes away!! Take the family and enjoy the Cape May Zoo this weekend. You will be so happy you did, because the animals are amazing.

Make it a FUN weekend! 

Talk To Me:

Have you been to the Cape May Zoo before? Have you been to a Zoo before? If so, how was your experience? If not, would you go? Share your zoo experiences and desires below in the comment zone!! :-)

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Sincerely,

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Selecting Wedding Colors!

Let's talk colors combinations! One of my favorite things about planning a wedding is learning the colors a couple has chosen. Is it going to be "Fuschia, Brown & White" or "Candy Apple Green, Teal & Red", etc? Whichever color combo they share, I always say, "That's great!" My "that's great", comes from the heart. I truly believe that every color combo can work, especially if you add a great accent color to the mix. As a Wedding Planner, I enjoy the challenge of showing just how great and unique the couple's color combo is!

Bride wanted two colors the Mothers could wear...so I suggested, light & dark grey. 

This board is displaying on the color choices not an attire suggestion. 

When selecting your wedding colors...

1. Select at least 3 and no more than 4.
2. Include an accent color (An accent color is a color that is used to break up or highlight the combination of the others you have chosen. It makes a HUGE subtle difference!!)
3. Find colors that represent you & your Fiance.
4. Do research on the different shades of the color you desire. (There are many shades of every color..including white and black!)
5. Use online inspiration to find color combos displayed in art, food, clothing, jewelry, etc. 
6. Don't be afraid of color!
7.  When you find your exact colors, find a tangible swatch of each. (This allows you to get the exact colors you want for your wedding. Every company does not use the same color grid. Swatches are essential, when it comes to color & design!)

Having a great color combo makes a wedding that more exciting. Color, when used correctly, can make a drastic statement at the wedding. 

 This Bride wanted an "accent" color to the Cherry Red & Sage Green. I suggested she use Eggplant to highlight the colors she had already chosen. This was for a Destination Wedding, so I added this boarder too!

Color Suggestion:

When working with dark bold colors...choose a light, softer accent color.

When working with light soft colors...choose a dark, bold accent color.

"Blending is great for applying makeup, not choosing wedding colors. You want to make sure all the colors you select are seen!"

The key to making a great color combo is selecting colors that make sense to you. It's almost like you should have that "ah-ha" moment. Don't pick colors for everyone else...pick colors for you! Be true to yourself.

Talk To Me:

What made you pick the colors you did? Did you love the colors you picked or did you want to change them constantly? Was finding the perfect colors easy or hard? Share any "color selecting" tips you may have with our readers. Share your experiences below in the comment zone! :-)

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Sincerely,

UrDreamPlanner's Monday Inspiration: Never Give Up!

It's Monday, that start of the work week for many!! Today's inspiration is just for YOU! Today and from this day forward I want YOU to never give up on your dreams and passion for life! 

(Hit play to listen while you read.)

I have always had the dream since I was little to be a mommy. When I was in kindergarten I said for career day, "When I grow up, I want to be a mommy!" It's interesting because at age 24 I have no kids, but since I was 7 I have been around kids. I grew up with a daycare in my home. I was always attracted to daycare/nanny jobs. And as much as kids "annoy me" so to speak, I always enjoy their presesence. I say all that to say that, I look forward to marriage and kids. I don't want an army or band of kids, but to have a family has always been a dream of mine!

When I was in college, and even before that, I gained an interest in weddings & events because I was attracted to the decor & details. But when I learned the industry through my internship, it opened my eyes to so much more and became a passion of mine. I loved the actual planning aspect, I loved the coordination and mechanics of making an air tight timeline so the day can flow beautifully. I loved the connection I made with the couples. I loved {ME} in the Wedding & Event Planning industry. 

I came into my internship with the mindset that, I wanted to learn! I wanted to learn everything so that I can start my own business. I was given an opportunity of a lifetime. I am so grateful to have been given this passion of planning weddings & events and actually being able to live it out!

I chose this Rocky song...but it just inspires me to never give up. The story behind it shows perseverance because he overcame so much! Although things will come up in life, like they have in mine, that will completely knock you off your game. Like it did to me (from March to May, things were off in my life and my business felt it.) Even with that, my passion was restored through the Lord and I am on a mission like no other. Just because things happen in life and may knock you off your game, it doesn't mean it's over. YOU are never to old to fulfill your dreams and passions in life.

I don't care what happens in your life, YOU have to keep pushing. Keep running up the stairs of success until you reach your destiny. Never give up on your dreams and passions in life! This is your race that YOU are running. YOU pick the path and how slow or fast you want it to go. Do it according to your plan, not those around you.

God's timing is perfect timing and he will place things and people in your life that will make those dreams come to life right before your eyes. But YOU have to live out the dream. YOU have to work hard for the dream. It's your dream, no one wants your dream to come true as much as YOU do! So when it's time to live it out...grab on with both hands and enjoy the ride!!! Never Give Up...

Be Inspired!

Talk To Me:

What is your dream and/or passion in life? What excites you so much that you can't imagine life without you doing that? Are you living out your dreams and passions? Are you running or hiding from your dreams or passions? What will it take in YOU to make those dreams a reality? Share below with the readers your "journey" to success. How are you getting there? Share below in the comment zone! 

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Sincerely,

UrDreamPlanner's Friday Fun: 4th of July Recipes!

All week our posts have been related to the 4th of July holiday! Today, we are going to finish the week off with some fun 4th of July family oriented recipes, that you can try this weekend!! Let's start with a festive drink!!

When creating fun food items, presentation plays a big part. Your food display, although in this case will already be colorful, should be displayed nicely! Use pretty platters and use levels to make your food display appealing to the eye!

Patriotic Drink

(Found via Family Fun Magazine)

 This kid friendly drink will be sure to capture the essence of your 4th of July Party! Click here to learn how to make this drink for yourself, family & friends!!

Guests love having a fun drink to try! If planning a dinner party this weekend or in the near future, consider serving this. Have your drinks already made and ready to be served. Find a swanky glass, add a festive straw, place a strawberry or watermelon on the side of the glass and cheers to a good time!!

American Flag Marshmallow Pops

 

(Found via LivingLocurto.com)

Click here for "how-to" picture instructions and all the tools needed to create this fun treat. 

Although 4th of July is over...if you are getting married on this holiday next year, consider a "fun food station" for your guests to enjoy. Having the items set up nicely during cocktail hour would be a great way to give your guests something to do...that would be a teaser of the fun to be expected at the Wedding Reception! You can create 1 or 2 fun food stations to compliment the other h' orderves being served!

This is also great for a kids party. Edible markers come in all colors. Make this treat color coordinate and use it as a "Thank You Favor" for kids to take home when they leave the party. Place 3 or 4 marshmallow pops in each package with a thank you note!

Patriotic Hot Dog Station

(Found via PartyCity.com)

Click here to see how you can create this look too!

My favorite thing about this spread are the details. From the stationery to the flags, the bows and colored plates. This hands-on food station captures your eye and more importantly does not overwhelm you. When doing a buffet presentation such as the one above you want to be sure your details flow together! The details are what elevates an event. Have fun assembling together your masterpiece and get creative, but don't go overboard!

 Enjoy these fun 4th of July recipes. Try these, add your own twist and most importantly..have fun!!

Check out this weeks 4th of July post:

UrDreamPlanner's Mondy Inspiration: Independence!

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Happy 4th of July!!!

Talk To Me:

Did you incorporate any fun food items into this 4th of July holiday? What fun family traditions did you share? Any fun recipes that you tried and loved? Will you try any of the ones above?! Leave your comments below in the comment zone!!

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Book us at www.BeautifulBeyondDreams.com

Sincerely,

UrDreamPlanner's Wednesday Knowledge: Happy 4th of July!!!

Happy 4th of July! 

Today, we celebrate our independence in the United States of America. On July 4, 1776 we became independent from Great Britain and our democracy began. Today we use the flag and the colors of the flag, red, white, and blue to represent the meaning of this holiday. Many Americans celebrate this holiday with family picnics, barbecues and watching fireworks. It's the USA's "birthday"! 

Read more about Independence Day and The Declaration of Independence! 

The Pledge Of Allegiance

 “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The Star Spangled Banner 

 Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Read More... 

We've been celebrating Independence Day all week; check out UrDreamPlanner's Monday Inspiration: Independence!

As you celebrate with your families on today, remember the meaning behind the red, white, and blue flag that is showcased everywhere! Click here --> Independence Day and The Declaration of Independence, to learn more about the history behind Independence Day. 

Have a safe and happy Holiday!

Talk To Me:

How are you celebrating Independence Day? What family traditions do you share on this day? What does 4th of July mean to you? Share below in the comment zone! :-)

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Sincerely,