10 Years In The Biz!!!

Sorry, but I took a brief hiatus to continue planning and then hosting the Dejanae Events 10th year in the business celebration. I've posted pictures on Facebook, but I decided as a tribute and a way of saying thanks, that I wanted to share with you the fabulous vendors that assisted me with the celebration.

On Friday, April 23rd, over 80 family, friends and colleagues came out to celebrate at Ven Sherrod's Photography studio from 6-9pm. Check out Ven's website at http://www.vsphoto.com/ to learn of his loft studio space for your rental needs. But also view his portfolio to see one of Chicago's premier photographers awesome work. The photos provided in this blog (well most of them :) were taken by him and are much appreciated. Thanks Ven!

During the week of the celebration, I launched the newly redesigned website and logo (well actually that was debuted in February) for the world the see. I have to give thanks to Christy Toney of CT Designs for all her hard and generous work for bringing the Dejanae Events look to life. Check her out at http://www.ct-designs.com/ as this custom invitation designer and calligraphist stands out above the rest.

In addition to his fabulous toast to me, LeVern Danley, owner of LAD4 Creations, made a wonderful video clip of several of the weddings we have worked together on over the years. LeVern is such a professional in the business and can be found at http://www.lad4creations.com/. Check him out for media services because his service is impeccable!

Now I received so many compliments on the food and bar menu and I owe thanks to 4 Generations Catering for creating such a swank menu and providing awesome service!! Tiffany Fulton's talents should be announced to the world! Check her company out at http://www.cooking4generations.com/. Oh and can I tell you, she set up a wonderful display of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Vegetable Skewers, Whole Grilled Chicken Wings and Fruit and Cheese Kabobs! And Terisita, the bartender-extraordinaire, finished off with the "Deja-Tini"...a martini of vodka, pomegranate and blue raspberry fruit juice infusions and a green grape for color. Want a professional and lovely-spirited bartender, reach out to her at katiemae2@comcast.com. One of the largest rental companies, if not the largest, Classic Party Rental provided the cabaret tables, hiboys and walnut wood folding chairs. Their detailed site can be found at http://www.classicpartyrental.com/. The tables were draped by a lovely designer that I just recently met - Enchanting Events Created by Angie. With her use of purple and sage green, she brought the business colors to life and totally rocked the space! E-mail Angie at amoten2@yahoo.com for a list of all her services.

The live entertainment was provided by The Chris Greene Duo and although I literally just meet him the evening before the event (don't ask :), he was so professional and my guests LOVED his music. What a wonderful musician! Check him out at http://www.chrisgreenejazz.com/. And I can never forget the DJ, that although he could not attend due to a previous engagement, made some CD's of my favorite songs to pipe through the surround after the musicians departed. DJ Bo rocks and you can find him on Facebook/DJBo.

Last, but never least, I have to give a big shout out and many, many thanks to Bob, the owner of Rosemary's Garden, for the 10+ dramatic centerpieces he created for my cocktail party. Using hydrangea, calla lilies, roses, irises, dendrobium and cymbidium orchids...just to name a few... literally brought me to tears. High, low and submerged floral arrangements simply completed the elegant look I was hoping for. Check out Rosemary's Garden at http://www.rosemarysgardenbridal.com/ and tell him Desiree' sent you.

Once again thanks to the talented vendors who assisted in making this milestone such a success! I could not have done it without you and I'm so very thankful for each of you!!!

Until next time...WEDologize!