Keys Events, LLC

03/01/2022

03/01/2022

There are so many ways to leave your reception beyond a sparkler exit. We can talk through your options to personalize your exit and truly make it your own.

02/26/2022

I can’t express how amazing it is when you collaborate with vendors who go along with your vision, especially when your vision changes.

After a couple hurdles I adjusted the concept for this shoot, I wanted to create a space where any bride could imagine herself.

I believe that elegance can be innovative and classic style can lead you down many paths of creativity.

Concept + Design:
Photography:
Floral styling:

Black History Fact:

Ruth E. Carter is an accomplished costume designer. She has created looks for numerous films including, Malcolm X and Do The Right Thing.

Carter made history in 2019 when she became the first African American to win the costume design Oscar for her work on Black Panther.

02/26/2022

A little behind the scenes from our latest project. The beauty is in the simplicity.

02/22/2022

Every element matters. The chairs, the florals, the atmosphere, all of these components work together to make up a beautiful experience.

Black History Fact:

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators. They trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, and flew more than 15,000 individual sorties in Europe and North Africa during World War II.

02/18/2022

I’ve been working on a few tabletop designs this week. They say you eat with your eyes first and having a gorgeous place setting elevates the whole dining experience.

Black History Fact:

B. Smith was a model and restaurateur best known for her popular Manhattan restaurant, B. Smith’s. Located at the edge of the theater district, it opened in 1986. Ms. Smith also became the second black model to appear on the cover of Mademoiselle, in July 1976. Darrell and I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Smith many years ago before she passed when we were dating. She told us we would have cute children, she was right 😊.

02/15/2022

If stealing away for a quiet moment during your wedding day is a priority for you we can make that happen. As a couple you should have time to take in the day together, uninterrupted. Those tend to be the best moments.

Black History Fact:

Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian and American actor, film director, and diplomat. He was the first African American actor and first Bahamian to win the Oscar for Best Actor.

02/13/2022

Happy Galentine’s Day! Major thanks to Leslie Knope for making today possible.

Any other Parks and Rec fans out there?

Black History Fact:

Madam C.J. Walker made her fortune by developing and marketing a line of cosmetics and hair care products for black women. She is recorded as the first female self-made millionaire in America in the Guinness Book of World Records.

02/12/2022

Working and pandemic parenting real hard lately.

February is flying by, it’s been nice to meet new vendors and talk about the industry and creative projects, I’m starting to feel recharged.

Black History Fact:

Thurgood Marshall was an American lawyer and civil rights activist. Marshall was the first black justice to serve on the Supreme Court.

Fun fact, I was a family law paralegal for a number of years. It was equally challenging and rewarding.

02/08/2022

Your event invitation gives your guests a peek into what your celebration will look like. Take the time to really think about elements you want to include that will reflect you and your celebration.

Black History Fact:
Lorraine Hansberry was a playwright and writer. She was known as the first African-American female author to have a play performed on Broadway. Her most notable work is A Raisin in the Sun. I’ve read the play at least 5 times and had the pleasure of being the stage manager for the production in high school.

02/02/2022

This is one of my favorite shots from this session. When you work with your photographer it’s good to have a shot list. Think of those creative images that you really want captured, you won’t regret it.

Black History Fact:

Hampton University was founded in 1868 in Hampton, Virginia. A top tier private Historically Black institution, Hampton has produced impactful leaders in science, medicine, and entertainment. Notable alumni include:
Booker T. Washington, Wanda Sykes, and DJ Envy. (Yours truly is also an HU graduate 😊) “The Standard of Excellence, An Education for Life”

02/01/2022

When my couples come to me they have already picked out their perfect place to say I do. There are important factors to consider when picking your venue. I’m going to talk about some of them in the blog this week.

In the meantime check out my stories and tell me what are the main things you look for in a venue?

Black History Fact:

The Greensboro sit-in was a civil rights protest that started in 1960, when young Black students staged a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. The students who started the movement were known as the Greensboro Four.

01/31/2022

One of the greatest parts of planning smaller events is making everyday moments beautiful. A dinner party or birthday celebration should have life and detail just as any other large scale event.

01/27/2022

https://keysevents18.com/blog/f/can-you-do-less

This was a first, I was in the middle of an impromptu consultation at the beginning of the month and the perspective client asked if I could do less when I detailed my wedding management services. I told her we could eas...

01/26/2022

What are the things that inspire you most? Is it nature, interior design, architecture?

Think of the elements that spark your creativity and self expression, all of those things can and should be included in your event.

Each celebration is like leaving your mark and showing your guests what matters most to you.

01/24/2022

I shared in my stories recently that I’m reading Big Money Energy by . In the book, he talks about being careful not to draw on your clients emotions when you give advice. I think we can all agree wedding planning can get emotional. My job is to be a sounding board and a trusted guide. When I suggest hiring full service vendors or timeline adjustments, it’s because I want your day to run well. I want you and your guests to enjoy the entirety of your event experience.

01/20/2022

One of my favorite parts of the reception, the dances. I’ve gotten teary eyed more times than I can count.
Photography:
Coordination Team:

01/19/2022

Yesterday, my grandmother and I were discussing the role a planner/designer plays when it comes to the client’s vision. We both agreed the goal isn’t to change the vision or make it into what we, as a designer would want, but rather we ENHANCE the vision. We help bring it to life in a way that may go beyond what our clients see at first. We make it grand, graceful, and beautiful.

01/18/2022

Let’s talk wedding party and budget. I know having a large wedding party can be a fun experience, but if you’re looking to stretch your budget say for florals and decor consider cutting your wedding party down. There are other ways to incorporate your loved ones in your big day, like as an usher, or having them play a small role in the ceremony (think reciting scripture). You and your planner can get creative so you won’t have to sacrifice the look of your day or jeopardize your relationships.
Photography:

01/17/2022

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day Darrell and I usually participate in a service project. This day is never just a “day off” for us. Since we are still snowed in, today will be a day of reflection and learning.

This morning I read to Jackson about some amazing women who accomplished much and later we will learn about Dr. King and how he served so many. We may not be able to get out and serve this year, but we can certainly take the opportunity to learn about those who have and continue to contribute to our society, making it a more equitable and peaceful place. Have a wonderful MLK Day!

01/15/2022

This will definitely be a weekend to cuddle up close. Everyone stay safe and warm!
Photography:
Dress:
Tux:
Venue:
Planning and Design:

01/14/2022

I’ve been seeing so many spring inspiration posts it made me think of this gorgeous bouquet .a.deux.events put together for a styled shoot we did here in Mebane. I have to confess, I’m not ready for warm weather just yet. I love sweaters, cozy blankets, and snow days.
Planning and Design:
Venue:
Photography:

01/13/2022

https://keysevents18.com/blog/f/license-registration-the-dangers-of-diy-weddings

Last week I touched on why some of the larger scale weddings I worked last year didn’t always go according to plan. One of the big reasons why was DIY wedding details that left me with a headache and vendors in a lurch.

01/12/2022

One of the things on my Christmas list was a bar cart. I didn’t think I would actually get it. I was shocked when Darrell bought one for me. It’s in our dining room and I’m so happy my Waterford glasses have a proper home.

If your venue has unique pieces we can work with you to style them for your event. We want to personalize each and every aspect of your day.

01/11/2022

Classic details. The small things all come together to tell the story of your day.
Photography:

01/07/2022

Ooo Friday. My work week started on Tuesday, but my goodness I’m ready for the weekend. To celebrate here’s a little Friday Introduction:

1. I was born and raised in Charlottesville, VA and I miss home often.
2. If I could have lunch with one celebrity dead or alive it would be Audrey Hepburn. I’ve read a number of books about her life, she wasn’t just a fashion icon, she was caring and philanthropic.
3. My husband Darrell works events with me, when he’s not studying We have a toddler, Jackson, if you are new around here you will only see the back of his head in photos. I’m waiting until he can verbally tell me it’s okay to post his face on social media
4. I truly adore intimate events. I crave creating beauty for my clients to enjoy.
Have a wonderful weekend!

01/05/2022

We know big weddings are coming back in 2022, but here are three reasons why you should consider celebrating small:

1. Your wallet will thank you: Having a smaller event means a less stretched budget. Remember, the important thing is your marriage, you don’t want to go into major debt for your wedding.

2. Your venue/vendor options open up: By having a smaller event chances are that florist you have been dying to work with and that planner whose style you just love will have greater availability if your event is smaller. There is also the possibility that your vendors will need less staff on hand the day of your event (money saver for you!).

3. You can INVEST in the details of your day: Think florals and day-of paper goods. Have you always wanted gorgeous custom signage to greet your guests? Have you dreamed of hosting an upscale reception with dainty place cards? Having a smaller wedding/event opens those doors.

4. ✨Bonus Reason: The memories! You can mix and mingle with each guest freely and soak-in all the beauty of your day. There is a connection that is built through intimate events that cannot be matched. Don’t you want to experience that?

01/05/2022

New post on the blog https://keysevents18.com/blog/f/back-to-basics

Last week I made an announcement on Instagram that moving forward I would only service events with a maximum guest count of 100. I wanted to take a minute and explain my decision and delve into how Keys Events has always...