Manic Monday 6.17.13

Favorite Photo of the Week ~ Celebrated Justin's 1st Father's Day and an early 3,111st Birthday!  {translation 33, that's clever Mom} The babies eyes were so wide as we sang Happy Birthday to their Daddy.
 

{See Additional Photos Below}
 

~MANIC MONDAY~
 

Highlights of last week included:
~Wedding planning session with one of my fabulous brides! Over some yummy lunch at Pita Di Vita.
 ~Date weekend with my love celebrating his birthday {early} We went to the movies...first time since I was this big!  He chose "Hangover 3"...which...sadly there are no shirtless Bradley Cooper scenes.  Followed by a second date the next night...including sushi, sake and visiting some of our favorite watering holes at our old stomping ground.  Have you met Chewy from Valle Luna in Chandler???  He has a smile and spirit that lights up the room...just a super cool guy, be sure and ask him to show you one of his super impressive magic tricks!
~Celebrated Father's Day with the Family

Yes This Actually Happened:

 ~Spent a ridiculous amount of money on my teeth...and then asked for a complimentary toothbrush afterwards, even though they only give them out after cleanings...not root canals.  I'm a total bad ass I tell ya.

 
Feeling Appreciative:



~ For Brianne and Donnie Provost {my cousin and her husband}who recommended Mackenzie {my new nanny/mommy's helper} to me! She helps me out twice a week with the babies and house...and she's the hardest working teenager I've ever met.  I adore her and so do the babies.

Confessions:
~I still like to wear my maternity jeans, because they are soooo comfy.  But thankfully they have become really baggy... and Justin keeps asking me to stop wearing them...but I love them.  Maternity jeans are one of the BEST things about pregnancy.
 

New Fab Finds:
~Pita Di Vita ...is this delicious little restaurant in Gilbert. {thank you Andrea Palmer for introducing this place to me} I LOVE the La Vita Salad!

Baby Moments I Want to Remember:

 ~They do so many cute things and are growing like crazy.... below are some links to my Keek account.... if you'd like to see some recent videos.  Please allow me to preface your viewing with this:

If you or anyone if your home wears a hearing aid, you might want to have them take it off.  Reason being, I only talk to the babies in a very high pitch squeal...I'm sorry I can't help it, they bring it out of me.  I also call them several different nicknames... and yes I baby talk...I can't help it.. they're just so darn cute!

{Click on Links}:
Emma & Sammy
Bridal Fashion Debut
Sisterly Love
Good Morning My Loves

 

 Hanging with Mommy

 

 

Hi Emma

 

 

Why I do, What I do...{email from my most recent client}

 

 

Check it Out

 

 

My Bunnies

 

 

Celebrating how much has changed in the past year

 

 

My Babies' Daddy

 

 

And this my friends is how you pose, when you brand new "big boy" ping pong table is being loaded.  Happy Father's Day Honey, Game On.

 

 

My Dad and Brother on Father's Day

 

Dear Daddy....Love, Hannah & Emma

Dear Daddy,

Happy Father's Day! Thank you for being such a good Daddy....We hijacked Mommy's blog to tell you a few things....

~Thank you for being so good to Mommy while we were growing in her belly.
~Thank you for working so hard to find a home for us to live in ~ instead of a tiny condo.
~Thank you for taking care of us both, practically all by yourself in hospital, when we were born.
~Thank you for not sleeping for the first 3 months of our lives.
~Thank you for giving us baths.
~Thank you for getting us out of our cribs every morning and putting us to sleep every night.
~Thank you for reading us stories.
~Thank you for making us bottles.
~Thank you for letting us watch "Kitchen Nightmares" when Mommy's not around
~Thank you for giving us these beautiful big blue eyes
~Thank you for dancing with us.
~Thank you for playing with us and making us smile, SO BIG.
 ~Thank you for driving in a car with no working a/c in Arizona, in the summer time, so that Mommy can always have the "nice" car to drive in with us.
~Thank you for working so many long hours and even sometimes working 6 days a week {when you shoot weddings} so that Mommy can stay home with us.
~Thank You for having so much love in your heart that you can love us both SO much.  Not many Daddy's have two little girls at the same time, but we think you were the perfect fit for the job!

Happy First Father's Day to our Daddy!  We love you so much and are so happy you're our Daddy!  Mommy tells us that over time, each passing year, we will realize more and more what an amazing man you are. 

Oh, and lastly...thank you for the two ponies you bought us that are in the back yard right now... Mommy let us pick them out, she said you'd be okay with it. 

Love,
Hannah & Emma Starr

Must Dos & Don'ts on Your Wedding Day, According to J.Starr Vol.2

Goooood Morning, how we all feeling this morning??? It's 6:30am and the baby bugs are stirring in the cribs but let's just see if I can get a quick little post in...

 YESTERDAY was by far the most productive day I've had in a looong time...thanks to my nanny and my summer intern!  So many tasks were crossed off the list!!! LOOOOVE that feeling!

Alright, so awhile back I posted about MUST DOS on your Wedding Day Vol 1., let's talk today about some....MUST DON'TS!

Must DON'TS :

 

 

Don't Try to be TOO Trendy on Your Wedding Day

Be careful of the dramatic trends.  You don't want to look back on your Wedding Day and think uggh...what was I thinking??  It's much more safe to keep your wedding style and design classic and timeless. 

 

Don't Forget to show LOVE to Your Family

Yes, I know wedding planning can be stressful.  But please, please, please don't forget the BIG picture.  This is a very special moment for not only you and your groom but also your family.  Refrain yourself from lashing out at them in times of stress, they are EXCITED for you and only want the best, do your best to make sure that they feel loved too.  Parents especially tend to struggle with their children's life milestones...remember to try and be a little sensitive to this.   

 

 

Don't Expect for Everything Go PERFECTLY on Your Wedding Day

Of course hiring a Wedding Planner and hiring other quality professional vendors will certainly help your day run as smooth as possible {and definitely help to minimize  the unexpected}...... However, keep in mind that when you're combining 100 plus humans on an emotional day...chances are something will NOT go exactly as planned.  Believe me, I've seen it happen.... the venue could have a flood in the kitchen which could result in a ceiling leak into the bridal suite, your groom could forget the wedding rings at home, the minister could get lost on his way to the venue and the ceremony might need to start 15 minutes behind schedule ...I tell all my brides something WILL happen.  And when it does, EMBRACE it...smile and laugh it off...it's just part of your story.  If you have this mindset going into your day...you'll be better prepared to handle "hiccups".

 

Manic Monday 6.10.13

Favorite Photo of the Week ~ 
Aside from my hubby....Matt Wheeler, owner of Still Life Studios, is my all time favorite photographer. Not just because he's a phenomenal artist and has incredible talent.....but because he shoots with all his heart.  He will do anything do get the perfect shot because he truly cares.  He's photographed hundreds of weddings but treats each one as his first...constantly putting in every ounce of effort.  Yes, this is him photographing my couple last Friday!

{See Additional Photos Below}
 

~MANIC MONDAY~
 

Highlights of last week included:
~It was just one of those treasured weeks when all the pieces fell together perfectly...creating balance and harmony in my life.....babies, work, home, husband, friends, family...my cup fills full, and I feel incredibly blessed.
~ Had a Fabulous J.Starr Wedding on Friday
~Attended the Bridal Fashion Debut on Sunday

 



Yes This Actually Happened:

~My children actually watched an entire Tinkerbell movie all in Spanish because I couldn't figure out how to change the audio. {thanks to Justin and his super complex electronics!}

~Had to be a very strong Mommy at Emma's doctor's appointment, resulting in tears for both Emmie and Me.  But she's feeling much better now.

Feeling Appreciative:



~For Brianne, Melissa, and Stacey and their patience....as they attended the Bridal Fashion Debut with me. I felt like I was at my high school reunion, as I was able to visit with so many of my beloved wedding vendors.

Confessions:
~I felt super guilty when checking out at Trader Joes, everyone there had their little recyclable canvas totes, and I was the jerk who needed to use 12 paper bags for my groceries. {I always forget them at home!}
 

New Fab Finds:

~Hmm...well I would say based on my observations at the Bridal Show...the newest trends are.......
Gourmet Popcorn Bars, Burlap & Lace Table Coverings and Babies Breath in floral displays.
 

Baby Moments I Want to Remember:
~These babies I tell you.... they get more and more fun each passing day.  This past week was all about being pesky sisters...my favorite moments were:
1.) Hannah  grabbing Emma's face and making Emma sooo mad!
2.) Emma getting so excited and happy and just squealing in delight at the top of her lungs...resulting in scaring her sister and making poor Hannah "jump"..and then start crying. 

 

Babies' reaction to eating bananas for the first time!



 

Fun little Friday morning visit from their cousins!

 

 

Final smooches before I was off to run the Wedding

 

 

J.Starr Design Team in Action!

 

 

Such a lovely Wedding Day for John & Karissa

 

 

How darling is my intern Stacey?  This was her first Wedding!

 

 

Highlights from the Bridal Show...

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush: Reverend Rick Bell

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush: Kristina Celik, Director of Marketing & Promotions for Arizona Weddings Magazine/NACE Phoenix Chapter President

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush: Monique Rowe, Director of Sales & Catering at DoubleTree

April Kuebler, Catering Manager at Double Tree

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush: Dawn Verdone, Private Events Director at Seville Golf & Country Club

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush:  Katie Easley, Creative Director at LUX Wedding Florist

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush: Chris Nagy, Owner of Regency Garden & Jill

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush: Christine Kelly, Art Director & Teri Ambrose Posegate, Publisher of Arizona's Finest Weddings Magazine

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush: Germaine Davis, Ceremony Coordinator & Kimberly Tarango Catering Manager of Superstition Springs Golf Club

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush: Kathy Cuaderno, Private Events Director at Anthem Golf & Country Club

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush:  Karen Krinsky, Sales & Events Manager at Moon Valley Country Club

 

 

J.Starr Vendor Crush: Jennifer Gonzales, Catering & Convention Services Manager at Zona Hotel & Suites Scottsdale.

 

 

And I wrapped up the weekend with some of my best friends at another Stella & Dot Party, where I bought myself this fabulous piece to wear at my next event!

 

J.Starr Magazine Editorial Shoot at The Valley Ho

Well, if I had to pick my proudest professional accomplishment of 2012, this would be the day.  Yes, I'm very proud that all my design concepts came together so beautifully...but honestly I'm more proud of the fact that, this day, didn't cause me to go into labor...because, well....I looked like this ~ Yes, I was 33 weeks pregnant with twins.

 

 

 Truth is, I was really worried that I might not be up to this challenge physically.... but I had the Publisher of Arizona's Finest Magazine; Teri Ambrose and a vendor team of twelve different companies depending on me to pull this off.....and I did, with the help and support of my amazing J.Starr team. {Thank you April Kuebler, Renata Hodl, and Melissa Jonovich}

 

Teri had called me in October and asked me to be a featured Planner/Designer on a photo shoot for a 2 page spread {and cover!} for their upcoming June 2013~June 2014 Magazine.   I was thrilled, but as Teri and I starting talking we both realized we would have to move quickly on this project as my belly was expanding daily.   I was thrilled when she told me that the location she had chosen for me was The Valley Ho.  I then assembled my vendor team, choosing vendors that I knew could pull off this desired "look".

 

 

 

And with this news, my mind started spinning with ideas....ultimately coming up with the concept. Retro Romance. I scoured my bridal magazines, researched the history of The Valley Ho and the time period when it was first built, I hunted the internet....looking for retro inspiration....and consulted with several of my trusted industry artist friends....and of course walked the grounds of Valley Ho with my partner in creative crime, my love...Justin Starr. 

 

Justin {being a professional photographer himself} and somewhat of a perfectionist...has a very detailed and critical eye.  Our brains work in complete opposite ways.....and though our conversations can get complex and frustrating....I'm always beyond thrilled when the ideas come to life.  

 

I arrived on property at 10am and all the magic started to come together....and I was in my zone, my happy place, my element.  I LOVE seeing my ideas come together.... I can day dream about them in my head, make sketches and floor plans, but there is nothing more exciting than seeing it unfold in person.  And at 8pm that night, my dear friend April pushed me out the front of the hotel doors in wheelchair {I had borrowed it from my Granny just in case} with my arms full of gorgeous flowers from the shoot......a moment I'll always remember ~ April, I love you!

 

To see this spread in person and read the article that explains the vision and concept and all the beautiful details that went into this shoot, please pick up the latest Arizona's Finest Wedding Magazine today and turn to pages 88 through 91. 

 

 

And of course, a HUGE thank you to our talented Vendor Team on the Shoot:

 

 

MAGAZINE

Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites and Services : www.finestweddingsites.com  

EVENT DESIGN AND STYLING

J. Starr Stylized Weddings & Events: www.jstarrweddings.com 

VENUE

Hotel Valley Ho: www.hotelvalleyho.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Erica Velasco Photographers: www.ericavelasco.com
FLORAL

Garden Gate Flowers: www.gardengateflowersaz.com
CAKE

Piece of Cake Desserts: www.arizonaweddingcakes.com 

CHAIRS AND DISHES

Classic Party Rentals: www.classicpartyrentals.com
HAIR

Lisa Berger: www.thehairchick.com
MAKEUP

Linda Valenzuela: www.miacosmetics.com
GOWN

Suzanne’s Bridal Boutique: www.suzannesbridalboutique.com
GROOM’S ATTIRE

Mr. Formal: www.mrformalaz.com
INVITATIONS AND PAPER DETAILS

The Event Essentials: www.theeventessentials.com
LINENS

Southwick Linens: www.southwicklinens.com
JEWELRY

Claudia’s Custom Jewelry: www.designsbyclaudias.com 

 

 

 

 

 

Manic Monday 6.3.13

Favorite Photo of the Week ~ 
 My little Super Hero Girls!!!!  Love them and all their magical powers!
 

{See Additional Photos Below, Yes I know, I Take LOTS}
 

~MANIC MONDAY~
 

Highlights of last week included:
~I'm very excited to welcome aboard my new summer intern: Stacey McGuire to the J.Starr team!  Stacey is currently attending Colorado State University and is interested in pursuing event/wedding planning.  I'm excited to introduce Stacey to all the glamorous mmm mmm madness! {how great is that Muse song?} 
~Also welcomed aboard Miss Mackenzie, my new nanny/assistant!!!  She's going to be helping me with the babies, home, and business a few days a week. 
~Hannah and Emma got to attend Mr. Liam Keegan's 4th Birthday Party {Super Hero Style!} Andrea and her Mother In Law~ Cindy, even made each child their own cape!!! {As pictured above}
 

I Learned:
~Not so much that I "learned"...... more of a "reconfirming" moment happened...my dad came up and picked up Hannah to stay Saturday night down at my mom and dads house and Emma stayed with us {as she was battling an up and down fever}...the moment my dad pulled away from our home,  I lost it.  I didn't know what to do with only one baby..I was SOOO sad, it was a reconfirming moment...We're suppose to have two babies....because changing only one diaper, making only one bottle, putting only one baby to bed was heartbreaking...I missed my Hannah Bear.
~When I don't "track" my food {calories} I feel gross.  "Tracking food" on my fitness pal or the weight watchers app...is the BEST feeling. I haven't tracked in the past two weeks and I can tell...... because I feel less in control...so as of today, tracking is back on! {8 more lbs to get to "pre babies" weight...let's get this done}.

Yes This Actually Happened:

 ~Apparently pregnancy took a total hit on my teeth, because last week I found out I need  some dental work...costing approx $2,100.00 out of pocket!  Ugggh, I'd much rather spend that kind of money on vacation {oh the joys of being a grown up}

 
Feeling Appreciative:



~For my best friends.  I never really hesitate taking the babies to social outings alone because I know my friends will snatch them right up and love on them... I never have to worry about feeling overwhelmed with two infants.  That's a nice feeling.... I never had a sister, so my girlfriends are my sisters.

Confessions:
~I cried actual tears watching Dumbo with the babies.... geesh Disney, do your movies have to be that sad.
 

New Fab Finds:
~Sugar Free {per my dentist suggestion...uggh} Caramel Macchiato Coffee Mate.  Tastes pretty good, not awesome.... but okay.  Whatever helps to reduce calories and sugar intake right? {oh the joys of being a grown up}

Baby Moments I Want to Remember:

 ~ I can't really handle having a baby that doesn't feel good...it breaks my heart...she's been running a temperature for a while now, she seems much better.....but I'm going to take her into the doc's office today.
~Hannah has started arching her back, as if she's starting to throw little mini fits when she's mad, it's cute.
~We've increased their formula to six ozs now and we are giving them rice cereal pretty regularly now, my big girls.
~Once in awhile, little episodes of "Stranger Danger" are starting to happen with both of them, but after a few minutes they tend to warm up to most people.

I love sending photos like this to our family members to try and "Guess that Baby"}. 

{Emma on the left, Hannah on the right}

 

Hannah's Mad

{Hannah left, Emma right}

Watching Dumbo...


 

Scooting away....hey girls where ya going?

 

How's that hand tasting Ems? 

 

Grammie and her girls...

 

Olive, you're a weirdo...

 

I think Emma looks a lot like her Daddy

 

My friend Andrea, went all out for her son's "Super Hero" Party...it was sooo darling!!! Andrea is super creative ~ I love her style! 

 

 

Sunday Morning, before everyone wakes up, I can sneak in a little journaling for all the thoughts I don't share on the my blog....everyone should journal...it clears the mind.

 

My lonely little baby, wondering where her sis is?

 

 

Whoa! What's this new toy???

 

Super Babies!!!