Morrow Center

My Valentine

2012-02-09T11:01:00.003-05:00

Valentine Day is fastly approaching and it is one of the most popular holidays “For Couples”.

While the perfect Valentine Day for some may be a box of chocolate, a card and some roses, others tend to make it more personal by adding personal touches to such a romantic day.

While Valentine Day is supposed to signify love and romance, we should all remember that you don’t have to wait until February 14^th to show your love how special he or she is. Express love, affection, gratuity and gifts daily.

Gifts don’t have to be purchased out of your favorite store but this Valentine Day why not surprise your love with DIY Projects or Ideals.

1. Valentine Picnic-Maybe the weather is not fair enough for you to grab a blanket and basket and head to your local park, but I am sure that you can take that same blanket and basket and plan a romantic picnic in your master bedroom or living room. Prepare the dinner yourself, add candles (be careful), wine and incorporate a wonderful dessert. I am sure your “Sweetheart” would enjoy this better than a crowded restaurant, plus it so romantic.

2. Make a CD of his or her favorite “Love Ballards”. Include songs that have sentimental meaning and let them play during your “Valentine Picnic”.

3. Present a gift that is personal like a scrapbook of photos, or a coupon book designed by you that offers services by you like a massage, or breakfast in bed.

4. Instead of buying a card, why not present a “Love Letter”. Let the individual know how much you appreciate them not just this day but every day.

So remember “Valentine’s Day” is NOT just for ladies so make it just as special for him as he would for you!

Wedding Wire Award

2012-01-23T12:50:00.001-05:00

{Morrow,GA} – January 23, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce Morrow Center has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Ceremony & Reception Venue!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, Morrow Center was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.

Morrow Center is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Morrow Center for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that Morrow Center is one of the very best Ceremony and Reception Venues within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/morrow-center-morrow/69cec7bd00e5b200.html.

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire™, the nation's leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.
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Shoes Are a Girl’s Best Friend

2012-01-12T13:40:00.005-05:00

Photo from Bath Fashion Museum of Shoes

Shoes Are a Girl’s Best Friend

We have all heard the phrase, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” but for some including me, shoes are my “Best Friend”. Well at least one of my Besties.

Perhaps you have found the perfect dress for the perfect occasion but what about that perfect shoe?

One of the first things you are going to notice in a shoe is the style and the color. We can almost always tell its “The Shoe” if it takes our breath away. But while they are taking our breath away we must be sure that they fit.

Even the most drop dead gorgeous shoes aren't all that great if they make your feet hurt all night. Remember you must be able to walk in your shoes, perhaps stand for long periods of time and by all means, you must be able to dance and pose for the camera.

Are you attending an elegant affair where a strappy or open toe shoe is a must? Or where stiletto heels are definitely appropriate for the occasion? I have learned that shoe pads help prevent slipping so that you can stay on the dance floor a little longer throughout the event. In fact, shoe pads can actually make your feet look better by preventing your toes from hanging over the edge of the shoe.

Are you attending a semi-formal event or perhaps you are not a “Heel Kind of Girl”? For women who do not like high-heeled shoes or can’t walk in heels, they can use shoes that have a ballet design.

If you are familiar with how a ballet shoe looks, you may know how comfortable this type of shoe is for women and how stylish they have become.

Remember when choosing the right shoes do not only rely on design, it is also important for you to get the ones that will give you more benefits than its appearance. Whether you choose to buy designer shoes or find shoes at a discounted store, you should be sure that it is the exact pair you want to put on for the event.

Finally, if possible a few weeks before the event, start wearing your shoes around the house for an hour or two at a time. This will break in the fabric and help you get used to wearing them.

Happy Shoe Shopping!

http://www.dillardsbridalregistry.net/dillards-wedding-shoes-for-women/

http://www.wetv.com/my-fair-wedding/videos/tuteras-tips-if-the-shoe-fits

http://www.deanmehrkens.com/

http://weddingthinker.com/choosing-bridal-shoes-wedding-shoes/

Spa Day

2012-01-10T14:45:00.001-05:00

What could be more rewarding and relaxing for you as a bride than a day at the spa? How about a rewarding and relaxing spa date with the groom to be.

Weddings and wedding planning can be stressful at times for both the bride and the groom. Consider reducing stress and pampering yourselves while enjoying the company of each other.

The groom could enjoy a men’s facial, brow cleanup, haircut, and a manicure/pedicure that focuses on their cuticles, shaping and buffing nails to a natural glow. Don’t forget the moisturizer and hand massage!

Be sure to include a relaxing, therapeutic body massage that will target specific areas of stress and tension. Communication is the key to getting the massage you want. During your massage, let your therapist know if you experience any discomfort.

Choosing a revitalizing, deep exfoliating facial could be beneficial also by nurturing your skin. They should also make you feel wonderful and make you look terrific.

As the bride, you can experience a range of traditional treatments and cutting edge therapies that will leave you pampered and revitalized as well. Femininity is your true source of power and spirit. Let the staff introduce you to the latest tried and tested products and treatments for hair, make-up and the body.

Remember a spa should be a healing retreat, in a pleasing and timeless space that creates a sense beauty, simplicity and peace! Close your eyes and allow your mind and body to relax. Breathe deeply and let tension slip away with each breath. This is YOUR TIME!

www.spamagazine.com

www.dayspamagazine.com

Hot Chocolate Bar

2011-12-20T14:54:00.004-05:00

Photo from Intimate Weddings

While summer weddings are always a great hit, a winter wedding can be just as charming, magical and glamorous.

When hosting a winter wedding, be sure that the facility that you chose offers intimacy and warmth for your special occasion.

To add a little more warmth to the event, how about offering your guest a “Hot Chocolate Bar” during the cocktail hour or during the reception.

A hot chocolate bar can be fun, easy and an inexpensive idea that your guests will enjoy and appreciate.

You can provide flavored cocoa such as peppermint, butterscotch, white chocolate, dark chocolate, and raspberry. Don’t forget the flavored creamers such as hazelnut, french vanilla, and eggnog.

Be sure to offer a beautiful presentation by filling glass vases, mason jars, or even bowls with cinnamon sticks, chocolate sprinkles, marshmallows, toffee pieces, and candy canes. Add a chocolate dipped coffee spoon for stirring an extra treat into each cup and don’t forget the whip cream.

This could turn out to be a wonderful experience for any children that may be in attendance and for your adult guest try adding some Bailey’s, Kahlua’s or Peppermint Schnapps to the bar.

What you decide to put on your Hot Chocolate Bar is up to you. You may want to top it off with themed desserts like small parfaits, cookies or cupcakes for an added touch.

Use your imagination and decorations to create a festive hot-chocolate serving station.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Coffee-Bar---A-Great-Idea-For-Fall-and-Winter-Weddings&id=6558421

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/hot-cocoa-bar-for-your-winter-wedding/

http://www.bijouxbride.com/diy-9-winter-wedding-idea-hot-chocolate-bar

http://www.littlethingsfavors.com/pehotcowefa.html

Wedding Gown Preservation

2011-12-06T14:36:00.004-05:00

After the wedding, it is important to have your wedding gown professionally cleaned. A big mistake many brides make is leaving their dress in the closet after the ceremony for weeks, months, or even years after the wedding causing stains that have not been addressed immediately harder to remove. Another thing is age and exposure to sunlight can cause the fabric to weaken and yellow.

Wedding gown preservation is a special cleaning and packaging technique designed to maintain your wedding dress's beauty for years to come, whether you decide to keep the gown as an heirloom for a future family member or a keepsake to treasure for yourself.

To locate a reputable service, check your local directory; get references from close friends or family members. If you are purchasing your gown from a bridal store, see if they offer gown preservation services. There are also companies online where you can ship your dress to have the process done but please be sure to research the company before you ship your gown.

Once your dress has been properly preserved, keep the box stored in a place that is dry and not too hot. Whether you decide to get your dress professionally preserved or not, you should consider properly storing it. Never store your gown in an attic or basement! The result of a professionally preserved wedding dress is one that you can treasure for years to come.

www.gownpreservation.com

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Wedding-Gown-Preservation-Kit-DAVIDS-WGP

I-Am-N-Focus-Photography

2011-11-29T10:38:00.011-05:00

Lakesia Johnson/Owner

Patrick & Donna Cook

Patrick & Donna Cook

I-Am-N-Focus-Photography was started by K-Nicole (Lakesia Johnson) a native of Griffin, GA in 2007. The business originated from a partnership where she branched out on her own.

Nicole believes in family morals and family ethics and knows these are key factors to running a family based business.

I-Am-N-Focus Photography can capture photos for all types of events such as Weddings, Family Reunions, Church Events, and Parties. I-Am-N-Focus Photography also does Children Photos, Family Photos, and Senior Photos.

No matter what you envision, they can produce it! If you don’t believe me, take a double look at the photos above. The Morrow Center had the pleasure of hosting the wedding of Patrick & Donna Cook on October 15, 2011 and they hired K-Nicole to capture their evening through photography.

The beautiful bride the former Donna Cook and the groom Patrick Cook were such a fun, loving and radiant couple.

Take the opportunity to visit I-Am-N-Focus-Photography website and blog page and view other beautiful work she has done.

The company is based out of Jonesboro, GA. and also has a division of Graphic Design called T-Vision Graphix.

www.IAMNFOCUS.SYNTHASITE.COM

www.Iamnfocus.blogspot.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T10:50:00.005-05:00

Our lives can sometimes get so busy that we overlook the important things in life such as family we love and keeping in contact with close friends. It’s so important that we take a moment to let them know how much they mean to us.

Tomorrow as we set our tables to celebrate another Thanksgiving Holiday, let us be sure that our place settings include love for life, a heart of gratitude, shared memories and that we are serving smiles.

Remember Thanksgiving is a time for spreading happiness with family, friends and loved ones.

So this year, as you watch parades, enjoy your meal, sit around the fireplace or watch the games, the Morrow Center would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a safe, warm and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Pull Out Your Trays

2011-11-15T12:23:00.002-05:00

Entertaining your guests with sophisticated style is not as complicated as you think. You can display a decorative and distinguished look with trays.

Yes! Trays are not just for serving breakfast in bed on a Sunday morning, but they can be wonderful accent pieces and they have a dual purpose.

Not only can they be used for serving, but they can be used as a centerpiece on the dining room table, displayed on a shelf to hold books, magazines or candles, or even hung on the wall as an art piece.

Try keeping one on your dresser to hold perfume bottles, jewelry or accessories.

A wonderful thing about trays is they can come in wood, metal, glass or plastic and they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and color and styles.

You can also design your own tray by taking an expensive one and painting it, covering it with a beautiful piece of fabric, or adding mosaic stones.

So go ahead and pull the “dinner trays” or “serving trays” out of storage, out from under the kitchen cabinet and begin to showcase them around your home, it’s sure to be a wonderful conversation piece.

Photo by Jonathan O'Hea, Jonathan O'Hea Antiques & Design

www.rajeesood.blogspot.com

http://www.mysimon.com/find/decorative-trays?centerColumn=&tag=content&utm_medium

Fall Is Back

2011-11-07T10:15:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday we were privileged to receive an “Extra Hour of Sleep” by setting our clocks back one hour. Oh how I love this time of year because it signifies that “Fall is Back”.

There’s something about the crisp cool breeze that I feel during the change of the seasons.

Fall brings a harvest of beautiful leaves that have changed from green to beautiful hues of gold, red, brown, purple, yellow and orange. What a site to behold! We are also graced with gourds such as pumpkins and squash, dried corn and sunflowers.

With autumn weather here, there's no better time to enjoy fresh-picked fruit and vegetables than right after the fall harvest. Why not enjoy a Saturday drive and visit some of your local Farmers Markets where they sell locally grown produce and homemade crafts.

This is also a time where families can enjoy long weekend’s together taking long walks, enjoying a day in the park flying a kite or perhaps apple picking.

The fall season is when homes are filled with the fragrance of sweet spices from homemade pies being created and fresh bread being baked in the oven.

Hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick has replaced ice cold lemonade and nothing is toastier than a lit fireplace to keep you warm during those cool nights.

This is also the time of year where we begin to decorate our homes and yards with festive items as we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday.

So while you are enjoying the comfort of “Fall”, remember to enjoy the beauty and creation during this time of year, dress warm, laugh, and enjoy moments with family and friends.

Rehearsal Dinners

2011-11-01T13:22:00.002-04:00

Why on earth would you be planning a “Rehearsal Dinner” when all the wedding arrangements are not quite complete?

Well the “Rehearsal Dinner” is the time where the bride and groom are able to get together with close family members and out of town guests and really spend quality, intimate time with their guests prior to the actual wedding ceremony.

Rehearsal Dinners can range from a casual dinner at a family members home, to an elegant dinner in a formal restaurant.

You can even chose a theme to base your “Rehearsal Dinner” and build your menu around it. One idea is to build your theme around the location of your planned honeymoon. If you are honeymooning in the Caribbean’s, perhaps you can create a “Beach Theme” with a pool party, Caribbean menu, music and exotic drinks.

How about “Game Night” where you can play “The Almost Newlyweds” and have your guest ask you questions about each other and see how many you two can answer or maybe the bride and groom can come up with a list of questions to ask the guests and offer small prizes for the guest that answers the most correctly.

During the “Rehearsal Dinner” guests should be able to have fun, toast the future couple, encourage them and offer them last minute assistance. This should also be a time for them to swap stories, and enjoy laughter.

This gives two unique families the perfect opportunity to become one. Yes, “And these two shall be one” does include each other’s families as well!

http://www.celebrateintimateweddings.com/rehearsalinfo.html

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-questions/rehearsal-dinner-questions.aspx

Creating a Wedding Website

2011-10-28T10:46:00.004-04:00

Why not share all the details of your wedding with family and friends? There are many free and low cost wedding websites available that offer templates where the bride and groom can do just that.

You can share details on how and where you met, how he proposed, music, videos, poems and photo’s of you as an individual and as a couple and even personal bio’s.

Your website can also show your guests where you are registered for your wedding gifts and also include a link which will make it easier for everyone to go straight to the vendor’s online website.

Be sure to include information pertaining to hotel accommodations, airport and transportation services for out of town guests, as well as local points of interests where they can attend while they are in town.

You can also include the pre-wedding events, ceremony and reception location, dates and times and anything else that may be beneficial and informative for your guests.

Finally, don’t forget a link that will allow guest to RSVP for any event being hosted.

Happy Creating!

www.weddingwire.com/wedding-websites

www.weddingchannel.com

www.mywedding.com/free-wedding-websites

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-26T10:06:00.004-04:00

Halloween is almost here and that means costumes, candy, trick or treat and pumpkin carving.

Pumpkin carving can be fun and exciting for both the children and adults. It can begin with a visit to the pumpkin patch or farm where as a family you can pick “The Perfect Pumpkin” for carving.

When visiting a Pumpkin Farm, there’s some where the family can take a hay ride out into the field. Others are elaborate farm stands with mountains of pumpkins and other activities such as pumpkin mazes, corn mazes, spook houses, bouncy bags for the children and also food tasting of items made from pumpkin.

Once you have chosen the pumpkin, one that is not bruised, cracked or has a broken stem and purchased your carving tools it is now time for the design.

Designs can be one that is hand drawn directly on the pumpkin or maybe even a pumpkin carving pattern that you have purchased in a store or gotten free online. There are several online websites that offer pumpkin carving patterns.

If this is your first time using a pattern, I recommend one that is not so tedious or difficult and if it involves a lot of detail, use the carving tools. Be sure to use extra caution when handling any sharp objects and if you allow children to carve, please be sure that there is adult supervision.

Be sure to lay down newspaper or plastic bags to carve your pumpkin on and with a long-bladed knife cut out the top of the pumpkin. The hole should be large enough so that you can get your hand in and out.

Using a large spoon or pumpkin scraper, begin scraping the inside of the pumpkin getting rid of all seeds and stringy membranes.

Once you have cleaned the inside of the pumpkin it is now “Design Time”. Trace your design on to the pumpkin but you can also carve your pumpkin freestyle.

You may chose to add some light using a flash light, corded lights or battery operated candles.

Now place the pumpkin in the perfect spot for you and others to enjoy and remember pumpkins that have been carved do not keep very long so be sure to take as many photo’s as you can.

www.zombiepumpkins.com

www.pumpkinmasters.com

www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org

Child Friendly Ceremonies

2011-10-20T10:06:00.002-04:00

Children can add such charm to a wedding day, just think of the handsome ring bearer who carefully walks down the aisle carrying the pillow that he believes holds the most precious and valuable item in the entire wedding.

Even the beautiful flower girl who drops rose petals so gracefully as she walks towards the altar making way for the grand entrance of the beauty bride.

To be sure that the young attendants are as happy and stress free as possible, it is important to make them feel just as important as the adult attendees.

For the flower girl, I am sure this is her “Princess” moment and she may be just as nervous and excited as the bride. For a moment all eyes are on her walking down the aisle. Make her feel like a “Princess” by encouraging her that not only does she look beautiful, but assure her that she will do a beautiful job. Be mindful that a lot of time and energy has been spent on selecting her dress, her accessories and the perfect hairdo.

Even the most well behaved kid gets tired and restless, especially when there is a lot going on in a day. Try to schedule as many photo’s where the children can be photographed first. This way dresses are still intact, shirt tails are still tucked in and every hair is still in place.

When selecting your menu for the reception, check with your preferred caterer to see if they can create a kid-friendly menu for the younger guests. Most caterers have great child selections and portions that will be fun and filling.

Finally, plan child friendly activities for the reception by offering them a separate room (adult supervised of course) where face painting, balloon entertainment, and arts & crafts projects can take place while the adults are enjoying grown up activities.

Keeping the children of your wedding party and those that are guests happy on your wedding day will help to ensure that your day will be special and memorable for EVERYONE!

http://ticklestheclown.weebly.com/

http://www.gigsalad.com/Magic/Childrens-Party-Magician/GA/Atlanta

Corporate WOW Factor

2011-10-17T10:22:00.004-04:00

If you are an employer who is holding an offsite meeting, one way to make it interesting is by presenting your attendees with “Welcome Bags”. When hosting a meeting with guests that may be from other cities, states or communities, take the time to fill an inexpensive gift bag, basket or small unique storage item with local items that will not only be appealing to the belly, but also to the eye.

The Bags or Baskets can match the theme of your event. The photo’s above reflect a Development Authority Meeting in Morrow, GA that included attendees from different cities and the “Welcome Bags” included Coca Cola Classic Products representing the Coca Cola Company in Atlanta, Asian Spices & Teas, and other tasty items.

The attendees were also greeted with another “Welcome Bag” that was created out of a handmade tool box, and it included a History book of Atlanta, Honey, Monogrammed Cookies, Brochures, Maps and other valuable information from the City of Morrow Business and Tourism Association.

These “Welcome Bags” serve as a warm introduction not only to your corporation but also to what your town has to offer. If the event is themed, incorporate this into the presentation. The bags can contain local specialties such as food or beverage items manufactured or invented locally.

Don’t forget to include a welcome note, local maps, a list of bars and restaurants, local attractions and museums. Remember the items don’t have to be expensive. Budgets range from low to high, but no matter what your budget, find items that are fun, unique, and speak to your guests at the event.

The contents represent the company, and for this reason the art of presentation must never be overlooked. Remember, ribbons, tissue paper, and color schemes are all worth considering in your final presentation.

Smile You Are On Candid Camera

2011-10-12T11:56:00.006-04:00

Weddings, Corporate, Birthday and Holiday Parties are now “Entering the Box” by incorporating Photo Booths to their events.

Photo booths are becoming a huge hit at the party and it gives the guests the opportunity to also dress in colorful and exciting props that add an additional splash of color to the photo.

Booths range from the Classic Booth that offers an authentic vintage photo, to the Digital Booth that offers a computerized booth that has a digital camera, flat screen and printer. The photo’s can also be personalized with names and dates to you remind you and the guests of a wonderful event.

While the traditional photos and poses are fun, the photo booth seems to have replaced the cameras that use to be placed at each dinner setting. The booth gives the participant a nice gift to take home immediately and it also captures emotions and expressions of joy, love and happiness.

Smile, let your personality come forth!