Kiss ... Shake ... Give

KISS

SHAKE

GIVE

Once the wedding day is finally here, the father of the bride realizes that he has a big part in the ceremony and that is to give his daughter away! All of a sudden the jitters become too much and he forgets what and when he is supposed to do everything! (oh no!) We have came up with a little chant to make the father's job a lot less stressful and it goes like this..."kiss, shake, give.....kiss, shake, give!" Everyone seems to have had fun chanting it throughout the day and by the time the father is walking down the isle he is confident and ready to give his beautiful daughter away on the most important day of her life, so if you are a father of the bride just remember "kiss, shake, give," it's that simple!

Thank you for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC

Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Las Vegas Bridal Expo January 24, 2010 at Mandalay Bay

The Las Vegas Bridal Expo - Come and Visit Us in Booth # 601

And it’s Everything you Want! More, Better, Bigger! Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Over 200 Wedding Professionals on hand to help with your every wedding need! Complimentary Tickets On Line! Free Self Parking! Complimentary Valet Parking! On Site Child Care! Plan to Attend Las Vegas' Biggest and Best Bridal Show! Free Prizes throughout the Show! And everything you need to plan your wedding... All in one Place... All in one Day. Bridal Fashion Shows One Stop Planning Battle of the Bakers Catering Contest Gown Giveaway The Great Las Vegas Gown Sale! Las Vegas' Biggest and Best Bridal Show happens only Once a Year! January 24th, 2010, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino! See you there! Call for Current Details 702.792.2378

Wedding Vendors and Exhibits!Las Vegas’ Largest Bridal Show! Aisles and aisles of Las Vegas Wedding Professionals in one room! You will love shopping the rows of wedding products, vendors and services, with the best variety in Las Vegas, including Gowns, Flowers, Photographers, Invitations, Cake Bakers, Tuxedos, Wedding Coordinators, Beautiful Hotel Chapels and Facilities, Ice Sculptures, and many more. Meet the vendors, ask questions, taste the food and cakes, touch the gowns, register with a local Gift Registry, receive complimentary gifts, listen to the entertainers. Shop at your own pace! Hours 11am to 5pm.

Door Prizes and Grand Prize!Every Vendor and Exhibitor brings a Door Prize, offering over 200 chances to win fabulous door prizes. All the brides, grooms, family, and friends become eligible for an array of special door prize giveaways. And our Grand Prize this year, valued at approximately $10,000, will be given away live on stage, at 4:00pm! Every bride registered is eligible to win. And winner must be present. Some restrictions apply. Register at the show, or pre-register online at http://www.lasvegasbride.com/.

Exhibitor and Vendor Promotions & Giveaways!Stop by each vendor’s booth and register for even more prizes and giveaways. Many vendors hold their own special giveaways with special prizes and promotional items.

Las Vegas Style Fashion Shows! The top Bridal Salons in Las Vegas show off the latest in fashions, hottest colors, gowns and designs, and this season's must-have accessories. Each presentation includes beautiful models and gowns from each salon’s private collections.
Live Entertainment! Meet Chris and Marley from the famed Zowie Bowie! And ladies, you’re going to want your camera for the Men of Sapphires performance at 3:30! Entertainment all day long, and fresh off the Las Vegas Strip!

Battle of the Bakers Cake and Catering Contest! You are the judge! Taste the Wedding Cakes and the Food Samples from the Bakers and Caterer’s, and You Be the Judge! Walk the room, taste them all, fill out the form and turn it in! The winners receive a beautiful trophy for Best Wedding Cake and Best Wedding Caterer of the show!

Goodie Bag and Expo Program! The first 250 Brides in the door will receive a Goodie Bag filled with free samples and goodies from some of the best vendors. And all will receive the show program that lists all of the day's activities, the participating exhibitors (wedding companies), a schematic floor plan, and special coupons. Pick up your Expo Program at check in. This will be very useful for your shopping experience and at home as a reference to contact and visit the wedding professionals.

Complimentary Las Vegas Bride Magazine and Shopping Bags! Every Bride will be provided with a complimentary Las Vegas Bride Magazine and a full size shopping bag, (while supplies last), as it becomes a necessity of each bride to fill it with brochures, free samples, wedding coupons and tons of exhibitor information to help her plan the perfect wedding!

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Bridal Spectacular Booth

This past weekend we showcased our booth at the Bridal Spectacular. We used a Winter theme with a cutting edge design. Our primary color was white with pink and black accent colors. By draping crystal jewels over the branches we created an icicle effect. The white floral and linen tied the whole look together.

Along with our booth we also designed the entrance and had a donation collection center for Give.Gown. One of our lead designers, Justin Hjelm, designed the chandelier for the main entrance. We would like to thank anybody who made gown donations. Thank you Bridal Spectacular for your support.

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Gianna Cormaci

CLM Assistant

Wedding Coordination Short Highlight Video

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Wedding Ceremony Design

Your wedding ceremony is the most important portion of your entire wedding day. Although, sometimes it is overlooked because people want a "short and sweet" wedding ceremony try not to forget a lot of your photos will be taken during your ceremony and enhancing your ceremony location will be a wonderful addition!

Here are a few of our favorite wedding ceremony designs!


Photo from Aliante Station Casino Photo from Dragon Ridge Country Club

Photo from Siena Golf Club Photo from Siena Golf Club

For More Photos of our Wedding Ceremonies, please visit our Photo Gallery!

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Make Your Head Table Stand Out - Go Tall!

We know that most brides like to be the center of attention on their wedding day, and for OBVIOUS reasons! One way to continue keeping her in "center stage" is to create a head table which not only sits in the middle of the room but is elevated.

The table you are looking at is a standard 60" round table for eight guests. We simply raised the legs so that upgraded barstools as seen in the photo by Chameleon Chairs would fit with the table.

The only thing you need to be careful of is the type of gown she is wearing. If she is wearing a very formal ballgown I would probably not suggest this table concept.

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Unique Lounge Groupings - New, Fresh and Inventive

Yes we all love lounges! They are comfortable and add a very modern twist to a wedding but why not take them a step further and create a custom lounge instead of just renting furniture! Now, please don't get me wrong, I love rental furniture, but I also love the craft of creating something that I can put my stamp on.

For one of our events at Aliante Station Casino we created a unique, one of a kind seating area for guests to enjoy an intimate conversation or simply lay back and take a nap - although nobody really did that!

To view more photos from this event please visit our photo gallery! Thank you for the amazing photos Elegant Images!

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Vibrant Royal Tables

If you are looking to make a statement at your wedding or event with your tables and table scape's don't even think about going "big"... you need to go "Royal". Royal seating consists of a long rectangular table which seats anywhere from 16 to 100 guests. The tables are traditionally a little wider than a normal banquet table which allows for larger centerpieces.

Below are two of my favorite table scape's which we, CLM Weddings, designed for the Aliante Station Casino Grand Opening, a Bridal Show Booth (table for 6-8) and also for a Corporate Event for Toyota.

To view more photos of royal tables and additional design concepts, please visit our photo gallery!

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Crystal Cakes and Bling Decor

Incorporating "bling" into a wedding reception can sometimes be challenging without going over the top with large chandeliers and hanging elements. CLM Weddings and Events had a beautiful bride who loved the "bling" look but wanted to incorporate it in various parts of her wedding reception.

We designed black willow trees with hanging crystals and then we positioned them around the room and dance floor. We also highlighted their wedding cake as we positioned a crystal tree behind the cake table where the crystals appeared as if they were falling on the cake. To view more photos from this wedding please visit our Photo Gallery.


Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Tuxedo Junction - Stress Free Perfection

When clients ask us about tuxedo's and where they should rent them, there is only ONE answer we give them... Tuxedo Junction of Las Vegas. We recommend they schedule an appointment to meet with Mikka Moon, the owner of Tuxedo Junction for over 30 years. Besides great quality tuxedo's and suits, their customer service is the BEST in Las Vegas! I would highly endorse their business and their business ethics for any upcoming wedding or special event. Here is a little bit about their company!

Stress-free Perfection... Leave Your Formal Wear Fittings and Rental Needs to Tuxedo Junction Tuxedo Junction is Las Vegas’ number one formal wear specialists and was voted as “Best Men’s Formal wear” company in Las Vegas Nevada by Las Vegas Bride Magazine in 2008. It is our mission at Tuxedo Junction to “make you look and feel like a million dollars,“ says Mikka Moon, President and Co-Founder of Tuxedo Junction. Our tuxedo experts are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service every time you come to Tuxedo Junction.

For over 30 years we have been dedicated to making your wedding or event stress-free and perfect! That’s why our knowledgeable, friendly and experienced team won the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2008 by Las Vegas Bride Magazine. Our award-winning, first-class customer service includes:

• A friendly, professional team of tuxedo and formal

wear experts;

• Largest on-site inventory of tuxedo styles and accessories in Las Vegas;

• Our unique TJ FastFit system will fit and alter your tux in just minutes;

• Easy online form to submit measurements fast and conveniently from home;

• Simple online wedding registration form with option to automatically email members of the wedding party;

• Year-round special offers for weddings, school dances or group events.

Since 1978 Tuxedo Junction has provided local customers and clients from around the world the latest in designer fashions. Our vast inventory includes the latest contemporary styles along with traditional tuxedos and accessories, to make your event unforgettable. We offer formal wear styles by designers such as Ralph Lauren, Fubu, Perry Ellis, After Six, Fumagalli, Pierre Cardin, Andrew Fezza and Oscar de la Renta. To see our full line of tuxedos and check out the newest styles click here.

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Wedding Baristas

Information Provided by Ezine

Yes, you heard correctly my coffee loving friends! Now you can actually have a deluxe and expert espresso bar set up at your very own wedding. Obviously, this is for true lovers of the Java who want to find a fun and unique way to celebrate the brew while celebrating their love. Every single bride is on the hunt for different dynamics to add to their wedding to make it completely unique, so this one will definitely take the cake, or the cup, so to speak.

The company that you need to check out is Café Evoke Catering, though they are located in Oklahoma City. But I assure you that if you are looking for this type of café catering to bring a barista to your wedding, then you will not be let down because there are so many services that provide this new and upcoming type of event. It would only make sense that if you are able to bring casino blackjack dealers to your wedding reception, then why not have an expert barista as well?

This particular service, Café Evoke Catering, actually uses Fair Trade Java, which means that it is governed by regulations ensuring that the farmers of the beans are treated fairly with equal wages for their products. This catering company will provide you with a barista, who is professionally trained about the brew, and can create personal and signature drinks for your event. You will be set up with a traditional espresso bar, American espresso bar, tea bar, chocolate bar, brewed coffee service, Italian soda bar, and granitas.
This is a really unique way to add something special to your wedding, and I am sure that all of your family members will appreciate this kind of service. This is especially good for the couple who is looking to have a wedding that is alcohol free, and what better way to serve drinks than with an all out Java station? This means that every single member of your family can enjoy some kind of brew, and I'm not talking about alcohol, from the young flower girl to your own grandmother. It is about time that Java was given more credit for all that it offers to any kind of special event because the tradition of social gatherings standing around sharing a cup of Joe has extended for centuries.

There are numerous catering companies that provide this type of service because they know that you definitely want your local café to come to you, especially at a wedding. But it doesn't stop there! If you have another fun event that you want to celebrate, like a corporate party, birthday party, or anniversary party, then this is a fantastic idea. I know so many fellow coffee addicts that are itching to add the brew to one of their special events, and now these clever companies are providing that opportunity. If you are considering this for your wedding, then you can go all out and add some coffee bean wedding favors as well to give to all of your guests to complete the theme. The sky is the limit!

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Celebrating the Stylings of Preston Bailey

Anytime I look at a design by Preston Bailey I just am at awe. His work is flawless and is so powerful. Just a couple of days ago on Preston Bailey's Blog, he posted photos from a recent wedding....the photos are breathless! We have a wedding coming up next Fall which was completely inspired by a Jim Hjelm magazine ad, however the color palette and designs of Preston Bailey might add a new concept to my bride!

Who is Preston Bailey?

Preston Bailey was born and raised in the verdant, tropical paradise of Panamá, so it’s little wonder that he is world renowned for his innate sense of style, inspired by the vibrant colors, organic shapes, and lush natural abundance of his homeland. Preston moved to New York City in 1968 at the age of 19 and began his career in the design world as a fashion model, eventually opening a men’s clothing boutique.

Necessity is the mother of invention: when his store closed in 1980, Preston was in need of a job. His best friend, interior designer Vicente Wolf, suggested that Preston create floral arrangements for the homes of his Park Avenue clients. This was the modest beginning of Preston ’s stellar career as a floral couturier. After several years of building his reputation not only as a brilliant designer, but also for delivering exceptional service to his well-heeled clientele, Preston had the good fortune of meeting Joan Rivers, who has been his mentor & angel ever since. Joan asked him to design and produce her daughter Melissa’s wedding. This extravaganza exploded Preston onto the press circuit and celebrity event designer world.

After 27 years in business, Preston Bailey has become especially renowned for his ability to completely transform raw, ordinary spaces into sumptuous, theatrical environments, translating his clients’ fantasies into awe-inspiring reality. Preston ’s one-of-a-kind events, which include the most extravagant weddings and galas for Royal families across the globe, have earned him a reputation as the world’s preeminent event designer. He has attracted such clients as Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Uma Thurman, Joan Rivers, Donna Karan, Liza Minnelli, Matt Lauer, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, Laurence Fishburne, Emmitt Smith, and Bill Cosby.

Preston Bailey’s signature style combines exuberant and harmonious color palettes, sensuous textures, shapes that are both architectural and organic, and modern adaptations of traditional elements to excite the senses in profound ways. Inspired by the simple beauty of the natural world, Preston is known for taking small, simple elements, changing them, reshaping them and repeating them on many layers to create grand, spectacular dramatic statements.Preston has written three bestselling books, Design for Entertaining, Fantasy Weddings, and his latest, Inspirations.

Thanks for reading and thank you Preston Bailey for your Inspirations!!!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Happy Independence Day Jello Recipe!

One of my best friends, Rachel, made a rainbow jello mold for my bridal shower and ever since then I have wanted to make one! I tried to make one for my nephew's birthday party - it ended up pretty cute, but tasted even better!!! So for this Fourth of July I would like to share the recipe with you for a simple yet fun and pretty Jello Mold! (this is the jello mold I made for my nephew's first birthday party)

How to Make a Festive Jello Mold

You'll need:1 bundt pan (nice and smooth inside is best) 5 different colors of gelatin and 1 8-ounce container of lowfat vanilla yogurt
How to make your rainbow gelatin mold:

Step 1: Start with the color you want to appear on your bundt's "top." Pour 1-1/4 cups of hot water into the Jell-O powder to thoroughly dissolve. Pour half of the liquid into your bundt pan and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Meanwhile, chill the other half of the Jell-O liquid for 5 minutes. Then, add 3 tablespoons of vanilla yogurt to the reserved Jell-O. Stir until the yogurt is completely mixed in (no white bumps).

Step 3: When the first half of the Jello has chilled for 15 minutes, add the Jell-O/yogurt mixture on top in the bundt pan. (It is just barely "set," so do not pour too vigorously; it may be easiest to gently spoon the yogurty Jell-O on top.) Chill for 15-20 minutes. Now you have a "clear" layer and a "cloudy" layer of the first flavor/color. While the above is chilling, prepare your next color.

Repeat steps 1-3 until you've completed all of the jello layers (5 colors, 10 layers in total!). Chill the gelatin layers all together in the bundt mold for at least 2 hours, and until you're ready to serve.

To unmold:Fill the sink with a few inches of hot water. Dip the outside of the bundt pan in the water for a couple of seconds. This will melt the outside of the jello's bundt pan just enough so that it can slide out of the mold. Put a plate over the top, and then invert the jelly mold onto the plate. Enjoy your groovy rainbow treat!

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Wedding of Amanda and Brad at Wasted Space inside The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Amanda and Brad wanted to come to Las Vegas for their wedding. They wanted their wedding to be stylish but not too trendy, ultimately they just wanted their wedding to be a true reflection of who they are and the love they share for each other.

Among forty of their family members and friends Amanda and Brad wed at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV inside Carey Hart's Wasted Space.

Wasted Space conceptualized by action sports star Carey Hart, Wasted Space is a lavishly decadent rock club that brings authentic high-end rock n’ roll culture to Las Vegas, creating a one-of-a-kind nightlife experience. It is the only place in Las Vegas where you can truly get up close and personal with rock legends as well as the hottest new bands before they break. At around 5,000 square feet, Wasted Space has an intimate, exclusive feel with a backstage atmosphere.

With the assistance of some incredible wedding vendors and Hard Rock's Special Event Manager, Brandi Payne, Amanda and Brad's Las Vegas Wedding was more than a success! Simplistic elegance inside of Hard Rock's Wasted Space is certainly more than possible!

Photography provided by Eric Asistin Photography

Floral by Jason Kenneth Designs

Wedding Cake by Simple Elegance in Cake Design

Event Design and Coordinaton by CLM Weddings

Thanks for reading!

CLM Weddings and Events LLC
Your Day. Your Way.

Christie L. McCoy-Hjelm

Congratulations Kendra and Hank!

Call her the princess next door. Wearing a white R-Mine dress with a bodice bedecked with thousands of crystals, Kendra Wilkinson shimmered down the aisle for her wedding Saturday evening to pro football player Hank Baskett on the front lawn of the Playboy Mansion, sources tell PEOPLE. (Yes, the story is from People, and the photo is from US Magazine!)

After reciting traditional vows before non-denominational minister Chris Robinson, the star of The Girls Next Door spin-off Kendra, had Baskett place a third ring on her wedding finger – to go with her engagement ring and another ring he had given her earlier for their baby on the way. It was so romantic that guests didn't even notice E!'s cameras filming everything for her new show. The ceremony took place before 300 guests, including Wilkinson's Girls Next Door costars Bridget Marquardt and Holly Madison – both members of her seven-woman bridal party – along with Baskett's teammates from the Philadelphia Eagles and celebrity guest Jon Lovitz.

After Wilkinson approached L.A.'s Bridal Bar looking for vendors, wedding planner Nicole Hirsty of Cobalt Events helped arrange a wedding in nearly all white with splashes of lavender.

Lavender and White

Surrounded by white and lavender roses and orchids from L.A. Premier florist, Baskett wore a white tuxedo by Sy Devore with a lavender tie. His groomsmen also had white Devore tuxes, while Wilkinson's white dress was contrasted by her bridesmaids lavender gowns. The bridal party had bouquets of white roses with touches of lavender while the groomsmen wore lavender boutineers.

At the last minute, Wilkinson's dress was let out slightly to

accommodate her pregnancy, and at the altar she had her blond hair in soft curls and half down. Wilkinson was walked down the aisle by her brother Colin, who gave her away, and her mother walked down the aisle with Wilkinson's grandmother. Baskett's brother Randy Curtis served as best man, and the flower girl was Lilly Hart, the daughter of family friend Clinton Hart, who plays for the San Diego Chargers.
Playboy CatererWilkinson's former boyfriend, Hugh Hefner, watched the ceremony from the second row and had the second dance to a song from Casablanca on the pure white dance floor from Tabella Linens of West Hollywood under a tent in the mansion's sprawling back yard. Baskett had the first dance with his new bride, to a tune from George Strait.

At the reception, guests dined on a banquet dinner from Playboy's in-house caterer and a Fantasy Frostings wedding cake with the bride and groom's monograms. The deejay kept everyone dancing until midnight, and not even the hum of distant paparazzi helicopters could spoil the mood. On Sunday, the newlyweds – Wilkinson in a tank top that read "high maintenance bride" – were snapped getting through security at LAX, before hopping a flight to St. Lucia for their nine-day honeymoon.