Merry Christmas 2012

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

xoxo Kasey

Food Truck Friday: Street Thyme

Today we went to burger heaven! A little food truck called Street Thyme! The link takes you to there website where they have loads of information about where they will be! So helpful! It is clear from our photo that our meal was hearty enough for even the burliest of men! The hamburger was simple and wonderful. We sampled the regular cheeseburger and the bacon cheeseburger. They had lots of flavor, which is something that we love! They have great prices for $8.00 you get a drink, chips and a burger! The perfect filling lunch! They are everywhere so checkout their website for where they will be next.





 

xoxo Kasey& The Bliss Girls

Food Truck Friday: Mya's

Today we went down home to taste some delish fried chicken. Having been to and learned to love the south. I am a bit of fried chicken snob. But after having visited this food truck it is safe to say that there is a little bit south here in the heartland of Ohio. The chicken sandwiches had a wonderfully warm honey dressing with a homemade biscuit. We also sampled the mac and cheese and well it is Asher approved. Overall it was a taste of warm fatty heaven. Mya's is actually named after a four year old girl. The daughter of the owner so don't go asking to see Mya and ask her about her food truck. It won't work.

 Mya's is open on the weekends (Friday,Saturday and Sunday)from 12pm- 8pm across the street from Wholly Craft in Clintonville.




 

xoxo, Kasey & The Bliss Girls

Food Truck Friday: Blu Olive

Today we ate at the Blu Olive! Our first Italian food truck experience. I got a chance to talk to the owner and ask him what his favorite dish was. He told us that it was the sweet Italian sausage sandwich. The sausage he made himself with meat from a local favorite Rife's Market! Yay supporting local business. We also sampled the meatballs. They were delish. Although we did learn a lesson today, that food trucks have a dilemma that restaurants don't have. We didn't have lots of selection, because the Blu Olive is popular and we went a bit later in the day. All of this adds up to food buying. For food trucks it is a guessing game. You don't want to buy too much and then have to throw it out not to mention the wasted money. Or buy too little and then have to cross things off the menu board. After talking with the owner we decided that although it can make customers unhappy buying too little is the better end of the deal, because people will come back to get what they want and it keeps the truck in demand. So happy food buying to our food truck friends! xoxo, Kasey & The Bliss Girls

Make it Yours: Gucci Bag

This week I bring you Gucci. I love it. Normally it extends past what my budget can allow, but hey this is all about the things I love and wish for. So this crossbody bag is what I would gladly carry all my things in, such as my superblam from last week! It is super cute and functional all while being quite the stylish little bag. So now it's time for you to make it yours. Now back to work! Looking forward to my November weddings!









xoxo, Kasey and the Bliss Girls

Make it Yours: Elle Decor and Inc. Magizines

Magazines! Not something I have an over abundance of time for, but when I get the chance to actually sit down and read one between walking the dogs and bedtime for Ash and G my go to magazines are Elle Decor and Inc. I laugh sometimes when they are sitting next to each other. Elle decor has some of the beautiful homes with some of the most fabulous style! They have such interesting spaces that are so well put together that we use it as inspiration when designing spaces for clients. I think that it is important to look for wedding trends outside of the wedding magazines.  Contrast that with Inc. that is all about business with article titles like "Lessons from the World's Most Ruthless Competitor". I mean a girls got to know her stuff! I have some big plans for Columbus's event scene, that why I use the hashtag #emipirebuliding!

Make it Yours: Superbalm

Today is Monday.

Monday's are not always the most exciting days. The quote from Office Space comes to mind  "Somebody has a case of the Monday's". So in an effort to help make Mondays a little brighter I want to share with you all the things I love! We are going on a journey from lip gloss to places and everything in between. So we kick it off with Clinique Superbalm. Now this stuff is the best! I have been using it for almost ten years at this point. It stays on forever, no flavor ( I don't feel like having a permanent snack on my lips), not sticky. I will say that its only flaw is that it has no SPF in it, but that is not a deal breaker for me! Overall it truly is the best and I never leave home without and if do its a sad day in the office! Just ask the interns!

 Hope this helped cure your case of the Monday's like it did mine!




Photo courtesy of clinique.com


xoxo, Kasey & The Bliss Girls

Food Truck Friday: Mexican Taco Truck in Victorian Village

This is where it begins. We started at 5th & Forsythe in the parking lot of the Las Maravillas market. There we ordered the Taco platter for a very reasonable $5.99. It included 3 tacos, rice & beans. We sampled the chicken and beef tacos. The chicken taco was to die for it was so delish! We also were feeling like the chips & guacamole were a needed addition to our meal. The guacamole was the best I have had anywhere. It was so fresh and had chucks of tomato, which has the power to make me go weak in the knees. For our drinks we went took a short stroll in to the market and purchased a coke and sprite to top off our super yummy lunch! We asked what the specialties are we were told that the enchiladas & tamales are also top notch. Overall it was a great way to kick off our food truck adventure!

 After talking with the owner of the truck for a little bit we learned that the truck is new and that the business has been runnning for four years and that they hope the truck will be mobile within the next year! We wish them the best of luck!

 Hours - 11am - 10pm
 Closed Sunday

 

Food Truck Friday: A Grand New Adventure!

Today is the first day of a grand new adventure! We are embarking on a culturally enriching tour of Columbus through the many different food trucks that are located in our fair city. Our journey knows no bounds we are willing to go anywhere and eat the best each truck has to offer! All in the name of research for you our loyal readers.  So keep your eyes peeled next Friday for our first investigative report on a Mexican food truck that we sampled yesterday!


 Here is a sneek peek...
 


xoxo Kasey & The Bliss Girls

End of an Era

As of July 31 we will no longer have our studio in the Short North.  We are very excited to move both our studio and office to a new location downtown on E. Main St! 

I can't believe how quickly one year goes by let alone three. That's how long we've been in our studio on W. 1st Ave.  It's true, I had mixed emotions moving out of the Short North but there just isn't any open space that meets our needs.  Too big, too ugly, bad parking, too expensive (Short North rents are insane btw!)  I felt like Goldie Locks & the Three Bears looking for a new space.  Bottom line is that we need more room because we are growing growing and our current office cramping our style.

So, stay tuned!  We'll announce our new official address very soon.  In the mean time we'll be meeting with clients at Flowers On Orchard Lane's beautiful shop at 139 E. Main Street.

xo
Kasey

Business First's Forty Under 40 Award

I decided to make this post my "acceptance speech" because I feel like it is important to say thank you.


photo by Shawn via his iPhone

A few short weeks ago, I learned that I was a part of a very special group of people being recognized in the Columbus area. Business First's Forty Under 40 Class of 2011.  When I learned that my uber motivated hubby (and Forty Under 40 recipient - Class of 2009) wanted to nominated me I was thrilled, surprised and a little nervous.  The application process was not easy.  Lots of questions to answer about me and my involvement in various organizations, educational background, etc.   He also had to request letters of support from many people whom I work with on my various projects and spend time with on a daily basis.  I didn't read any of the letters that my friends and colleagues wrote until the submission packet and application were completed.   I was so humbled by what everyone had written about me.    Really, did I just do all that these people had written about me?   To me feel like I go through each day as it was a normal day doing what I think is right for me, my business and my family.  Who knew I had touched so many people over the years?  Reading your letters reminded me why I got into this business and why I will keep doing what I'm doing every day, every week, every month of every year.

Emilie - my partner in crime and business partner for Cakes For A Cause and Wedding Skills Workshop.  Em and I have been friends for many years now. Who knew what would come from a simple conversation at a CBC meeting?  Thank you for creating these wonderful organizations with me and making a difference in so many peoples lives (hello! Over 16K meals this year to those in need). I really don't know what I would do without you!!

Amy - one of the best photographers I will probably ever know.  You are such an amazing artist and our creative collaboration is something I really hold dear to my heart.  Thank you for being such a wonderful studio mate (the space - aka 15).  Thank you for taking a chance on me all those years ago when I called you with that crazy idea to get a space.  Sitting here at dinner tonight really brought things full circle from our first time working together and sharing the best vendor meal ever!

Joe - For those of you who may not know, Joe is the Spinelli of Spinelli's Deli. Thank you for entrusting me with the Preview Event and allowing me to hire a caterer for all of these years.  I really can't believe we're approaching year number 11!  I vow to never have a chicken wing party ever again. ; ) Promise.  I'm so proud to see the tour grow each year and know I have a tiny part in it's success.

Charly - Thank you for taking a chance and hiring me to help plan the best Highball Halloween ever!   I can't express how grateful I am for your trust and allowing me to take my design ideas and run with them.  It was such a wonderful experience producing an event like that for this neighborhood and helping the Short North Business Association with a successful fundraiser.   I only hope I have the opportunity to do this again for you.

Sue - I really can't begin to thank you for taking the time to write the most sweet and kind letter of support.  I'm so grateful that you and Lauren allowed me to come into a very sad time in your lives and help you create one of the most beautiful and joyous weddings I have ever planned. You're family so wonderful and sweet and kind.  I hope my boys grow up to be as wonderful as your girls.  From the bottom of my heart...Thank you.

Carol - Have we been through a lot of events together might be an understatement... Some in the freezing cold (remember KSA for Greg & Fefe?) and blazing heat (Bryn Du last year) but one thing is consistent throughout all of them - you. You and your trust in me, your professionalism and your friendship. Thank you for that and all of your trust and encouragement throughout the years.

Andrew - Thank you to you and Joan for taking a chance on two overly ambitious wedding planners who want to create an event around cake!  We really love our little Cakes For A Cause event and we love seeing it grow each year.  It is so gratifying to see the event grow bigger and bigger each year and have such a large impact on the lives of those that the Foodbank serves.  Have we told you how excited we are for CFAC 2012?

Shan and Ali - thank you for being such wonderful friends over the past 10 years.  I can't believe that much time has gone by but I know that you and the fellow SW's will always have a special place in my heart. xoxo

To the Bliss Wedding & Event Design Team (Tracie, Amanda, Marie, Mandy, Shari, Jade, Amber and Naikwan) - thank you for trusting me as we take on each new client, build each event, tear it all down and start over again each week.   I'm so grateful to have such an amazing and competent team.

Mom, Dad, Niki, Michael and Mom Conyers - Thank you for coming out tonight and taking time out of your busy schedules attend the event with me.   I loved having some of my favorite people around me at dinner and as I received this "major award" (as mom says).  I can not thank you enough.

Thank you to my colleagues and friends (you know who you are) all over the country who help me be a better planner, designer, business owner and mom.

Thank you to Leila who helps get all of our pretty events published on the wedding blogs and magazines you love to read.

Thank you to all of the wonderful vendors we get to work with on each wedding and event we produce.

Thank you to our trusting clients. Without you we'd not have the wonderful opportunities I've mentioned above.

Thank you to the Columbus Business First team for creating this program and for the opportunity to recognize those who are making a difference in our community.

Thank you to G and Ash - Mommy really does love having you around everyday in the office. You make our days so much brighter with your laughter and love you give.  Mommy loves you more than you know! xoxo

Last but certainly not least - Shawn - my amazing architect and super daddy husband. Thank you for taking the time to begin this process and see it through.   I'm so lucky to have a partner like you on this crazy journey.  I really could not do what I do without you and your love and support.   I'm so glad that your "major award" now has a companion to keep it company on our mantel.  I love you!

Okay, enough rambling...In a nutshell, thank you to all of those people in my life who have supported me, gave me words of encouragement and most of all believed in me and what I was capable of even if I didn't recognize it myself. Without all of you this wonderful opportunity would not have been possible.

xo
Kasey


The 2011 Forty Under 40 class photo:

A Little Pretty

This past week I spend an afternoon with my good friend and super talented photographer Amy, who owns C Studios. It was time for some new head shots for moi & I was so thrilled when Amy agreed to photograph me.

Here's a peek at one of our favorites!

Happy Mother's Day!

Just a little Happy Mother's Day wish from my little guys and I to all of my mommy friends out there!

I know this picture is a little old (okay it's from January but still when Ash is growing like a weed everyday he looks like a different baby now) but it's one of my favorites. I hope it makes you smile on this Sunday afternoon.

Lots of Mother's Day love!
Kasey

I've missed you!

So I've been away for a little while. Most know that I was due in November with our 2nd little one and today I'd like to introduce you to him!





Asher Conyers - born November 4th at 9:30am

He was 6.12oz at birth and today at his 1 month check up weighed in at a whole 9lbs 12oz. No wonder I haven't gotten any sleep in the past month!

Here's a few pictures from his big arrival:

Vacation - Walt Disney World

Our offices were closed last week as we took our final vacation of the year just before fall wedding season starts for the Bliss Wedding & Event Design team....and the new baby boy arrives in November. I thought I'd share just a few of the 400+ pictures we snapped last week during our little get a way to Walt Disney World.

Grey turned 3 while we were there and I think it was the best birthday present he could have asked for. Meeting Mickey & Minnie were a highlight of course, but his birthday dinner with Tigger was a treat too.

Happy Anniversary: Kasey & Shawn celebrate 5 years!

Yep that's right - Happy Anniversary to me!

Today, Shawn and I celebrate 5 years of marriage. What a crazy ride it's been! In some ways five years flys by and yet in others I can't believe how much has happened in out lives since we said "I Do". Our most proud moment was when our little Greyson was born in 2006.

Sometimes we sit and think back on our day we laugh and smile and always say -"That was one of the best days EVER!". We were surrounded by our closest friends and family and it meant the world to us. There are so many fond memories it would be hard to pick just one as our favorite. From Shan falling in the fountain in Public Square, to my bouquet coming completely disassembled during pictures, to listening to the amazing toast by my baby sister who was my maid of honor. I was so proud of her!

I love hearing our first dance song at weddings because it will always remind me of our wedding day and all of the great memories that came along with it. Shawn typically gets a text message from me while telling him our song is on and I'm thinking of him.

Everyday I say that I'm so lucky and thankful that I have a loving and supportive husband who is there for me - even in my times of my complete madness. I don't know what I'd do without him.

Happy Anniversary Hun! I love you the mostest! ; )

xo
Kas

Happy Fathers Day!

I'm on my way to Grand Cayman for engage!09 so I'm missing father's Day with the family. I thought I'd dedicate today's post to them!


This was such a great day in August 2006. Greyson came in to our lives and forever changed them. Thank you Shawn for being such a great husband and father to our favorite little guy. xoxo

Riverside Hospital - August 2006

To my Dad - the world's greatest dive buddy - Thank you for everything throughout the years and helping make me who I am today! Love you!!

Hatteras, NC wreck diving - August 2007

Happy Birthday Shawn

I wanted to dedicate today's post to my wonderful husband Shawn. Today is his 36th birthday. I can't believe so much time has gone by and we're at this milestone birthday already.

Happy Birthday Hun! Enjoy your day and we love you!

xoxo

Kasey & Grey

photo courtesy of BCR Studios, from Kasey's private wedding collection

Bad Ike, Bad Ike

So that terrible storm Ike moved through on Sunday night. He made such a mess of everything. We just got our power back on late last night so I've been scrambling to get things ready for Kim & Derek's wedding this Friday and the Victorian Village Tour on Saturday and Sunday. Columbus isn't guaranteed power back in all locations until Sunday. Isn't that INSANE? So needless to say I'm a little behind with the blog this week. Please stay tuned and I'll be back very very soon with more fabulousness with this week's events.

xo

Kasey

photo courtesy of The Columbus Dispatch

Cleveland Love

My dear friend Darlene finally tied the knot this past weekend!  I'm so happy for her and her new husband Howie.  It was a beautiful day and they looked so in love.  While in Cleveland I also got to catch up with a few friends I had not seen in over a year - the new Mr & Mrs Paul Sturman.  I also was able to finally give them their way overdue wedding present.

The ceremony was at the very beautiful St. Elizabeth of Hungary.  The church is huge and so gorgeous.  The reception was held at the City Club of Cleveland.  An old unique location right in the heart of downtown Cleveland.  I loved the favors each guest received.  A solid milk chocolate Terminal Tower from Mally's Chocolates.  I just love Mally's and hadn't had a yummy little piece of heaven in forever!   

Once in a while I have the pleasure of attending a wedding as a guest. I will admit it is sometimes hard to sit back and just enjoy the wedding without wondering why are the cutting the cake now? or who is going to tell the dj they're ready to start the toasts. I know I should stop...it's a problem I have.

Here's one of my favorite pictures from the big day. 

Photo by Bliss Weddings & Events