The Thing About Rings

So, it’s the season of turkeys and jingle bells. It’s also the season when trembling men across America consider popping the question to their beloved. Guys, you may or may not have heard of the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat). However, this can all be confusing and overwhelming if you’re coming to terms with the 3 Cs (communication, cost and commitment). Deep breath.

We’re here to help. Tempest Bleu met with a ring consultant to get some great advice for you guys out there. We’ll call her Ms. Leah. She gave Tempest Bleu the scoop in the strictest of confidence. After all, some of this is stuff jewelry stores wouldn’t want you to know. You can thank us later!

10 Ring Shopping Tips

10. Clarity. You may have already heard about the 4 Cs… one being clarity. Well once you get to the jewelry store, you’ll soon find that clarity is defined in several confusing codes – SI2, SI3, I1 and so forth. Ms. Leah says you can save yourself the trouble by if at all possible shooting for no lower quality than an SI-1. Anything less may have a milky color.

9. Loupe. The little round magnifying glass jewelers use to closely examine the quality of diamonds. You too, should have one in your hands when selecting a stone. Ask for it and look for black spots (may look like pepper) or a cloudy diamond and then put that one back.

8. Conflict free. If you saw the movie Blood Diamond, you know that many diamonds are mined during harsh conditions and in the midst of civil war and unrest. Fortunately, you have options. A diamond is conflict-free if its profit is not used to fund war, and it is mined and produced under ethical conditions. The Kimberley Process (KP) is a joint governments, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds – rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. For more information, visit http://www.conflictfreediamonds.org/

7. Save your money. You shouldn’t go into serious debt, however, and this goes without saying, an engagement ring is expensive. Ms. Leah recommends guys try to save approximately (gasp) $3,000 -- $5,000 (includes insurance, see below) or be in the position to finance a portion of the ring. We think prepping for a major purchase is key, but also working within your budget. A larger surface area may give the appearance of a larger ring, for example. Or buying a 1.7 carat versus a 2 carat can save you some money.

6. Put it in the rock. Now that you have the money, Ms. Leah recommends putting most of it into the diamond (or other jewel, see below) itself. While she thinks baguettes, etc are pretty, sometimes (especially if your on a tight budget) a dramatic statement can be made with a solitaire. Side note: while platinum rings are beautiful, unlike white gold it tends to dull over the years and is difficult to reclaim its original sparkle.

5. Consider other jewels. Diamond wedding rings actually became popular in American culture. Other countries continue to value jewels that are just as valuable, some more so, than diamonds. Consider your sweetheart’s birthstone or a jewel such as an emerald or ruby.

4. Get the ring insured. Stuff happens. Rings fall down drains or are left in beauty salons. Once you’ve purchased the rock, take a picture of it and take out a separate insurance policy. It’s not very expensive but will save a ton of heartache. And while you’re at it, The Knot.com recommends getting a diamond-grading report for rings one carat or larger. This report is issues by an independent gemological association such as the GIA or the American Gem Society. It may also include details including the 4 Cs, shape, dimensions and other enhancements.

3. Spy on her. Here’s your chance at espionage. Interview her close friends or siblings, after getting them to swear to secrecy. Or pay attention to her jewelry. Is it simple or bold? Is she traditional or does she prefer a trendy look? Try to find out the shape she wants – princess, round, emerald, ascher, etc. Or you can save yourself the stress and ask her or go shopping together. Word of caution: Once you do, she’ll be on the lookout!

2. Unleash your inner designer. After spying on her tastes in jewelry, interviewing her closest friends or family members, consider designing the ring yourself. Some men are intimidated by this process but it can be a lot of fun and make the ring that much more meaningful to your sweetheart.

1. It’s just jewelry. Yes it represents your love for her. Yes she will most likely wear it for many, many years to come. Yes, it represents that you’ve paid attention to her likes and her style. However, at the end of the day…it’s jewelry. If any woman balks at your profession of love, well… we’re wedding planners, so we won’t say it. Good luck!

Here’s what some ladies – from newlyweds to marriage veterans -- had to say about receiving their rings:

“I think my ring is very pretty. It's made of white gold and platinum, with three diamonds representing the past, present, and future. But most importantly, my now husband, after asking his dad’s permission, used a diamond from his deceased mother's wedding ring to represent the past. The other two diamonds symbolize our life in the present and future. I was extremely honored to have been thought of so highly by him and his dad.”
-- Linda H., Psychiatrist, Atlanta

“I was shocked, to say the least, that the ring I received was one that caught my eye at the store. He suggested that we look at rings so he could get an idea of what I would prefer. There were several that were stunning that I liked, but I'm almost sure this is the one I kept looking at.”
-- Carmen P, Graduate Student, Vinings, Ga.

“Ultimately, knowing that my man took time, energy and effort to research and understand me & the ring means the world.”
-- Single Lady, New York

“The thing I like most about my ring is the person who gave it to me! Also that he picked out an even better ring than the one I suggested he get for me.”
-- Chelsey Mc, Web Developer, Atlanta, Ga.

“When it was my time, I thought I'd leave it [ring shopping] all up to him. Just as I'd suspected, he picked the perfect ring. However, if you have your heart set on something specific, I don't think there is anything wrong with dropping subtle hints like leaving pictures of your favorites around the house. I was overwhelmed and impressed at how well he knew me and my taste and the fact that he designed it himself.”
-- Valerie S., Buyer, Atlanta, Ga. (*Getting married August 2009 and is one of our favorite clients!)

“When I first got my ring, I thought it was absolutely wonderful and it sparkled a lot! I just thought, “hmmm... he did good!”
-- Nicole S, Human Resources Manager, Stockbridge, Ga.


** Don’t forget guys: Tempest Bleu can plan and creatively coordinate your wedding proposal! **

So, you already have a ring…
Care is the word. Ms. Leah recommends pristine care for your ring. Check the prongs regularly. Don’t clean the house with your ring on… especially with chlorine bleach products. Below is a recipe for ring cleaner:

Easy Ring Cleaner
2 parts ammonia
2 parts Mr. Clean
Dilute mixture thoroughly with hot distilled water
Soak overnight in solution.
Rinse ring with hot water. Dry with a soft cloth (not paper towels).
Rock your ring like it’s brand new!

Tempest Bleu Goes Back to School!

It’s back to school for millions of children across America. If I didn’t own a calendar, I’d still know based on the frenzy in the local superstore. As parents frantically pace the aisles, clutching their child’s “Supply Lists” I smile, almost gloat, because for now -- I’m excused from this annual tradition.
But that doesn’t mean my own education has come to a halt. Did you know there’s a kind of school for event planners? And that‘s a good thing, because if there’s one thing Venetia and I have noticed, it’s that there’s little barrier to entry into the special events industry. Anyone can proclaim: “I’m an event planner!”

However, there are things that distinguish event planners from each other – experience and professionalism are two of the most critical. While Tempest Bleu has been coordinating dynamic events for nearly three years, Venetia and I combined have more than 20 years of experience.

So in addition to graduating from the school of hard knocks of event planning -- I’m also pursuing CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional) certification, offered through ISES (International Special Events Society) – another distinguishing element of professionalism in the industry. The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics.

In other words, you don’t get it just by passing a simple event planning exam. The criteria is strict and the requirements are many. But we are up to the challenge. I’m well on my way to achieving the distinguished CSEP certification by the end of 2009!

About ISES – The mission of ISES is to educate, advance and promote the special events industry and its network of professionals along with related industries. For more information, visit http://www.ises.com/ <http://www.ises.com/> .

Happy Planning,



Michele

Tempest Bleu Featured in The Atlantan Brides Magazine!

As a magazine journalism major, my byline has been on newspaper articles, magazine features and online content. So I should be used to seeing my name in print. Only… I’m not. When noted, international wedding photographer Ross Knight called me to say his wedding to Dr. Brandi Brandon would be featured in The Atlantan Brides magazine I was floored. Afterall, this was our first wedding for 2008 and by far, one of our favorites. We didn’t ask for the media coverage, nor did we expect it. But it’s here now and we’re psyched!

Thanks again to Ross and Brandi for being a beautiful picture of an anti-Bride and Groomzilla couple. Special thanks to Celeste Couvillon, Associate Publisher of The Atlantan. This woman knows a thing or two or 7 million about weddings. Also, our humble gratitude to Adam Beane of The Remnant for blessing everyone with his spoken word piece. His poetry is life changing.

You can find copies of The Atlantan on major newsstands and in bridal boutiques throughout the summer. In the meantime, if you see a girl skipping down the street with a magazine in hand and a beaming smile on her face, it’s probably me!

~ Michele

Already renowned as the finest luxury lifestyle publisher in America, Modern Luxury targets the stylish, affluent Atlantan bride with The Atlantan Brides. Featuring everything from couture bridal gowns to luxurious wedding hotspots, coverage of Atlanta’s most extravagant weddings and a photo gallery of our favorite Atlanta couples, The Atlantan Brides’ oversized, glossy book is the perfect resource for the local bride that expects the very best.

Little Events Can Be Big Events Too

As event planners, Michele and I are always planning something for our clients’ milestone moments. Sometimes we are too busy to do the same for ourselves. The below blog was written about a milestone moment in my life.

Life can present many different types of occasions that warrant special planning and attention to detail.

As my husband, Julian, comes home from a hard day at the office he is greeted by our 18 month old daughter, Savanna. Being that she is a “Daddy’s Girl” it was no surprise that she ran to him as he opened the door, a daily ritual. What perplexed Julian was that she handed him a noted an insisted that he read it. Reading the note he first looked at Savanna in surprise, then at me.

“Is this true”, he inquired with a half smile, half right eye brow lift.

“Yes, it’s true”, I said while laughing and continuing to take frame by frame of pictures.

The noted read as follows:
As you can see by the below picture my hubby was surprised and delighted by the news that I was carrying our 2nd baby.

Due to the fact that the announcement of our first blessing was relayed to our family, friends and literally the entire world in an unforgettable way, we shared the news on a national design show on TLC, I wanted to make sure our 2nd announcement was just as special.

The plan

Our parents would receive the news 007 style… sequenized and with stylish flare.

On a beautiful Friday afternoon at 12:53 p.m., each parent was presented with a mid-size box delivered by their neighborhood postman. The thoughts that ran through each of their minds, as told to us later, was “ What could be in the box that was so light weight” ; “ A present of jewelry, money, or maybe photo’s of the only grandbaby”. Opening the box filled with mounds and mounds of packing popcorn they concluded that whatever it was must be a precious item for it to be packed the way it was. Finally getting to the object of their incessant digging, the below shows what they each received.

In deed a precious gift. Another blessing is on the way.

Kung Fu and the Art of Event Planning

Have you ever heard of the rap group The Remnant? You know the guy with the long dredlocks? That’s not Niles. Niles is the one with the facial hair that doesn’t quite connect all the way. He’s been described as a sloppy dresser, apathetic, and lazy. He would like to point out that while that description may be accurate, he doesn’t care. He works as a reference librarian, which means he teaches computer skills to people who think that a mouse is a rodent and a cursor is someone you don’t want around your kids. His personal philosophy is, “if you never plan you can never fail,” which, in his opinion, makes him the ideal contributor to an event planning website. It’s all about balance.

By Niles Gray

Recently I was asked the question, "can a man still be a man's man if he wants to help out with planning events?" The answer, as any man's man will tell you, is heck-to-the-no. The reason is this: men don't plan/prepare FOR the event; men plan/prepare IN the event OF. It's a subtle yet very important difference (kind of like the difference between “I hope somebody does,” and “I wish a n!gg@ would”), which is illustrated in the following examples: When a woman or couple (which is the same as having two women) is having company over they will plan a set of activities to keep their company entertained, they will plan a nice meal or nibblery depending on the type of function, and they will prepare by cleaning their place of residence until satisfied; or in the case of a couple, until the man (second woman) remembers that he is a man and turns on sports center. Now, compare that to the real world scenario displayed in this short movie: http://youtube.com/watch?v=5q9kYKtvYU0

Did you watch the entire video? Good. Now, here are some things I'd like you to notice. (Disclaimer: Bruce Lee is THE man's man; from his proficiency with nunchaku (pronounced NUM-chucks), to when he invented his own style of rapid beat-down kung fu because he was dissatisfied with how long it was taking to smash people, even to his tragic "death by misadventure" [yes, that is the actual statement given by his doctor!] at the age of 32. Any man's man will agree that "death by misadventure" is in their top 5 list of ways to go)

Firstly, as I'm sure you noticed, there was fighting. Here's where the difference begins: Mr. Lee could not have known for certain that his gangsta would be tested, but he was prepared in the event of. In fact, he'd spent his whole life preparing (and any man's man can tell you the fast track to man's manliness is living a life dedicated to the beating of others). The scene begins with one-on-one combat. No need to devote one's existence to ultimate mastery of the physical disablement of others for that. A few Thursday night karate classes at the community center and you'd be good to go. But at exactly 56 seconds into the scene the whole room stands up to partake in the beat down bonanza. That's when it becomes critically important to know how to lash out eight kicks in less than six seconds. What if Bruce had been satisfied with those few Thursday evenings? The scene would have played out a little different, with a lot less kicks in six seconds; that's for sure.

Secondly, you may have become aware that they were speaking French. That's right. Here's where you start taking notes for the advanced lessons. While there's no real necessity to speak the native tongue of karate masters against whom your fists will do all the talking, consider this: what if there were one or more fine karate mistresses? Or a distressed damsel? My main man Bruce had that angle covered. Covered with the language of love. That's right.

And finally, where did those numchucks come from?!?! Did he have those when he came in? They don’t check for numchucks at the door any more? Concealed numchucks! Concealed. Numchucks! Now, I'm sure Bruce entered the situation fully confident in his furious fists, but in the event of, he brought along concealed numchucks. "Hey guys, we're doing good! Jean-Pierre Liu just jump-kicked him in the back! I think we can--wait...are those.......numchucks! All is lost!" This is why Bruce Lee stands as the model up to which all men must live.

Here's the reality: Not all of us have the chops to be kung fu masters (pun VERY much intended). I'm speaking for men and women when I say that most of us probably wouldn't excel in gang brawls. But Bruce Lee is someone we can all aspire to; even if you don't want to "die by misadventure." He was a man who planned ahead and was prepared for any event (especially if that event required face-kicking). And while most weddings tend to exclude kung fu from the ceremonies, there’s a lesson to be learned here. Whether you’re a man’s man or not, it’s a good thing to get involved in the planning of events. Aside from making sure the womenfolk don’t girly-it-up too much you’ll be making them happy. And happy women is a good thing. Besides, if you don’t get involved you may need your own concealed numchucks.

Wanna hear more male musings on event planning, weddings or more? Email info@tempestbleu.com. Check out The Remnant at www.myspace.com/remnantmusic.

Something Bleu: "The Proposal's Evolution"

I’m not sure because I wasn’t on the Earth then, but I imagine proposals of yesteryear included a gentleman suitor asking his beloved’s father for her hand in marriage. After the stoic father responded with an affirmative, the young lad would gently lead the object of his affection to the garden courtyard where he would profess his love and ask her hand in marriage. After that, he would slay a dragon or two.

Today, proposals are often a lot more informal but increasingly more diverse. Since Venetia and I started Tempest Bleu several years ago, we’ve seen an increase in young men wishing to propose to their lady love in a unique way. This resurgence of love was celebrated by folks around the country.. really around the world… when Robert proposed to Keisha at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta almost a year ago. Calls poured in to Tempest Bleu from guys hoping to propose in a custom-tailored way.

One of our favorites and most recent was Shawn Chin-Chance. Shawn wanted a true New York City experience for his girlfriend. They had dated for several years after meeting at an Old Navy in NYC but had never really experienced the city together. Shawn asked us to help him pull off the huge task of organizing a day’s worth of activities for himself and Roni – all of it to be captured by our favorite photographer, Ross Oscar Knight.

We suggested using Roni's work as a photographer for Women’s Day to stage a mock photo shoot of top chefs in NYC. After selecting the place -- The London NYC Hotel and Gordon Ramsey’s Restaurant (Hell’s Kitchen) and the music, her fave Alicia Keyes; we were ready to help Shawn pull everything together. We helped him to organize activities that would mean the most to them. We suggested he include Old Navy – afterall it was the place they met. The couple bounced around several sites including StoryCorp to permanently capture their special story in the Library of Congress. After more touring of the city, they ended at Billie’s Black where friends and family greeted them.

Most people would agree that the wedding day is all about the bride. For wedding proposals, we truly enjoy giving the groom his opportunity to shine as he professes his love to the woman of his dreams.

To view the photos of this magnificent proposal, please visit: http://www.rossoscarknightphotography.net/2008/03/shawn-roni-nyc-proposal-and-real-deal.html

*Next Up: Meet our first of many Guest Bloggers, Niles Gray as he pontificates about why some men avoid event planning careers.

"The Fading Tasks: Ross and Brandi"

For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
How great are your works, O Lord,
How profound your thoughts.
Psalm 92: 4,5

As any professional wedding planner knows; the “things to do list” morphs into both a blessing and a curse as the wedding draws closer. You have your things to do, the Bride normally doubles that list, then sometimes the Groom and the couple’s families begin to sprinkle in their items. Before you know it, your simple list of 27 things turns into a list with bullets instead of numbers so you don’t embarrass yourself crossing off item #236. For Ross and Brandi’s wedding (which occurred on March 9, 2008), Venetia and I quickly noticed that this was no ordinary wedding. The two of us have helped plan and coordinate more than 30 weddings. But something strange began to happen during our planning. Our tasks began to take shape and turn into something much more. We didn’t just help find a spoken word artist for the couple – we supported the Groom’s vision of capturing their love through poetry. We didn’t just help design and assemble favors – we honored the bride’s late mother who passed of breast cancer. Every part of the wedding had a deeper meaning for Ross and Brandi and, in turn, had a deeper meaning for the two of us. It drove us. It kept us focused. It allowed us to calm the bride and groom. It kept us grounded as planners.

It’s easy for professional planners to get caught up in tasks and things to do. Ross and Brandi’s vision for their wedding prevented us from doing that. Every touch, every piece had a special meaning that captured the essence of their first meeting, their courtship and their lives as individuals and now as a unit. We really did feel like vessels to be used to help them cement this moment in time. We felt honored to be a part of their special day. We watched, cheered and cried along with the other guests. It’s weddings like these that no longer feel like work and start to feel more like purpose.
To view the slideshow of this beautiful wedding, please visit: http://www.6offourcreations.com/RossandBrandiWedding/



* Next Up: What does Women’s Day Magazine, Old Navy and Alicia Keyes have to do with one another? Check back to see details on a recent wedding proposal we planned in New York City!