The thing I hear from couples that breaks my heart

June 13

Today, I feel compelled to share what’s on  my heart-  something that’s been weighing on me a lot lately. Since returning home from Engage!13, this something has been a driving  force, in making small changes to the way I present what Kailey Michelle Events is all about and why we so passionately do what we do.

As a stylist and self professed detail junkie, I love fussing over the aesthetics as much as anyone. Every nook and cranny. All elements considered!  But the truth is, the design and “show” should never overshadow what the wedding day is all about. Sadly, too often it does.

At times, I meet with couples who present a perfectly pretty vision complete with DIY projects and fabulous details from A-Z, but when I ask them why  ”this or that” and the meaning behind their fantasy, they stare back at me blankly.

  1. “I saw it on Pinterest.”

  2. “My friend had roses. She’ll think I copied her.” 

  3. “It looks extravagant and I want guests to be impressed.” 

To be perfectly frank, my heart breaks a little when I hear these things.

What I was hoping for was their love story, their family culture or the sentiment behind an heirloom. To me, details should have roots and lie in meaning….

Not picked simply for the sake of making a statement.

With the revolution of Pinterest, wedding blogs, and countless magazines, it’s incredibly easy to get caught up in creating a wedding that’s “not your own” and instead a big production. And before you know it, you’re planning a wedding that’ll impress but has no heart – Where guests will look around and not see you, but a magazine rip out of someone else’s day.

At Kailey Michelle Events, we believe the true beauty of your wedding day, lies in the experience; both yours, your family’s and your friends. It’s a time to savour every sensation and celebrate  life’s most joyous moments; the ones you’ll share with your daughter when she asks, “Mommy, tell me a fairytale…”

  • The laughter of your girls on your final “sleep over” as a single women

  • Daddy’s squeeze of the hand right before he walks you down the aisle

  • Momma’s proud look when she see’s you dawn her veil

  • Locking eyes with your sweety like it’s the very first time and the butterflies that follow

  • Hearing Mr. and Mrs, like you’ve practiced saying in your heart

  • Frolicking through the city taking photos with your favourites by your side

  • Celebrating with those dearest to you; the ones who have helped shape the person you are today

 

We aim to transcend current trends to present genuine affairs. Because a truly exquisite wedding is one thread with personal sentiment. From your flowers, to your favours and everything in between, we believe the details of your day should illuminate your one-of-a-kind love and share your story with guests and friends. It’s more than choosing something for aesthetics, but weaving in your passions, your traditions and family heirlooms that have been passed down…

  • Lace on your gown bought from Paris, where he proposed

  • Family recipe favours that you laboured over with auntie

  • Grandma’s vintage teacups, which you sipped from as a child

  • The wine you shared on your first date; the one you now call “ours”

  • The song your parents danced to on their very own wedding day

  • Garden Roses, just like mom; the ones dad would buy her every sunday

  • The words from your favourite love story, weaved into hand-written vows, the invitations and  table names

 

It’s  more than curating a beautiful setting. It’s making it your own, precious and special for reasons close to your heart!

Slowly but surely, you’ll notice a few changes being made to our website to reflect this undeniable affirmation of my heart’s focus, including two new promo videos sharing the mission of KME and our approach to wedding planning.

In the end friends, no matter what you do or how you plan your “once upon a time,” be sure to focus on the reason for the day and take the time to truly be in the moment. After all, the real adventure begins the morning after you say, “I do!”

 

 

Photos courtesy of [top left to right, working down] Matt Kennedy, Studio Jeanie, Pure Light Studios, KGood Photo, Ryan+Beth

 

Posted in Engagement, Loving Advice | 1 Comment »
Runway to Freedom | Diversity in beauty, Giving Voice to Human Trafficking

June 6

In May of this year, I had the most wonderful honour of helping design and bring to life, Runway to Freedom, a local Fashion Show and Justice outreach event, held at Coquitlam Alliance Church.

A celebration of true beauty and diversity among women, this modern day, real-life woman fashion show featured women of all ethnicities, shapes and ages. From every day casual wear, to formal wear, wedding gowns and traditional native garments, women just like you and me, embraced the body God gave them and strutted their stuff down the catwalk! I was blown away by the light that emulated from these women, as together, we joined in community to honour our unique and true beauty both within and outwardly.

It was a welcomed change, working with a vibrant and bold color palette, vastly different than my signature KME designs. I thoroughly enjoyed breathing life into this event, creating an intimate and pampered guest experience.

What I loved most was the heart beat of the show- a mission to educate women about modern day slavery, which presents itself in the form of human trafficking and happens right outside our doorsteps here in Canada. Former Miss World Canada 2012 and Human Rights activist, Tara Teng, was the Keynote speaker, who shared powerfully from her heart, providing women with tangible solutions to effectively bring about change.

I’ll be honest and say I was deeply disturbed and troubled by what Tara and the other organizations shared with us. And because of that, I have to speak up… I’d kick myself for not taking this opportunity to do so.

Friends, do you know what human trafficking looks like? Cause I didn’t.  Do you understand that slavery still exists? I didn’t.  Why? Because it doesn’t look like what I pictured and has evolved like every other industry, to a modern, elaborate operation.

“When you hear about human trafficking in the sex trade, most people have an image of women being smuggled into Canada from abroad and forced to work in seamy brothels. But there’s a thriving trafficking trade right here at home and it’s run by pimps who prey on the naïve and innocent. It could be a young woman from your neighbourhood, maybe the daughter of a friend, or the girl next door. And her entry into the sex trade is rarely by choice. It starts in a bar, a club or even online: a meeting with someone who makes the girl feel special when they find themselves isolated, lonely and confused. But soon that relationship turns ugly and by then it’s too late to escape.” CTV news

90% of prostitutes in Canada are Canadian born and are trafficked unwillingly into the trade! They’re tricked and forced into it by pimps posing as their boyfriend, sold for money and condemned to a life being treated as a commodity. They’re held in homes against their will, driven from “gig” to “gig” and watched like hawks by those who “own” them, with little chance of escaping.

Here I was judging these women, thinking they chose this lifestyle for themselves, that they were unfortunately born into it or fell prey to the lustre of easy money… that they could simply walk away and stop it if they really wanted to or tried hard enough.   Lord, forgive me. How blind and ignorant I have been!

Friends, I plead with you to take a few minutes out of your day and understand the injustice that’s happening right in front of our eyes. These videos here tore the veil from my own eyes and this organization, Defend Dignity, gave me the tools I needed to truly understand what’s happening in our city and how I can take a stance.

If you’ve read until here, you’re ignorant no longer. It’s our job to stand up for what is right, help our sisters who can’t help themselves and give individuals their worth and identity back. God made us all equal- all worthy of a life of freedom!  

 

You can help. You can make a difference. Even small acts done in love become big!

It’s not just what you’re thinking. Giving money to worthy causes is a beautiful gift, but there are other, sometimes more powerful ways, of giving voice to those who can’t defend themselves. Write a letter to your MP, share this post or any of the links I’ve provided on your social media pages. Write a blog post or band together and join an organizations fight. Just do something!

 

Thank you to Holly and Shaley, Runway to Freedom’s organizers for seeking me out for this fabulous opportunity and creating a space for these women’s cries to be heard!  I loved being a part of such an incredible cause, using the gifts and abilities God has blessed me with.

 

xo Kailey-Michelle | Principal + Founder

 

Photos by the beautiful and talented Kristie Robin Photography
Posted in Events & Design, In the Community, News Worthy {Press/ Media} | No Comments »
Engage!13 at Biltmore Estate | a bucket list endeavour

May 30

This weekend,  I head off to the UNBELIEVABLE, real life fairytale Biltmore Estates for Engage!13 Luxury Wedding Business Summit.

It’s been nearly 4 years since I last attended the wedding industry’s most renowned and highly adored business conference. And to say the least, butterflies of joy are plastered across my face in eager anticipation. I’m so excited I could pee my pants… just kidding! well kind of. 

My first time round, Engage!09 blew my socks off. Almost literally.

The venue and service made me feel like a queen. The design had me filling books with inspiration [pre-instagram days, my friend!] The attention to detail overwhelmed me! And the speakers… where to even begin.

    • Abby Larson | Style me Pretty,
    • Carly Roney | The Knot,
    • Randi Renoli | Say yes to the Dress,
    • Darcy Miller | Martha Stewart Weddings

and that was just the start! They spoke with vigour and from the heart, sharing their experiences, their strategies and their best advice.  It helped me own my light, pushed me past my comfort zones and equipped me to raise the bar in my customer service, client experience and growth strategies. It was the perfect mix of “Enjoy the Journey” and “Don’t tell me it’s impossible when there are footprint on the moon!”  

The highlight of my trip was meeting  Lara in person for the first time. Truth be told, I made a nervous fool of myself doing so! And while I kicked myself for days, at my ridiculous attempt to spark up a conversation, it made for a good story and planted a seed for our future together… proof that God will make good of our efforts- we need only to say yes and have a willing heart, even when it terrifies us!

I left vowing to return again one day, but this time I’d come solo, representing my own company,  having earned my fair and ticket there. While it may seem silly and somewhat simple, it’s been on my bucket list ever since. A personal triumph, of sorts.

It means the world to me to be attending yet again; and the Biltmore in North Carolina of all places? Hello. Does is get more KME perfect than that?!  God is faithful my friends and he promises to meet your every desire. Just seek him diligentyly and with your whole heart… he’ll pave a way and bring forth more that you could ever imagine or  hope for.

What I’m most excited for?

  • Driving up the loooonng driveway and seeing the property for the first time, a dream in full reality!
  • Giving Lara the HUGEST, longest hug imaginable!
  • Meeting the beautiful and talented Alison Howard face to face, who I am so blessed to be roomies with!
  • Horse Back riding around the Biltmore property and mountains!
  • Gaining inspiration and motivation to take my business to the next level [praying God will keep my core and values in focus, to help discern what is for me and what is not]

 

What I’m most nervous about?

  • Taking my first solo international flight [I have severe anxiety while flying. Like keeping my head in crash landing position, kind of nervous. I embarrass most people I fly with!] I would so appreciate your prayers
  • Entering a room of 250 industry leaders and not tripping… over myself or my words!
  • Sharing a room and bathroom with someone else, with a quirky routine that involves in-room [ridiculously funny to watch] workouts and daily devotional time with God
  • Seeing what God has in store for me.. I know he’s got something up his sleeve and I’m going, fully expecting him to reveal himself, undoubtable in ways I never could’ve seen coming

So as I embark on this adventure, I invite you to join alongside me. Follow  along via instagram and facebook; I’ll be sure to post all the inspiration, pampering and pretties in real time!

 

In the mean time, take a peek at what awaits me on the other side…..

The Engage! Experience

The Biltmore Experience

 

 

Posted in In the Community, Personal | 1 Comment »
Summer Bucket list Challenge | Happy Family Movement

May 29

Recently, I walked away from the world for 168 hours! That’s 7 days free of social media, tv and the internet. What I discovered most was how numb I’d become to the obsessive noise, opinions and seeking of influence, that surrounds me each and everyday.

In the solitude of my own life, I rediscovered the joy I had at my fingertips, even in the most mundane, simple graces of everyday. I was able to enjoy the things set in front of me, free of comparison, negative self-talk and the lies that say “what I am and what I can do, is never enough!” It’s amazing how easily we allow social media and the world’s influence to steal our joy and focus….

In reflection of this, I was reminded of the Happy Family Movement- a project set out by Becky Higgins of Project life, encouraging families to create joy-filled environment that will change the world. Whether you have kids, are a family of 2 or are single and dating, it’s time we cut loose a little, live out loud and love, with everything we’ve got!

Join KME in the Summer Buck List Challenge and bring the Happy Family Movement to your home!

The summer you’ll never forget is waiting! It’s time to make memories you’ll forever cherish- ones that’ll matter when you take your final breath! Here’s my families Summer Bucket List….

  1. Picnicking at Belcarra

  2. Kayaking from Rocky Point to North Shore

  3. Theatre under the Stars

  4. Camping with Dave’s Family

  5. Go berry picking at an Orchard

  6. Fly a Kite

  7. Make Home-Made Ice Cream

  8. Hiking with Kailey’s Family

  9. Fish and Chips at the Pier

  10. Go to an Outdoor or Drive-in  Movie

  11. Bike Ride the Chilliwack Dykes

  12. Go Horse Back Riding

  13. Boating with Kailey’s Family

  14. Go swimming (actual) with Dave + get my Hair wet

  15. Complete one summer bible study on my own

  16. Go Roller Blading

  17. Lawn Games with Friends

  18. Play tennis as a couple

  19. Go to a Farmers Market

  20. Enjoy our Patio

 

Now it’s your turn! Take the pledge by telling me in the comments below, one of the first things you’re putting on YOUR summer bucket list.

I’m cheering you on, my friend! Let’s get started….

 

 

Posted in In the Community, Joy in Life, Marriage, Personal | 1 Comment »
Vancouver Teahouse Wedding | a Great Gatsby Affair

May 22

This past winter, I was asked by Bride Canada to produce an editorial piece to debut across their national platform. I was over joyed with the opportunity and grateful to have a been a part of such a fabulous cast of talents. Our goal was to celebrate the roaring 20′s, while showcasing a Vancouver Teahouse Wedding. We coined the production piece, “A Gatsby Affair.”

As the editorial evolved the follow key elements became my foundation: the pantone color of the year, Emerald Green, the upcoming release for the much anticipation modern day, Great Gatsby movie and  the nostalgia of sophisticated old world vintage.

It was important to me that the pantone color not over powerful the design, yet add a taste of bold personality in and amongst the elegant setting.

Textures made the vision come to life with beaded vintage inspired gowns, sequinned overlays, tulle rose embellishments and layered stationery,  that would make any magpie swoon! Paired with luscious floral creations, displaying ultra feminine qualities, the design boasts the classic, regal masculinity of Jay Gatsby, with the poised, timeless beauty of  Daisy Buchanan.

The icing on the cake, you ask? I got to my team in action! This shoot was our first editorial as a group, with Diane crafting stationery wonders and Lori working her hairstyling magic! Indeed it was a good day, my friends.

The editorial made its debut on Bride Canada May 8th, 2013 .  I am simply over joyed with the  result and grateful for such a fabulous opportunity. Thank you to Nico of Bride Canada and the incredible cast of talents that helped bring with vision to life. Without them, this experience would not have been the remarkable highlight of my year, thus far!

What Great Gatsby production would be complete without it’s own video trailer?!

 

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Posted in Events & Design, News Worthy {Press/ Media}, Vlogs, Videos & Trailers | No Comments »