A Year in Review

A New Year

I can't believe tonight is the beginning of another year, and not only a year, but a new decade!! The year 2000 seems like a long time ago. In short review... In these past ten years I graduated from High School and College. Survived 10 car accidents (none of which were my fault), and met and married my best friend.

As 2010 begins I want to reflect back on 2009, and since I normally post things related to Chaviano Couture on this blog, I decided to show you a peek into my life outside of work over this past year.

January 2009

A Shoot for Chaviano Couture, Cirq du Soleil, seeing Lippizzans and a first time trip to the Rodeo were among the first of the years activities.

February 2009

As February rolled around Jared and I took a Valentines trip to the Dominican Republic. The warm weather and sunshine was just what we needed after being cold all Winter.

March 2009

March came quickly and I was off to New York city with my sister-in-law and cousin for some sight seeing and fun.

In between work and more work I took a quick trip to California at the end of March to visit long time friends.

April 2009

April was a fairly calm month with a few friends wedding and work, work, work. Jared and I took this picture on Easter Sunday in front of a huge Azalea bush outside our home.

May 2009

May Flew by as we celebrated friends and families Birthdays and Weddings. At some point we also went to the Georgia Aquarium which is one of my favorite places to visit in Atlanta.

June 2009

My childhood friends and I decided we wanted to take a girls trip and Chicago ended up being the destination. We had a fabulous time! Such a great city.

Ended the month of June with a trip to Kansas City for a wedding. Always love going home and seeing my family.

July 2009

The Bridal Bar's Grand opening was a huge success. I feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing business. Most of July was spent working on client dresses and promotional work for Chaviano Couture.

August 2009

August began with a trip to Colorado for a clients wedding. The Rocky Mountains are stunning! What gorgeous scenery!

Around the middle of August Jared and I went to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I loved taking pictures of the gorgeous flowers! Wish my yard had so many flowers.

Our family took a trip at the end of August to Milwaukee for a children's camp that happens once every 5 years. It as a wonderful opportunity where we met many people from all around the world. We then took a few days to explore Milwaukee.

September 2009

September 3, Jared and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary in The Grand Cayman Islands. By far my favorite Island to visit.

We ended September celebrating my 26th Birthday.

October 2009

The gorgeous leaves of fall began to change and October brought cooler weather to Georgia. Mid October I had the privilege to be a part of My college room ates wedding. It was an even greater privilege to design her gown.

November 2009

Jared and I spent Thanksgiving at my parents home in Kansas City. I loved attending the annual Plaza Lighting. It's an over 50 year tradition in Kansas City, and I have as often as possible since childhood. I was also able to see My Uncle Randy and Aunt Marty. It is such a great feeling every time I get to go home.

December 2009

This month started with a Chaviano Couture Trunk show and ended with a fabulous Christmas where we all decided to wear Tacky Christmas Sweaters!!

I might get in trouble for posting these pictures.

What a fabulous and very busy year. I have no words to thank all who have been such a help and blessing to me this year. God is so good. I want to challenge each and every one of you to make time daily to pray and reflect on God's blessings. I find that one of my favorite ways to enjoy His blessings is through nature. I want to make 2010 my best year yet and I pray you are blessed beyond belief in this coming year. " In All thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct they paths" Proverbs 3:6

Cheers to a Happy New Year and Blessed 2010!!!!

Warmest,

Annette

Cocktail Gown Winner!!

It's a privilege for me to announce the winner of the custom cocktail gown !!

Answer number 7!

"Always a hopeless romantic and a little princess at heart, I've had fashion on my mind for as long as I can remember. Playing dress up as a child has been one of my fondest memories. A couture cocktail dress would be a fabulous dream come true. A truly special feeling to know you are wearing a one of a king piece would fulfill the fantasy. Especially with my upcoming wedding. Every woman wants to feel like the works is in their hands. I think wearing a couture gown could add romance to that momentous occasion. Furthermore, If I can wear it at the reception, the photos will remind me even more how special the day can be."

I am so excited to help make her dream come true. She deserves it! Stay tuned for pictures of the dress once it's complete.

Merry Christmas!

Annette

Vote for the Winner!

My plan was to pick the top 10 answers for the Custom Cocktail Gown giveaway, but I loved so many answers that I decided to pick the top 12! I asked those who attended the Trunk Show to write why they should win the cocktail dress, and to be creative.

So here they are...vote for your favorite answer. Voting ends on Christmas Eve and the winner will be announced Christmas Day! Vote by leaving a comment on this post, and specify which one was your favorite.The one with the highest number of votes wins.

From being engaged to single, the wide range of answers were fun, sweet, and down right, funny!

They will be listed in no specific order.

1.) " I want an over the top cocktail dress for my rehearsal dinner"

2.) "I really want/need it! I'm a new mom and any expenses I could spare would be super helpful"

3.) "Because I'd love to start my life together with my high school sweetheart in something as wonderful and unique as our love"

4.)" The entire process of dress making is interesting and fun for me. I also got engaged in Japan, which I must say was pretty cool"

5.) " I deserve, if nothing else, at least a cocktail dress. Since I don't have the man, the ring, or the wedding dress!"

6.) " I should win because I want people to see that you can be sophisticated and sexy no matter what your size"

7.) "Always a hopeless romantic and a little princess at heart, I've had fashion on my mind for as long as I can remember. Playing dress up as a child has been one of my fondest memories. A couture cocktail dress would be a fabulous dream come true. A truly special feeling to know you are wearing a one of a king piece would fulfill the fantasy. Especially with my upcoming wedding. Every woman wants to feel like the works is in their hands. I think wearing a couture gown could add romance to that momentous occasion. Furthermore, If I can wear it at the reception, the photos will remind me even more how special the day can be."

8.) I am neither engaged nor have a boyfriend at this time, but I was hoping that with the custom cocktail dress, I'd be able to find one after wearing it to a special even with a few eligible bachelors. Please Help!"

9.) " Because my future in-laws will probably not allow me to attend the rehearsal dinner in the buff!"

10.) "My man works too much! I would love a new dress for us to go out on the town together. In today's crazy world it is important to remember the reason we are together and staying together"

11.) " I really haven't had the opportunity to be a girlie girl. I would love to have a chance to feel beautiful for a day"

12.) " Because I'm broke after this wedding"

A Big Thank You to the above ladies for making the Trunk Show a success!! Rebecca ( top left) Bridal Bar Owner, Sharon from Sweet Sensations brought their signature cupcakes! Soo yummy! Next to me are Christine and Lauren who do a fabulous working for the Bridal Bar. Far Left is Melanie from Le Bon Fleur, who brought in gorgeous flowers. Not pictured are the team from MC Events who brought in appetizers. Thank you, Thank you. For more images from the night visit our facebook page, and become a fan too!

Cheers to a wonderful Holiday Season! Can't wait to announce the winner!

Annette

Trunk Show!!

Chaviano Bridal Couture's Trunk Show at the Bridal Bar Atlanta last Thursday was a fun night filled with yummy treats, food, and gorgeous gowns. Stay tuned for more images from the Trunk Show as well as an opportunity to vote for the winner of a custom cocktail dress. Visit our Facebook Fan Page for more images and info.

Trunk Show!!

Come join me at the Bridal Bar Atlanta Thursday evening 7:30-9:30 and enter to win a custom cocktail dress! See you there.

Warmest,

Annette

Few More Images

Just got these images from a day after wedding session taken of my Colorado Bride. Loved them, so I thought I'd share a few. The fabulous photography is by the talented Tim Putt, located out of Orlando, FL.

Giving Thanks

I can't believe it's Thanksgiving tomorrow! This year has really flown by for me. I leave at 7 am from Atlanta with Jared to Kansas City, MO. That's where I grew up and my family lives. I can't wait! My parents came to United States almost 30 years ago form Cuba. And for those 29 yrs, we have celebrated Thanksgiving with Uncle Randy and Aunt Marty. They took my parents under their wing, and it has been a tradition ever since to celebrate together. We jokingly say that they are the Indians ( because they were from America) and my parents are the Pilgrims ( because they came over from Cuba on a boat) I can't wait to see them either. Aunt Marty makes all her Thanksgiving dishes from scratch, and they are fabulous!

It is a special time of year for me, and this year I have much to be thankful for. God has been good despite the trials. I am thankful for the amazing opportunities that have been given to me this year through Chaviano Couture. It has been a journey, and I continue to learn each day.I have met so many people that have encouraged me and been so very helpful. I am thankful for health, because I have seen many people who don't have good health, and I am so greatful for life. I am thankful for my parents, who have always been very supportive and encouraging to me. Jared, who has helped me so much with this business! Could not do it without his encouragement and expertise. Thankful to him for listening to my crazy ideas all the time.

Most of all thankful to God, who continues to pour blessings in amazing ways.

I look forward to this Thanksgiving with Thanks, and I hope you also have much to be thankful for this year. In difficult economic times, it is good to reflect and see what is truly important in our lives and say thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Annette Roxie

Here is a picture from Thanksgiving 2 years ago. We are definitely concentrating on the eating! We'll see what we look like tomorrow! Happy Eating!

Our Labor of Love Smilebooth!

Here's a few shots from the Southern Weddings Magazine launch party. Although I was unable to attend, I hear the night was a huge hit! Our labor of Love, along with Ashley from Dolci Odille created an awesome custom backdrop for the smile booth. As you can see, everyone had a blast taking pictures. Rebecca, Bridal Bar owner (top left) wore a Chaviano Couture gown for the evening.

You can have a custom smile booth at your wedding! Contact Our Labor of Love for more info. For more smile booth pics click here

Chaviano Couture Trunk Show

Come enjoy an evening of gowns, treats, and fun at the Bridal Bar Atlanta for a Chaviano Couture trunk show. Bring a friend, family member, or bride, and join in on the fun!!

There will be a custom Cocktail Dress Giveaway! Don't miss it!

When: December 10, 2009

Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Place: THE BRIDAL BAR ATLANTA

4511 Olde Perimeter Way Suite 600

Atlanta, GA 30346

It is preferred that you RSVP ( you may do so by leaving a comment below)

The fun does not end that day. Join the Bridal Bar again on Friday evening for makeup tips and makeovers from Pretty Girl, and on Saturday for Dolma Pearl Showcase.

Fred Egan

Fred Egan, the photographer that shot for the Southern Weddings Watercolor shoot (posted below) had all his belongings lost to a fire this weekend. I cannot even begin to imagine how that can affect a family and business. My prayers are with him and his family as they begin to pick up the pieces and start over. An account has been set up for those that would like to give a donation to Fred and family. Please click here for the donation page. Paloma's Nest is also donating all proceeds from the sale of the FAITH bowl will go towards helping Fred ( from now until Christmas) Please keep Fred and all those affected by the fire in your prayers.

Southern Weddings Magazine

A few months ago I had the opportunity and privilege to do a shoot for Southern Weddings Magazine. My husband and I drove down to Seaside Florida for a quick day trip to do the shoot. For some reason I had never been to that part of Florida and to my amazement it was gorgeous! We stayed at Watercolor resort ( which i would recommend to anyone) The water is so clear, and they powdery soft sand is perfect. I was able to meet and work with some of Atlanta's best in the wedding industry. Joy and Ashley did a fabulous job styling the shoot, and our photographer Fred Egan did a fantastic job with the images.

I am very thankful to the ladies at Southern Weddings Magazine for mentioning Chaviano Couture in this issue. I would have loved to have this magazine around when I was planning my wedding. I love pictures, and this magazine is full of them. Check out SW blog for more info on where to find the magazine. Thanks again to the lovely Southern wedding ladies, and I look forward to seeing the many more issues to come.

The Cover

Watercolor Feature

A few more shots of the beach!

Justin and Stacey Perlino

The first time I met Stacey I remember thinking she had the most gorgeous smile and infectious personality. Stacey lights up a room with her energy and passion for life. I met her on a photo shoot set where she works as casting director for Kids 2, a company that makes well known items for babies and children such as Einstein Baby, Boppy and Bright Starts. Justin is an amazing chef ,and they could not be a more gorgeous couple. Here are a few images from their recent bridal session. And of course, the bride is wearing Chaviano Couture. The images were taken by Atlanta Photographer Jody Elford

Sandy and Russ's wedding

This past weekend flew by! I was a bridesmaid for my college roommates wedding, and had the privilege of designing her wedding gown. I'm posting some of the images from my camera, and will post the photographers images once they come in. It was a gorgeous wedding in Chattanooga TN. The ceremony was held at their church and the reception followed at the Fairyland Club. Sandy really paid attention to detail and the results were fabulous. It was such a blessed weekend with family and friends, and I only wish them the best in their future together. More pics to come soon!

I also had the privilege of designing a cocktail gown for my friend who attended the wedding. It's an all feather dress that I created and she accessorized with a black patent belt and red heels. I also created a hairpiece for her to wear with the dress. I will post more pictures of her gown later..

Wedding Weekend

This coming weekend is my college roommates wedding! I have known Sandy since childhood and ever since 8th grade we went to school together and the rest is history. From singing in the car on our way to school every morning, to doing gymnastics, shopping, dressing up, you name it,Cassandra, or as we call her Sandy, has been one of those life long friends. I am honored to be a part of her wedding this weekend, and not only that, but have the opportunity to design her wedding gown. I'm looking forward to posting images from this weekend.

Sandy and Russ, I'm so happy for you guys, congratulations, and may God bless your new lives together in a big way!

Sandy and I back in April of this year.

Underwater Magic

I love underwater photography. There is something SO romantic and magical about it. I especially became a fan when I saw the April 2009 issue of ELLE with Drew Barrymore on the cover. Such gorgeous images. I then became a fan of Elena Kalis is a Russian born photographer who lives in the Bahamas and shoots only underwater images. Her work is amazing.

There has been some underwater wedding photography done, but not much. It is my favorite new idea for wedding photography. To do an amazing underwater wedding shoot. I'm posting some images I found. The wedding ones are mostly by Jessica Peterson who shot a bride and groom underwater. Awesome images. If any of you are looking for a new and fun way to take wedding pictures. Draw inspiration from the following.

Jared and mine's attempt at underwater photography ( Atlantis 2007)

Grand Cayman Island 2009

Drew Barrymore's gorgeous shoot

Some of Jessica Peterson's images