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.