Fine dining, a gracious venue, spectacular décor, and superb entertainment are a few things that make an event special. Most people think giving their guests that kind of experience is well beyond their budget’s allowance but I know better.

Hello, I’m Maudie Simpson, owner of A Special Occasion Event Planners, LLC. Creativity is my passion and helping my clients afford an event that looks more expensive than it is continues to be part of the fun!

I started event planning on tight budgets from the first event I ever coordinated. I was helping my former church with their special occasions while working full time as a loan officer. As it turned out, I was not only resourceful on a tight budget but had a an eye for detail, artistic décor, and cohesive planning. Before I knew it, I was creating floral arrangements for weddings every weekend. As demand for my services grew, I left my high stress day job for the work I loved.

Today we design events of up to 500 people for weddings, parties for retirement, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, reunions and more. As a lupus survivor, I have a special place in my heart for fundraisers and non-profit organizations that make the world a better, healthier place to live. We annualy coordinate “The Pretty Party!” lupus fundraiser, the “Gospel Fest” event and a fundraiser for “the Veteran Center.” We do it all, from selecting the caterer and venue to décor and music, so all you have to do is come and enjoy the moment.

My clients receive a free consultation where I assure them that what they want doesn’t always have to exceed their financial allowance. We work together to find the best solutions that deliver maximum results with their bottom line in mind. At A Special Occasion Event Planners, LLC we have partnerships from A-Z that provide catering, entertainment, photography, and more so we can conveniently offer you a “one stop shop” experience. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the event!

Stop by our website and see for yourself that expensive taste is about creativity and passion, not a larger than life budget!

Fewer things are more rewarding than being part of a team who are dedicated to a worthy cause. Preserving a past that will enrich the future is the goal of the Jim Thorpe Association (JTA) and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. As part of an organization that invests in education, charities, and civic responsibility, I am proud to have a hand in it’s recent growth.

I’m Justin Lenhart, Director and Curator of the Jim Thorpe Museum, home of the new Bud Wilkinson Event Center. I grew up in Stillwater and as someone who always enjoyed treasures of the past, I received my BA and MA in history from UCO. After college, I went to work for the Textile Museum in D.C. I enjoyed working in DC’s art community before moving back to Oklahoma. I’ve worked in large, upscale museums and operations like the Oklahoma Historical Society, and smaller high quality museums. With documents and artifacts dating as far back as 1907, the Jim Thorpe collections and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame galleries are impressive and continue to grow.

When I joined the museum in November 2008 I came on board at a time when the JTA wanted to expand and it’s been fulfilling to see those efforts come to pass. The new Bud Wilkinson Event Center reflects our vision for improvement and growth. The event center is ten thousand square feet on the second floor, seats up to 600 people, and is equipped with the latest technology for specific audio and visual needs. We can display your event and with several screens, you can broadcast a multimedia presentation. We’ve made it so easy, you can show up with nothing more than a CD, DVD, or portable computer drive. You can even program our lights and cue music or video without manning the equipment for a smooth event.

We partnered exclusively with the Petroleum Club to offer patrons high quality catering services and make it convenient and less expensive. Better than that, there is no rental fee for our facility when you utilize the catering services of the Petroleum Club. In case you’re wondering, there is no hidden “rental” fee in the price of the menu. Because the food is stored and prepared here with a full kitchen, the Petroleum Club can offer patrons the same reasonable prices that apply to their other locations. Diverse options allow you to budget your menu without compromising quality. If your event is booked during museum hours, your guests can tour the galleries free of charge.

Our close proximity to Brick Town and other attractions like Remington Park and Cowboy Western Heritage Museum make it even easier to take in the rich culture here in Oklahoma City. Whether you’re planning a wedding reception, corporate luncheon, birthday or anniversary party, we invite you to see what we can offer you. Stop by the Jim Thorpe Museum for a tour of our collections and facility or to book your event, contact the Petroleum Club at 405-232-1184.

The Sky’s the Limit!

Some caters will travel anywhere to provide their clients with the food and service they expect, even if it means boarding the next flight! TW’s-Anything for a Buck Catering happens to specialize in catering to clients who want something far better than airplane food. Tim Williams, Co-Owner and Executive Chef specializes in regional cuisine for his customer’s international clients. When he’s not catering 20,000 feet above ground he and his partner, former employee Terry McDaniel, cater virtually any event. From private jet to black tie weddings, TW’s Anything for a Buck Catering also offers event planning services such as floral arrangements, limo services, entertainment and even invitations. Serving the Tulsa and Oklahoma City area, these caterers aren’t grounded! Check out their new location in Oklahoma City!

Left By Gypsies!

These full service caterers are full of surprises! Catering delicious food started out as a take out restaurant for Co-Owner, Debbie Land and today the take out side is one of their most popular services in catering. This less expensive and convenient option is a great alternative that trims the budget without diminishing unique quality.

Dishes and trays that are as tantalizing as they are lovely, their versatile take out catering menu includes more than hot and cold party platters. From casseroles, soups, and sandwiches to veggies, cheese, meat and fruit this is an easy option for any event. They also offer full service catering for anything from a private party at home to wedding receptions and corporate events. Home made jams, sauces, and more are also perfect gifts for your guests!

High Tea!

Nibbles by Grander Affaires knows how to cater to the ladies. Owner Emeline Bauder has a passion for those special selections that Mid-westerners are hard pressed to find. Nibbles Café in Tulsa is the culmination of her successful catering business where patrons can get a taste of the kind of experience she can give your guests.

Nibbles Café brings delightful customs from the east coast and beyond, High Tea and Venetian Hour of Coffee are two favorites. High Tea originated as an old English custom of tea with scones, clotted cream, puff pastries, tea sandwiches and quiche. Venetian Hour of Coffee and pastries is all the rage in New York and along the east coast.

Catering up to 500 people, Nibbles by Grandeur Affaires provides customized menus that can be modified for special requests. With versatile options like buffet or seated service meals, they will also design your event and offer 10% off when they provide you with floral arrangements, wedding or special occasion cake and catering services.

Working moms know what it’s like. Whether you work an office job, a retail store or you work all the hours in between, it’s tough to squeeze in quality family time. Rushing here and rushing there you strive to give your kids every opportunity you can but at the end of the day you wish you could be there more and do more.

I know what you mean. My name is Janie Dowling, owner of Anabelle’s Galleria, and I loved working retail until my children came along. My husband and I realized something needed to change for me and for my family. I took a deep breath, quit working in corporate retail and starting dabbling in trade shows and craft festivals, with family and mentors cheering me on. I knew how to merchandise, how to help customers, and I hoped I had an eye for the kind of gifts that people would want to give each other and enjoy for themselves.

The excitement of doing shows and seeing people love what I enjoyed led me to start my own business, Anabelle’s Galleria in Edmond Oklahoma. Now I can work my career around my kids instead of the other way around.

In fact, my kids are some of my best helpers. In addition to a great staff, my daughter Anabelle loves to pick out jewelry and even though she’s only six, she’s got style! My son Caleb is 13 and is a huge help when I do shows and keeps 7 year old Parker busy unpacking boxes and merchandising. I get to see my kids and teach them life lessons as we work together. Its the best of both worlds!

At Anabelle’s Galleria we wanted our customers to experience meaningful exchanges with their family and friends. That’s why we carry inspirational artwork like Glory House and gifts that let you give something from your heart. We carry items for personalization like stationary, personalized wooden signs for a new couple’s home or a heartwarming message for a friend, and hand stamped necklaces so you can create something unique. We love the popular jewelry line “Waxing Poetic” which offers a wide selection of handcrafted bracelets, pendants, earrings, necklaces and charms encompassing antique to trés chic. Handbags, hats, and delicious Patty Wax soy candles are a few must haves that also make great gifts as well.

We have something for everyone with adult, youth, and children’s clothing. We make sure merchandise is fun and unique and because we have a passion for the truly creative, we also showcase local artwork to give our customers one-of-a-kind selections.

Come see us at 2000 W. Danforth in Edmond, Oklahoma and be sure to catch us at our new location in October at 2nd and Western where you’ll see our new lines.

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September Experts Corner

Stepping Out by Janie Dowling Working moms know what it’s like. Whether you work an office job, a retail store or you work all the hours in between, it’s tough to squeeze in quality family time. Rushing here and rushing there you strive to give your kids every opportunity you can but at the end of the day you wish you could be there more and do more. Read more… The New Bud Wilkinson Event Center! by Justing Lenhart Fewer things are more rewarding than being part of a team who are dedicated to a worthy cause. Preserving a past that will enrich the future is the goal of the Jim Thorpe Association (JTA) and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. As part of an organization that invests in education, charities, and civic responsibility, I am proud to have a hand in it’s recent growth. Read More… ‘Of Planes, Prairies, and Bistros!’ SEO features the best vendors in the special event planning industry and this month we’re featuring some of the most unique and unusual catering providers. Here are a few highlights from the year, from planes, prairies, and bistros!Read More… Expensive Taste on an Affordable Budget! by Maudie Simpson Fine dining, a gracious venue, spectacular décor, and superb entertainment are a few things that make an event special. Most people think giving their guests that kind of experience is well beyond their budget’s allowance but I know better.Read More…

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	It’s the Thought That Counts! -Tip Janie Dowling, (Anabelle’s Galleria) Nothing shows your deepest appreciation and sincerest wishes than a gift from the heart. Instead of going with the same old routine gift for your guests, show them how you really feel with the thought that counts! Handmade treasures like jewelry, pottery, signs, and textiles never lose their uniqueness, plus you can personalize them with a special message, good thought, prayer, or wish. Give your guests a treasure that will leave them with the warmth of the moment long after the day is gone.
	Who killed the music? -Tip from Justin Lenhart, (Bud Wilkinson Event Center) Ever been in “mid groove” when the music suddenly stops or just about laugh when the movie suddenly freezes? Don’t walk into your next event without testing every aspect of your event. Just as you do a taste test before you select a caterer or tour a facility before you book it, test your plan for weaknesses. Especially where media is concerned, too many patrons and coordinators forget that anything can go wrong. Make sure your media is free of possible snags like incompatible software or computer programs, outdated CD’s that won’t play on an up-to-date device, or DVD’s that need to be replaced. Nothing is more embarrassing that seeing your guests anticipation dampened when the audio visual presentation hits a snag! Be prepared for the presentation you want to give your guest.
	A Sweet Deal! -From Emeline Bauder, (Nibbles Café) If you don’t have the luxury of a large budget, consider a sweet reception with unique pastries and desserts paired with exotic coffee and teas? You can achieve an elegant dessert presentation for the price of a small buffet. Time your occasion after dinner for an exciting, cost effective affair! No Dead-End Party -From Debbie Leland, (The Prairie Gypsies) Are you dreading the hours of preparation ahead of you for your next party? Have you tried every fun food out there and now you’re at a dead end? Try take out for the food instead so you can enjoy the evening with your guests. For creative, tasty gift ideas look for sauces, jams, and jarred foods that are made from scratch. Your guests might end up taking home a taste of the evening and serve as a fond reminder of your party’s endeavors.
	Design on a Dime! -Tip from Maudie Simpson, (Special Occasion Event Planner, LLC) Why not have your wedding ceremony and reception in one place so do you don’t waste money decorating two venues? Why not take advantage of elegant basics like candlelit centerpieces and draped columns instead of elaborate archways? In my experience it is more often the simplest décor that creates the most elegant events so get creative! Think outside the box and not your budget because impeccable taste doesn’t have to break the bank!

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Wedding Night Survival Kit! Register today! Be the lucky winner of a relaxing and well deserved basket of goodies to enjoy that will include: Bottle of Specialty Wine, Two Toasting Glasses, Sweet Scented Candles, Bubble Bathe, Chocolates and a smoothe Jazz CD compliments of Special Occasion Event Planners! Special Occasion Event Planner, LLC 11421 Stansbury Place Oklahoma City, OK 73162 405-201-2692 Email Us at info@aspecialoccasionevent.com Visit us today at www.aspecialoccasionevent.com Register Now!

Hello, I’m Josh Mershon. As owners, my wife Michelle and I make quite a team. With her background in art, she is the creative mastermind behind Mershon Event Design and I am the passionate chef, whipping up fresh food in a fashionable presentation. Our talents collide to bring our clients the food they love with the atmosphere they want to share with their guests.

At Mershon Catering & Event Design we strive to be on the cutting edge of change in our industry. We are armed with the latest cooking technology that allows us to cook for you and your guests, onsite. We guarantee your cuisine will be never “sit” less than thirty minutes! The days of cooking in the kitchen and trucking in food are over and so are the days of boring presentation.

The way food is served has changed for the better, with action stations that bring excitement to your event. A server dishing out food isn’t our definition of an action station. Imagine an ice cream parlor, an Asian station, or a 1950’s diner with all things Betty Crocker. We prepare an experience, not just a fantastic dinner.

Pulling it all together is Michelle who, as an artist, will literally take your ideas from “sketch” to reality. She will visualize with you and bring out your own creativity so you get exactly what you want. She designs the floor plan, invitations, personal flowers, centerpieces, and helps you select the venue and menu that fits your needs. We custom design your event right here. At Mershon Catering & Event Design we are prepared to handle everything from the largest corporate events and lavish weddings, to the smaller, more intimate gathering of a quiet wedding or home party. Our extensive experience in design and catering allows us to adapt to your preferences, whether modern or traditional décor and cuisine. Let us help you make your next event all it should be!

Mershon Catering & Event Design

Lynne exposes the way so many people on the planet have learned to be competitive and motivated by fear and greed rather than embracing the possibilities of moving in love, abundance and meaningful cooperation. In her process, people learn to break out of the beliefs that keep them in the pattern of crippling familiarity. She teaches her audience to learn from the laws of physics and governing dynamic of the universe which clearly shows the power of working together rather than apart.

The “Magic of Why®” emerges in this book to encourage readers to rediscover the forgotten innocence of their own childlike “why,” to become more self aware and to identify their own strengths while embracing the value of others. August 21st, a Magic of Why® process session will be conducted by Lynne Hardin. You can email Lynne for more information or visit www.magicofwhy.com. Purchase a copy of A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit™ at Barnes & Nobles or amazon.com

Lynn Hardin

My grandfather always told me, “You’ll have a business of your own someday but learn on someone else’s time. Get all the experience you can working for other people.” He was right. I learned the tricks of the trade working in the hotel business and for a convention decorating company before striking out on my own. I took my experience and contacts in the hotel business and got to work.

What started as a business out of my home and garage fifteen years ago is now my dream job. In 2002 I became a certified balloon artist and soon began winning awards for my ‘out of the box’ creations. As a family business, my daughter Treva also mastered this creative illusion of color, movement, and design and today artistic balloon arrangements are a large part of our business. With certified artists on call, rest assured your event will shine right on schedule.

With over 6,000 square feet of warehouse space, I have everything I need at my finger tips to make my clients the star of the show. We supply rentals and deliver gorgeous décor for events of up to 1,500 people. Whether you need pipe & drape, trade show decor, balloon decor, wedding coordination, wedding rentals or party rentals, we can deliver the kind of event that your guests will remember. Let us bring our expertise and unique creativity to your next special event!

Event Planning by Leilani, Inc.

We’ve updated this breathtaking property that has drawn interest from people all over the world. We were no exception. Our wedding reception was held here in 2004 and made a lasting impression. When I discovered it was on the market and knew I needed larger accommodations for my insurance office, One General Agency, I couldn’t resist the possibilities.

It was almost too good to be true. The rooms were perfect for meetings with clients and the building would offer more space for staff as well as a much more scenic view! But, it was also too beautiful not to share with people who wanted to welcome their guests to a spectacular event. I decided to host events and our agency under the same roof. The journey has been fun and exciting!

It didn’t take much to update a good thing. We added new flooring, crystal, chandeliers, lighting, spacious dressing rooms for bride and groom and little updates that put the icing on the cake. When people step into the enchanted world of Coles Garden and realize how reasonably priced our custom or prepackaged rates are, they can’t walk away!

We partnered with Deep Fork Grill to offer clients high quality and affordable catering services but clients are also permitted to bring in their own. Keeping flexibility, we also have in-house professional wedding coordinators and allow clients to bring in their own. We revived the indoor chapel so that guests can choose between an indoor wedding ceremony that captures the outdoor view or choose to recite their vows on one of our gardens. Either way, cascading waterfalls and vibrant, colorful gardens will catch your eye everywhere you turn!

Coles Garden

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August Experts Corner

The “New” Coles Garden! by Jenny Wood It’s hard to improve on something as elegant and gracious as Coles Garden Wedding & Event Center. Gorgeous gardens, the beautiful architecture and convenient amenities are the features that have made it a favorite venue for so many different events for years. Read more… Up with Balloons! by Leilani Stendebach When most people think of balloon arrangements, they picture a few floating colors attached to a weight. When I imagine them, I see elegant carriages, castles, and Pistol Pete! I’m Leilani Stendebach , certified balloon artist and owner of Event Planning by Leilani, Inc. where we design and plan weddings, trade shows, parties and supply top quality rentals. Read More… A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit! by Lynne Hardin Get inspired and be refreshed with local contributing author, Lynne Hardin in A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit!™ Women Entrepreneurs’ Edition I. Kick off your heels and sit down to a book that will break your ambitions out of the fearful “what if” box and into the open range of “why not!” Real women with real life situations open up in this book about the obstacles they overcame to experience the realization of their dreams. Read More… Designing Dining by Josh Mershon There’s no such thing as a good restaurant without a theme. Where would an Italian restaurant be without drippy candles, a fifties diner without the parlor stools, or a Mexican eatery without the romantic sounds of the Spanish guitar? Boring! At Mershon Catering and Event Design we understand the only thing better than the food you love is the way you feel when you’re there. That’s why we make sure your event is designed to compliment your theme, right down to our dining presentation.Read More…

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	Love Your ‘Operation Plan B!’ -Tip Jenny Wood, (Cole’s Garden) In a perfect world everything goes as planned but in reality, life is full of surprises! Of course a bride’s big day should be perfect but if your ideal ceremony experiences a hitch, you can still have the wedding of your dreams if you have a plan B. Ask yourself what are the two ideal settings for your ceremony. If you’re dream day is an outdoor wedding and it rains, what would be the next best scene for your vows? A candle lit chapel? A raised or recessed altar on the dance floor or reception hall? Expect the unexpected and communicate “operation plan B” with your planning professional and venue facilitators to pull off a beautiful day in an imperfect world!
	Up with Balloons! -Tip from Leilani Stendebach, (Event Planning by Leilani, Inc) If you’re looking for a way to add to you color scheme without overdoing the décor basics, consider balloons. Their colors sparkle with lighting and provide a sense of movement as they direct the eye and define sections of the room. Ballooned archways, sculptures, canopies, or centerpieces make for unique decorations at any event. From elegance and glamour to fun and wacky, you can make a statement with professional balloon décor!
	Lynne Hardin: The Magic of Why Said the Caterer to the DJ… Are you planning your first major special event and think you know where to start? Are you a special event “veteran” who’s bored with the same old thing? There’s always magic in group participation! Why not gather your vendors at the start of your planning phase and let them share with you the wealth of creativity that is within them? These experts have been doing this for years and let you in on some of the best ideas in the business. Open up the door for everyone to have a voice and let the brainstorm begin!
	Your Audience Awaits! -Tip from Josh Mershon, (Mershon Catering and Event Design) Whether you’re planning a wedding or corporate event, it’s vital that you think about your audience. The invitation list should help you decide the kind of menu you will serve your guests. Modern or traditional, you and your guests should be delighted and feel comfortable with your selection. As a bride’s “debut hosting” night, the reception should be a dream come true and keep your guests a priority. Whether its comfort food with flare or exotic hors d’ oeuvres, make sure you and your caterer relate to your audience.

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Dessert anyone?  Celebrate with a Cake & Register today!       Any occasion is a reason to celebrate!  Register today to be that lucky winner to win a delicious cake up to 50 guests compliments of Fancy Cakes etc!    Birthdays are the most popular celebrated occasion. Everyone has a Birthday!  With many flavors and designs to choose from there’s always something to make that surprised face smile.      From Baby Showers, Anniversaries, Reunions, Congratulation Cakes and a Wedding, Fancy Cake’s Etc., is sure to make your party a hit and satisfy your guest appetite for some delicious cake. Good luck!    Fancy Cakes Etc Debra Van Wagner 404 West Main Norman, OK 73069 Phone: 405-701-3434 Email Us at info@fancycakesetc.com URL: www.fancycakesetc.com   Register Now!