Cassandra Dattoli Events + Giveaway Details

How do I start this? How about I just have a happy dance! Because that is exactly how I feel right this second! Like dancing! Friday I shared with you the new brand. Now let's take a little walk down memory lane, shall we?

I told Becky to throw confetti, glitter, Kate Spade, pink, golds, blacks and whites, bold stripes and lots of happy with lets face it, a dose of hoodrat' into a blender and make me a Cassandra milkshake. Annnnd... this... this is what I got!!

I'm getting choked up, looking at the transformation - at all the changes - at my heart and core poured all over those pink, gold and black pages. Becky, thank you. Thank you for your talent, for you heart, for listening to me. For responding to the hundreds of emails at all hours of the night, for being patient with my technological ignorance, for forgiving my OCD and working with me anyways. Thank you for being so dam awesome. The next time we are on the East coast - I'm totally buying you a beer.

Don't get me wrong, having my plain old site worked just fine and got the job done. But it just wasn't reflecting the true me. It wasn't giving you a true glimpse into my world and into my heart. My clients need to know who they are working with, they need to know what they are getting themselves into, because we spend an impressive and incredible amount of time together.

Oh goodness - having a logo that is truly mine makes me feel so dam good inside. If I told you how many butterflies I looked through, how many times I asked Becky to change her, or recolor her, you'd think I was totally insane, no wait; you'd think Becky was insane for continuing to work with me.

This is so incredible. I feel like something inside me has woken up. I feel so inspired and so ready to move this business and grow. I've been afraid of growth for so long. But growth doesn't have to be scary as long as I stay true to my core and follow my heart. I prayed and prayed for this day - for the courage and strength to take this leap. I prayed for God to show me the way and give me signs I was doing the right thing, and he did; at every step. The investment into a rebrand is literally jaw dropping - I didn't take this road lightly; in fact it's been almost a year in the making - but it's been so so worth it. Soooo let's celebrate!

I'm having giveaways starting today to win some pretty awesome items from Pearls & Pastries, Woodenhive Vintage Silverware,  my new little Shop, Instax, Pease's Candy & Nuts, Starbucks, Target, Project Life, Michaels and Meandmybigideas just to name a few; to celebrate this rebrand and to welcome you all to this happy little place of mine. 

Today's giveaway is over here, featuring a gold sequin hanger from this gal, and some "win it before you can buy it" stationary from yours truly!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this, for visiting this pink and gold space - and you know what? If you leave a comment below you'll be entered into the grand prize drawing for Friday, Sept 26 for the Fuji Instax, Project Life & Filofax giveaway!! Good luck!

(there are no limit to entries, each comment counts as an entry. Winner for the grand prize giveaway will be picked at random from the comments on my blog, Facebook comments, Twitter retweets and Instagram reposts.)

Photos above by the handsome JD Datoli. B/c he says he deserves credit

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!! {Confessions of a Rebrand}

It's Friday and in just one short week the all new Cassandra Dattoli Events will be launching. Wait; did I just say that? Hooray!! Friday September 19, 2014, the all new Cassandra Dattoli Events launches and to celebrate I'm having a little celebration party at our home with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This is really happening! I'm so excited about revealing everything to you all - including a much updated and very pink new website and blog.

I recently stumbled across the word Serendipity. The effect by which one accidentally stumbles upon something truly wonderful, while looking for something entirely unrelated. Serendipity - you have been in the back of my mind and on my heart since I first came across you. When I started the journey to rebrand; I was asked to write my story; and rewrite my story - and write it again and again. The whole point is to condense - and pull out the significant moments - the moments that truly show the path that has led me to where I am now. Well, I found it. The handful of moments that lit the fires that make up my core. The reason I'm here writing in this white space to all of you. The reason I started my business - the reason I rebranded.

 I chose to rebrand, because I was outgrowing the old look. Because the old look and logo got the job done - the website got the job done; but what if this space also made you feel like you knew me, before you actually knew me?  That was my goal when I reached out to Becky at RP Design & Branding. A brand - not just a pretty logo, or fancy collateral pieces - but a brand that people can come to and trust and know what to expect from. When you come into contact with my brand I want you to expect pink happiness bursting with confetti, a dash of glitter and above all else a happy place where love and marriage is celebrated. This rebrand has been so good for me - in a crazy, frustrating, exhausting and hair brained way. But it has also been so incredibly fulfilling & rewarding. I have a core purpose, and I know in my heart of heart's what that is - and what that even means!  I have a mission. I have a business plan. I have a workflow. well kinda ... but I have a brand.  I have a brand that is every piece of my heart and soul and represents who I truly am and what I want my business to represent. There is so much goodness still to share, but here is about half of my branding board that Becky created for me 

In condensing my story to fulfill the needs of representing my core I came up with this:

I grew up in Decatur, Illinois, dreaming of the day I would be a State Prosecutor in St. Louis. I'd have a downtown loft with an incredible view of the Arch and send my assistant to pick up my dry cleaning and coffee. We'd sit and discuss the legal issues plaguing our nation and have grown up conversations on capitol punishment and abortion. But as they say, sometimes, on the way to a dream, you get lost and find a better one. For me, getting lost; was my saving grace. During undergrad I met a blue-eyed Sicilian boy who stole my heart quicker than I could say "objection". Rather than head straight to St. Louis, I followed him and stayed closer to home. Six years later, ten moves, two graduate schools across three states and six months apart while he was at the State Police Academy; on October 20, 2012, we finally made it official in a traditional Greek Ceremony surrounded by close friends and family.

 Months after he proposed - it became clear that my heart changed. For as long as I could remember - I  read about, wrote about, studied criminal law and all the "bad stuff" in our humanity - and this wedding planning "stuff" was just the opposite. It lit a fire in me that I don't even know how to describe. It had hit me .. I want to be a part of people's happy moments - whatever this is, I want this. The memories of my mother and I planning get togethers, asking family to bring all white or red or green food containers; picking the napkins, plates, centerpieces and silverware for Thanksgiving and birthdays - it all just made sense.

Sometimes I wonder if God had a big chuckle with me - by putting me in the midst of the awful crimes people commit against each other to this complete opposite world - where love is the center and focus of everything. Love. Love is at my core. Love is my reason.

I'm having giveaways starting tomorrow to win some pretty awesome items from Pearls & Pastries, Woodenhive Vintage Silverware, Instax, Pease's Candy & Nuts, Starbucks, Target, Project Life and Meandmybigideas just to name a few; to celebrate this rebrand and to welcome you all to this happy little place of mine. 

ps. If you read this far down and leave a comment .. you'll be entered into all the giveaways!! 

xoxo

CONFESSIONS OF A REBRAND {Introducing the CDE Logo}

In making some final decisions these last couple days on my collateral pieces, I had a bit of an epiphany. The kind where the clouds roll back and the sun shines through and you finally let go of your fears and do it anyways. Along this journey, I found my courage and most importantly; what truly makes my heart skip a beat.

These are just a sampling of some of my brand elements that we have been working like crazy people to get all pulled together and out the door. Oh some more you say? Why sure!

 I started the rebrand journey with every intention of rebranding under just my name - and losing the Events. I felt good about it and was excited. But I wasn't dropping events for me. I have been so insecure and afraid of my business name because of some critical comments I received in my early stages about Cassandra Dattoli Events not being "creative" and "anyone can just use their name for their business."  I'm so over it. It's me. It's who I am. It's my love story and it's the reason I got into this industry. When my clients come to me and shell out cash to have me execute a fabulous day for them, they know what they are getting & who they are working with. I want to be transparent, I want my boutique to be every bit of lively, positive and bold that I am. It's personal, because I am.  I've been wanting to show this beautiful new logo off to the world, well world - wait no more. Sweet, sweet friends: say hello to Callie and the all new Cassandra Dattoli Events logo.

P.S. On perfection: being a perfectionist has it's drawbacks. Like giving your new brand designer a headache with hundreds of emails, questions and revisions; only to come full circle and choose the very first designs she sent you over a month ago. Yupp - that was me. Becky over at RPDesign is simply the best. Seriously - go over and leave her some love, she sure as hell deserves it for putting up with my shenanigans these last months

Thank you for reading this, for being here through this journey - for standing by as I drop little snippits - for your support - thank you from the bottom of my heart. To Becky over at RP, you are simply the best. I love you all so much. There is so so much more to share and soon very soon you all will get a the biggest dose of pretty pink and happy all rolled into a lovely greek Cassandra Dattoli Events milkshake. Stay tuned!

xoxo - Cass

A LITTLE INSTALOVE FRIDAY {Introducing my beloved Callie!!}

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. 

- Dr. Maya Angelou

For as long as I can remember, butterflies have played a special part of my life. I turned 19, and knew immediately my first tattoo - was going to remind me everyday to keep seeking, to keep hoping and dreaming all my big dreams. Thirteen hours later, I hopped on the back of a motorcycle, with a pink and tribal tattoo that nearly wrapped around my waist. I was young and naïve, but so proud to be branded for life with a pink butterfly that I called Callie; who represented everything about being a rebellious teen who also had big dreams of law school and saving the world. 

Along the way, I found love. A deeper love than I ever thought imaginable. I fell for those blue eyes the instant they landed on me and it was if this shy little Sicilian boy could see right through me. I changed my course, and instead of heading to the big top-ten undergrad college I had been accepted to; I followed my heart and went with him, to the small state school, just an hour away.  I never thought my heart would change and the law would no longer be in my heart - but it did happen. So much change and growth. It only seems natural that change, growth and savoring the sweetness of life represent this boutique business I have built from the ground up. Looking for inspiration and representation of my new brand and logo; I had to look no further than the mirror. Callie - who has had my back, guiding me and keeping my hopes alive - she has been with me all these years. Nothing represents change and transformation more than the beauty and elegance of a butterfly.

Callie, is a custom creation from the amazing and exceptionally talented Becky, owner of RP Design and Branding. Callie is going to be playing a major role in my all new Cassandra Dattoli brand. You'll be seeing lots more of my gorgeous Callista around these parts oh so very soon.

"Callista" the most beautiful nymph in the ancient Greek world and loved by Zeus. Callista means most beautiful - and in so many ways she is. Even all these years later - more than 10 - she still plays a major role in my life. (I was tattooed by one of the greatest tattoo artists in Illinois, back in the summer of 2001 - my second tattoo a hummingbird was free-hand drawn and inked on my back shoulder in the spring of 2007 following my parent's divorce.)

Without further ado, here is Callie; my beloved butterfly, who represents me and my boutique business: a girl that has had my back (literally!!) for over 10 years. Won't you all give her a warm welcome?

Beautiful, and graceful, varied and enchanting, small but approachable, butterflies lead you to the sunny side of life and everyone deserves a little sunshine.  - Jeffrey Glassburg

 

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. 

- Dr. Maya Angelou

For as long as I can remember, butterflies have been a special part of my life. I turned 19, and knew immediately my first tattoo - was going to remind me everyday to keep seeking, to keep hoping and dreaming all my big dreams. Thirteen hours later, I hopped on the back of a motorcycle, with a pink and tribal tattoo that nearly wrapped around my waist. I was young and naïve, but so proud to be branded for life with a pink butterfly that I called Callie; who represented everything about being a rebellious teen who also had big dreams of law school and saving the world. 

Along the way, I found love. A deeper love than I ever thought imaginable. I fell for those blue eyes the instant they landed on me and it was if this shy little Sicilian boy could see right through me. I changed my course, and instead of heading to the big top-ten undergrad college I had been accepted to; I followed my heart and went with him, to the small state school, just an hour away.  I never thought my heart would change and the law would no longer be in my heart - but it did happen. So much change and growth. It only seems natural that change, growth and savoring the sweetness of life represent this boutique business I have built from the ground up. Looking for inspiration and representation of my new brand and logo; I had to look no further than the mirror. Callie - who has been on my side, guiding me and keeping my hopes alive - she has been with me all these years. Nothing represents change and transformation more than the beauty and elegance of a butterfly.

Callie, is a custom creation from the amazing and exceptionally talented Becky, owner of RP Design and Branding. Callie is going to be playing a major role in my all new Cassandra Dattoli brand. You'll be seeing lots more of my gorgeous Callista around these parts oh so very soon.

"Callista" the most beautiful nymph in the ancient Greek world and loved by Zeus. Callisto means most beautiful - and in so many ways she is. Even all these years later - more than 10 - she still plays a major role in my life. (I was tattooed by one of the greatest tattoo artists in Illinois, back in the summer of 2001 - my second tattoo a hummingbird was free-hand drawn and inked on my back shoulder in the spring of 2007 following my parent's divorce.)

Without further ado, here is Callie; my beloved butterfly, who represents me and my boutique business: a girl that has had my back (literally!!) for over 10 years. Won't you all give her a warm welcome?

HEAD FIRST

I've decided to dive in - head first and as the running world says "just do it". I'm diving head first into something that has felt so right, for so long. I did it - I bought the rights to the domain name where all my rants, reads, favorites and a little bit a crazy will sit out here in cyber space - for all to see. I bought the rights to dattolievents.com where my blog will sit and the rights to cassandradattolievents.com where my webpage will sit. I also signed onto a professional blogger platform and have started a national planner certification process! YAY!! So I have started my journey into the wedding planning industry. I don't want to say I'm destined - but I am sure dam determined to be an inspiration - no scratch that - to be the hardest working - funnest - most dependable - most supportive - most out-of-the-box thinking planner and coordinator any about-to-be-hitched couple would want to work with! Yes - I think that's it! I have some big ideas up my sleeve and some huge dreams that I have kept buried inside me for far far too long. I've met several potential clients and lots of vendors that are super excited about me officially having an open sign.

I told my best friend last week that I was officially doing it - tax papers - trademarking - the whole works - and her first reaction was "omg, you were born to be a planner." When someone that has known you for so long - drops that on you - you know your doing the right thing. It feels so right, it feels so good. And although I'm not exactly where I want to be right now - I truly believe that someday I will be. It just feels so right - for it not to be.

I leave you with this little photo of us on our wedding night - representing everything I want my new little business to become. A little glam, lots of happiness and so much unconditional love - the kind you close your eyes lean back and just know the person your holding onto has you and won't let you go.

With Love -

- Cas