What A Year!

This has been an exciting year full of ups and downs. I have learned so much and 2009 is only going to get better. This year, I have met a number of exceptional individuals in the wedding industry like Michelle Gainey of StudioWed, Lauren Brewton of Events with Grace, Ashley Baber of Ashley Baber Weddings, Ross Oscar Knight of Ross Oscar Knight Photography, Shannon Belletti of Belletti Photography, Gail Johnson of Wedding Soireee, and so many more.

I started this year with a determination to start my own business; however, I had no clients, but I am starting 2009 with a wedding a day after New Years and a feature article in The Atlantan Bride.

WOW, What A Year!

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates Entry on Brides.com

I received an email this morning from the Assistant Editor at Brides.com informing me that she wrote an entry about Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates.

I am extremely thankful for the entry. Please read the entry by visiting http://www.brides.com/blog/weddedbits/102/2008/12/4191/dreamy_gelato_wedding_desserts.html.

Gelato For The Holidays

The past couple of weeks and the next couple of weeks, we will be dedicated almost 100% to making chocolate for the holidays. I feel like I am neglecting my artisan gelato that was a huge success during the summer. Those hot summer days were so busy I was getting little sleep.

I wanted to share some pictures of our gelato from this summer. I will be posting more chocolate pictures soon. I have to make custom chocolates for a wedding coming up at The Georgian Terrace Hotel. In addition, I have holiday and corporate chocolates to create. I will be sure to take pictures and share as much as I can.

Corporate Chocolates - Divine Occasions

As Christmas approaches, I have started to receive corporate chocolate orders. I receive orders from large companies and small entrepreneurs like Kathy Grates of Divine Occasions. Kathy is an event planner that I have been working with over the past couple of months. To create her ideal box of truffles, Kathy selected a number of truffles from our standard collection and we collaborated to develop her own custom chocolates. These custom truffle boxes will be gifts to her clients and vendors. Below are pictures of Divine Occasions' custom chocolates.

The High Museum Event

As promised, here is a picture from The Atlantan Bride event at The High Museum. I have had my chocolates photographed from many different angles, but on flowers is a first. This photo is courtesy of Ric Mershon Photographers.

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates - Our Store

At Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates, we make everything from scratch on site. While living in Europe, I developed an appreciation for truly artisan products. I would visit different chocolatiers and each would have an unique product. I miss those chocolate shops (esp. in Bruges). At Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates, our store is very critical to our operation so I wanted to share some pictures.

I had to add a couple of pictures of our standard chocolates in the display case. Visit my website for more pictures.

Community Involvement: Walsman Adoption

I pray everyday to God to live a life that brings him honor. I want my business to represent my primary goal in life. I believe God wants me to use my business to raise awareness and funds for his causes. I am happy to announce that Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates raised over $1000 for the Walsman adoption.

Gidstina, Serena, and Gideon in an orphanage in Liberia

I lived in Africa for many years and it is difficult to articulate how desperately help is needed in this continent. I have to remind myself that I can make a difference one person, one dollar and one pray at a time.

Please pray for the Walsman family. Please visit their blog.

Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates Offer on Black Friday

Custom Chocolates - Loftin Wedding

For the Loftin wedding, the bride wanted Milk Chocolate Champagne truffles. She loved our standard Milk Chocolate Champagne truffles, but wanted a more liquid ganache that flowed in the mouth after the first bite; so we added an extra shot of Brandy to create her perfect truffle. We finished the truffles with the bride's initials. I had the opportunity to hand delivery the chocolates (I normally ship the chocolates) to the wedding venue at The King Plow Art Center. I took at couple of picture, but the pictures could not truly capture the beauty of this wedding.

The event planner for this event was Lauren Brewton of Events with Grace.

Event Planner Networking Event - Chocolate Pink

Last night, I had the opportunity to visit Chocolate Pink for the first time. It was a lovely cafe. I did not get to take many pictures because I spent most of my time networking with the diverse set of event planners, enjoying the delicious desserts and food, watching everyone take crazy pictures in the photo booth and chatting with the owner of the mobile spa.

The space is perfect for small gatherings.

I like the modern, elegant design of the shop.

Booth courtesy of WOW Photo Booth


Flower arrangements were provided by Anik Designs

Chocolate Pink is an unique shop with so much to offer. Some might say that we are competitors since we both offer chocolates. I love my business and I am confident I have a luxury product offering so I think it is fine to compliment a friendly competitor that is doing a great job.

Studio Wed Atlanta

I am excited to announce the opening of Studio Wed Atlanta. Studio Wed is an exceptional concept. The studio will be a central location for brides/grooms to meet with wedding vendors. There are numerous benefits for the brides/grooms such as having a one stop shop location to find some of the best wedding vendors. The owners of Studio Wed Atlanta are conducting detailed interviews of all potential vendors. They want to ensure they get "the best of the best". I don't have pictures at this time, but I could not wait to announce this exciting news. For more information, please contact michelle@studiowed.net or visit http://www.studiowed.net/.

I have been quite busy the past couple of weeks and I have a couple of big events over the next week. I will be posting some of my new creations soon.

Custom Chocolates - Allen Wedding

What I love most about my job is working with clients that want to "push the envelope". They know what they want and we work together to make it happen. The Allens are having a 2009 New Year wedding. Below is a prototype of the Allens' custom chocolate design.

This design is exquisite and bold. I like the bride's choice of color. A red wine colored monogram will capture her quests' attention. We choose a business card size chocolate versus a truffle size because we did not want to minimize the detail in the design.

This is definitely the way I want to kick off my 2009 chocolate line.

Pure Elegance at The High - Atlantan Bride Chocolates

Dreamy Gelato and Chocolates continues to partner with the best in the wedding industry to create custom chocolates for their events. Below are pictures of custom chocolates we made for the "Pure Elegance at The High" event hosted by The Atlantan Bride. My chocolates were gifts for some of the top wedding planners and other wedding vendors in Atlanta.

Unfortunately, I did not attend the event, but one of my favorite wedding planners Michelle Gainey of Lemiga Events has pictures on her blog.

Wedding Vendor: Traditionally Modern

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with Dawn Cowart, the owner of Traditionally Modern. Traditionally Modern recently opened "The Bridal Lounge" located in historic Buford, Ga. The lounge is in a historic building which was once a bank. The building's elegance is complimented by Dawn's modern design. Dawn's concept of providing an upscale location for brides to "one stop shop" for wedding vendors will be an instant success. Please stop by "The Bridal Lounge", it is worth the drive.

Chocolate Photos

Last weekend, I met with Shannon of Belletti Photography to take pictures of my chocolates in preparation for my advertising in several print and internet media channels. Below are a couple of pictures courtesy of Belletti Photography.

Lemiga Events custom chocolates

Shannon's favorite......... it pops off the page.

Custom Wedding Favors

I like this. Simple and elegant.

I will post more pictures later this week. I would like to thank Shannon for the exceptional photos. I will definitely like to work with her in the future.