Adore Magazine

Page 19 For the Love of Fashion

What will make your celebration stand out? We give you the top ideas trending now and forecasted for the next year specially in color and unique ways to use it.

Page 61 Using Color Well- A Celebration Trend report

Is there a right way to use color? The answer is yes! Let us show you the trend s and how-to in styling color.

Page 66 SCENT of … A Room

Creating an inviting room with simple ingredients.

On the Cover - styling and design by Adore Productions at Private home . Kat Wears Saks Fifth Avenue Skirt and Target “And a New Day” one shoulder top.

CELEBRATION ELEMENTS

The Art of A Thank you

Are Thank you’s still a thing? Let us hip you to the latest trends but also insight of why.

STYLE | LIVE EVENTS

Spotting a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing : An insiders look at the Fashion Week in MN

Ever wonder how it would compare to a NY fashion week or if you should go? Is it really for EVERYONE? This inside look at the organization and events will give you insight and room for your own conclusion.

Photo: Mariah Mac Photography

katminks@adore-productions.com

Contributing Editor

Mark Cheatham

Cheatham & Associates cheathamassoc@outlook.com

Page 18 - Design From Our Desk

Always wanted to make a show stopping centerpiece? We give you the recipe for perfection .

REAL CELEBRATIONS

Page 39 Hello Gorgeous! Beautiful Friendships with Meaningful Celebrations.

Mark Cheatham - Cheatham and Associates

Atlanta Ga

Mark has been a publicist extraordinaire for many years but also a heartbeat to Adore Magazine. He has wrote many stories for Adore. He is now Contribu?ng Editor

Page 34 Space Matters

We walk you through what to look for in event venues and a real event venue open house .

Page 68 Resource Directory

Page 69 Celebration Planner

2023 Adore Magazine All Rights Reserved

No Portion May be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, the publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Adore Magazine cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in the magazine. If you have questions or info please contact helloadoremagazine@gmail.com

Hello Lovelies,

I know you have been waiting on bated breath for what this issue would bring and to be honest, I have too.

I am a woman of faith and this issue required me to have a lot of faith in the processing of finding joy in the midst of dif situations and learning to laugh… at myself mostly.

If you haven’t guessed (or listened to the Live Life Being Adored Podcast recently) you will notice a lot of this installment has to do with fashion. My love for style and fashion helped birth this magazine but it also propelled my career. I have learned to shelve certain parts of my love for it at times in my life due to evolving as a mother. Sometimes living vicariously through shows like “And Just Like That” or Sex and the City” until I could use my career and entrepreneurial spirit to thrust it into existence in my own life… for real. In this issue I get to take you on one of those moments where I thought I was following God’s plan for me, and I quickly realized he was protecting me from a “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”.

As developing the issue progressed (and the last eighteen months since the last issue of Adore) I became aware that gratitude is the center of all things good. Wishing or dreaming of things you want to exist in your life come to fruition because of simply in ANY situation. Hence telling people “thank you”. Why has that become so difficult today? We get to explore this topic more with a beautiful article written by friend and Contributing Editor ( Mark Cheatham) that I know will make you want to go get some stamps and get some cards in the mail.

One of the things I am very grateful for is not only do I get to write about celebrations and inspire others through this publication to do so, I get to help wonderful people put on memorable and meaningful events. I walk you through the design details of one of the events I had a hand in preparing and actually won two International Live Event Association awards for in “Country Glam”.

Some of the people I get to put on events for are my own friends. I used this opportunity to try a mini test of an event that has been on my mind for awhile that sort of mimics something one of my hero’s did for ladies in her own own life. ( More details coming in next issue) However for right now you get a sneak peek of inspiring small celebrations with friends.

So it’s my pleasure to bring you the professionals and tips that will get you running to your closet to get your party pants or dresses on grab your champagne and get together with the people you love or would like to love more!

I hope you enjoy the featured stories and every tip or photo inbetween. All of it.

Publisher | Editor In Chief , Kat Minks Professional Lifestyle Expert Award Winning Event Designer

THE ART OF THE

by Mark Cheatham

ng to the 17 century. But as society evolved thru the ages, the advent of technology and shiGs in social norms has thrust the wriHen expression of thanks into unfamiliar and controversial territory.

“Thank-you” has become so fraught of late that the topic generates periodic coverage in mainstream media outlets, in addi?on to podcasts dedicated to impar?ng social graces in personal and business interac?ons. Last November, The New York Times writer Shivani Vora weighed in with the ar?cle Do Thank-You Notes S5ll Ma8er? (hHps:// ny?.ms/3k6gbz4). Vora’s piece, which also covered the how in thankyou note wri?ng, was popular enough for the Times to run it twice in a three-week period. Do Thank-You Notes S5ll Ma8er? also generated a firestorm of debate in the Readers’ Comments sec?on, but more on that later.

As a celebra?on and lifestyle magazine, ADORE also recommends the wri?ng and sending of thank-you notes. One of the ways you can live life being adored is to express gra?tude when a favor has been performed or a giG given. As my mother oGen reminded me and my brother when we began foot-dragging over the inevitable task that followed the receipt of birthday and Christmas giGs, “No one has to buy you anything!” This is true, and we got our thank-you notes done. We s?ll do.

card – with the “thank-you” sen?ment or some other illustra?on on the front – with a few lines of handwriHen text inside that is stamped, addressed and mailed. It takes very liHle ?me to express apprecia?on in a card or note and mail it. And, studies show that doing so is good for you and for the recipient of your note.

(hHps://ny?.ms/2zZyRIE)

To demonstrate that I prac?ce what this ar?cle is preaching, pictured below is a thank-you note I wrote to my brother for a birthday giG he sent in March. My approach abbreviates what a thank-you note should include, but s?ll follows the guidelines to:

1) men?on the item (two Canali shirts, in this instance);

2) how you will use and/or how much you like the giG (fabulous!); and

3) your expression of gra?tude (thanks!)

In general, a thank-you note for a giG – gradua?on or Christmas, for example – should be sent within two weeks, according to experts. The rule of thumb for acknowledging wedding giGs is substan?ally longer – one to three months.

With the proper mind-set and advance prepara?on, the task of wri?ng a thank-you note can be dispatched as painlessly as possible, according to e?queHe expert Karen Grigsby Bates.

“Don’t make wri?ng a thank-you note something that you dread. Then it becomes a task that looms larger than it really is,” said Grigsby Bates, author of The New Basic Black: Home Training for Modern Times (hHps://amzn.to/3GwPX0H), with Karen Elyse Hudson. “You want to indicate that you’re grateful for the giG and for being thought of in that way.”

Grigsby Bates also recommends stashing a set of thank-you cards in a shoe or cigar box along with a book of stamps (hHps://bit.ly/ 40Q5YHb) so that your gra?tude is at-the-ready when needed.

“Don’t let lack of prepara?on be a stumbling block. Remove the excuses,” urged Grigsby Bates. “And don’t use the stamps for anything like the gas bill,” she added with a knowing laugh.

Thank-You: Low-Tech vs. New-Tech

The handwriHen thank-you has had a long reign as the most appropriate and personal way to express one’s apprecia?on, and is s?ll regarded as such. However, the advent of technology – from the telephone, to email, to smartphones, to tex?ng – has made the “thank-you” more convenient and expedi?ous. albeit a bit less personal.

In the interim, there’s a new app called HiNote (hHps://bit.ly/ 3Z7mst7) that has all the latest bells and whistles to help you

personalize anything you’d care to send by text, including thank-you notes. Hi Note, is a division of the Emily Post Ins?tute, named for the 19th Century socialite, author and self-styled e?queHe expert. The app, currently available for iPhone with a waitlist for android (hHps://bit.ly/3Z7mst7), includes several customizable templates for all kinds of digital correspondence from invita?ons, introduc?ons, and more.

And with the advent of ar?ficial intelligence tools like OpenAI, GPT-3 and ChatGPT, how long un?l ChatGPT and other ar?ficial intelligence chatbots also stake a claim to wri?ng thank-you notes on your behalf? Guess what? You can do that now at sites like Texta.ai (hHps://bit.ly/3m2Kqrw). ADORE has not tested the effec?veness of this site, and endorses the “low-tech” approach to sending thank-you notes.

Expressing Gra@tude – Why It MaGers

Perhaps technology and the perceived breakdown of poli?cal and social civility in America have somehow combined to threaten the existence of the handwriHen thank-you note.

“We’re such a divided society now, and there is a lot of incivility,” offered Grigsby Bates, “but you also see examples of really great behavior, too. ”

The personal thank-you note not only acknowledges to the sender that their giG arrived safely and was appreciated, it reflects your gra?tude with a personal touch. And, in some respects, the thank-you note can make you stand out in a compe??ve situa?on.

Avoiding “Mommy Blow-back”

The New Basic Black – the e?queHe book by Grigsby Bates and Hudson – devotes nine sub-chapters to the topic in its sec?on on thank-you notes. Speaking by telephone in tones alternately engaging and bemused, conversa?on with Grigsby Bates brings to mind the common-sense guidance of a kindly godmother, albeit one who suffers no foolishness.

Case in point: I men?oned to Grigsby Bates that for years, I have always expedited thank-you notes to my aunt (my mother’s sister), a relentless shopper and any-occasion giG-giver. Knowing that the two speak frequently, I was loathe to risk my aunt men?oning that she sent a giG to me that was never acknowledged in wri?ng.

With a raised eyebrow – (I honestly felt I could see this through the telephone) –Grigsby Bates chuckled and responded with a crisp dissec?on of my humblebrag. “You’re a grown-up,” she said. “If you didn’t send a thank-you to your aunt and she men?oned this, it would be an embarrassing situa?on for you and your mother, the implica?on being that your mother fell down on the job. You don’t want that ‘mommy blow-back,’ do you? Your mother hearing about her son’s derelic?on from her sister? Oh no.”

Do Thank-You Notes MaGer? (Yes, But It Depends Whom You Ask)

oned previously, Shivani Vora’s New York Times story Do ll Ma8er? generated a significant number of Reader Comments when the piece twice ran online late last year. There were, in fact, more than 190 comments from Times readers, submissions that are more accurately described as a “debate” instead of mere “commentary.”

c analysis of submissions from readers of Vora’s cle points to a schism between the pro-thank-you note, “Old School” crowd versus an apparently younger cohort which I’ll dub “The Reluctants.” The laHer group, one of whom responded with the moniker “Millennial,” isn’t vehemently against wri?ng thankyou notes: many indicated a lack of apprecia?on for this aspect of e, did not grow up having wriHen them and/or feel that en response of thanks for a giG or favor is too troublesome or unnecessary.

The Reluctants

Dylan

I have nothing against wri5ng or receiving thank-you notes, but I hate it when people seem to think that everyone is obligated to send them a thank-you note whenever they send a giG or do something kind. Yes, it's nice to have your giG acknowledged, but if you're upset that it wasn't, it shines an unfla8ering light on your mo5va5on for giving the giG in the first place. A real giG has no strings a8ached.

Millennial

The boomers are out in the comments! Gra5tude can be expressed in many forms. It feels like the people that are so offended by not receiving thank you notes have lost sight of why we give giGs in the first place. It’s certainly not because we demand recogni5on for our generosity. Many an5quated tradi5ons have gone by the wayside. Handwri8en thank you notes won’t be missed by my genera5on nor the subsequent ones. Also, for those saying they need them to know the giGs have arrived must be kidding. Virtually every shipping method can be monitored with ease. If you can comment on an online NYT ar5cle, you can use a tracking number.

the ones in the will. We are childless and very well off, so they will be amply rewarded.

Jackie

I write my children and grandchildren checks for Christmas and their birthdays. It's impersonal, I know, but "one size fits all" and so far, nobody has sent them back. However, my children and my grandchildren were, apparently, raised in a barn because, more oGen than not, the only way I can find out when and if they got them is by looking at my check register on my bank's website.

And these Reader Responses aren’t even the extremes from The Reluctants: one respondent felt that giG-giving itself should be banned due to its nega?ve impact on the environment. Another implied that thank-you acknowledgments are nothing more than a scheme by Big Industry to spend money.

It’s unfortunate that The Old Schoolers said they had to visit their bank’s website to confirm receipt of giG checks and that others felt the need to express their disappointment by hal?ng giG-giving en?rely and by actually disinheri?ng nieces and nephews who failed to express gra?tude.

The Old Schoolers

ScoG

We are also baffled the behavior of some of our nieces and nephews for the exact same reasons. We know that their parents, our own siblings, were reared properly. Let me assure you though that the one niece and one nephew out of the bunch that are unfailingly polite, kind and well-mannered, including sending us thank you cards, are

Perhaps in future genera?ons, doing the right thing by sending wriHen thank-yous will once again become commonplace instead of being viewed as an archaic inconvenience.

“Disappointment in not receiving a thank-you note is a real thing,” said e?queHe author Grigsby Bates, “but it also seems to be a genera?onal issue these days. If you can’t write a note, the least you can do is pick up the phone to acknowledge a giG. But there will always be people who don’t care about this and there’s not much you can do to make them care.”

A Little Design From Our Desk

This floral recipe and table design is as easy as it is beautiful. Professional Event Designer and Lifestyle Expert Kat Minks gives you the tools on how to recreate this floral centerpiece perfect for displaying your home or for a special event. You can download them at www.adoremagonline.com

The Perfect Size Centerpiece

The Recipe

A) 2 stems of Alstroemeria ( usually has 3-5 flowers on one stem)

B) 1 Stem of Tea Roses ( with about 5 - 6 buds/ flowers on it. ( Shown in pale pink )

C) 3 Stems of Thistle (purple and spikes looking)

D) 3 Stems of Limonium, Status, Caspia,or Rosemary

E) 3 Mini Carnations ( shown here in red)

F) 2 Stems of Ranunculus ( shown in white)

G) 1 Big Mum ( focal flower shown in gold tone in center )

Arrange in six inch bowl or pedestal and allow for flowers to fall to the side rather than upward

for the love of fashion

Story Styling & Design

Kat Minks of Adore Productions

Go Ultimate La Femme !

In this photo you will notice we went very feminine and used runway photo book replicas to decorate the table. As well as add height and interest.

Going linen-less is also a big trend right now with going overboard on the floral. We kept the table exposed and added different types of vases and perfume bottles that look like designer fragrance bottles.

The vases inscribed with the ultimate in fashion, CHANEL.

Activations - Swapping & Sketching

A great thing to have at a fashion event is either ask a local designer to host a private show of their collec?on or do a clothing swap!

Set up a couple racks and let ladies exchange items from jewelry to purses and actual garments.

Addi?onally having a fashion sketch ar?st or even a fashion design student come and sketch everyone in a fashion design style as a take home giG is a one - of -a -kind keepsake.

Story by Kat Minks

Edited and Co wrote with Mark Cheatham

I flew out of the house in a rush, a bit unnerved knowing that I’d likely be late for the 7 p.m. Sip n’ Bloom opening event at Fashion Week Minnesota. I checked my makeup and hair in the rear view before hitting the gas on the SUV and backing down the driveway, a little too fast, I’m sure. There were more than a few hurdles between me and that night’s event. First among them was selecting my outfit, which ended up being a rose colored ( almost Mary Tyler Moore inspired dress and leopard heels with just the right combination of vintage and modern. I felt comfortable, professional and thought I looked good for a 40-something wife and mother of two. I was attending a fashion event, after all my goal was to assemble an outfit that reflected the same “throw-it-on-and-go” confidence that I manifested in my twenties.

This rare solo Saturday evening out had been planned weeks in advance. As the publisher and editor of ADORE, and as a stylist, fashion is one of my passions. There was no way ADORE could overlook Fashion Week Minnesota, especially with it happening in my hometown and just a few miles from where I live.

Despite reminding my husband, of my fashion week excursion at regular intervals and with increasing frequency as the night approached, I found myself anxiously tapping my foot until he bounded through the door, late. This happens – Jon runs a successful bike business – but I had hoped for at least one night where he wasn’t delayed closing up shop. To save time, dinner was a hassle-free affair of oven-prepared favorites: a DiGiorno pizza, chicken nuggets and fries for him and the boys.

I was excited as I headed toward the venue. Not only was I covering Fashion Week Minnesota 2021 for my publication, ADORE Magazine, tonight was one of the first events where people could gather freely now that vaccines against the scourge of COVID-19 had become widely available. I was vaccinated and looking forward to socializing again – although masks were still worn/required – and in an environment all about fashion. At this time, Minneapolis was still reeling from the impact of the police killing of George Floyd, the resulting criminal and federal trial of Officer Derek Chauvin along with unease about Minneapolis’ crime rate.

For me, personally, fashion has been about accessibility in all its facets. Valentino haute couture is out of reach for many American women (unless, of course, you’re living the “one-percenter” life of Shiv Roy from “Succession”). These kinds of high-style creations are there for us to marvel at and perhaps even draw inspiration from. All of this started for me at a very early age, too.

I first learned how to “sew” at age 7. My mother couldn’t afford to buy the clothes I wanted for my Barbie doll, so I began creating a wardrobe for her on my own. The doll clothes I made back then were actually glued together, but I persevered. I became so immersed in the creativity of designing clothing that once in my adolescence, I swiped two of my grandmother’s doilies from the living room credenza to accent the sleeves on a blouse I planned to wear to school. (This time with real sewing.)

At 19, I helped produce the first of many fashion shows and later on, my passion for fashion led me to become a Certified Professional Wardrobe Stylist. Two decades later, my expertise has grown to encompass wedding and event planning in addition to launching ADORE, the online celebration and lifestyle magazine I launched in 2019.-

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves."

- Matthew 7:15

Kat Minks in photo pre opening show for Fashion Week Spring 2021

Photo (left ) from feature article Adore Magazine wrote about Sarah Edwards ( CEO of FWMN) in our Second issue Fall of 2019. Precisely why we had no idea why the turn of events would happen the way they did.

When it comes to fashion, my guiding principle has always been to present ideas, stories, and issues around fashion in a way that that makes fashion accessible to anyone who wants to be a part of it. Like who, for example?

• The designer who wants to know when and how to approach a boutique to sell their line...

• The stay-at-home mom in a quandary about the amount of time away from a corporate environment and what’s appropriate to wear now that she’s returning...

• Someone is celebrating a special occasion ( perhaps a bride or groom ) who want to bring their unique style to their event, but who need affordable ideas because they’re paying for their wedding...

• Your style is an expression of where you’ve been, where you’re going, and how you feel about yourself. And after being housebound in sweatpants for over a year because of the pandemic, expressing your style as you get out in the world once again has become top-ofmind for millions of Americans.

Like most people, I have worked hard to get where I am and have kept to my entrepreneurial and professional pursuits (event planning, magazine publishing, consulting) even through periods of self-doubt and sometimes being overwhelmed by deadlines and projects I committed to while responding as best I can to the needs of my husband and sons.

I would have liked to get this ADORE issue out a few weeks prior to now. I also would have liked to share this Fashion Week Minnesota story with ADORE readers a year ago or more, but it took this amount of time for me to puzzle out my negative experience at the event itself, with the organizers of Fashion Week Minnesota, and where I overlooked the “red flags” they were sending out as I moved forward in a misguided attempt to collaborate with them.

Photo to left Publisher, Event Designer and creative Director Kat Minks of Adore Magazine / Adore Productions. You could say she was covering up preparing for the chilly reception she received at FWMN. Photo taken and styled for Adore Magazine Volume 6 which featured MN fashion designers .

That’swhy this article is titled A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing. I don’t know if others have had a similar experience with the high-handed honchos of Fashion Week Minnesota, but from my point of view, the Bible passage that begins this piece could not be more fitting. The leadership at Fashion Week Minnesota and their minions back-pedaled on potential collaborations with ADORE (false prophets) and ultimately descended upon me (ravening wolves) as if I were some unwelcome interloper instead of the like-minded collaborator they claimed to want.

Although apprehensive to delve into a Fashion Week MN event largely made up of [...] creative directors, artists, designers, and employees, I told myself that with all my experience in fashion, event management and design, to not contribute in some way would be a lost opportunity.

After a few attempts reaching out to the organization I was finally contacted by Fashion Week MN (FWMN) representative Chandler Weir. In our conversation, she shared how FWMN was working to make the week more accessible to the general public and anyone interested in style, fashion and designers in the area. This was exciting to hear. I mentioned to Chandler that Sarah Edwards, the acting CEO for FWMN in 2021, was profiled in ADORE in 2019 in one of our first features. The story highlighted her journey to creative event production and marketing as an inspiration to ADORE’s readers.

Our conversations seemed to be going well. I volunteered to help with an FWMN event [North Woods Couture ] which included loaning a large amount of my décor including large trees, linens, and more (aka decorating items from my warehouse) to the FWMN event. I was happy to contribute my talent and materials to [the North Woods event], but little did I know that the wolf in sheep’s clothing would appear so quickly. As my volunteer collaboration with FWMN began to command more of my time, I circled back with their team to confirm that that FWMN would provide a credit or some other acknowledgement [in the event program as a co collaborator or something a bit more than a “thanks” to ADORE for its support and sponsorship since more time and items were required as planning progressed. A full day of load in. A full day of set up. A full show day and many more planning hours than I’d already spent that included a site visit and creating a program that was scrapped immediately.

all contributors photos and only a one line sentence mentioning Adore’s involvement. Also later scrapped.

to provide complimentary credit to ADORE for the support I was to provide? I didn’t want to spend time on it. There were other Fashion Week Minnesota events to cover. As they say...when one door closes... there’s another door that locks you in a stairwell.

Yep, that’s what happened to my long-awaited solo evening out when I went to the Sip n Bloom event. Held on a rooftop of a renovated condo in Minneapolis’ warehouse district, I arrived 30 minutes late, and to a locked door. Fashion shows and other professional events usually have staff manning the entrance, not only for registration, but for latecomers, too. It would seem that the Fashion Week Minnesota staff prioritized their own entertainment over event management. I was late and on my own. Spying a door to a stairwell, I grabbed the handle and darted upstairs to the roof, not knowing I had entered into a humid chamber of stairs.

Talk about “being on the outside looking in”: I was able to see the show through a small window that I wiped the humidity from. I pounded on the soundproof door and yelled, as I watched oblivious Fashion Week Minnesota volunteers saunter by me. No one diverted their eyes from the show to see that I was trying to gain entrance.

I wasn’t able to take photographs but the few you see within the stairwell from my vantage point, but Sip n Bloom was a good show.

There were gorgeous models in airy dresses and millinery with Minnesota designer Joy Teiken showing her latest collection of (JOYNOELLE) spring looks along with hats and headdresses from Karen Morris Millinery.

When the show ended, I went back down the stairwell and headed home.

The Fashion Week Minnesota staff is a decidedly chilly group of people. Unfriendly. Unwelcoming. Unprofessional. Upon attending their closing show [EVOLVE] , I mingled with guests and approached the Fashion Week Minnesota staff to pose a few follow up questions for coverage I planned for ADORE. My attempts at conversation can only be described as a FAIL. It was almost comical, like a scene out of Mean Girls but this time, everyone thought they were Regina George.

Sarah Edwards (who was featured in an ADORE issue, previously mentioned) and Chandler Weir didn’t want to chat or exchange pleasantries. Sarah, in fact, seemed that she either had no idea who I was or knew and was not interested in engaging given her body language and cold demeanor. They posed for a COVID-distanced photograph at my request, and that was that.

It was then that I realized that the agenda of Fashion Week Minnesota wasn’t to help bring the designers to the forefront, but to bring themselves to the forefront, taking selfies and posing beside luxury automobiles on display at the event.

Fortunately, Fashion Week Minnesota COO Susan Leppke was business-focused and gracious enough to engage with me. I had no expectation that, once again, the wolves were waiting for me. Leppke commented that Fashion Week Minnesota is “unique because it’s one of the only fashion weeks to be recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and that there are plans to make one big traveling fashion week event with potentially the same designers selected for this traveling show.”

This was exciting information with potential for coverage in ADORE, as CDFA is a prestigious organization. Established in 1962, the CFDA is a not-for-profit trade association whose membership includes over 450 American fashion and accessory designers. As I began follow up to develop this information into a story, I reached out to CFDA to find out why Fashion Week Minnesota was not included on the section of the CFDA website that lists official events [and partnerships.] I followed up with CFDA on this a second time, simultaneous to double-checking with Susan Leppke in case I had misunderstood what she told me.

That door sure did close! Three photos that show the arrival to a locked door at the opening event and then Kat locked in a stairwell watching the show from a window upon a soundproof door.

Finally front row seating for Adore at the (closing event ) Evolve show 2021. A show that looked quite formal in juxtaposition to the actual logistics of what was going on behind the scenes the weeks leading up to and representation of what FWMN’s marketing contact said they were looking to attract for new attendees to FWMN when Adore Magazine expressed interest in covering the series of events. Design shown above by one of the select very talented designers ( Rammy Mohammed/ Ramadhan Designs) that was featured (at their own expense) in FWMN fashion week . In fact it should be noted designers and organizers of each event int he series must fund their own events (or obtain their own sponsorships). In exchange Minnesota Fashion week CEO, COO, and “team” attend the events and act as “influencers” also showcasing themselves of course. It should also be noted that at this time FWMN CEO ( Edwards) was having this particular, headlining, designer create several wedding gowns for her.

CFDA responded to my query [via email] on July 24, 2021 with a simple explanation: FWMN was not present on the CFDA website because the two groups were “in discussions” with no official decision being made. [As of July 2023, the CFDA website has no mention of FWMN or any announcement of a “traveling fashion show” involving the two organizations.]

Five days later – on July 29, 2021 – I received a threatening and accusatory email from Leppke claiming that my factchecking query to CFDA “hampered their negotiation efforts” to become “CFDA official,” as well as ruining an opportunity for producers and designers to be nationally recognized. She went on stating: “Additionally, our organization does not compare ourselves to other Fashion Weeks - each organization has their own mission and vision - and we work really hard to foster a collaborative environment for all. website, our mission is to cultivate the interconnected fashion economy of the North that inspires, drives and supports creativity while breeding opportunity in a global market.

A statement in which Leppke completely had an oversight in the fact as she clearly doesn’t understand that Adore Productions and Adore Magazine are no different than any of the other designers or businesses that have been a part of FWMN… or have at least tried to be.

Interesting that Fashion Week Minnesota saw an uninvolved third party for their own failure in creating and executing a vision and mission that would grow the stature of their organization. Absent their hoped-for partnership with CFDA, I imagine that Fashion Week Minnesota’s biggest disappointment is being deprived of shooting sel the CFDA’s step-and- repeat.

-that’s all-

To the right, a snap of the scene at Evolve FWMN event and program. Right Publisher Of Adore Magazine Kat Minks with a socially distanced and uncomfortable photograph at Evolve with Sarah Edwards ( CEO of FWMN). ( Photo by Paul Bearmon)

Allow Cheatham PR to expand egic marketing efforts

Allow Cheatham PR to expand your recognition with strategic marketing efforts and activations.

The Space Matters

By Kat Minks

matter what it is, can be overwhelming. I remember searching for my wedding location when I lived on the west coast and I literally drove up and down the coast from Laguna Beach to Santa Barbara in a few weekends stopping at various venues. It was similar to what I would call searching for a home would feel like.

You’re looking at

* Curb Appeal

* Location

* Flow

* Customer Service

* Price

* Amenities

* Hotels / Air BNB’s

* Transportation to and from

* Price

* Cleanliness

* Price

* Accessibility

* Price

Did we mention price?

We all want the most “bang for our buck”. But sometimes less “buck” one place means more bucks in another.

For example if your venue has several areas for specific events, within the event, that are spread out you will pay more in labor because moving decor items or food from one area to another will be more time consuming. Also consider set up of all of your decor. The larger the space the longer the load in of items and load out.

Breaking down important factors of an event space as we take you visually through a new and it’s open house event.

Photo by Boudoir Photography MN

consulted

the management and owners of the space ( the City of Champlin) in the construction phase to plan some of the design, layout and flow. Additionally planning their wedding open house as a kick off to the space opening. It boasts a ballroom and large patio deck overlooking the Mississippi River. It’s modern aesthetic is perfect for any type of event.

Some of the vendors pictured or that took part in the event open house were Generation Now Entertainment, Marna’s Catering, The Lookout, Boudoir Photography MN, Your Boat Club, Ari Reynolds Photography, Chow Girls Catering , Something Sweet by Maddie Lu, Real Def Video, Jenica Jewelry, Arte by Emily Ivory Bridal Co. Adore Productions and Yes Way Rose’.

Photos of the Mississippi Crossings Event Venue located in Champlin MN directly on the river . Adore Productions

with

Photo provided by Adore Productions

When searching for a venue for a party, wedding, or other event, there are several factors to consider. First, consider the size of the venue and whether it can accommodate your guest list. You'll also want to think about the location, accessibility, and available parking. It's important to check whether the venue has the necessary amenities, such as a kitchen, restrooms, and audiovisual equipment. Additionally, you should inquire about the venue's policies on decorations, catering, and alcohol. Finally, consider the ambiance and overall atmosphere of the venue to ensure it matches the tone of your event.

Let’s break down a few if the factors in venue searching and talk about important factors to consider. First being CATERING.

When searching for a venue, catering is an important factor to consider. It is crucial to ensure that the venue's catering options align with the event's needs and budget. In addition, it's important to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of the attendees. Other factors to consider when searching for a venue include location, size, ambiance, accessibility, and available amenities. By taking all of these factors into account, event planners can ensure that they find a venue that meets all of their needs and creates a successful event.

When planning an event, it is important to consider the location of the kitchen in relation to the event space. If the kitchen is on the same floor as the event, it can make it easier and more efficient for caterers to serve the food. This can help ensure that the food is delivered promptly and remains fresh. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the layout of the venue and the location of the kitchen when selecting a location for an event.

I will never forget a wedding that was in a library. The caterers were in the basement prep kitchen plating and had to run the food up three stair cases to get to the ballroom. It would have been better to bring all plates up in a hot box to the main level or plate from a room on the main level and it ruined the dinner. Food was late and cold.

If there is no kitchen on the main level of where the event is happening, consider a tented area that a kitchen with side walls can be built. Make sure that if its outdoors, it is on concrete or pavement. Again one of the catastrophes of an event I witnessed was a snafu of another planner and venue owner that had the caterer set up on grass. A storm came out of nowhere, flooded the area and the caterers “kitchen” tent was flooded. Tables collapsed. Food was lost.

Photo by Boudoir Photography MN

Next is guest comfort and flow of the room or rooms and how vendors will load in equipment.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Furniture placement: The way that furniture is arranged in a room can have a big impact on how comfortable and functional the space feels. Make sure that there is enough space to move around easily, and that guests can easily access key areas like the bathroom and any seating areas.

• Lighting: Good lighting is essential for creating a comfortable and inviting space. Make sure that there is adequate adn mood lighting in all areas of the room.

• Temperature control: Guests should be able to easily control the temperature of their room to suit their preferences. Make sure that there is a functioning HVAC system in place.

• Storage: Vendors will appreciate an area to be able to put boxes for ease of being able to pack things up.

• Equipment and how vendors will get the items in the space. How much time will that take given the area, time allotted to set up by the venue, and the obstacles.

Let’s talk about the ownership of a venue.

There are new event spaces popping up every day. Some managed privately and not by a management company. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, many are people that have never owned a venue before or even have been in the event industry. Other venues that are privately owned may be have only had a facet or snapshot of the event industry, and are chasing a dream. Make sure that you are aware when contracting with a venue that you know that the owner knows how to manage a venue. Have they been in the event industry and how involved? Make sure you know who they align themselves with in terms of other vendors ( or if they are open to new vendors).

A Cautionary Tale about Working with Inexperienced Venue Owners

Recently, a client hired me for design services and event management. However, when I contacted the venue they had chosen, I discovered that it was under very heavy construction just 10 days before the wedding. A venue with no AC, no running water, and no bathrooms. Even more concerning, the owner stated they did not want a "real wedding planner" involved and that they would not have agreed to host the event if they knew the couple had hired one. This led to a week of difficult conversations, ultimately resulting in me declining to help the couple with their wedding. Unfortunately, many people are opening venues with little experience in the industry and are unwilling to learn from those who have. It becomes difficult or sometimes impossible for a seasoned vendor to work with this type of environment. This can create a dangerous situation, much like people who plan their own weddings and then open wedding planning businesses without any prior experience other than their own (or one) wedding.

Pictured right top ( a view pf the patio overlooking river from inside. A complete wall of windows. Middle some of the beautiful food by Marna’s Catering at the event. Lower Yes Way Rose’ also served by licensed bar tenders and caterers at the open house event planned by Adore .

Photographic moments Make sure that you are able to create areas without too many obstructions in the background and consider lighting and photography. Because this particular venue has a public section to it. Vending machines were moved to an area where they would not be in shots captured in key design areas.

Grab a Drink .. We hope

A new and very tricky issue has become bar service at venues. With so many venues opening you will find across the board all are different. Some allow you to bring in a bar caterer but only licensed and some allow you to have someone (or a bar trailer or cart company) serve liquor as long as you pay up front for all of it and don’t have a cash bar. It all depends on city codes and what their insurance requires. Make sure you clearly understand the liquor service and sales policy of the venue before you sign on the dotted line.

While venue searching can be daunting you can also hire event planners to guide you to trusted venues or help you see the troubles in spaces and how to prevent the mishaps.

By taking the time to carefully consider the factors outlined, you can find the perfect venue for your event and ensure that it is a fantastic success for everyone involved.

For more information on booking Mississippi Crossings for your next event in MN go to mississippicrossings.com

If you are a venue owner or are thinking of opening a venue contact Adore Productions to discuss consulting on marketing, design and guest experience. www.adore-productions.com

Photo by Boudoir Photography MN. Model Katarina Spasojevic Miss Minnesota 2021, Dress by Ivory Bridal Co., Dress Colby John (Angelina gown) , Styling Jessica Ballard, Decor and Floral Adore Production. Venue Mississippi Crossings.

This particular venue as a unique feature actualizing having boat docks and a company to rent boat cruises from. Your Boat Club has a fleet of boats and drivers for events if renters of the space choose to partake. Other amenities include Air Bnb’s at adjacent Bowline Luxury condos.

Dessert options featured at the event. Something Sweet by Maddie Lu.

Hello Gorgeous!

Story by Kat Minks

Life is just plain busy. That’s why getting together with the gals is more important than ever. Join Adore Magazine’s Kat Minks and friends as they take you to two of the hottest new restaurants in the Midwest: Restoration Hardware Rooftop and Shakopee House. It’s special gatherings like this that remind you to never take friendships for granted.

Photos by The imagery and Adore Productions

Start with The Surprises

Have you ever wanted to create a brief escape for yourself and a few friends that’s the “WOW” experience you have in mind made even more special? Well, this is that type of night out.

Creating an outing that’s engaging and enjoyable for a select group can be easy to pinpoint if you pay attention to the details.

The evening kicked off with a surprise gift presentation to the gals: Adore gift boxes complete with Adore candles in three scents, a cosmetic bag inscribed with our tag line “Live life being adored” and a tasty sparkling beverage as we departed for the destinations that awaited us.

Our “chariot” for the evening was a luxurious white stretch limo with Round-trip pick up and return to each gal’s home. This added touch was designed to relieve both host and guests of driving and to ensure that we arrived on time and as a group for our reservations.

Then on to the Beautiful Spaces

First stop was the Restoration Hardware Rooftop in Edina, just 15 minutes south of Minneapolis. A rooftop restaurant within a store that dreams are made of. Whether you’re furnishing your home or just want to escape into perfection, this is where you want to be. You can actually come to this spot, grab a drink and wander the showroom as if you are the “hostess with the mostest,” enjoying your surroundings amongst friends, aglow in the chandeliers that hang above.

Refresh the drink you have in hand, or order something new at Restoration Hardware Rooftop’s friendly bar while your table is readied in the glass-encased, garden-like atmosphere with trees above. This space is truly dreamy atmosphere with trees above. This space is truly dreamy.

After a round of refreshing cocktails and delicious nibbles, we wandered Restoration’s gallery of gorgeous interiors and took photos – of ourselves and of items we loved and wanted to keep in mind for a future home décor project. The gals especially loved conversing about the possible purchases for their future at-home dream space.

The experience we had at Restoration would also be great for Realtors, interior designers, and staging companies as a customer appreciation event. Let them shop and dream!

In the RH showroom and restaurant the dining is above and the showroom is all on first floor however they encourage guests to roam about as they wish and have specialist throughout to answer questions or guide in the space that looks like a home that leaped off a screen from a Beverly Hills real estate reality show.

On to the next..

tah..

Adore Publisher and Editor-In-Chief Kat Minks (far left) is joined for an Adore “Gal’s Night Out” by Kelly Shepherd, Kimberly Ruzek, Kim Jones, and Jessica Ballard.

You have arrived

at the next destination. Multi-destination cocktail events and/or dinners are not only enticing, the change of venue gives your guests more to admire and talk about, especially if you’ve invited a group that isn’t a close-knit clan or if you’re introducing people that are perhaps meeting for the first time.

Our second destination for our gal’s night out is the Shakopee House, just minutes away in Shakopee, MN. An attractively moody multi-bar, piano bar and top-flight restaurant complement the main floor, with an adventurous tiki and speakeasy on the lower level. Both spaces offer options for open or private dining, but reservations are suggested because these eats are hot, hot, hot!

Maggie Channels the dreamy scenes of the “Raspberry Beret” and “Sign O’ the Times“ videos wearing up-cycled, vegan leather fashion couture cloud jacket by Kat

Photos at Shakopee House by The Imagery

Top left one of the accents to the speak easy in the Rum Row restaurant.

Top Right the most perfect salmon piccata adn chicken with Asparagus. Middle Left . You don’t know unless you ask. We just happened to come upon a secret speakeasy within the Rum Row Restaurant below Shakopee House. Where we were treated to (middle right) the showcase of Cigars!

Bottom Left: our private dining room for laughing and a spotlight area within the lower level located restaurant.

For information about booking your event at these spaces: Shakopee House / Rum Row https://shakopeehouse.com/

RH Rooftop: rh.com/us/en/minneapolis/restaurant

Transportation: https://reneeslimousines.com/

Photos at Shakopee House by The Imagery www.theimagery.net/

A toast to a fabulous night on the town And to Friends!

photo by mariah mac photography

Photo above by Judd Sather Photography

Photos In story by Pixel Posey - Bride and Groom Nicole French and Kyle Kraska - Event Design and Planning Nicole French - Design and Coordination Adore Productions - Floral Design Studio B Floral - Venue Green Acres Event CenterRentals Linen Effects and Adore Productions - Musician Chris Koza - Food Sterling Catering - Desserts Lake Elmo Inn

Story by Kat Minks

Productions

A B O U T T E X T U R E & B A L A N C E

Many would think a wedding In the country would have to be full of wildflowers and boots While this wedding does have those elements you will notice the elevated design In variations of tablescapes, the styling choices the couple made and how focal points throughout a space make spectacular conversation pieces In this design the bride (Nicole French) consulted with Adore Productions and Studio B Floral to plan the execution of making something that can look hard and masculine and soften It enough to be a dining centerpiece Additionally you will see other centerpieces were chosen for other tables to bring In the softness of the room s entirety

Photo Pixel Posey Floral Studio B flroal Base design Nicole French Design Consulting Adore Productions Venue Green Acres Eden Prairie MN Linens Linen Effects

When thinking about the flow of the room It was considered that the gleam that shown from above In the ceiling needed to be balanced down below With so much natural and dark wood tones the tables needed to be lightened but unique

Four different centerpieces were selected each balancing out the other Many of these also Included wood slabs for Elevation as well as a color or textural linen (emerald green or beige) Each one pictured

included

and

1) A tall floral that

hydrangea mum

willow bells of Ireland with various greens

2) The handmade ( by the bride) deer shed centerpiece that Included roses and feathers as wel as moss artifacts at base

3) A low floral centerpiece that Included the same elements as the tall but incorporating feathers and Amaranthus In a sparking mirror compote bowl

4) A fairly light globe with moss

A pretty, hand-tied bouquet with feathers, a textural boutonnière, and for the groom Blue Jeans! Of course It was all paired with what you d expect for a wedding: suit coat, custom shirt, vest, and tie

The grounds of the venue have surrounding trails allowing for quiet moments and great photo opportunities like this one that focuses on the groom ' s love for hunting and their faithful companion

0 1 . 0 3 .

C O M M A N D I N G A T T E N T I O N

A s p e c t a c u l a r f o c a l p o i n t I n t h e r o o m w a s a v i n t a g e f a r m k i t c h e n t a b l e s o f t e n e d w i t h a l a c e r u n n e r , m i n i f l o r a l s a n d o n e a c h s i d e s t a b i l i z e d b y l a r g e g o l d c a n d e l a b r a s a d o r n e d I n h y d r a n g e a s a n d g r e e n s w i t h c a n d l e s ,

H o w t o B u i l d t h e p e r f e c t a l t e r t h a t i s r e u s e d a s a s w e e t h e a r t t a b l e .

C h o o s e a u n i q u e s p a c e t o p u t T h i s s w e e t h e a r t t a b l e w a s f r a m e d b y a l a r g e w i n d o w o v e r l o o k i n g t h e p r a i r i e a n d t r e e s b e l o w

0 2 .

U s e a n e c l e c t i c p i e c e o f f u r n i t u r e t o p u t c a n d l e s a n d f l o r a l s o n a n d t h e n u s e a s

c o u p l e ' s d i n i n g t a b l e

L a y e r h e i g h t a n d t e x t u r a l e l e m e n t s T h i s t a b l e f e a t u r e d m o s s , g l a s s , s i l v e r , c a n d l e s ,

c r y s t a l s , a n t l e r s , f e a t h e r s , l a c e , g r e e n s , a d n l i g h t f l o r a l s

0 4 .

A n c h o r e a c h s i d e w i t h s o m e t h i n g l i k e s t a n d i n g

c a n d l e a b r a s o r a r t p i e c e s o r l a r g e f l o r a l s e s p e c i a l l y I n a l a r g e r o o m o r I t w i l l g e t l o s t I n

p h o t o s

a trailer guests can sit and enjoy beverages and smores In placecard table focal as guests enter venue

cow skin rugs adorn a dessert display

the mossy green linens shimmer against wood walls In venue

the dress hangs In entrance and cocktail area against pulleys , saddles, farm decor and paintings

Coordinator Kat Minks of Adore uses crochet needle to button high to low style dress accented with lace

Singer Chris Koza entertains guests as they arrive and at ceremony singing classic rock pop and country favorites acoustically

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

How can we support each other moving forward in the coming weeks? Reasonable and simple ways to care for your partner, family, home, etc.... Something to help the other person or calm their routine. HINT: Take hints from what they said they love about you.

COLOR

Using Color Well

by Kat Minks

So much of what pulls together a design for a space –whether It be an occasion or a home – Is how a certain color makes us feel, our connection to It, and what Is accessible to us at the moment. It's no secret that the hue of a deep magenta has been everywhere this year And the absolute explosion in mid-year of the “Barbie” movie accelerated this color to new heights – even influencing the most masculine designs to Incorporate the color celebration style from dinner napkins to seat cushions So, how can you Incorporate magenta into your events or into your home and personal style? Allow us to push you Into this vibrant pop and what’s to come moving into 2024!

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way, things I had no words for"

-Georgia O'Keefe

In delving Into color trends around the world It's evident a much softer hue will be the basis and juxtaposition for 2024

Using delicate texture of what a petal of wild flower would bring amongst a soft hue like ones found on the Pantone web site, Nimbus Cloud or Seed Pearl ( a lighter shade of khaki and cream)

If you noticed we said "basis" there will be a lingering of pink tones but more of the salmon and bright peach and lime realm against those subtle but anything but black hues

If you are more of a bold personality looking for a wow we suggest using one of the trend colors in many different flowers and textures keeping to the same tone Alternately, instead of black and white doing a deep grey and white palette Possibly Incorporating grey and white seating areas

"This year has already shown a full blown pink blast, but if you ' re looking ahead, you may see a rainbow amongst a very bold use of naturals.

Ways to do color of the year (or any color) ... the right way.

Its great to have a favorite color but how you use It can be imperative to Impact Using a bright pop In the correct way

space.

Appetizers? You can go for Pomegranites, Dragon Fruits and when all else fails there Is food coloring and edible flowers

Looking for an awesome photo op or send off? Why not a Magenta CAR?

Moving forward with the magenta theme, you can also pull In the two colors that make magenta for a statement wall and washing half with red uplighting and half with blue lighting and the center being magenta

the new neutrals for fall and Into 2024 board

I n s p i r a t i o n

Lava Smoke

Nimbus Cloud

Seed Pearl

Forest Night

Pale Khaki

Scent

Creating an Irrestable Scent In Your Home

If you have never done a simmer pot we encourage you to try this one It can fill your home with a scent so unreal adn Intoxicating that you will want to make one daily This particular one will give off an aroma that you'd imagine in an elegant spa With a few simple Ingredients you will not need to burn a candle Just simmer a few Items In a pot of boiling water and your home will be filled with symbolism and beautiful scent

Rosemary : "dew of the sea "

Lemon: considered a symbol of longevity, purification, love, and friendship

by Kat Minks Recipe Scent

Vanilla: innocence, purity,

Peppercorn: power, protection, cleansing, masculine energy, courage, creativity, passion, ambition and individuality.

1 tsp peppercorns

8 cups of water

Put all Ingredients together and boil.

1 lemon In slices

3 sprigs rosemary

1 tsp vanilla extract

Once water has simmered down ( about 2 hours) you can either dispose of Ingredients or put In canister to reuse one more time If done within 3 days

Additionally you can make more batches and give them to friends minus the water I

Resource Directory

APPAREL + ACCESSORIES

Ivory Bridal Co ivorybridalco.com @ivorybridalco

Colby John Bridal colbyjohnbridal.com @colby

Jenica Jewelry www.jenicajewery.com @jenicadesigns

DECOR + FLORAL

Adore Productions @adoreproductionsllc www.adore-productions.com

Studio B Floral @studiobfloral studiobfloral.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Imagery www.theimagery.net @the_imagery_photography

Judd Sather Photography JuddSather.com

Mariah Mac Photography @mariahmacphotography

Paul Bearmon @pualbearmon www.paulbearmon.com

Ari Reynolds Photography facebook.com/focusphotographyari

Boudoir Photography MN boudoirphotographymn.com

STYLING

Kat Minks www.katminks.com @katminks

Jessica Ballard @jessicaballadbridal

VENUES

Shakopee House shakopeehouse.com @shakopeehouse

Restoration Hardware Edina MN https://rh.com/us/en/restaurants

Mississippi Crossings mississippicrossings.com

Green Acres Event Center greenacreseventcenter.com

BUSINESS

Adore Productions @adoreproductionsllc adore-productions.com

ITEX Minnesota itex.com @itexmn

Cheatham & Associates PR & Marketing Mark Cheatham 864-674-4862 Cheathamandassoc@outlook.com

Catering Chow Girls @chowgirls Chowgirls.ccm

Marnas Catering @marnascatering marnascatering.com

The Lookout The lookout.com

Something Sweet By Maddie Lu @somethingsweetcakes somethingsweetcakes.smartonlin eorder.com

*All participating vendors listed in each event throughout magazine. Some photos are stock and provided by third party. Vendors listed in directory are selected featured vendors. Some vendors not submitted by collaborators may not be listed. If you have questions about specific service or item not listed please submit a question to us. helloadoremagazine@gmail.com

Entertainment Generation Now Dj’s and Entertainment @gennowdjs

EVENT DESIGN AND PLANNING

Adore Productions @adoreproductionsllc www.adore-productions.com

Do you have a story idea for ADORE MAGAZINE or would you like to submit your event for a feature story? Head over to www.adoremagnline.com and click “submit” for info!

If you are a business and would be interested in carrying ADORE MAGAZINE please reach out about marketing and advertising information.

TRANSPORTATION Renees Limosines reneeslimosines.com @reneeslimos

Your Boat Club yourboatclub.com @yourboatclub

For any intimate celebration you are planning

Type of Event & Theme :

Event Date

Call Adore / Event Designer for help

Event Budget

Decide outside or Inside

Shop or Order Catering

Select China, Flatware, Serving

Send out Invites / Email or otherwise

Select Music

Create Entertainment / Games/ table talk etc

Create seating arrangement

hand sanitizer and , disinfectant , hand washing stations possibly ( if outside)

Schedule guest arrival times

Check RSVP's

Create Ambiance with candles and flowers

Set up beverage station

Set table

Check Restrooms

Prepare entrance for coat rack and shoes

Set out appetizers

Make sure hot food Is ready but warm

Get Ready for guests to arrive

Set out proper signage or have a schedule so guests know what to expect

Greet Guests and Enjoy the Party!

Find more celebration tools for inspiring and planning your celebration on the Adore Magazine blog www.adoremagonline.com or adore-productions.com/ blog