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 NEW & IMPROVED CASSANDRA DATTOLI EVENTS

I've started this post so many times. Each time, it seemed more and more ridiculous. This day is finally here. I feel speechless, yet amazing, exhausted and just fired up! I feel like I. cannot. believe. this. is. actually. happening. Wait, I feel like dancing.  ? IS that my little butterfly that was tattooed on me over 10 years ago? How did this little dream of mine come alive? I feel like I've changed, like my business has finally come into it's place in the world. 

This feels like a breath of fresh air. Like this person I am on the inside finally has a space to play that truly reflects her. It's so incredibly scary putting myself out here for the world to have a glimpse into my heart and to who I truly am. But it also feels absolutely amazing. 

Looky there - at all that pretty. The heart of Cassandra Dattoli Events. The unbelievable amount of support that I've received from family, friends, followers, strangers and my incredible clients has been overwhelming. It makes me incredibly excited for my future and the future of my little business.

Through this incredible journey, I've learned the importance of letting go of perfection and allowing the true me to shine through. My clients deserve that. They are so much more than just a plain white background. They are so much more than a thrown together logo.

I owe so much to so many people - first to my incredibly loving and supportive husband. JD you have shown me so much love and support these last months in every way a husband should. Every time I was near burn out or breakdown you were there. You brought me water, food, the camera, snacks, books, and rubbed my shoulders as I typed so I wouldn't have to leave my desk. You continue to tell me I'm beautiful even though I know you hate the blond hair I've recently changed to and the dark circles from my insomnia and the fact that I can't remember the last time I shaved my legs. You supported this rebrand not only with your time, help and patience but also financially even though you really don't understand the need or the why behind it. To you my old logo and website and business cards worked just fine. Yet, you supported this anyways. I really don't know how I got so dam lucky that you picked me, but I'm sure glad nearly 10 years ago you stopped to ask me if we had any classes together. It was not only the best day of my life - but it drastically altered it. This happy heart of mine is happy because you give me a safe home to live in and loving arms I can always count on. This happy place is simply because of you; I love you with every part of my heart.

To the spectacular and amazingly patient Becky over at RP Design; girlfriend this is it - you survived this crazy Greek and you rocked it for me. Not only did you listen to my thoughts and ideas but you turned them into amazing graphics that are a true reflection of my core. You have given me a new confidence in my brand - and my business. I will forever be grateful to you. 

To the ladies behind the cameras of Doubleshot Artistry, thank you from the bottom of my heart for my new lovely photos and the insanely crazy funny yet beautiful you have worked so tirelessly on the last week. I cannot thank you enough for coming into my home and capturing all this for me. I can't wait to work with you girls again!!

Have you ever just had a happy cry? I totally just did! As Walt Disney says: to all who come to this happy place: Welcome!

Welcome to the new Cassandra Dattoli Events!!

Photography by the lovely ladies of Doubleshot Artistry

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?

A LITTLE INSTALOVE FRIDAY

Happy Friday!

If you lovelies are anything like me you love a good dose of confetti, pretty, and sparkle.  Add a dose pretty and happy snail mail and I'm as giddy as a school girl. Today's Instalove is a little peek into my new brand and a little Cassandra love that is going out to all my wonderful 2014 clients, as "happy-to-have you" gifts. I just cannot wait for my couples to get these and hopefully love them as much as I do. Those forks!! I am just smitten with these. I have looked for a long time for forks that I love and these, these hit the nail right on the head! Kerrie at Woodenhive does such an incredible job with these – and having them personalized for couples, in my little opinion makes them so very special.

I don't know about you, but my pretty packaging makes me super happy. That striped ribbon and all that happy confetti – gah! I think putting these together might be one of my favorite things to do. I am planning a little marketing outreach to vendors here in the area as well as you loves afar that I adore. To send some Cassandra Love your way, to connect with you and hopefully give you lots of info about me and my little boutique business. These little boxes of pretty have completely inspired me. I love these so much, I want to send a box to myself and you betcha, I'll be placing an order of forks for JD and I; like ASAP.

Be sure to visit Kerrie on Instagram and check out their amazing silverware line here. Kerrie is offering a 15% discount off her beautiful goodies, until March 21, 2014, with coupon code BlogOffer 15. Happy silverware shopping sweets!

Wishing you all a happy, happy Friday!

xoxo, Cas

 This post was not sponsored in any way by Woodenhive.