WOODLAND RUSTIC FAIRYTALE {CDE Wedding Sneak Peek}

Before you click this gorgeous video created by the one and only Levi Kirby, let me just tell you that every family member of this true-to-the-core DIY couple contributed in some part to this fabulous and gorgeous day. While I can't quite share the photos just yet, here is a short video of their special day that makes me weak in the knees.

Guys this video lights my heart on fire! I simply cannot wait to share this with you! This is my beautiful November 1st couple whose bridal party gave me a run for my money so to speak, but also filled my heart with so much joy. I nearly tear up every time I see this video. More to come soon from this very special day.

xoxo - C

  Photography by CM Photography | Video by Levi Kirby.

GRAND SCHEMES & BIG DREAMS {December Goals}

Amanda Genther sent this out today for her subscribers and is so sweet to post it as a free download over on her blog. She teamed up with Paper & Honey to bring you a handful of beautiful designs for December. I couldn't resist using this one today since I am an Illinois resident. It is so inspiring.  Go get yours, like now! I don't know how you guys feel about December, but It is scaring the pink pajamas right-off me ! How can it truly be December already? It's nearly 2015 and I feel like I need to double check myself and squeeze in the last of my goals and some extra workouts. (Like seriously!) Before I get too immersed in the Christmas Party that JD and I are hosting (yes, so excited!) I wanted to drop in and post my goals for the month so that I don't get caught off guard at the end of the month as I turn the page and head into 2015. I feel like I accomplish more when I post my goals - because you sweet peeps keep me accountable. So without further ado let's rock December!

Refresh my brand and my website. A recent issue has been brought to my attention as well as a scandalous copycat out in Cali - so I'm going to refresh my pink space and make it so dam pink and sparkly and awesome and so Cassandra that it'll be so totally-crazy awesome you can't copy it because it would be too obvious.

The Dattoli Christmas. Oh yes, JD and I are hosting our first ever Christmas party for family and close friends on Christmas Day in our new home. I'm cooking, and decorating like a mad woman and JD is nailing and screwing holes in our walls like a crazy person and 20ish people are planning to show up and eat to their heart's content. I'm planning a very pretty and sparkly tablescape with some help from the lovely people over at La Tavola Linens. New York sparkles headed my way!  

Client Gifting. I have some fun and pretty items planned out to all my beautiful clients for Christmas. I want to get these all finished up by mid month, boxed up and out the door.

Christmas Cards {Personal & Business}. This let's say by December 18. I can do it!

My year in review written and posted before 2015 appears.

I really want to attend Christmas service at the Greek Church here in Springfield.

Begin working through Whitney English's Year Designer for 2015. You don't know who Whitney English is you say? Well click and meet this fabulous and inspiring woman. (p.s. I'm a Day Designer girl - on my third one! I can NOT recommend another planner more - this is where it's at.)

Order at least 5 copies of Lara Casey's Make It Happen book. I have at least 5 in mind to give it as gifts. Lara changed my life - the Make It Happen conference changed me - click here to read about my MTH experience.

Okay - I think I have listed the highlights of my goals, I thought about putting taxs on my December goals - but that would just depress me - so I'll leave it here so it's at least on here - maybe, just maybe I'll give them a start.

What are your goals for December ? Share below and I just might pick you to send a copy of Lara's book to!

Happy December!

Image created the ever-so-talented ladies Amanda Genther & Paper & Honey.

REFLECTIONS {Greatness Starts with Gratitude}

These last weeks have left my heart heavy and my mind overwhelmed. In our area a tragedy occurred  and as a police-wife; it is so difficult not to put yourself in those same shoes and think "what if?"  It's so easy to be pulled down by our shortcomings and the relationships and items we don't have - so today I'm reflecting on the things I see too many people taking advantage of, and sharing the everyday "it's a given to have" things I tend to forget to be grateful for.

 I'm grateful my husband came home from duty this morning. I'm grateful that just in the other room he is tucked-in tight under the covers. Every night he leaves me and walks down the driveway - could be the last night I ever see him. I'm grateful he hasn't been called away from home to help with the riots. As I sit here typing this today - a very close friend is in my beloved St. Louis is worrying about her husband who is dealing with the riots. My heart just breaks for her and has put my problems into focus.  Friends, whatever your problems are; be grateful for what it is you have; no matter how little it may be. The breath in your lungs is a gift.  Everyday God keeps us here is a gift. We all have so much to be grateful for.

 "In your might you guide them to your sacred home" Ex. 15:13

This is for all our loved ones who put on a uniform and risk giving up the most precious thing of all. This is for the wives, the family members, the children of our heroes, this is for me, and all the sacrifices we as wives and families make every day watching our loved ones walk away and not knowing if they will come home again. This is for all those heroes whose watches have ended too early. Hug your loved ones - hug your pet - tomorrow isn't promised.

- C

Cassandra Dattoli is Hiring!

It's time - no wait; it's past time. I need an intern. CDE is growing and picking up faster than I ever imagined this little dream of mine could. I'm looking for an intern/assistant for my 2015 wedding season. Yay!!

I'm hoping to get an awesome gal in the studio over the next few weeks to start learning the ins and outs and get her up to speed on the Cassandra Dattoli approach and I'm so hoping it's you!!

This position is initially unpaid; but can be used for college credit and has the potential to turn into a part-time paid position. In addition; I'm offering to my new intern if she books a wedding or brings a wedding to the CDE calendar; a monetary bonus; hip hip hooray!! The ideal candidate will be responsible for being in the Cassandra Studio at least once a week with the opportunity to assist on editorial shoots, vendor appointments, fulfilling shop orders, floral prep and design days. There will of course be times when I need help with paperwork, general organizing and inventory related assignments.  I'll be expecting my intern to be able to assist with day of duties for my 2015 events, which has the potential to be paid for each event.. No fears friends; those early wedding day wake up calls; come with some sweet surprises.

If running a small business sounds like it's your cup of tea and you are looking to learn more about event planning and design, please inquire with me, with your resume, general introductory email and a statement of why you feel like you're the best fit for the new Cassandra Dattoli Brand. Email your goodies to me at cass@cassandradattoli.com. The deadline is Saturday, November 15th. Because I need my intern close by, you need to live in the Central, Il area to be considered for this position. Oh - and you must love snuggly little foxy puppies, confetti and dare I say it, pink! 

Much love to you all!! xoxo

OUR ANNIVERSARY {2014}

It's our second wedding anniversary and although it  isn't epic by any means I want to celebrate it with all of my heart because it's the small victories that keep you motivated to the finish line.  This year we were both at the card store looking for cards and instead of buying each other a card - we just picked them out laughed a little at the goofiness of it and then decided to exchanged them right there in the card aisle. I want to start a new personal series for my husband because in the blink of an eye time passes and I don't want to ever forget to tell him how much he means to me and how lucky I feel everyday I get to be his wife.

Dear Joe,

Two years ago I stood by your side as we exchanged looks, rings and stefana crowns vowing before God to love each other forever and be true to one another until death do us part.  So much has happened these last two years - and so much more has happened over the last year. I still can't believe that we built our first home.  What's even more shocking is the plans we are making for our second home and the possibilities of starting a family. What shocks me the most is the simple fact that I started my own Company and have business plans for the next two years. You have been so supportive and loving through all these changes and have been incredibly giving; not only with your time and love but also financially. I am so grateful and feel so blessed to call you my best friend over the last 9 years, but more importantly to call you husband, these last two years. I will forever be grateful to fate and the Lord above who brought us together.  Still to this day I can't get enough of your touch and the simple pleasure of holding your hand and having doors opened for me. I hope we stay this way. Walking in the rain sharing your pockets, finishing each other's sentences with clips from Seinfeld, booty dances in the kitchen, singing in the shower and chasing each other while our furry child barks. I hope you continue to complain to me about the flower messes in your perfectly organized garage, tell me to pick up my clothes and makeup from the bathroom and keep asking me how much longer until I'm ready to go. I hope I never get tired of having you wake up on Saturday's to find me in the studio pouring over floral stems, or working by my side during set up and tear down of events and I pray that I never get enough of those ice blue eyes. I love you Joe - with every bit of every part of my heart. Happy Anniversary - Forever and Always

Greek Goddess