The Family Jewels
http://blogcast.insidethebungalow.com
The Family Jewels
Jen & Derrick: April 19,2008
Jen & Derrick's photographer took some of the most fun, artistic photos! I need to get his information...
Logan is just so sweet!!!
Jen & Derrick are sharing a moment with guests.
I will be forever grateful to our neighbor and co-owner of Regency Gardens, Chris, who in November 2006, suggested that we start hosting weddings. From that conversation, a seed was planted. While we will constantly strive to nourish that seed and improve the experience for each bride & groom, we are grateful to all the amazing couples we have had the pleasure of working with. Many of these couples book their weddings with us because they appreciate the overall vision of Inside The Bungalow. By offering yoga, massage, natural & organic food and beverage products and eco-friendly wedding options we are working to create a lifestyle that nurtures body, mind & spirit. These couples are looking to create healthier habits as they begin one of the most beautiful journeys together.
Having our cafe open during the week has allowed us to get to personally know some of these bride and grooms. Derrick & Jen are one such couple. Our first encounter occurred while I was teaching a vinyasa yoga class. Someone stood standing in our lobby, shouting, "Hello....Hello..." As I came out of the yoga class, I was met by Derrick & Logan, the sweetest little guy you could ever meet! I told Derrick there was a small 10 minute window of opportunity to view the property in between classes if they wanted to come back. I think that could almost be considered a drive by tour, it was so quick. Needless to say Jen & Derrick booked their wedding for April 19, 2008.
This became a much anticipated wedding for my mom & me because, before they purchased a home of their own in Tempe, Jen & Derrick lived down the street from us. They would come into the cafe for coffee & green being smoothies. Many mornings we would sit around and just laugh. It is a treasure to find a couple as playful and sincere as Derrick & Jen.
Cup O'Karma was a Success!!!
Linda (Fix The Hurt) & Andrea (CAFV) two of our beneficiaries
Guests are relaxing while waiting for the Zen Monkeys to begin
Jen, Greg & a couple other massage therapists from GCCC
Mad dash for the last few minutes of the silent auction!!!
At a time when dirty words, such as recession, pop up and the increase of gas is skyrocketing out of control, it was beautiful to see such a large turnout for the Cup O'Karma event. While there were many people who helped make this event a success, I wanted to especially thank Christy Moore, Linda Richey, Linda King & Katherine for putting so much time and effort into organizing the event. Thank you to our own ITB family, Melissa, Jennifer, Ingrid and Cora Lee for organizing their own mini fundraisers and helping at the event! Thank you to Melissa and Katrina, two of our own yoga students, who also organized their own mini fundraisers and spent the entire day helping to set up and volunteer at the event.
We were able to raise over $6400.00 in donations, $2000.00 in ticket sales before the event. We couldn't believe the turnout! We estimate over 200 attendees throughout the evening. And while we are sill tallying up the numbers from the silent auction and raffle, The Chandler Gilbert Community College massage students raised $288.00 in chair massages. There were a lot of relaxed guests enjoying the festivities. Brian, from S'Bistro, around the corner from us, out did himself by supplying a large chocolate fountain. This was the hit of the evening. One of our catering companies, Salerno's donated a tray of cheesecakes and cannoli's. Tracie & Ross, thank you! They were gone in seconds... Rigatoni's, Jersey Girl, Subway and Blue Adobe also found time to share food and be apart of our event.
It is easy to operate from fear. It would have been much safer for people not to come, to save their money, especially during these recent times. It takes courage and open hearts to step outside of ourselves, even for one evening, to help others. From the bottom of our hearts, my mom, sister, and I truly appreciate the generosity and support each of you shared by coming. We were honored to open our venue and share in raising the awareness of the devastation and impact domestic violence has within our community.