Annie Dorsey

"I've dreamed of doing this my whole life!"
Not this lady. If I were asked as a child what I thought I would do "when I grow up," it would probably include creating a line of beauty products by mixing Love's Baby Soft perfume and powder with my mother's White Shoulders perfume. Since they didn't offer any classes like that in college, I ended up studying English and Secondary Education with the intent to teach High School English. Fast forward a few years and I ended up as an Event Planner for a resort and winery. Wait, what?

Sometime after college, I decided I didn't want to teach after all and began working as a reservations agent for a local resort/spa/winery. I booked everything from overnight accomodations to spa services and golf tee times for guests. The resort was beautiful and I especially loved being able to see the weddings and special events on property. I knew right away that I had to be a part of the catering team. Since I had some experience planning parties at a previous job right after college, I was able to move into the catering department as their assistant. After a year, I was offered a position as a catering manager. I planned wedding ceremonies and receptions as well as holiday parties, birthday parties, family reunions- just about any type of social event. It was incredible. I finally (albeit accidentally) found what I loved to do! There was never a dull moment and there was always something new. The feeling of seeing an event come from inception to fruition was absolutely amazing to me. Unbelievably fulfilling.

After a few years, I married the love of my life and we started our family. My focus naturally shifted from my job to our little family. While I loved what I did, I knew I wouldn't want to be working 50+ hours a week once we started having children. It was a bittersweet decision, as I adored the company and my unforgettable co-workers, but once our first little one was born I resigned from my position at the resort. I lucked out and over the next few years (amidst the arrival of our second baby) I found two different part time postitions. First at a historic venue downtown as their Wedding and Events Coordinator and, after we moved out of the city, another position at a country club as their Catering Manager. With each position, I was able to continue doing what I loved while still spending time with our children. I was also able to create my work hours around my husband's schedule so we didn't need child care. It was ideal. Our third little sweetheart was born a short time later and I decided to take time off work indefinitely. Being home full time was wonderful- and eventually contributed to our fourth baby being born! Yes. Four.

While it was important for me to be home with our babies, I started really missing work. Not so much putting on a suit, sitting in traffic or attending meetings. But I missed planning events! I discovered I was able to get my fix by planning events for our children. Nothing too crazy or over the top (just don't ask my husband if he agrees with that statement), and with PLENTY of help from my sister Kate, we put together some special parties with really fun details.

Through the years, Kate and I have planned birthday parties, christenings, bachelorette parties, baby showers, bridal showers, engagement parties and weddings. We have created personalized and coordinating invitations, garlands, bunting, table decor, favors and even party wear. That feeling of excitement from putting these little details together is so fun, it's addicting. And seeing the guests reactions to everything is just incomparable.

After some deliberation and MUCH urging from family and friends, Kate and I have decided to take our love for all things parties and party planning to the blogging world. The intent is to have fun and keep our creativity going and passion alive. We are going to share our ideas and thoughts, crafts and creatables, our successes and failures, easy tutorials and our little party supply shop! It's going to be fun so please stick around. We're so happy you're here!