Vows Tuxedo by Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

3852 Killearn Center Ct

Tallahassee, FL 32309

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Friday, December 4, 2009

Fun New Finds

The other day, I had a bride come in to look at tuxedos and ask if I could custom make the ties. She knew what she wanted. She just couldn't find what she was looking for. Lime Green Paisley. Turning a couple of pages in the tuxedo book, I pointed out a beautiful paisley green tie in the shade she had been searching for. I'm always happy to work with couple to put together their idea of a perfect tuxedo. It's even more fun when they're not expecting it to be so easy. We have an order of Lime Green Paisley ties coming in the Spring!

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture

Dressing for Magical Moments

Vows Tuxedo

Your Trusted Tuxedo Source

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Ct

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Join us on Facebook!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Christmas Special

Today, we start our Christmas Special. For the month of December, when you register your wedding, Vows Tuxedo will offer $10 off every tuxedo and a gift from our Christmas tree filled by local wedding vendors. This holiday special is included with our regular free groom's tuxedo when registering 5 or more guys!

Thank you to our participating sponsors, who have donated to our tree.

Hayley Lauren Couture

Adventures in Travel

A Touch of Class Florist

Fit and Functional

Your Social Butterfly

Mike's Limo

Elizabeth Paige Photography

Flowers By Vince

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture

Dressing for Magical Moments

Vows Tuxedo

Your Trusted Tuxedo Source

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Join us of Facebook!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Thanksgiving Holiday!

We are excited to begin and soon end our Thanksgiving Work Week. Vows Tuxedo and Hayley Lauren Couture will be open Monday and Tuesday from 10-6, and Wednesday 10-12. We will open up again on Monday, Nov.30th, busy preparing for our Christmas Special in the month of December. $10 off every tuxedo registered in your wedding party + a gift from our tree decorated by Tallahassee wedding vendors.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hayley Mann
Hayley Lauren Couture
Dressing for Magical Moments
Vows Tuxedo
Your Trusted Tuxedo Source
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
3852 Killearn Center Ct
Tallahassee, FL 32309
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
www.vowstuxedo.net
Join us of Facebook!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Christmas Special

Vows Tuxedo is preparing for our 1st Christmas holiday season. For the month of December, when you register your wedding part, we will take $10 off every tuxedo. Also when you register with us, you will receive a gift from our tree generously filled my some of Tallahassee's leading wedding vendors. It all starts December 1st and ends the 31st. So, don't miss out!

Hayley Mann
Hayley Lauren Couture
Dressing for Magical Moments
Vows Tuxedo
Your Trusted Tuxedo Source
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
3852 Killearn Center Ct
Tallahassee, FL 32309
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
www.vowstuxedo.net

Friday, October 30, 2009

The Wedding Salvage Sale

Tomorrow's the big day! We're going to be holding our 2nd Salvage Sale from 7am-11am at the Hayley Lauren Couture/ Vows Tuxedo studio. We've got several new brides bringing their goods including wedding gowns and headpieces. We've also got a new mixture of wedding vendors. Danielle, our wonderful makeup artist, will be back! Cabell's American Grill will be setting up a wonderful brunch buffet! And Sherman from Fit and Functional will be there to met brides, mothers, maids, and friends that want to get into shape before that big day. Crystal Green, Your Social Butterfly, will be on hand to talk about wedding planning. We will also provide tuxedo and gown information, of course.

Join us for a free, wonderful, informative morning!

Hayley Mann
Hayley Lauren Couture
Dressing for Magical Moments
Vows Tuxedo
Your Trusted Tuxedo Source
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
3852 Killearn Center Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32309
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
www.vowstuxedo.net
Find us on Facebook!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Weekend Weddings

Congratulations to Alisha and Dustin!

I've been working with Alisha and her bridal party since before the store opened. Alisha has become a good friend and will make a beautiful bride tomorrow. She wore two beautiful gowns, one for the ceremony and then another surprise gown for the reception. I helped her with both the fit and design of both. We changed the sash around the bodice to the first gown, added more appliques and beading to the skirt, included extra fluff to the pick-ups, and incorporated a lace up back. The results were stunning.

When I moved from my in-home studio to the storefront and included Vows Tuxedo, Alisha and her fiance came here for their tuxedos as well.

I've had a wonderful time getting to know Alisha and her family as they prepare for this special day. Congratulations!

I also worked on a custom design for another October bride, Anna. Her gown is a beautiful dark ivory slipper satin. The gown is ruched at the bodice with beaded appliques and a narrow A-line skirt. Anna was married under an oak tree on family land. It was a beautiful day out on Saturday and a perfect day for outdoor weddings.

Congratulations, Anna!

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture

Dressing for Magical Moments

Vows Tuxedo

Your Trusted Tuxedo Source

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Springtime Tallahassee

Vows Tuxedo is proud to sponsor Springtime Tallahassee with all of their tuxedo needs. We will be meeting the Gents of the Belles and Gents group over the next week to beginning preparing their tuxedos for November's activities. It's hard to believe November is almost here......
http://www.springtimetallahassee.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=49

Hayley Mann
Hayley Lauren Couture
Vows Tuxedo
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
3852 Killearn Center Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32309
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
www.vowstuxedo.net

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Weekend Weddings

We have had a busy tuxedo week doing everything from renting, selling, and last minute ordering of tuxedos. This weekend we have worked with three different wedding parties on their mens' attire. Tiffany called several weeks ago to rent a tuxedo and pieces for the men in her party without uniforms. Another couple of guys were renting tuxedos and then driving to the destination wedding.

Cade and his party rented entirely from Vows Tuxedo. His bride, Sheena, and I have been working for several months on the alterations of her gown and the creation of her beautiful veil. When we opened Vows Tuxedo this past summer, she brought Cade in to look for tuxedos. I have had such pleasure getting to know this wonderful couple and their families. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Jones!

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Monday, October 12, 2009

Wedding Gown Preservation

We love working with brides as they're preparing for their big day. In the begin, our services stopped after the wedding. Now, we offer a couple of different services for the clean-up and preserving of that day.

Gown Preservations start at $150 and include the open-window preservation with carry case. The price includes the cleaning and basic preservation with the option to preserve your accessories as well. We've just recently received our latest shipment of preservations for some of our summer brides.

We also co-host The Wedding Salvage Sale every two months for brides to be given the chance to get together with other recent brides and sell their gently-used wedding supplies to the upcoming brides to be. Our next sale will be held October 31st. Call for more information or to reserve a seller's spot!

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Friday, October 9, 2009

Weekend Weddings

Hayley Lauren Couture and Vows Tuxedo worked with a couple of different wedding parties preparing for this weekend.

Lauren was a bridesmaid when we first met and came back for help altering her wedding gown and several pieces in her wedding party. It was a wonderful surprise to see her back and dressed in white this time. She's getting married this weekend in a gorgeous gown on the beach!

Chuck and Leigh are also saying their vows this weekend. Chuck and his guys picked up their tuxedos last night and all looked so handsome! After coming to register the tuxedos, Leigh also brought her wedding gown for alterations and steaming. Congratulations to them both!

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Tallahassee Woman

I am thrilled to be included in the Tallahassee Woman's Women to Watch Series for the Oct/Nov issue. I'm in good company too!

Pick up an issue at a local grocery store or go to www.talwoman.com to see the on-line version.

Hayley Mann
Hayley Lauren Couture
Vows Tuxedo
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
3852 Killearn Center Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32309
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
www.vowstuxedo.net

Monday, October 5, 2009

Fred Astaire Showcase

Saturday evening, the local Dancing with the Stars competitors debuted their dancing skills at the Fred Astaire Showcase at Leon High School. HLCouture is proud to be sponsoring Molly Kellogg for the competition.

Since I won't be able to attend the Oxygen Ball, I had the opportunity to see her perform this weekend. She, and her rivals, did an excellent job! It was fun to see all of their hardwork come together.

Friday, October 2, 2009

The 2nd Wedding Salvage Sale

We are gearing up to hold our 2nd Wedding Salvage Sale. A bi-monthly event, we had such a wonderful success in August that we can't wait to do it again!

October 31st, 2009

7am-11am

@ the Vows Tuxedo/Hayley Lauren Couture salon

hosted by:

Hayley Lauren Couture and Your Social Butterfly

Our Salvage Sale gives recent brides the opportunity to sell their gently used wedding inventory to the upcoming brides-to-be. Also attending the sale are some of Tallahassee's finest vendors. For more information about selling your wedding supplies, contact Hayley at (850)668-0259

Hayley Mann
Hayley Lauren Couture LLC
Vows Tuxedo
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
3852 Killearn Center Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32309
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
www.vowstuxedo.net

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Gowns Are Gone!

I've been cleaned out in the "display gown" department. Crystal Green, Your Social Butterfly, came by today to help herself to the gowns I could offer for the Project Strength Fashion Show. And I'm beyond excited! I love a good fashion show and this has the makings of a great one!

Join us at Magnolia Park Shopping Center this Sunday, October 4th, at 7:30. For more information about the other events for the day, go to www.ColorMeStrong.com

Hayley Mann
Hayley Lauren Couture LLC
Vows Tuxedo
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
3852 Killearn Center Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32309
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
www.vowstuxedo.net

Local Dancing with the Stars

Molly's costume for the Local Dancing with the Stars competition is finished. She doesn't compete until October 17th, but this Saturday she will debut her costume and dance skills at a showcase held at Leon High School. Having picked up her dress today, she'll have just enough time to run a dress rehearsal before the big show on Saturday. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to sponsor Molly and can't wait for Saturday night.

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Hayley Lauren Couture has been a proud member of the Tallahassee Association of Wedding Professionals for over 3 years now. When including our newest division, Vows Tuxedo, we were able to add our services with tuxedos and suits to our membership. So, when TAWP members were given the opportunity to join together and get several individual commercials over the course of the next few weeks, we were happy to introduce Vows Tuxedo in our commercial.

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Friday, September 25, 2009

Best Wishes for a Beautiful Day

I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful brides, maids, and mothers as they prepare for that special wedding day. Whether we have created a custom gown or just worked with alterations, I like to remember the women who are having their own magical moments. Congratulations to two beautiful brides that I have worked with over the last couple of months. I pray you have a beautiful day and a wonderful life with the man that you love.

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Monday, September 21, 2009

Missy Gunnels Flowers

I love being in town! With both the design studio and tuxedo salon open regular business hours and by appointment the non-regular hours, I often enjoy family and friends stopping by to say hello and show their support. This afternoon, Missy and Ellie of Missy Gunnels Flowers stopped by to see me and deliver some beautiful flowers. I always enjoy seeing a friendly face and even more when they come bearing gifts!

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

New Tuxedo Selection

Vows Tuxedo already carries a large selection of tuxedo choices for weddings, proms, and special occasions. But we love the ability to offer more choices in colors and patterns, so we are adding a new collection of tuxedo styles, colors, and prints. We will be able to offer more specials and discounts including a FREE grooms tuxedo after 5 paid tuxedos are rented. All we're waiting for is our official catalog to arrive so that we can start offering even more choices in tuxedos, vests, and shoes then we already do.

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Friday, September 11, 2009

Pyramid Art Show

Tonight's the night!

The studio space of Vows Tuxedo and Hayley Lauren Couture is decorated and ready to display some of the artwork of the talented artist of Pyramid Studios and Tallahassee Pyramid. Tonight, from 6-9pm, we'll be open to give the public a chance to see some of the paintings and jewelry designed and created by Pyramid's trained artists. If you have a chance, drop by and see!

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

across the street from Bonefish Grill and the Killearn Publix

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Pyramid Studios Art Show

The time is finally here! Vows Tuxedo and Hayley Lauren Couture LLC are proud to offer their studio space to the artists of Pyramid Studios. Pyramid is a day training program for people with developmental disabilities. Studios specializes in teaching preforming and visual arts. Acrylics, oils, prints, and jewelry will all be displayed within the salon Friday, September 11th, from 6-9pm. Hors d'oeuvre will be served throughout the night. Please take a moment to stop by and see the wonderful pieces these students have created.

Thanks,

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)-668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Friday, September 4, 2009

Dancing With the Stars

The Runner Up

Tallahassee has created a local version of Dancing with the Stars to benefit the Heart and Lung Association. The competition will be held during the Oxygen Ball in October. Hayley Lauren Couture is sponsoring Molly Kellogg in her latin dance. Having met Molly, the director of the Leon County Chapter of the National League of Cotillions, to discuss her different formal events associated with the her students; we began talking about her involvement as a celebrity dancer. After meeting with her, I designed three sexy latin costumes inspired by the latin theme and Molly herself. From the three designs, these are the ones that were not chosen.......

Monday, August 31, 2009

More photoshoot pictures

Pulled some more photos from the shoot last Sunday at Bradley's. Danielle Ardister, our makeup artist, took some great after-shoots before we all disbanded from the place.

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Saturday, August 29, 2009

1st Wedding Salvage Sale

I never can seem to remember to take pictures at the beginning! So, about halfway through our morning, I pulled out my camera and took some shots. We had quite a few things purchased by then.....

We had a wonderful sale today at the Vows Tuxedo and Hayley Lauren Couture salon. Opening at 7 this morning, we had gently used wedding items for sale. One lucky bride came in looking for odds and ends and left with a wedding gown!

We also had some vendors displaying their service here as well. Danielle Ardister was showing of her amazing artistry in makeup as well as her custom giftbaskets. One of our shopping brides had an elegant makeover to start her day!

Top Hat Limo came out too. They brought what they referred to as the small car....... I thought it was huge. It makes me wonder if that is small, how big do they get? The owner, Hal, is even picking up a new addition to the fleet this weekend. This new one will be able to fit 14 passengers.

Notable Strings began our morning with some violin solos on the sidewalk.

We had breakfast laid out for all of our early rising customers! I think I bought to many..... So, I'll be on a sugar high for the rest of the weekend!

A special, wonderful, huge "THANKS" to Crystal Green, who co-hosted the event. I couldn't have done it without you!

Because this is a bi-monthly event. We have already begun to plan and look forward to October's Sale. I'll post more information as the time nears! And if you would like to be on the mailing list for future salvage sales, just drop me an email......

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Trusteria Account

I've recently decided to give Trusteria.com a try. It is a local website for business to send clients to for testimonials and referrals. I'm setting up a link on my updated website for Trusteria, but for now............

http://www.trusteria.com/vowstuxedo/recommendation

They are also now offer coupons and discounts for local business, so keep an eye out for that too.

Hayley Mann
Hayley Lauren Couture LLC
Dressing for Magical Moments
Custom Bridal and Evening Wear Design
Vows Tuxedo
Your Trusted Tuxedo Source
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
3852 Killearn Center Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32309
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
www.vowstuxedo.net

Monday, August 24, 2009

Photo Shoot

Vows Tuxedo participated in their first photo shoot yesterday. We had tuxedos from Vows, a couple of wedding gowns from Hayley Lauren Couture, make-up by the fabulous Danielle, and pictures by MegaAce Photography all out at Bradley's Retreat yesterday evening. Crystal Green of Your Social Butterfly hooked us up with some fantastic models, who pulled it all together.

As with every shoot, I learned new things to remember for the next - food, drinks, and chairs.

Hayley Mann

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Dressing for Magical Moments

Custom Design Bridal and Evening Wear

Vows Tuxedo

You Trusted Tuxedo Source

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Posting FSU

Yesterday, I spent over 3 hours going from here to there to here again posting flyers for Vows Tuxedo. I remember there being bulletin boards every couple of feet when I was a student there and yet almost every place I turned yesterday, the boards had been covered with glass. I did, however, find some boards still left standing near Woodward. And though most places could not post or keep flyers in their store, I did find several places that would.

These flyers advertise Vows Tuxedo's '09 Student Discount. We have over 100 different tuxedo styles to choose from starting at $69.99 - that's the price for a full tuxedo including shoes. For 25 or more guys all booking for the same party, we are giving a discount of 15% or more.

We are even offering special services for Greek houses that choose to book with us. We offer to uproot the store and bring Vows Tuxedo to the Greek house for measurements and tuxedo choices. Members won't even need to leave campus to register a tuxedo. Saves you on gas and time!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Alex's Wedding Pictures

What is the formula for blogging about a blog? I had bride who recently sent me the link to her photographer's website who posted a few pictures from the wedding.

They are beautiful, as I knew they would be since the bride was glowing. The photographer did some excellent shots of the details, the bride, and the couple. I can't wait to see more!

http://jamielyncraft.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Wedding Salvage Sale

The wedding is over.....

It was beautiful, but what are you going to do with all of the leftover stuff? Do you really need 32 identical centerpieces, powder blue cocktail napkins, and bottle after bottle of bubbles? What you did not rent is now yours to have and to hold, but sometimes you don't really want it either.

Have you considered selling it?

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC and Vows Tuxedo are proud to sponsor

The Wedding Salvage Sale

August 29, 2009

7-11am

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

(850)668-0259

It will be an opportunity for brides to sell some of their gently used wedding decorations and overstock to the upcoming brides-to-be and other special event planners.

We will be opening the store early to house this sale in every room and in every corner.

Contact Hayley to reserve a place to sell. Booths are FREE!

Hayley Mann
Hayley Lauren Couture LLC
Vows Tuxedo
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
3852 Killearn Center Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32309
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
www.vowstuxedo.net

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Princess Hayley

As I market both Hayley Lauren Couture LLC and Vows Tuxedo, I try to dedicate a certain amount of time researching different avenues for networking. Just today, while finishing up my research for the upcoming college discounts I'm offering to students, I came across a website for an FSU Alumni Community. When registering, it asks for your title. It gives a long list that includes - mr, miss, mrs, mayor, chief, princess, etc.

Wow, never thought I'd be offered the title of "princess" before. It was a hard decision...... Do I register with my dream title and risk being turned down or do I register as the "Mrs." that I am?

Mrs. won out! But secretively, I'll think of myself as Princess Hayley.......

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Toni

Pierre Chiha Photographers

I met Toni a few months ago through a friend of a friend. I had several years before made a prom dress for a girl. One of her friends remembered it and when Toni was considering having her mother-of-the-groom's dress made, I was recommended. Don't you just love word of mouth?

Toni is very creative and had her gown designed and made in such a way that she could trade pieces around to make several different outfits. The picture here is Toni wearing a simple green shantung gown with English embroidered lace of ivory and champagne rosettes. The lace had a scalloped edge at the bottom, but the opening in the front and over the neckline did not. Well, at least not in the beginning..... I took the scalloped edging from long scrap pieces and extra lace and transferred it to the neckline of the jacket. The detailing was beautiful and you had to look very closely to tell that the edging was not originally there. Toni also had a lace shawl and a shantung shawl made, which gave the dress three different and distinct looks.

During our work, Toni showed me some navy batik that was given to her as a present. The pattern was of yellow and green bunnies and absolutely gorgeous. We made her a formal jacket to go over a dress she already had using a pattern that we had already created for the lace. The jacket was unique because it was made in such a way that it could be reversed and worn with the batik inside and the solid navy outside.

I loved working with Toni and being able to talk with her about designs and production, of both she was very knowledgeable.

Hayley

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Friday, July 24, 2009

Wedding Dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0&feature=player_embedded

I worked with a bride years ago to design a gown where she spun from a ballgown skirt into a cocktail dress. Seeing this video, I start fantasizing all of the possibilities for the party who dances down the aisle.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Mrs Tallahassee

I was excited to receive pictures from Mrs Tallahassee, Beth Anderson, of her time at the Mrs Florida Pageant. We worked together weeks before she left to make this beautiful evening gown for the competition. We met at the beginning of the year when she modeled some of my designs at the TAWP Bridal Show. From there, we designed a gown of silk white satin with a rouge sash. Crystals and rhinestones sparkle at the neckline, the sash, and down the back. Beth has offered to let me get some pictures of the gown close-up. So, I should be able to post those next week sometime.

Hayley

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Moving Closer To My Dreams Conference

This week, I was given a great honor. I was asked to be on a panel of speakers for a conference coming up in Tallahassee on August 1st. It is geared toward encouraging young women to follow their dreams towards entrepreneurship. I will be given a few minutes to tell about myself and my business and then be given some Q/A. I know several women also speaking at the conference, so it should be fun!

Visit the website at www.movingclosertomydreams.com

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Facebook - I'm there. I'm just not sure where there is.....

So, I was at a meeting a week or two ago where almost everyone had a Facebook business page and everyone loved it. Being one of the only ones not hooked up networking on Facebook, I decided to set up an account. Now I don't know what to do! I'm there, I have friends, now what? There so many buttons that don't seem to go to any place of importance. I logged in the other day and the only thing I was able to accomplish towards setting up the page was adding my picture. So, my facebook business site will be great as soon as I figure out how...........

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A new website

If you have tried out the new vows website recently, you will probably notice that it is slightly different now. When I opened, I just created something simple to give the right information. Over the weekend, I found a great template website and created the new Vows site with lots of extra educational information on tuxedos, suits, and how to wear them. I like the new site so much with all of the extra information, I'm thinking about adding to my Hayley Lauren Couture site as well.....

Hayley

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

3852 Killearn Center Blvd

Tallahassee, FL 32309

Monday, July 13, 2009

Fast Forward a Few Weeks

Ok! So, the countdown didn't work exactly as I had pictured it. The closer it got to opening the more time I spent at the shop, which didn't have internet hook-up......... Now going on day 12 of being open, I have finally taken a moment to sit down and say - I didn't do that very well......

To give a quick catchup, the place looks great! The fitting rooms are up thanks to Phil (a professional contractor and friend of my husband, Matt.) Everything is moved in and set up just right. Vows Tuxedo by Hayley Lauren Couture LLC is officially a member of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. When joining, we received a lot of great offers by local businesses. One of which was advertising with the Democrat. We have, or had, four "Grand Opening" ads running over the last week starting on Thursday and our last one will go out Wednesday. Today, we finalized the radio ads that will be playing on 104.9 and 99.9. Listen out for those, they'll start on Sunday evening.

A grand opening was held last Thursday and Friday. We had an almost constant flow of visitors during those evenings, and some who couldn't make it during the evening stopped by whenever possible.

Mike from Mike's Limo let us have a Limo in the parking lot. (which if you drive by is still there...) Balloons Unlimited brought balloons for outside. Missy from Missy Gunnels' Flowers brought the most beautiful bouquet for the opening. Rachel Melson from Sunny Days Bakery brought a delicious cake and cookies. Terri Smith brought some fantastic cupcakes from Lucy and Leo's and took some pictures of the place.

I have spent the last week and a half settling in to my new space as an open business and am now ready to meet clients!

-Hayley

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC
Vows Tuxedo
(850)668-0259
hlcouture@gmail.com
http://www.vowstuxedo.net/
3852 Killearn Center Blvd
Tallahassee FL 32309

Friday, June 19, 2009

Day 14

It's day 14, but I have less then two weeks to go. Yes, my math seems to be a little off.... Ok. Day 13th..... I just lost a day and accomplished nothing, that's a little depressing.

Today, I ordered the new business cards. I have been running low on my originals but was holding out for the new information and business changes. I received a discount on them after googling discount codes and trying several. It was enough for free shipping so I'm happy.

The new cards will look similar to my older version from when it was just Hayley Lauren Couture. I am blessed to have had a wonderful wedding photographer for my own wedding last year. Linda from Long's Photography (http://www.longsphotography.com/) designed my business cards using one of her shots of my dress. I have taken a similar shot of one of the groomsmen's tuxedos for the back side of the card.

Note my new business phone number...... When I set up a business account, the phone company let me choose my number. It picked one that was easy to remember..... That's the number I had when I was six.

I purchased a new vowstuxedo.net website but haven't created anything for it yet. Add that to my list of things to do.........

Most of the smaller office items have been purchased and I set out to find some of the bigger items this weekend.

There is still so much to do this next week along with working with my current brides and finishing up my last week at Pyramid Studios. After 8 months of searching for the funding, it's hard to believe that it's finally time for the finishing touches!

Hayley

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

hlcouture@embarqmail.com

Tallahassee, FL

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Day 16

I went to the new place today,took measurements, and looked things over. The downstairs still needs a wall to come down and men's fitting rooms constructed. The upstairs needs some sprucing up but nothing major.

This is going to be the new gown studio where my lady clients will come to discuss their gowns and have them made. The windows overlook the front street and of course will have covering. The room is so pretty even without the furniture, I can't wait to get into it and set up.

I'm starting to get my supplies ordered and together. My major goals for the end of the week is to order business cards and tuxedo bags, purchase a bulk of the furniture items still left for downstairs, have the sign for the front of the store contracted, and begin working with a station for radio ads. Any ideas of who?

16 days to go........

Hayley
Hayley Lauren Couture
Custom Bridal Design and Eveningwear
Vows Tuxedo
(850)566-4491
hlcouture@embarqmail.com
www.hayleylaurencouture.net
Tallahassee, FL

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Day 17

Seventeen days until my opening of the new storefront and tuxedos.

Yesterday, at the Golden Eagle Country Club Bridal Show, was the introduction to all of the wonderful chances happening at Hayley Lauren Couture. I think it was a wonderful success and received many positive comments toward the changes.

I would like to thank Jamie, Charlie, Ivan, Ivi, Erin, Allison, and Amanda who modeled for me during the show. They were all wonderfully supportive and worked hard to do their part. I was blessed to have them. Also, special thanks to Ms Cindy, who helped me in the dressing room. And not trying to sound like an award accepting speech, thank you to my mother and sister who took the job of greeting all of the guest stopping by the booth.

Yesterday was also had a bittersweet moment. I have been working a part-time job at an art school for people with developmental disabilities. Yesterday, I told my boss I was leaving. I still have great plans for supporting my wonderful friends and can't be more excited about my business growing, but I'm going to miss my students very much.

Today, I have been able to check off my list of opening "To Do's"

- signed more papers with the realtor on the storefront. Hopefully, I'll be able to provide pictures of what the inside looks like soon.
- met with the Jim's tuxedo representative, whom was fabulous. I can already tell that I'm going to really enjoy doing business with them.

Hayley

Hayley Lauren Couture LLC

Vows Tuxedo

(850)668-0259

hlcouture@embarqmail.com