Having been a luxury wedding and event planner for over a decade my love for weddings runs deep in my bones. It’s the type A personality in me that loves creating timelines, the dreamer and visionary in me that loves designing one of a kind events and the servants heart in me that loves giving all I have to each of my couples.

It only seemed fitting for me to begin celebrating my sweet little girls marriage day on her first birthday. So when I stumbled across this precious cake knife tradition I just knew that I had to have it be a part of Charlotte’s birthday celebration.

Let’s break the tradition down.

It’s unclear where the tradition came. Although cutting a birthday cake dates back to Germany in 15th century A.D. it wasn’t until Victorian times when the Brides Cake entered a wedding celebration. As far as gifting a cake knife on a first birthday the history is unclear, but when I stumbled across it I knew it was the key to the perfect first birthday gift.

What:
A special cake knife is gifted to a little girl on her first birthday.
Note: I did receive messages that it can also be custom to gift a little boy a cake knife as well.

Why:
The special cake knife can then be used for special occasions leading up to ones marriage day. Birthdays, communion, graduation, etc.

Julia Childs did say that any event without cake it just a meeting. We all know that cake is generally key to a proper celebration so why not have the perfect cake knife for each special occasion.

How:
For Charlotte I will admit that I didn’t have a formal cake knife for my wedding, or I would have passed our wedding set to her. Instead we got her a set from Tiffany’s as her very first blue box.

A few of the options we looked at were:
Tiffany and Co.
Kate Spade , with blue
Kate Spade, with rose
Vera Wang for Wedgewood
Sterling Silver Set
Waterford Diamond Set

Leave it to me to be indecisive about what I want to engrave on Charlotte’s set. For her birthday it was blank, but I think I have decided to simply put her formal name on the cake knife and for her wedding we can then add the name of her groom to the cake server for her set to be complete.

I have also heard of a simple message on the back of the cake server to be a great option. Something like:
Here’s to the first of many celebrations honoring you.
Happy First Birthday! May this cake knife bring you joy each time you celebrate.

In hindsight I may have given Barrett his own birthday cake knife, but will reserve that for his someday bride. Maybe she will have been gifted her very own cake knife.

Our precious cake knife sign came from Honey Bear Pages to match all of our stationery for the party. She has an adorable Etsy shop and is the sweetest! I would highly recommend reaching out to her for a cake knife sign or any stationery needs.

What do you think of the tradition? Did you receive a birthday cake knife, or have you gifted a special cake knife to someone? I would love to hear below!

xo Christina

1 decade. 10 years. 120 months. 521 weeks. 3,652 days.

The girl in this picture is equal parts the same as she is different. It only took me one wedding to learn that you can’t wear heels all day (even when you are 25), and that serving couples and families on a marriage day is truly the best job anyone could ask for.

I had been planning weddings for 2.5 years, but on November 11, 2011 (yes, the planner in me picked 11-11-11 intentionally) I officially re-organized my business into the LLC that is Christina Leigh Events.

I told my mom for years I wanted to be a wedding planner. I had a binder with my logo, sketch of my desk and office decor inspiration (hello pink gerbera daisies). I don’t know how many times she said to me, “go to college and we’ll talk about this later.” I majored in Communications and my senior year an opportunity to work an event for a planner in town surfaced. From there came an internship, then my first “real job.” That job taught me more than I could ever write on paper and lead to the business you see today.

It’s not lost on me that I have the most amazing job because of the incredible humans I get to work for and alongside every day. To the hundreds of clients who have trusted CLE with your weddings and events thank you. It’s not only a joy to design a beautiful experience for your guests, but to get to know you and welcome you into the CLE family.

To my brides who have called just to chat.
To moms who have trusted me with more than one special wedding or event.
To the fathers who call your Fronk to add in a surprise father daughter dance on your little girls marriage night.
To the grooms who allow us to manage the logistics so that you can be fully present.
To the clients who give us full creative control and allow us to put fourth our best work.
To the couples who welcome us into your home, and on private property, to create your dream wedding.
To clients who allow us to celebrate your businesses and employees.
Thank you for your trust, love and referrals CLE is what it is because of you!

To the countless creatives and creative teams (we don’t work with “vendors” around here – your event is more important than the county fair) we’ve been able to work alongside as we serve our amazing couples and clients, thank you. Working with experts in so many fields creates a beautiful finished product that is unique and special in its own way, every single time.
Thank you for putting you best foot forward for our shared couples, and teaching me a thing or two along the way.

I’ve had countless moms ask me to write a book. Maybe someday I’ll put a pen to paper about the fallen cakes, burst water mains, torrential downpours, no catering staff that lead to my cleaning dishes for 300 people, red wine spills on wedding gowns, dry cleaner ruined gowns (yes, before the wedding) and even the time I had to be a bouncer. I haven’t written those stories yet because it seems unfair for those stories to outshine the first looks, Father of the bride speeches, helicopter exits, epic bands, one-of-a-kind designs and all of the walks up the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. All of the nights that turn into mornings and the clocks that don’t slow down. That time is where memories are made, where love is the most tangible and the start of a brand new chapter.

To say the past decade has been the honor of a lifetime would be an understatement. It is truly a joy to celebrate love, and I can’t wait to see what the next decade holds.

Cheers to allowing CLE to serve you for your special celebrations!
xo, Christina

Thank you Nellie Sparkman for zhuzhing up the CLE logo for a decade of celebrations!

It’s that time of year! Engagements are in full swing and fall weddings are right around the corner. With a new ring, name and new house comes new opportunities to host your friends and family, as well as create new traditions. I joined forces with one of my favorite stores, Pottery Barn, to share a few of the registry tips I share with my couples to help make their house feel more like home.

• A registry is the best way to politely suggest items you would like to receive as you start your life as a married couple. Register for high and low end items and don’t be afraid to register for a few fun things. If you register for what you love, and not what a general guide tells you that you have to have, it’s less likely you will have to return any gifts.
  
• In my experience it’s good to register at 3 locations; a department store, a large retailer (available in most cities) and a local boutique. This will allow each of your guests to shop where they feel comfortable. 
  
• Think about your lifestyle and what you would like for your home. If you love the outdoors and don’t plan on hosting any formal events china and crystal might not be the best fit. Instead, start with the basics. A great set of dishes, flatware and glassware can be great layering pieces. Add seasonal napkins, placements and chargers to change the look of your table.
  
• Just like seasons change so does inventory! It’s likely that if you register for your fall wedding in the spring the floral print pillows you placed on your registry might not be available by the time of your wedding. Always refresh your registry at the change of any season. 
  
• Another great time to refresh your registry is after any pre-wedding event. It’s possible that for your engagement party or bridal shower your guests will shop your registries. Make sure there are items left for guests who may not have been able to attend, or might still be looking for a gift for your wedding day. 
  
• Test things out in person! Do you like the way the fork that you saw online feels in your hand? Is the coffee mug you love the perfect one for your morning java? It’s ok to mix and match, your wine glasses may not be the same as your every day drinking glasses you already own and love. 
  
• It is never proper etiquette to list your registries on your save-the-date on invitation. Instead, list your registries on your wedding website and let your maid of honor, mother and mother-in-law know so they can answer registry related questions when they are asked. 

Were there great tips you received when registering? We would love for you to share your tips and tricks below as well!

How fun is this! It’s Wedding Wednesday and it only seems fitting to curate an Easter “basket” for the newly engaged! How adorable are these ice buckets as the basket! There are so many adorable options it’s hard to choose just one. The celebratory bunny, summer lemons or perfect monogram – you choose your base! Add coordinating linen napkins and stir sticks for all of the wedding planning meetings you’re about to toast at! I love the addition of gift tags (hello hostess gifts) and stationery for those first thank you notes.

TIP: It’s not customary for a bride to use her new three-letter-monogram until
after the ceremony. If you are gifting stationery for wedding thank you notes, the brides
maiden name and/or maiden monogram would be proper etiquette.

I love this adorable ring tray and don’t forget the best ring cleaner! Of course every bride needs a beautiful planner and this one is a Team CLE favorite! We love the coordinating pen and that this planner was just named one of Vogue’s top 11!

Finish off your basket with a few sweet treats and this newly engaged Easter basket is set to go! We’d love to know, are you newly engaged this Easter? Tell us below!

Sources: Ice Bucket, Candy, Pen, Wedding Planner, Cocktail Napkins, Stationery,
Gift Tags, Ring Cleaner, Stir Sticks, Candy, Ring Tray

When we decided to bring back the Christina Leigh blog it was so fun to go through archives. It’s crazy to think that some of our posts were from 2009! Needless to say after years of blogging, multiple websites and lots of transitions so many of our original blog links and images were broken. The good news for you, is that we are bringing back some of the OG posts simply because we love them.

Without further ado, one of our very first posts. This shades of green inspiration board is a breath of fresh air. It seemed perfect to re-post the week of St. Patrick’s Day. Whether celebrating a very green day, or simply loving mint green we think this palette is classic and beautiful.

For two and a half years I have been faithfully blogging for my previous company, and while I am so thankful for the experience I am so happy to have a new blog and company!

I figured half of you may not really know who I am, or what I do, so I thought I would share. Will that be ok?

So this is me… My name is Christina Leigh Clayton and I own Christina Leigh Events.

I love the sun and the soft colors of the spring.
I’m not a fan of pop, I only drink water… and soy chai lattes.
I love peonies, ranunculus, parrot tulips and soft texture flowers.
I love my family.
I think snow looks best on a postcard, or looking at it out my window from the fireplace.
I love Jesus.
I have a degree in Communications from The University of Tulsa.
I was a cheerleader in college.
I want a mini goldendoodle and a great dane.
I started buying wedding magazines with my allowance in fifth grade.
I am OCD and color code everything.
I am a Kappa Alpha Theta.
I would be lost without my calendar.
I love all of my brides… and their moms… and their soon to be moms.
I’m a designer, planner and coordinator.

In short, I’ll be your best friend, help you pick out a dress, walk you through one of the best times of your life. I’ll think like a 13 year old to throw the best Bat/Bar Mitzvah you’ve ever been to. I love holiday parties and representing your brand. I am an event planner, I love what I do, and I would love to help plan, design and produce your next event!

If you’re getting to know me I thought I would introduce you to my soon to be Mr. also; meet Blair!

I have walked so many brides though the wedding process and it has been so much fun! A little over a month ago I became a bride myself, and I am so excited to share my journey with you all.

I’ll begin with how we re-met! It was April 10, 2010, I was at contestants day for Miss Oklahoma and got a phone call from a friend that a group was going to dinner and I should come. She also told me that Blair was in town. — Rewind four years. I remembered Blair from college; he played football and I cheered. The first time I ever met him was in the Kappa Alpha Theta house at TU. He was doing a class project with my Big, Sarah, and she briefly introduced us. — Of course I remembered the 6’6″ tall, sweet southern gentleman from Texas. I hadn’t been to dinner with a group of friends in awhile so I went. Being the sweet man Blair is, he offered me his chair so that I didn’t have to sit on the end. We ended up chatting for awhile and then we all headed to stop number two. We spoke there for awhile and then I called an early night and headed home. A couple of days later I sent Blair a Facebook message to say it was great to see him and I hoped he had a great trip back home. The message was the beginning of a never ending chain of messages. Needless to say, I’m glad I sent that message. 🙂 Next week I’ll be back to share our proposal story.