Monday

Wedding Crashers

I know it's been a while since I've posted regarding Weddings, Wedding Season is in full swing so forgive me for my tardiness.

Just had to write my quick review of NBC's Wedding Crashers. Tonight was the first opportunity I had to watch the show and I must admit, I definitely chuckled. As if parachuting into the ceremony, knocking over a Bakery full of cakes, a guy promoting a Pyramid Scheme and a guest showing up in a Wedding Dress was not enough...the Wedding Rings were almost towed by a "Kissing Towman".

A bit over the top I must admit, the show is not bad for a laugh here and there. I will probably have the channel fixed on NBC for atleast another Monday night at 10.

Wedding shows...go figure! lol

Tuesday

We did it!




As a proud soon to be mom I just had to share! This weekend, we put together the baby's crib and I'm so delighted. It's true; now it definitely feels real! 3.5 weeks and counting, I can't wait!

(PS, the saying in the back is courtesy of Wonderful Graffitti! I just love that place!)

Monday

Going Green

It seems everywhere you look these days, there's mention of "Going Green". Today is no different! In honor of "Earth Week" 2007 and yesterday's "Earth Day",today we are discussing "Green Weddings", yet another up and coming trend in the Wedding Industry.

Green Weddings are eco-friendly Weddings which are designed with the environment in mind. There are various ways to infuse the "Green" theme into your big day from the use of eco-friendly products to challenging your caterer to prepare Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic and Raw menus. For the not so daring, even the use of wonderful wines and organic beverages or even wearing "ethical jewelry" — diamonds, gold and silver that have been mined free of conflict and pollution donations , can contribute to an environmental and socially responsible Wedding.

Another way to play your role is through donations to organizatons such as the World Wildlife FundWorld Wildlife Fund. "At the World Wildlife Fund Weddings and Celebrations Site and Registry, couples can choose to enhance their wedding by contributing to conservation and reducing the impact their activities have on the planet. Through the site’s wedding gift registry, couples can create a personalized web page and registry giving guests the option of donating to WWF’s worldwide conservation programs in lieu of traditional wedding gifts. Registry announcements can be emailed to guests with a personalized message from the couple and a link to their gift registry web page. "

Thursday

Thank You



(This picture is of one of my favorite couples -Kiersten & Jason; aren't they both just gorgeous!)

After recently having 2 baby showers of significant sizes, believe me, I understand the (for lack of a better word) Inconvenience of hand writing Thank You cards, but I must tell you, etiquette wise it is an absolute necessity!

Couples often ask me if they "HAVE TO" do it, and while I don't feel anything is mandated, I absolutely feel that if someone takes the time to participate in your special day, the least you can do is thank them for thinking enough of you to share in your joy. You invite these guests because you feel that your day would be a little more complete with their presence, so take the time to WRITE a little note to acknowledge that you and your new spouse appreciate their well wishes (and gifts).

A few things to note when writing your notes...

Be as sincere as possible; If you are going to handwrite your thank you's though a generic message is acceptable, try to put something "special" in the note. While this does not necessarily mean reference the specific gift, you can do little things such as address the guest in their nickname, etc.

If you do not want to handwrite your thank you notes, select a generic message that covers all scenarios. Aside from thanking for the "gift", also thank for well wishes, etc.

Order your thank you notes at the same time as your invitations. In terms of cohesiveness, it's the easiest way to assure that your all of your stationary are the same. There would be nothing worse than waiting 5 months to order a line that possibly has gone out of circulation.

Lastly, be sure to budget $$$ for stamps! Couples often forget to allocate money for the stamps for thank you cards and depending on your guest list size, this may be a significant expense.

Wednesday

My Clients

I'm not much of a bragger, but I'm so happy to say I truly do have the best Clients on earth right now. This season, I've been fortunate enough to have Couples who've selected the coolest venues, menus and creatively I'm very inspired.

My August 5th Bride who I absolutely adore sent this to me yesterday and it totally made my day so I had to share...

I would be a mess if I didn't have you! Can you imagine if I planned
this on my own? "Fiance" and I were laughing about that as we went to sleep
last night. I said 4 weeks into the planning I would have thrown my
hands up in the air and eloped.


Totally made my day!

Tuesday

Let Them Eat Cake!


A good friend of mine and an Extraordinary Coordinator, Mark Kingsdorf, is hosting the 2007 Annual Let Them Eat Cake competition in Philadelphia a week from today! This event is full of everything from great food to awesome entertainment and helps to raise money for an amazing cause! Check out the invitatation information below, and if you're interested in going-please shout me a line so we can be sure to meet! I'll be the pregnant lady dancing in the middle of the floor-the Band (which played last year by the way) is AMAZING!

Let Them Eat Cake 2007






You are cordially invited to... Let Them Eat Cake - A benefit for City of Hope.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue
Broad and Walnut Streets
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Join hundreds of culinary enthusiasts and brides-to-be at the elegant Park Hyatt at the Bellevue for Let Them Eat Cake, a wedding cake design competition for pastry arts professionals and students.


3:00 p.m. – Set-up for pastry chefs (professionals and students) Please note: Pastry chefs may not arrive before 3 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – Judging and vendor set-up
5:00 p.m. – Balcony doors open for bird's eye view of cakes
6:00 p.m. – Ballroom doors open -- let the tasting begin!


Professional pastry company, bakery, caterer, hotel or restaurant
$100 per participant
More than one participant per establishment is acceptable.

Student Participation – No Charge
Due to some space limitations, the number of students participating may be limited.

General Public
$25 donation in advance and $30 at the door.
Reserve your spot now!

Participants are requested to provide one totally edible creation, after a blind tasting and judging we will allow participants to re-enter the room to add signage and business cards to their tables. Participants will demonstrate their creativity by displaying what they feel is their single best design, be it traditional, non-traditional, ethnic, fantasy or seasonal … the sky is the limit! Cakes will be judged in nine categories like Most Artistic, Best Tasting and Best Overall – Professional, College and High School Vocational. VIP judges from the culinary arts and wedding industries, as well as local celebrities will be on hand. So, show your best, most creative wedding cake design to a panel of VIP judges and hundreds of Philadelphia foodies, brides-to-be and wedding industry professionals at this unique design competition!

Proceeds from ticket sales on the day of the event will benefit City of Hope Cancer Center. All gross proceeds from this event go directly to City of Hope.

All marketing, products or in-kind services are donated or underwritten by members of our community.

Online Registration coming soon! For ticket information or to register by phone, please contact Harry Giordano at 215-985-0869.

Finally, I'm free!

I've missed you all tremendously! Finally, after 10, count them 10, whole days in bed recovering from a fever, migraines and pregnancy "woes", I'm back! Lot's of catching up to do so just be prepared!!!!