Monday

Happy New Year


From our family to yours we hope you had a very happy holiday and wish you a Happy and prosperous New Year!

Sunday

Looking Back

If I told you how many times I've started and stopped this post, you wouldn't even believe me. This is an emotional one for me for sure.

If I had to sum up 2007 for POSH Events, in one word, it would be growth.

As we approach our 5th year in the business, this has by far been the most memorable. We've changed our name to a name which more accurately reflects our vision to be "smart, fashionable, stylish and educated", expanded our staff and opened a new office.

Our weddings have gone from small and intimate for 46 to large gatherings of 300+ where the secret service joined those on the guest list. From the beach to the ballroom to the Military Fort, this year,we've pretty much have seen it all.

While our Grooms ranged from salesman to politicians to NFL players our Brides were educated, fashionable and extremely poised; and their weddings certainly reflected it.

Our vendors have proven that they can and will defy the odds and time and time again have helped us to make the process appear to be seemless.

We were also extremely fortunate to share in welcoming little bundles of joys for many of our 2006 couples as well as preparing for little angels from our 2007 newlyweds.

Of course my greatest achievement this year was the birth of my son Christian. In having him I truly learned the meaning of unconditional love and the miracle of life.

It's been a good year. From the bottom of my heart I say thank you to all that have entrusted, inspired and endured with us.

Cheers to the New Year!

Thursday

My Very 1st Christmas

Today was Christian's very first Christmas. We actually started it on Christmas Eve as we recognized dragging a 7th month old between 2 grandparents home was going to be quite the challenge.

He did very well. He actually opened one gift all by himself (although he was a bit confused a mommy partially "tore" the paper to speed up the process). We now have outfits to last way through the winter and well into the summer as well as lots of new toys and gifts.

Thank you to all of you who sent well wishes and cards our way and we hope you to had a very Merry Christmas!

(Notice a special "gift" under the tree)


(Christian opened gifts with his cousin Raymond who is 8 months older than him)


(Christian wearing his Christmas bib courtesy of my 10/06 Bride, Reina Byrd)

Wednesday

Style Cap with Denise Herker of Leigh Florist, Audobon, New Jersey

This week's style cap is with my Favorite Floral Connect, Denise Leigh Herker of Leigh Florists in Audobon, New Jersey. Denise and I have worked together on many, many weddings and Brides and Vendors alike just love her laid back, enthusiastic personality. She truly has an appreciation for her work and has mastered her craft. Here goes:

Isis: Denise, how long have you been in the Floral Industry?
Denise: I have been in the industry for seven years. Ironically, it started out as a sales position at a local florist in West Chester , PA. Then I starting taking classes at Long wood gardens to learn more about design and many years later, here I am.

Isis: So, what's your favorite part of what you do?
Denise: My favorite part is definitely the weddings and events. I love playing a part in people's lives and there traditions.

Isis: What does a typical day at the Flower shop entail?
Denise: I am always busy so the first thing I do is make my long to do list for the day. A typical day includes talking to vendors, growers, brides, customers and designing for all different events. The day actually flies by believe it or not, from start to finish it's usually non-stop!

Isis: Tell us something that we'd never guess about you?
Denise: When I found the shop 3 1/2 years ago it had been named Leigh florist since 1918 which is my middle name. It has seemed "meant to be" ever since.
Isis: I still can't get over that story! lol

Isis: What common mistake do Brides make when it comes to flowers?


Isis: What do you seen in terms of Floral trends for 2008?
Denise: Trends for the new year... we are still seeing vibrant shades as well as black and white classic weddings. Centerpieces varying in style and sizes, smaller posy bouquets for bridesmaids, branches and non traditional elements.

Isis: How would you categorize your signature style?
Denise: Elegant European garden style with unique details. I love what I do and I hope that ultimately shines through in every finished product!

Where can interested Brides and Grooms find you?

We are located on the web at www.leighflorist.com or at the studio @ 400 Amherst Rd., Audubon, NJ 08106 | T. 856 547 1090

Isis: Thanks Denise!





Sunday

Jessica Marries Jeff

So you've heard me mention (only about a half dozen times)my fabulous couple, Jessica and Jeff from last month. I received the pictures from their amazing photographer, Jen Capone,of Jen Capone Photography, and let's just say "the proof is in the pudding".

















Thanks again to all of the vendors that assisted in making this wedding a fairytale come true:

The Mansion on Main Street
Trinity United Methodist Church
Center Stage Entertainment
Marriott Mount Laurel
Bella Angel
Fancy Limos
Family Limo

Friday

Happy Birthday to me!

That's right...it's my Birthday!



As terribly obnoxius as it is to post to the world, I couldn't resist. I LOVE birthdays...they give people a reason to party and they allow you a moment to reflect on your past, celebrate your accomplishments and plan for the future. That...and there's always cake!

As a "so close to Christmas you can almost taste it" baby, the minute people learn my birth date, they immediately react with an "awh, poor thing-you must be so dissapointed that you don't get separate gifts". This is a total misconception. Believe you me, I've asked many fellow Christmas time babies and they all agree-we fight hard for recognition of our day as OUR day (sometimes through blogs :smile) and we usually receive separate gifts.

Me personally, I have the best gift in the world. Good health, a family that loves and supports me, friends that I adore, a business that inspires me and an angel of a son. What more could a girl want? (Tiffany earrings excluded)

To all my fellow December babies, happy birthday to you too!

Thursday

Such a Cutie Pie!



I'm always torn when it comes to favors. Personally, I think spending $10/pp of an additional expense and stressing until no end just so you're guests don't talk about you is...ABSURD! But, we all do it and since you're going to do it, make your money (and those gray hairs) work for you -Go edible!

I fell in love with the great treats from Cutie Pie Cookie Company, LLC. . The New York based company offers a couture line which includes four designs and the option to customize your sweet treat with the design of your choice. Not only are the cookies sooo "cute", at $3.25 each (which includes the option to package the cookie as either a gift or a favor), you'll have plenty left over to by extra for you! Sweet!

Tuesday

Style Cap with Tiffany Forde of A'Janae, Inc.

I'm so excited for today's style Cap. Tiffany Forde is not only one of my amazing makeup artists, I also had the honor of Coordinating her wedding earlier this year.



Isis: Well Lady...It's been a little while. Three months to be exact. I can't believe it's been that long since we worked together on your Wedding! Thanks for agreeing to be my first interview on Style Cap.

The rules are simple. I will ask you 7 questions to give our readers an idea of who you are and what you do. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride...No pressure!

So, exactly how long have you been in the industry and how did you get started?

Tiffany: I have been in the industry about 6 years. I first got started in college doing makeup for fashion shows.

Isis: What is your most favorite part of your job?
Tiffany: That's easy...my favorite part is making people beautiful

Isis:What does a typical day in the office consist of?
Tiffany: Please...you know I don't work in an office. I'm on location so my "office" is wherever my Client is. For a model, it may be on a set or in a geographical location. For my Brides, the day may start where the Bride decides to get dressed and often ends at the reception site.

Isis: Ok Tiff, tell us an interesting fact about you that we may never have guessed.
Tiffany:Believe it or not, I was a cellist for 15 years

Isis:What is the one mistake clients often make when it comes to makeup?
Tiffany: Clients have a misconceived notion that makeup is supposed to wear like a mask and hide who they are. On your Wedding day, it's our job to make you LOOK beautiful and your job to feel your best. The last thing you want to do is look back at your Wedding pictures and not recognize the face on the page.

Isis: So give us the scoop. What do you see in terms of industry trends/predictions for 2008.
Tiffany:I won't share too much, but I will say that lashes are all the rage!!!

Isis: I always emphasize to my Clients that their day is all about their signature style and having an event that "oozes" just that. How do you define your "signature" style?
Tiffany: My personal signature style is sophisticated with a hint of creative expression!

Isis: Now for the easy part. Can you let our readers know where they can find you!
Tiffany: Sure! The name of the business is A'Janae ( aah-jah-nay) and you can find us on the web at www.experiencecolorbyajanae.com

Isis: Thanks again Tiffany and give the new hubby my best.
Tiffany: Anytime. Thank you!

Monday

His Name is Brian

Brian Branch Price.

More often than you can imagine, I have been emailed and asked who "shot" the headshot on my website. His name is Brian Branch Price.



I've realized it's the shock value of seeing me in a dress. ( For those of you who don't know, this self-professed shopaholic is the PROUD owner of 200+ pairs of jeans!)Only Brian could get me "dolled" up (courtesy ofthe FABULOUS Cheryl Ann Wadlington of Evoleur Consultants) for a photo shoot at the Art Museum.

The shoot was so much fun. I'm not sure if it was the "superstar" feel of being followed by a photographer as people stared to see if I was a celebrity, or the laughs we shared watching hundreds of people repeatedly run up the Art Museum steps and do the "Rocky" stanze, but we had a blast!

Brian and I have worked events in the past and I really do adore him. This business certainly has it's perks!

Here are some of Brian's pictures from his recent trip to Africa. Lucky guy.





Sunday

Something New

As we embark on a New Year and a new Wedding season, I've decided to add something New to the blog. It's called "Style cap". ( I SWEAR I didn't remember that the Style Network was using this term until AFTER I came up with it and well...I like it, so we'll just have to share!)

Every week I will set out to interview an event professional to illustrate their view of the business, tips & tricks to help you on your pursuit of the perfect party and insight to their signature style!

Hope you enjoy and look for "Style cap" soon.

I'm it!

I was tagged (yes, there is such a thing as blog tag)by Affairs with Elegance. I was also tagged by the Diva herself, Ms. Linnyette Richardson-Hall, so there's no running from it... Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


1.My favorite day of the week is Wednesday. No particular reason, just is.
2.One of my favorite snacks is warm french fries with honey. Yes, pure honey.
3. Multiples run in my family. Twins are common and 3 years ago, we celebrated the arrival of our first set of triplets.
4.I've never lived and went to school or lived and worked in the same city.
5.I own 200 pairs of blue jeans. Yes, it's possible!
6.I come from an extremely close extended family. We travel together, go out together and no matter where we are, we spend every holiday with ATLEAST one other family member.
7.I still cry at every wedding.

Hate to do it but tag you're it:
Jen Capone Photography, Shayna Walker Wedle of Williamsburg Wedding Design, Meredith Sellers Tomasulo, Perfect Settings, Dana Romano Photography, Pink Cake Box, Scarlett Lillian

Friday

Couldn't have said it better if I tried

So I wont.

I read the most awesome blog post today from a great friend and fellow colleague, Shayna Walker Wedle of Williamsburg Design. Now Shayna and I are working on the 3 year mark of friendship and I'm honored to say I've been fortunate enough to work with her in beautiful Williamsburg,Virginia(DEFINITELY For lovers). I've also shared a room with her on an excursion to visit another fellow Coordinator, Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites, when we both hopped on planes(never actually meeting each other prior to that) to fly all the way to Florida to meet Kelly (who we also never met and only knew from and online forum) and at the annual 21st Century Nuptials seminar given by Lynnette Richardson-Hall... but as I read this post, I realize just how similarly we think.

Click here to read Do You Love them Thi$$$ much!

Great Job Shayna!

Wednesday

Farrah marries James

Every once in a while I meet a Bride and instantly know we are going to sync. Farrah was this Bride. From our initial meeting at the Trenton Marriott, I knew two things 1- across from me sat a couple who was very much in love and 2. This wedding was planned to the "t". The challenge... turning a 4000 square foot theatre style ballroom into an intimate NYC lounge with an adjoining 1200+ square foot stage/ dance floor to host a dessert reception for 300+ guests and a 13 person Bridal party.

"City, Lounge, Chic" were the buzzwords for the theme of this candlelit, all white reception. 8:00 pm was the start time of the evening, outdoor ceremony at the historic Trenton War Memorial. 100 + votives lit the pathway for Farrah to meet her new groom, James Gee, and the sky stayed clear for the couple to recite their vows. Afterwards, guests were treated to "Trenton Tea" as they made thier way into the white washed dessert reception complete with a lounge area for seating.












Thanks to all of the amazing Vendors who assisted in making this wedding an astounding success:

Reverand Buster Soires
Bella Pictures
Leigh Florist
DJ Kwest-TrentNBoyz

Monday

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon...

then wine tasting at a beautiful vineyard right in your own backyard????

Ok... Buck's County is technically 40 minutes outside of my own personal yard space, but it is certainly close enough to home.

I spent this 40 degree day sipping wine at my new favorite place, Crossing Vineyards and Winery. Crossing vineyards is a beautiful, quaint winery located just off of 95 in Washington Crossing, PA.

My visit today was two-fold. #1- I was able to meet up with some old Coordinator friends (and a few new ones) and #2-I was able to increase my knowledge of wine. In this industry you quickly learn one thing, there is ALWAYS more to learn! So today, I took a refressher course, not so appropriately titled, "Wine Tasting for Dummies" (smile).

Now I've taken my fair share of wine courses and today's was by far my favorite. The tasting was led by Tom Carroll, Sr, who is downright hysterical! His humor and laid back personality definitely eased the air of the "snob" feeling often associated with wine and allowed the group to relax and learn he process involved in the appreciation of wine.

Here are a few interesting things I wanted to share for all of the newbies considering learning about wine:

1. You always want to smell your wine (keeping your head straight,tilt the glass and put your nose into the glass, so that the wine runs just below the tip of your nose) Swirl the wine (air oxidizes/ages the wine)and smell again-the intensity of the smell will increase.
2. When you sip wine, to highten your sense of smell, close your eyes (Go figure!)
3. The correct way to swirl if you are right handed i n counter clockwise, lefties you are to go the other way.
4. Three types of wine- Bone dry, Off dry (less than 3% sugar) and sweet
5. Reisling wine is perfect to pair with Thai, Indian, Mexican or any other spicy food-brings out the flavors of the dish
6. The date on the wine bottle is the year the grapes were GROWN.
7. White wine should be consumed 3-5 years from the date on the bottle, red is 5-8 (generally speaking)
8. The term "young" refers to newly bottled wine. The wine needs more bottle time, approximately 6 years.
9. Lastly, it is CRUCIAL to slurp taste your wine to get the true taste on your palette.


Now, being the charm school graduate I am, I found #9 to be the most challenging thing to do initially. Basically tilting my head forward and "gurgling" and then slurping and swallowing the wine, totally disturbed me! The purpose however, is to take in air as you sip and it really does work to change the taste in your mouth...and Tom Sr is right, in will not drip out of your mouth

If you're ever in the area, make sure to stop by Crossing Vineyards-it was truly an amazing experience. Even better-the Winery is able to host private events and accomodate up to 300 people!

So, to answer my own question...what better way is there to spend a Sunday afternoon then wine tasting and a beautiful vineyard right in your own backyard???? Doing so and calling it WORK!

Below is a picture from today with some of my Colleagues- from left to right Myself, Tanti Lina of Papertini, Deidre Grey of Always a Positive Image and Randi Martin of Always Fabulous Events



PS. When you visit, be sure to try the Wild Bery Original Series, Blush, Apple and the Reisling!

Saturday

I pulled it off!

Tonight's dinner was the perfect end to a perfect Wedding season.

I'll be honest, pulling off a dinner for my team in 125 hours was no easy task, but the end result, I was very proud of.

The biggest challenge was deciding on a menu. With the holidays around the corner, I chose to avoid turkey and ham-At all cost! Instead, we opted for roasted chicken with vegetable stuffing, cranberry sauce with whole berries and orange zest, baked macaroni, sweet potatoes and vegetables. I lucked out on the caterer for the night-my sister (who is pursuing her passion in the catering world) eagerly volunteered to cook-MAJOR RELIEF. For the spring roll, coconut shrimp and meatball hor d'oeuvres, I enlisted the help of Andreottis' Vienesse Cafe in Cherry Hill, NJ. Desserts-brownies, cupcakes, miniature cherry cheesecake and cherry ganaches were complimented with cranberry Bellini's and completed the festive feel of the night.

For decor, I turned to my new favorite store Christmas Tree Shops. The gorgeous table centerpiece (complete with orchids, an apple and a christmas tree bulb) was compliments of my favorite florist Denise Herker of Leigh Florist

Place setting


Dinner (Sweet potato with marshmallow, macaroni, chicken, cranberries and veggies)


Godiva Truffle favor (these have been discontinued by the way), orchid and star ornament placecard holder


Floral Centerpiece


mmm...


It was a real honor to me to be able to provide my staff with a home-cooked meal to say thank you. I truly believe I have the best team in the business, hearing from guests at almost EVERY wedding how wonderful my staff is is a testament to just how hard my team works in helping to make dreams come true.

Denise of Leigh Florist and Nanette


My assistant Nanette, Myself and the infamous Malakiea

Thank you ladies and here's to another season of laughter, love and POSH Events!

Friday

Captain's Log

In 20.5 hours I will be hosting my first annual POSH Holiday party. It's been quite a ride but I think I'll actually pull it off.

Menu-CHECK
Menu cards-CHECK
Entertainment-CHECK

Thursday

So You Think you can PLAN?

I was honored when my very good friend and colleague, Deidre Gray of Always A Positive Image, LLC, asked for me to participate on a panel for her upcoming "Designed for Success" Wedding seminar. I was even more excited when I found out that another Colleague who I admire and have gotten to know over the last few years, Linnyette Richardson Hall of Premiere Event Management (aka the "DIVA" from Style Network's Whose Wedding Is It Anyway & Married Away) was announced as the Guest speaker. So excited that it just occurred to me... I forgot to share!

If you are interested in this wonderful, rewarding and insane profession of planning, regardless of if you are a student, novice or someone who's been in business a few years and needs a refresher, here's the perfect opportunity to obtain real world knowledge of the life of a Wedding Planner. From tricks of the trade to basic "how-to", the seminar is sure to offer something for everyone.

Best of all, from now until the end of the month, the cost of the seminar is reduced to just $175-(A total STEAL if you ask me!) Spaces are limited so be sure to reserve your seat soon.

To register and for more details, click here or contact 215.742.6717

Designed For Success!
Sheraton University City
36th & Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA
January 26, 2008
9:00 am-5:00 pm

Hope to see you there and be sure to say hello!

Wednesday

Why didn't anyone tell me...

About Christmas Tree Shops?!?!?!

I stepped one foot in that store and almost lost my mind! $50 later I am well on my way to planning Saturday's holiday party...

Table setting-CHECK!
Centerpieces-CHECK!
Invitations-CHECK!
Menu-CHECK
Not bad for 24 hours...

4 days and counting.

Monday

Amazing Race!

Not the show (I never could fully follow along)...the race until this Saturday's holiday dinner. Who in their right mind decides mid Monday afternoon to host a dinner for their staff for the holidays 5 days before the date???

Your honor, that would be me!

It just occurred to me that my right hand and very talented Senior Assistant is off to Europe before the holiday and there's no way to have a "POSH" party, without her.

So, it's on...6 days,( make that 5) 4 guests of honor and their families, linens, place settings, a menu, favors... Did I mention a menu?

Creative minds-I need your help! Suggestions for where to go to make my "Crimson Kiss" theme a hit with limited time and a conservative budget? As my head spins, I'd love to hear your ideas

Sunday

The Art of Presentation



Creating a signature style is all about paying attention to the "details" of the day. Any good Planner will tell you- the art of presentation involves more than just the visual appearance, presentation encompasses the stimulation of all five senses.

Although you may not be able to upgrade every element of your wedding, the little "touches" do make all the difference.

I found this curved serving set at one of my newest addictions cb2.com (Click on the link and select room view for the full effect)

Just think how much more memorable cocktail hour would be with your servers offering hors d'euvres on these Fabulous trays or how impressed your guests will be at your next home based affair when the "spread" appears on these modular servers. The square tasting spoons.... just $.95. Maximum impact for very little money.

Love it!