Wednesday

Some work and some play

You may have noticed a slight delay in postings on the blog but I have a good reason, really I do. I am happily writing to you today from the Special Event Show in Sunny San Diego, CA. The experience has been quite moving and inspiring and my wedding wheels are actively turning.

As a professional coordinator it is so important to stay "fresh" in the industry and knowledgeable about trends across the region and the globe. The Special Event Show brings the industries finest to one central location for a week of seminars, trade show exhibiting and networking events.

I intended on blogging straight from the show during the week, however my camera had another plan so there will be lots to report when I get back. Even more excited, I have lots of company related news to share including new additions to staff, conferences and more so stay tuned!

Hope you're all staying warm...I know I am.

It's not what you know...

When you are newly engaged, it's very easy to go from calm to overly excited and in a matter of seconds. More often that not, it's been my obversation that couples literally just don't know where to start.

Beyond the obvious narrowing down your Vendor categories, when it is time to actually participate in initial meetings, it's common place for selecting of a Vendor to become quite the daunting task. Here's my advice, instead of just focusing on what you DO like, cutting out pages and pages of every flower that gets you to smile, how about you narrow it down to your top 5/10 items that you like and also select 5 that you DO NOT like.

Here's why....

As a Vendor, it's just as easy for us to help guide you down the right path to wedded bliss knowing what you do not like (i.e. bright colors, floral patterns, the outdoors, children, etc.) as it is knowing what you do like. Weddings are about personalization. You want your day to be memorable and to ensure that we can translate your vision for the day, and letting us know what you don't like is just as important.

So, if you find yourself struggling to figure out all the right things to select, how about starting from the opposite end of the spectrum, literally. You'd be surprised. Sometimes you know more than you think!

Tuesday

Honoring Obama

We will resume our Wedding related posts tomorrow but today we want to rejoice and Celebrate in the spirit of the inaguaration.

As I watch from the warmth of my bed the masses of people braving the cold in Washington, DC today to welcome in the new President, recovering from my sickness, I am honored that as a Country we have joined together to work towards change.

CNN mentioned today that the election would be the most watched television program EVER, second to the season finally of MASH (I loved that show by the way). It amazes me that millions of people come today with a similar belief, similar needs and a similar vision. Change begins.



Congratulations to the new first family.

Wednesday

A Little bit country. A little rock and roll

Ok, ok, I'm neither but I totally support life outside of the box. Truth be told, I don't even own a "box". Well...maybe a little one, but it often takes a back seat.

Saturday we were honored to participate in the Unbridaled Expo at the Crane Arts Building where we joined a number of the areas most creative event vendors for one amazing bridal industry event.

Unfortunately, my camera suffered from exhaustion and would not cooperate for photos. Luckily I was surrounded by quite a few amazing photographers who don't mind me sharing some of their work.

I present...Unbridaled...

Because, well, who needs a box anyway?

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Crane
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Erin's Booth
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The above images were taken by the amazing Erin Antognoli. Erin is my DC "connect" through a mutual Photographer friend and I can't say enough great things about her. If you follow me on facebook, last week you would have noticed my semi-stalker updates about my first time meeting with Erin. Now do you see why?

Fashion Show
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The lovely ladies of Love Me Do Photography who provided the (2)images above
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You can also check out additional photos at the event gallery at Cami's Paperie. Cami was my "neighbor" at the expo and is an amazing invitation designer in Northern Virginia. (You'll also notice her photography eye is pretty awesome too :)

Tuesday

Sheilla married Michael

In my email inbox yesterday, straight from Avignon, France, was a sweet note from my dear Bride Sheilla, which read

"...I can't wait to see you to give you a big hug!!. My family and I are thankful for all that you did. The wedding was beautiful. Everybody was pleased and said, I quote: "(This was) the best wedding I ever went too."

Thanks again. Like you said everything is going to be ok. I still remember these words. Thanks for that, it really worked for me. You are personally a great human being devoted to your clients and work. Please never forget that our relationship won't end in our wedding. We both consider you a friend and we would like to keep in touch with you as much as we can."


The email arrived on time as a special gift was sent directly from the Bride's parents all the way from Puerto Rico. Talk about a great way to start the week!

On an unseasonably warm late December day, Sheilla and Michael exchanged vows during a quaint ceremony at Saint Joan of Arc Church in Marlton, NJ. Their reception took place immediately following at Little Mill Country Club in Marlton, NJ.

Distance planning doesn't even BEGIN to describe the coordination elements of this wedding. With the Bride's parents in Puerto Rico, the Bride and Groom local but hard at work, and all other members of the Bridal party scattered throughout the region, electronic correspondence and conference calls became our best ally during the planning process.

At the end of the day, we think we hit a home run with combining the couple's traditional taste, with a modern and "warm" themed holiday wedding.

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All photos provided are courtesy of Medina Photography. Reception pictures to follow...

Special thanks to my amazing dream team of Vendors:

Ceremony-St Joan of Arc- Marlton, NJ
Reception-Little Mill Country Club- Marlton, NJ
Flowers- The Daisy Chain- Medford, NJ
Photography-Medina Photography-Cherry Hill, NJ
Entertainment- G Force Band

Sheilla and Michael were definitely one of my favorite couples (ok, ok, I say that all the time but seriously, I do like them all)and for that I will sincerely miss them both! What a great way to end the 2008 wedding season.

Monday

Speaking of Bridal Shows...

For all of you DC, Maryland Brides, my colleague Sara Bauleke of Belle Notte Events asked me to share with my readers that the DC Couture Wedding Consortium is hosting a bridal show on Saturday, January 31st at Decatur House in Washington, DC.

The event is sure to be FAB-U-LOUS and would be a great resource for all of you Maryland, DC and Northern VA brides. Best of all, the show is free for Brides and we all love free!

You just need to register in advance on the DCCWC website attend and enjoy!

Happy Planning!

Thursday

On the road...Again

Now that wedding season has officially come to a close for us, we've decided to take this show on the road. Over the next month, I will be travelling across country and am so excited to tell you about some interesting opportunities in our future.

When I started this business, it was extremely important for me to give a "voice" to the non-traditional Bride. I am honored to be the Planner to Brides who wear blue or gold down the aisle, who get married in unique venues with non-traditional bridal parties and push the boundaries of what "can" be done in a Wedding.

I'm a total believer in signature style, staying unique to the personalities of yourself and your spouse to be, and having a ceremony and reception that has guests utter "Wow" when they enter the room and "That was so xx and xx" when they depart. It's what this business and life really should be about. Always staying true to who you are.

On your wedding day, moreso than any other, when you pledge your love to your significant other be it in the Church or the comfort of loved ones, you want to do so knowing that in that "space", all things are genuine.

When I was presented with the opportunity to participate in the "Unbridaled" Expo, knowing it would be unlike any other bridal show, I couldn't refuse.


(Seriously, how can you resist an expo with a logo like this?)

So ladies and gents, if you are a local couple with some free time this Saturday, please do stop by and say hello. The Vendor lineup for the event is really amazing and last year's turnout was in excess of 400 people. Can we say-love overflow? I also have a little something special for one lucky couple (***hint-POSH will take care of the something "blue" for your big day)and an extra special token of appreciation for my readers of the blog. Details are below:

Crane Arts Building in Philadelphia, PA this Saturday Jan 10, 2009 from 10am until 4pm. Tickets are $12 each or 2 for $20 and may be purchased HERE.

For all of my planning colleagues, I'm so excited to be headed West for the Winter and attending my 2nd Special Event Conference later this month? Anyone going? If so, be sure to leave a comment so that we can meet during the trip.

Have a wonderful Thursday and I hope to see you around soon!

Tuesday

Speaking of Jen...

Oh ladies (and gents), are you going to be thrilled with me.

Jen Capone, the photographer who shot the images from the last post as well as just short of a gazillion weddings, is offering a sweet special, just in time for Valentine's Day...

Pin-Up Portraits!



Now seriously, what husband, soon to be husband or husband in pursuit, wouldn't want a professional portait of the love of his life in her lingered best?

I personally love pin-up portraits. I think every woman secretly desires to have the courage to look the camera in the eye and respond "I'm bad. Yeah I know it". Ok, so maybe it's just me.

Now is your chance to do it, and not break the bank in the process. Jen has teamed up with Carolyn Diamond to offer both makeup, clothing, the studio for the shoot, photo session and an 8x10 photo, all for $250.

If you're interested, certainly give Carolyn a ring at the contact number on the attachment, and be sure to let her know I sent you.

Happy Shooting!

Monday

Personal "Touches"

Milestone birthdays are hard. When you work in the industry, PLANNING a milestone birthday is a task like none other.

It's the curse of the double edge sword. You know the most fabulous vendors from working together over the years, you have a variety of venues in your arsenol, resources are endless.. and yet, you have to narrow down to a feasible, manageable and affordable party that will knock everyone's socks off and leave them saying WOOOOOWWW!

Brides sound familiar?

After narrowing down the Venue, The Residence Inn Center City- Penthouse Suite, I pulled together some of my best vendors and began designing the space. It's funny. Many people think that when you are an Event Planner, it's easier for personal events, but let me be the first to say, it's far from it.

For this event, I followed the same protocol as we do with our "Touches" level of service. Floor plan, design schematics, rentals and execution.

The result...Well you tell me. What do you think internet?

Introducing, La Dolce Vita or "The Sweet Life":

This is the penthouse on a daily basis...


Enter "Touches"
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Florals provided by Denise of Leigh Florist. Denise is so dedicated to her craft. I gave her a theme and let her run with it. This is what she produced. It's why you really trust the experts to do their job:
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Dessert Reception:
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The Philadelphia Skyline. The reason this venue was the perfect choice.
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Special Thanks again to all of my Vendors who consistently assist in producing one fabulous event after another.

Flowers: Leigh Florist-Audobon, NJ
Entertainment: Derek of Mobile DJs & Sounds-Philadelphia, PA
Venue-Residence Inn Center City- Philadelphia, PA
Lighting- Synergetic Sounds-Bensalem, PA
And photography by non-other than the ever so talented Jen Capone of Jen Capone Photography

and a very special merci to Deidre Gray of Always A Positive Image, LLC. Deidre is a fellow Colleague, friend and private party saving grace.


Happy Monday!