POSH Event: Katie marries JP

Infectious. That's the one word that describes her smile and their love. Make that two.. Incredibly.Infectious.

I remember the first time they sat across from me in the studio, talking about their wedding. Lots of laugh, lots of paper and many memories exchanged. Katie and JP were actually guests at Kelly & Vinnie's wedding the year before. When they said they didn't even know I was there, I knew it was a score for the home team.

Fast forward many months, meetings and memories later to wedding day. We walked into the suite at the Loews hotel and in typical Katie fashion, all was calm and not a thing out of place. My assistant Malakeia and I literally did a double take and I blurted out "this can not be a bridal party suite".

By the evening, the ceremony was underway and in a ballroom surrounded by over 100 of their friends and family, the couple with the infectious love, the infectious laughter and too many memories to count, were married. In that instant, everything was new, yet felt so familiar.

I've had the honor of working with so many couples over the years. Many who have since become friends and Katie and JP were an easy addition to the list. Seriously, are they not the cutest couple ever?


(First Look)


(Bride's Bouquet)


(Guys in black)



(Nightime Ceremony underway with a view of the Philadelphia Skyline from the 33rd floor)


(First kiss)


(I'm usually not a fan of cake smashing but I just love the way they love)


Smoking hot...notice the groom's custom "I do" Nikes.

All pictures courtesy of the phenomenal Andrew Todes Photography

Special thanks to all of my vendor partners in crime
Loews Philadelphia-Ceremony & Reception Venue
Andrew Todes Photography-Photographer
Steve & Co-DJ
Synergetic Light and Sounds Inc-Ballroom draping & lighting
Journeys of the Heart-Officiant
Leigh Florist-Florist
Shutterbooth- Photobooth
POSH Events-Wedding Planner

Preservation of a different kind-Florals

I loved my wedding bouquet. Loved. Truth be told, I was obsessed.

Working with Denise of Leigh Florist over the last six years really taught me to let the experts do what you pay them to do. Though giddy, there were many moments where I borderlined being totally removed. Florals was one of these areas.

I recalled walking into the studio, sitting down telling Denise my budget and to do what she does best. She looked at me, laughed and said I had a little homework to do. As the weeks grew closer and closer to the wedding, I must have visited Denise atleast 4 times. With changes. Ridiculous changes.

On the last visit she politely told me to step away...

I gladly did and on the morning of 12/31/10 when I arrived back to my suite at the Hyatt, this is what I saw:


(Image from Entwined Studio, invitation-LePenn Designs)

*Insert tears here* . Literally.

I cried overjoyed that what I had in my head, unable to communicate into words for months was sitting right in front of me. When I say I fell in love that day, second to my husband was definitely my bouquet. My line item on the budget that I told myself "didn't mean too much"...I found myself crying over. Then it died.

Anxious to leave for our honeymoon, I did what I often advise my brides NOT to do, put my bouquet in a vase and happily went on my way!

Lucky for me, I know the florist so requesting a replica is no big deal. Truth be told though, the concept of florals in a box just leaves something missing for me. So...what do you do when you want something a little different?

Insert Dori Spector Fine Art. Dori was referred to us by one of our current grooms and has found a way to offer brides the ability to preserve their wedding imagery, via fine art.

Love, love, love!

A POSH Event: Edna married Derrick (Reception)

Happy Friday!

As the week is coming to a close, I thought what better way to celebrate the weekend than with a little cheer.

Edna and Derrick's reception took place immediately after their ceremony in the ballroom at Scotland Run. Guest were greeted by a feast of food selections, everything from waffles to salads-the spread was truly amazing (and delicious!). Morning or not, we definitely had a room full of dancers and Centerstage Entertainment kept the party going.

At the end of the reception the bartender came over and told us in his 13 years at the facility, it was the best wedding he'd ever worked!

The amazing spread:


Florals provided by Leigh Florist:


Dancing from the beginning until the end. This is my former gorgeous bride Sheilla:


The happy couple.

(You can't see so much from this particular picture but the linen I selected for the design of this room was phenomenal. Fuchsia with orange sunburst swirls. Perfect for a brunch reception)

I must give a shout out to my team members for the day Deidre and Sai. I'm really fortunate to work with the best gals a girl could ask for!



Edna & Derrick, this experience has been amazing and I'm glad that you've allowed me to spend more time with your family. Looking forward to many more laughs!

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!

Simply Amazing

I literally jumped for joy today when I saw the Oh so familiar site of an envelope from the talented photographers at Clair Pruett Studios. This time however, it was not only the pictures themselves that I was excited to see; I was also happy to revisit sharing the day with one of the nicest couples I've ever worked with-Eve & Joe. Not only were Eve & Joe incredibly in love, they truly celebrated their day in their signature "style". One of my favorite elements of their "texture" themed Wedding, the incredibly mod and funky centerpieces crafted by Denise Herker of Leigh Florist. Aren't they fabulous?