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

Published: Our Wedding on The Brides Cafe and Essence.com

Honored.

In this business there are many times that I have been moved. When I walk my brides to those double doors, when we receive thank you notes, when my inbox is filled with pictures of POSH bundles of joy. I'm always moved.

Today however, it's personal.

In an industry where it is easy to "get in" and incredibly difficult to maintain, where turnover is high and loyalty not so much, I've been extremely fortunate. Not just with POSH as a business, but with the many relationships that have evolved out of this business, my passion.

When I got engaged, I was immediately hit with an overwhelming feeling of fear. Would MY wedding be good enough? Would people be moved by my story enough to be featured? Printed? Would anyone even care? I'm not going to lie, at times it was extremely stressful. See with a client it's easy. I can pick amazing picture, after amazing picture, eyes closed. With our wedding however, I came to the realization that I am not superwoman. With a little help from my friends, I realized our wedding was not going to be designed for display purposes. It's was going to be a reflection of "us" and that would be good enough.

So today, 3 months after we exchanged vows to see our wedding featured TODAY on The Brides Cafe and Essence.com after being featured previously on Munaluchi Bridal , three industry publications that do amazing things for couples in general and of color specifically, I am honored. And humbled.

I want to say thank you internet for all that you do. For the many phone calls, text's, tweets and "likes" of support. For allowing me during this process to feel like a "Bride" and not just a planner, for supporting Mr. Charming and I and allowing me to remain #giddy. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it.

I will begin recaps shortly amongst recaps of our client weddings, but in the meantime here's one of my all time favorite pictures courtesy of my rockstar photogs Entwined Studio



xoxoxo
Isis

My ridiculously amazing vendor team:
Wedding Coordination: POSH Events (www.posheventsllc.com) and Day Of Planner Deidre Gray (www.alwaysapi.com) for Always a Positive Image
Event Design- POSH Events www.posheventsllc.com
Photographer- Entwined Studio www.entwinedstudio.com
Videographer Illumimoto Cinema www.illumimoto.com
Cakes/Dessert Table- The Hudson Cakery www.hudsoncakery.com
Lighting- Synergetic Light & Sound www.synergeticsounds.com
Band- CTO 5th Ave www.cto.com
Ceremony/ Reception Venue- The Hyatt Penn's Landing- http://pennslanding.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?icamp=hyattregencyphiladelphiaredirect
Florist- Leigh Florist www.leighflorist.com
Stationary- LePenn Designs www.lepenndesigns
Rentals- Choice Party Linens http://www.choicepartylinens.com//Select Event Designs www.weparty.com
Table Names- Paperfinger www.paperfinger.com
Makeup Artist- Ashanti Ortiz (facingbeauty@aol.com)
Calligrapher-Kathleen Turnure
Dress: Maggie Sottero http://www.maggiesottero.com/
Bride's Shoes : Christian Louboutin http://www.christianlouboutin.com/
Bridemaids Dresses: Alvina Valenta
Fotobooth :Go Festive http://gofestive.com/
Placecards: Timeless Paper www.timelesspaper.com

A POSH Event: Larissa marries Julio!

Larissa & Julio are the kind of couple that when you meet them, you love them. I don't know if it's the way they compliment each other personality wise, their level of affection or how they are always cracking jokes, something about them totally draws you in. It's like the real life version of the movie Love Jones. Genuine love.

Throughout the planning process you could definitely see how well Larissa & Julio worked together as a team. She is a master of design and worked hard to make sure no detail was left to chance. Julio was totally my kind of groom. Involved and Enthused.

I shared a small glimpse into this wedding, shot by the talented Euan Henry, and today I'm so excited to show the entire production. Special thanks to The Crowne Plaza, South Jersey Party Supply, Synergetic Sounds & Lighting, DEEJAY007 , GO FESTIVE! and Mum's the Word Floral Shoppe for making what I do, just a bit easier.











Larissa & Julio, we wish you much success and continued happiness. Thank you for all of your support and for making Memorial Day weekend 2010 one to remember!

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"






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:




Dessert Reception:






The Philadelphia Skyline. The reason this venue was the perfect choice.







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!