I cried.

I cried last night as I watched the country make a move that many suspected it could not. I cried as I watched tears in the eyes of the young, hope in the eyes of the old and love between strangers gathered in the street holding onto a shared yet over powering silence. I cried knowing that for the second time in my life (the 1st was standing in the street of Jersey City, NJ watching a building in New York I frequented fall on 9/11)this nation stood strong TOGETHER.

I embrace the renewed spirit that this Country is celebrating as we move into a new term and hope that the love that many shared yesterday lingers long enough for many, many more tears of joy.

The picture above is a snapshot of the photos that graced the New York Times this morning. Congratulations to the new first family.

Good company and good times!

As you grow in the wedding industry, you quickly notice a trend in the "company" you keep. As you become more comfortable with publicly admitting you are addicted to all things wedding, quite naturally you begin to gravitate towards other like-minded and obsessed people aka wedding coordinators.

I'm fortunate in that over the last few years this business has fostered some of the most incredible relationships in my personal and professional life. From brides to vendors to people I now call friends, as I've evolved I've met great contacts along the way.

This weekend I took a much needed drive down to Baltimore to visit my colleague and friend Lakendra Kennedy of Affairs with Elegance for two days of business, eating, relaxing and of course shopping! I couldn't have picked a more perfect time to go because the weather was absolutely gorgeous!!!!

It's always nice to see weddings from the perspective of another market. Though not far, Maryland and NJ/PA certainly do things differently. During the trip, I was fortunate enough to meet up with some of my "virtual" Coordinator counterparts from my online networking forum.

11 Coordinators from all over the country, great weather and lots of mimosas...what could be better?

Below are a few pictures from my visit courtesy of some of my new friends!



Liene Stevens, Myself, Lakendra Kennedy and Laura Auer

And here's the entire group! We thought it would be fun to do an "old school" bridal party along the stairs shot. The waiter was a little confused however.



Front Row: Sara Bauleke (Bella Notte), Liene Stevens (Blue Orchid Designs), Andrea Hansborough (A&H Events)and myself
2nd Row: Vicky Choy (Event Accomplished), Kawania Wooten (Howerton+Wooten Events) Maria Cooke (Ritzy Bee), Lakendra Kennedy (Affairs with Elegance)
Back Row: Letetia Nicole (Simply Beautiful Concepts), Laura Auer (Wish Special Events), Stephanie Aspinwall (Ayr Hill Events)

Trick or Treat!

This year Chris was upgraded from the "Mighty Lion" to Management!

Photobucket Album

Hope you had a fun and safe Halloween!

TGIF

On a typical Friday, I spend the morning finishing up the week's work and the afternoon preparing for rehearsals.

When the Phillies win the World Series however, Friday is anything but typical.

Dressed in my Phillies gear, I headed towards the City of Brotherly love to brave the chaos. I called in a favor or two (I love this business) and was able to secure seating right at the start of the parade in a building literally on the parade route, 4 stories up. The view was amazing. Below I've posted pictures that I took from my blackberry camera phone. Not bad for 4 stories up!

Start of the morning:




Starbuck's run:


Start of the Parade:

This is the media bus. Philadelphia fans started screaming "move that bus!move that bus!"


Phillies Phanatic...he's so cute. He also makes appearances at Weddings if you like:


Phanatic gets down:


Player's Float:

Player's Float:


Flag from the Player's float:


Float with "Congratulations Philly banner"


Player float:


Chaos after the parade! Love this city.



The Parade route ends at the stadium, however, I will be making my way over to the Prince's Halloween parade.

Hope you're having a great Friday!

Jen married Scott-Pro Photos

I am always excited when I receive professional pictures but today I am super excited because they are from Paula Cella. Paula and I have been fortunate enough to work together in the past and she is such a delight to work with. Not to mention, her work is FABULOUS!

Paula sent me pictures from the Wedding of Jen and Scott which took place earlier this summer at Greate Bay Country Club. The Black-Tie affair was the perfect mixture of the Bride's Jewish faith, the Groom's Polish background and the couple's love for travel and diving.





Placecard area where guests received their seating assignments via hand-written shells in the sand.

Is this not the most fabulous cake you've ever seen! The cake was courtesy of The Bakeworks Amanda is amazing!



The couple incorporated their love for red and white into the reception decor




(All photos courtesy of www.paulacella.com)

Be sure to check out our website gallery for additional photos and be sure to stop by Paula's blog and show her some blog love!