The courtesy of a reply-Breaking up with your vendors

I felt the need to write this post because given my current status, I sit proudly on both sides of the fence (or as my twitter hash states, I am a #giddyplannerbride). I recognize this blog is followed by colleagues, clients and potential clients and I am hoping that what I say resignates with you all.

As a vendor, I make it a top priority to respond to my couples in a timely fashion. That's actually one of reasons that couples retain our services, as compared to some of the other local Coordinators. As a couple however, you have a responsibility as well. It is common courtesy to respond to the vendors you have for consideration, in a timely fashion.

The industry has taken many turns since I first entered it. We live in a virtual society where "tweets" and "bbms" have replaced real human contact. Where telephone calls are made in the event of an emergency and email is the norm. I get it.

What I don't understand however, is when entitlement became par for the course. Planning is a very hectic, though enjoyable experience. When you're meeting with multiple vendors and trying to match your needs with your budget, personalities, expectations, that too can become extremely difficult to manage.

As a couple, while it's not your responsiblity to go out of your way and document why you are not hiring a vendor, I would strongly suggest that you atleast communicate whether you are or are not. Many vendors offer a complimentary initial meeting and extend a right to refusal allowing an extended period of time for your decision to be made. In the interim, business goes on and opportunities present themselves that at times do conflict with other scheduled events. The key to having a good vendor is that during your experience, you feel as though your wedding is the only one they are overseeing, the reality is, it's not.

I know "breaking up" with an individual that you really hit it off with is difficult. When perusing the wedding blogs, I often see brides asking each other "how do I tell the xxx we're not going to go with them...I really liked them" and I do a double take. It's simple, just do it. It's ok, really it is. A successful person in the industry understands that they are not the only vendor you will meet with and at the end of the day, you will have to do what's best for you. Always remember, be it the wedding or life in general, treat people the way you would want to be treated and things will naturally fall into place.

Off my soapbox now

A POSH Engagement: Joan & Vince

Two words to describe the relationship Joan & Vince have...Real Love.



(Image courtesy of Blackeyesoup Photography)

From the moment I met these two, we hit it off. Not just planner/couple hit it off, but long life friends hit it off. The energy from this couple is truly electric. They laugh alot, smile alot and have a way of speaking in a silent language only they can hear.

We began on their journey of planning a elegant, fun and memorable wedding for 350 of their closest friends and family about a year ago. I am so excited for their October Nuptials!

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!

A Planner Plans: The Date

The date of an event is so critical in determining the style, location, and overall type of event you will be having. For us,the decision was one of the easiest we've had thus far.

The conversation went a little like this...

Me: "Honey, have you thought about when you want to get married?"
Mr. Charming "We can do it whenever you like..."
Me: "Well, if we do destination..."
Mr. Charming: (with a look of total confusion) "We can't do destination, I want to make sure that the people closest to me attend. I'm thinking Philadelphia".
Me: (slightly saddened): Well, if we do it locally, it has to be in the winter. I currently have weddings until October 23rd and need atleast 1-2 months to focus on ours. That puts us in December."
Mr Charming: "A December wedding? With the holidays. I don't know..."
Me: "Not just a December wedding, a New Year's Eve wedding".
Mr. Charming: (Not totally convinced) "New Year's Eve?"
Me: "Yes sweetie, it's perfect. Exactly one year from the date you proposed, we will get to celebrate the biggest day of the year surrounded by all those we love. EEEEEK!"
Mr. Charming (cracking a smile): "Sounds good to me!"

And there you have it ladies and gentleman. The 60 second exchange which took place to decide on our date. We're very fortunate to have a solid booking and amazing wedding season spanning from January-November at POSH this year and I know that I had to give my current Clients 100% of me to avoid feeling guilt during my own personal planning process.

Mr. Charming and I love the holidays. Between November-December 31st, we celebrate 8 family birthdays (including his and mine), Thanksgiving and Christmas. We both have strong ties to our families and feel fortunate to have fostered friendships in excess of 20 years that are now extended family. We recognize that a holiday wedding isn't ideal for all. To add to the mix, NYE falls on a Friday this year and we're having an evening ceremony and adult only reception.

While it may not be convenient for all of our guests, we hope that those that are able to attend experience a magical night, witnessing the love we share for each other and for them. It's like I always tell my couples, the goal of a great wedding is for your guests to walk away feeling like they've learned a little more about your relationship. The foundation of our relationship is faith, family and friends. Celebrating on one of the biggest holidays of the year, is an added bonus.

Besides, when you are guaranteed a view like this, how could you resist?

Celebrity Sightings

Unless you've been living under a rock (and even there too I would imagine somehow, some media outlet found you) you are more than aware that this weekend proved to be a big deal in hollywood with a number of celebrity weddings.

First up, the Clinton mega-extravaganza. I personally loved Chelsea's style and her classic yet modern look in her beautiful gown. Her bouquet, a lush arrangment of...wait for it...gardenia!



While Chelsea was definitely a paparrazi favorite this weekend, I rejoiced in the wedding of one of my favorite singers, Alicia Keys. I loved the piece that adorned her head and the serenity of their location. (Reminds me of my recent destination wedding-more on that to come shortly...)



Congratulations to all the couples who exchanged nuptials this weekend. I hope your day was everything you dreamed of and more!