This year Chris was upgraded from the "Mighty Lion" to Management!
Hope you had a fun and safe Halloween!
One New Jersey Wedding Planner’s perspective on life, love and the pursuit of the perfect party!
Friday
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!
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!
Thursday
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!
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!
Tuesday
Bars of a different type
My name is Isis and I am addicted to coffee based drinks. Addicted to where I realize I am now up to over $8 a day in Starbuck's related expenses and the staff at both stores know my name; sad, I know.
I'm so delighted to see that Cappucino is making its way into the world of events in a major way. We're not talking 8 ft long table with a few liquer flavor options, no, no, no. Think full service catering for your event, specializing in all of your Espresso and Cappucino needs!
In the authentic Italian tradition, full service espresso bars offering premium espresso, cappuccino, and latte via European-style barista service, are sure to be the next craze locally. Covim USA is one local company rising to the challenge!
Serving the tri-state area,Covim has found a niche in bringing direct to you, delicious coffee and espresso, elegant enough for your events via MS Espresso Catering. The staff is teriffic and the drinks...well they're delicous! Be sure to consider adding a little something warm to your event this year.
I'm so delighted to see that Cappucino is making its way into the world of events in a major way. We're not talking 8 ft long table with a few liquer flavor options, no, no, no. Think full service catering for your event, specializing in all of your Espresso and Cappucino needs!
In the authentic Italian tradition, full service espresso bars offering premium espresso, cappuccino, and latte via European-style barista service, are sure to be the next craze locally. Covim USA is one local company rising to the challenge!
Serving the tri-state area,Covim has found a niche in bringing direct to you, delicious coffee and espresso, elegant enough for your events via MS Espresso Catering. The staff is teriffic and the drinks...well they're delicous! Be sure to consider adding a little something warm to your event this year.
Saturday
1000 words
The saying a picture is worth a thousand words, never rang more true.
Although this blog is not intended as a political forum, it is a basis to share my perspective on the world and all that is occuring. The photographer for these pictures has done an outstanding job as a photojournalist, leaving the viewer the ability to interpret emotion. That's the essence of photography. Visual Communication.
This is an important political year. Regardless of your party choice, please do be sure to go to the polls on November 4th and vote. Silence does not innact change.
Although this blog is not intended as a political forum, it is a basis to share my perspective on the world and all that is occuring. The photographer for these pictures has done an outstanding job as a photojournalist, leaving the viewer the ability to interpret emotion. That's the essence of photography. Visual Communication.
This is an important political year. Regardless of your party choice, please do be sure to go to the polls on November 4th and vote. Silence does not innact change.
Friday
Oronde married Wayne-Part I
I'm blessed in that very few of my client relationships are just "business". Quite often, planning over an extended period of time fosters long lasting relationships...Oronde was no exception.
From the minute we met for our initial meeting (which included her, best friend Kim, daughter Maciah and her fabulous mom) I knew that this would be the beginning of something very special. When I met her fiance Wayne, who had me in stitches with his sense of humor and quick tongue, I knew I was in trouble.
Oronde & Wayne exchanged vows in front of 225 of their closes family and friends under a Chuppah like structure at the Grand Versailles Ballroom in Maple Shade, NJ. Their ceremony was complete with a candlelit remembrance table, poetry reading, unity candle, jumping of the broom, laughter and plenty of tears. The show stopper of the ceremony however, when little Ms. Maciah entered in her pink "Cadillac" and waved to the crowd.
Guests then entered the gorgeous black and white themed reception where they partied to the sounds of DJ D-Roc and danced to their hearts delight. The night ended with treats from a vibrant candy buffet that surely brought out the "kid" in everyone! The AKA Bride and her Omega Psi Phi husband were destined to start a wonderful new chapter of their lives.
Photos below were provided courtesy of Andy of Andy John Images. Andy is a Washington,DC based photographer who has an amazing eye.
I LOVE the lighting in this photo. My favorite part is the little broom bearer in the background. How adorable is he?
The Groom's cake which was a surprise from Oronde to Wayne. The surprise was on us all actually. The Fraternity brothers thought the cake was too nice to cut! Instead, they took pictures in front of it the entire night.
Oronde watching the Groom as he was honored by his fraternity brothers. The couple's daughter watches on as well.
Be sure to check out our picture gallery for additional photos. Thanks Andy!
From the minute we met for our initial meeting (which included her, best friend Kim, daughter Maciah and her fabulous mom) I knew that this would be the beginning of something very special. When I met her fiance Wayne, who had me in stitches with his sense of humor and quick tongue, I knew I was in trouble.
Oronde & Wayne exchanged vows in front of 225 of their closes family and friends under a Chuppah like structure at the Grand Versailles Ballroom in Maple Shade, NJ. Their ceremony was complete with a candlelit remembrance table, poetry reading, unity candle, jumping of the broom, laughter and plenty of tears. The show stopper of the ceremony however, when little Ms. Maciah entered in her pink "Cadillac" and waved to the crowd.
Guests then entered the gorgeous black and white themed reception where they partied to the sounds of DJ D-Roc and danced to their hearts delight. The night ended with treats from a vibrant candy buffet that surely brought out the "kid" in everyone! The AKA Bride and her Omega Psi Phi husband were destined to start a wonderful new chapter of their lives.
Photos below were provided courtesy of Andy of Andy John Images. Andy is a Washington,DC based photographer who has an amazing eye.
I LOVE the lighting in this photo. My favorite part is the little broom bearer in the background. How adorable is he?
The Groom's cake which was a surprise from Oronde to Wayne. The surprise was on us all actually. The Fraternity brothers thought the cake was too nice to cut! Instead, they took pictures in front of it the entire night.
Oronde watching the Groom as he was honored by his fraternity brothers. The couple's daughter watches on as well.
Be sure to check out our picture gallery for additional photos. Thanks Andy!
Tuesday
Sensational Giveaway
The AMAZING Sylvia Weinstock is due to release her newest book, Sensational Cakes, next month. Unless you have been in hiding for ehhh... forever, Mrs. Weinstock's name (and fabulous glasses) need no introduction. The guru of cakes is noted as being responsible for some of the most gorgeous cake creations for celebrity couples and her work has graced countless magazines.
Although set for release next next month, my fellow Colleague, Liene of Blue Orchid Designs is offering a free copy of the book on her blog. Valued at $45, the book is sure to inspire and amaze the sugar lovers in us all.
Be sure to check out the Blue Orchid Giveaway :: Sylvia Weinstock's Sensational Cakes for contest rules and best of luck!
Although set for release next next month, my fellow Colleague, Liene of Blue Orchid Designs is offering a free copy of the book on her blog. Valued at $45, the book is sure to inspire and amaze the sugar lovers in us all.
Be sure to check out the Blue Orchid Giveaway :: Sylvia Weinstock's Sensational Cakes for contest rules and best of luck!
Wednesday
Project Bridal
In honor of tonight's finale, I thought I'd share a little Project Runway inspiration.
First, let me say, I think these gowns are just FABULOUS!!!! I'm not sure I can even pick a favorite. Between Kenley's ingenious feather creation, Korto's sexy off the shoulder and Leanne's sexy creation...I love them all.
To be a bride in today's world, you certainly have a number of options. Any favorites?
First, let me say, I think these gowns are just FABULOUS!!!! I'm not sure I can even pick a favorite. Between Kenley's ingenious feather creation, Korto's sexy off the shoulder and Leanne's sexy creation...I love them all.
To be a bride in today's world, you certainly have a number of options. Any favorites?
Saturday
Tag...dot.dot.dot.
I've been tagged again by Stacey of Affairs to Remember to participate in the dot, dot, dot post. I've been meaning to do this post for some time since I first saw it a month or so ago, so now I have an excuse.
I've decided not to tag anyone else...but here goes.
I AM… stronger than I care to believe at times.
I WANT…to be an inspiration to many.
I HAVE…more good days than bad.
I KEEP…an optimistic outlook on life
I WISH I COULD… take some time to slow down
I HATE…being lied to.
I FEAR…no man.
I HEAR…music in my head
I DON'T THINK…people realize the magnitude of their effect on others
I REGRET…very little. I’ve learned to be true to YOURSELF first and life’s path becomes very clear
I LOVE…the sound of my son breathing in his sleep
I AM NOT…afraid to pursue my dreams
I DANCE…to the beat of my own drum. It's more a two-step with a twist.
I SING…every chance I get. Not well. Just often.
I NEVER…take for granted that I will be here tomorrow and say I love you to the people that matter the most.
I RARELY…lose touch.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH…most movies. Romance. Comedy. Cartoon. I'm a total sap.
I AM NOT ALWAYS… right. I’d love to think I am though.
I HATE THAT…pride often outweighs logic
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT… the state of the world. The level of poverty and the hopelessness of many.
I NEED…to lose 12 lbs by December
I SHOULD…pray more.
I've decided not to tag anyone else...but here goes.
I AM… stronger than I care to believe at times.
I WANT…to be an inspiration to many.
I HAVE…more good days than bad.
I KEEP…an optimistic outlook on life
I WISH I COULD… take some time to slow down
I HATE…being lied to.
I FEAR…no man.
I HEAR…music in my head
I DON'T THINK…people realize the magnitude of their effect on others
I REGRET…very little. I’ve learned to be true to YOURSELF first and life’s path becomes very clear
I LOVE…the sound of my son breathing in his sleep
I AM NOT…afraid to pursue my dreams
I DANCE…to the beat of my own drum. It's more a two-step with a twist.
I SING…every chance I get. Not well. Just often.
I NEVER…take for granted that I will be here tomorrow and say I love you to the people that matter the most.
I RARELY…lose touch.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH…most movies. Romance. Comedy. Cartoon. I'm a total sap.
I AM NOT ALWAYS… right. I’d love to think I am though.
I HATE THAT…pride often outweighs logic
I'M CONFUSED ABOUT… the state of the world. The level of poverty and the hopelessness of many.
I NEED…to lose 12 lbs by December
I SHOULD…pray more.
Friday
Freebie Friday!
Who doesn't love a free offer?
Photographik announced today the launch of their $1500 Wedding Photography GiveAway!
" The theme of the contest is creative, fun and/or romantic engagement stories. Using our uber cool web 2.0 platform, brides can upload an image and write a short essay about their engagement. The winner will be determined by a point system based on the number of votes and ratings an entrant receives. Only one vote per email per entry is allowed."
Couples, does it get any easier than this? Get all of your guest, friends and co-workers to vote on your engagement story and whoala! Money in the bank.
Best wishes to all of the participants and if you plan on participating, please be sure to post your story here as well so we can vote for you too. Good luck!
Thursday
Whose Wedding Is it Anyway?
The new season of the hit show "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" aired on the Style Network this past Tuesday October 7th. As I waited in anticipation (I'm sooo over reruns these days), I must say, I was a bit dissapointed at the premiere.
Although the weddings featured were big budget and "pretty", is it me or did the overall feeling leave something to be desired?
I must say, I am looking forward to seeing some "old favorites" this season and hope that as time progresses the show moves back to its roots of HIGHLIGHTING the Wedding Coordinator's role in creating a FABULOUS day for their couples. After all, that is our job is it not?
Ugh, reality tv. Love to hate it.
So, what did you all think?
Although the weddings featured were big budget and "pretty", is it me or did the overall feeling leave something to be desired?
I must say, I am looking forward to seeing some "old favorites" this season and hope that as time progresses the show moves back to its roots of HIGHLIGHTING the Wedding Coordinator's role in creating a FABULOUS day for their couples. After all, that is our job is it not?
Ugh, reality tv. Love to hate it.
So, what did you all think?
Wednesday
Bridal Canvas
As a Coordinator, there's no better resource for helping my Clients envision the day of their dreams than a storyboard. Storyboards pull together all the individual wedding elements (decor, attire, theme) into one location and provide a visual of how all of the individual pieces will ultimately look as a collective.
Anyone who has ever attempted to create a storyboard (also known as an inspiration board) knows that as beautiful as they are, they can be a nightmare to compile. Until now. Ladies and gentlemen...Bridal canvas
Bridal canvas is the latest solution to storyboards offering couples the option to pick from preloaded elements and real wedding images or upload from their own images to create their "bridal inspiration canvas". The best part, the templates are so easy to use and share with your bridal party members, vendors or other brides!
Imagine...envision, click and create. SWEET!
PS. For a sample inspiration board (although not created with Bridal Canvas), check out the FABULOUS chocolate and pink board posted on the Affairs with Elegance blog today.
Anyone who has ever attempted to create a storyboard (also known as an inspiration board) knows that as beautiful as they are, they can be a nightmare to compile. Until now. Ladies and gentlemen...Bridal canvas
Bridal canvas is the latest solution to storyboards offering couples the option to pick from preloaded elements and real wedding images or upload from their own images to create their "bridal inspiration canvas". The best part, the templates are so easy to use and share with your bridal party members, vendors or other brides!
Imagine...envision, click and create. SWEET!
PS. For a sample inspiration board (although not created with Bridal Canvas), check out the FABULOUS chocolate and pink board posted on the Affairs with Elegance blog today.
Tuesday
Tag, I'm it!
I was tagged by my colleague and good friend Lakendra Kennedy of Affairs with Elegance. Nothing like a game of blog tag to get the week off to a good start! Here goes:
Four things I did today:
1. Spoke with Max & Me Catering regarding menu planning for our 9/26/09 couple.
2. Finalized 30 handwritten thank you notes to vendors for my last few weddings (better late than never right?)
3. Treated myself to a Grande non-fat light whip hot chocolate from Starbucks. I love Starbucks. Every time I'm in there I'm amused at the ordering process. If you listen closely, it always sounds like a bunch of complex physics equations being spewed over the counter.
4. Exchanged emails with a past client from 2 years ago. My how time flies!
Four things on my to-do list:
1. Order the linen sample for the "Touches" design consultation scheduled for this Saturday.
2. Finish the 25 other vendor thank you cards that need to be handwritten
3. Finalize a venue for an upcoming project I'm working on (More details to follow shortly)
4. Prepare for our initial consultation this evening
Four of my guiltiest pleasures:
1. Jeans. It's an obsession. I own over 200 pair.
2. Reality TV
3. Blog surfing
4. My son. Even at 16 months he's already turning away from all of the "kisses" mommy likes to share.
Four random facts about me:
1. I have a phobia of deer. I'm not quite sure what started it but Bambi is not my friend.
2. I love to travel
3. I've purchased 4 cars in the last 2 years
4. I haven't been to a wedding as a GUEST in over a year.
Now I have to tag four other people:
Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites
Andria Lewis of Andria Lewis Events
Shayna of Williamsburg Wedding Design
Leslie of Leslie-Manning Events
You're up!
Four things I did today:
1. Spoke with Max & Me Catering regarding menu planning for our 9/26/09 couple.
2. Finalized 30 handwritten thank you notes to vendors for my last few weddings (better late than never right?)
3. Treated myself to a Grande non-fat light whip hot chocolate from Starbucks. I love Starbucks. Every time I'm in there I'm amused at the ordering process. If you listen closely, it always sounds like a bunch of complex physics equations being spewed over the counter.
4. Exchanged emails with a past client from 2 years ago. My how time flies!
Four things on my to-do list:
1. Order the linen sample for the "Touches" design consultation scheduled for this Saturday.
2. Finish the 25 other vendor thank you cards that need to be handwritten
3. Finalize a venue for an upcoming project I'm working on (More details to follow shortly)
4. Prepare for our initial consultation this evening
Four of my guiltiest pleasures:
1. Jeans. It's an obsession. I own over 200 pair.
2. Reality TV
3. Blog surfing
4. My son. Even at 16 months he's already turning away from all of the "kisses" mommy likes to share.
Four random facts about me:
1. I have a phobia of deer. I'm not quite sure what started it but Bambi is not my friend.
2. I love to travel
3. I've purchased 4 cars in the last 2 years
4. I haven't been to a wedding as a GUEST in over a year.
Now I have to tag four other people:
Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites
Andria Lewis of Andria Lewis Events
Shayna of Williamsburg Wedding Design
Leslie of Leslie-Manning Events
You're up!
Monday
Why not?
I'll admit, I'm a bit "nontraditional". My taste...a little outside the norm.
When I think of Bridesmaids, not only do I feel there is a need to find attire that compliments each individual silhouette, I often wonder, who made it a rule that bridal party members HAD to carry flowers?
Seriously. I'd much rather walk down the aisle flaunting one of these babies:
Photos courtesy of Zappos
Practical. Pretty. "Floral" like. Why not?
Surely won't see these left on the table at the end of the night!
When I think of Bridesmaids, not only do I feel there is a need to find attire that compliments each individual silhouette, I often wonder, who made it a rule that bridal party members HAD to carry flowers?
Seriously. I'd much rather walk down the aisle flaunting one of these babies:
Photos courtesy of Zappos
Practical. Pretty. "Floral" like. Why not?
Surely won't see these left on the table at the end of the night!
Friday
The Wedding Salon
It's that time of year again! The Wedding Salon is hosting their annual showcase on October 22, 2008 at the Prince George's Ballroom in my hometown, New York City. If you've never been, it's certainly an experience unlike any other. Surround yourself with amazing vendors, local favorites and possibly a celebrity or two (I met the fabulous Sylvia Weinstock who complimented me on my clutch purse! Needless to say it is now hanging as a "favorite" on my wall).
If you're considering going certainly let me know. See you there!
If you're considering going certainly let me know. See you there!
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