Me, you & a cocktail or two

Virtually of course.


How awesome would it be to have access to a team of some of the most talented wedding planners in the industry and the blogosphere to help you with your wedding?

The amazing Terrica Skaggs of Fabu-luxe Events is the mastermind behind a virtual "soiree" guest starring herself, Aletha Vandermaas of Pearls Events, Saundra Hadley of planning forever events, Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs,Andria Lewis of Andria Lewis Events,Laura Auer of Wish Special Events, Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Events ,Katasha Butler of K Sherrie and Company and of course yours truly this Thursday December 4th and next Thursday December 11th at 8:00pm EST.

If you would like an exclusive invite, email your request to blog {at} fabuluxeinc {dot} com. Invites are open to a select number of brides with nuptials during 2009 and you must have a wedding website or blog to participate. Remember to include your wedding date and wedding website or blog address, and of course be sure to let them know that I sent you!

This is your chance to get up close and personal with some of the most talented professionals I personally know, and get expert advice regarding planning a successful and fabulous wedding. I look forward to "seeing" you there. Cheers!

Giving Thanks

As we prepare for this time of giving thanks, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday. When you sit down at your dinner table surrounded by those that you love, remember to be thankful for all the precious moments in life that we experience that we don't hardly deserve.

I am greatful for the family I've been blessed with, a profession I am inspired by and the friends/colleagues that continue to encourage me everyday.

Enjoy!

Isis

Sweet Treat

I always advise my couples that if they're not going to do a favor which is edible or contributory to the environment or a worthy cause, they may as well pass. Many couples lose sleep over giving guests that last little reminder of the night and in my opinion, if you've thrown a fabulous reception (and had a meaningful ceremony)rest assured, they will remember.

If in fact you would like to say "merci" one more time before your guests leave, follow the lead of my colleague and friend Shayna Walker Wedle of Williamsburg Wedding Design and say it with a BANG!



When Shayna first described what she and her team were affectionally referring to as the "massive" display I just couldn't imagine. I mean, I myself have done candy buffets for upwards of 225 guests but this, this should really win an award.




All photos courtesy of Brad Howe Photography

For more eye candy of this fabulous Wedding, check out Shayna's blog and of course, show her some blog love!

Have a sweet day!

University Setting

Last night I attended a networking event for the Association of Professional Event Designers at the TD Bank Executive Conference Center (Formerly Commerce Bank Executive Center) in Mount Laurel, NJ. The meeting featured a presentation by Mark Kingsdorf of The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants, entitled "going green now without losing the WOW!" and was quite informative.

I personally feel that over the last year both in my home and professional life I've made a real effort to infuse environmentally friendly and socially conscious items into everyday habits. Not only have we adapted a number of methods in the office to reduce the paper and energy we utilize, we often consult with our Clients on ways to incorporate touches to reduce their carbon footprint throughout their events.

After years of driving past the University, I was certainly looking forward to an "after-hours" view of the event space potential. I must admit, I really did like the "canvas". Though not ideal as a Wedding venue in my opinion, I feel like the contemporary feel of the space lends itself very well to hosting a modern social or corporate event. From the magnificent glass stairwell to the illuminated red pillars and humongous trees in the foyer, upon entering the space I certainly had a wow reaction. (Sidebar: I really miss the signature red of commerce bank. Is it me or does the green just not seem right?)

Of course I carried my handy camera to share pictures throughout the night:

This photo was inspired by a Wedding Coordinator colleague of mine who always documents her meals. I thought it would be fun to snap a shot of the awesome food prepared by Andreotti's Viennese Cafe (The salad was to die for!)


A little blurred...but here is a shot of Christina Lupo of the Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants and Denise Herker with Leigh Florist.


Lobby entrance


Meeting space


If you're looking for a unique venue to hold your event, I would definitely stop by and take a peak. The architecture of the building is gorgeous.

Tag Teamed

So I've been "tag" teamed by Lisa Michele and Deidre Gray to participate in a post election day tag...and I'm just a bit behind. In honor of the President Elect's 60 minute debut here goes:

1.Did you vote? Absolutely
2.In which state are you registered? New Jersey
3. What time did you go to the polls? 8 am. Shortly after dropping off my little prince.
4.How long was your wait? 20 minutes. I went with my mother and sister so there was a little wait.
5.Did you incur any problems? No. Everyone at the polls were extremely friendly and helpful
6.What was the reaction when you heard the news that Barack Obama won? I screamed. I carefully watched the election and turned the television off at 10:58p to get the little guy to sleep. Needless to say, the shrieking sounds didn't help.
7.Who was the first person you shared your reaction with? Christian (although) he really just thought we were playing a new game. Adult wise, my sister.
8. Who will you tag? I will tag the originator of the post, Deidre Gray.


Happy Monday!

Think Pink!

I will confess...I'm a bit of a perfectionist. In this business, I'm not sure it could be any other way. Apparently, I'm also a bit of a "lunatic" as my colleagues affectionately have shared. I've spent in excess of a month losing sleep on the hunt for the "perfect" invitation for my birthday bash next month. Of course, it didn't exist (go figure) and I had to resort to having them custom made.

Luckily, I found Nicole of Pink Design Events. Nicole is by far the most patient person I know and has an amazing sense of style in her creation of "posh" stationary design. I contacted Nicole last Friday and after a series of frantic emails (on my end of course) she delivered beyond my expectations.

BRIDES, if you have found yourself in a panic over your own stationary, trust me, I now understand and can confidently say, it can be done!

Nicole featured my "La Dolce Vita" themed stationary on her blog . I will post a sneak peak of the logo design here and the final product after they are mailed this weekend, but be sure to check out her blog and post a comment to let me know what you think. Oh...and of course, show her some blog love.




Happy Friday!

Speaking of California...

This past week the Association of Bridal Consultants hosted their annual conference at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, CA and the guest speaker was none other than the phenomenal Colin Cowie ( I LOVE HIS WORK!)

Although I was not able to attend, I was able to "borrow" a picture of the fabulous event design showcased during the conference from my friend and colleague, Michelle Tortuya of Charming Events Planning & Design.



Check out Michelle's blog for a great read and additional photos of course!

Jan 2009, California here I come!

California Dreamin'

There was a time in my life when I was fortunate enough to pack a few things and head to Orange County, California for weekend trips (oh how I miss those days). What I loved most about my visit was the consistency of the weather and the ability to always be outside shopping, eating or just relaxing by the pool.

Yesterday I was able to relive that experience. Briefly.

Colleague and Friend Deidre Gray of Always A Positive Image, and I were invited to preview the new Coco Key Water Resort located adjacent to the Marriott Mt. Laurel yesterday evening. When I received the initial invite from Angela Lustig, Sales Manager at the Marriott, which read "beach attire preferred" I was a bit taken back. Nevertheless, we bundled up in our winter jackets and braved the cold to see what the hype was about.

Boy, am I glad I did.

We attended the vendor "sneak-peek" reception yesterday as the facility prepared for their Grand Opening today. When we walked into the space, which had to be in excess of 85 degrees, and now I understood the invitation a bit better. Somehow, they have found a way to bring my beautiful California warmth to New Jersey, year round.

The facility offers birthday packages and day passes for the young at heart in addition to nightly getaway trips for families of 4.



Below are some pictures I grabbed from my blackberry camera phone







I wasn't able to grab pictures of everything for fear of looking like a lunatic, but suffice it to say with a full arcade, water raft pool, huge slides and a large eating space, I expect the facility will do well.

Thanks again for the invite Angela, I can't wait to bring Chris to play!

Tutera, Capone and chocolate...oh my!

There are days when my job can be very difficult and other days, well...not as much. Seriously, some times I pinch myself when I think of how lucky I actually am. I mean, in what other profession can you see a Celebrity Wedding Designer,an amazing photographer and the love of your life, in 72 hours? (Not to mention having the most amazing boss there is!)

Earlier this week I attended the ISES (International Special Events Society) South Jersey Networking meeting where the guest speaker was none other than David Tutera, The Party Planner. David is not only known for his candid approach to design, he has hosted a number of television show (his latest project is My Fair Wedding), written three books and planned parties and weddings for many high profile celebrity clients. Not only was the meeting a great networking opportunity, we were treated to the behind the scenes secrets to some of David's most fabulous events. The event was held at The Pool at Harrah's Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. If you have not been to "The Pool" it is certainly a site to see. Gorgeous cabanas, fabulous location and event space like none other!

Yesterday I headed over to visit one of my favorite photographers, Jen Capone of Jen Capone Photography. Jen and I have worked together in the past and are working on a project together for later this year so it seemed like the perfect excuse to pay her a visit (and shop to my hearts delight! She is located 20 minutes from King of Prussia). Jen also gave me a tour of her new studio located in the heart of downtown Royersford, PA. Brides, if you are in the market for a phenomenal photographer, definitely check out Jen's work.

After our tour, Jen took me to visit her friends at Sweet Ashley's Chocolate Store where I met the owner Connie and her husband. The store is a quaint shop also in downtown Royersford and the chocolate is delish. I really wanted to take a picture of the gorgeous box that housed my milk chocolate covered pretzels but let's just say, an empty box is just not as appealing of a photo, so you'll have to take my word for it. Not to worry, Sweet Ashleys does provide chocolate favors for wedding and special event needs AND you can order online. SWEET!

Below are a few photos from my week:


David Tutera and the staff of South Jersey Party Supply.



Jen Capone and her adorable daughter at the new Jen Capone Photography Studio. (If you squint, you can see the two boxes of pretzles in Jens' right hand. See..proof!)


Sweet Ashley's Chocolate

I'm not sure how I can top last week but I'm certainly excited to try! Happy Monday.

Johann and Mark-Professional Pictures

I received professional pictures from the lovely ladies at Bella Pictures today. Johann married Mark earlier this summer during a gorgeous outdoor ceremony adorned with touches of her favorite color, tiffany blue.

Looking at the pictures makes me remember just how quickly the year has progressed and how much I miss my couples after their big day.

Without further delay...













Additional pictures will be posted to our production gallery within the week.

Happy Thursday!

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)