Planned Spontaneity

My Polish Easter

2011-04-22T14:48:00.000-05:00

Traditional Polish Easter Basket Let me start by saying that I am neither Polish nor Catholic, but my husband was raised in a Polish Catholic home where the blessing of the Easter Basket was an annual ritual. As adults we're progressive Quakers, a religion that eschews "ritual". It's a bit if a guilty pleasure that we take part in the annual blessing of the Easter Basket. Easter us such a

Repost: Modern Etiquette

2011-04-20T15:06:00.000-05:00

The fact that there is an etiquette guide to talking about your wedding on Facebook is definitely a sign of our times... In addition to the eight tips posted on allfacebook.com, I'll add a few more... 8 Facebook Wedding Etiquette Tips 9. Don't post all the pictures from your photographer without their permission. In most cases, this is actually a violation of copyright law. Ask your

Celebration Advice: A Long Overdue Celebration

2011-03-30T23:47:00.001-05:00

Every now and then, I get fun, interesting questions from people who are anticipating their celebrations. Sometimes, when I answer these questions, I think- "Wow! someone could write an advice column about parties, weddings and creating personal celebrations!" Well, the other day, I realized that perhaps, at least occasionally, I could be that person! Don't worry, if you ask my advice, I'll

Repost: Hair and Dancing!

2011-03-28T10:02:00.000-05:00

Photo Courtesy of Anda Marie Photography I just found this great article about coordinating your hair do with your wedding entertainment! These are the types of details that can really make your celebration "pop". Check out this article from Gigmasters. Wedding Hair Wedding Planning

2011's Hottest Sustainable Wedding Trends

2011-03-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

If you're at all interested in having a sustainable wedding (and who isn't?), this is a great article from RecycledBride where brides buy and sell gently used wedding dresses. Fire and Ice by Planned Spontaneity Many of my clients have helped set these trends! How are you creating a sustainable celebration? Are you using any of these ideas? Do you have other ideas you're using? Please

Repost: Something old, something new - Wausau wedding planning | Examiner.com

2011-03-02T16:29:00.000-06:00

I love following Kelly's examiner articles. She's full of great ideas and information. Since one of my passions is delving into the meanings of our traditions, I thought you might enjoy reading about the significance of our "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue"There's also a final line that I hear less often"And a sixpence in your shoe" The sixpence represents good

Entertainment Spotlight: Abigail Cantor

2011-02-17T08:42:00.000-06:00

It's been my pleasure to work with the talented and versatile Abigail Cantor on a number of occasions. She's the leader of two ensembles, The Cantor Set and Shira. (Geeky math types will enjoy this play on words) The Cantor Set plays jazz standards, blues, and their own musical concoctions. They understand that rhythm and tempo are critical for dancing, so they keep melody and rhythm at the

Chocolate Spotlight: TerraSource Chocolates

2011-02-08T09:00:00.006-06:00

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Photographer Spotlight: Anda Marie

2011-02-04T07:52:00.000-06:00

Working with Anda Marie Photography is a true joy! She did a brilliant job capturing beautiful images of Claire and John's Wedding, and I look forward to working with her again! Her excitement about being a wedding photographer is effusive. "I can't imagine anything better!" When I asked her what she loves the most, it's the people. She loves her clients, she loves the other professionals

Real Weddings: Claire & John

2011-01-04T12:06:00.003-06:00

Anda Marie Photography Claire and John's wedding in October was inspiring in more ways than one! Not only was it beautiful and creative, but they also went out of their way to include their community and friends. Every person at the reception felt special and loved! '62 Thunderbird Anda Marie Photography Motif Painting by Debbie Sisko Anda Marie Photography Claire and John both have a

Entertainment Spotlight: Playlist Event Music

2010-12-21T08:30:00.003-06:00

When Beth Tucker and Chris Long were married in 2004, they wanted someone who would simply play music they chose on professional equipment, but that service didn’t exist! Like many people, they chose to create a playlist and do their own music. Of course, they didn't simply run their MP3 player through a boom box. They're both tech savvy and used good MP3 managing software and professional

I Love My Tree Skirt: A case for repurposing your wedding gown

2010-12-20T13:21:00.004-06:00

I love my tree skirt made by Just for You As Christmas approaches, I have the joy of decorating my tree. My tree skirt was made from the hem of my wedding gown. My Mother's Gown When I got married, I wanted to wear my mother's gown. Alas, that was not to be. I'm about 6" taller and of a more "solid" build... Even adding gussets wouldn't have made her beautiful 1950 satin gown look flattering

Hokey Cha-Chicken Slide: Dance Party Music!

2010-12-16T13:24:00.001-06:00

There are few things more controversial in the world of wedding receptions than the Chicken Dance and the Macarena! Other examples include the YMCA, Hokey Pokey, Cha-Cha Slide, Electric Slide, and Limbo Rock! (Click the links to see some videos!) Here's one opinion: from Wedding Receptions - The Do Not Play List by Nina Callaway, "Sure, DJs love these songs. They're great for entertaining kids

Wedding Entertainment 101

2010-12-16T11:18:00.001-06:00

Photo provided courtesy of Angelic Angles I wanted to write a quick "Wedding Entertainment 101" article. Unfortunately, even a "simple" list of entertainment options quickly became waaay too unwieldy for a little introduction article. After several attempts I realized that this sort of "intro has been done by others. Why reinvent the wheel? What I want to do is write about some specific details

Repost: Offbeat Bride | The dowry tradition and how it relates to today's bride

2010-12-13T08:00:00.002-06:00

If you're wondering about financing your wedding, check out this lively debate over at Offbeat Bride, and be sure to read the comments! The focus is on whether or not the brides parents should pay for the wedding, and all that it implies.. Offbeat Bride | The dowry tradition and how it relates to today's bride Before I let you go, here's my own take on the subject... It's lovely when parents

Green Spotlight: Paolo Verde Consulting Services

2010-12-09T07:30:00.011-06:00

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Paul Abramson "Green Paul" of Paolo Verde Consulting Services at a Dane Buy Local event. Paul has a passion for working with event planners to reduce the waste footprint of their event! He offers solutions for people who care enough to "walk the sustainability talk" every day. He's written this article on "Green event plans" I'd like to share with you.

Photographer Spotlight: Illuminata Photo

2010-12-06T07:51:00.001-06:00

Flexible, Fun & Guaranteed! That's Tim Mulholland's tag line for his business, Illuminata Photo. He's one of the only people I know who state outright- If you're not happy with his services, you're under no obligation to pay. Fortunately, he hasn't had to make good on this promise yet! I guess folks have been pretty happy with his services, and no wonder... Tim's laid back personality and

Repost: HEAD OVER HEELS: PRIORITIZING YOUR BUDGET

2010-12-03T09:07:00.001-06:00

I love this article! Nicole Zenner is a friend and a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants. She offers some great information about keeping within your budget, and also describes how wedding planners can help you stay within your budget! I can add that I regularly plan weddings with budgets between $10,000 and $20,000, and I always include my services within the budget. Click below

How To Be a Great GWC :: {guest with camera} :: WI Wedding Photography � Red Gecko Studio

2010-10-10T15:56:00.001-05:00

I like for my Planned Spontaneity blog to be helpful and informative, and sometimes, that helpful, informative material is written by another blogger! If you're a follower of this blog, you may have already read about Mandie Haberman and Red Gecko Studio. At any rate, here's a great article Mandie wrote on being a "GWC", or Guest with a Camera at a Wedding. How To Be a Great GWC :: {guest with

I should have hired me!

2010-08-25T17:04:00.004-05:00

Welcome back from summer! This humble event planner took the summer off of blogging. With all my spare time, I've been running “Mamma Camp”! My children and I have had a wonderful summer, and my youngest is now mere weeks away from being a school kid- no longer a preschooler. This month, I had the pleasure of hosting a birthday party for my little five-year-old daughter. Here's

Photographer/Videographer Spotlight: Kevin & Kelsey Visel of Primavera Studios

2010-05-17T14:36:00.005-05:00

One of the joys of my work is that I get to meet people like Kevin and Kelsey Visel. Their warm personalities and gracious manner would put anyone at ease. Kevin and Kelsey are the lead photographers and owners of Primavera Studios. Kevin also offers videography. Primavera Studios offer a consistent “Vintage-European” style with a classic Italian art sensibility. Their goal is to capture

Room for Sentiments: Blank RSVPs — Always A Blogsmaid Repost

2010-05-11T14:50:00.001-05:00

I love this personal touch for RSVPs! It's a perfect way to invite your guests to communicate with you! I don't know how it would work if you needed to collect meal selections, perhaps the bride would talk to people to find out their selections... I would love to hear what you think of this! Room for Sentiments: Blank RSVPs — Always A Blogsmaid

Wedding Traditions and beliefs-Repost: Marriage Folklore and Superstitions

2010-04-28T08:30:00.005-05:00

There are a ton of traditions surrounding weddings. Here are a few lesser known facts that I find interesting. • The opulent white wedding gown that is worn only once started with Hollywood-influenced weddings in the 1940's. • The diamond engagement ring is a result of the De Beers ad campaign- "A Diamond is Forever". • The tiered wedding cake, however, is a descendent of a very old tradition

Photographer Spotlight: Mandie Haberman of Red Gecko Studio

2010-04-21T09:30:00.002-05:00

I’ve you’ve been following the buzz about Kelly and Mike’s Green Wedding, then you’re already familiar with Mandie and Red Gecko Studio! If not, you should definitely check it out. Mandie’s photographs are beautiful and capture the beautiful real moments during the wedding day. Not only that, she writes one of the better blogs I've seen. She showcases each beautiful wedding she does with each

Photographer Spotlight: Amy Lynn Schereck

2010-04-19T10:00:00.005-05:00

While I was interviewing Amy Lynn Schereck, what impressed me most (aside from the beautiful images she creates for her clients) was her innate goodness. At the end, you can check out her list of charitable causes under “Specs”- but first, let’s talk about her photography…One of the things she excels at is efficiently getting really good group shots. Even if your focus isn’t the group pictures