Always Fabulous Events - Philadelphia Area Party & Wedding Planner

Highlights from Weddings Past

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Contributing Photographers:

Wedding Invitation Trends 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Guest Blogger, Christina Carnevale, Paper Rock Scissors
Christina Carnevale is a professional designer and owner of Paper Rock Scissors, a design firm located in Conshohocken, PA dedicated to creating original invitations and announcements for weddings, mitzvahs, corporate parties, and all other special events.

As Winter is blasting us with its bitterness, Spring and Summer weddings are sitting on the horizon, just waiting to be announced. Invitations have become the method by which couples introduce their guests to the overall theme, design, or colors of the wedding, often incorporating elements that will be used at the wedding ceremony and/or reception. We’re seeing less and less of the “ivory card with black writing” invitation and watching our clients move into a fully designed invitation suite that truly reflects the theme of the event, and often, the personal style of the couple.

Since we begin booking clients for 2012 weddings in mid-2011, we start to see invitation trends earlier than many companies. As a result, we’re seeing the following trends forming for 2012, and we’re happy to share them with you.

A Continuation of Jewel Tones

After the Royal Wedding, we began to see an infusion of jewel tones into many weddings. Unlike the Royal Wedding invitations, which were a traditional ivory with a gold gilt edge, we’re seeing brides who are incorporating the jewel tones into their actual invitations, choosing papers and ribbons that are deeply saturated with color. Whether or not you choose to combine two jewel tones together, or simply ground your color with the jewel tone and add a brighter “pop,” you can’t go wrong with the luxe look of Jewel Tones.

Cobalt and Coral

Cobalt provides a backdrop to this invitation, while the coral ribbon and patterned paper gives it that pop of color.

Ruby and Gold

Ruby and Gold is always a beautiful mix of colors. Whether the wedding be in December or July, using red and gold is a sure-fire way to add a bit of luxury to your wedding.

Blue Topaz and Gold

Blue Topaz (tiffany blue) paired with a gold grounds the color and focuses the eye on the important details that are accented and backed in the blue.

Sapphire and Hot Pink

Sapphire and Hot Pink is a popular combination for both ballroom weddings as well as beach weddings. Depending on the colors that are used in the ink and in the pocket, an invitation can range from formal to fun. The hot pink adds just the right amount pizzazz.

Handwritten Calligraphy

I’ve said it before in blog posts, and I’ll say it again. There is nothing more formal that receiving an invitation with a handwritten guest name and address on it. We’re seeing more and more brides return to the basic of handwritten envelopes, and we are excited about it. When a piece of mail comes in that has been handwritten, it’s a show stopper…particularly, beautiful calligraphy on a lovely envelope.

Though we do quite a lot of work with traditional calligraphy styles, we’re also seeing more free-flowing calligraphy styles used on envelopes. Brides are looking for something original and not so cookie-cutter, so a more unstructured script is appealing. We are also seeing the use of white, silver, and gold inks on darker envelopes (again, going back to jewel tones) which gives the invitation a different look immediately upon receipt by your guest.

Whether you love the ideas of the trends we’re seeing, or if you are looking for something completely different, think about how you can make your invitation part of your overall design aesthetic for the event. The possibilities only end where your ideas do! We here at Paper Rock Scissors are happy to help should you require professional assistance in designing your very own ensemble.

Bridal Event Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

If you've been to a recent Bridal Event in the Philadelphia area, then you've seen the table full of sparkly BLING. Its the newest addition to the show and its called Bridal Event Boutique.

The booth contains a small sampling of what you will find at http://www.bridaleventboutique.com/. You'll find everything from tiaras & headpieces to jewelry for you, your bouquet, AND your cake. There are accessories for everyone in the wedding party. There are also favors and guest books.

Our gift to you: Shop now and use the code "ALLFAB" to get 10% off your total purchase.

Wedding Flower Trends 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Guest Blogger, Tanti Lina, Papertini

After about a gallon of coffee, here's what came to my mind on the topic of "Wedding Flower Trends 2012":

"Vintage" is still going to be around for a while; because it's easy to embrace the idea of simple, familiar, comfort, warm, cozy and ooey gooey, like a good chocolate chip cookie should be. How that translates to flowers and decor is we'll get to see things like pick-from-the-garden bouquet style (handtied, textural, natural), mason and antique jars/bottles/containers, break away centerpieces (what that means is a table has 3-5 bud vases vs 1 big arrangement), mercury glasses, cute birds, etc...etc... Just browse Style Me Pretty, Anthropologie, and etsy, you'll find a lot of answers there. ^_^

A little twist for 2012 that we can see coming is probably the return of the cascading bouquet style - BUT, nothing crazy like the 80's royal shabongle. It will be the more subtle, slight teardrop shape, simpler version like, well, the new millenia royal shabongle (Thank you, Your Royal Highness for not going for the super long cascading holy cannoli bouquet and yes, "shabongle" is my own made up word).

Now, that's just my "business" or "industry driven" opinion. If you ask for my personal opinion as an invidiual, a woman, and an artist: Trend Schmrend.

Why?? Because it's YOUR wedding! Trend articles are there to serve as guidance, reference, and inspiration sources. Seriously, none of these mean anything if they are not what you truly want. For most people (cuz you know that one Kardashian story), this will be the one and only time you get to do this wedding shabongle!

So...Do what you love and follow your heart!

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2012!
And...Happy Planning! ^__^

==========================

Pictures Credit:
Lindsay Docherty Photography:
Antique Jars
Mercury Glass
Pick from Garden Style
Vintage

Picture taken by Papertini:
Ciao Bella Cakes with Cute Birds (Cake by Ciao Bella Cakes)

Photo courtesy of CLiu:
Short Cascade Bouquet

All flowers in the pictures are by Papertini

Real Wedding: Kelli + Jason 10.8.11

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

(Imagine this being said by the guy who does all the movie trailer voice-overs)

On a beautiful autumn afternoon...

In and around the Independence Seaport Museum...

At the Philadelphia waterfront known as Penn's Landing...

2 families blended as Kelli and Jason said "I Do".

My first meeting with Kelli and Jason actually took place on a park bench at Rittenhouse Square. I later found out that Kelli purposely had us sit where she and Jason met for the first time. They are an adorable couple. Although Kelli is a doctor, she doesn't carry herself with a sense of superiority. She is very earthy and bohemian. Jason is also a casual, laid back guy. The most important aspects of this wedding were food and fun.

I was hired to help with the design and day of wedding coordination. Kelli and Jason found the venue and most of the professionals on her own. Based on Kelli's style and personality, I recommended Necoh at Royal Design Flowers & Events. It turned out that Kelli and Necoh share an affinity for Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters, like Chococat. Necoh surprised Kelli on her wedding day with a bonus bouquet.

The ceremony was set to take place on the museum's outdoor rotunda which overlooks the river. To take advantage of the circular structure, we created an intimate seating area with the wedding party and minister in the center.

Kelli wanted to use a lot of fall colors for her wedding: chocolate, green apple, wine, burnt orange, and ivory. The bridesmaids wore chocolate brown dresses. We dressed the outdoor cocktail tables and food stations in apple green. The reception tables were set with chocolate brown table linens and apple green napkins. We used ivory chairs to keep the space from appearing too dark. Necoh created centerpieces which incorporated flowers in orange and wine, plus an essential feature in the wedding decor, green apples. (The apples represented Jason. His nieces and nephews call him "Uncle Apple".) She also carried this concept over to the cake.

The DJ made sure there was fun. Brulee Catering (the exclusive caterer for Independence Seaport Museum) made sure there were plenty of tasty morsels for Kelli and Jason's family and friends. I even heard one of the guests say "There's still more food coming?"

During one of our meetings with the catering sales staff, Kelli and Jason mentioned that they wanted to get funnel cake before they left Penn's Landing. Unfortunately, they didn't find any. On the wedding day, we made sure they found the truck.

The mother/daughter photography team of Joyce & Jess at Casual Candids Photography did an amazing job capturing the details and fun of this wedding.

From jumping the broom...

... to boys being boys

(I love that picture.)

We wish Kelli and Jason a long and FABULOUS marriage.

To see more photos from this wedding, visit the gallery on our website.

Muchos Smooches!

Wedding Cake Design Trends for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:16:00 +0000

Guest blogger, Rafael Logrono

...couture continues...
In 2011, there was a huge increase in fashion inspired wedding cakes; let it be lace, drapes or brooches, this popular trend will continue in 2012. Brides love to see the embroidery and fabric designs of their gowns, transformed into a confectionary work of art on to their wedding cakes.

...blissfully bold bows...
Dressing a cake with bows hand crafted out of sugar, not only makes a dramatic statement, but the elegant look is a much more affordable alternative to a sugar flower studded wedding cake. Bows have been a part of weddings for a long time; seen in chair coverings and on the bride's gown, the dainty embellishment will be seen more often on wedding cakes in 2012.

...tall confections...
A trend that has been highly popular in 2011 will continue to grace the weddings of hundreds of couples in 2012. Tall wedding cakes are show stopping! Bakers can use one or two tiers of styrofoam pieces and decorate them for a grand 5 tier wedding cake. The trend of tall wedding cakes also includes tiers of varying heights. Much more attention is brought to a wedding cake with tiers ranging in heights.

...white canvas and black elements...
White and lackluster wedding cakes are so 1990's; this year, the color white will serve as a clean canvas for cake designers to portray color filled designs, let it be hand painting, sugar flowers or embroidery. Black at a wedding? Yes! Splashes of the color black are very edgy and avant garde and set apart any wedding cake from the rest.

Remember, your wedding cake is the one dessert you'll always remember for the rest of your life, so choose the right baker to make it a memorable one!

To book a wedding cake consultation e-mail Rafael at info@RafaelLogrono.com or you can visit his website RafaelLogrono.com for more information. Follow Rafael Logrono on Facebook at Facebook.com/RafaelLogronoCakeDesign

All photos courtesy of Rafael Logrono

Throw an Engagement Party

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Are you one of the lucky ones to get engaged this holiday season? What better way to announce it to the world than to throw an engagement party?

Photo Source

WARNING: This party should not be as big or as fabulous as your wedding.

Rule #1: Keep it simple so you can enjoy the party. That doesn't mean plain, boring, or blah.

Rule #2: As I always say: DIY means Do It Yourself, not Do It BY Yourself. Get your friends and/or family to help you. Delegate duties to those willing to help so you don't get overwhelmed.

Rule #3: If someone else is throwing the party for you, COMMUNICATE with them to make sure they understand your personal styles and tastes.

Rule #4: Limit the guest list to your closest family and friends... the people who are definitely going to be invited to or be a part of the wedding. Use this opportunity to introduce both sets of parents, if they don't already know each other.

Rule #5: Be prepared to tell the story of how he proposed. You may want to practice if you are shy. You'll probably have to tell it over and over as more people learn of your engagement.

Bonus Rule: Wear something that makes you feel amazing and get a fresh manicure. You and your left hand will be the center of attention.

Lighting Trends for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Guest blogger, Jason Weldon, Synergetic Sound & Lighting, Inc.

The beauty with lighting is that we can set the trend with each event we do. We are always trying to do something a little different from the last event we did. So we are always looking to set the new trend or come up with a hot new way to light an area. Many of the changes happen in the technology we use. And the technology in L.E.D. lighting is getting really good; however the cost of the fixtures is still pretty high. So 2012 will see more and more of the higher end events using more and more of the newest L.E.D. fixtures.

Whenever we talk about lighting trends, color is always the first thing that has to be brought up. For 2012, Tangerine Tango is the color to have! You are going to see this in up lighting, gobo projections and area lighting. Compliment that with a gold or purple and the room will just look brilliant.

Digital lighting is a trend that will be brought into more proposals that we put together for 2012. Instead of using the traditional lighting fixtures, projectors are used to create endless possibilities on the dance floor, walls or even the outside of a building. Digital light is still rather expensive, so the trick for us is to find a way to make it affordable, but still give the effect we are looking for.

And I say this every year, but I think 2012 will be another big year for Intelligent lighting. We did more Intelligent lighting events last year than any year previous and I think more and more clients see how much it adds to the design and feel of a room. It also helps that our clients and prospects can come in and get a demonstration of what it looks like, this way they are educated and can “see” exactly what it is.

Set design is going to be big this year as well. Draped out sweet heart tables, trussing around the dance floor, cabanas set up for lounge areas: these will all start to come into play to jazz up a room physically and allow us the chance to light them properly to show off the client’s personality. After all, that is the end result, to make the party a reflection of you!

We also started to see a push in monogram sales towards the end of last year and I think it may last for most of 2012. But not just the typical initials next to each other with the date underneath. I am talking about custom designed monograms that are truly breathtaking. We are getting monogram designs from more calligraphy artists than ever before and we love it!

And last but not least, sometimes it is the simple things that look the best. We love the look of the old style, Italian string lights and we think this is something that can be incorporated in many of the events we design. The look of these lights is different, but traditional enough that it brings a feel to the room that typical up lighting or dance floor lighting just can’t do. We have been showing this off in our DreamSpace (our lighting demo area) for months now and clients have been really excited about it.

2012 is going to allow us to get very creative with lighting and we are excited about our DreamSpace to show it all off in! We look forward to working with our trusted partners like Always Fabulous Events and hope that you will come over to our offices with Randi to design your wedding!

All photos courtesy of Synergetic Sound & Lighting.

Golden Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Why wait until your 50th wedding anniversary to celebrate in golden style?

Gold looks regal when accenting an all-white palette. In the photos below, golden candelabras, chairs, chargers, and glassware add just enough color and sparkle to the room.

Gold picture frames can be used to display your table numbers or names to match your color scheme.

Remember that your favor display is a part of the decor too. These favors are "tied" in to the color scheme with beautiful gold bows.

Photos from The Knot & Weddingbee

Winter Cocktail: Sparkling Pear + Cranberry Cocktail

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Get the recipe for this winter cocktail from Martha Stewart

Honeymoon at a Bed + Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:53:00 +0000

If you have never stayed at a Bed & Breakfast, there are a few things you should know before you get there.

This is usually a large home, so the bedrooms are just as soundproof as the bedrooms at your parents' house. (I don't think I need to say much more about that.)
Find out what time meals are served. The kitchen is probably not open 24 hours. (The same goes for the front desk.)
Breakfast is usually "chef's choice". Notify the innkeeper in advance if you have dietary restrictions or special needs.
Some inns don't have private bathrooms. If this is an important feature, confirm this before you book your stay.
Expect other guests to be friendlier than you are used to. This is because you are basically "living" in the same house for a few days.

Photo: Mansion Inn, New Hope PA

Winter Cocktail: Peppermint Martini

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Get the recipe for this winter cocktail from Flavor Diva. Garnish with mini candy canes for a December wedding or holiday party.

Winter Cocktail: Citrus Martini

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Get the recipe for this winter cocktail from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Wedding Trends for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:04:00 +0000

As the real world approaches the end of 2011, the wonderful world of weddings is already into 2012 and onward. Just to make sure we are all on the same page, I decided to talk about Wedding Trends we are seeing for 2012.

DRESSES

Illusion Necklines have been seen at Carolina Herrera, Alfred Angelo, and Monique Lhuillier. Their interpretations of this fashion style are completely different. My favorite is this one by Monique Lhuillier.

photo source

Two-Tiered Skirts are a great way to hide larger hips and thighs.
Lace Sleeves. All thanks due to Kate Middleton. (Warning: If you try this trend and your arms look like they are stuffed in sausage casing, then it is not the right trend for you.)
Blush is an acceptable alternative to the traditional white or ivory.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Engagement Shoots have become increasingly popular. It not only helps you get to know your photographer. It also helps you become comfortable having your photos taken together and you learn how to pose for a flattering shot. By the time your wedding day rolls around, you will feel like a professional model.

FOOD

Stations are making a permanent home as wedding reception dining options. Frankly, they are much more interesting than a standard buffet. Setting up stations around the room allows for traffic control and eliminates the long wait holding a plate.
Dessert Tables are HUGE! It will include your wedding cake plus so much more. One of our recent wedding couples even had a gelato cart wheeled in to serve the frozen treats they shared on their first date.
Groom's Cake... yes, its back. Since most of the wedding day is about the bride, this is a way for her to surprise him with a little reflection of his interests.

DECOR

Full-Blown Themes... not just color schemes. I'm talking about the other elements that make up ideas like "A Midsummer Night's Dream" or "Alice in Wonderland".
Non-Floral Accents. Brides are taking notes from fashion and incorporating things like feathers, fabrics, and metals into the wedding decor. Jeweled accents never seem to go out of style. Bling is sticking around a little while longer.
Personalization does not have to mean DIY (do it yourself). We're seeing lots of personal touches that are created by professionals. You can have a monogram created by a graphic designer to be strategically displayed from your stationery to your wedding cake decorations and dance floor lighting. You can name the tables after all of your favorite songs and have your invitation designer print them for you with the same font and paper stock as your invitations, programs, and menu cards. You can even hire a writer to help you create the perfect vows.

I'm sure we'll touch on a lot of these topics in more detail later. For now, please enjoy the holiday season with your friends, family, and loved ones.

Muchos Smooches!

A "DC Cupcake" Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:30:00 +0000

On September 17, 2011, Katherine & Ben finally tied the knot at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California.

The bride wore a FABULOUS Vera Wang strapless Chantilly lace and French tulle gown. Sophie, the matron of honor (and the bride's sister) wore navy Monique Lhuiller. The girls each carried Judith Leiber crystal-encrusted evening bags in the shape of cupcakes.

Be sure to catch all the amazing details of Katherine's Wedding Special on DC Cupcakes, TONIGHT 11.11.11 @ 10PM (ET) on TLC.

Tweet My Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Social media has played a huge role in most of our lives. So much that we all have allowed our followers into our personal lives even if we never met them in person. With this in mind, why should planning your wedding be any different?

"We are meeting with our wedding planner @alwaysfab today."

"After visiting 5 venues, I think we finally found the perfect place for our reception."

"I hope #myfuturehusband is not having TOO much fun at his bachelor party. lol"

In my opinion, I think you should tweet, blog, or share your wedding plans with your Facebook friends. It helps you share your joy and excitement (and possibly your stress and indecision). You can post pictures of your style inspiration. You can post requests for recommendations about who to hire and where to shop.

Beware of opening yourself up for harsh criticism and unkind opinions... but have fun with it.

If you are really dedicated to giving your followers live updates on your wedding day, then let someone else post on your behalf. For example, they can include pics of your 1st dance along with the name of the song and other comments about it. The designated person should not be your wedding planner. We have far too much to do on your wedding day to take time out to tweet.

However you decide to embrace social media, just be sincere and real. The rest will fall into place.

Follow us on Twitter: @alwaysfab
Like us on Facebook: Always Fabulous Events

Have a FABULOUS day!
Smooches

Real Wedding: Shana + Marvin 9.10.11

noreply@blogger.com (Orien A. Smith) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Hey there! My name is Orien and I am a wedding coordinator with the Always Fabulous Events team. This is my first blog post! I am especially excited because I get to write about Shana and Marvin's wedding. We worked with them for 16 months prior to the event and I think I was as excited and as nervous as they were.

On a gorgeous Saturday in September, Shana and Marvin were married at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Paulsboro, NJ. Father Rene Canales presided over a bilingual mass that included "Jumping the Broom", the "Lazo", and the "Harras". Shana is African-American and Marvin is Nicaraguan. It was important to them to observe customs that celebrated both of their cultures.

The reception was held at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing. After a lovely and lively cocktail hour, the guests moved into the beautiful River View room for dinner. The bridal party was introduced and once the bride and groom entered the room, they shared their first dance to “Stay with You” by John Legend. Emotions were high as the bride danced with her father and the groom danced with his mother. Toasts by the best man, father of the bride, and the groom were touching with dashes of humor to set a perfect mood for the rest of the reception. With a striking view of the sunset over Penn’s Landing, dinner was served.

Once dinner was over, the party began!

This is my favorite part of the wedding day. The couple can finally relax and enjoy the party and the family and friends can get to know each other. The DJ was awesome and he kept everyone on the dance floor for hours. Just when the guests were ready to sit down to rest, a new song would come on and they would get right back up again. As the party continued, the couple danced, laughed and celebrated with their newly blended family and friends.

At the end of the evening, the bride and groom were spent but most importantly, they were happy. They, along with their families, and the AFE team, all worked together for close to two years to ensure the day was perfect. And it was.

We wish Mr. and Mrs. Garcia the best of luck, love, and happiness. It was our pleasure to share in their special day.

Many , many thanks to the wonderful professionals who helped to make the day complete!

Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing (Emily Elling)
Florist: Papertini (Tanti and Mandy)
Photographer: Michelle LaBrake Photography
Cinematographer: Hulik Video Productions (Walt Hulik)
Entertainment: Silver Sound DJs (Jean Jacques and Kyle Jordan)
Transportation: Secrets Limousine (James Quinn)
Hair: Tah Skeeters (formerly of Chroma Hair Gallery)
Makeup: Blush + Brushes

Wedding Music: Breathe

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Breathe by Faith Hill is a beautiful song. Perfect for the bride's entrance to her ceremony or a well choreographed first dance.

Unfortunately, embedding this video onto our blog is not permitted. You can watch it here.

This is the last song in my favorite wedding music series. I hope you enjoyed listening. Now it's your turn. What is your favorite wedding song of all time?

Wedding Music: I Found Love (Cindy's Song)

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Wedding Music: Because You Loved Me

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Wedding Music: A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Wedding Ceremony Music

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 19:52:00 +0000

It is very important for you to know when to play what type of music during your ceremony.

Here's a little guide to help you get started with your musical selections.

Prelude - This is played while the guests are being seated before the ceremony begins. This is usually a classical or jazz instrumental medley to set the tone. Aim for 5 - 6 songs.

Processional - This is played while important guests (such as parents & grandparents) are seated and the bridal party makes their entrance. Depending on your personal preference and size of the wedding party, you may play a different song for the bridal party entrance.

Bride's Entrance - This song should be different from the previous processional music. You want this song to announce the bride.

Interlude - These songs are played during special moments of the ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle.

Recessional - This is played after the bride & groom have been presented as husband & wife. This is usually an upbeat celebratory song.

Postlude - This is played while the guests exit the ceremony. It is also upbeat.

This week, I will share some of my favorite wedding music with you.

Reunion Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

If you have ever served on a reunion planning committee (family, high school, sorority, etc.), then you know it is a long-term commitment. You might start out with a large committee and end up with a handful of truly dedicated members doing it all.

Having a committee is essential because there is too much for one person to do alone. Just to name a few:

Finding classmates (not everyone is on Facebook)
Selecting a venue & menu
Collecting payments

I have served on the planning committee for my last 2 high school reunions (for obvious reasons). Planning the first one taught me a lot about what not to do this time around.

The first lesson: DELEGATE. Let other people do some of the work. Plan to have regular update meetings to hold each other accountable for necessary tasks and stick to a timeline.

The second lesson: Do not invest your personal funds if you are not sure you will get it back. Overestimating the number of guests who will attend can surely kill your budget. It is best to estimate low so you have room to add on extras (like professional photography and decor) later.

Our 20-year reunion was held on July 30th at Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue. The staff was awesome and the ballroom was gorgeous. We selected this venue because it was the site of our Jr. Prom. (Nostalgia is always a big hit for reunions.)

Looking forward to planning the next one. Muchos Smooches!

WUW Philadelphia Crossing the Bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:53:00 +0000

Did you know that the Philadelphia chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding includes South Jersey and Delaware?
In an effort to increase awareness of the WUW mission and build a diverse list of Wish Granters, WUW Philadelphia is hosting a Meet & Greet at Valleybrook Country Club in Blackwood, NJ.

You are invited to join the Philadelphia board members to enjoy refreshing beverages and tasty morsels while networking at this beautiful host property. You will learn about this fabulous organization and how you can get involved.

Date: Thursday, August 25, 2011
Time: 6p - 9p
Location:
Valleybrook Country Club, 200 Golfview Dr, Blackwood, NJ

This is a free event but you must RSVP to attend. http://wuwphilly-sj.eventbrite.com/

Photo Source

*This is another one of the many things I have been busy planning. I hope to see you there. ~Muchos Smooches!*

My First Jewish Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Randi Martin) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:48:00 +0000

In my last post, I told you about a wedding we did on June 25. A week later, on July 3, I assisted a more seasoned wedding planner with a 300-guest traditional Jewish wedding at the Hyatt at Penns Landing. Not only was this a ginormous wedding, it was was my very first Jewish wedding EVER.

Side note: I am not too full of myself to step back and recognize that I don't know everything about everything. Big Thanks to Mark Kingsdorf for allowing me to learn from him.

So here I am at this wedding getting a crash course in Jewish wedding customs and a little taste of Hebrew and Yiddish too.

Bride = Kallah
Groom = Chatan

The kallah and chatan are literally treated like a king and queen. The bride sits on a throne to receive her guests and the groom is surrounded by guests who sing and toast to him. This is called "Kabbalat Panim."

There is a custom called a tish where the groom attempts to deliver some words about the Torah while his friends and family take the pressure off by constantly interrupting him with jokes, toasts, singing, and dancing. At the end of the tish, family and friends carry the groom into the badeken for veiling. Next comes the badeken, the veiling of the kallah by the chatan. This symbolizes modesty.

The wedding ceremony takes place under a chuppah, which symbolizes the home the couple will build together.

Photo by Unique Concepts Studio, Inc.
(NOTE: This is not the same wedding I worked on.
I just really like this chuppah.)

After walking down the aisle with both of her parents, the bride circles the groom 7 times to symbolize building their new world together.

The ketubah (marriage contract) outlines the husband's duties in the marriage. Protecting the wife is so important that the wedding will not continue until the ketubah has been signed. It is often made into artwork that can be hung and displayed prominantly in their home.

Two cups of wine are used during the ceremony. One during the Kiddushin when the rabbi blesses the marriage. The other is saved until after the rabbi recites the Seven Blessings.

The ceremony ends with the groom shattering a glass on the floor with his foot. Some jokingly say this is the last time the groom gets to put his foot down, but it actually symbolizes sadness at the destruction of Jerusalem and identifies the couple with the destiny of the Jewish people.

The bride and groom are escorted off to a private room to be alone for a little while to enjoy the first moments of being married and to eat something (because they are supposed to fast all day until they are married).

The most mindblowing part of the entire evening was the reception. I've never seen a more festive wedding celebration in all of my years as a wedding planner... heck... all of my years on the planet. They only take breaks for food and formalities, such as blessing the challah (a beautifully braided bread) and the hora (aka chair dance). At this wedding, the grooms parents were also honored with a special ritual for marrying off their last child.

Another fabulous photo by Unique Concepts Studio, Inc.
(Again... not the wedding I worked on.)