SAVVY PLANNER SAVES THE DAY- A TRUE STORY

This lovely bride, with her calm and relaxed pose on her wedding day, was anything but calm while she planned her fairy tale wedding. This is the story of just one of many unforeseen disasters that befell this adorable and organized bride. But, there were more. From the venue that changed on site event coordinators faster than you could write the name of the last one, to the seamstress who didn't know how to make the gown fit the bride- teeny as she is, to the hotel mix ups and the unfriendly staff that met the florist at the venue for set up, this wedding could have been a bride's worst nightmare. Listen to the story and see how Kathleen got her "fairy tale wedding".

"LIKE" GRUBER PHOTOGRAPHY AND WIN

Here is a contest you WONT want to miss! If you "like" Gruber Photography on Facebook, you can win a day of photography with this accomplished and wonderful photojournalistic photographer. From Vogue, to celebrity weddings to everything in between, Terry Gruber has been a photographer and filmmaker for over 25 years. Wouldn't you "like" to have your wedding photographed by the same talent that captured Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas?! Or course you would. Even if you don't win, you might still want this phenomenal photographer to capture your special day. So, "like" their new page on Facebook and then go to Gruber Photography and see the more great work. And,don't wait! This contest ends on September 15. So, hurry for your chance to win! And, consider contacting Gruber for your wedding or special event.

Photo Credit: Gruber Photography

VAN CLEVE WEDDING PAVILION: INTRODUCTION

Today begins a series on The Wedding Pavilion. The first time I walked into this "pretty in pink" salon and gazed at the incredible array of unique and beautiful gowns, I knew I had to write about it. Then, when The Wedding Pavilion was named "Best Of" in Main Line Today, I was quick to contact Deborah and Leslie Padilla, their PR firm, to get the ball rolling. You will see, over the next months, why I am so excited about this series. We begin with the overview of the salon, we will explore the designers, their custom design studio, go to a trunk show with Matthew Christopher and follow some of The Wedding Pavilion's brides on their journey to the altar. So, don't forget to check back for every installment of this unforgettable journey.

The Wedding Pavilion is located at 72 East Lancaster Avenue in Paoli, Pa. They are open by appointment only, so call them at 610- 647-5085 to arrange a time to go and see the stunning collections. Some of the designers they carry include Lela Rose, Pronovias, Birnbaum and Bullock and Matthew Christopher. They carry bridesmaids dresses by Alvina Valenta, Watters and Watters and Jenny Yoo to name a few. And, right next door, you will find another fabulous shop for the mothers and the many parties you will be hosting during your engagement at The Van Cleve Collection.

The alteration department is the best around and if you want a custom design, that is available too. And, they have a tremendous selection of accessories, veil and headpieces to complete your bridal look. The staff is courteous and professional, very knowledgeable about what they do. You will have a perfectly wonderful experience when you purchase all of the dresses for your wedding at The Wedding Pavilion and The Van Cleve Collection. So, call today, 610-647-5085 and begin your own personal journey to the altar, along with us.

GUEST BLOGGER: G E MASANA

My good friend G E Masana- a premier photographer and all around great guy, sent me this article. What great advice for all you couples looking for that perfect fit in a photographer with style and vision. Visit G E Masana's web site and REALLY read and see his reason for taking pictures. It won't take you long to decide who should make the memories of your day come to life! Thanks G E for this great insight.

Breaking News: There's a new definition for "unique":

Now it means "Cookie Cutter" and "Copy Cat" - when it comes to your wedding photos.

A popular wedding website recently interviewed a wedding photographer asking how a bride can get unique wedding photos from her photographer.

The professional's answer may actually shock you.

A "must have" shot, she advised, would be to find a "really cool graffiti wall" and "stand in front of it."

Is that what unique is?

Search Google Images for "wedding photos graffiti wall" and it returns 6,940,000 results. That's right - almost seven million of those same trendy shots.

Considering that there are only about two million marriages a year in the U.S. that's a heck of a lot of graffiti in people's wedding photos!

Not anything I'd call unique. Would you?

Part of the problem for populating newlyweds’ love nests en masse with these types of wedding pictures is the well-intended but "follow-the-herd" thinking many wedding photographers have today. They're lovely people I'm sure yet maybe they haven't yet come to appreciate what really makes a bride's wedding photography truly unique and not a snapshot..

It's true that many brides don't particularly care one way or the other beyond that. After all, brides are people too... and people do things like, copy what the next person's doing. Do whatever's "hot" today. That's why back in the 80's lots of brides had the big hair and poofy wedding sleeves. They just followed the trend.

But there are (and have always been) brides (and grooms!) who stand apart and care more about acquiring something far more meaningful for themselves... something they can truly call unique... in their wedding photography.

Which is why I wrote down my 10 essential tips ( Click to get your free copy here) that actually will make your wedding photos unique. I couldn’t stay silent any longer.

Working with hundreds of brides and grooms as a NYC wedding photographer and seeing first hand what does mean something to them has given me insights. True, I also have the advantage of brides writing me on their anniversaries because they wanted to thank me again and tell me how their wedding photos have become ever more significant to them with time - and why that's so.

In other words, these insights are time tested and proven.

So I've gleaned tons of aha! moments out of all my experience. And I'm going to share some of those light bulb moments with you.

This is obviously not for everybody. It's insight for discerning couples who seek something more desirable and personalized out of their wedding photos. These tips are anything but routine. You won't see them all mentioned in any wedding magazine... evidently. But they will make a significant difference in your resulting wedding photos - plus they even have a side effect of making your wedding day experience more enjoyable as well! And who wouldn't want that?

If you're a bride or groom you can grab your personal copy- here right now. For free.

I don't know how long I'll be giving away this information but if you'd like to achieve better, more meaningful unique wedding photography - get your copy now in time to easily put these tips in motion for your wedding.

Enjoy!

CUSTOM TO A TEE

I recently received an offer from ooShirts, an online custom t-shirt printing company, to try out their service and review their product. They’re a small start-up in Berkeley, California working to get their name out. It sounded fun so I decided to give them a whirl. A couple of bridal shirts couldn’t hurt!

The entire design process is done online at www.ooshirts.com using their tools. I was able to upload images onto the different brands and styles they carry to see exactly what my shirt would look like. The Checkout process was quick and within two weeks my shirts had arrived. They looked great, plus the shipping is complimentary.

ooShirts would be a good company for brides to keep in mind because of the great group discounts they offer. Custom t-shirts for bridal showers, wedding staff, and future baby-showers are made inexpensive and easy. Take a look at www.ooshirts.com and see!

BEST OF THE MAIN LINE

It's hot outside, but it will be hotter at Drexelbrook on August 4! Join the BEST OF the Main Line as they celebrate being voted BEST OF. Enjoy great food and drink, some of the best entertainment with Jellyroll and products from the Main Line's best retailers. What better way to spend a hot, summer Thursday evening! In addition to all the fun, you will be helping some wonderful charities- Mommy's Light, Little Siles, Women's Resource Center and Home of the Sparrow. , all of which help in improving the lives of women and children. Here is all the information on the party and getting your tickets. But, I also want to tell you about some of the winners. So, order your tickets and keep reading! There is so much to share.


MAIN LINE TODAY HONORS AREA’S PROVEN EXCELLENCE WITH “BEST OF THE MAIN LINE & WESTERN SUBURBS 2011” JULY ISSUE AND CELEBRATED SUMMER BASH EVENT, THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 6:30 PM 14th Annual Party at Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center in Drexel Hill Supports Local Charities Little Smiles, Women’s Resource Center, Home of the Sparrow and Mommy’s Light NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA (June 21, 2011) – Main Line Today announces its 14th Annual Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs 2011 party and special issue, celebrating the local businesses and celebrities in Philadelphia’s premiere suburbs. This year’s “Summer Bash” event honoring some 300 winners takes place Thursday, Aug. 4, at Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center in Drexel Hill, Pa., from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are available at www.mainlinetoday.com or by calling (610) 325-4630. This year’s Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs 2011 party features a beach theme, with more than 100 exhibitors offering samples of delicious food, libations and products, along with live entertainment area favorite Jellyroll. Based on past turnouts, more than 2,000 attendees are expected. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit organizations Little Smiles, Women’s Resource Center, Home of the Sparrow and Mommy’s Light. All are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of the region’s children and families. "The ‘Best of’ party has become an annual must-attend event for those living and doing business on the renowned Main Line,” said Sally Holub, chair of the event and the former publisher of Main Line Today. “It’s a personal treat to continue to support this charitable summer event featuring those who make the Main Line remarkable." Main Line Today’s annual Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs issue is available in July. It highlights hundreds of winners selected by the magazine’s readers and critics. For 15 years, Main Line Today has been the go-to resource for families and businesses embracing the traditions and shaping the future of the Main Line and its surroundings. “Our Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs issue celebrates all that’s great about our area,” says Main Line Today editor-in-chief Hobart Rowland. “It’s the go-to resource for anyone looking for the inside scoop on restaurants, shopping, salons, cultural offerings and much more.” This year’s sponsors include Apple Vacations, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation, 3D Collision Centers, Dr. Jonathan Sharf DMD-FAACD, Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center, Horizon Services, ING Financial Partners, Leslie Padilla Public Relations, NBC 10, Professional Duplicating, Inc., and Rosenzweig & Associates Wealth Management Group. In addition, Wilkie Lexus will be raffling off only 300 tickets to win a two-year lease on a 2011 Lexus ES350 valued at $18,000 and Apple Vacations will provide an all-inclusive trip-for-two for 4-nights to Occidental Hotels & Resorts with round-trip airfare from Philadelphia International Airport on an Apple Vacations' charter. Tickets for Main Line Today magazine’s 14th Annual Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs 2011 party are available now online at www.mainlinetoday.com or by calling (610) 325-4630. Tickets for the preview party (5–6:30 p.m.) are $75 per person. Individual tickets for the party (6:30 p.m.) are $65 at the door, $55 in advance and $45 for groups of 15 or more. Drexelbrook, a state-of-the-art corporate center with over 25,000 square feet of space, is hosting the “Best of” event for the fifth year in a row. Press Contact: Leslie Padilla / LPPR, LLC p/ 610-500-4698 e/ l_padilla@comcast.net

You can read all about the winners in Main Line Today magazine, but here are some of the great winners.


Van Cleve Wedding Pavilion: A cut above in bridal salons, with two buildings full of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and dresses for the mothers, guests and a bride's trousseau. Deborah and her staff are pleasant, knowledgeable and ready to make your wedding an special occasion dressing dreams come true.

And, stay tuned for much more about The Wedding Pavilion, as I embark on a series of articles about the salon, the great ladies of the salon, the amazing designers they carry and some of the brides as they make their journey to the altar. I am excited to be working with Deborah, Abigail and the staff of The Wedding Pavilion on this wonderful series.


Cupcake Gourmet: Luscious and lovely can be used to describe these delectable treats, perfect for any occasion. Maki makes every one with loving care and talented hands. You can shop in one of two locations or you can shop and ship on line. The photos of these cupcakes will make your mouth water and wait until you taste them!












Another great winner is Petah Bashano. His flowers are exquisite and his design and vision are beyond compare. Whether a wedding, a dinner party or a corporate event, Petah Bashano will wow your guests with his talent and creativity.




















































And, lets not forget the stellar venue that so graciously hosts the event, Drexelbroook.
At Drexelbrook, your every need is catered to. The food is delicious and impeccably served. The banquet rooms are beautifully appointed and there is a space for any event. And, the staff is professional and pleasant to work with. The grand entrance to the lobby is perfect for greeting guests or photos and the talented lighting design firm of Eventions is the on site team to set the mood for any event.

Now that you are excited and can't wait to get to this super event, please get your tickets at tickets@mainlinetoday.com or 610-325-4630. It's an evening of fun, great food and drink and lots of local celebrity! See you there!

BEING AN AMSALE GIRL

Amsale Girls!
This is one bridal show that I adore! Every Sunday night at 10PM, I settle in to see Debbye and the ladies who sell these incredible gowns on Madison Avenue in New York. I love the way they all work together. I love the way they support and encourage one another and I LOVE the humanity and the sweet nature of Amsale- the genius behind this salon and these spectacular dresses.

Another thing that makes watching this show so much fun is that you can Tweet with the girls and with other fans while the show is on. Commenting on the show, finding out what is going to happen next and asking questions make the show interactive and really interesting. My favorite consultant on the show is Emily. She is a fabulous personality and she really has the perfect approach- and the most amazing patience!! As someone who spent a long time in the sale of wedding dresses, I can relate to her and I respect and admire her professional demeanor. Here is more about Emily from the people behind the scenes.
Emily grew up in Chicago, Illinois and although she has adopted New York City as her new home, she’s never quite been able to leave her Midwestern roots behind. Never the kind of girl to dream about her wedding day and the big white dress, Emily instead dreamed of working in fashion. The first dress she made was when she was 9 years old out of one of her mother’s old pillowcases. Following her passion, she left Chicago and headed to Savannah College of Art and Design to study Fashion Design.

After graduation she decided to move to New York City. She rented an apartment sight unseen from an ad in the paper, packed two suitcases and hopped on a flight to Manhattan with no job and no idea what she was going to do. After an internship with a couture eveningwear designer, a job offer came in from the last sector of the fashion industry she would expect – the bridal industry. Intrigued at the prospect, Emily took the job and dove head first into the petticoats. A short six months later she got another call, from Amsale. Emily signed on as the Fittings Manager at the Amsale Flagship Salon.

Over the next eight years she made a home at Amsale. She moved over to the Corporate Office and into the role of Account Executive for the Amsale collection. The position required extensive travel and long hours and in 2007 Emily found herself wanting to settle down. Not wanting to leave the company where she “grew up” she elected to move back to the Flagship Salon on Madison Avenue where she started her journey five years before, only this time in the role of Sales Consultant. Her move paid off both professionally and personally. She found she absolutely loved working with brides at the Flagship Salon and not traveling so much allowed her to meet her future husband! One of the most meaningful moments in her career was getting to walk down the aisle in an Amsale gown.

Emily loves her job but not just because of the pretty white dresses. Her real passion comes from the people she works with and the people she meets. Her co-workers have become her family. Each new bride is an opportunity for Emily to meet someone new and she loves getting to know their stories.

So, tune in tonight and see why this is such a great show to watch! And, read more about Amsale and her gowns in my latest post on Bridal Affairs! Enjoy the show!

CAN I BRING YOU A DRINK?

Planning a rehearsal party outdoors this summer? Maybe a day after BBQ for your out of town guests? Having a unique wedding reception and need service staff? If you answered "YES" to any of these questions,then you need SWIG! Swig is a professional service for bartending and service staff. Sara Moody will put your mind at ease and make your party a sure success with her wonderful group of bartenders and waitstaff. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the party. So, don't get stuck being your own bartender? Call on Swig to attend to your guests. You will be glad you did!

FOR THE GROOM AT GREYSTONE HALL

This one is for the groom! An evening of tuxedos, cigars and lots of information for you to be more involved in your wedding planning. After all, it is your wedding too!!
So, register for this wonderful event hosted by Greystone Hall and enjoy an evening meant just for you.

HAVE AN INSPIRED 4TH OF JULY

As we pack up our bathing suits for the beach and head off to fireworks, BBQ's and sunscreen, take along this inspiration for a red, white and blue wedding without any stars and stripes! Have a star spangled 4th of July!!
Photo Credits: Wedding shots by Nine Photos