A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

This love story is really heaven sent- with a little help from Match.com.    I had the pleasure of chatting to Eliza and Troy last night.   They have both been through some trying times, but when they found each other, they just knew they had found their soul mates.  

Eliza is a widow, having lost her husband suddenly and leaving her with 3 children to raise.  She is a special needs teacher and the mother of a special needs child.  Eliza is lucky to have some great friends and her eldest son, who took on the job of "man of  the house".  But, something was missing.  She joined Match.com  and went on some dates- no match.  Then, she decided to try one more time and SHE HAD A WINNER!   Eliza told me that she knew right away.   She said she kept thinking he was "too good to be true", but deep down she knew he was THE ONE!

Troy, a divorced dad of 3, ( yes, we have a Brady Bunch here), was blindsided after 19 years of marriage.   A former policeman and now football coach, he could have been gun shy.  But, he joined Match and also went on some not so great dates before meeting Eliza.    Troy told me, very enthusiastically, that had an immediate connection to Eliza, but couldn't tell if she liked him.  But, Eliza was not going to let this guy get away, so she found a way to let him know she felt the same and just touched his hand while they were waiting to enter the comedy club on their first date. 

Troy knew he wanted to marry Eliza and join their families forever.  He decided to do it the right way and ask for her children's blessing.  He even bought her daughter a ring when he asked her if she would like him to be her "dad".  Such a touching gesture!    Then, at Thanksgiving, he and Eliza's brother in law ( her husband's brother) went out for ice and he asked if it was ok with the family if he asked Eliza to marry him.   Of course, everyone was thrilled that Troy and Eliza have found each other and everyone is happy for this proposal to happen.      

 Troy entered a contest so that he could propose to Eliza in a very special way.   With the help of a team of amazing people, Troy gave Eliza the moment of a lifetime and a surprise that she will remember always.   Troy told Eliza that they had been chosen for a documentary on successful couples who met on line.     Eliza, who has been documenting their love story with a Polaroid camera and journals, was happy to participate, in yet another documentary, about how they became a couple.  She had no idea what was really going on.     

After spending the day talking about their time together, they separated and Troy went home to prepare for the surprise.   The house was donned with lights and all the kids, plus Eliza's family from Maine, were n the house awaiting the celebration.  

Troy told me that he was so nervous!  He said he didn't have a speech prepared and really didn't know what he was going to say.   He told me he could "feel his heart beating" and he just couldn't wait for her to come around to the backyard.
When Eliza arrived, she was so focused on Troy that she didn't see all the lights or the sign that said "Will You Marry Me?"    Her realization is priceless!!  And, after Troy got down on one knee and popped the question, the entire family came running from the house to offer hugs and congratulations.   I have to tell you- Eliza had her camera with her all day!!!!  So, she has the pictures of all of this for her "Polaroid Scrapbook"!!!!   And, she has this wonderful video documenting their romance and the beginning of their Happily Ever After!      

Troy and Eliza plan to marry in November on the beach in Treasure Island, at Sunset Beach House, with their children around them and their family and friends to share their love.   Eliza's eldest son will give her away and the focus of their ceremony will be the blending, forever, of their families.  Troy and Eliza are so excited to share this day with the people they hold dear.  And, as if you are not already convinced that this match was made in heaven, their mothers have the exact same birthday- yes, they were born on the same day, same year.  And, when they went to the web site for the venue they liked, the music played at Eliza's husband's funeral was part of a video on the site- an obscure song that no one would have known to use.  When Eliza heard this, she knew that her husband had given his blessing from heaven too!    I asked them if they were going to do anything symbolic at their wedding. They are going to do a sort of sand ceremony, taking sand from under their feet and having the children do the same, placing it in a jar to be placed in a prominent place in their home.   

Eliza and Troy have a very deep faith.  Their love and dedication to each other and to their kids just oozes out of them with every word and action.   Their love will get them through whatever life brings and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to share this little piece of their life with them.    Thank you, Troy and Eliza, for letting me into your lives and your hearts.  And, for giving me the chance to share your beautiful story with my readers.   God bless you and may you have many wonderful years together and share many more Polaroid moments for that book!!!    



Here is a link to an interview that Troy and Eliza did on local TV about this experience.  I know that when you listen to them, you will fall in love with them just like I did!  


Thank you, too, to Match.com, for contacting me with this story and to Karen and Eva for setting up the interview.  

I would love to be helping this bride with her wedding!!!   She is an inspiration and a darling!!    

KATIE COURIC ON WEDDINGS WITH MARTHA STEWART

If you are getting married, tune in tomorrow to Katie Couric and get some tips on wedding planning with Martha Stewart.  

DEN OF THIEVES?

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting- and stressful things you will ever do!   And, to make it more daunting, you are bombarded with Pinterest boards, "reality" TV and too many web sites and too much "advice".    Recently, there was a 20/20 show about the wedding industry and how it overcharges just because you are planning a wedding and not a birthday party.  And, over the weekend, there was an article in the New York Times about the same thing.  This is just NOT true!    And, let me tell you why.

First of all, YOUR wedding is NOT a birthday party or a corporate event.  It is a once in a lifetime milestone in your life.   Professional people that work in this industry spend a great deal of time working with you on this one day.   Hours of prep time, interaction with you over a period of months, or even a year.   Editing photographs and video footage to bring just the right images to you.   Tastings and menus and choosing linens and chairs and cakes.   Helping you decide on just the right song to dance to with your new husband and choosing a playlist of YOUR favorite music.  Decorating your cake to look like your wedding vision.  All of these things and more go into making your wedding day a perfect memory for you to take with you on your life's journey.   

In addition, these people do this for a living.   This is their income- how they feed their families.   Just as other professions spend years in school or learning a trade, wedding professionals spend years honing their craft, staying on top of trends, learning new technology and investing in their business.   So that when you hire them for such a monumental event, they are prepared to do all they can to make it what YOU want it to be.   We are not all celebrities.    Most of us are just regular people, with regular lives.   But, we do this so that YOU can have that extraordinary moment in your life.   

Not every wedding professional is out of reach of a couple on a budget.   And, not every couple is suited for every professional- not financially, personality, style, etc.   So, when you go "shopping" for your wedding vendors, you need to do a little research, make calls, meet with people and then make an intelligent decision about who you will hire.   

Finally, you must decide what you can afford and then set about choosing professionals in your price range.   Know where to put the bulk of your money- what things are the most meaningful to you.   Your wedding doesn't have to be expensive to be beautiful and elegant.   It just has to be about you and your new life together.   

We are NOT your enemy and we are not out to send you to the poorhouse or scam you.   Oh yes, there are thieves among us.  And, you must be able to figure out who is who.   Or, you can do the SMART thing and hire a planner at the beginning.   Our job is to keep you on track, on budget and help you choose the right people for your wedding.   We are really your best insurance for having a perfect day on a budget.  

Here is a note from a bride who was on a very tight budget and she had, with my help, the best day of her life!!   Believe me, we in the wedding industry are not out to get you.   We are here to help you plan the biggest and most wonderful event of you life.   So, don't buy into the idea that we are all trying to make more money from you because you are getting married.  This day is about your new life together and not about us at all.  That is what we are here for- YOU!  

The bottom line is this- you can plan a wedding on a budget.  But, you have to know what your budget is, what is most important to you and how to choose the right vendors for your needs.   Real weddings are beautiful because of the two people joining their lives amongst family and friends.   The rest is just eye candy.  And that eye candy comes at a price.   And, I personally don't know anyone who scams brides or overcharges when they hear the word "wedding".   Count on it!      


      

JACQUELINE AND MIRKO: A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Saturday, September 28, 2013- a magical day for this incredible couple AND for me!  In almost 13 years of planning weddings, I have never been so captivated by a bride.   I LOVE every bride I have helped and I have grown attached to many of them.    But, this couple, and Jacqueline in particular, just had something that left me at a loss for words!  

 

The day began with a flurry of activity along with more love and giddiness than I can say.   The bridal suite at Le Meridian was jam packed with friends of the bride, the bridal party,  Beautiful Brides Philly, Gerard Tomko Photography, Lucky Productions,  several little ones and Jacqueline- making sure that her mom, her sister and her best friend were feeling included.   And, everyone was fussing over the bride!   


 These two families literally came from all over the map to join in the celebration of Jacqueline and Mirko's wedding.  Mirko's family came from Germany, Jacqueline's father came from Italy, mom came from California and I lost track of all the other places that guests arrived from.   But, they were all her to be a part of this special day.   

Jacqueline's best friend, since they met in daycare, went out for protein bars and yogurt.  Jacqueline's mom had her ipad out and was showing photos of the girls growing up and how Jacqueline always wanted to be "shrouded" in her veil.   I guess some little girls really do carry out their childhood dreams.   

The day could not have been more perfect.  The sun was shining, it was warm and we were on time!    Jerry took the couple off for formal shots and I set to work.   There were so many details that needed to be placed- from two big boxes of pillars to unwrap and place in the library for the ceremony, to the homemade jam jars that doubled as escort cards that needed to be arranged, to the family tree as a guest book and the family photos to be displayed.   I had dads to pin and family to gather in the lobby for photos and Jacqueline got dirty outside, so I had to get out my baby wipes and clean her up.   

The ceremony was just beautiful and officiated by a dear friend of the family.  The whole thing was so personal and tender.  There were tears of joy and plenty of love to go around.  And, it was translated into several languages.   As were the programs and the menu cards.    

 

 One of my favorite things on Saturday was Mirko helping me to bustle the dress!!  I was so glad that Jacqueline's sister was there to snap this photo!!  

 Jacqueline and Mirko took dance lessons for their first dance at Society Hill Dance Academy.  It was perfectly executed and very touching.   I keep saying that.  but, I am telling you, this couple was SO connected!!!  It was also elegant and almost regal.  Just look at her!

       

  The tables were all named after the places the couple have traveled.   Each table had a photo of the couple taken in the country or city and Jacqueline made all the frames.   Besides being beautiful, she is so talented and VERY smart!!   

EBE Talent provided the DJ and Amanda and Ryan were amazing!  There was not a time all night that the dance floor was empty.   Everyone had a wonderful time.   And, even though Jacqueline requested no conga line, her mom and her friends had other ideas.   It didn't seem to phase our bride.   She is so gracious and sweet that nothing could have dampened her day.  

  As Mirko is German, Jacqueline wanted to perform a German marriage tradition.  This is usually performed during the ceremony, but for obvious reasons, they decided to do it during the reception.   In Germany, the couple saws a log to ensure they will be able to work a team in their marriage to overcome the obstacles that befall them.   This is the first of those obstacles- to saw through a log.      And, even the way they cut their gluten free cake was special.   No doubt they will be a fabulous team!  

 

   I could keep posting pictures of these two, but this is getting long.  I really wish I had some of the professional shots to share.  Well, maybe later.  I will share with you a slice of the party that I videoed on my phone.  It is a perfect way to end this post!  I can't tell you how I loved this couple.  I was mesmerized by her all day and it was a truly magical wedding- like out of a story book.  Jacqueline was the quintessential princess.  

WELCOME SUMMER- WEDDINGS WITH MATTHEW DAVID CELEBRATIONS

Summer is here- well, almost, and you may be planning a summer wedding.   I love finding out all about what Matthew David Celebrations is doing, so I asked Matthew about what he is seeing for summer weddings.   He told me some trends he is seeing and sent me these images of the creative and wonderful things he is doing for his lucky brides!   I really love this arbor escort card idea!!   Here is what Matthew had to say:

What are brides asking you for this year for their summer weddings?

Our brides are looking for their personality and a feeling of family history to be woven into their weddings.  Of course style is key when doing this and a bold look is very fashionable right now.  They want the look to be all things - personal, romantic, nostalgic, bold and timeless.  That's why they are coming to us for vision and execution.  My goal is to get to know them and then prioritize the elements so all of those things can be woven into the design.  Which elements stand out more and which elements become supporting characters in the story?  That all depends on the personality of the couple getting married.

What types of flowers are you using most this summer?

Ranunculus is a big hit this summer.  The palette of colors is wide and comes in bold or soft colors.  They are so romantic.  Also – lilac in white or violet, for a touch of fragrance that doesn't overwhelm. 

What color trends are you seeing for summer weddings?

Classic feminine colors remain the go-to palette for this year.  Teal is huge for that bride who really wants to make a statement.  My personal favorite is to create the wedding in classic shades of white – layered everywhere.  Then, we add a touch of color for the cocktail portion of the celebration and finally, a profusion of color to add a celebratory and festive atmosphere to dinner and dancing.

Are you seeing brides with library themes, garden themes- what is biggest request for design?

I honestly haven't had a request for a library theme – though I LOVE the idea.  Gardens are always a hit because of the nature and romance of them.  I find that when we use the couple themselves as the theme and build the design elements around their lives – the celebration becomes more memorable to everyone.

Have high centerpieces become less popular and replaced by more multi- dimensional pieces?

Tall centerpieces are simply outdated – unless they are wildly, gorgeously “of the moment” (read - elevated level of design).  What I really like to create is ceiling décor that becomes the “star of the show” and then low centerpieces that are gorgeous and intimate.  This gives a wow factor to the room (from the ceiling décor) and a sense of intimacy at the table.  In fact, I've just published a blog-post on collagecenterpieces.

Are you using more vintage or rustic props this year?

Yes.  Vintage props such as frames made of old tin ceiling; graphic wallpaper and lace are hot right now.  Rustic props such as outdoor garden elements have always been cool at weddings.  The feeling should however always be forward looking while not forgetting the past.

Tell me what your favorite summer trend is and why?

I love the current trend of juxtaposing high elegance with fun: photo booths with chandeliers, hammocks with high style pillows, truffled mac and cheese.  LOVE IT!

 

Photo courtesy of Matthew David Celebrations

Photo courtesy of Dreamlove Photography

  If you are planning a wedding, in summer- or any season, you can ALWAYS count on Matthew David Celebrations to have the best ideas and the most elegant and dazzling ways of making your wedding vision a reality.  Remember, Matthew gets to the heart of you and your personality.  He will make your wedding a reflection of you- not a copy of all the weddings you have been to or seen.   Personally, I can't think of anyone I would rather work with on your wedding! 
 

Photo courtesy of Matthew David Celebrations

 

SIGNATURE FOR SUMMER

 I love it when creative people ask me if they can share what they know on my blog.  Today, I have a great idea for your wedding that will save you money and also give you and your bridal party a reason to get together.  Thanks for sharing this with me, Michelle Pino!! 

 
Brides and grooms spend much time and money trying to make their weddings stand out with the latest trends. (I think we can all be grateful the dancing down the aisle fad is dead.) A trend that has gained strength in 2013 is the signature cocktail, blended specially to reflect the bride's and groom's tastes and the theme of their wedding. The good news is that this trend is delicious and elegant. The better news is that it can save the loving couple money while giving them that unusual element they want at their celebration.

This wedding planning activity is one the entire wedding party can get behind. Imagine a fun
evening devoted to mixing and tasting different blends of cocktails to find the one that not only tastes great but is also in one of the wedding colors. Even if you hate the culinary arts, this is one recipe you'll love mixing up. Experiment with vodka, gin, whiskey, scotch, tequila and sweet liqueurs, like amaretto, Kahlua, orange liqueur, and Irish cream. Then bring in juices, milk, bitters, grenadine, etc. and sip your way to a signature drink.

Surprisingly, serving one signature drink at the reception is cheaper than having a full bar
because the bride and groom can order the liquor and mixers in bulk. The drink can both look and taste festive and, through its color, enhance the decorations at the reception. The drink is special and the savings can be used for some extra honeymoon time. Now that situation is a win/win.

Signature drinks work even for a non-alcoholic reception. Mock-tails are delicious and keep
guests from getting tipsy and knocking over the cake and insulting the bride's choice of
husbands. The mixing party will still be fun; the guests will just be better behaved.

The signature cocktail is a bridal trend we can all drink to, over and over again. Forget all the
other fads that have hit the bridal industry: this one is worth the time and trouble. The bridal party will be happy; the guests will be happy; and whoever is paying for the event will be happy as well.

Here is a signature drink recipe that you can try at home. The Bermuda Rose Martini is a crisp, tasty drink inspired by the warm weather, hence the word “Bermuda” in the name. This makes a perfect signature drink for the upcoming spring and summer weddings. Mix and experiment with different recipes to find the best match for your wedding.

FLOW FORMAL WEAR PUTS A NEW FACE ON THE TUXEDO

A few weeks ago, I posted about dressing the men in your wedding party.   As a follow up, I am pleased to be among the first to announce a "makeover" of the Joseph Abboud name, one of the largest and most popular names in tuxedos. 

According to an eWednewz story, FLOW formal wear plans to make changes in fabric, design and marketing to encourage the modern groom to dress properly, while not feeling as though they are wearing their father's tired tux.   This is part of an ongoing effort, since purchasing the Joseph Abboud name, to recognize the ever- changing market and the tastes of today's  consumer.   

The official relaunch is set for June, with product samples as early as May.   So, if you are planning a wedding, please look out for these dazzling new styles to make your groom feel like the Prince Charming to your Princess gown.   Be on the cutting edge of formal fashion while dressing the part of the proper groom.   The tuxedo is making a comeback and FLOW formal wear is on the leading edge of this trend.   
Special thanks to Paul Pannone of eWednewz for breaking this story.