TRUNK SHOWS TAKE FOUR

Recently, I have had several brides who went to the source for their gowns. So, in addition to giving you the dates for some local trunk shows, I also want to let you know about two designers that you will want to visit. First, Amsale is located in New York City. You can take advantage of this trunk show from January 13-15. Contact the salon on Madison Avenue at 212- 583- 1700 for your appointment.


Also on Madison Avenue in New York, is the Vera Wang flagship store. This trunk show is going on now through January 7. To make your appointment call the salon at 212- 628- 3400.



Bridal Reflections, with three locations, has a wonderful line up of designers. Let's start in New York City with the 5th Avenue salon.

Ysa Makino- January 13-15
Boutique DeVoile- January 19
Yumi Katsura- January 20-22
Ines De Santo- January 27-29
Call for your appointment: 212-764- 3040

Massapequa
Marisa- January 6-8
Winnie Couture- January 13-16
James Clifford- January 19-30
Call for appointment: 516-795- 2222

Carle Place/Westbury
Noir by Lazaro- January 6-8
Romona Keveza- January 20-22
Simone Carvalli- January 27-29
Boutique DeVoile Veils- January 18
Call for appointment: 516-742- 7788



If you are planning to shop in south Jersey, you may want to visit Bridal Garden.

Tara Keely- January 6-8
Alvina Valenta- January 13-15
Monique Lhuillier- January 20-22
Marisa- February 3-5
Thomas Knoell - February 15
Kenneth Pool- February 24-26
Lazaro- March 2-4
Amsale- March 16-18
Watters- March 30- April 1
Jim Hjelm- April 27-29
Call for appointment: 856-988- 8188





















Wherever you plan to visit, please remember to call and make an appointment. Most salons require one and it makes you feel more special when the salon knows to expect you. And, PLEASE, don't take a busload of friends and family!!! It is very disruptive to the salon, it is VERY stressful to YOU, the bride, and you may wind up wishing you had chosen your heart's desire and not the "popular vote". If you have questions or need help, please contact me. I am always available to steer you in the right direction.

SAY "YES" TO THESE TRUNK SHOWS

Every bride dreams of shopping for a wedding gown at Kleinfeld's. It is like a magic land of every perfect dress there is. So, if you are planning a trip to "say yes to your dress", then here is the schedule of trunk shows for Kleinfeld's.

Augusta Jones- January 3-5 and March 13-15
Romona Keveza- January 6-8
Henry Roth- January 10-12 and March 20-22
Badgley Mischka- January 13-16
Anne Barge- January 13-16
Pnina Tornai- January 19-29 and March 1-11
Dennis Basso- February 3-5
Rivini- February 7-9
Reem Acra- February 10-12
Lazaro- February 17-19
Michelle Roth- February 24-26
Edgardo Bonilla- March 16-18
Kenneth Pool- March 23-25

Don't miss the chance to shop at this renowned salon and catch a glimpse of all of these wonderful designers. Call today to make your appointment.

Kleinfeld's
110 W 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
Between 6th and 7th Avenue
646-633-4300

NO JUNK IN THESE TRUNKS

January is a few days away and that means Trunk Show time in the bridal world. All of you newly engaged brides are probably dying to start shopping for your dream dress. So, here is the first list of trunk shows coming up. Remember to make an appointment! You will only be assured of personal attention and the ability to try on these amazing gowns if you have one. And, don't bring an army!!! It is very confusing to have too many opinions- YOURS is the only one that counts. And in a crowded salon, too many people cause unneeded stress to the salon and to you. So, go with your mom or a trusted friend. Don't take the whole wedding party! There will be plenty of time to show them later.

Nicole Bridal is located in The Pavilion in Jenkintown. And, Augusta Jones will be there from January 18- 21
Claire Pettibone will be showing the collection on February 10-12.
You can call them at 215-886-2333 to make your appointment.

Also, at Nicole Bridal, Sarah Jassir will be showing her dresses from January 14- 20. She will be there herself on Saturday the 14th. So, don't miss this chance to see these cutting edge gowns.

At the latest addition to fabulous bridal salons, Unveiled Philadelphia, here is the list of incredible designers you will find. Unveiled Philadelphia is located in Washington Square in Center City Philadelphia. You can contact them for you appointment at 267- 216- 6339.

Katrina Bocci designs will be showcased from January 20- 22. This example of her incredible style is fit for a queen!

Next to grace the store is Anais Collezioni. From January 27- 29, you can try on the entire collection of dresses like this one. Just beautiful! Angel Rivera is a name known to many. His designs are lovely and diverse. This one, with all its frothy layers is just one of the gowns you will see from February 3-5. And, finaly, Eugenia Couture will be available to try on from March 16- 18. Don't miss the newest premiere salon in the city or these gorgeous dresses!!




























































The Wedding Shoppe also has a stellar line up of stars in bridal gowns. Starting with Rivini on January 5- 8. Junko Yoshioka, a designer that reaches for the unique with her design arrives on January 19- 22. Simone Carvalli is set to take the stage on February 2- 5. And, Peter Langner arrives on February 8- 12. Finally, the ever romantic and lovely Monique Lhuillier will be gracing the salon from February 16- 19. Don't miss the chance to see these stunning gowns and work with the wonderful staff at the Wedding Shoppe. You can make your appointment by calling them at 610-293-1299.

BRIDAL REFLECTIONS OF MILITARY BRIDES

Once again, Bridal Reflections comes to the rescue to assist military brides in having their dream wedding dress. Bridal Reflections, as part of Brides Across America, has donated wedding gowns to military personnel and/ or their brides, so that they may have the weddings they have been unable to have.

Featured tonight on NBC Nightly News, are some of the deserving brides who have benefited from the kindness of Bridal Reflections. Bridal Reflections has been awarded one of the country's best and most chic salons by Brides Magazine. It is only one of many honors that Bridal Reflections has been given due to their tireless work with charities. The salon is wonderful and the staff is professional and lovely to work with. Congratulations to the brides who now have the gown of their dreams and to Bridal Reflections for their continuing efforts to give back to those who need it most!!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

HAPPY NEW YEAR! YOU'RE ENGAGED!!

A new year is a week away and you are either just engaged or hoping to be so when the ball drops! Before you start planning, call me at 215-237-7149 and let me know what I can do. Large or small, formal ballroom or an outdoor country affair, you will have questions about how to plan your "once in a lifetime".

And, you are going to want to start shopping for THE DRESS, while friends are in town, while family is near and while you are out buying all those magazines and looking at wedding web sites for inspiration. Remember this- January is trunk show month!! Stay tuned for updates, here, about what designers will be in the Philadelphia area. Sarah Jassir, is one designer that you are going to want to see. There is more to come, but here is just one of the gowns you will see. And, there are others. In the coming week, I will be showcasing some of the designers coming to make your wedding dreams come true.

Another thing you will start looking at is THE VENUE. Ballrooms, barns, raw space, museums, unique
places and hotels- no matter your vision, you will find the perfect spot. But, don't be hasty. Figure out what kind of wedding you are having, what your budget is and how many guests you will invite. Then, read some of my past posts about great options for your big day. Places like the Arts Ballroom, Drexelbrook, PAFA, Duportail House and many others. Need a suggestion- contact me.

Whatever you do, enjoy being engaged! I look forward to hearing all about your wedding!! Let's chat soon.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

To all of my past brides, my future brides, my amazing network of vendors and bloggers and to all of my loyal readers- A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

RING IN THE NEW YEAR, HERE

Hoping for that little box under the tree this year? Dreaming that you will be planning your special day in 2012? Then, here is hoping! And, when you start planning, remember...

Your wedding day has to be “just perfect.” It’s a time when your dreaming turns into planning and your window of time relates directly to your wedding date.

Wendy's Affairs of Heart is a bridal and special event planning service with a unique and personal approach to assisting brides. Wendy Hartigan is an organizer and a dream and memory-maker, with over 10 years of experience. Her expertise lies in organizing exquisite food, flowers, and even standing- in, consulting on bridal fittings; she’s all about everything weddings!

She’s a trend- watcher, always finding that special touch to create a one- of- a kind event. As a bridal planner, she will shoulder all or part of the day, leaving you to relax and enjoy your guests.

As a seasoned professional, she has produced a wedding for ABC’s 60 minutes. An older, first time bride with a heavy schedule retained her services “Her vision was concise and my job as a wedding planner was to keep things moving forward quickly,” says Wendy. “ It was a perfect day and a beautiful wedding!

From art galleries to chic indoor urban ballrooms, to perfectly beautifully, orchestrated outdoor venues, her duties include all the coordination and details. Like a choreographer, she ensures that everything is beautiful, runs smoothly and is timed to perfection.

When you retain her services for a wedding you have someone else to worry about the details!! Hartigan is there to foresee things that you may never know went amiss and solve them before they become a problem.

Some people think the addition of a planner is expensive when in fact she can save you big dollars because of her association with other industry professionals. That’s reason enough to hire her services.

Your engagements should be stress-free and filled with love and joyous times. Wendy’s Affair of the Heart is right beside you acting as your “wedding angel.”

With the start of the bridal season and a mandate to get a wedding done on task and with astute organization, Wendy is looking to fill some spots in her hectic schedule. Why not? Make your day a day to remember for all the right reasons!

Contact: Wendy Hartigan, 215-237-7149 Bridal Affairs wendyangell@gmail.com.

THE BEAUTY OF MY JOB

Every wedding I do, and have done, for the last 9 years has been different. They all bring me joy and pride and the satisfaction that I had a small part in making a dream come true. But, seldom do I have the distinct honor and pleasure of working with people like Paige and Michael and Paige's mom and dad, Chere and Steve. I have only had this kind of wonderful experience once or twice before- most notably, the bride who referred me to Paige. I don't have the words for all the amazing things that have come from this wedding- the kind words, the loving memories, the thank you's that I didn't even expect- and the prospect of new brides, friends of Paige getting married in the near future. But, I wanted to take a moment to share some of the kindness that has come my way since last weekend. In addition to the phone calls and email messages, I also have fabulous photos and these words. I am blessed to have been a part of their day and this is...

...THE BEAUTY OF MY JOB!

From Paige's mom:

"We are still smiling!!!! Thank you for an amazing day. Steve and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it....because of YOU!!!"

"We feel so blessed to have you as part of our special event. Your attention to detail and readiness to work hard will make our daughter's wedding seamless. Thank you for your help with everything.."

From Sarah DiCicco- who took this spectacular photo and 6,000 more!

"I just love you!!! We shot over 6000 images! Wait until you see these shots!

Thank you so much for making my job easy on saturday! you are the best~

xoxo"

Sarah and I have not worked together before. But, it was as if we were the right and the left hand all day! It was an extreme pleasure to be in her company all day and her talent is top notch!








And, my incredibly lovely and sweet Paige, called me yesterday to say that she loves me and was so glad I was there to make her day perfect. She wanted me to know that she will tell all her friends and would be willing to give a testimonial to anyone who wants one. She was thrilled with her day, is still on Cloud 9 and can't wait to get together soon.


Finally, this is what Chere had to say about me on Weddingwire:

Our daughters Wedding day was seamless. From beginning to end Wendy was there. Her attention to detail and readiness to work hard was fantastic!!
Having Wendy as our planner was the best investment we made.....it enabled us to truly enjoy a very special day in our family.
Her sternness with vendors and loving hand with our family made her a perfect fit for us!!
Thank you Wendy....you have now become a friend!!! And we will miss you. You always "had our back!!"

THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart!

PAIGE AND MICHAEL: A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Saturday, December 3, 2011- WHAT A DAY!!! The sun was shining and so was the face of this exquisite bride!! Paige and Michael said their "I Do's" at the Cathedral Basilica in Philadelphia and then celebrated in style at The Union League. It was a spectacular day! I took so many photos that is was hard to decide which ones to post. I also have the first sneak peek of the amazingly wonderful and talented Sarah DiCicco's professional photos.

But, this photo, taken just before the groom sprayed all of us with champagne, really speaks to the day- it sparkled with the love and the beauty that all weddings should have!!! And, this photo of the girls "hiding" the bride as the last of the guests arrive gave me a chuckle!

These are Sarah's photos. Paige is so lovely and Michael a fittingly handsome prince for this princess. Together they are destined to make a beautiful and rich life together full of many more memories like these. They are blessed with a great love and respect for each other, amazing family to surround them,
wonderful friends and this day, that just kept bursting with love and celebration.

After the ceremony the wedding party went to the Art Museum for photos while there was still good light. I love this shot that Sarah took of the couple.

Then, it was off to The Union League for some fun photos of the group outside and the couple in the lights of the city.
Yes, there were sparklers and champagne and lots of smiles. These images were not staged. The smiles are real and the natural ease of Sarah's talent to capture the essence of the couple's love is breathtaking!
The city lights pale next to the brightness of these two beautiful people! I can't say enough about how special they are. From early in the morning until the wee hours, the bride smiled from ear to ear. And,Sarah captured all of Paige's radiance and goodness.
This is one of my favorite photos of the day! I have to send a special thanks to Sarah! She was amazing to work with and helped me to smooth out some little issues in the day- Sarah, you know what I mean!!!



The ladies of the wedding party were expertly made up by the talents of Face the Occasion. Working with Jill and Kelly is always a pleasure! And, they had beautiful faces to start with here, so it made their job that much more fun. The house was full of Christmas- the smell of pine, carols on the stereo and the incredible tree- that we used as a photo op for the bride's dad and the girls to gather. Dressing Paige was great to watch. As I usually help to dress the bride, it was hard to step aside and let the girls and her mom do it. But, it was ok. These photos are priceless! All that Vera Wang organza needed to be fluffed just right!
The Union League did a fabulous job! There wasn't a glitch in the service! Every detail was just as we had requested and Michelle, Brian and the staff were amazing!


I have to tell you about the fabulous Petah Bashano! He created a winter wonderland for Paige and Michael! The cocktail hour was very festive in red and green,with lots of candlelight and Paige's snowflake theme. But, inside the ballroom was a splendid vision in white and gold! Trees with "snowballs" and votives hanging from the branches, gold linens, and chargers that captured the light. The backdrop to the bandstand was a winter tree- bare, but beautiful. When Paige walked through the doors to the reveal, she was thrilled! It was awesome!

The flowers, which look purple in this photo, were actually rich shades of red. And, the little flower girl's basket was white satin with crystals around the rim. She was so excited to be a fairy princess! Every detail, from the red dresses, to the snowflake ice sculpture, to the cake that was dripping with "ice" and crystal snowflakes, this wedding had every element to make it the perfect day!



The Sid Miller Band had everyone on the dance floor all night! The chairs were empty except during dinner. I had to switch things up several times during the evening, and every time, the band was right there with me to make the change or add a request. I love working with pros like this!

Thanks to Sid and his band for helping me make this a memorable day for this special pair.


The couple danced to All I Want For Christmas Is You. And, I love this shot of Paige's gorgeous mom in red! What a wonderful lady and how smashing she looked!


I could go on about this wedding for days! It was great fun, a very rewarding job and I can't say enough about the team!!! A resounding THANK YOU goes out to The Union League, Petah Bashano Event Design, Sarah DiCicco Photography, Video One Productions, The Sid Miller band, Wertz Motor Coach and King Limo, The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory and The Sofitel and Ritz Carlton for taking such good care of the guests.




This was one of those weddings that I will never forget!! Thank you Paige and Michael and Chere and Steve for letting me be a part of this exquisite and special day in your lives!!!

For more about this wedding check out Philadelphia Weddings.

Photos: Courtesy Sarah DiCicco Potography

ON THE WINGS OF LOVE-WITH COLIN COWIE

This could be you! High atop the Empire State Building, getting married- WITH COLIN COWIE!

Have you ever dreamed of having a star quality wedding with a celebrity planner? Has Colin Cowie and his glamorous design made you swoon? Now is your chance to have that wedding at the top of
the Empire State Building !
Enter the contest for this fabulous dream wedding and you may be one of the lucky winners. Four couples will win a dream wedding on Valentine's Day, designed by Colin Cowie for up to 40 guests. And, one grand prize winner will have a chance to win $100,000 to begin your new life together! Just submit a short video of your unique love story, what makes your love "soar" and why you should win this dream come true wedding. But, hurry!! There are only two days left to enter! So hurry to Facebook or The Empire State Building!

Don't miss your chance to win a dream wedding designed by Colin Cowie! Semi- finalists will be announced on December 16 and the winners on January 6, 2012.

GOOD LUCK!! And, stay tuned for updates on the winners and the weddings!!