PHILADELPHIA WEDDINGS WITH MATTHEW DAVID CELEBRATIONS

Happy Valentine's Day! 

 Imagine walking in to your wedding to this exquisitely romantic setting!   And, imagine having a "dream team" to see to every element of your big day!  Every bride deserves to have her vision become a reality!  That is what Matthew David Hopkins and I believe.  And, that is why we would like to team up to give you the wedding of your dreams.  From beginning to end, there is not an aspect of your day that we can't make happen.  So, let the dream begin!  This is, after all, YOUR day!

Matthew David Celebrations can design the wedding of your dreams!    And, I will keep you calm and organized along the way.  While Matthew is designing the "look" of your wedding, creating gorgeous centerpieces with the perfect linens, lighting the room with ambiance and adding all the special touches that YOU describe, you and I will be shopping for the perfect dress, finding photographers, music and all the other pieces of your special day.  Staying organized, feeling calm and having someone at your side through the entire process- and throughout your wedding.  

Matthew David Celebrations will create a vision that is truly you and that will be remembered for years to come- a vision that embodies your personality and style.   And, Wendy's Affairs of Heart will make it stress free, fun and just the way it should be.  We believe that this is YOUR day.  It is not about us, but about what you and your dream.   So, welcome Matthew David Celebrations to Philadelphia and let us make your wedding dreams come true!   Whether you are a New York bride getting married in Philadelphia, a Philadelphia bride looking for a chic New York inspired wedding or a New York bride seeking the best in the business.   The possibilities are endless.  So, let the magic begin!

 Matthew David Celebrations
95 Morton Street
New York, New York 10014
212- 905-3000

Wendy's Affairs of Heart
Philadelphia, Pa
215-237-7149
 

CELEBRATNG WITH MATTHEW DAVID HOPKINS

 This week I had the distinct honor of chatting with Matthew David Hopkins about his newest love- Celebrations.   This photo sums up the feeling I got when I began talking to Matthew about this phase of his already dynamic and distinctive business.  So, lets enter the doors of this glorious world of scents, shapes and color and I will share with you my conversation- as well as some images that tell the story better than any words ever could.  

Matthew has an incredible dedication to what he does.   With a degree in architecture and a love of design, Matthew began his voyage of creating beautiful spaces by arranging flowers for restaurants.   He never really worked as an architect, but instead took his knowledge and used it to build a business creating dramatic, intimate and fun spaces for all kinds of events.   His creativity took root in the corporate world with 360 Design, a full service event design and production company.   This gave way to his most recent undertaking- Matthew David Celebrations.   Matthew's unique style combines sculptural pieces coupled with creative details to envelope your senses when you enter a space.   When Matthew David designs your wedding, he will enthrall you and your guests, inviting you to explore one aspect to another, from the first glimpse of the room right through to what the cake looks like.   
 
I asked Matthew how he goes about designing the vision of a bride. First he meets the bride and gets to know her.   What does she like to do, what is her favorite hotel, what is her vision of her wedding? He may ask her what her favorite color is.   Delving into a bride's head to find out what makes her tick.   At a second meeting, Matthew begins to draw a picture of what he feels will appeal to the bride's tastes.   He will show her colors, textures, things that create a visual message that " I see this for you".   At the creative meeting, ideas are shared and a plan is hatched.   Finally, Matthew presents a proposal, complete with all the elements of the design and the pricing.   Matthew creates a clear and scintillating picture that reaches into all of your senses and pulls out your imagination.   Almost like creating a work of art, Matthew uses color, texture, shape and light to paint a picture that speaks to your vision and to every one of your guests, establishing a beautiful and thought- provoking design decor that is unique to you and your wedding.   Drawing your eye from one place to another, guiding you through a wondrous story of the couple, this is Matthew's signature style.   Matthew is so ingenious that he will even create two bouquets for a bride- a white one for the ceremony and another one with a burst of color for the reception.    
     

 Speaking to Matthew was not only very interesting, but fun.  We share the same philosophy about our work.   Like me, Matthew takes a back seat to the bride.  He is there, not to be the star of the show, but to guide a bride through the process, bringing her personality and her vision to the fore.   Matthew believes that "style dictators" have no place in the industry.   It is your wedding and should be your vision.   So, you are not paying Matthew for HIS vision, but for his talent in making YOUR vision a reality.   These two weddings- Gotham Hall (above) and The Plaza Hotel (below) in New York are perfect examples of the amazing talent, incredible vision and attention to detail that Matthew produces every time.   His range of creativity is endless, his enthusiasm is infectious and his ability to reach into your head and pull out exactly the right combination of sensory elements is phenomenal!!!    I can only imagine how exciting it is to work with Matthew on such a momentous time in your life!   I can tell you, that it was exciting just talking to him about what he does!!   

Though based in New York, Matthew has worked all over the United States.   He is very accessible and willing to travel anywhere to make your wedding dreams a reality.   And, you could not ask for a a more down to earth, kind and talented person to orchestrate the complete organization and execution of your wedding day decor than Matthew.   For me, I can't wait to work together with Matthew in a wonderful collaboration of our first wedding as a team.    The most endearing thing I found to be true of Matthew is that he is so humble.   His talent is quite obvious and his client list is impressive.   But, he has not let it go to his head.   He remains true to his roots and committed to what is REALLY important- YOU, THE BRIDE.    I just fell in love with him!  It was an instant connection- one that you will feel too when you sit down with him to discuss your wedding day decor.  

If you want to make a statement that will live forever in the minds of every guest at your wedding and dazzle you again and again every time you look at your wedding pictures, then you NEED Matthew David Hopkins!  

Thank you Matthew for spending time with me and for sharing these images.  It was a privilege to have the opportunity and a blast to chat.  If you want to chat to Matthew about your wedding, you can do it HERE.   And, don't forget to mention that you found him on Bridal Affairs!  

Matthew David Celebrations
95 Morton Street
New York, NY 10014
212- 905-3000 

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.

PASHA EVENTS AT MORNINGSIDE CASTLE

490 Riverside and Morningside Castle- a splendid venue for your New York wedding! Pasha Events will ensure your most perfect day in this amazing location. The castle can accommodate any size group in any combination of its magnificent rooms.






Gielo Nicaj, the proud owner, will always do his best to bring you all the magic your once in a lifetime event deserves. His illustrious career in The Plaza and The Waldorf Astoria has prepared him for nothing but the best.












The team at Pasha Events is ready to make your day a perfect memory of the beginning of your new life together. Your guests will be awed by the beauty and the majesty of this glorious venue, fit for a queen- YOU! The menus, created by Chef Eric Quarato, are mouth watering, but can be customized to suit your needs.











So, if you and your prince are searching for that royal treatment in a royal setting, Pasha Events and Morningside Castle is the answer. Contact Leigh Hall-Wilhem and get all the details. Tell her Wendy sent you- and then give me a call and we will visit together! This is a once in a lifetime venue for your once upon a time wedding!

THE VENUE: PHOENIXVILLE FOUNDRY

Are you looking for a totally unique venue for your wedding with all the elegance of Philadelphia or New York City, but without the cost of an urban setting? Then, I have found it for you! The Phoenixville Foundry is a spectacular venue in beautiful Chester County. Only minutes from the Turnpike and a short distance from Philadelphia, this gem of a venue is a perfect place for an elegant affair.

Built in the 1800's, this building once housed the Phoenix Iron and Steel Company. Known for pouring the steel girders for bridges and buildings, it has a lush history that spans many generations and plenty of well- known landmarks with its steel. Now, after years of sitting idle, it has been transformed into one of the premier venues for special events in the Philadelphia area.


















From the moment you drive up to the the beautifully restored stone building, you will be dazzled by the ambiance and the elegance of this historic site. The lovely grounds and the picturesque sculpture garden and pavilion are perfect for an outdoor ceremony or for cocktails. There is also another arbor- like brick terrace on the side of the building for cocktails or an outdoor bar during you reception.







There are more perfect locations than I can show you here for photos, so I have chosen a few that really stand out. The bridge over French Creek is just so charming and a shot from the main entrance at night makes a stunning cover for your wedding album. A photo of your indoor ceremony in front of one of the original pieces of machinery left from the foundry will be a topic of conversation, both at the wedding and for years after.













And, your first dance on the mahogany dance floor is worth the price of admission. With the 60' high ceilings and the incredible chandeliers, your photos will be quite a memory. The mezzanine is equally as beautiful and the perfect place for the bridal party to descend onto the dance floor. Boys on one side and girls on the other to meet at the bottom and make a grand entrance. From the center of the mezzanine, the staff at the foundry likes to display the wedding cake on a high top table with a spot on the cake and the chance for the couple to cut the cake in a truly unique photo high above the guests, but in everyone's view. The mezzanine looks down onto a panoramic view of the entire ballroom- just gorgeous!
The mezzanine is also a great place for the cocktail hour. The building is equipped with an elevator for those guests that can't climb the wonderful and imposing staircase. Dinner in the entire space of the downstairs ballroom can seat up to 400 people and if you have a smaller number, the west wing can be used as a cozy and elegant lounge area for guests to enjoy after dinner.







The Foundry has a lost of preferred caterers- all of whom work with the best ingredients and with the most polished staffs and impressive chefs. Two of my favorites are Feast Your Eyes and Jimmy Duffy's. All the linens come from the best, Party Rental. There are many options for lighting, seating, floral decor and other design elements that you may want to add. the staff at The Foundry is very knowledgeable and ready to suggest whatever you need. Of course, having a planner to help you coordinate and implement your one of a kind event is always a good idea. This bride was a gymnast and brought this unique and fabulous element to her wedding.












The Foundry has all the amenities you would expect from a Philadelphia or New York venue. The sound system is fabulous, the bridal suite is well appointed and comfortable and the rest rooms are large and really beautiful. The unique details, the beautiful grounds and the history of this building are enough to make any wedding an "affair to remember". Hotels abound and transportation to and from the site can be arranged with most of them. There is also plenty of history for your guests to take in, so plan to make a weekend of it. There is room for everything, including a place for children to be entertained during your wedding and for the groomsmen to gather while the girls are getting ready. Nothing has been left out here. I am so excited to have been there to see it and would love to take you there to see why you should book your wedding here. Dates are filling fast and there are very few left for 2011. So, let's get together and go see The Foundry. Once you see it, you will see why this is the perfect destination for a city wedding in the country.
For more information or to book your wedding, contact Joan Kelly or Caroline Debottis at 610-917-8400. You can find them also on Partyspace and check the date you want.

Thanks to Joan for the wonderful tour and history lesson yesterday. It was beyond my expectations.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Philip Gabriel, Laura Eaton, Jean Valentin, Kevin York, Epic, A. Trice, Sofia Negron


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KLEINFELD'S COMES TO THE MINNESOTA!

"LEDGENDARY BRIDAL SALON, KLEINFELD MANHATTAN, COMES TO MINNESOTA
Since 1941, hundreds of thousands of brides from all over the world have made the pilgrimage to Kleinfeld, the worlds leading destination for brides to be, offering the largest selection of exclusive designer bridal gowns anywhere… echoing the phrase “Everyone comes to Kleinfeld.” Now Kleinfeld is featuring Alita Graham, one of Kleinfeld’s most successful exclusive designer collections. Alita Graham for Kleinfeld Kollection is having a showing outside Manhattan at The Wedding Shoppe in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The full Alita Graham for Kleinfeld Kollection will be presented in true Kleinfeld style at The Wedding Shoppe. The architects and visual team that designed the 35,000 square foot Kleinfeld flagship have built a custom display to showcase the exclusive Kleinfeld Kollection. Lois and Jim Fritz, the owners of The Wedding Shoppe, have provided prime retail space to properly highlight the collection. Kleinfeld owners, Mara Urshel and Ronald Rothstein, carefully chose The Wedding Shoppe to carry the Alita Graham for Kleinfeld Kollection because they share the same business philosophy. “Lois and Jim believe in personal service, understand the art of alterations and are readily available to their brides just as we are,” says Ronald Rothstein. The gowns are made of 100% silk. They feature unique details such as original embroidery, pleated silk tulle, Swarovski crystals, and ribbon embroidered lace worthy of the Kleinfeld label. The collection caters to a broad range of brides from classic to modern and embraces all attitudes from romantic to dramatic. “The Alita Graham collection offers brides unique styles at a great price. Our brides are familiar with Kleinfeld and the show, Say Yes to the Dress. They are trilled to hear that Alita Graham for the Kleinfeld Kollection will be coming to Minnesota” says, Lois and Jim Fritz owners of The Wedding Shoppe. The Wedding Shoppe and Kleinfeld, both privately owned legends in the bridal industry, are two bridal retailers that have built their business servicing brides and their families with the most special attention and personalized service for generations. ‘We look forward to the marriage of The Wedding Shoppe and the Alita Graham for Kleinfeld Kollection,” says Mara Urshel. Press is invited to the premiere unveiling of the collection at The Wedding Shoppe on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 from 11am – 1pm featuring informal modeling, cake tasting and hors d’oeuvres. Bridal appointments will begin at 1:30pm. Kleinfeld owners and stars of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, Mara Urshel and Ronald Rothstein, and Kleinfeld fashion director, Randy Fenoli, will be at the premiere unveiling. About The Wedding Shoppe The Wedding Shoppe is a full service bridal salon that has been helping couples with their wedding plans since 1977. The Wedding Shoppe has received multiple national and local awards including: Best Place to Buy Bridal Gowns and Attendant’s Dresses by Minnesota Bride Magazine, 2008, Best of Weddings, by The Knot, 2008 and Outstanding Retailer of the Year, by The National Bridal Market Association, 2006. The Wedding Shoppe assists brides in all areas of wedding planning including bridal gowns, bridal party apparel, tuxedos, gifts, accessories and more."

So! All of your mid-western girls who are longing for a chance to see Kleinfeld's can get a taste of New York right in your own backyard!! Tell all your friends and go see what so many brides already know- Kleinfeld's is a "must see"! Meet the stars of the Say Yes To The Dress show and try on some beautiful gowns. Maybe you too will "say yes to the dress"!

" I NEVER THOUGHT...

... I would go that way." So said Janice when I asked her about the incredible Pnina Tornai dress she bought. "I feel like a girl!" Janice and Steve are getting married in June of next year at the Huntington Harbor Club and look at how happy she is in that cloud of a dress! Janice was so sweet when I spoke to her- a perfect lady and a really nice person. She waited a long time for Steve. And though he is battling cancer and in remission, Janice is sure that "it took me a long time to find him. He isn't going anywhere". Steve is a policeman and a real handsome guy. Janice is a bookeeper and a sweetheart of a bride! When she put on this dress " the look on his face said THAT'S THE DRESS!" Besides Steve, Janice's parents, her brother and his wife and their 2 children and her friend were in attendance while Dianne and Janice set about finding "the dress". As you can see, she is beautiful! Janice went to two other stores and tried on a few dresses, but when she went into Kleinfeld's, everyone was so nice and Janice felt very much at home. She told me "they are very classy people, not snobby, just very nice". After 6 dresses- 3 of which she liked, Janice thought the Pnina fit her personality. It was sophisticated and girly. She will make a stunning bride and I good wife to a very lucky guy!! Janice enjoyed being a part of Say Yes To The Dress. It was quite an experience to buy her wedding gown on TV. Good luck Janice ans Steve!!!

SHOW GIRLS

Let's meet some of the stars of "Say Yes To The Dress"! First, Elise and Joan- two wonderful ladies who manage the store and keep the staff on track. Elise, the director of sales, is a real presence among the staff and on the show. She knows what is going on at all times. From morning meeting when she gives everyone their appointments until the last bride leaves the store- Elise has it handled. I found her to be very warm and open. She welcomed me into the store and didn't get upset when I kept the sales staff beyond the time I was given! We chatted as if we had known each other a long time and swapped stories of past brides. She is truly a lovely lady.

Then there is Joan, the bridal manager! I have known Joan for several years, as we used to work together- both as managers for another bridal retailer. Joan always keeps her cool and takes everything in stride. She is unflappable! She works hard and never puts a bride on the back burner. Joan and I laughed about the old days and caught up on how much fun it is to work for Kleinfeld's and be on "Say Yes To The Dress". I can only imagine how much the sales staff enjoys having Joan on the floor. She could always make me laugh, even when things were really stressful! Thanks Elise and Joan for sharing and giving your time and that of your staff!

Debbie is very refined and respectful. She was open to the questions I asked and really gave me a feeling like she raised her hand for the interview. She has been with Kleinfeld's for 14 years. With a real estate and a cosmetology license, Debbie loves her job and wouldn't do anything else. She loves coming to work every day! We talked about the business and our jobs. Debbie and I share that passion that makes it easy to deal with whatever happens. This is a monumental time in a girl's life and there is lots of emotion, stress and confusion. If you love what you do, it is very rewarding! Debbie LOVES what she does! I had to ask about bridezilla- or momzilla or other disasters that happen in bridal salons. Debbie was very calm and told me she never takes sides and she never loses her composure. If she is faced with a difficult situation, she talks it down. She has the personality and the maturity to deal with a bad situation and turn it around. If she has a girl she isn't clicking with, she "shows the attitude girl an attitde dress". Debbie "catches more flies with honey"- and sometimes she does the stinging without anyone knowing she did it!! As for being on TV, " unexpected and exciting". The only thing she doesn't like about the show is that it makes it awkward for a girl to be honest about her budget. Debbie tries to ask when she has the bride alone, so that she can avoid upsetting someone. Being on the show only makes Debbie's task that much more interesting and exciting- especially when the bride finds "the dress". I asked Debbie what she loved and hated about her job. She loves "the good feeling I get when I help a bride find her dream dress" But, she doesn't like " getting overwhelmed with appointments and not being able to finish a sale or take a breath between brides". Debbie gets so excited talking about her job! If I was a bride, I would feel like I was buying my dress from an old friend! I felt like Debbie and were old friends after the interview. Thanks, Debbie- it was a real pleasure!!
Keasha is spunky, funny and very honest! She has a different approach than Debbie. Keasha had me laughing and really relating to her stories. She has been at Kleinfeld's for 6 years- and got hired after shopping for a gown for her cousin. Keasha has a fabulous sense of style and boundless energy! She relates to a bride on the bride's level and really tries to get into her head. When asked the question about what she loves and hates about her job she said, " I have 3 boys and these girls are like my daughters getting married". She hates it "when I don't find the dress". This team really feels their work! Keasha said "I take it home with me". Keasha's take on the show is this: " it's like a fairy tale" and " I love making the camera people crazy". But, she hates "being recognized". She has felt uncomfortable at times with the notoriety of being on TV every Friday night. How does Keasha deal with a difficult situation? She gives it right back and usually wins over the girl with her wit and her charm. However, she knows when she can't win and has, on occasion, given a bride to another consultant rather than make an unhappy customer. Keasha- I'd bring you my brides anytime! Thanks for making my hour with you so funny!
The store is always busy and everyone lends a hand where they can. There is no competitive undercurrent, only a family atmosphere with plenty of camaraderie and cooperation. These women are here because they want to be here. Keasha and Debbie are both part of the "million dollar club". They work hard and they work for the brides. They both told me that they love their bosses Ronnie and Mara and would leave if they left. They are loyal, lovely and left a lasting impression on me- FOR SURE!!
Tomorrow- The Brides!

THE KLEINFELD EXPERIENCE

IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS BROOKLYN...

THEN MANHATTEN...















...AND, NOW
SAY YES TO THE DRESS


"Say Yes to the Dress is a new series that brings the viewer into the inner workings of the world's premier bridal salon, Kleinfeld Bridal. Located in Manhattan on a narrow street in Chelsea, who would expect that this three-window storefront opens up to over 30,000 square feet filled with taffeta, organza silk, and feathered creations. Part fashion show, part bridal story, part family therapy, we uncover the hurdles every staff member faces to make each bride completely satisfied on what may be the single most important day of their lives. Watch as a team of specialists guide brides through the process of selecting, fitting, altering and delivering each flawless dress in time for the perfect day. It's not a stress-free endeavor, but somehow by the final fitting Kleinfeld pulls all of the details together. Inside over 250 employees work to make every bride that walks through the door feel like she is worth a million. At the top, are co-owners Ronnie and Mara. In the world of high bridal fashion, one would expect the stuffy and standoffish attitude of an owner or two, but co-owners Ronnie and Mara run this business like a family. This is what the "Kleinfeld Experience" is all about. Treating every customer as if they were family, paying every attention to detail and making every bride feel like a star. Ultimately, this series is more than a simple story about a woman searching for the perfect dress, whatever the price. It's about the stories behind the story. The people, the personalities, the craftsmanship, the fine attention to detail, and the lengths to which staff members will go in order to make every girl that walks through the door enter a new stage of life with confidence and joy. Kleinfeld Bridal is truly a family; a family of 250 working under the guidance of Ronnie and Mara. This is the Kleinfeld Experience..."

What a fabulous store with a magnificent staff and a wonderful little show on Friday nights at 10 EST. I have had the amazing privilege of visiting Kleinfeld's and meeting the people on the show- the sales staff, the managers and Randy. I have also spoken to the owners of Kleinfeld's and three of the brides lucky enough to have chosen Kleinfeld's for their wedding gowns and chosen for the show. This week I will be filling you all in on the fun I had and the reasons you should all make the trip to New York. Brides from all over the world travel to Kleinfeld's for the incredible selection, the impeccable service and the warm and welcoming people that assist in every step of the process of "the dress"! You will feel like a princess, you will look like a dream and you will want to do it all again after you have chosen your wedding dress from the the best place in the world! Tune in every day this week for more and tune in on Friday nights for the "Say Yes To The Dress" show on TLC.

Photos Courtesy of Kleinfeld's

CHOCOLATE AND VANILLA

Sometimes I get inspired from the most unexpected places. Today, it is from my regular updates from Lounge 22. They have amazing furniture for events! These new "link tables" are a great start to a cozy area for your guests to mingle after dinner. And, the chocolate seating is perfect for a fall wedding. Of course, you need a smashing venue for all of that great furniture and The Peter White Studios in New York is among the most perfect. The look isn't complete without the table settings and the flowers, which I decided should be a vibrant orange. Ok girls, rate the look!

photos courtesy of The Knot, Peter White Studios and Lounge 22