MILLING ABOUT

As promised, here is the scoop on the event at Spring Mill Manor yesterday. Susan, graciously invited me to attend this lovely event and I was happy to do so. The Mills consist of three distinct sites, Blair Mill Inn, Spring Mill Country Club and Spring Mill Manor. Each has its own flavor, but the staff at each is eager to be of assistance. This is the lobby of the Manor and the Empress Room at Blair Mill. When I arrived there was a lilting piano played by Pam Carbonara. It was just the right sound for your cocktail hour.










One of the vendors, yesterday, is not someone I have met before. Now, I am glad to have had the chance to meet him and see his work. Jean Valentin does beautiful photography and works often at The Mills. His photos are worth the click to his site. It was nice to meet you, Jean.













One of the Yummy vendors there was Cupcakes Gourmet. When I bit into their luscious little mini cupcakes, I thought I died and went to heaven. The chocolate was divine. If you are looking to try something different at your wedding, please give Maki a call.


















One of the first vendors I stopped to chat to was The Spa Lady. You and your bridesmaids can spend a day being pampered before the BIG DAY and feel rejuvenated and gorgeous! Roberta and Meryl will relax you and make your skin glow- and it is all from your own home. Set up a consultation and have a spa party.
Finally, a company that I have spoken of before, and one I follow on Facebook, is Cinema Cake. They are truly filmmakers. This is a sample of their work, but every wedding film is unique and fits the feel of the wedding and the personalities of the couple. Check it out!

CinemaCake Filmmakers

I already raved about Jason and Synergetic Sound last night. But, I never mind talking about this company. All in all, it was a wonderful time. I was happy to re- connect with some familiar faces, like Go Festive and Kate Frey. I was also glad to have met some new and exciting vendors that I am sure I will be working with very soon. Thanks to Susan and her staff for their hospitality.

THE GUYS OF SYNERGETIC

Went to an event today and connected with some of my favorite industry folks. But, it is always great to see Jason Weldon of Synergetic Sounds. It is always a pleasure to work with Jason and his staff- I am never disappointed. Jason is doing a very wonderful thing right now and I promised him I would post about it tonight. Some of the best photographers in the area and Jason got together and put together a 2011 calendar called "The Men of Synergetic Sound". It is fabulous and all the proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House. Not only is Jason the perfect "Go To" guy for sound and lighting for your wedding. But, he is giving back to a REALLY wonderful cause! So, check out Jason's blog and buy one of these calendars. The guys are SO CUTE! And, Jason is Mr August- my birthday month. More on the event tomorrow.

SUMMER LOVIN'

What better way to spend a cold, snowy winter's day than to dream about a summer, beach wedding! Well, that's just what I did. For all of you summer brides, here are two inspiration boards geared to helping you with great ideas for your wedding.

When it comes to the dress, there are so many styles to choose from. I have found some beautiful selections from designers such as Lazaro, Jim Jhelm, Claire Pettibone Pronovias and Vera Wang. You can be very bridal and still be cool and comfortable on the beach.

Flowers on the beach can be vibrant or cool. But, make sure you choose hearty varieties that will hold up in the heat and humidity. Orchids are wonderful, as they not only stay lovely all day, but they make you feel like you are in the tropics, even if you are only at the Jersey shore. Roses are always a good choice and they smell so good in the ocean breeze. Using flowers to create an aisle is such a beautiful way of making your entrance dramatic- and what a photo op! These chair covers in a shimmery, sheer and luscious turquoise bring that ocean right up to your guests. Lanterns, candles and shells are all ways of keeping the theme of your beach wedding oh, so lovely.

Favors are never hard to find at the beach. I love these little buckets full of candy. And, how about flip flops for all your guests to walk to the sand for the ceremony. Programs and escort cards can also carry the tone of your beach wedding using shells or little parasols. How sweet!

Then there is the cake. Whether you love this luscious chocolate creation with a seashell decoration or a more nautical cake like the navy and white striped one, it's the filling that is the best part of any wedding cake. Why not try more than one flavor- a different one on each tier.

Keep the decor simple, airy and give it the feel of the sea. Fill your vases with shells of color and then scatter petals or candles on the table. Use your creative juices and the ocean's own beauty to astound your guests was they approach your venue. These are only a few of the ideas I found in my search for this post. There are dozens more. Thanks to The Knot and Martha Stewart Weddings for the photos.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Winter weddings! There are so many possibilities. Pocking a dress is usually first on the list of things to do. Maybe you want to be a fluffy billow of snowflakes Or, maybe you have a vision of being a snow queen or an ice princess or the sexy Hollywood star on the red carpet. Make a statement with a red dress in the whiteness of winter or glide down the aisle in satin elegance. Whatever your vision, there is a dress for you.
Top Row: Lazaro, Vera Wang, St Pucchi
Second Row: Pnina Tornai
Third Row: Oscar de la Renta, unknown, Oscar di la Renta
Fourth Row: Reem Acra

Once you have that perfect confection to wear, you can start to think about the other things that will create your winter wonderland. I just love these cakes, pure and lovely. And, what better to have sitting on the tables for dessert but these chocolate snowflakes. This icy raw bar as a fabulous addition to any wedding in the winter months. And these branches with crystals give a wintry sparkle to this table. White bouquets are perfect to keep that white theme. But, this amazing red bouquet will surely give a warm light to a white wedding. When it comes to favors, these interesting and unique ideas really finish the winter theme in style. Potted orchids or rosemary infused sea salt in cute little jars. And, if you are really creative and like ancient tradition, then how about this paper compote filled with sugar coated almonds. They are sure to bring you good luck. Thanks to Martha Stewart weddings for these photos.

Whatever your taste, whatever your vision, a winter wedding doesn't have to be dark. My own daughter got married in February. She wore a white tulle Lazaro gown with a silver embroidered lace overlay. Her girls wore silver tulle skirts with satin, corseted bodices. Her flowers were white with sprayed, silver accents. The centerpieces were simple floating candles and mums in silver vessels. And the cake was the palest silvery blue with painted snowflakes and a Swarovski crystal snowflake for a cake topper. It was very understated, but really elegant and we all felt like we were in an icy glade. So, use your imagination and warm up to the idea of a beautiful winter wedding.

ENTER THE WEDDING PLANNER

He Asked. You said Yes! Well, that was months ago. The invitations are sent. You shopped and found the perfect dress. The bridesmaids look amazing. And... you have the perfect guy.  


The flowers are heavenly- the smell and the colors. The venue is glorious, every chair adorned. There is a perfectly beautiful arch to say "I Do" under. You have thought of every detail. Guests will be wowed by a fabulous meal and.. That Cake!

....OMG! You are only a few months away and it has begun to sink in. Who is going to make sure those flowers are right? Who is going to make sure that cake is adorned and placed? Who is going to help you with that amazing dress and all those bridesmaids? WHO IS GOING TO KEEP IT ALL TOGETHER? Can't be you- you are the bride. Can't be your mom- she is the hostess and your mom. Can't be the bridesmaids- they have to be available for dances, pictures, etc. Enter the wedding planner. It's not too late and you can still guarantee that SOMEONE will be there to handle emergencies, pin the boutonnieres, see to all the details and keep you from missing your cocktail hour... or worse. As your planner, I will come with you to all the final meetings. I will accompany you to your fittings to make sure that perfect dress fits. I will help you finalize all those details, make detailed timelines of the day, confirm all of the vendors the week of the wedding- contact numbers, time and directions. You can call me as much as you need to, email me as much as you need to and fall apart- if that happens I can get you through it. When you day comes, I will facilitate the rehearsal. I will come to YOU about an hour before the photographer on the day of. I will be there for YOU the entire day. I will do a walk through of the venue right before you get there- usually while you are taking pictures. I will oversee the day without getting in the way. All of your vendors will get paid. All of your vendors will have a "go to" person for any issue that arises. Your guests will have a seamlessly good time. I will pack everything up at the end of the evening and see to it that all of your belongings get where they need to go. I will collect anything left behind- tux jackets, ties, purses, etc. And, if something happens after the wedding or you need to have an issue resolved, you can call me and I will help if I can. Every bride should have a perfect day. You have dreamed about it. You have worked hard for it. You have invested a great deal of money for it. Now, you should enjoy every minute of it! If you want to talk to me, ask me a question, get some information or just pick my brain, you can do that, here, on my blog. Don't shortchange yourself. Having an advocate, a personal assistant, a friendly and non- judgmental sounding board- that's me! I promise. Just see what some of my past clients have said.

WEDDINGS AS ART

P.S. Here is the finished painting that Joan Zylkin did at Lauren and Steve's wedding. To see this and other wonderful work and to read more about Joan and her amazing talent, go to her web site and her blog. The painting brings to life all the electricity and fun of the party and she did it all while it was happening! Great work, Joan!

CHANTILLY FLORAL

When I got my weekly update from Chantilly yesterday, these amazing bouquets were featured. They are glorious! The colors are so vibrant and the designs are fresh and modern. I just love working with Charles and his wonderful staff. With two locations, you are sure to find the right flowers for your wedding. And, on the first Tuesday of every month, Charles opens up his Lansdale location from 6-8PM for a free forum. You can ask questions, see arrangements made up and talk to a knowledgeable designer about your flowers while sipping on a glass of wine and nibbling on something good. So, take the time to visit Chantilly Floral and see all the possibilities. Oh- and while you're at it, shop for a new handbag bag, that perfect necklace for your rehearsal dinner or some Vera Bradley for your honeymoon. There is so much to see at Chantilly Floral. And, there is always an event or a giveaway going on. To see more of the arrangements from Tuesdays show, follow Chantilly Floral on Facebook.

You are also going to want to see this beautiful new jewelry line- Bonn Bons. It makes a great gift or something fun to take away.