Exquisite Events Wedding & Event Planning

Arranging Your Church Processional

2010-10-22T05:30:00.001-04:00

Quite often, many brides consult us to assist them with establishing their ceremony order, meaning, who walks with who, should bridesmaids & groomsmen walk as pairs, the proper way to seat guests upon arrival, etc. To ease the confusion, we've established a list of tips to ensure that you and your betrothed get "hitched" without a "hitch" (we know that was corny!):

Church Ceremonies:

Prior to the bridal party processional, mothers of the bride & groom are escorted down the aisle with an usher:
The mother of the groom is first, followed by the mother of the bride
The father of the groom may also walk directly behind the mother of the groom and her escort

Bridesmaids should then proceed down the aisle UNESCORTED. The beginning of the bridal party processional is usually signaled by a change in the musical selection.
The Maid of Honor is the last person to proceed down the aisle before the flower girl(s).
The flower girl(s) is the last person to proceed down the aisle before the bride.
The bride is escorted down the aisle by her father, on his left hand side; the bride's entrance is usually signaled by a change in the musical selection.

Groomsmen/Usher Etiquette:

The groomsman should ask the guest their relation to the couple to determine which side of the church the guest should be seated.
The groomsman should then offer his left arm to the female guest and she should walk on his left side; the guest's male companion (if attending) should follow immediately behind the groomsman/usher as he escorts her to her seat.

The Recessional Order:

Bride & Groom
Maid of Honor & Best Man
One bridesmaid with one groomsman
Parents of the Bride
Parents of the Groom

In many cases, there are variables specific to each wedding that can affect the ceremony order. Some couples have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, two Best Men of Maids of Honor or familial circumstances that would prevent them from following the aforementioned ceremony order, so sometimes you just have to do what feels right.

I am officially "Wedding Wire" Rated!

2010-09-29T06:30:00.002-04:00

Exquisite Events is now WeddingWire Rated for 2010!!

Roslyn, NY - September 29th, 2010 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading site for wedding reviews, just announced that Exquisite Events is WeddingWire Rated 2010 for Wedding Planning. WeddingWire Rated is an annual award program for wedding professionals based on hundreds of thousands of recent wedding reviews.

WeddingWire Rated, the industry's first formalized review program, is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples looking to locate wedding businesses. The award program recognizes wedding professionals across the country, like Exquisite Events, that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service.

Exquisite Events has received several reviews on WeddingWire. These reviews have been written by past clients of Exquisite Events, and include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions of the newlyweds' experience. From quality of service to overall level of professionalism, these reviews showcase the high level of service newly engaged couples can expect from Exquisite Events.

"We are excited to unveil WeddingWire Rated, now in its fourth year, as a way to recognize wedding professionals for their commitment to service," said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire's CEO. "WeddingWire Rated allows wedding businesses to clearly differentiate themselves in their market, while providing engaged couples an easy way to find the best services for their wedding."

Exquisite Events would like to thank their past clients for sharing reviews of their weddings on WeddingWire. Reviews for Exquisite Events can be found across the entire WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee.

For more information, please visit Exquisite Events on WeddingWire at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/exquisite-events-stationery-roslyn/c8681cb15b1a242b.html, or visit the company's website at www.exquisiteevents.com

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 100,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com, ProjectWedding.com and Weddingbee.com (both part of eHarmony), and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands).

Vintage Inspriations

2010-07-10T09:50:00.004-04:00

Although the wedding I am managing later on this evening is a modern, cocktail-style reception with a nightclub vibe, I felt compelled to pay homage to weddings of yore. While I can't wear lace myself, I know there are many brides out there who love the 'vintage-romance' aesthetic and would look fabulous...I do especially love the flowers shown in the inspiration board below....so enjoy!

A Tangerine & Blue Inspired Wedding

2010-07-09T10:00:00.002-04:00

The combination of orange & blue has always been a favorite pairing of mine and a perfect palette for the bride & groom who really want to put their bold personalities on display. Don't believe me when I say these colors really do work??? See for yourself!

Tips for a Successful Wedding After-Party

2010-07-08T11:16:00.005-04:00

Don't want the wedding to be over quite yet??? For those couples who want to keep the party going, having an 'after-party' following the main dinner reception is a great idea; it allows the blissful couple to spend just a little more time with friends and unwind with a cocktail after the formalities of the day.

Here are some tips & tricks to ensure you have just as much (or maybe even more) fun at your after-party than you did at your wedding reception:

Location: In an ideal situation, your wedding reception venue has the perfect intimate space for an after-party; it keeps people together and allows the couple to keep things more organized, especially if the couple is paying for the additional expense. If this isn't an option, then contact a nearby hotel where some of your out-of town guests are staying; quite often, guests who travel to the Metro New York area for a wedding don't have their own transportation--if you have a large out-of town contingency, then this is the perfect solution. Neither of these work? Then opt for a nearby bar or lounge that has the ability to allocate a separate space for your after-party so that your guests don't have to mingle with strangers who have been drinking for the past 'how-many' hours.
Food & Beverage: With an after-party usually comes more alcohol. And don't forget that guests have imbibed over the past 4-5 hours, so try to ensure that there's some comfort food available such as mini-pizzas, hot dogs and/or pretzels for guests to nibble on.
Cost: If a couple has paid for their own wedding, and sufficient funds aren't available to cover the entire cost of food & drink, not to worry! Your guests realize they've been eating & drinking on your dime all evening and will likely have no problem covering the cost of their own drinks--especially in NYC where a good martini can run about $15!!! If the couple is not comfortable with allowing their guests to pay for EVERYTHING at the after-party, one option would be to set up a pre-determined bar tab, say $500, with the establishment and when the cost of drinks hits that limit, then guests are on their own after that.
Who's Coming?:There's no point in going through all of the trouble of hosting an after-party if none of your guests know about it! How to get the word out??? The bride & groom should take it upon themselves to grab the mike and announce the after-party themselves! A good time to do this would be during the cake cutting ceremony, while you have the attention of everyone in the room--no one likes to miss cake! You could also spread the word in the weeks prior to the wedding at bachelor/bachelorette parties and at the rehearsal dinner. Many couples now extend separate invitations to those they couldn't invite to the wedding reception--these days, we all have friends via social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and wedding-relates sites such as WeddingWire & WeddingBee; the after-party is a great way to include fellow wedding bloggers in your day!
Bride & Groom Responsibilities: Don't linger at your reception! The main point of having an after-party is to spend time with people you may not get to see very often. Assign end-of-evening responsibilities (such as collecting your champagne flutes, guest book, etc.) to your wedding coordinator or to a trusted family member. If your guests see you heading out to the party, they'll be sure to follow!

ALWAYS REMEMBER---SAFETY FIRST! Allow the after-party venue the discretion to close the bar if guests are getting too inebriated. If you're having the party at a club or a lounge and your guests aren't staying at a location within walking distance, ensure that there are cabs readily available so everyone can get home safely!

Enjoy the party!

It's done, it's done!!!!

2010-06-29T11:34:00.004-04:00

Yes, I know...the usual deal, it's been a while...but I have a good reason this time...my wedding & party favor online store is DONE AND UP AND LIVE.

Establishing Exquisite Wedding Favors had been a project in the works for months, in between managing bridal clients and their respective weddings. There's still some tweaking to do here and there, but for the most part, everything is up and functioning.

There are so many adorable things to choose from, and I keep adding more. One of my favorites is Personalized Hershey's Kisses--a perfect treat for any event! Oh and there's the Murano Glass items--so unique. I think the hardest part is picking some favorites and adding them to the favorites page (that's why it's still not done yet!!)

For your amusement, here are a few photos:

And just wait until I post new invitation designs!!!!

Wedding Monogram Etiquette Revealed!

2010-05-25T00:33:00.005-04:00

I think we all remember the days when we were in grade school and we were totally crushing on someone (probably us girls crushing on the boys...since girls were 'icky'), and we would spend the better part of the day writing out what our new name might be, how our initials looked together, adding little doo-hickies like hearts and happy faces...ah, wasn't life easy back then???

Maybe it was these little games we played as kids that has brought us to today, where it has become acceptable to use a married monogram prior to the wedding ceremony. I think everyone knows what I'm talking about...maybe we'll get a Save-the-Date for the couple's upcoming wedding or maybe the wedding invitation itself will have an exquisite gold-foiled monogram at the very top...while stunning, in reality it is an etiquette no-no, as a married monogram should be used only after the wedding ceremony has taken place.

"What?!?!?", you exclaim. "But I've already printed my ceremony programs and have a custom aisle runner ready to go!!!". While the etiquette rule I mention above is technically correct, modern monogramming etiquette accepts that couples may use their new married monogram for such things on the wedding day, so you're in the clear.

Now that you have this useful tidbit of information, tell all of your friends before they send out their invitations!!!

The National Stationery Show (aka "Oh My God, what do I buy???")

2010-05-20T08:58:00.004-04:00

This past week was such a blur, starting on Sunday, where I arrived bright and early at the National Stationery Show which took place at the Javitz Center. I eagerly await this event every year, and as always, this year did not disappoint.

I took a slightly different approach this year, in that I established relationships with several printing houses with whom I absolutely knew I wanted to partner with prior to the show, and spent my time on Sunday looking for the best things to complement my current offering. There was much less "snap" decision-making to be made, as I had most of the things I wanted prior to the show, so I was waaaay less stressed.

Some notable NEW relationships:
-Emily Post Weddings: such cute designs and REALLY affordable.
-Little Lamb Designs: coordinating invitations and programs (I was looking for really nice programs)
-BT Elements: Okay, I was so tempted to buy EVERYTHING they had, but fortunately, my companion held me back (thanks Lorie!!!)

I promise to post pics of all of these new things ASAP. In the meantime, indulge yourself in this spectacular invitation suite from Gwyneth Paige Couture Letterpress:

The most ADORABLE cookies!!!

2010-04-17T08:27:00.003-04:00

I can't think of a better thing to do than a blog post on this dreary Saturday morning. Exquisite Events has been working very hard at building exquisiteweddingfavors.com, a premier wedding & party favor eCommerce store and I just had to share the cutest new product that will be added to the store:

Save the Date Cookies!!!
An incredibly unique way to announce your wedding and completely personalized with the most adorable caricatures to represent the bride & groom (the client gets to pick their own heads & body styles!).

Here's a sneak peek:

Part of my role as wedding planner is to assist my clients with incorporating their personal style into their weddings and I can't think of a more fun or personal way to build the anticipation for the BIG DAY. Although, there is a pretty good chance the guests will eat the save-the-date, so maybe couples should send 2, just in case...

Since the store isn't functioning yet (can we say "sleep deprived"), phone and email orders will be accepted. Building an online store is no joke and I give credit to the webmasters have had to deal with me over the last few months, but it is going to be fabulous!!!

Of course, I will post a link to 'THE BIG REVEAL'!!!!

Congrats to Spark Letterpress & Marsupial Papers...

2010-04-10T19:41:00.004-04:00

...for being nominated for "The Trendy Award", an award given to innovators in stationery design & office supplies. I am proud to say I represent both companies and I can only vote for ONE!!! Which one would you choose??? Help me out!

Spark Letterpress:

Marsupial Pouches & Paper:
I am always seeking the newest and most interesting styles for wedding invitations...why have exactly what the store down the block has??? Sometimes, it's difficult to choose what to products you should offer your customer; when I find out that products I represent are bestowed such an honor, I guess it validates my decision to make the investment.

Good luck to you both!!!

Fresh Stationery Ideas

2010-03-26T13:21:00.007-04:00

It would have seemed that spring had sprung a few days ago, but winter is still hanging on...couples who were married the weekend on March 20th & 21st were truly blessed!! It couldn't have been more perfect weather for a wedding!

As some of you may be aware if you have been following me on Twitter, I recently began representing a beautiful line of Wedding Stationery created by Spark Letterpress. I am always looking for new and innovative designs to carry and Spark definitely fit the bill. I am truly excited to be a part of their dealer network and to show off these fabulous invitation suites!! The pictures do not do them justice!!!

A beautiful passport style invitation booklet:

Stunning Save the Date:

And word cannot describe the intricate letterpress process on this Invitation:

I cannot wait for the stationery show in May to meet the Spark Letterpress in person!

2010-03-17T00:45:00.002-04:00

Finally...a gorgeous day!!!

I am sure many of you were aware of the insanity Mother Nature confronted us with this past weekend here in the New York Metro area. While I was concerned about where my trash cans went flying off too, several of my friends who live on the South Shore of Long Island, experienced power outages of close to 2 days, while another lost the dock attached to her house. Guess that will teach me to stop thinking of myself...

Anyway, as some of you may know, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fine stationery and papers, and ensure that I carry products that demonstrate my passion for the art of printing. So when I cam across this video via YouTube via Twitter, I just had to share it with you. This is a fabulous collection of images from Twig & Fig, one of the finest lines I represent. It is a relatively small company based in California, whose commitment and dedication to producing absolutely stunning and unique letterpress invitations is unsurpassed. For those of you who don't know of Twig & Fig, I hope you enjoy the show!

Growing...day by day

2010-03-15T17:09:00.000-04:00

Although Mother Nature dampened out spirits with torrential downpours and power outages this weekend, it was a great opportunity to buckle down and attend to some of those things I've been neglecting (all of that back-end office administration...blah, blah, blah--the stuff you hate to do).

And while I was extremely disappointed to miss Ultimate Engagement at Gotham Hall on Sunday due to the crazy weather, it was an incredibly productive day. I actually responded and retweeted a bunch of different things (I finally get the whole "@" symbol and how to use it), spent some time redesigning some web pages and answered a TON of non-essential email.

So before I get back to work, I wanted to share a new addition to the Exquisite Events line of stationery products--these beautiful favor boxes, that can be personalized with labels, tags or personalized ribbon. So adorable and SO CHIC! Each box retails for between $1.20 & $1.60 and the minimum order is only 25 pieces. Enjoy!!!

I forgot how fun networking can be!!!

2010-03-12T10:51:00.005-05:00

So for those of you who follow me on Twitter, I went to the Eat, Drink, Be Married event at the Astor Wine Center at 399 Lafayette Thursday evening. First, who even knew that the center was available for private events?? Perfect for a small wedding with full kitchen amenities. Several of my favorite caterers were there, showing off some of their culinary wizardry, including Thomas Preti,(a special shout out to Scott Parrish, who was kind enough to extend the invitation to my group of aspiring wedding planners) and The Cleaver Co. And if that weren't enough, the desserts were to DIE FOR, especially the most awesome cupcakes offered by Eleni's Bakery in the city (they do custom cupcakes too!!!) Let's just say I was stuffed when I left.

Although I shouldn't work backwards, on Tuesday I went ot another phenomenal showcase at Angel Orensanz Foundation. Just check out what this place can look like!!!

I must thank In Thyme Caterers for the invitation, as well as allowing me to make it a class field trip. Amy at In Thyme was so gracious and spent some time with the class discussing the complexities and benefits of off-premise catering. I can't wait to work with her!!!

I wish everyone a HAPPY WEDDING this weekend!

The most fabulous Bar Mitzvah

2010-03-06T08:11:00.004-05:00

In a previous post, I alluded to the fact that I was recuperating from being up for 3 days straight, managing the final details for a Bar Mitzvah that took place last Saturday, for which I was given only 6 WEEKS TO PLAN!!!. It was actually more than just the evening party! There were temple services in the morning, followed by a huge luncheon and then the dinner reception later on in the evening, so it was like planning for 3 events in one day.

Of course, the massive snowstorm that started on Thursday didn't make things any easier, needless to say. Fortunately, I have great vendors and all of my trucks arrived on time to handle the Friday set-up.

I have to say, depsite my exhaustion and that I was pretty much ready to pass out on Sunday at 4 AM, it was totally worth it. The client and the Bar Mitzvah boy had such a wonderful time and could not stop expressing their gratitude for my help; that makes me feel SOOO good. Just a few fabulous shots, courtesy of JoVon Photography:

2010-03-05T10:42:00.001-05:00

Maybe I'll stay more up to date with my Blog now that I can send updates through my phone???

Ok, so I've been busy...

2010-03-05T09:34:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's been a while since I posted to the blog....so many things happening.

I was joking with a friend of mine the other day that I need to hire a "VP of Social Networking" to handle the following:

Facebook business page (still a work in progress)
Twitter (I just keep writing stuff that I hope people are interested in)
WeddingWire.com (I just set up a page with WeddingWire and so far so good)
WedSpace.com (don't even start me on this one, I've done NOTHING YET, except put my name up there)
MY OWN BLOG!!!
The LIWEDDINGS.COM blog (you mean I have to do this twice!!!)
BridalTweet.com (was an active participant until I got swamped by all of these other website obligations)
Blogging for Lovegevity.com (I am the NY instructor for their Wedding Planning Certification Course)

So when am I supposed to see clients???

So it's been a few days...

2009-06-30T18:15:00.003-04:00

since I last posted. I was totally consumed with the 2 weddings I had over the last 2 weekends and my 'social networking' took a hit.

So my instincts were right on with regard to the rain that was expected for 6/20. With the U.S. Open going on in Bethpage, it made finding a tent a little difficult, but I got it done! Although I had to use a company I wasn't that familiar with (Ace Tent), the end product was absolutely spectacular and the bride & groom loved it. And we needed it! Although it wasn't a monsoon, it was still raining come ceremony time. But we kept the back open so all of the guests could get a great view of the fountain at Carltun on the Park...it all felt very romantic and serene.

After the ceremony everyone was treated to a fabulous cocktail hour and dinner which included too many delicacies to mention...from the caviar to the sushi to the specialty vodka...it was amazing. While I had a very strong hand in managing the flow of the wedding and planned every detail down to a 'tee', I have to give tons of credit to The Carltun for doing such an outstanding job.

I was also worried about the Charter service I had arranged for NYC hotel guests coming to the Carltun because of the weather, the US Open, and nasty traffic one always finds on the Long Island Expy. The folks at Classic Transportation were so totally on point and the coaches arrived 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony...PERFECT!!!

All in all, it was a spectacular event. I had spent so much time with the bride, groom and their families (about a year and a half) planning everything and it's just very strange to not have my daily emails and phone calls with them. I put my heart and soul into their wedding, and I feel something is missing in my life right now. I guess I will have to wait for the pictures...

I still have a whole other wedding to discuss, but all this typing has me drained :-)

When is this rain going to stop?!?!?

2009-06-18T08:53:00.003-04:00

One would think that June 20th would be a fabulous day. We're on the verge of summer, the flowers are in bloom and there would still be a cool touch to the evening. Guess again!!! I have been scrambling last minute and found the last company in Long Island to provide a tent to cover the ceremony taking place on the patio at Carltun on the Park. Normally, the plan would have been to do the ceremony in the ballroom, but they really want to go outside. So I got a CLEAR tent!!! I'm actually excited about it even though it's supposed to be dismal on Saturday.

Actually have to go pay the tent guy, so I'll update after the wedding!

E.

Great Vendors!!!

2009-06-12T15:21:00.002-04:00

So by the time the NYC Housing Works Event started, the word had spread to over 7,000 websites and the line of brides waiting to find a bridal steal was all the way down 23rd Street! Amazing!!!

I want to give a shout out to some special people who helped me in making this event so special and a tremendous success:

Capriccio Ensembles: Natalie and her fabulous musicians were the icing on the cake! Without them, this would have just been so ORDINARY. They made it feel like the most upscale bridal boutique and I can't thank them enough.

Adorn Brides: Nadine allowed me to borrow a stunning $40,000 Diamond and Sapphire necklace to show off and no one could take their eyes off of it. The company also donated a $150 gift certificate as a raffle prize which was won by a bride who fell so in love with the necklace I was wearing, I let her try it on. I think it's meant to be for her... Adorn was also kind enough to arrange a coupon code whereby 20% of the rental price would go back to Housing Works as a donation. Really...too kind!

LIWeddings.com: A big thanks to Ron for donating the tote bags that went to the first 50 brides who attended the event. We had so many things to give away but we had no bags to put them in. Ron saved the day!!!

The Gumdrop Cookie Shop: Thanks to Thea for donating a discount coupon for her fabulous cookies. She can make anything!

This was the first charity event I had ever been involved in and while I was scrambling at the last minute to add some special touches, I have to say it was great to participate and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Best Wishes to all of the brides & grooms getting married this week!

Wow--the Housing Works Event is getting quite a bit of buzz!

2009-06-05T11:15:00.003-04:00

I just received a link from Housing Works to a press release that went out all over the place about the upcoming Bridal Event, including In Style Magazine. This is going to be such a fabulous night and I hope we raise a lot of money for a great cause!

NYC Housing Works Press Release

Praying that Natalie from Capriccio Ensembles can get a few of her outstanding musicians to perform.

Hope to see all the brides there!

It's getting close!

2009-06-05T02:15:00.003-04:00

Just getting all of the details for an upcoming wedding. I have spent over a year and half with the bride, groom and their families working on every aspect of the wedding and it's all coming together this month. It's going to be absolutely spectacular from the gown to the music to the tablecloths to the menu.

I just get such a great feeling when everything falls into place. And while I form an attachement to almost all of my clients, when you've spent a year and half with someone, it's almost like a member of your family is getting married.

I apologize for sounding so sentimental...maybe I've been up to late tonight and I'm getting all emotional.

Off to bed!

Who knew a Wednesday could be so busy!

2009-06-04T09:41:00.001-04:00

What a day! I started off my taking my new intern, Meredith, with me to a luncheon hosted by the Wedding Salon at Tha Harvard Club. It was all about marketing in this crazy economy. Carly Roney from TheKnot.com was the keynote speaker--it was great to see her again!

Then I had to race across town to meet a bride whose wedding is taking place on Fire Island later on this year. So many details, but it's going to be so perfect!

After crawling on the LIE all the way back to Long Island, I had to dust myself off and head over to the DeSeversky Center where Adornbrides.com (Hi Nadine!) was showcasing their new line of diamond jewelry that is available to rent for your upcoming wedding or special event. Such beautiful things!

Today, I am taking a few moments for myself to finally get my hair cut after 4 months!

I guess blogging pays off!

2009-06-01T23:18:00.002-04:00

I've really been making a conscious effort to participate in several social networking forums. Apparently, all of my hard work has paid off as I am a featured vendor on www.bridaltweet.com!

Aside from that, I've been trying to get more participants to donate services to the NYC Housing Works Charity Event taking place on June 10th, along with managing all of my upcoming weddings.

No rest for the weary!

Bridal Event for Charity

2009-05-28T23:11:00.002-04:00

I wanted to share some very important information to all LI & NYC brides about an upcoming Bridal event for charity hosted by Housing Works; a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those with HIV/AIDS. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase a designer wedding gown at a drastically reduced price and help those in need at the same time.

Here are the details in the email I received:

Housing Works doesn't let the recession keep bridal dreams from coming true. Housing Works Thrift Shops present Bride on a Buck-an exclusive shopping event recession-conscious brides can delve into veils first.

Brides will get: First dibs at drastically reduced NEW designer dresses in sizes 4-8 (retail at $3000-$9000, will be sold at 75% off) from bridal couturiers such as:
Vera Wang, Giovanni Ravello Bridal Couture, Monique Lhullier, Marchesa

Vintage wedding dresses and formal dresses also available! Don't need a dress? Brand new shoes from Yoriko Powell (also priced at 75% off retail!) and vintage veils and accessories also will be up for sale.

* Complimentary hors d'oeurves by Housing Works own catering company, The Works http://www.housingworks.org/social-enterprise/the-works-catering/
* Free raffle of floral arrangements donated by Tantawan Bloom http://www.tantawanbloom.com/
* Gift bags filled with goodies (for the first 50 brides)]
* Free makeup application

Can't make it Wednesday evening? The Gramercy shop will continue the bridal sale on Thursday, June 11th, 2009.

Event details:What: Housing Works Gramercy Thrift Shop Bride on a Buck
When: Late night shopping and party, June 10th from 7 to 9 PM; sale continues June 11th from 11 AM to 7 PM (Cost: FREE)
Where: 157 East 23rd St. between 3rd and Lexington Aves.

All profits from Housing Works Thrift Shops go to Housing Works' lifesaving services for homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS. Those services include housing, medical care, meals, job training and drug treatment programs. Like Housing Works' other locations, the Soho store will provide jobs for participants in Housing Works job training program for people living with HIV and AIDS.

I will also be onsite to share some cost-savings tips!
I hope you can all make it to shop for a cause!
Elaine

Another successful weekend!

2009-05-26T16:06:00.001-04:00

There's a reason I give up holiday weekends...for a wedding like I did at The Surf Club in New Rochelle this past Sunday, the 24th.

We were so worried about the weather and we had a very close call as a light rain began to fall about an hour prior to the ceremony. But after selling my soul for the umpteenth time, the clouds broke about 20 minutes prior and we went ahead with the original plan of an outdoor ceremony. Did I wipe down the chairs...yes, did I set up the ballroom...yes, did I light all the candles...yes, do I regret not hanging out with my friends at a Memorial Day weekend BBQ...NO!!! The bride & groom were so happy and so in love, I was even privy to a few exchanges they had while I was bustling her dress and I almost cried myself. It doesn't matter how many weddings I am there for...I still get emotional.

Big wedding today!!

2009-05-24T08:14:00.003-04:00

So I'm off to New Rochelle to manage what is surely to be a spectacular wedding. I have some great people working with me such as Steve from http://www.creativecompositions.com/ Creative Compositions, Manhattan Rhythm from Jerry Kravat and Joe from NY Video. Keeping my fingers crossed that the anticipated thunderstorms stay away from Westchester entirely, but if they manage to hold off just for the outdoor ceremony, I'll take that too.

We're incorporating only a few beach elements, so as not to make the wedding to 'theme-y'. We have some loose seashells to scatter in various places and included a sea shell motif on the programs and menus. Just the right amount of 'seashell' since we already have a beautiful beach backdrop for the event.

Off I go...post more later!

Cocktails on the Patio...

2009-05-22T17:55:00.000-04:00

So I had a fabulous time at the soft opening of 'Cocktails on the Patio' at Carltun on the Park in Eisenhower Park last night. The weather was perfect and I got to see a lot of people who I know in the industry.

I also took on a new intern today! I'm so excited. There are so many things in the works right now and it's a relief to know that I have an extra pair of hands on deck. Welcome Meredith!

Already started receiving some of the new invitation lines I chose to represent at the Stationery Show last week. Still can't wait to get the new eco-friendly line from the Vert Collection.

What else...well, as always, I am working this Memorial Day weekend. Hoping for fantastic weather, as the plan is to have an outdoor ceremony. Fingers crossed for everyone getting married this weekend and hoping you all have a stellar day!

Welcome to my Blog

2009-05-21T13:27:00.001-04:00

Thanks so much for visiting and I look forward to keeping everyone updated with what's going on in the world of Exquisite Events!