Elegant Events by Elisa

one family- third bride

 I love this pics.  They are of one of elegant events fall o8 weddings and are featured in the current issue of Cincinnati Wedding Magazine.  My favorite pic is the one with her maids...the girls on each side of her are her sisters and all three have been my brides.  Love this family!  After 3 wedding together, they feel like family.  Guess I'll have to wait now for the grand babies to get married.  Broadway photographer took these lovely pics and Robin Wood did the flowers.  (miss you Clancy Clan.  see you girlson fb.)

 

Smudge Fixer- goes in wedding day emergency kit

I think this sounds like a perfect product to have around come wedding day.  So many brides are getting a manicure on the big day (or day before which is the day I recommend if possible).  No need to remove and re-apply polish if you get a ding or smude on your new manicure nails.   "Smudge Fixer restores smudged wet polish to freshly manicured perfection. Brush Smudge Fixer over the smudge until polish blends together." Got to add it to the Elegant Events Emergency bag.

Wedding Planner in Cincinnati...how lucky am I!

Sometimes I have to almost pinch myself.  How lucky am I to truly have a job I love doing and am actually good at it!  Someone said to me tonight at my wedding, " What a cool job you have.  No two weddings are ever the same so it's always something new.  You must love it"    I do!  And that really is a big part of it.  I hadn't thought about it really but even though most weddings have all the same elements, they each do them in their own style, their own sequence, etc. Each wedding is different.   We strive to help the clients make their weddings their own so even if their guests have been to a dozen wedding this season, this wedding would be unique, it would reflect the personality and taste of the couple.  Tonights weddings, the bride is a chef and in each centerpieces were elements of food.  Lots of herbs and spices but also an occasional potato or onion or artichoke.  It was so here.  Event the music cool hip and a but of funk just like her.  Their guests had a great time and so did Elegant Events.

Clip in bangs

These clp-in extensions look really coo.l  At least on Jessica.  Love to try the clip-on bangs.  They are selling them locally at a few salons.  Check out    http://www.hairuwear.com/jessica

Blog by a groom for grooms- Temple of Groom

kind of cute...chech it out!  http://templeofgroom.blogspot.com

Chic Chicago- Couture Treasures....

This would be a great exhibit to catch before it leaves.  It's called Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum.  It runs through July 26, 2009.  Not much time left to get there.  I do have a friend going in a few days and I can't wait to hear all about it. 

"Chic Chicago presents the hallmarks of modern fashion. The exhibition's extraordinary garments date from 1861 to 2004 and represent the most prominent couturiers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Each gown has a strong connection to Chicago and belongs to the Museum's permanent collection.  A preview of selected pieces from the exhibition.

View a slideshow of gowns from Chic Chicago

National Bridal Mart- dose of inspiration

I love going to mart.  i know i have blogged about it before but just got the upcoming.  If you have never been.  It's so worth the trip.  You get to see the latest and greatest up close and personal.  Plus it's in Chicago!  Can't beat a few days in that town.   Maybe I'll see you there.

Mansion Hill Studio and Galleries- amazing wedding album

Sometimes as wedding vendors, we get really, really lucky and get THE perfect wedding!  This link shows one of those times.  The family was/is wonderful (happens to be my second wedding for them and I miss them terribly already) and the couple could not be more lovely.  The venue (Cincinnati Club) and decor ( Ford Ellington, Goodwin Lighting) are stunning.  The weather was just what every bride would want and Elegant Events, well I have the best team ever...hence THE perfect wedding.  I don't think anyone of us would change one single thing.  I cried watching this clip and I was there the entire day and had already witnessed every moment.  Hat's off the Craig Weiglein for capturing this amazing day and couple and giving us this beautiful pics!!! www.mansionhillstudio.net/Slideshows/TraciandMatt

Ketubahs- Elegant Events loves this site

www.ketubah.com Love this site!    Here is what they say...."We are pleased to present over 500 Ketubahs by more than 80 artists.  If its variety you are looking for, why not dive into our whole collection. If you are short on time or in search of something unique and flexible, check out our Signature Collection Ketubahs; you won't find these anywhere else. Either way, explore our gallery - by price, by artistic theme, by color, by text - and find the Ketubah which fits your wedding and your home perfectly. Traditional, modern, vibrant, understated: if you can dream it up, you can find it here."

KY ABC June mgt- Spindletop Hall- amazing venue for a wedding!

It was wonderful to back at  Spindletop Hall yesterday in Lexington for our Ky state ABC meeting.  I had not been there since working with friend and fellow wedding planner, Mackenzie Spalding on her own wedding quite a few years ago now.  I quickly remembered what an amazing place it really is for a wedding ceremony or reception.  I will post a few pics so you can get just a taste of its grandeur!  Thanks to hostesses Rayna Ortwein and Leona Morelock for putting this meeting together and for bringing in our guest speaker, Saundra Hadley of  Planning… Forever Events who pumped us all up with her educational session on How to Close The Deal - Sales Methods for the Wedding Industry.  Great speaker!  Great topic!  Great locatiion!  What a great day!  Love my ABC group...

Rayna and Leona pulled togehter some amazing event sponsors too!  Here is a list that Rayna put together from her blog.   Truly, thank you, to each of you who support ABC and contributed to the success of this meeting.

• Connie Duglin Linens
• Martine’s Pastries
• The Time Photography
• IDo Signature Events
• Melanie Mauer Photography
• The Twisted Sifter
• Get Married!
• Bridal Fair
• Cumberland Weddings
• Lasting Impressions
• Always Planned

Photography by The Time Photography. For more pics visit http://thetimeweddings.shutterfly.com/

  foyer
 our hosts

Actthree.com

A friend of mine (mother of one of my son's best friends) just told me about her new company!  Had to share.  What a great concept!  Would have loved to have had this help when I began my business after being home with my children. visit actthree.com

"Are you returning to work after raising children?
Unsure of what job you want, or how to get it?

Call it on-boarding, on-ramping or relaunching, women are going back to work in record numbers. Act Three helps them rediscover fulfilling careers and can help you:

Find your passions

Build confidence through networking and coaching

Develop and refine skills

Choose the most rewarding career path

Start a business

Prepare for the job search"

LOVE THIS!  check out their web site.  what a clever idea.  www.raisethecake.com

"Design your own cake stand to match your event or choose one from our Couture Line. From Glizzy & Glam or Fun & Funky to Sleek & Mod, there is a cake stand for you. All stands come in 3 lightweight, one-time use sizes and arrive to you with directions and helpful ideas on how to make your cake table look faboo! Every Cake Needs a Stand. These stands take your cake from the ordinary to Unique, Unforgettable, Fun and Fabulous! Perfect for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers & birthdays. Don't make the mistake of forgetting to raise your cake!"

21c Museum Hotel in Louisville...worth seeing!!!

I recently had the opportunity to visit this unique venue in Louisville.  It is sooo worth the trip!  Go see for yourself.  I have been recommending it for a great get away weekend gift for my clients to give their parents! 

Here is a bit about this amazing place....
"For the modern bride seeking a truly unique day, 21c Museum Hotel & Proof on Main are helping perfect the art of wedded bliss! Located in the heart of Downtown Louisville on Museum Row, 21c Museum Hotel, Proof on Main and ICAF (International Contemporary Art Foundation) create an innovative union of modern technology, southern hospitality, and pure luxury - all anchored by world class contemporary art from emerging and internationally acclaimed living artists.

We have one large atrium to accommodate seated groups up to 120 and wedding receptions as large as 450; and a private penthouse with soaring river views for a truly exceptional event. Let the culinary team, led by award-winning Chef Michael Paley, prepare a menu featuring their signature Tuscan food, rich with local flavors.

Proof’s award-winning wine list is both accessible and eclectic. The 100-bottle list includes small “boutique” producers as well as more widely recognized brands. Proof offers an extensive and frequently changing selection of wines by the quartino chosen to pair well with Chef Michael Paley’s menu. Proof also offers a carefully selected spirits collection that reflects a dedication to quality, diversity, and originality. The collection emphasizes small batch, artisanal craftsmanship from around the world highlighted by an impressive selection of 50+ of Kentucky’s finest bourbons, some bottled exclusively for Proof on Main, including special barrels of Woodford Reserve and Rip Van Winkle. The cocktail list includes original “Proof” recipes inspired by the season.

21c Museum Hotel event space offers a unique setting, world class service, award winning décor, and an individualized experience that is perfect for a wedding…"  Check out their cool website for just a feel of the space!
http://www.21chotel.com/hotel/meetings/weddings.aspx

Wedding Protection Insurance

 

Wedding Insurance is something every couple should at least consider when planning their wedding.  Here are a few stats from Wedding Protection Plan to think about...
"The Climate Prediction Center outlook indicates a 70 percent chance of 13 to 18 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes with 2 to 5 major hurricanes for the 2009 Hurricane Season.*
protectmywedding.com

A few more highlights or our policy include:**
No Deductible - this means that the policy will pay from the first dollar for a covered loss.
Easy Application Process - you can purchase directly on the internet or through a Travelers insurance agent. Everything is done online so there is no paper application to submit.
No Surcharge for Destination Weddings
$1,000,000 Liability with Property Damage- we have three options for Property Damage levels all with $1,000,000 in Liability protection.
No Surcharge for Additional Insured's - we can list the venue as an additional insured on the policy at no additional charge to the client."

Wedding Planning...at its best

Okay, this is a bit shameless but really fun to share...this is why we do it!  Why the 17 1/2 hour day and all the pressure, all the responsibility, all the coordinating...this makes it  worth every bit of it.   This wedding was terrific.  The day did turn out perfect!  And that is really mostly due to the family being great to work with and that they selected a great vendor team.  It really is about everyone working as a team including the family. And when that does happen...this is the ending result. This event was over at midnight and I did give the happy couple a 4:00 am wake up call.  This was the e-mail the bride sent me  a bit later just before heading out for their honeymoon.

"Wow! ...What a night! We are sitting in the lobby waiting for our cab to the airport and talking about our night.  Everything was so phenomenal! It gives me chills thinking about how perfectly and smooth every single thing went and it was all because of you and your team! Thank you so much!..."

This wedding happened with the passion and expertise of the Cincinnati Club, Ford Ellington Floral and Event Design, Mansion Hill Studio and Gallery, TLC trolley, Always and Forever, Matt Bradley, Hair and Body Works and many more...all working together to give this couple the day of their lives!

  
Jack Allen of jackiallen.com shared these stats with he Ky Branch of the Association of Bridal Consultants at their May meeting which she also hosted.  These stats are from the 2009 American Wedding Study.  I asked her if I could share them with you.

engagement ring: 

• Seven in ten engaged women consulted bridal resources before their fiancé ever popped the question  The majority of brides-to-be provided input on their engagement ring, with one in five (19%) actually selecting the ring themselves. 
• The current average cost of an engagement ring is $6,348, a 43% increase over 2006’s average engagement ring cost of $4,435. 
• December is the most popular month of the year to get engaged
• The average length of an engagement is 14 months wedding day preparation:
• Once engaged, brides-to-be spend over 30 hours a week planning for the “Big Day,” practically as many hours as an average work week
• 57% of engaged women change their diet and nutritional habits before the wedding, with 47% increasing time spent on their fitness routine
• 46% of brides-to-be have their teeth whitened before they walk down the aisle

registry:

• The average engaged couple joins three registries
•  Nearly a fourth of engaged couples (23%) register online
•  One in five couples register prior to their engagement party, with three-quarters (74%) registering prior to the bridal shower

wedding dress:

• The wedding dress is the number one most researched item among brides-to-be
• The average wedding dress cost is $1,075, which is less than a 2% increase since 2006, when the average cost was $1,056
• 86% of brides make sure to wear something old, new, borrowed and blue wedding location:
• Nearly half of brides (48%) wed in the city or town where they currently live, with 30% returning to their family’s hometown for the occasion
• One in ten engaged couples (12%) have a destination wedding wedding guests:
• The average number of wedding guests at a typical wedding is 155, with that number hitting 90 for destination weddings

wedding party:

• The majority of weddings (92%) have a maid/matron of honor, and – in a modern twist – one out of ten
• (11%) include a “man of honor”
• 84% of wedding parties have a best man and – in another modern twist – 6% have a “best woman”
• In addition to a maid/matron of honor and best man, the typical wedding party features 5 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen/ushers
• The average bridesmaid’s dress costs $126
• 65% of wedding parties also include a flower girl and 58% feature a ring bearer costs:
• The average wedding cost is $28,082, less than a 1% increase from 2006, when the average cost was $27,852
• 82% of couples set a budget prior to planning the wedding
• Half (51%) of brides-to-be have spent time researching financing for their wedding
• Nearly 3 in 5 engaged women (58%) expect to use a credit card to help pay for their wedding expenses
• Nearly one in five (19%) of bride’s parents are paying for the wedding themselves, while 8% of brides are footing the entire bill themselves
• The reception typically accounts for 42% of wedding costs, with an average price tag of $11,868
• Flowers – including bouquets, ceremony and reception arrangements – cost an average of $1,819
• The average wedding cake costs $446
• Wedding rings cost an average of $1,575 (total on both)

styles & traditions:

• The majority of brides-to-be (65%) would categorize their wedding as semi-formal in contrast to casual (18%) or black-tie (14%)
• 43% of receptions are described as classical and traditional, in comparison to small and intimate (17%) or trendy and modern (14%)
• 96% of weddings feature the cutting of the cake
• 91% of weddings include celebratory toasts
• 91% of weddings incorporate a first dance
• 74% of brides throw the bridal bouquet
• 65% of grooms throw the bride’s garter
• 7% of weddings feature guests throwing rice at the happy couple

Sunflowersfavors.com

  Had a nice e-mail the other day from Erin who has started her own weddding favorts website.  Good luck Erin!  Here's to your success  Check out http://sunflowerfavors.com/index.php
 









"Wedding favors are a fantastic way to thank your guests and show appreciation to them for sharing your special day with you. The tradition of handing out wedding favors dates back hundreds of years and was first popular among the wealthy in Europe. The first wedding favor is believed to have been a small box made of precious stone filled with sugar cubes or almonds to represent royalty, fertility, health, wealth, happiness and the bitter sweet nature of a marriage. 
    Whether you want your wedding favors to carry significant meaning as in days of old, or would like a more modern, casual gift of gratitude, Sunflower Favors can help!  We carry a wide array of wedding favors, themed and personalized to compliment your special day.  Browse our collection of Asian themed favors, elegant and formal favors, Las Vegas favors, heart favors, traditional favors, tea, coffee, and hot cocoa favors, beach favors, seasonal favors, and more!"

wedding attire from boingboing!

someone just sent me this link and sometimes you just got to share even though you would rather not, you just can't help yourself.   http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2009/05/13/bra-counts-down-to-m.html

One of my very bestest buds and mentor in the wedding business and fellow master bridal consutlant, Frank Adonaplas (frankeventdesign.com) recently went to the Chicago Bridal Market and here are some of his finding from the experience.  (I love market, if you ever get a chance to go, it's worth the trip, especially the one in the fall).  Here is the blog post "frankly speaking"...

"Chicago Bridal Market- The new trends in Wedding Gowns: 
Last week I attended the Chicago Bridal Market, seeing the latest in wedding fashion and accessories.  This market is traditonally small, and there is more
to see when it returns in the fall.  This is true.  These economic times showed when many of the Wedding gown lines passed on Spring Market, and many did not offer a runway show, but you could view the gowns all displayed, some on racks, and some on dress forms.   Many DID have runway shows.  I went with my dear friend and fellow Master Bridal Consultant (and Master Wedding Vendor) Jane Skarosi.  She asked me to go with her (again!) to give her some of my input on which gowns she should purchase for her store, The Bridal Mansion of Lisle.  Here is what I saw:

. Strapless is STILL strong.
. Rouging was still popular
. Tulle skirts are making a comeback.
. Many are showing straps attached to the strapless gown
. Balloon hems … LOVED them.
. Feathers for your hair are popular, I actually carry these in my studio as many brides take their veil   off for the recpetion,and want something fun in their hair.
. Lace is making a comeback
. Not alot of sequin/beading… much more simple look
. Attention to detail on the back of the gown, and the train was striking."

Can't wait to read more from "frankly speaking".  Congrats Frank!

Got this great article from Aimee at getmarried.com on mistakes of social networking.  thought you might enjoy it too. http://www.thesocialpath.com/2009/05/seven-deadly-sins.html