Fashionable Tales of a CIncinnati Wedding Planner

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!