Originally used as light fixtures, today’s chandelier has become so much more. In the days of old, the elite used astounding designs to demonstrate wealth and class – a concept that has not altogether diminished. Even today, chandeliers have retained a opulent and elegant connotation. Chandeliers of all shapes, sizes and colors have the unique ability to transform any room into a glamorous, modern, vintage or even shabby chic setting.

Chandeliers can be a magnificent addition to your wedding decor, be it hanging from the ceiling or even more chic, adorning your table tops as the ultimate rebirth of the centerpiece. More than likely, your venue will breathe a sigh of relief if you choose the latter.

Below is an array of some fun and spectacular chandeliers that could quite possibly change the way you and your guests look at your reception. Wow factor is an understatement.

images courtesy of glamourthis:photobucket, allegrophotography, weddingdesignstudio, whitedressblacktux.blogspot.com, vintageglamwedding.blogspot.com, lanternlights.com & gspncrystals.com

xx

Sal

Wedding planning should be a relaxing, luxurious experience.

Next Sunday, March 14th will be a day that raises the bar for bridal events everywhere.

The Ultimate Engagement is the first ever complimentary bridal event that allows brides-to-be the opportunity to meet with the premiere experts in the luxury bridal industry. Not only will brides be able to access the extensive experience, knowledge, passion and talent of these individuals, but you get to do it all in a stress-free one-on-one setting.

Think of the crowded booths, lines, frustration and general mayhem of the typical bridal show, then imagine the exact opposite; a relaxing, sophisticated one-on-one sit down where you and the expert vendors of your choice chat about YOUR wedding and yours alone. Participating is as simple as visiting The Ultimate Engagement website, completing your free registration and scheduling appointments with the hottest high-end wedding professionals that you have watched, read and heard about. Have the opportunity to sit with the most sought after photographers, florists, caterers, venues, planners… the list goes on.

While you plan your stunning event, enjoy designer trunk shows, book signings, food & wine tastings, educational sessions, chic pop-up shops and more!

Our own Xochitl Gonzalez, Blogsmaid Extraordinaire will be on hand to help you turn your luxury wedding dreams into realities – and blogging LIVE throughout the day! Xochitl will be joined by other notable wedding experts such as Marcy Blum, Sylvia Weinstock, Lisa Johnson of Ceci NY, Ines de Santo and many more.  This amazing event was put together by the wonderful Maya Kalman of Swank Productions and Elizabeth Beskin from 5th Avenue Digital.

To ensure each bride receives the personal attention she deserves, space is limited. Please register today to take advantage of this one-time experience that will help you create a day of memories that will last a lifetime.

WHEN: Sunday, March 14, 2010

9:00AM – 7:00PM

WHERE: Gotham Hall, NYC

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

xx

-Sal

In honor of the fact that this evening is the SURE TO BE FABULOUS book launch for Preston Bailey’s Celebrations book, I thought I’d take the chance to spread the news to my professional, non-bride readers out there about a fantastic opportunity to really expand your horizons and broaden your career outlook: The Bailey & Blum mentoring weekend.

Preston Bailey and Marcy Blum are arguably the top of the top when it comes to event designers and event planners in the business.  In fact, they actually changed the game.  Before Jung Lee was barking orders or David Tutera was pigmaleon, Preston and Marcy were re-inventing, re-imagining and elevating the concept of what a wedding or social event could even be.

Well, these two industry icons, friends and frequent collaborators are opening the doors of Preston’s studio for an intimate (40 person) mentoring weekend for wedding professionals.  Attendees will get to talk shop, see the ins and outs of what it’s like to really plan weddings on “the next level” and get advice about guiding your career and business in a personal intimate setting.  PLUS, you get to stay somewhere kind of swanky in New York, eat  some amazing food and…. well, there are a ton of surprises that they have in store that I’m certainly not privvy too.

Obviously, this kind of access and mentorship isn’t cheap- I mean, it’s Preston and Marcy- but it is AN INVESTMENT.

For a moment, I hope I can get on my soap box.  Lately, there seem to be a BOUNTY of previously unheard of, or totally green “wedding experts” charging an awful lot of money to attend academies or become “superstar wedding planners”… and I personally have been skeptical of what exactly, for all the money that they charge other planners/ designers/ professionals can they tell you about that a few great business books and a well spent weekend at Engage! couldn’t…

There actually ARE things that Preston & Marcy can tell you that NO ONE ELSE CAN.  I’ll be honest, I do personally know and love Marcy…. We’ve gotten to know her over the past year (once Mayra and I could stop being so nervous that we were in her presence and actually say something) and just in the time we’ve known her, I’ve become a better planner who values my talents and time more AND who thinks a little more out of the box than before.  We spent an amazing 2 hours at her office a few months ago where, upon leaving, I turned to Mayra and said “We plan weddings, she plans experiences”.  I only write about this weekend because I feel really confident that it will be transformational for those who attend!   Registration is live now….

I often tell you about “What They Did Right”, but I thought it might be cool to show you HOW things get that way…. especially in a loft space.  On the day of our “big blizzard” we had our last wedding of the year, for Nina and John.  Mayra and I worked with Nina on the design for her wedding, which was going to be at the Xchange.  We created a vision for Nina’s 100 guests that reflected the glamour of the city with the modernity of the stark loft space… all while creating an intimate, warm environment for everyone to dine and dance in.  BUT, it didn’t start out that way…. While the snow started to fall- here is how the space started out…. (pardon our non-professional photos

And here is how it was turned into a wedding ready, hot-spot (with the help of a LOT of people- Verde Flowers, Something Different, Luminous Lighting and some last minute help from Classic.)

I recently posted about the wedding of Michelle Laryea and Van Godfrey at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey. Since then I have received several comments and emails regarding her beautiful programs that were captured by Lina Jang Photography, so of course, I had to share deets!

Michelle worked with The White Aisle to create her wedding programs. They offer two main options to create your personalized stationary – you can either have The White Aisle create and print your entire program, or you can opt to have them print just the cover, and they will send you the paper to print the inserts on your own. Michelle opted for option number 2 and says it was an easy and fun process. What is also great is that The White Aisle offers a wide selection of wedding stationary including Save The Dates, Invitations, Menu Cards, Escort & Place Cards, Table Numbers and more. While most of the designs carried by White Aisle have a beautiful vintage feel, they do have quite an array of styles, designs, fonts and color options to choose from. What makes this even more enticing is that they are happy and eager to work with you to create a custom design of your choice. You can create just one element of your wedding, or your entire stationary suite! Below is a sneak peek from their great site, but be sure to visit www.whiteaisle.com STAT for more info!

xx,

Sal