A Walk Down Memory Lane - Kevin & Erin (August 16, 2008)

I've recently been hired by a lovely couple to help them plan their 2011 nuptials to take place at The Palace Theatre in Albany. In working with them, I can't help thinking about one of my all time favorite weddings because it too was at the beautiful and historic Palace Theatre. This wedding was particularly special for me because it was the wedding of my brother and now sister-in-law, Kevin and Erin.

Kevin and Erin approached me with the pretty tall order of planning an elaborate affair in only three months time. Given that they were both extremely busy with their careers, they had no time to devote to the time consuming task of planning so I was happy to help and to this day, it is one of the most amazing events I've produced.

Since The Palace is a grand 1930's era theatre, it seemed natural to make this event a tribute to that time. Everything chosen was classic and timeless. From the brides full length lace gown and groom's simple black tuxedo to the choice of using fern and feathers as dominant elements of the floral design. The stage where guests danced the night away was designed to mimic an vintage Supperclub. Each selection was made to give guests the subtle feeling that they had entered the 1930's itself.

The evening was filled with surprising and special touches. We surprised the bride and groom by bringing in their beloved dog to act as the Ring Bearer and showering them with feathers during their recessional. The Bride and Groom surprised the guests by making their grand entrance on the stage lift. But the surprises didn't stop there. A talented singer, the bride serenaded her new husband at the reception. We provided a vintage microphone for that very special moment. At the end of the night, guests stopped by the concession stand, but not for the typical salty oil covered popcorn you might find in a theatre. Instead they filled personalized treat bags to the brim at a gourmet popcorn bar.

An amazing venue makes for an amazing event. For design inspiration, there was no need to look further than the inspirational surroundings of this iconic theatre. I look forward to creating an equally fabulous wedding for my new fab couple Tehra and Juan. Working with a completely different color scheme and spin on the grand theatre theme, I can't wait to see them make this location their own and their wedding a true representation of their style and personalities. Check out this short video with all the details: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVSz8zdXk3U

Photography by Fred Ricard Photography.

They learned "how to tie the knot"

It was a fabulous day to talk weddings! On a sunny Sunday in August, Inspired Occasions hosted our first education seminar at the gorgeous Pat's Barn at Rensselaer Technology Park. I am proud to say that "How-to Tie the Knot: Planning Strategies for Today's D.I.Y. Bride" was a big hit.

So what did we do all day? The morning was alll about planning basics. We talked about setting priorities, creating timelines and tackling the dreaded BUDGET. Registrants were also treated to expert information from a few talented guest speakers. Michele Peters of Ambiance Florals & Events was on hand to take the intimidation out of floral decisions. A talk on photography options and trends was given by Yvette Wilson from Photography In Design. And because planning a wedding can at times be a stressful process, Certified Life Coach Diane Albano was on hand to teach some techniques for taking it down a notch.

The highlight of the day for me and for the seminar participants was our afternoon design workshop when we transformed a reception table from "Tired to Inspired" using some easy to follow design principles and incorporating a few creative do it yourself projects.

Feedback from everyone who attended was overwhelmingly positive. I know that I had an absolute blast talking about my favorite topic all day. Thanks to all those brides and their guests who participated. You guys were such a fun group!

I had a vision of a relaxed and informative day all about supporting brides on their planning journey. I am so grateful to my Inspired Occasions team for helping me bring that vision to life. Couldn't have done it without you guys!

With a successful debut behind us, we are looking forward to planning a winter session for all those brides newly engaged during the holiday and valentines seasons. Keep your eyes and ears open for new session information coming soon.

Inspired Occasions is in the press!

It has been over a year since I came up with the idea to create a Bride Education branch of my business. I came to realize that no matter how flexible and accessible Inspired Occasions' services are, there are going to be brides that will ultimately choose to plan their wedding solo. However, with a long standing value of bringing valuable information, support and advice to all brides, I decided there must be a way that I can serve these brides as well.

Finally, my idea has taken shape and will come to life on this Sunday, August 29, 2010 when we launch our very first bridal seminar "How-to Tie the Knot: Planning Strategies for Today's D.I.Y. Bride." With an agenda that covers planning basics, do-it-yourself design, stress management and much more, I am thrilled to bring such valuable information to the brides and their families in attendance. It is a day designed to support and empower each and every one of them to create the wedding of their dreams and enjoy the process of doing it.

What I didn't anticipate when I started this venture is that there would be media interest in such a concept. Imagine my excitement when I was invited to appear on YNN (Capital News 9) in a live in-studio interview with their afternoon anchor. I had a blast and it was so thrilling to be able to spread the word to everyone in the area about what Inspired Occasions is up to. The good news doesn't stop there. This week, my interview with Saratoga.com's Dave Bigler is being featured on http://www.saratoga.com/. To check it out, click on "featured video". And the interest keeps coming . . . A TimesUnion reporter will be joining us for the seminar on Sunday and writing a feature about it.

I am amazed at the attention this event is receiving. I can only hope that it is because it is satisfying a need among local brides and that this will be the first of many successful bride education seminars.

There are still some spots available for anyone still interested in attending. Registration is required and must be received no later than Friday, August 27th. Any registered bride is invited to bring one guest for free. For more details, go to our website http://www.inspired-occasions.com/ and click on "bride education" or call us at (518) 487-8128.

How-to Tie the Knot
Sunday, 8/29/10
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Pat's Barn at Rensselaer Technology Park
Registration includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and all materials

Michele & David - May 8, 2010

The nuptials of Michele and David took place on Saturday, May 8th at the First Reformed Church of Schenectady. The Stockade Inn was the venue selected for their chic vintage flea market-inspired reception.

When Michele hired me in early 2009 to be her day-of wedding coordinator, I was intrigued by the vision of her day. Michele was the definition of a D.I.Y. bride with plans to create everything for her wedding right down to the ceremony flowers. Being a part of so many weddings, I knew what an undertaking that was. She had her hands full.

I’m thrilled to say that Michele didn’t disappoint. Her attention to detail and subtle interpretation of her overall theme were impressive. She chose a subdued color palate of cream and blush pink and touches of gold. Instead of live flowers, centerpieces were antique birdcages filled with metallic glass spheres surrounded by candles and shabby-chic accent pieces. With the candles aglow, the room was warm and romantic. Guest favors doubled as escort cards with hand-tied personalized tags on each one with the guest name and table number. The fashion of the night even tied into the theme. Michele glided down the aisle in a beautiful ball gown for her ceremony, but slipped into a vintage inspired party dress for her reception.

Day-of coordination is not always the easiest job to do. Our experience as planners depends on the decisions made by the couple when planning the event. Michele was an absolute dream to work with. Although executing a do-it-yourself décor design can often be more physical labor, our bride was so organized that it almost felt easy. All of the vendors she selected were great fun to work with and did a fantastic job. So thank you to my team and to the Stockade Inn (Reception Venue), Heather Bolm-Tallman (Photography), Villa Italia (Cake), Peter from What’s Happening Productions (Videography) and Fernando from Piano Man (DJ).

Last but certainly not least . . . thanks to Michele and David for trusting us with your special day. Best wishes for a long and happy life together!