How-to Tie the Knot

Over 13 years ago, I planned my own wedding . . . amazingly enough I spent under $8,000 for a 125 guest affair. I was the definition of a budget bride. That's why it is important to me that brides have access to planning services regardless of budget. During my years in the industry, I have had the opportunity to work with brides of all types, all budgets in all different ways. However, it is clear to me that there are still brides out there that feel like they just can't afford to hire a wedding planner. Not wanting them to go unassisted, I've designed an amazing one-day seminar just for these brides.

"How-to Tie the Knot" is a one-day seminar filled with information and planning tips to help the do-it-yourself bride get started and create a unique and memorable event for their guests. I will be joined by professionals of photography and floral design who will share their secrets for getting the most for your money. There will even be a bonus segment on strategies for managing the "planning stress." Brides will walk away with all the tips, tools and advice they need to make their vision of the perfect wedding day come to life!

Join us for this fun and informative day at a gorgeous wedding venue and receive a comprehensive planning binder, planning tools, morning refreshments and a delicious lunch.

Here are the details:


WHEN: Sunday, August 29, 2010

WHERE: Pat’s Barn at Rensselaer Technology Park

HOW: Register online at http://www.inspired-occasions.com/ (Click on "Bride Education") or call (518) 487-8128 to register by phone.


REGISTRATION FEE: $159.00
***Early Bird Registration Fee (Before Aug 1): $149.00
Cancellation of Registration: For any cancellation made after August 15, 2010, the registration fee is non-refundable

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!

FREE Bridal Event and Consultations - DON'T MISS OUT!

Join Inspired Occasions and many other talented wedding vendors for a FREE Bridal Show hosted by USA Weddings.

Monday, July 5, 2010
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
The Desmond

We will be offering FREE onsite consultations to anyone seeking some professional advice with their wedding plans. Also, as a BONUS, any brides in attendance at this show will receive $20.00 off their registration for our upcoming seminar, "How-to Tie the Knot; Planning Strategies for Today's D.I.Y. Bride."

You have the day off so come on out and great some great ideas for your wedding. See you there!

Khalid & Nadia - May 1, 2010

May was such a crazy month for Inspired Occasions that I'm just getting around to filling you all in on the details of the weddings we produced that month. I'll start with our first . . .

The wedding of Nadia and Khalid turned out to be a story of color and culture. The tall order for me was to design a wedding ceremony and reception that combined the significant elements of the Bride and Groom’s Pakistani culture with their more modern sense of style. I’m proud to say that in a short three month planning period, we went from having no design concept to an exotic affair for 300 guests fit for royalty. The color palette inspired by the preferences of the couple was that of rich jewels . . . sapphire blue, garnet red and rich orange.

The setting for this elaborate affair was The Albany Marriott. The day began with an intimate family-only ceremony. The modern bride opted to wear a fully length beaded white wedding outfit rather than the traditional red. However, to ensure that the traditional wedding color of red had a strong presence, the bride’s aisle and ceremony stage were carpeted in a rich garnet color. The couple exchanged their promises and rings on a glowing stage draped with sheer fabric and strands of cascading orchids.

Following the ceremony, Nadia and Khalid’s guests were treated to a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Guests were welcomed into the grand ballroom which was decked out with sunset colored perimeter lighting, sapphire blue satin linens and tablescapes of dramatic glowing centerpieces, specialty folded napkins and golden chocolate favors. Authentic Pakistani music and food brought in from New York City ensured that the families’ heritage remained the focal point of the celebration. Highlights of the evening included a traditional dance performed by the women of the Groom’s family and a traditional Mirror ceremony.

It was an absolute pleasure to work with this fabulous couple. From the first time I met with this family, the planning process became a true collaboration between Bride and Groom, Planner and Mother. And together, we were able to put together the perfect day for this special couple!

Special thanks to my team and all the wonderful vendors who helped make it all happen: The Albany Marriott, Fine Affairs, Surroundings Floral, J&S Watkins, Glowing Faces (make-up), Epiphany of Hair Design, Kabob King, and DJ Farhad.

Let Them Eat Cake!!!

Ever heard someone say, “I’m really not a cake person?” Well that is not me! I love cake! So imagine my delight when I discovered an amazingly innovative local business that is filling what I consider a very important need . . . mobile cupcakes! Lorraine and John Murphy, co-owners of Bettie’s Cakes based in Saratoga Springs have created a fabulous bakery on wheels that brings their delicious cupcakes to wherever you need your fix. Their double-decker 1950’s style bus can seat 25 people and can be hired for any occasion. I’m thinking . . . surprise late night snack for a wedding reception, a sweet treat for the mitzvah or sweet sixteen guest of honor, Sunday breakfast . . . the options are endless!

As soon as I made this discovery, I realized it was imperative that I test out the product so that I could make an informed recommendation to my clients. Tough job, but I managed try four scrumptious designer cupcakes including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Key Lime and Red Velvet. My favorite was the Cosmopolitan which was a cranberry flavored cupcake with lime icing inspired by the release of the new Sex in the City movie. It was both adorable and delectable.

So I’m wondering which of my hip clients are going to be the first ones to surprise their guests with this mobile sweetshop? Also wondering . . . what other treats can we put on wheels?

You can visit the stationary Cupcakery Café at 454 Broadway, Saratoga, NY and get more information about the cupcake bus at http://www.bettiescakes.com/.

Wedding Season is Here!

Inspired Occasions is feeling the love. Saturday marks the beginning of May and the beginning of a busy month of incredible weddings we are so fortunate to be a part of.

Right out of the gate, we get to produce an amazing Pakistani wedding for a very special couple, Nadia and Khalid. It’s been a blast putting this one together because the clients truly came to us with a blank canvas on which we have been able to create a wedding full of exotic flair. For 300 guests, the ballroom at the Albany Marriott will be transformed with specialty lighting, exotic orchids and custom everything in a color palette of jewels. Watching this vision come to life is going to be thrilling!

One week later, we’ll be a part of the completely different, but equally fabulous wedding of Michele and David who will wed at the First Reformed Church in Schenectady and celebrate with friends and family at the Stockade Inn for their reception. The entire design and every detail of this wedding is 100% the bride and is totally unique. I have fallen in love with her Vintage Paris theme and am amazed that I don’t miss the flowers at all. Michele is an amazing D.I.Y. bride who has created every last detail of her shabby-chic inspired wedding including the bouquets, centerpieces, programs, custom favors and escort cards, etc in a subtle color palette of white, ivory and the palest blush pink. Our team will be there to execute every last detail of her vision so that she can sit back and enjoy the fruits of all her hard labor.

Last, but certainly not least, we will finish out our busy month with the Adirondack wedding of Natalie and Brian. The two will wed on the shores of Lake George and host a unique tent reception for their 100 guests at B&B on the Green in Hudson. The bride wanted the design of her wedding to be modern and fun and yet have touches of Adirondack details. Beginning with the colors gunmetal gray, silver and pale blue, we decided to add a fun pop of lime green to just about everything. This is not your typical woodlands affair. This is a chic event with creative and modern touches of the great outdoors. The floral design will really set this one apart. Martin Dodge from Drops of Jupiter will provide some amazing creations including a ceremony structure of birch, sheer fabric and clusters of blue hydrangea, lush floral centerpieces in custom made birch and barnwood boxes and an escort card table completely covered in moss.

How amazing to have three weddings, each one as unique as the couples themselves! This is why I love my job. These three couples’ stories and personalities will be embodied in each of these events and I get to be a part of that story. Congratulations and best wishes to Nadia and Khalid, Michele and David and Natalie and Brian. May your lives together be filled with love and great joy!

Meet the Planner

I am proud to debut my brand new “Meet the Planner” video. Thanks to the talented Cheryl Lighthall of CASL Productions, I’m able to introduce myself, my Company and the advantages of hiring an event planner to the masses.

One of the most important factors in choosing a planner is the personal connection you have with him or her. Therefore, knowing the personality, professional ethics and values of the planner are critical to making a good selection. It is who I am that makes me love what I do and plan thoughtful events. In this day and age when most people find their vendors online, its important for all vendors to have a strong web presence. However, since starting my Company two years ago, I’ve struggled with how to convey who I am to potential clients doing casual online research. A bio and two dimensional photographs just didn’t seem to do the trick.

So I’m thrilled to give everyone out there a glimpse of who they’re hiring when they choose Inspired Occasions for their special day. Take a look, share the word and spread the link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPMHImxhmg