I just got finished going through my calendar and adding in all the holiday parties we've been invited to. Whew! Seems like there won't be any time to decorate, bake, shop for gifts - let alone actually get work done! And I have a sneaking suspicion that you have the same problem.
I know that we are all busy. Believe me, as a wedding consultant, I totally understand about crazy schedules! All of my clients have so many demands on their time and I am continually working around their requirements and coordinating with vendors' appointments. No easy task! Add in holiday merriment, and getting anything done can be quite an achievement!
So, during this time of year, whether you've been engaged for months or just received the ring, take time away from planning and enjoy being with your family. Create cherished moments! Get inspired! Try not to make wedding planning just another thing you have on your "to do" list.
Until next time, happy planning...
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Following a theme - Celebration Studios
Hi all,
I got an amazing response after my last blog post about Calvary Bridal House. I do want to let you know that tomorrow - December 2nd - is the "bar date," or the deadline to submit your proof of claim forms to the court. If you are owed money from Calvary Bridal House, please get your claim form in!! Also, according to court documents, the bankruptcy case for Calvary Bridal House recently was converted from a chapter 11 to a chapter 7, which means the shop is being liquidated and will no longer be operating.
A similar case in the NJ area that affected nearly 4000 couples was that of Celebration Studios. Photographers and videographers subcontracted by Celebration Studios had taken photos/video of all these weddings and then the company went out of business overnight. Here is the good news: you can now pick up your pictures and video!! I don't know the status of them, though - my guess is they are unedited - but, as long as you get the raw data, you'll be able to put them into your preferred format! Here's a link to the story on WCBS NewRadio 880 about Celebration Studios: http://www.wcbs880.com/pages/3365236.php. (special thanks to Roxanne Geyer at WCBS NewsRadio 880 for this link!) I hope I've helped you get your special memories back!
Until next time, happy planning...
I got an amazing response after my last blog post about Calvary Bridal House. I do want to let you know that tomorrow - December 2nd - is the "bar date," or the deadline to submit your proof of claim forms to the court. If you are owed money from Calvary Bridal House, please get your claim form in!! Also, according to court documents, the bankruptcy case for Calvary Bridal House recently was converted from a chapter 11 to a chapter 7, which means the shop is being liquidated and will no longer be operating.
A similar case in the NJ area that affected nearly 4000 couples was that of Celebration Studios. Photographers and videographers subcontracted by Celebration Studios had taken photos/video of all these weddings and then the company went out of business overnight. Here is the good news: you can now pick up your pictures and video!! I don't know the status of them, though - my guess is they are unedited - but, as long as you get the raw data, you'll be able to put them into your preferred format! Here's a link to the story on WCBS NewRadio 880 about Celebration Studios: http://www.wcbs880.com/pages/3365236.php. (special thanks to Roxanne Geyer at WCBS NewsRadio 880 for this link!) I hope I've helped you get your special memories back!
Until next time, happy planning...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Calvary Bridal House in Millburn
Sorry I've been MIA for a bit... From November 7-12, I was in Newport Beach, CA, attending the Association of Bridal Consultants' annual conference. This was my 7th straight year attending conference, and once again, it did not disappoint! I was able to reconnect with old friends from across the globe, meet new and exciting people working in the wedding industry, and learn a great deal from the educational seminars! Colin Cowie was this year's featured speaker, and he brought amazing photos of weddings he's done and graciously posed for many photos! In my next post, I'll publish some of the photos that I took in CA!
However, I wanted to point out an issue that's been going on in NJ - the bankruptcy filing of Calvary Bridal House in Millburn. According to reports, the bridal salon took bride's deposits and orders and simply pocketed the money without submitting the orders to the designers! There's a pretty good article about this in the NJ Star Ledger: http://www.nj.com/independentpress/index.ssf/2008/11/calvary_bridal_leaves_town.html. Apparently, the shop has now relocated to Livingston.
Now, in a former life, I was a bankruptcy attorney. Essentially what will happen is all the brides who purchased gowns - or put money down for dresses but never received them - will be deemed "unsecured creditors." They will be required to file a Claim and will be processed amongst all the other creditors to Calvary Bridal House. The Bankruptcy Court essentially will look at all the money available to pay Calvary's bills, and divide that money up among the creditors. In cases I worked on, unsecured creditors received anywhere from 2 cents on the dollar all the way up to over 90 cents, all depending on a multitude of factors. I can't help but feel really badly for anyone who bought their dress from Calvary, as you will more than likely have to go to another shop for your dress and wait until the bankruptcy is finished before receiving a portion of your deposit back.
Calvary Bridal House isn't the only wedding business to file for bankruptcy and/or disappear lately. Celebration Studios comes to mind, and just a night or two ago I heard of another photography studio in Staten Island closing up without warning. The lesson for you is to check out - as much as you can - how well established the company is, check with the Better Business Bureau, etc. One thing you can do for yourself, though, is to hire a professional wedding consultant who knows the local industry and reliable companies. Sometimes we hear rumblings about companies before they become known to the public; other times, we can steer you to professional vendors who more than likely will provide you with service that exceeds your expectations.
Until next time, happy planning...
However, I wanted to point out an issue that's been going on in NJ - the bankruptcy filing of Calvary Bridal House in Millburn. According to reports, the bridal salon took bride's deposits and orders and simply pocketed the money without submitting the orders to the designers! There's a pretty good article about this in the NJ Star Ledger: http://www.nj.com/independentpress/index.ssf/2008/11/calvary_bridal_leaves_town.html. Apparently, the shop has now relocated to Livingston.
Now, in a former life, I was a bankruptcy attorney. Essentially what will happen is all the brides who purchased gowns - or put money down for dresses but never received them - will be deemed "unsecured creditors." They will be required to file a Claim and will be processed amongst all the other creditors to Calvary Bridal House. The Bankruptcy Court essentially will look at all the money available to pay Calvary's bills, and divide that money up among the creditors. In cases I worked on, unsecured creditors received anywhere from 2 cents on the dollar all the way up to over 90 cents, all depending on a multitude of factors. I can't help but feel really badly for anyone who bought their dress from Calvary, as you will more than likely have to go to another shop for your dress and wait until the bankruptcy is finished before receiving a portion of your deposit back.
Calvary Bridal House isn't the only wedding business to file for bankruptcy and/or disappear lately. Celebration Studios comes to mind, and just a night or two ago I heard of another photography studio in Staten Island closing up without warning. The lesson for you is to check out - as much as you can - how well established the company is, check with the Better Business Bureau, etc. One thing you can do for yourself, though, is to hire a professional wedding consultant who knows the local industry and reliable companies. Sometimes we hear rumblings about companies before they become known to the public; other times, we can steer you to professional vendors who more than likely will provide you with service that exceeds your expectations.
Until next time, happy planning...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
62 years
In my last post, I was just leaving for Phoenix to attend a wedding industry conference, and promised to tell you all about it when I got home. Unfortunately, I was derailed from doing that because my grandfather passed away suddenly and I'm only now getting back on track. So, I want to devote this post to my grandfather, and I promise to get back to you with the Phoenix update next time!
My grandfather was 91 when he passed away, and his mind was still sharp as a tack even though his body was getting frail. He and my grandmother (who just turned 90) were married for 62 years! In growing up with them and watching them even when I moved out of the house, I picked up a few pieces of wisdom about marriage that I'd like to pass along.
First, keep your sense of humor...laughter really is the best medicine
Second, maintain communication...be honest and open with each other
Third, feed your own interests...you'll be a happier and more well-rounded partner
Fourth, discuss money and plan for the future...so you'll be able to enjoy your retirement comfortably
Finally, always remember to say "I love you!"
I will miss my grandfather's very dry wit and support of everything I do, but am so happy that I had the blessing of him in my life for as long as I did. He was many things to many different people, but to me, he's simply "grandpa."
Until next time, happy planning...
My grandfather was 91 when he passed away, and his mind was still sharp as a tack even though his body was getting frail. He and my grandmother (who just turned 90) were married for 62 years! In growing up with them and watching them even when I moved out of the house, I picked up a few pieces of wisdom about marriage that I'd like to pass along.
First, keep your sense of humor...laughter really is the best medicine
Second, maintain communication...be honest and open with each other
Third, feed your own interests...you'll be a happier and more well-rounded partner
Fourth, discuss money and plan for the future...so you'll be able to enjoy your retirement comfortably
Finally, always remember to say "I love you!"
I will miss my grandfather's very dry wit and support of everything I do, but am so happy that I had the blessing of him in my life for as long as I did. He was many things to many different people, but to me, he's simply "grandpa."
Until next time, happy planning...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Off to Phoenix
As I pause from packing to write this blog entry, I'm getting very excited about the conference I'll be attending in Phoenix from Tuesday to Thursday this week. The wedding-industry conference will feature speakers from many different media outlets - from Martha Stewart Weddings to Conde Nast, Get Married and The Knot. Plus, wedding professionals from all over the country will be in attendance. I look forward to sharing my insights with you upon my return!
Until next time, happy planning...
Until next time, happy planning...
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Green Weddings
Today, the big trend is toward "green weddings." If you pick up a bridal magazine or go to any wedding website, you're bound to see an article about how to make your wedding "green." So, what does this really mean?
There are many ways in which to make your big day more eco-friendly. Consider having your invitations and all related wedding paper (your menus, programs, escort cards) printed on recycled paper. Or, you can take it to the extreme and email your wedding invitations - or at least have the rsvp's go to a website. This way, you'll save on both the paper and the transportation costs for the respond envelope to be mailed back to you.
Other ideas that can make your wedding "greener" are to ask the florist if they will compost the leftover flowers. Request that your caterer cook with locally grown produce. There is even a company that will take all of the leftovers from your event and donate it for you to local homeless shelters. (Make sure to check with your reception site to make sure of any restrictions they may have, based upon liability/insurance requirements.)
I hope this post starts your mind thinking of ways to make a huge impact on your guests for your wedding, while limiting the impact to the earth!
Until next time, happy planning...
There are many ways in which to make your big day more eco-friendly. Consider having your invitations and all related wedding paper (your menus, programs, escort cards) printed on recycled paper. Or, you can take it to the extreme and email your wedding invitations - or at least have the rsvp's go to a website. This way, you'll save on both the paper and the transportation costs for the respond envelope to be mailed back to you.
Other ideas that can make your wedding "greener" are to ask the florist if they will compost the leftover flowers. Request that your caterer cook with locally grown produce. There is even a company that will take all of the leftovers from your event and donate it for you to local homeless shelters. (Make sure to check with your reception site to make sure of any restrictions they may have, based upon liability/insurance requirements.)
I hope this post starts your mind thinking of ways to make a huge impact on your guests for your wedding, while limiting the impact to the earth!
Until next time, happy planning...
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Moved in!
Well, it's hard to believe that we've been in our new place for over a week now! I'm finally getting rid of some of the astounding number of boxes, and some rooms even look livable!! It actually was nice re-setting up my office here, and culling some of the items while adding others to the display. Of course, there's still nothing on the walls and plenty more boxes to go around...
As we've been suffering this move, I've been contemplating why I kept so many things for so long. Some of it was photos and notes from growing up, which made me smile to look at again. But then there was chipped pottery, waaaay too many tubes of toothpaste(!), lampshades from lamps that we no longer have, and the list goes on. Why? I guess it was part of my pack-rat sentimentality, as well as the "you don't know when you can use this again" thought process. I hope I've learned my lesson - if you're not using it, either donate it or throw it away! Hope this piece of advice helps you as well!!
Until next time, happy planning...
As we've been suffering this move, I've been contemplating why I kept so many things for so long. Some of it was photos and notes from growing up, which made me smile to look at again. But then there was chipped pottery, waaaay too many tubes of toothpaste(!), lampshades from lamps that we no longer have, and the list goes on. Why? I guess it was part of my pack-rat sentimentality, as well as the "you don't know when you can use this again" thought process. I hope I've learned my lesson - if you're not using it, either donate it or throw it away! Hope this piece of advice helps you as well!!
Until next time, happy planning...
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