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...

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...

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...

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...

What a wonderful wedding!

I'm in the middle of packing and finalizing all the details for our move on Friday, but wanted to quickly write about the wonderful wedding I coordinated on Saturday. Asa and Alison were just the most lovely people, and their wedding was filled with special touches, which made their day so meaningful for everyone in attendance.

Alison and Asa really incorporated their heritage into the ceremony and reception. They spent their time, and had their MC, thank everyone for coming from far and wide (including many, many other countries). It was the special details that made everyone feel so welcome and happy to be a part of their unique celebration.

One moment stands out in my memory, which is when Asa's father made his toast. He gave Asa a list of 13 tips to make his marriage the most important facet of his life. Then, he blessed Asa (they are from Uganda) -- it was absolutely so heartfelt and moving.

So, when planning your wedding, don't overlook the small touches. While the color of the flowers, your decor and the menu all contribute to making your day memorable, when it really comes down to it, it's your family and friends that make all the difference!

Until next time, happy planning...

Bride Ideas is moving!

Hi all,

I just want to let you all know that as of next Friday, August 29th, Bride Ideas' office will be moving. We'll still be in West Orange, about 1 mile away from our current location.

So, as a result, I don't think I'll be back on my blog until after Labor Day. I promise to post photos of the wedding for Asa & Alison this weekend when I'm back! Plus fill you in on some other new and exciting changes at Bride Ideas!

Until next time, happy planning...

Preston Bailey, and Sylvia Weinstock, and ME!!

Hi all,

Sorry I've been MIA for a bit. My computer decided not to let me onto google.com or cnn.com, so I couldn't get onto my blog! But, thankfully, got that fixed.

Let me fill you in on just ONE exciting thing that happened recently. Well, pictures speak louder than words, so here goes:

On the top, there's a shot of Preston Bailey and me at Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica, taken during a break for filming a commercial for Preston's weddings at Sandals. Preston is an amazing floral designer and celebrity wedding planner, who has done events for Joan Rivers, Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, just to name a few. For more information on Preston, go to his website at http://www.prestonbailey.com/.

The second photo is of Sylvia Weinstock and me during lunch at Sandals Whitehouse. Sylvia is a cake designer extraordinaire - her cakes are legendary! Her creations are so fabulous that she has been dubbed the Leonardo da Vinci of Cakes! Her gorgeous cakes have been show-stoppers at events for Liam Neesom, Mariah Carey, Eddie Murphy, among many others. For more information on Sylvia, go to her website at http://www.sylviaweinstock.com/.

So, while I have been quiet on the blogging front, I've been keeping busy!!

Until next time, happy planning...