When you are planning a wedding, money should be one of the most important things and one of the first things you figure out!  Weddings cost money.   So, before you get on Pinterest and other wedding sites and start daydreaming, figure out how much you can afford to spend on a wedding- and how much wiggle room you have.    Backyard weddings may not be a cost effective as you think.  And, there are things that come into play that you may never think of- like portable toilets and tents.  Parking, permits, noise ordinances, etc are all things that may add t ..read more

  When you are planning your wedding, some things don't ever cross your mind.  But, over the last 20+ years, I have found that certain things happen that no one imagines.  And, THIS is when the brides- and in one case, the groom, in these examples are so glad they had me by their side.  For their privacy, I am not using names, nor photos of these specific weddings.  The collage in this post are merely a small selection of some of my weddings for aesthetics.  These are all true stories- some more intense than others, but all of them are unimaginable and could have ..read more

  It has been almost 21 years since I began this journey.  When I started, it was my love of planning and my passion for happy brides that propelled me.  Through the years, I have been lucky to have so many amazing clients all over- from NYC to Florida, to Chicago.  While most of my clients are Philadelphia based, I have had some wonderful travels and many memorable moments with all kinds of couples.   Times have changed, the business has changed and weddings have changed.  I have NOT changed.  My passion is the same. My commitment is the same.&nbs ..read more

  If you watch the Food Network, you know that when a master chef or a baker create something, the judges don't always agree on how good that dish is. Some love it, some don't. Maybe it isn't their taste in food, maybe they don't like that spice or that sauce. Taste is subjective. WELL, so is reviewing vendors. So, today, let's talk about REVIEWS.  I am going to start by asking you a question. If you had a business and worked really hard at that business, made your living, paid your bills, fed your family with that business. how would you feel if someone, not only disrespected your ..read more

It was my pleasure, yesterday, to visit Darianna Bridal and Tuxedo in Warrington, Pa.  And, the only thing more fun than seeing such a beautiful store, was meeting the owners, Franco and Wendy, and their happy staff. If you are searching for THE DRESS, PLEASE visit this salon!!    You can feel the warmth and caring as soon as you walk in the door- including the dress in the window, bearing the names of the brides that bought a dress here.  You are greeted with a friendly HELLO.  And, the store owners could not be more accommodating! Franco and Wendy are just lov ..read more

 Right in the center of Philadelphia, with a view of City Hall, in a historic building, is Le Meridien Hotel.  With beautifully appointed guest rooms, a gorgeous library for an intimate ceremony and several options to party the night away, your wedding will be perfect in every way.  And, right now, planning an intimate occasion for the most dear to you or an elopement for just you two, there is no better time to plan your wedding at Le Meridien. Last week, I visited Lauren Pasquini and we chatted about how the hotel has pivoted to accommodate the things that have changed in th ..read more

These are strange times for planning a wedding.   Many couples are just having a private ceremony and planning a celebration for later with family and friends.   And, some couples are opting for a small gathering with their favorite people.  How would you like to be able to bring your wedding to your home for an elegant evening without lifting a finger?  Let me tell you how. We will hire a chef to plan a menu and prepare a beautiful meal.  We can use your china and linens or we can bring them in.  Decorating is easy.  Some beautifully placed flower ..read more

Just look at these two happy people!!  Relaxed, fresh and having a great time.  And, why are they so relaxed?  Because they HIRED A PLANNER!   Why is hiring a planner so important?  And, why should you hire one?  Because, I know you are thinking you don't need one.  Your mom will help. Your bridesmaids will help.  Your cousin, who isn't in the wedding will help.  Or, the best one- the venue has an on site planner.   So, let's explore these options.  Your mother already has a job that day- she is the Mother of the Bride.  She should never be asked to handle the day of.  Your mom should be by ..read more

I have worked with lots of photographers!  Most of them are amazing and most of them are very easy to work with.  I have my favorites- for different reasons.  And, not every photographer is right for every couple, no matter how great their talent.  That's why I recommend different photographers depending on the couple.  One thing I have learned over the years, you MUST connect on a personal level with the person taking your wedding photos.  So, today, I want to introduce you to someone who you can't help but connect with!!  This guy lives the words he says.  And, he takes great photos.  Josh ..read more

One of the things I have always enjoyed about planning weddings is the opportunity to witness different cultures celebrating a marriage.  Blending those cultures is very commonplace, as couples are not always from the same part of the world, the same religion, the same race.  When you are planning your wedding, with a partner of a different culture, it is important to respect and include pieces of both cultures.  Whether incorporating traditions, ceremonies or foods from each, make sure you are not leaving out the things that make your marriage unique and special.  I have done lots of mulitcul ..read more