...WIN a wedding

Yes, that's correct...you can win the wedding of your dreams. A group of amazing wedding professionals have come together with their services and are giving away an entire wedding...from bridal gowns and tuxedos to wedding cake, to photography, to rehearsal dinner, to cooking lessions and even an amazing honeymoon. But to win you have to apply.

Take a look at the website at www.thegreatweddinggiveaway.com and see all the businesses included...and more are getting added every week. This wedding is approaching a value of $50,000! The first winning couple, Stephanie and Brian, have left some words of wisdom, excitement and encouragement for those applying to win. Take a look...you can't win if you don't apply!

Next, we'll let you meet Stephanie and Brian and hear about their wonderful wedding win and get you excited about WINNING your own wedding!

...those little labels...

You wouldn't think a little label would be so useful, but the certainly can be. Here's a tip for all you brides and grooms who plan to attend the Western New England Fall Bridal Show on Sunday at the MassMutual Center...use a label! Save yourself some time and effort and preprint your name, address, wedding date and email address on return address labels...they are cheap and quick. Print them out and bring them with you to the bridal show. So, when you're walking around and want to sign up for something, register for a prize or leave your contact information with a vendor, you can easily whip out your labels and slap it on. How easy is that! Love it!

...come "Kick the Tires"

It's time to "kick the tires!" Not that a bridal show is like buying a car, but the action is similar. You have to try it out before you buy. www.cjcevents.com

So...if you're getting married...come check out all your options for planning a wedding. The Western New England Fall Bridal Show is at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, MA on Sunday, November 18th from 11-4pm. Meet the area's finest wedding professionals...enjoy cake and food samples...bridal goodie bags, live entertainment...and the most amazing fashion shows this side of New York!!

This is a convenient, wonderful ONE day event! Free subscriptions to Brides' Magazine for all registered brides.

Come have some fun...kick some tires...experience all that a bridal show offers! Check the website for details!

a wedding on ice...

What do you get when you combine a set of beautiful wedding bands, some amazing wedding professionals, a wonderful engaged couple and hockey? You get the Hannoush Wedding on Ice.



Nicole Genovese and Mike Murray were the ultimate winners of the Hannoush Wedding on Ice that took place on Friday, January 13th on the ice before the Falcons' Hockey game. This event brought a wonderful couple together with their family and friends in celebration of a unique wedding...on ice. Some of the area's finest wedding professionals donated their time, services and product to make Nicole and Mike's wedding unique and special.









Taking part in this amazing event:
-- Photography package from Snap Shot Unlimited Photography of Enfield, CT
-- Videography package from Epic Filmmakers
-- Wedding coordination package from Eutopia Events
-- Bridesmaids dresses from Stylez for the Aisle of Windsor, CT
-- Wedding cake by Specialty Wedding Cake Designer Royal Icings
-- Use of the Executive Perch overlooking the ice surface for 50 people with tickets to the game and food.
-- Personalized wedding ceremony performed by Justice of the Peace Marianne Kornblum
-- Hannoush Jewelers will be donating his and her wedding bands.
-- Bridal Corner located in Chicopee provided the bridal dress.
-- Langone's Florist provided the bride's bouquet and the on ice arrangements.
-- College Formal located in West Springfield will help provide tuxedo for the groom.
-- De Ja Vous Hair & Nail Salon responsible for the hair styles
-- Makeup for the Bride and Maid of Honor was provided by Makeup Artistry by Liz.
-- Awesome Party Favors from the amazing Pops Biscotti
-- Transportation from Party Boss Limo
Thank you to all the wedding professionals!

Congratulations to Nicole and Mike!

...every bride needs to experience a show

You're planning one of the biggest, most exciting days of your life. You'll be saying "I Do" to the one you love. It's also the time for planning. And a must for every bride and groom on the road to planning a wedding should be attending a bridal show. Comparison shopping, tasting cake, looking at linens, interviewing photographers, looking for the wedding gown of your dreams...it can all be found at a bridal show. A few hours spent wandering the isles will fill you with wedding information and options that can set you on the right path to planning the day of your dreams...or if you're close to being done with your planning you can find just the right items to complete your mission.

The Western New England Fall Bridal Show is November 13, 2011 at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, MA. It's the area's largest single day bridal event that brings the area's finest wedding professionals together for one day, in one location for a convenent day of discovery!

Advance registration and tickets available through the website at www.cjcevents.com.

this is the "beyond"...

Having been involved in the wedding industry for over 20 years in Western New England, you get to know the area wedding professionals...not only their business life and experience, but I've been lucky enough to have many become close friends...consider them "family"! And when it comes to friends and family, you really want to do anything you can to support them. Well, here's a look into what's happening with a member of my "family" who is a well respected wedding professional in the area. I thought I would share her story...please read!

I've known Tara Delskey-Eagen for almost 20 years, both personally and professionally. I've watched her life, her love and devotion to family, friends and business grow so much over the years. And now, to see how much love she and her husband, Ken, have for their beautiful little boy, Declan. Declan has touched so many lives...here's my chance, our chance to touch his. Please support this walk by giving what you can.

In Tara's words about Declan: <--click here and read!

a honeymoon to cherish

As many of you may already know, a wonderful couple, Stephanie and Brian, were the winners of the first Western New England Great Wedding Giveaway. The wedding giveaway included everything you could ever need or want for a wedding...including a honeymoon. Michelle Mangio from Magical Escapes, put together a wonderful package to Barbados and here's some photos and comments from Stephanie!

From Stephanie: Brian and I had such an amazing time at the Almond Resort in Barbados! The water was the bluest we've ever seen and it was so refreshing. One of the highlights of our trip was a sea safari that included sailing along three different coasts of Barbados, snorkeling at an old shipwreck, discovering the many varieties of marine life that live in the shipwreck, and swimming with the sea turtles. While sailing on the catamaran, we saw a school of flying fish (the national fish of Barbados) and at first, we thought they were birds. They flew over the surface of the water and it was an incredible sight to see. Truly, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we would highly recommend to those traveling to Barbados. We had a wonderful stay at The Almond Resort.
From start to finish, everybody was very friendly and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and enjoying our vacation. They were very informative and suggested many activities for us to try during our one week stay. The food was excellent -- try the flying fish! It was also such a romantic atmosphere with the beach nearby, colorful flowers blooming all around us, exquisite sunsets...what more could we ask for?! It was the first time Brian and I have traveled out of the country together and it certainly won't be the last. Thank you SO much for making this trip possible for us -- we would do it again in a heartbeat!

it's a garden party!

Spring is here and it's Garden Party time!! Bancroft Bridals will be celebrating Spring with a garden party of fashions that will include the latest trends in bridesmaid dresses and social occasion dresses. This exclusive event will also feature a selection of elite area wedding professionals who will be available for you to ask questions and set up appointments with.

So plan to be at this fun event on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Event begins at 2 p.m. Fashion Show begins at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free, but space is limited.

You must R.S.V.P. with Caitlin at Bancroft Bridals to attend!
Call to R.S.V.P. at (413) 789-3073 or bbridalscnp@comcast.net by April 29, 2011.

Bancroft Bridals is located at DePalma Crossing, 967 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, MA 01030 (413) 789-3073 www.bancroftbridals.com

unique gowns showcased at local trunk show...

Stunning...exquisite, dramatic, romantic, delicate...captivating!! These are all words to describe the 2011 Avant Mariee Collection of bridal gowns. In an area exclusive, you'll have an opportunity to experience those words in person at the Avant Mariee by Winnie Couture Trunk Show taking place April 21-28 at Pearl Bridal Boutique. Sweetheart necklines, strapless, ruched bodice, flowy, pickup skirt, beading at the natural waist are all features of the many, many bridal gowns you will be able to try on at this event...who knows...your dream wedding gown may be waiting for you...!!

Ryan Mainville, owner of Pearl Bridal Boutique, reminds you that appointments are necessary for this Trunk Show and this collection will only be here April 21-28th. Additionally, anyone purchasing a bridal gown at this event will receive a 10% discount. Pearl Bridal Boutique is located at 1 Open Square, Holyoke, MA. www.pearlbridalboutique.com. Call today for your appointment at 413-315-6102.

winners of Las Vegas adventures...

Las Vegas, the hot spot for quickie weddings, bright lights, exciting stage shows, creative restaurants and of course, gambling, was the focus of Michelle Mangio of Magical Escapes and her giveaway promotions at the Western New England Spring Bridal Show. She once again put together a terrific accommodation package for the winner of the Groom's Room and the Grand Prize winner of the bridal show itself. Heading off to stay at the new Aria Resort, the two winners will experience all the sights, sounds, tastes and excitement Las Vegas has to offer! Congratulations to the winners!























Honeymoon Winners:
Maggie Kucharski & Mike Towne

Groom's Prize:
Ricky Paro

local trends shared by local experts...

Western New England has many wonderfully talented wedding professionals and we thought we would share a few with you!

Eutopia Events is very creative and thinks outside the box to achieve a bride and groom's desired wedding,whether it is a wedding cake, decor, or to add that extra touch to the day.

The team of Lauren Mace and Ruthie McDonald want to share these trends for local weddings:
• Welcoming reception at the ceremony – light Hor’Deourves and non-alcoholic beverages, especially at an outdoor wedding where it may be hot and guests might arrive early
• Doing a wedding cake and dessert buffet with something non-traditional such as pies or a favorite dessert.
• Buttercream wedding cakes. Many couples are going back to the traditional buttercream cakes rather than fondant, for both taste and looks.
• Choosing different colors for the bridesmaids dresses rather than sticking with one hue.
• Mixing table shapes and sizes – Couples aren’t sticking with the traditional round table these days, they are opting to mix it up to create variety and customize their reception to better fit their style.
• Outdoor weddings – couples are opting to do this because it provides a more personal touch to their day
• Vintage styles – from wedding dresses to the ornate details of the décor, weddings are taking on old style charm with a modern twist.
• Eco-weddings continue to be popular. From recycled paper for invitations to using food from local farmers and providers, couples are more aware of their wedding carbon footprint.

Located in Massachusetts, Eutopia Events has a passion for throwing amazing parties.
Email eutopiaevents@gmail.com
Phone 508.735.1701 or 413.475.2282

a taste of Chicago

We love creative people, groups, talented and artistic individuals who share their passion for what they do. Personally, I love to work with and promote those unique talents when the opportunity arises.

Giving a boost to the West Springfield High School Drama Club, they were invited to highlight a few numbers from their upcoming production of Chicago. This is a highly talented group of kids who stepped out and added their stamp to the recent Western New England Spring Bridal Show. Singing, dancing, costumes and more! Thanks goes out to director, Michael Pandolfi and the Drama Club for making this a unique and unexpected addition to the bridal show.

Support the drama club by attending their production of Chicago on Thursday, March 24th through Saturday, March 26th. 7pm. Tickets available at the door. The West Springfield High School is located on Piper Road, West Springfield, MA.

let them eat cake...

It can be sweet, delicate, colorful, flavorful, and definately unique...it's wedding cake! Brides and grooms have more choices than ever when it comes to designing a wedding cake. Expression of the couples' lives, likes, a theme...it's all open to whatever they decide.

Recently, wedding cake designs were showcased at the Western New England Spring Bridal Show. Some of the area's finest wedding cake designers showed off hot designs, unique styles and designs that any couple could make their own. Voted most popular design and winner of the Brides' Choice Award was Eutopia Events.

Whatever you do...make it your own!

a wedding professionals own wedding...

You're a wedding professional...serving brides and grooms, helping them make their day special and all it can possibly be. So what happens when it comes time to plan your own wedding? What do you pick? Which wedding professionals do you work with? Well, Tommy Plante from Hard at Play DJ Service and his wife, Laura, are featured on the cover and in the Real New England section of the March issue of The Wedding Day Sourcebook. You'll find some wonderful images taken by Seth Kaye Photography that celebrate Tommy and Laura's wedding day.

So...what are you doing for your wedding?

it's bridal show time...

This Sunday marks the 5th year for the Western New England Fall Bridal Show at the MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA, from 11-4pm.

The area's finest wedding professionals will be on hand as well as an amazing New York style runway fashion show with the latest styles in bridal gowns, bridesmaids, special occasion and even fashions for the little ones in your wedding! Taste cake and food samples, sign up for giveaways including a honeymoon from Magical Escapes.

Come early for the $199 bridal gown sample sale. Yes, you heard it...just $199 for a bridal gowns...these gowns were originally priced $800-2000...talk about a savings! Plus if you arrive early you'll also be awarded free wedding bands! Value of $600. Bridal shows are a wonderful way to see everything and find exactly what you want for your wedding...talk about even more savings with free wedding bands!!!

So bring your groom, your attendants, your mom...wear comfy shoes, and just make a day of it! Check the website at www.cjcevents.com.

the really BIG sale

Bridal Heirlooms does it again! Not only do they have an amazing sample bridal gown sale, they give back to the community...with your help! This Saturday, October 23rd, Bridal Heirlooms offers up their annual Sample Sale! A terrific deal for any bride searching for their dream gown...bring in 5 non-perishable food items and receive 50% your sample sale gown! That's HUGE SAVINGS on 100’s of Beautiful Gowns. Great designers such as Maggie Sottero, Pronovias, Casablanca, Watters and many more!
Also...Special Occasion dresses, Mothers dresses and FlowerGirl styles and Accessories
$39 - $79** with your donation. You can't go wrong!!

Plan to be at Bridal Heirlooms, Saturday, October 23rd, 9am-4pm, located at 17 College Street, South Hadley, MA in the Village Commons Shop. 413-532-4848 www.bridalheirlooms.net

don't you just love...cupcakes...?

There are few things in life that are so perfect...a cupcake is one. Just a few bites, this moist tasty mini cake is usually decorated with a complimenting frosting and can fit right in as a delicate dessert, party treat, or even a midnight snack. They are still very popular for weddings, used instead of a wedding cake or to anchor a sweets table. Available in so many flavors, it's simple, portable and can hit the spot when you're looking for a quick personal treat.

I recently read an article about the downfall of the cupcake, the pending end of the cupcake trend. How could that be? With the popularity of new television programs like DC Cupcakes and Cupcake Wars, how could it be coming to an end so soon? I've always loved a good cupcake and when I was a small child, my Mom use to take me over to Liberty Bakery and we always bought cupcakes. The white box so neatly tied with white string and packed with our special treats, sometimes that box never made it home unopened. At the time it was just the two of us and picking up a half dozen cupcakes with my Mom was special.



Now I'm planning adventures with my own daughter. We're having fun with the cupcake craze, reading a cupcake cookbook and trying out a few from scratch recipes. We also enjoy stopping at some of our favorite bakeries when we can, to pick up a few cupcakes to top off our day. We've even gone out of our way to make sure we stopped at Cupcake Charlies in Mashpee when we were at the Cape. Businesses like Cupcake Charlies are booming, so I'm not sure where the writer for that article ever got their information. Obviously, they are not hanging out in the right bakeries!

it's all in the look

Recently I had the opportunity to attend an interesting appointment with bride-to-be, Stephanie Smith, winner of the Western New England Great Wedding Giveaway. If you're not familiar with the Wedding Giveaway, it's a wonderful group of talented wedding professionals joining forces to give away a complete wedding package to one lucky area couple. You can catch up on the activities and all the participating services by visiting the web site at www.westernnewenglandgreatweddinggiveaway.com.

This appointment was for Stephanie's hair. Salon Karma, of East Longmeadow, will be making Stephanie's hair look beautiful on her wedding day! They are experts and really listen to their clients, especially the brides, as it's such a apecial day and so important to have the best look. In these photos you'll see Claire and Jessica, both extremely talented and passionate stylists, working with Stephanie to give her three options for her wedding. All were beautiful and each complimented Stephanie and the hair piece she has from Roxy's Jewelry Boutique.

it's nice to be missed...

Well, this post is more about having support, love and inspiration with the things I do, the people I love and the events of my life. I recently had the opportunity to attend the Bridal Show Producers International conference, held this year in Las Vegas. First, to get there, my husband took care of everything that would allow me to attend and be gone for a few days out of home and office, which included setting up my little netbook for Skype and email to keep in touch. I never said I was technical, so this is greatly appreciated! Next...my kids, whom I've heard, worked hard to get moving in the morning, get homework done in the afternoon, and worked hard to be more helpful while I was gone, I thank them. My dog, who never leaves my side, was well taken care of by the family and especially my in-laws. Although he was confused about my departure and whereabouts, he was spoiled rotten while I was gone.

On to business...the BSPI conference was inspiring and informative. I feel extremely lucky to be able to rub elbows with the best bridal show producers in the country...and even the world, as we've grown this year with a few new international members. The speakers were inspiring and the topics very informative...all things I plan on sharing with others and working into my business plan and day. I must say thank you to this group...their unselfish gift of support and giving means so much! These moments I will never forget and I know they have certainly helped me.

So...what's next? On to work...on to life; to make change and assist brides and grooms looking for information and wedding professionals for their wedding; to assist our wedding professionals to do better, to be at their best and to find the clients they seek...and to generally be better, raising the bar and expectations...to make change for everyone and everything I touch every day. A challenge...but all good!

talent, patience, style...planning a wedding...

I have welcomed the talent of a wedding planner. Many area brides feel they don't need one; they don't see how having one could save them any money...or time...or anything. Many brides feel they just can't hand over the reins of planning their wedding to someone else. I've seen first hand what a great value having a wedding planning can do for a couple planning the most important day of their lives. Believe me...it is worth it!

I've had the privilege of working with Lynn Brunelle Kennedy of LB Events and Marketing who is working side by side with the Great Wedding Giveaway winning couple, Stephanie and Brian. She's kept them on schedule, on target and has balanced appointments, questions, and uncertain situations. She's worked tirelessly assuring Stephanie and Brian get the most amazing experience of the lives during the planning of this wedding. I thank her for handling all these things with grace and style. Her social event-planning experience has focused on taking a client’s vision and making it a reality. She's managed to take my vision of giving away a complete wedding package to one couple through a voting process, stir in the twenty or so wedding professionals involved and keep it all balanced and positive. For this I thank her.

Planning a wedding...look her up! You won't be disappointed!