Sunday, June 13, 2010

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.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

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!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

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!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

and the dress is....

Imagine winning an entire wedding...yes, full wedding...meaning bridal gown, tuxedo, music, ceremony, food, flowers...everything any bride and groom needs, but with a twist. You don't have any control over many of the elements of this wedding, including what bridal gown you'll wear on your wedding day. It's all left up to the general public to vote on. You've got the Western New England Great Wedding Giveaway!





Bancroft Bridals picked three unique choices for Stephanie and the winning dress was revealed! Photos by Seth Kaye Photography.

Visit the website to read about Stephanie and Brian's winning story, information about the "Team" putting this giveaway together and your chance to win!! www.westernnewenglandgreatweddinggiveaway.com

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

an expression...talent

I feel lucky...lucky that I get to rub elbows with some of the most amazingly talented photographers in western New England. These photographers can shoot a wedding like no other. They capture the smile, a glance, and the very emotions that flow on wedding day. It's an art to snap these moments without fanfare or notice. I would like to thank a special photographer that I'm presently working with on a project called The Western New England Great Wedding Giveaway. Seth Kaye Photography is the official photographer for this giveaway, working closely with the winning couple, Stephanie and Brian to capture their wedding. He recently put together a quick engagement session of Stephanie and Brian that I would like to share with you. http://sethkayeblog.com/stephanie-brians-engagement-session Browse his site and blog...I'm sure you'll be impressed!
Follow the fun! www.westernnewenglandgreatweddinggiveaway.com

Thursday, March 25, 2010

A dream wedding...


Six weeks and 68 applications later, Stephanie and Brian were chosen as the winning couple of The Western New England Great Wedding Giveaway! And what a giveaway it is...the first of its kind in western New England, over 20 of the area's finest wedding professionals teaming up to giveaway an actual wedding valued over $35,000 and growing! Now the fun has begun as anyone and everyone can chime in with their opinions by voting on the very elements that make up Stephanie and Brian's wedding. Presently on deck for voting is Stephanie's wedding gown. She's very brave and she'll have to go with the voters, but she can't go wrong with the choices. Bancroft Bridals will be dressing Stephanie and has offered beautiful 2010 styles that are absolutely stunning! Make sure you visit the website and vote for your favorite wedding gown, read Stephanie and Brian's winning story, and find out about all the professionals involved. Check back often, as you could be a winner too!
www.westernnewenglandgreatweddinggiveaway.com

Monday, March 22, 2010

it's been a while...sorry

Hello everyone!

Yes, this blog has been missing for a while, but it's time to revise, revitialize and renew and do what we do best...share information about weddings! So much happening and we'll do our best to keep updated with the latest information, events,and trends in the area. We hope you stop back on a regular basis and make I Do and Beyond a part of your wedding planning!