Thursday Therapy at Lipstick N Lashes

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I am excited that Joanna Romanzo of Lipstick N Lashes decided to host our next mixer at her salon.

Lipstick N Lashes is a full service salon in Ballston Spa owned and operated by Joanna Romanzo. Joanna and her team of professional's have the ability to handle any wedding party no matter how big or small.

Here are a few photos of Lipstick N Lashes taken by the very talented Susan Blackburn, who will also be our photographer for our next Thursday Therapy Mixer.

Isn't the salon adorable?

This looks so relaxing...

Please join our next Thursday Therapy Mixer on April 12, 2012 from 6PM-9PM. For more info and to RSVP please follow the LINK.

Thank you Susan for sharing your photos! To see more of Susan's work please visit her WEBSITE.

Do You Need an Usher?

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What is the Difference Between a Groomsman and an Usher?

At some weddings, there might not be any difference between the two. But when differentiated, the groomsmen are typically people who have a closer relationship to the couple than the ushers have. Ushers are sometimes not included in pre-wedding events (such as the bachelor party) and may be dressed differently than the groomsmen. Both ushers and groomsmen should be given boutonnieres to help guests identify them.

Do You Need Ushers?

 Certainly the duties of ushers are important, but some couples ask the groomsmen to fulfill this role instead. At very casual weddings, guests might find their seats by themselves. But especially if groomsmen and other members of the wedding party will be occupied with getting dressed and/or taking photographs before the ceremony, it’s helpful to have some ushers who can direct people to restrooms, assist handicapped persons, and answer questions. I especially recommend ushers if you need to keep divorced guests separate from each other, or anticipate any other seating conflicts.

How Many Ushers Should You Have?

The general rule is one usher for every 50 guests. I suggest that for small weddings, you have still have 2 so that they can keep each other company.

Who Should You Ask to Be an Usher at Your Wedding?

 Traditionally ushers are men, but if you’re having a modern wedding there’s no reason to let the boys hog the limelight at the ceremony doors! Choose family friends, cousins and other relatives, or other people you are close to. Make sure they are people persons who feel at ease talking to strangers and will be glad to be helpful.

{Favor Friday} All Things Grow With Love

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Although Upstate New York just had it's first snow storm of the year,Spring Weddings are right around the corner. These favor bags are perfect to fill with various seeds for your guests! I absolutely love the mini gardening tools. You can find these and other cute wedding favors by visiting ETSY.

The Century House Bridal Show

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Please join us on Sunday February 26, 2012 from 12PM-3PM for The Century House Bridal Show. Admission is $5.00 at the door. You can pre register HERE. Hope to see you there!

Wedding Day Coordination Contest Winners!

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I am happy to finally be able to announce the winners of our annual Wedding Day Coordination Contest. Devin Simoncavage and Matt Kahan will be getting married on February 16, 2013 at The Hall of Springs in Saratoga.


I absolutely loved the fact that Devin is a 4th grade school teacher and Matt is a Police Officer for  NYPD. What a great way to give back to two people who spend their lives helping our community and teaching our children!

Devin & Matthew's story~


Matt and I met in Plattsburgh, New York when we were both college undergraduate students.  He was the captain of the baseball team and I fell in love the first time I heard his loud mouth and beautiful eyes.  We dated all through college, enjoying classes and parties together.  We started dating in 2005 and Matt proposed July 2nd, 2011 in Fish Creek, NY while we were camping with my family for the 4th of July (his favorite holiday).  He got down on one knee after a day of boating and sun, by the camp fire in front of my family and friends.  I thought he was messing with me (as he has done many times before, like in Target in the soap aisle) so I didn't think he was being serious until I saw my mom crying from the other side of the camp chairs. 


Matt is from Long Island and I am from Stillwater, New York.  I moved down to Long Island over the summer and found a teaching job (thankfully!).  I teach 4th grade in Floral Park, NY and Matt is a NYPD police officer in South Jamaica, Queens. 


Our theme is "Old Hollywood/the 1920's" and our colors are black and white.  Matt and I LOVE the roaring 20's: the clothes, the mood, the decor, etc!  We wanted to incorporate that into our wedding day, without making it like a Halloween costume party.  I have just begun searching for ways to bring the 1920's to life at our reception.  We have one vendor chosen so far, Scott Kretshman Photography!  Matt and I met with Lisa & Scott and knew they were right for our day!  We are having an interfaith ceremony (Matt is Jewish, I am Catholic) with a priest and a rabbi (Rabbi Sugarman of Saratoga, Springs NY).


We would loveeee to win this contest because we are having our wedding upstate in Saratoga Springs, NY so I am doing the wedding planning from 4 hours south!  I could absolutely use the help when it gets down to the nitty gritty.  Please choose us! :-)


Congratulations Devin and Matt. I am looking forward to working with you!

{Favor Friday} Flavor Infused Liquor

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Are you looking for a great DIY project for favors? Try one of these flavor infused liquor recipes.These recipes are so simple and great tasting your guests will surely enjoy these. You can try several flavors and display them on a favor table for your guests to choose their favorite or stick them in a welcome bag with a few snacks. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!


Photo Via Style Me Pretty

Limoncello



 10 lemons

 1 (750-ml) bottle vodka

 3 1/2 cups water

 2 1/2 cups sugar

Directions

 Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the lemons in long strips (reserve the lemons for another use). Using a small sharp knife, trim away the white pith from the lemon peels; discard the pith. Place the lemon peels in a 2-quart pitcher. Pour the vodka over the peels and cover with plastic wrap. Steep the lemon peels in the vodka for 4 days at room temperature. 

Stir the water and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Cool completely. Pour the sugar syrup over the vodka mixture. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight. Strain the Limoncello through a mesh strainer. Discard the peels. Transfer the Limoncello to bottles. Seal the bottles and refrigerate until cold, at least 4 hours and up to 1 month.

Photo Via Style Me Pretty

Raspberry Vanilla Infused Vodka

1/2 vanilla bean

1 cup fresh raspberries

 1 pint vodka 

Cut the vanilla bean in half the long way to expose the flavorful seedy part. Wash and drain the raspberries. Combine with the vodka in an airtight container. Taste frequently until vanilla flavor reaches the desired level (approximately 2 days). Discard the vanilla bean and leave the berries to infuse for an additional 2 weeks. Strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth.

Chai Whiskey

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Cardamom Pods
1 Tablespoon White Peppercorns
2 Cinnamon Sticks broken up into about 1 inch pieces
1 Tablespoon fresh Ginger chopped (dried pieces are ok or 1 Teaspoon ground)
1/2 Teaspoon ground Nutmeg
1/4 Teaspoon ground Cloves
2 Vanilla Beans washed and broken into 1 inch pieces
30 fl oz Whisky or Bourbon

1) Toast the Cardamom, Peppercorns and Cinnamon until the spices start to pop. BE CAREFUL - the Peppercorns with go up like popcorn if they get too hot! 2) Transfer to a Mortar and Pestle and grind to a coarse consistency just to release the oils. You will have a lot of large pieces of Cinnamon. 3) Chop the Ginger if necessary and add all of the ingredients to your jar and fill with Whisky or Bourbon. Let sit in a warm dark place for 24-48 hours. Shake the jar twice per day.





2012 Postage Rate Increase

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II may be a little late in the game as I just found out yesterday about the increase in postage effective January 22, 2012. After doing some research I found a CHART for further information. Make sure you keep this in mind when sending out your Save the Dates or Invitations!

{Favor Friday} S'mores

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How adorable are these cute little handmade bags? These are a great favor for any celebration and these bags easily fit graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. You can pick up these muslin bags by visiting Lucky2beinlove on Etsy.

{Favor Friday} Couture Lollipops

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I have decided to start a new series on my blog called Favor Friday. I am always being asked for good ideas for favors for weddings, bachelorette parties, birthday's etc. So I am dedicating every Friday to showcase a unique or just plain cute favor. I am a big fan of anything edible and or handmade/homemade, if I had $5,000 extra dollars to spend on buying favors on Etsy it wouldn't be enough!

Today I am showcasing Couture Lollipops from Sugar Factory in Las Vegas.

 Sugar Factory has created bejeweled and custom handles you can pair with a rainbow of lollipop flavors to create your own custom sweet sensation. Match your mood, outfit, or special occasion with Couture Lollipops. Birthdays, weddings, bachelorette parties, and holidays are perfect occasions for the Couture Lollipop. The flavors and color combinations are limitless.

I received my first one as a gift last year from my friend Sabrina. I thought it was so adorable I left it in the cute little box where it sits on a shelf for me to admire...and for my daughter to beg me on a weekly basis to let her eat it.

If you are in Las Vegas you can find a Sugar Factory store at The Mirage, Paris or Planet Hollywood. Or you can find them on line by clicking on the logo below.

Just don't get caught walking around with one of these...





{Vendor Spotlight} Discovery DJ's of NY

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I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Wright at the November Thursday Therapy mixer. I immediately noticed that he was friendly and professional (best qualities when working with a vendor). I also saw him in action this past Friday at Franklin Plaza and he was with out a doubt amazing! Chris can definitely set the ambiance for your wedding while assuring that everyone is having a great time. I would recommend Chris 100 times over to be the DJ at your next wedding or event.

Thank you Chris for allowing us to get to know you and your business a little better!

Please give us an overview of your business:

Chris Wright’s Discovery DJs Of New York is a DJ Service based out of Ballston Spa, NY. We primarily focus on weddings, but we are very adept at any and all events.  We take great pride in being professional, organized, detailed, and selective. In the infancy of the business, it started out in bars, nightclubs, and private parties. This tidbit is important because even today as we entertain more elegant events such as weddings and large corporate events, I never forget, nor minimize, how important it is that I reach the youth with Top 40, Club-Style remixes and energy.

How long have you been in business?

I have been a DJ since high school, but when I was in the military, I was asked to DJ at the base clubs.  I continued to do this for many years. In 1997, I did my very first wedding in Virginia Beach, VA. From that moment, I decided that this is what I wanted my business to be.

How and why did you start your business?

I was already a DJ, but I had no idea how to make it a viable business. I did not understand the inner workings of the industry; legalities, the booking process, or how to find customers. So I accepted a job with a local multi-operation DJ company in Virginia Beach. They pretty much hired anyone who had a desire to DJ. They booked events and farmed us out to the unsuspecting customer. No training, improper equipment, and no idea of an agenda. After seeing the disapproval and disappointment several times from customers, I decided that I could do this so much better than even the “professional” company that was contracting me out. I wanted to do it the right way. I wanted to make a connection with my customer and befriend them; make them feel important. And mostly, I wanted to show up to their event prepared, organized, and be a professional throughout the process. That is why I started this business.

How would you describe your style?

I describe my style as Professional, yet fun and personable.

When you are not working you can be found......

Social networking, web-surfing, hanging with my beautiful wife and daughters, coaching my youth girls basketball team, attending my daughters sporting and arts events, mingling amongst friends, entertaining at my home with dinner and small parties.

What or who inspires you?

I am mostly inspired by my own failures or shortcomings.  Michael Jordan once said, “I never missed a shot that I didn’t take”. I truly live by that mantra. Others might look at my life and say that I’ve failed often at various things; business, family, relationships, and career. I but look at all of that as life experiences and learning as I go. I’m sort of a rogue when it comes to life. I have never followed a select or detailed path. And the end of the day, I have met up with and have equaled people who have taken a more traditional path. People who are driven to be successful also inspire me; however they measure success. As long as I see them working towards a goal and accomplishing something in small steps towards that goal.

Do you have any funny wedding stories to share with us?

Not really. A funny wedding story, many times was a result of a nightmare of sorts for those involved; especially the bride. I’ve seen some embarrassing moments and some very unappealing moments, but out of respect for those involved, I will keep those moments private.

Do you have any advice for couples planning their wedding?

Yes. With regards to entertainment, remember this; you are hosting an event in celebration of your wedding day. Make sure to keep in mind that you are there to entertain your guest. It is important that as you plan your reception and select music, that you keep all of your guests in mind; young and old. Although you may not like certain music selections, it does not mean that you should deprive your guests of that fun. Talk to your DJ.  Ask him what music is popular. What gets people excited? What keeps the dance floor full? You might cringe at some of the song titles they mention. But remember, a DJ does this job week in and week out. And they know what works. A professional like myself will do whatever you ask us, even at the risk of hurting the party. But I will make suggestions, before and during the event. You might say, “No line dancing songs!”. And then 8 of your guest might request the “Electric Slide”.  For the sake of your party and the memories, photos and fun, you should probably let that song play. Remember! You are the host and the guest of honor. Make sure your subjects have fun!

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Yes. Thank you. I want to reiterate that I work for my customer. I put a lot of stock in consultations and communication from the date of hire, all the way to the event. I see my customers as partners and friends. I like to become personal with them. Become their Facebook friends. Have them follow my page as well so that they can see my travels and how I interact with my customers both past and present. I want them to know that they can be comfortable having their parents call me and make suggestions or ask questions. When I get to the event, I am a trusted partner and friend. 

Website: www.discoverydiscjockeys.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/discoverydjsofnewyork 

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/discovery_djny 

 Phone: 518-441-4535. I take calls and text. 

 Email: cwright815@gmail.com.

Cocoa and Clementine: A Trunk Show

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Make sure to check out the Cocoa and Clementine Trunk Show at The Pink Orange! To RSVP please click HERE

Annual Wedding Day Coordination Contest

Bellissimo Weddings & Events is holding our annual wedding coordination contest. We will be giving away a Piccoli Package (month of coordination) to one lucky couple.Please see contest rules below. GOOD LUCK!!!

www.chelseanicole.com

How to enter:

Send an email to BellissimoWeddingsNY@gmail.com  with the subject line “Month of Coordination Contest” with the following information:

•Couples Name

•Contact Information (phone and email)

•Wedding Ceremony and Reception Location (s)

•Wedding Date

•Wedding Website (if applicable)

•Additional wedding information such as your vendors, theme, color scheme, etc.

Please tell us your story about how you fell in love, your engagement, details of your wedding and why you should be chosen as the winner.

 

Prize Package:

PICCOLI PACKAGE worth $1,500

Your work is done. Vendors are selected. Flowers are chosen. Favors purchased. It's now time to hand over the responsibility to someone else so that you can spend your time celebrating and absorbing all of the touching, emotional moments that encompass your wedding day. With Bellissimo Weddings & Events, you can rest assured knowing that your wedding professionals are behind the scenes orchestrating the details, managing the vendors, and averting crises before they occur. How nice to know that you have experts devoted to ensuring that your wedding day is perfect!

 

Month of Coordinating Package

Referrals and Advice: Upon hiring Bellissimo Weddings & Events, we are happy to provide you with unlimited venue and vendor referrals, as well as etiquette advice.

Detail Meeting: 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding, we will meet again to develop your wedding day schedule, review vendor contracts, wedding decor, ceremony order, and all other wedding details. Then we will do final site visits at the ceremony and reception sites.

Circulate detailed Schedule of Events to all necessary parties (vendors, wedding party, etc.)

Vendor liaison: Confirm vendors' timing and contractual obligations

Handle all outstanding issues with vendors

Review seating lists to ensure accuracy

Provide maps and directions to locations if needed

Attend and orchestrate the wedding rehearsal

Coordinator to manage wedding day

Direct wedding set-up according to diagrams (chairs, tables, linens, cake table, etc.)

Placement of all personal items provided by client (programs, favors, place cards, guestbook, menus, toasting flutes, photos, etc.)

Guest Liaison: Direct guests to various locations, answer questions, etc.

Pin flowers on family and attendants

Direct and cue all vendors, as well as distributing final payments and gratuities to vendors

Manage the day's events (cuing bridal party, review schedules with vendors, maintain timeline, direct guests, etc...)

Event day troubleshooting

Transfer items from ceremony to reception sites

Orchestrate Bridal send-off, if necessary

Collect all items from ceremony and reception sites for safekeeping until delivered to hotel room or designated friend or family member

Bridal Emergency Kit

 

Rules:

•Entries must include the above information along with a photo of the couple.

•Wedding must take place in the Capitol District/Saratoga region

•Wedding must take place in 2012 or 2013 and is subject to our availability

•Entries must be received by 11:59 EST on February 1, 2012.

•Limit one entry per couple

•The couple must be at least 18 years of age or older

The winners will be selected on February 14, 2012. The selected entrants will be contacted through email or telephone. Three attempts will be made to contact the winning couple, after that which another entry will be chosen. In the event that a selected entrant does not comply with these Contest Rules and Regulations an alternate entrant will be selected from the remaining entries. The chances of winning are dependent upon the total number of eligible entries received. The prize must be accepted as awarded and cannot be redeemed for cash.

The winning couple cannot be contracted with any other wedding planner/coordinator.