Congrats!

Since Christmas and New Years are popular times for engagements we want to take this opportunity to say: "Congratulations to all the future brides!"

Image from www.sheandheplanweddings.com

As you switch from your holiday planning to wedding planning, remember we are here to assist you in any way we can and will be ready to dive right back into the swing of things after the holidays!

Outside of our meticulous planning services see all the other great products Events2Remember has to offer.

All the best!

Not-So-Big Wedding Recap

The 2010 Not-So-Big Wedding Boutique and Challenge at the beautiful Rockwood Manor in Potomac, MD was a tremendous success and very well attended! The weather was fabulous and the teams did a fantastic job! The scores, which were based on a scale of 1 to 10, were very close.

Congratulations to Team Cinful lead by Cindy Jacobs who took the 1st prize with a total score of 58.50. The 2009 Challenge winner Team Carnevale, led by Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events took the 2nd prize with a total score of 52.50 and in 3rd place was Team Cannon led by Kelley Cannon of Kelley Cannon Events with a total score of 48.25.

Take a look at some of the highlights!

NSBW 2010!

Rockwood Manor, Potomac MD

The beautiful premises.

Beautiful dresses!

The panel of judges!

The winners - Team Cinful!

2nd place - Team Carnevale                                 3rd place - Team Cannon

The Captains - Team Cannon, Team Cinful, Team Carnevale

All pictures courtesy of Photography by Alexander.

To see more, please visit the event's website. Looking forward to next years' NSBW!

Not-So-Big Wedding 2010

Calling all MD, DC, VA area brides and grooms! Don’t miss out! The Second Annual Not-So-Big Wedding 2010 Challenge is here! This is a FREE event open to the public. RSVP on the Not-So-Big Wedding website for your chance to receive $500 off a venue rental. However, no RSVP is required to attend!

About the Challenge:

12 Teams comprised of up to four vendors will be working together to create a wedding for $15K or less for 65 guests. They are vying for the grand prize -- $500, media spotlight, and the Not-So-Big Wedding Challenge Winner title for 2010. If you're looking to plan a wedding on a budget, this is the event for you! Come see each team's display and gather a wealth of information for your wedding!

Each package created must include all the costs associated in the production of a wedding such as a planner, caterer, Deejay or band, florist, photographer, rentals etc. and must include the rental of one of the Montgomery Parks facilities: Rockwood Manor, Seneca Lodge, Brookside Gardens, Woodlawn Manor, or Ag Farm -- all for under $15K!

Laura Gosse, Marketing Specialist for the Montgomery County Department of Parks event centers said: "The Not-So-Big Wedding is the new reality for many brides and grooms as the effects of the recession continue to play out. However, small does not have to mean plain. The challenge teams' wedding displays will show couples how they can have a wedding day to remember without breaking the bank."

Team Carnavale has returned to defend its title. Eleven other teams will strive to take it away. Come see the results and meet Team Bijou, Team Cannon, Team Centino, Team Cinful, and Team Crazy in Love, Team Forbidden Fruit, Team Intercounty Wedding Connection, Team Jackson, Team Matrimony, Team Show, and Team Williams.

The panel of judges led by Joyce Mnkande of Events2Remember, Inc. includes Denise Thorne of In Style Caterers, Julie Upchurch of Little House of Flowers, Andrew Larris of Andy Kushner Entertainment, Janice Harrison of Occasional Cakes, LLC, Dave Fritz of CORT Event Furnishings, and Carmichael Jennings of On Que Photography. Accompanying them will be live bloggers Amy Regeti and her colleague Srinu of Regeti’s Photography.

This year’s panel of judges represents the different areas within the industry and each judge brings their knowledge and expertise in those areas. Judging criteria will be based on the creative use of given space, creative use of budget, level of elegance and most memorable display.

There will be a fashion show featuring affordable gowns, which can be purchased from St. Anthony's Bridal, a local non-profit whose mission is to help people have an affordable wedding.

So, mark your calendars, come on along, and have lots of fun, food, and refreshments!

Sunday, November 7th, 2010 from 1-4pm at

Rockwood Manor

11001 MacArthur Blvd

Potomac, MD 20854

Google Maps Directions

See you there!

Wedding Song Choices

Wedding season is upon us and like everything else in the process, song selection is an equally important part.

The First Dance:
For some couples, selecting the song for their first dance is easy because they have “their song,” while for others it may be a daunting task. So, how does a couple select their song for their first dance from the endless myriads of song choices available today?
Photo courtesy of www.16-strings.com

This is a very personal but imperative process. The most important factor to take into consideration when choosing any song is that the song has to be meaningful to you as a couple. It can have sentimental value or it can simply be something fun. Whatever it is, make sure you both like the song. Do not choose a song because it is popular or because other people will like it; your wedding day is about the two of you and not the other people. Additionally, although traditionally the first dance is a slow tempo, it doesn't have to be! Nor does it have to be one song, it can be a medley of songs.

Another important consideration is the lyrics of the song. Many couples pick “popular” songs without really understanding the lyrics and meaning of the song. One needs to take time to listen and understand the lyrics because there are times when lyrics have undertones and connotations subject to different interpretations. If you are not sure of the lyrics of a song, Google them!

Finally, do not pick a song that you will be uncomfortable dancing in the presence of parents and grandparents.

Whatever the choice, it has to be “yours” and remember that people will associate it as “your” song whenever they hear it.

Examples of song choices to be mindful of when selecting your first dance:

• My Heart Will Go On (Titanic soundtrack) by Celine Dion … it is indeed about endless love but after the other person has died.

• Lady in Red (Soundtrack) by Chris De Burgh is really about a prostitute. In a real life story of the 1930’s, this was the color worn by a prostitute when she went to the movies with her “date” (a dangerous criminal named John Herbert Dillinger ) to help police identify/capture him leading to his death.

• Every Breath You Take by Sting seems very ‘stalkerish’ if you really listen to the words.

Although optional, many couples have other dances as part of their wedding reception and it is therefore equally important that these song selections be appropriate as well. Examples:

The Grand Entrance song:
This song is played when the bridal party and the couple make their “grand entrance” into the reception area. This can be anything from traditional to a non-traditional upbeat song. For some, this leads into the couples first dance.
Father-Daughter song:
As the title suggests, this is the dance between the bride and her father.
The cake cutting song:
This is optional but some couples like to have a song – either another one of “their” songs or an upbeat song.
The song for bouquet and garter tossing:
Again, be sure to select the appropriate song to encourage participation.
The bridal party dance song:
This is usually the last of the formal dance songs before the party begins and includes the entire bridal party.
The last dance song:
This can be the last dance for the night or it can be the last dance song for the bride and groom as they leave the reception while the guest continue to celebrate.

Have fun and select wisely!

Remarriages: Trends, Etiquette, and Resources

Remarriage Trends

These days, remarriages after divorce is more common. According to a 2002 study by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, statistics show:

• 54 percent of divorced women remarry within 5 years
• 75 percent of divorced women remarry within 10 years
• Black women are the least likely to remarry
• White women are the most likely to remarry

However, a new 2007 report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that in 2004 (the year of the study):
• 12 percent of men and 13 percent of women had married twice
• 3 percent each had married three or more times
• 58 percent of women and 54 percent of men 15 and older had married only once

Social stigma dictates that second marriages should not be formal, extravagant or elaborate celebrations, but rather quiet and small ones. The importance should be placed in the fact that it is still the celebration of the union of two people who have found one another, love each other, and have a chance at life filled with joy, happiness, and that “happily ever after” that everyone deserves.

Second Marriage Etiquette Guidelines:

This may vary from one culture to another.
Please remember to be respectful of all traditions.

• Announcements: before officially and formerly announcing the engagement, it is important that if there are children involved, they should be the first to know. Followed by parents and the ex-spouse. Then, if the couple so chooses, via the newspaper, email or engagement party.

• Engagement Party: no rules, although typically not hosted by the parents or the couple. Most couples choose to have a small intimate dinner out with friends and family instead of having a party.

• Invitations: these can be simple, or elegant and elaborate but should be in theme with the wedding style.

• Whom to invite: etiquette dictates that the former in-laws and ex-spouses, no matter how close they may be, should not be invited.

• Bridal Showers: this is optional and again, there are no hard and fast rules; but it is recommended that it be small and intimate affair for very close friends. As in the first marriage, only those attending the ceremony and reception should be invited to the shower. Do not invite anyone that isn’t invited to the wedding. It is typically hosted by the bridal party. Those invited to the first wedding shower should not be invited to the second and if they are, they are not obligated to bring a gift.

• Gift Giving: these couples are typically already established in life and have accumulated more things than those in their first marriage. If they have not registered and already have a house, it is advisable to give them elegant crystal or china or make a donation to their favorite charity.

• The Wedding Dress: there is no hard and fast rule about not wearing a wedding dress and with the infinite choices available these days, there are many styles to choose from. Remember, it is your day and you want to look beautiful. Th bride can wear any color even white, as it no longer only symbolizes purity.

• Bridal party: it is optional, not necessary, to have attendants, a processional, or someone to walk you down the aisle.

• Rehearsal Dinner: optional.

• Ceremonies and Vows: can be civil or religious. If both bride and groom have children, be sure to involve them in the ceremony if they want to be included. There are many unique ways to incorporate children in the wedding for example: lighting a family unity candle versus the traditional one, unity sand pouring ceremony, escort down the aisle, being one of the attendants or doing a reading, and more. You can personalize your vows to include the children, if you have any. If it is a religious ceremony, be sure to check with your officiant as to what might be different from the first marriage vows.

• Reception: can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Many couples choose to omit the tossing of the bouquet and garter. The receiving line includes the couple and their children, if they have any. Some of the more traditional toasts may be omitted.

• Honeymoon: yes, you may still go on a honeymoon. If both couples have children, you might like to consider a honeymoon that will include the children -- a “FamilyMoon,” a term coined back in 2004. The latter has been a growing trend for many couples who want honeymoons to include their children, which makes for good bonding experiences. Many foreign and domestic destinations are now family-inclusive. For example, beach resorts in Negril, Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia and Antigua to name a few. Other options are to take a Disney or other similar cruise and/or find domestic locations. For more info, go to: www.adventuresbydisney.com, www.austinlehman.com, www.beaches.com, www.butterfield.com, www.carnival.com, www.disneycruise.com, www.ncl.com, www.princess.com, www.eliteislandresorts.com, www.winjammer-landing.com.

In a nutshell: make it the most memorable and enjoyable day of the beginning of your happily forever after.

Resources for the blended family:

• Break the Cycle
• Bonus Families
• Changing Focus
• Institute for Family Education
• National Family Resiliency Center
• National Stepfamily Resource Center
• The National Fathers' Resource Center
• The Stepfamily Foundation
• StepMom Magazine
• ShareKids.com

The Color of the Year -- 2010

Color is very personal. Everyone has a favorite color and can relate to it from the time they were little children. Certain emotions are associated with color, and planners and designers know that using color is very important to create that “bang” or “pop” you are looking for when you walk into a room. First, I'd like to go over the basics of color before I reveal Pantone's Color of the Year for 2010.

As you may remember from elementary school, there are three main categories of color:

1. Primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. These are pure and cannot be created through the mixing of any other colors.

2. Secondary colors: orange, purple, and green. These are produced by mixing of primary colors. i.e. yellow + blue = green; blue + red = purple; and red + yellow = orange.

3. Tertiary colors: A combination of primary and secondary colors. There are six tertiary colors: red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, and red-violet.

Additionally, colors fall into three schematic groups:

1. Monochromatic colors: all colors, tints and shades of a single hue. They go well together, are easy on the eyes, and have a soothing effect.

2. Analogous colors: these are in close proximity to each other on the color wheel and always made up of three colors, the main one being red, plus two neighboring colors. They are similar in hue and saturation.

3. Complimentary colors: usually comprised of two colors that are opposite of the color wheel and are high in contrast.

The Color Wheel
Image courtesy of Northlite

So, who comes up with the color trends from year to year, you ask?

Pantone, Inc. in Carlstadt, New Jersey is the company known for its Pantone Matching System® (PMS), a book of standardized colors in fan format for color-coding. The Pantone name is known worldwide as the standard language for accurate color communication, from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer, across a variety of industries.

According to Pantone, "PANTONE® 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, [is] the color of the year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing."

For brides wanting a flattering choice for attendant apparel and accessories on their big day, Turquoise is now one of the nearly 200 PANTONE WEDDING Colors available from Dessy, a leading manufacturer of bridesmaid, social occasion and flower girl dresses, as well as destination wedding gowns under the labels Dessy Collection, After Six, Alfred Sung, Lela Rose Bridesmaid and Sandals Destination Wedding Dresses. PANTONE WEDDING exclusively from Dessy provides a collection of color tools to make it easy for brides to achieve perfectly color-coordinated weddings – from inspiration to “I do.”

Additionally, Turquoise is one of 3,000 colors available in Pantone’s line of superior-quality, eco-friendly paint. PANTONE Paints combine the accuracy of PANTONE Colors with the beauty of high-performance Dutch paints. Perfect for a powder room or bedroom, Turquoise is an evocative, spa-like hue that adds an undertone of warmth and excitement to any cool space. In the kitchen, Turquoise adds a unique flare to tabletop and appliances. I love this years' color!

The Savvy Shopper's Engagement Ring Guide

My first post today focused on the history of Valentine's Day, which is only one week away! As we all know, Valentine's Day is a very popular date for marriage proposals. In this post, I'd like to offer some tips on shopping for that perfect ring!

Before purchasing an engagement ring, it is important to know the style of ring you're looking for, as well as the price range you have budgeted for. However, it is equally important to understand the terminology used in evaluating the quality of the diamond and/or fine jewelry. Some may be concerned with the source of the diamond, as well as how the diamond was processed.

First, when evaluating diamonds, always consider the four C’s:
(adapted from Brilliant Earth)

• Cut: determines its beauty, sparkle, fire, and brilliance.
• Clarity: refers to the impurities on and within the stone.
• Color: refers to the degree to which a diamond is colorless.
• Carat: is the unit of the weight of the diamond and not its size.

Next, here are the typical gemstone styles and shapes to consider:

Round, Princess, Emerald, Asscher, Marquise

Oval, Radiant, Pear, Cushion, and Heart

Finally, certified conflict free gems ensure that the mining processing did not sacrifice social and environmental responsibilities. “Conflict diamonds have funded devastating civil wars in Africa, and have been associated with human rights abuses, environmental damage, and terrorism" (Brilliant Earth).

No matter the ring you choose, be confident that your significant other will love and appreciate it! Happy Early Valentine's Day!

The Little Black Dress vs. The Little White Dress

We have all heard about the little black dress (LBD) – and for many years, the LBD has been “a must have” in everyone’s closet! It is the perfect dress for any event. It is a sophisticated, timeless classic, is season-less, always in style, and can be dressed down for work or dressed up for a party with very little effort by simply adding the right accessory. It is said to be “slimming” although not ideal for tropical countries as black is known to absorb heat.

However, as of spring 2009, based on the runway collections, we saw that the little white dress (LWD) was gaining on the LBD. It is considered a cool and refreshing summer choice, gives an aura of angelic innocence and on the contrary to many opinions, it can easily be accessorized. The LWD has always received a bad rap because it can be tricky to pull off for many, as it is somewhat revealing, not considered “slimming” and due to its stain-ability.

There are so many possibilities for the LWD, not only as a fashion statement but as a bridal attire option. Here are a couple from The Platinum Collection by Priscilla of Boston:

PL 276

PL 269

So, is the LWD going to be the new LBD? Will it still be around in 2010? I believe that it is just as versatile however… you be the judge:

• Check out these sleek, new LBD options from Neiman Marcus
• Take a look at Amsale's latest LWD collection

and let me know what you think!

Another Sensational Wedding Gown Collection

Monique Lhuillier's Fall 2010 collection was revealed in October, and it is the best collection yet! You will fall in love with these beautiful, feminine, one-of-a-kind designs. Check out her website to view the new collection, as well as dresses from previous collections that are still available (Spring 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009).

Some of my favorites from the new collection include Harmony, Miracle, and Meringue. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know which ones are your favorites!

Unique Wedding Gown Collection

Every bride searches for the perfect dress for her wedding day. If you're looking for a dress that has a unique look but still maintains a traditional feel, you might want to keep reading! I stumbled across an interesting bridal collection by Therez Fleetwood. Her collections are inspired by Egyptian, Indian, Moroccan, South African, and Asian styles and the dresses are gorgeous! The best part is that each dress is made-to-order and can be customized to fit your vision. Check out her website for wedding and bridesmaid dresses that will add a unique flair to any wedding!

Here are some of my favorites from the collection:

Kala

Nadia

Amalia

Dhara

November Events

1. November 3rd: I attended a showcase hosted by Heidi Berger of Room Service at the fabulous Long View Gallery Art Museum in Washington, DC. Here are some pictures of the wonderful furniture rentals off of their brand new line!

2. November 4th: I toured the new Sunset Room at the National Harbor in Washington, DC. This is a wonderful venue with some beautiful views -- perfect for a wedding!





3. November 8th: I participated in the Not-So-Big Wedding Competition! The competition was hosted by the Montgomery County Department of Parks & Recreation at the Rockwood Manor in Potomac, Maryland. The challenge was to plan a wedding on a budget -- accommodating 65 guests for less than $15,000. The judge's panel was moderated by Ellen McCarthy of the Washington Post's Wedding Section and panelist included newlyweds who have successfully planned a wedding under $15K. It was a wonderful experience for my entire team, as it was our first competition. Here are some pictures of our table:





I will post more pictures from the competition once I receive the rest from our team photographer!

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!

October Events

This is another catch-up post, picking up from where I left off after the September Events post. Here's the update from all the events I coordinated and/or attended in October!

1. October 2nd: I collaborated with VMG to plan and produce Total Health Care's 40th Anniversary Fundraiser at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (BMW). The event theme was Old Hollywood Oscar Night with all the glitz and glamor -- we had actors as paparazzi, Joan Rivers on the Red Carpet, President Obama and First Lady Michelle (complete with a Secret Service detail), and LIVE Oscar statues. It was such a successful and memorable night! The BMW is one of the premier venues in Baltimore, Maryland -- check it out for your next special event! (I'll share additional pictures once I receive them from the photographer).


2. October 6th: I went on a FAM tour to visit all the Prince George's County Parks & Rec venues. I visited Newton Mansion, The PG Ballroom, Oxon Hill Manor, and many more wonderful sites. These venues are rich in history, have beautifully manicured grounds, and are terrific alternatives to typical hotel venues in the Baltimore/Washington area.

I attended a second FAM tour to visit all the Annapolis Area & Anne Arundel County facilities as well. Again, these venues are spectacular and typically more affordable alternatives to hotel venues. They are great venues for weddings, corporate events, and more!

3. October 21st: I went to New York City for the Biz-Bash Trade Show. The event was fabulous! I was able to gain lots of interesting insights on New York venues and vendors for destination events. I also got to see the Bidpal in action -- an innovative tool for those fundraisers!

4. October 22nd: I attended the Harvest Festival Event at the Strathmore in Rockville, Maryland. This is another unique space to consider for your next event. The Mansion and the Art Center are fabulous sites!


5. October 29th: I wanted to share some pictures from my DC ISES Halloween Party. It was held at the National Crime and Punishment Museum in Washington, DC -- how appropriate a venue for the occasion! The hauted house was amazing and truly scary for those of us who scare easily. It was a blast! By the way, that's me in the jailbird costume!

6. October 30th: I attended a very emotional speaking event by motivational speaker The Scary Guy; and yes, "Scary Guy" is his legal name! His speech was absolutely phenomenal and I had to stuggle to fight back some tears. He is truly passionate about his cause -- bullying, violence, and hate crimes among youth -- which we all need to be ambassadors to. Please take a moment to visit his website: www.thescaryguy.com

7. October 31st: Halloween! Here are some family Trick-or-Treating photos I couldn't resist sharing!


Next, I'll post my events from early November and I'll have you all caught up!

September Events

It's always nice to hear from my readers, and for those of you whom I have met and asked when my next post was coming... here it is! I will begin where I left off in the previous post to get you all updated on what I have bee doing. For those who follow me on Twitter, here are some pictures to match up with all those updates you've been reading!

I've linked all the venues' websites in case you would like to check them out to host one of your future events!

1. September 15th: ISES hosted our "back from summer" party at the newly renovated W Hotel -- a beautiful venue! The view of Washington, DC from the rooftop is breathtaking! The party was a lot of fun and it was nice to see everyone again.

2. September 17th: I attended the Encore Event at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC. Here are some pictures I managed to snag:

3. September 22nd: I attended a food tasting at the Caribbean Caterer's in Rockville, Maryland. The food was delicious -- a traditional wedding dinner prepared with authentic Caribbean spices. My favorites were the mini beef patty appetizers followed by their macaroni pie! Consider them for your next wedding or social event! They also partner with The Shadow Chef for events that do not need a wait staff and for orders to-go.

4. September 23rd: I went to a networking event hosted by Wedding Planner/Event Manager Linnyette Richardson-Hall (you may have seen her on Who's Wedding Is It Anyways?), at the Si Salsa -- a beautiful hidden gem in Pikesville, Marlyand. It was a lot of fun and a much needed break. The food was delicious and I won a beautiful chili pepper/carnation floral centerpiece:

5. September 28th: Unveiling of the new Tanzania Embassy Chancery in Washingtong, DC by the President of Tanzania, His Excelleny President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. Not only did I plan this unveiling ceremony in two weeks, but also furnished and decorated the fifth floor to simulate the ambassador's office, conference, and reception room since the building was not complete. Needless to say, with such short notice and all the protocals to adhere to, it was a challeneging yet fun event to plan and it turned out to be a great success. My client was very happy, and as a planner, that is always the greatest satisfaction. I couldn't have done it with out my truly amazing vendors who always come through for me no matter what!


Next post will be an update of all the October events!