Just because I have been slacking as a blogger…who am I kidding? I am not worthy enough to call myself a blogger. Even though I have been slacking with my blog entries, does not mean that the fabulous people I encounter should not get their praise and glory albeit late. With that said I must say that I was fortunate enough to host Liene Stevens formerly of The Smart Planner, now Splendid Communications, in a blogging bootcamp for wedding professionals. Back in April, Liene flew out to Seattle to teach many of us the ins and outs of writing blogs, analyzing blogs and how they help us grow our business. We had a fabulous group of ladies with engaging conversations and thanks to John of Aria Style, a fabulous location to learn. If you have an opportunity to host a blogging bootcamp or attend any of the bootcamps that Liene has scheduled, it will be well worth your time. Check out her site to see the upcoming blogging bootcamps.
Not only is Liene sweet and brilliant, her integrity and interests in giving back outside of the wedding industry is something we should all aspire to do. It was so great to meet you Liene and get to know you a little better in person.
As I await my new site, I hope you can get an idea of my services, ideas and personality through my blog. At It’s Eventful, we provide a range of services customized to fit your needs. From day of coordination to full service planning, we can assist and guide you through what should be a fabulous time in your life. It’s Eventful creates and executes stylish events anywhere in the country. Thanks to our coast to coast network of event professionals, we can pull together the best team of specialists to elevate any gathering – from the largest wedding to the mowt private client luncheon – into something truly remarkable. Your event should be something that enchants and delights; a date you look forward to wtih excitement and look back on fondly. And creating just that is our speciality. Feel free to email us at hello@itseventful.com for more information.
Just returned from a fabulous conference at the Tulalip Casino and Resort. The Association of Bridal Consultants Regional Conference was full of wonderful, relevant and usable information. The speakers were engaging and knowledgeable. I am excited to implement all the new ideas that were presented. The best part about it though was that it reinforced that I have the right attitude about my business and I am headed down the right path. What surprised me the most was how beautiful the space is at Tulalip. The rooms were gorgeous and the service unparalleled. If you get a chance to spend the night there go for it…even if you don’t gamble, they have a spa that will knock your socks off.
According to InStyle Weddings, the 5 hot wedding trends are:
1) Landscape centerpieces
2) Veils are back
3) Grooms cakes
4) Favors that mean something – provide something guests can use (scented candle,
5) Dances that WOW – take lessons and have a set routine to amaze the crowd
Ahhhh…rejuvenated, refreshed! So sorry I haven’t posted in almost a month. I have been figuring out the new direction and strategy of my company and so excited to begin the journey. With wonderful things on the horizon, I look forward to where my new brand takes me. I should be rolling out the new brand by mid-June. As for my blog, I will be posting twice a week for now. That may change once I roll out the new brand so stay tuned.
I have never been more blown away by a business or person like I have with Brian Kappra of Evantine Design. In my scouting of the Philadelphia wedding and event industry, I quickly became aware of the best venues and vendors in the area. Evantine was a name that kept popping up and clearly had a reputation of greatness. I was able to get an appointment with Brian, head designer and owner and boy, am I glad I did. As we drove to their warehouse, we were skeptical. It was off the beaten path and no glamour of sorts as you approach the IKEA size warehouse. We walk in the door to be greeted by Brian. He leads us back to a warm inviting space where we sit down to chat. He walks us through his process and what a client will experience and then shows us some slides of his work on the large flat panel TV. Then he gives us a tour – from the room with chargers, china, glassware, flatware to the black box where they mock up ideas to the production room, fabric room, floral refrigerator and design space. They design invitations, favors, all paper items to carry out any theme at your event. Then there was the warehouse itself that housed everything from chairs, fabric, vases, doors, shutters, lighting and I mean anything and everything you can imagine to design and create the unthinkable and unimaginable. It was like being a kid in a candy store. Not to mention, Brian LOVES what he does and it shows. The level of detail that is put into each project is outstanding. It is no wonder people seek Brian out to dazzle friends, clients and colleagues. His work ethic and passion for this business he created is a true inspiration. If you are in the Philadelphia area you need to check out their showroom.
Another highlight of my day was meeting with Eric at The Four Seasons. The level of service at The Four Seasons is unparalleled. High end, elegant venues to hold an event seem to be limited in any city. They recently went under renovation so I was able to see all the new spaces. The last to be renovated will be the ballroom. What I love about the Four Seasons is the outdoor space which is a premium in the city. My favorite room was the Washington room. They have these beautiful fabric brocade walls and dark wood pieces. Fabulous room. Pictures don’t do it justice.
A great restaurant in Rittenhouse Square is Rouge where we had lunch. The presentation was fantastic. They have a great lunch special where you can choose 2 smaller entrees for $16. I love the smaller bites so I can taste more:)
I was fortunate enough to meet with 2 fabulous vendors in Philadelphia today. Phil Kramer of is well respected photographer in the Philadelphia/NYC area. His work is fabulous and I can’t wait to work with him. Mark Smiler is a videographer that does amazing work in the Philadelphia/NYC area as well. Growing my business in Philadelphia and NYC is really exciting for me. I am ready to get back to my roots and have the boys experience some of the East Coast life. Mark and Phil are looking for a renter in their NYC space. It is very tempting to have a space their that I can also use for pleasure as well as meeting clients. We will see if I can do it…stay tuned for that update.
I am a big fan of the The Real Housewives of NYC and one of my favorite housewives is Jill Zarin. Needless to say, I had to stop in Zarin Fabrics to see if they had the perfect velvet fabric for my office. No such luck, but I met a really sweet gal that worked there and coincidentally she was from Redmond, WA. I didn’t get to meet Jill (or Brad) so the next best thing was to get my picture taken in front of the shop.
Back from NYC and totally energized. That city has the most amazing vibe. Even after a few struggles driving into the city and the snow and rain, we managed to get ourselves to Park Slope in Brooklyn. After a couple slices of great pizza which I so miss, we took some time to look at some condos and brownstones for sale. It was nice to check out the real estate market over there. With a little time to kill, we headed over to SOHO for a drink at Balthazar’s
I was looking forward to the whole reason of venturing into the city. Although we always come into the city when visiting Philadelphia, I chose today so I could meet Lindsay Landman of Lindsay Landman Events. I originally came across Lindsay’s company as I was researching workshops and NYC vendors. I came across her “How to… Series” and she was kind enough to give me some pointers. She invited me to her workshop if I was ever in town and it just happened she had something going on while we were in Philadelphia so I made the trip. Lindsay is a well-respected and talented wedding and event planner in the city. She was so warm and friendly and I look forward to meeting up with her again. Thanks Lindsay!
Another great gal I met this evening was Tracy Lynne Toler of Maia Studios
Her portfolio was great and her personality dazzling to boot. She was warm and personable.
It’s so good to be back home and visiting the ole stomping grounds. I usually get home twice a year but what is so exciting about this trip is that I am bringing my business to Philadelphia. It’s Eventful is opening its doors in Philadelphia as well as NYC. I have been fortunate to enough to meet and set up appointments with some of the top vendors in the city.
I was ecstatic to walk into the Philadelphia Ritz-Carlton to see their fabulous renovation. What I was also pleasantly surprised to see was the similar color scheme to my office. I love the orange, fuschia and plum combo.
Their hospitality was above no other. Jacki Garro showed me gave me the tour and she was amazing. So warm and friendly and had a wonderful time with her. She was so gracious to treat me to lunch Eric Ripert’s new restaurant at the Ritz – 10 Arts by Eric Ripert. I had a phenomenal butternut squash soup, the Pennsylvania Brook Trout with brown butter sauce and the chocolate peanut tart. Couldn’t pass up the tart since it was served with malted “Tastycake” ice cream. The world renowned chef came from LeBernardin in NYC.
Here are a few other spaces at the Ritz.
I also had the pleasure of visiting the highly regarded Rittenhouse Hotel. A beautiful luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the city.
Two fabulous places to hold your wedding or event in Philadelphia. Can’t wait to see what the Four Seasons has to offer on Thursday.
Pictures don’t do it justice.
