Happy Holidays from
As You Wish Wedding & Event Design!
As You Wish Wedding & Event Design!
December 16, 2007
December 07, 2007
Wedding Planner Seminar -- Location Announced!
Do You Want To Become A Wedding Planner?
Come join the staff of As You Wish Wedding & Event Design for an insiders look at how to get started in the Wedding Planning industry. We’ll give you all of the information on wedding schools, professional associations, internships, and the ins-and-outs of the job. Enjoy light refreshments while learning everything you need to about becoming a successful wedding planner!
January 8, 2008 7:00pm
Location: ZAK & Company
14 Central Avenue, Midland Park, NJ
$65 in advance, $75 at the door
Email us at Stacey@asyouwishwed.biz to sign up or be put on our email list to receive further information. Checks can be made out to As You Wish WED and sent to:
As You Wish WED
139 Highland Avenue
Midland Park, NJ 07432
If you are interested in full time employment or a summer internship, please bring your resume.
December 04, 2007
Just Flat Out Cool!
I love taking the little wedding details and doing something really great to get your guests talking. One area where you can take something traditional and ordinary and turn it into show-stopper is the Guest Book. For years, guests have signed a small, blank journal with their names and a few congratulatory words. Take this opportunity to do something really great that your guests will keep talking about. Include something that will encourage your guests to write a special message and something that you'll want to cherish for the rest of your marriage. Here are some great ideas:
Special Photo:
www.weddingchannelstore.com
Choose a favorite photo, and have it framed with an extra wide matte. Attach a marker and let guests sign all around your photo. This will make a beautiful addition to your new home!
Photo Book:
www.clsinfoservices.com
Websites like Kodak Gallery and Snapfish offer low priced photobooks that you can create from your own collection of favorite shots. Make sure to leave every other page blank for guests to sign. For a more glamorous book, have an engagement photo shoot done with your photographer and have him/her create the album for you.
Guest Book Tree:
www.weddingbee.com
You can adapt this idea in so many ways to fit your wedding. Your florist can provide you with branches (even better if they are an element in your centerpieces). Leave small cut outs of your particular shape and writing utensils under the tree. Once guests write their message, they hang it on the tree. If you're having a fall wedding, have leaf cut-outs. For a winter wedding, use snowflakes. Summer weddings can use flowers. There are so many ways to personalize this idea!
Aisle Runner:
www.charmelevents.com
If you're using an aisle runner during your ceremony, have a responsible parent or attendant transport it from the ceremony to reception to act as the guestbook. Talk to your aisle runner vendor beforehand to make sure that you have chosen the correct type of fabric. Go to a local craft store and get permanent markers that will easily write on cloth, and have your guests sign the runner. After the wedding, you can have it professionally preserved or turned into a quilt.
For any more information on where to find these products, email us at stacey@asyouwishwed.biz. Email us or leave a comment if you have any great guest book ideas to share!
Special Photo:
www.weddingchannelstore.comChoose a favorite photo, and have it framed with an extra wide matte. Attach a marker and let guests sign all around your photo. This will make a beautiful addition to your new home!
Photo Book:
www.clsinfoservices.com
Websites like Kodak Gallery and Snapfish offer low priced photobooks that you can create from your own collection of favorite shots. Make sure to leave every other page blank for guests to sign. For a more glamorous book, have an engagement photo shoot done with your photographer and have him/her create the album for you.
Guest Book Tree:
www.weddingbee.comAisle Runner:
www.charmelevents.comIf you're using an aisle runner during your ceremony, have a responsible parent or attendant transport it from the ceremony to reception to act as the guestbook. Talk to your aisle runner vendor beforehand to make sure that you have chosen the correct type of fabric. Go to a local craft store and get permanent markers that will easily write on cloth, and have your guests sign the runner. After the wedding, you can have it professionally preserved or turned into a quilt.
For any more information on where to find these products, email us at stacey@asyouwishwed.biz. Email us or leave a comment if you have any great guest book ideas to share!
November 15, 2007
Just Flat Out Cool!
If you live in the Tri-State area, you're starting to experience those first few weeks of chilling cold. Winter is almost upon us, which means so are winter weddings. One way of bringing a little winter warmth into your wedding is through your signature drink. When we think of signature drinks, we usually think of a "Welcome Drink" that's usually a bellini or appletini. Try straying from the norm and including a hot signature drink, like warm cider or hot chocolate (if you're doing a Christmas wedding, do a peppermint hot chocolate). Here are a few classic warm drink recipes:
Mulled Wine
2 bottles dry red wine
4 ounces port or brandy
12 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 large orange, zested
Hot Toddy Recipe
2 bottles dry red wine
4 ounces port or brandy
12 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 large orange, zested
Serving suggestion: Garnish with cinnamon sticks or freshly ground nutmeg
Combine ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer. Do not allow mixture to boil. Heat for 20 minutes and serve in a large, heat resistant punch bowl.Hot Toddy Recipe
Brew tea and fill a tall glass 3/4 full. Mix in honey. Mix in brandy shots. Add lemon slice and enjoy. Makes 8 servings.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum
Add the sugar, butter and cloves to a coffee mug. Pour the rum, and stir well. Fill with boiling water. Stir again, and serve. Makes 8 servings.
Don't hesitate to take a favorite drink or something special to you as a couple and work with your caterer to make it happen. If you guys always go to Starbucks and drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes, ask your caterer to come up with a similiar recipe. You'll be surprised at how willing they are to help you create that extra special personalized touch.
There are no rules stating that your signature drink must be served in the beginning of your reception. A nice winter idea is having a "to go" bar, with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and your special drink. Complete the "take home" buffet with to-go cups, sugared spoons, and tea bags that have your monogram on it. Guests will thank you for the special treat all the way home.
Check out www.brandedcups.com for personalized "to-go" cups and http://www.beau-coup.com/personalized_tea_favors.htm for personalized tea bags.
Have any hot drink recipes that you'd like to share? Or more suggestions for a "to-go" bar? Leave a comment or send us an email stacey@asyouwishwed.biz.
Don't hesitate to take a favorite drink or something special to you as a couple and work with your caterer to make it happen. If you guys always go to Starbucks and drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes, ask your caterer to come up with a similiar recipe. You'll be surprised at how willing they are to help you create that extra special personalized touch.
There are no rules stating that your signature drink must be served in the beginning of your reception. A nice winter idea is having a "to go" bar, with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and your special drink. Complete the "take home" buffet with to-go cups, sugared spoons, and tea bags that have your monogram on it. Guests will thank you for the special treat all the way home.
Check out www.brandedcups.com for personalized "to-go" cups and http://www.beau-coup.com/personalized_tea_favors.htm for personalized tea bags.
Have any hot drink recipes that you'd like to share? Or more suggestions for a "to-go" bar? Leave a comment or send us an email stacey@asyouwishwed.biz.
November 09, 2007
Mark Your Calendars!
Do You Want To Become A Wedding Planner?
Come join the staff of As You Wish Wedding & Event Design for an insiders look at how to get started in the Wedding Planning industry. We’ll give you all of the information on wedding schools, professional associations, internships, and the ins-and-outs of the job. Enjoy light refreshments while learning everything you need to about becoming a successful wedding planner!
January 8, 2008 7:00pm
Location TBA in
$65 in advance, $75 at the door
Email us at Stacey@asyouwishwed.biz to sign up or be put on our email list to receive further information.
November 07, 2007
Featured Vendor
Last month, I threw a small get-together with a small group of my mom's closest friends for her 50th Birthday. We planned a relaxing "Spa Day" and had a nice brunch followed by a relaxing afternoon by the hot tub. I had a makeup artist, Jillyan Scarpa, come and give my mom a full makeover. Then, she talked tips-n-tricks, holiday makeup, and anything else the ladies wanted to know with the group. Once the girls were all glammed up, their husbands came over for a big BBQ. It was a really great event and I was so fortunate to have Jillyan be a part of it. She made each of the ladies completely comfortable and did a phenomenal job with their makeup. To top it off, she was sweet, funny, and a pleasure to have in our home. I trusted her with my mom, and I definitely trust her with my brides. Here are some fun facts about Jillyan:
Name: Jillyan
Business: Skin Bar and Paint Studio
Website: www.skinbarandpaint.com
Location: 98 Main St. Little Falls, NJ
Type of Vendor: Makeup artist/skin care (i.e facials & airbrush tan)
How Long In Business: 10 years
Work Style: Professional,fun & high energy!!!
Training: M.A.C. Cosmetics,Artistic Academy (esthetician's license) & life!
Favorite Color: Purple & Black
Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys/Chicago teams!!!
Languages: English(some Italian)
Favorite Food: Italian & Mexican
Home Town: Chicago,Il.
Pets: 2 Shi-Tzu's Gizmo & CoCo
Favorite Holidays: CHRISTMAS!!!
Favorite Quote: Life is limitless... & truely living is each of us following the paths to be who & what our hearts dare us to be!---by "Me"
November 04, 2007
If I Could Do It Again
Here's some real advice from a recent Newlywed.
If I Could Do It Again, I Would:
I would double, triple, and quadruple check my contracts, even during the last week leading up to my wedding. I knew basically what I was entitled to with each vendor, but knew no specifics and forgot to bring the contracts with me. When my limo arrived, the driver would not let me in until full payment was recieved. I had arranged for my Future Father-In-Law to handle payments and tipping and he wasn't due to arrive for another hour at a different location. The driver refused to let me in until one of my bridesmaids finally volunteered to give him a check. It was a stressful and terrible experience. Make sure that you read your contracts, bring them with you so that you have backup, and talk to your vendors in advance to confirm the timing of the payments and make sure that things run smoothly!
If I Could Do It Again, I Would:
I would double, triple, and quadruple check my contracts, even during the last week leading up to my wedding. I knew basically what I was entitled to with each vendor, but knew no specifics and forgot to bring the contracts with me. When my limo arrived, the driver would not let me in until full payment was recieved. I had arranged for my Future Father-In-Law to handle payments and tipping and he wasn't due to arrive for another hour at a different location. The driver refused to let me in until one of my bridesmaids finally volunteered to give him a check. It was a stressful and terrible experience. Make sure that you read your contracts, bring them with you so that you have backup, and talk to your vendors in advance to confirm the timing of the payments and make sure that things run smoothly!
October 30, 2007
Featured Vendor
This weeks Featured Vendor is one of my absolute favorites. Tania Lezak of Lezak Photography is one of the most gifted photographers I have ever worked with. She is a complete joy to have on-site and I look forward to all of my weddings that she shoots. She is a ton of fun, as you'll see from reading her blog, but she is also so genuine and really cares about capturing the best moments of your day. I found Tania after she shot my cousins' wedding (Check out Christine and Marks wedding in Wyndham on her blog!), as she is a close family friend. She has since worked with me on my weddings and has done another cousin of mine as well (Check out Patricia and Mike's wedding in Germany on her blog -- it's a MUST SEE!).
Tania: Thanks for all of the support you have given me as I grow into the wedding industry. You have no idea how much help you've given me in this first year!
Name: Tania Lezak
Business: Tania Lezak Photography
Website: http://www.lezakphotography.com/ And of course, the blog!: http://photosnaps.lezakphotography.com/iBlog/
Location: Philadelphia, PA area
Type of Vendor: Photographer!
How Long In Business: I’ve been shooting professionally for about 11 years now, but weddings have been my life for the past 3-4 years.
Work Style: Creative photojournalism
Training: Learned a lot about shooting, processing, and Photoshop while I was a photographer at the Daily Collegian (Penn State’s newspaper), but I’m mostly self-trained!
Favorite Color: Pink & blue (no surprise that they’re also my business colors!)
Sports Team: Red Sox -- I’ll always be a Boston girl
Languages: Spanish & a little bit of German
Favorite Food: Ice cream & burritos (but not together)
Hidden Talents or Favorite Hobbies: In the winter, when the wedding season slows down a bit, I throw pottery. I love digging in and getting my hands dirty!
Home Town: I grew up in a little town in Massachusetts, just outside of Boston.
Favorite Place: This is a tough one…..I’ve been to so many incredible places! I don’t think I could pick a favorite, but I love how the landscape in Utah feels almost alive…. I love the lushness and peace of Kauai…. I love walking the streets of Moscow at night…. I love riding my horse at sunset through the fields at home…. I love exploring the northern coasts of Spain…and there’s still so much more I have to see and do!
Pets: Jake (my horse) and Sully (our crazy blonde lab)
Favorite Holidays: Christmas!
Favorite Quote: I don’t know if I have a favorite quote, but this is one I always find inspiring… “If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right.” (Henry Ford)
Best Part Of The Job: I love watching the whole day unfold….from the hair curling and tie-tying in the morning until the last dance. I love that I get to be there for all of the smiles and emotions….through the hectic times and the sweet times….on such an amazing day! It’s a huge honor to be invited into a couple’s wedding day.
To see more of Tania's work, check our her website: www.lezakphotography.com and her blog: http://photosnaps.lezakphotography.com/iBlog/! See the post below of Joey and Erans wedding for more examples of Tania's beautiful work.
Tania: Thanks for all of the support you have given me as I grow into the wedding industry. You have no idea how much help you've given me in this first year!
Name: Tania Lezak
Business: Tania Lezak Photography
Website: http://www.lezakphotography.com/ And of course, the blog!: http://photosnaps.lezakphotography.com/iBlog/
Location: Philadelphia, PA area
Type of Vendor: Photographer!
How Long In Business: I’ve been shooting professionally for about 11 years now, but weddings have been my life for the past 3-4 years.
Work Style: Creative photojournalism
Training: Learned a lot about shooting, processing, and Photoshop while I was a photographer at the Daily Collegian (Penn State’s newspaper), but I’m mostly self-trained!
Favorite Color: Pink & blue (no surprise that they’re also my business colors!)
Sports Team: Red Sox -- I’ll always be a Boston girl
Languages: Spanish & a little bit of German
Favorite Food: Ice cream & burritos (but not together)
Hidden Talents or Favorite Hobbies: In the winter, when the wedding season slows down a bit, I throw pottery. I love digging in and getting my hands dirty!
Home Town: I grew up in a little town in Massachusetts, just outside of Boston.
Favorite Place: This is a tough one…..I’ve been to so many incredible places! I don’t think I could pick a favorite, but I love how the landscape in Utah feels almost alive…. I love the lushness and peace of Kauai…. I love walking the streets of Moscow at night…. I love riding my horse at sunset through the fields at home…. I love exploring the northern coasts of Spain…and there’s still so much more I have to see and do!
Pets: Jake (my horse) and Sully (our crazy blonde lab)
Favorite Holidays: Christmas!
Favorite Quote: I don’t know if I have a favorite quote, but this is one I always find inspiring… “If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right.” (Henry Ford)
Best Part Of The Job: I love watching the whole day unfold….from the hair curling and tie-tying in the morning until the last dance. I love that I get to be there for all of the smiles and emotions….through the hectic times and the sweet times….on such an amazing day! It’s a huge honor to be invited into a couple’s wedding day.
To see more of Tania's work, check our her website: www.lezakphotography.com and her blog: http://photosnaps.lezakphotography.com/iBlog/! See the post below of Joey and Erans wedding for more examples of Tania's beautiful work.
Current Weddings
Vital Statistics
Bride: Joey
Groom: Eran
Location: Kutz Camp, Warwick NY
Flowers: ZAK & Company
Photography: Lezak Photography
Catering: Bridge Creek Catering
I recently got the pleasure of working with a really great couple from St. Thomas. Kutz Camp holds a special place for the bride's family, as the Father of the Bride works at the camp and the bride and her siblings went to the camp as children. They had a gorgeous day in early September. Tania Lezak took these photos. She is PHENOMENAL and I'll be featuring her tomorrow on the blog. I can't thank her enough for sharing these pictures!
Bride: Joey
Groom: Eran
Location: Kutz Camp, Warwick NY
Flowers: ZAK & Company
Photography: Lezak Photography
Catering: Bridge Creek Catering
I recently got the pleasure of working with a really great couple from St. Thomas. Kutz Camp holds a special place for the bride's family, as the Father of the Bride works at the camp and the bride and her siblings went to the camp as children. They had a gorgeous day in early September. Tania Lezak took these photos. She is PHENOMENAL and I'll be featuring her tomorrow on the blog. I can't thank her enough for sharing these pictures!
The ceremony was held in "The Willows" in between two gigantic willow trees. The guests then followed the path of lanterns to "The Theatre," where the reception was held out over the lake.
The bride and bride's sister hand made their placecards. The lanterns above were used throughout the theatre. We strung them all along the sides of the reception space to create lantern-lit windows. Guests looked through the lanterns out onto the gorgeous lake and mountains.
Their Ketubah was fabulous! It was so intricate and ornate. It was such a beautiful piece of art.
The only thing Joey really had her heart set on was the rose petal aisle. It was a beautiful touch. The guests all sat on camp provided benches, which were painted different colors. It really brightened up the space and gave the ceremony a very personal feel.
Along with the beautiful Hazelnut Genoise Wedding Cake with Chocolate Ganache Filling (yum!), they had a "candy bar" filled with candy in their wedding colors. The guests could fill mini goody bags with the candy of their choice.
All in all, it was a gorgeous day and it was so great to be a part of it.
If you have any questions about where to get anything seen in this post, email us at stacey@asyouwishwed.biz!
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