Changes at As You Wish!

More than six years ago, I started out on an incredible journey as a small business owner. In that time, I have learned so much and met so many great people. It is truly a time that I would not change for anything. About a year ago, as a planner, I did the unthinkable. On a whim, I decided to pursue a personal opportunity and move to Colorado at the end of 2011. While it has taken a year to get my business affairs in order and get my last clients married, I am finally ready to spread my wings and leave New Jersey.

The first thing people ask when I tell them about my cross-country move is, "What is going to happen to your business?" For right now, the best answer I can give is that I am hitting the Pause Button. I can guarantee that this isn't the end. We are no longer accepting brides in New Jersey, but this may change in the future. For right now, I am going to focus my full time and energy on my new life in Colorado. For the first time, I'm planning nothing and letting life lead the way.

In the meantime, keep following me on twitter - same account, new handle: @staceykall. It will be a little less wedding and a little more personal.

Real Wedding: Marcia & Edmond

Edward from OrangeFilms put together an amazing wedding trailer from Marcia & Ed's wedding. It is amazing - check it out!

Marcia & Edmond from Edward Zilberman | Orange Films* on Vimeo.

Real Wedding: Marcia & Edmond

Cast of Characters

Ceremony & Reception: Pleasantdale Chateau

Photographer: Susan Stripling Photographer

Videographer: OrangeFilms

Florist: Laura Clare Designs

Band: Craig Scott Entertainment

Groom's Cake: Wendys Cake Art

Hair: Ramonda Marku

Makeup: Danielle Arminio

Wedding Crasher: Hurricane Irene

While planning the wedding, Marcia and I discovered we had a mutual love for the New Kids On The Block. I made a KNOTB garter for her. Her reaction was priceless.

Ed had one of the most romantic reactions to seeing his bride that I have ever seen. It was beyond sweet.

Ed's only flaw is that he is a Boston fan. But don't worry, I hexed the cake. Have you seen how the Boston teams have been doing lately? Don't mess with a Giants fan.

Marcia & Ed's wedding was one of my favorite weddings of the year. Not only was their taste impeccable but they are the sweetest people on earth. I enjoyed every moment of planning their wedding with them. Even though Hurricane Irene hit the night of their wedding, the dance floor was never anything nothing less than packed. Everyone had an amazing time!

Photos Courtesy of Susan Stripling Photography

Real Wedding: Jennifer & Francis

Cast of Characters

Ceremony & Venue: Clarks Landing, Point Pleasant NJ

Photographer: Artist European Photography

Videographer: Stomping Bread Productions

Florist: Metropolitan Plant & Flower Exchange

DJ: Unforgettable DJ's

Rolls Royce: First Class Limousine

Elvis: Francis!

Jennifer & Fran had the most perfect weather for an October wedding on the water. Their day was full of smiles, especially when Fran surprised Jennifer with a serenade in a full Elvis costume!

Splurge Wedding Shoes!

One of my best friends shared the link to these shoes this morning and I had to pass them along! They are a huge splurge at $3,440 but that doesn't make them any less fun to look at! You can pick them up at Net-A-Porter!

Photo Credit: Net-A-Porter

Heart Wedding Details

With Valentines Day fast approaching, it's easy for a February bride to get carried away and overuse hearts and the color red. Here are some cute ways to include hearts without going overboard.

Photo Credit

Heart Cake, Heart Shoes, Heart Umbrella, Heart Balloon

Combs For A Cure!

The girls over at Pink Comb Salon are hosting another amazing charity event this month: Combs For A Cure! Stop by the salon on October 24th and win a ton of prizes donated by the best in the wedding business while supporting a good cause. Last year, we donated a Day-Of Coordination package. The winner just got married this past week (photos to come!) and it was a BLAST! This year we are donating a Site Design package and two hours of Consultation Hours. Please come to support a worthwhile cause and bring your family and friends!

Real Wedding: Kristin & J

Back in May, we coordinated a really fun wedding at Studio 450 in New York City. It was the windiest day imaginable, but Kristin & J were total rockstars. The images from Kristin & J's wedding, shot by Vanessa Joy Photography, are some of my favorites of all time.

It doesn't get more beautiful than these two shots!

Rob Adams was also on our team that day and played this awesome same-day edit during the reception.

Kristin and J - SAME DAY EDIT from Rob Adams Films on Vimeo.

Thank you Vanessa and Rob for sharing your beautiful work!

Inspire Me Monday: Photobooth Props

Photobooths are a popular and fun item to have at your wedding reception. Add a fun twist to your photobooth by providing photobooth props for your guests to pose with. Maro Designs has everything from beards, to mustaches to lips. If you have something specific in mind - they can create it for you!

Photo courtesy of Maro Designs.

Designer Spotlight: Modern Trousseau

I love wedding gowns that are a little bit different but not too over the top. Modern Trousseau is one of my favorite designers who fit just that style. They are simple gowns with really stunning details.

Photo Credit: Modern Trousseau

Inspire Me Monday: Composite Rose Bouquets

Your bouquet is an area where it's difficult to stray from the norm. It doesn't seem like there are many options out there. If you do want a floral bouquet but want to do something different, try a composite rose bouquet. The bouquets are handmade from rose petals and are stunningly gorgeous. Above are two of my absolute favorite bouquets of all time.

Looking for some non-floral wedding bouquet options?

Photo Credit: Trent Bailey Photography and Tania Lezak Photography

Bouquets by Opalia Flowers and Beautiful Blooms

Real Wedding: Gina & Gregory

Gina & Greg's Same Day Edit with reactions from Dave Williams on Vimeo.

A few weeks ago, Gina & Gregory got married at Crystal Springs Resort. Check out the same day edit by our super awesome friends at CinemaCake! Not only do you get to see the video but you get to see the bride and groom's reaction as they watched it live during their wedding!

Check out Dave and his team at CinemaCake! They are an absolute joy to work with. Can't wait to share the pro pics from this wedding - coming soon!

Inspire Me Monday: Wedding Sparklers!

Sparklers are a cute photo accessory to include in your wedding. They make for awesome portraits, like above, or can be a fun "getaway" idea if you want to include all of your guests. Make sure that you speak with your venue to make sure it's legal in your area as well as your photographer to ensure that they bring the proper equipment!

This photo is of one of our July '09 couples, Michelle & Dan. Photo Credit: Kella MacPhee.

Fall Intern Needed!

We are looking for an energetic, organized, and creative person to work with our wedding planning team during the fall semester (September-December).

All applicants should live near Northern New Jersey with the ability to meet in Midland Park for one weekly meeting. Applicant must have internet and phone access and be available for projects from home as well as on wedding days. Applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Internet programs.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Positive Attitude
• Flexible schedule
• Ability to multi-task and problem solve
• Ability to operate independently and in a team setting
• Ability to work in a high-stress setting, under pressure, and with time constraints
• Exceptional communication skills
• Commitment to total client satisfaction
• Have the ability to work a varied schedule that may include some evening and weekends

Job Details:

• Research projects
• Phone and email contact with vendors
• Assistance with PR and advertising work
• Day-Of Wedding Assistance

To Apply:

Please briefly answer the following Application Questions:

• What wedding-specific experience do you have (if any)? Include any volunteer experience and the dates of service.
• Describe a stressful situation you’ve experienced while working and how you handled it.
• What unique qualities will you bring to the As You Wish team?
• What does style mean to you?
• What do you hope to gain by working with As You Wish Wedding & Event Design?
• What is your current work and school schedule?
• Do you have a reliable car and the ability to meet once a week as well as work 3-4 weekends during the semester?

Thank you for your interest in working with As You Wish Wedding & Event Design!

Please send your most recent resume, cover letter, and application questions in the body of an email (no attachments will be opened) to stacey@asyouwishwed.biz.

Destination Wedding Wednesday: Ring Shot!

As you can tell by now, I am obsessed with cool ring shots. Use your wedding location to come up with something unique and special.

Photo by Gabriel Boone. Click here to see the full wedding!

New Office Hours

As a wedding planner, I like to be available to my clients whenever they need me. Lately, that has meant in the mornings, in the evenings, and even in the middle of the night when I often get up and respond to emails (NOT a healthy habit!). In order to be a better wedding planner, I need to create a little bit of balance while still being available to my clients when needed. I have come up with brand new office hours. Since some clients are only available in the mornings or at night, I have created a schedule to please everyone!

Starting September 7th, here is when you can reach me:

Monday: 4pm to 10pm

Tuesday: 4pm to 10pm

Wednesday: 9am to 3pm

Thursday: 4pm to 10pm

Friday: 9am to 3pm

*Saturday & Sunday are by appointment only based on our wedding schedule.

During the times above, you'll be able to call us, email us, or schedule meetings with us! In the other times, you can find me working on my business, reading my nook, drinking a glass of local wine, or traveling - all things that I look forward to doing this fall in between planning some really, awesome weddings!

Inspire Me Monday: Yellow & Magenta

I adore the pairing of yellow dresses with magenta shoes. These bridesmaids look absolutely adorable. Don't be afraid to stray from tradition and use fun colors that will really make your girls stand out!

Photo by Amanda Wilcher. Click here to see the full wedding!

Real Wedding: Tamara & Jorge

It has been insanely hot in New Jersey and I am dying for some cooler fall weather. To get in the cool weather mindset, here is one of our awesome real weddings from last September at Florentine Gardens!

I love this ring holder. It screams fall and is such a breath of fresh air from the typical ring bearer pillow.

These beautiful pictures were taken by Jose Reyes Photography. Thanks for sharing, Jose!

Destination Wedding Wednesday: Ring Shot

I absolutely love this ring shot in the sand. It's so clever and fun!

Photo by Funky Town Photography

How I Would Plan Ali & Roberto's Wedding!

Last night on The Bachelorette, Ali made her decision. Overlooking the gorgeous water in Bora Bora, Roberto proposed to Ali. They have plans to wed next spring and I have already planned out the details for them!

I think that Ali & Roberto should have a tropical wedding, possibly right back where they solidified their love for each other in Bora Bora. The wedding will be full of vibrant colors to match Ali's sunny personality. The wedding details will be tropical inspired using pinks, oranges, yellows and greens. The flowers will be straight from the tropics: hyacinths, orchids, and plumeria. Given Ali's personality and dress choices on the show, I think she'd look beautiful in Coco by Amsale. It's the perfect mix of fun and tradition in a casually elegant way. Her hair should be loosely curled with a tropical flower to complete the look. Most importantly, Ali & Roberto would be surrounded by their friends family enjoying great food, drinks and of course........dancing the salsa!

What details would you choose for Ali & Roberto?

Photo Credit:

Tropical Drink ~ Wedding Cake ~ Watercolor Hibiscus Wedding Invitations by My Personal Artist
Tropical Ceremony ~ Coco by Amsale Wedding Gown ~ Plumeria Bouquet
Juicy Couture Flip Flops ~ Hairstyle ~ Reception Centerpieces