PLANNING

Go Long on One

A great way to get people present and build a lifetime memory is to take one common thing and focus on it; then weave that into your happening from beginning to end. Whether it is a sight, sound, texture, or a taste – infuse this one special element throughout. Let’s use for example a sunset. This is an occurrence that happens every day in everyone’s life, but by you sharing your appreciation of it and

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Picking Space

I like to think of Happening spaces in three primary categories. First a raw space, second an event space, and third a multi-service venue. All of these can be indoors or outdoors, and in many cases a combination of both.

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Old Dog New Tricks

I’m not sure by who or when the phrase was coined, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I am here to tell you that with the changes we as a people have made to embrace ease and convenience provided by technology, I think it would be fair to say that this statement does not apply across the board.

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+++++++

What does it really cost all in? These days, planning anything can be so challenging when it comes to managing a budget. I find this experience to be even more overwhelming in my beloved events industry. When I first started, I learned very early on that when planning events everything is subject to change, and one of the biggest items was the bottom line. For the most part our industry is set to send out

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Right Sized

Too short, too tall, too big, too small. The struggle to be right sized has been a lifelong endeavor. How do I measure up? This seemed to fluctuate as often as the wind. Ironically, the exception to the rule in most cases was being content and feeling right sized. Years ago, I was given the advice that I am perfect in my creators eyes. Although this did not set in instantly, overtime I have come

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Create and Attend

So after what seems to be an eternity of tossing and turning, I finally succumb, my pillow has it in for me, and that perfect angle of alignment to provide some blissful sleep will not be granted. I shuffle my weary bones into the bathroom and in my sleep deprived state, I mistakenly turn on the lower faucet which turns on the handheld sprayer in the shower and cold water releases itself upon me. Every muscle

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Better than we found it!

When I first came into the industry we would spend days weeks, even months preparing and building for an event, making sure the environment would set the stage. Ironically, at the conclusion of our event our teams would come in and dismantle, pack up, and load the majority of of the items so meticulously prepared just hours before. With tractor-trailers filled with items no longer needed, we would send it off to the local dump,

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Is it worth it?

In today’s world so many of us can have almost anything, at anytime, accessible to us at the press of a button. I hear people talking about significant moments coming up, and their dread in putting everything together. I’ve heard them saying it’s just not worth all of that work to me. This is one of those moments when I use penance of tongue. And I’m sure, as many of you are reading this, you’re saying, wait a second I

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It’s All in the Details!

Years ago, I was a young man who moved out to New York with a duffel bag and dreams of building a better life. My apprenticeship had just started with the late great Robert Isabell. Like it was yesterday, I remember we had a meeting at one of the top hotels in New York City and I was asked to join. Robert was a man of few words, and to be included in any public

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Why hire a wedding planner?

There’s always a planner. I hear it all the time, do I really need a planner? The answer is unequivocally, Yes! bThis answer is as black-and-white to me as would I choose to operate on myself?I think where it gets confusing, especially with the to be wed is they think, l commonly plan my own parties and many with great results so why do I need a Planner?

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Traditional versus Modern Wedding

The bond of marriage is created on a foundation of tradition, that has evolved through modern inspiration. When thinking about the topic of modern versus traditional. I can’t help but remember the phrase something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. All suggestions I do believe have value, but for now let’s focus on the something old and something new.  Have you ever look back at pictures of weddings from maybe your grandparents? your parents? or older

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It’s About Time.

As the proud son of a gay father, I grew up hearing all of the stereotypes as well as understanding all the shame and repression gay individuals felt from a society that did not accept them as they truly are.   I never understood, what was the big deal? The love I felt from my father was genuine, and the contribution he made to my life is beyond significant. How could sexual orientation affect the

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How to have a gorgeous wedding on a budget

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]   It’s too bad that such a great sum of money, $10,000, is considered a challenging sum to pull off a beautiful wedding. In reality the beautiful wedding is not dictated by the budget but rather by creatively planning within your means. Here are three key points that will allow you to exceed expectations within your budgetary parameters

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How to Create an Out-of-the-Box Wedding

Long gone are the days that weddings are confined to country clubs, hotel ballrooms and banquet halls. I will always remain committed to the classic wedding, however I must admit I love the creativity and expressionism that is being introduced more and more in today’s weddings.

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How to plan the perfect outdoor spring wedding

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]   Whose senses do not connect with the sights, sounds and smells of a spring wedding? The beautiful scent of flowers blossoming, the glint of the sun reflecting on vibrant new spring leaves as a soft breeze blows! To me this is what lifetime memories are made of! So now comes the challenge! We can all agree that the perfect Spring day is the ultimate outdoor environment to set the stage for your nuptials.

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Engagement! What’s next?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]   Putting a plan in place Congratulations! This is a very exciting time and one that is a joy and an honor to share with family and friends. My recommendation is prior to sharing the news, talk with your partner regarding the weddings’ vision. Whether it is recapping what has already been discussed or brainstorming on what it could be. I assure you it will prove to be tremendously beneficial and exciting!

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Ballroom Wedding Planning

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When planning a wedding reception in a ballroom there are two key factors that if not properly manage can lead to unsatisfactory results.

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Location, location, location!

It is one of the key initial decisions to make and often the hardest to correct after-the-fact. Finding that perfect location that you can identify with and that fits your design esthetics, size, date and budget parameters are one of the most important decisions to make when planning a wedding. I often find it is impossible to aquire something that fits all the criteria, however if you do find this perfect location it is a

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The Presents have Arrived

When I started my journey in the event industry, my very first event was a wedding. I was enamored and enthused through the privilege of participating in helping others and creating a wedding. My passion came in the creative state of working to shape and form something extraordinary. The moment announcing the union of two people, has given me the drive to exceed expectations.

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Secrets to a Successful Wedding

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1073″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right”][vc_column_text] In this day and age, where we are catered and tended to on all aspects of our lives, it is easy to get lost in ourselves. You know the feeling we all get, from a one-sided conservation. When creating your wedding, focusing on the day for yourself rather than for your friends and family, will produce the similar results of a one-sided conversation.  One of the most important and keen secrets

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Spring is in the Air!

With the holidays now past and welcoming in the New Year, planning season is upon us! Each season brings individual characteristics to form the backdrop for your perfect and ideal happening. Spring is just around the corner and with it, brings a new life.

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Blessing During the Holidays

The holidays are a GREAT time to ask for a parent or loved one’s blessing. It’s the time to give from the heart and to recognize what we are grateful for. As we celebrate each other, we all recognize the true meaning of family. What better way to unite, by popping the question to your significant other! Having a bit trouble on how or when is the right moment?

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