The Wedding Walk Continues (Part 2)

For your dream dress, the dress so perfect you couldn't even imagine it, look no further than the place called "Mustillo's". Pictured to the left, this beautiful bridal shop offers not just wedding gowns, but all of the accessories and everything that your bridesmaids need as well. This family owned shop has some of the most creative dresses I've ever seen and all at reasonable prices. I'm a big fan of small dress shops outside of the corporate world, and this shop moved quickly to the top of my list. I'm so happy I went there during The Wedding Walk in Red Bank, NJ. For a quick walk around their site visit them here: http://www.mustillos.com/

The walk continued for me as I entered an amazing salon named "Hair and Company, Oasis Spa". This charming salon and spa is on White Street and the owner, Joann is a doll. When I walked in on that busy Saturday, there were clients everywhere I looked, but Joann took the time to meet with me and tell me all about what her salon offers. I even ended up booking this salon for an April 13, 2012 wedding held at The Oyster Point Hotel....blog and photos to come soon!

I also met with Milena Melone, an aesthetician who has her own little "oasis" in the back part of the salon. Whether you need a facial, foot reflexology, photon therapy or anything in between, she is the woman you want to see. If you're getting married in the Red Bank area, consider making this salon your one stop shop for feeling beautiful and relaxed. Check out their website here: www.hairandcompanyredbank.com or give them a call at 732-747-6983.

Of course, no wedding is complete without beautiful flowers. For something other than the "been there, done that", swing through Flowers on Front, easily accessible on Front Street. This quaint little shop has everything you need to make your day extra special. Just tell Tina everything you envision and watch her work some magic! Their website is www.flowersonfront.com.

The number one regret brides have is not having a videographer at their wedding day. Truth be told, I didn't have one, and it still is my biggest regret. I'll never get to see those written vows, or our choreographed first dance...all I have is the memories. I wish I had known about Joe Minnella and hired him to put together something creative! On my walk, I saw how interesting his work was; not just the average point and shoot, but something that flowed and would be beautiful to watch time and time again. He truly is a cinematographer! Don't just take my word, check out his website here: www.joecinema.com.

That concludes this year's Red Bank Wedding Walk. Like I said in the first part of this blog, if I were a bride with nothing planned, it would've all been done at the end of the walk! Amazing vendors, amazing people and an amazing time. Both venues, Molly Pitcher and Oyster Point would be dream locations to be married at. So ladies, get thee to Red Bank and get planning! Tell them Danielle from Golden Wedding Planners sent you!

Red Bank Wedding Walk (Part 1)

Walk with me, talk with me...

On March 24, 2011, I took a trip down to Red Bank, New Jersey, which is one of my favorite places to visit. They hosted an event called "Wedding Walk" where vendors from the area displayed their talents and were available to talk to throughout the day. At the end of the walk there was a bash at The Oyster Point (http://www.theoysterpointhotel.com/) to mingle and have a drawing for various prizes. It was basically a wedding expo where brides and grooms could see the vendors at their places of business instead of in front of a table. All of the businesses were located either in Red Bank or nearby Shrewsbury and if I was a bride with nothing planned, my entire wedding would've been planned in one day.

First stop was the check-in point at The Molly Pitcher Inn (http://www.themollypitcher.com/) where I was greeted by Eric Kent of NJ Wedding (http://www.njwedding.com/). Couples, friends and the like got to sign in and receive a map of the area where they would be able to meet with vendors and get their "passport" stamped. A gorgeous buffet breakfast was set out in one of the ballrooms and once you were finished, it was off to the walk!

Guests had a few options available to them: walk, take a trolley or take the shuttle. It was such a beautiful day out, that I walked most of the way. When I didn't, I took the shuttle which was provided by Arrow Limos (http://www.arrowlimo.com/) and it stopped at various places along the route, always bringing you back to The Molly Pitcher.

You might wonder why I went to this event. I'm not a bride (already married, thank you) and I'm a wedding planner that doesn't have a storefront in Red Bank. Well, while many of our brides are local to Bergen County, more and more brides want to get married "down the shore" in Jersey. Our next wedding (April 13th) is taking place at The Oyster Point, and what a better time to visit the venue and get to know some of the local vendors. With more and more brides contacting us about getting married in this area, we thought it would best to introduce ourselves to the local businesses.

My first stop was CLB Photography (http://www.clbphoto.com/) where I met Suzanne Lo Bue, a talented photographer with an amazing portfolio. Suzanne and her husband Chris have been in business for quite awhile, and they boast "Romantic 2 Ridiculous" weddings. Suzanne told me that the bride that books with them is typically looking for something different and not the typical portraits that are being taken. Many of our brides are looking for just that, so we look forward to recommending their services very soon!

Next up in the same building was "Sounds to Go" a DJ Entertainment group that kept the room filled with fun music. They were a great crew and we urge you to check out their website (http://www.soundstogodjs.com/) for all of your musical needs. We work with some stellar DJs, and we're picky about vendors we choose to partner with, but we look forward to working with them on future weddings. If you're looking for the fun element at your wedding, along with a DJ that provides lighting, then check this company out and let them know we sent you!

The walk continues in our next blog where we visit an amazing dress shop, smell some beautiful flowers and even get our hair did! Stay tuned....

The Maggie Sottero Obsession

Our obsession with Maggie Sottero is out of control.

Recently, I was browing through some wedding gown vendors in NJ, and with each website, I looked at what designers they carried. This blog, like all others, is strictly opinion based, but Maggie Sottero has got to be one of the best designers of wedding gowns...ever.

A few months ago I wrote a blog about finding the right wedding gown for your shape. Mermaids aren't for everyone, and neither are ballgowns. Sadly, if you're in love with a certain designer and they only specialize in strapless satin trumpet dresses, then you might be looking elsewhere.

Please take a minute to fall in love with Maggie.

This designer has the dress for everyone. Literally, for everyone. Whether you need a simple drop waist with no embellishment, or a full on strapless ballgown with dozens of pickups, you really can't go wrong. In fact, if I were going to get married all over again, as happy as I was with my gown (Vineyard Collection from Priscilla of Boston) I would check out Maggie's gowns.

There are collections that simply won't include non-strapless, but not every girl can carry that. This one didn't.... But Maggie has gowns for those of us that need a little "pick me up" in the front, and straps that can be anything from simple to decked out all the way.

I would absoutely recommend visiting a bridal salon that has Maggie Sottero as a designer. Even if you only tried on her dresses, the style she designs ranges from simple to elegant to over the top to princess to whatever you can think of and beyond.

Don't believe us? Visit her website to see that the proof is in the pudding:

http://www.maggiesottero.com/collection.aspx?line=m

and let us know which one you end up buying for the big day!

Another Wedding, Another Hall...

Your wedding is all about the personal style of you and your partner. But so many weddings look the same! There are ideas that have been done, colors that have been seen, and if you're starting to think that you need to wear something other than white to make your wedding stand out, then this blog entry is for you!

There are some simple ways to make your special day stand out. The key is to keep your focus and do one thing at a time. Look at the big parts of your wedding: vows, music, food and invitations to showcase your style.

First and foremost, write your own vows. Of course traditional vows are romantic and beautiful, but this is the only chance to verbally express to your mate how you feel. A wedding is about the coming together of two hearts, but too often it becomes all about the show. No matter what your budget, you can afford your own vows because they are free! Whether you're inspired by poetry, lyrics or movie quotes, find a way to make your words special. Maybe you still have that first sweet card that was written to you from your soon to be spouse. Use those words and tell your love how much they mean to you.

The music you play will set the tone for the entire reception. Don't just limit yourself to one type of music! Mix it up so that everyone will get a spin around the dance floor. Music shouldn't just be confined to the reception either, when there should be music during the ceremony and cocktail hour as well. Whether it's a band or a DJ, or a string quartet or a barbershop quartet, let the music reflect your life as a couple. Take the time to work on a playlist and even the order of the music. Invite friends to sing (if they can...seriously, bad singers have no place at a wedding, ever) during the ceremony or at the reception...or the after-party!

Your food choices say a lot about you. If you're a seafood lover, bring on the raw bar. Celebrating your Southern Italian heritage, then pasta with different sauces will do the trick! Just don't forget to have a wide variety. Just because you don't eat meat, doesn't mean your guests don't. It's not nice to let your guests starve, so make sure that everyone is happy.

The first entrance into a wedding is the save the date and invitation. It sets the tone and sits on your guests' fridge for the months leading up to the big day. You can use magnets, paper, cloth or wood, just make sure it ties into your whole theme. Taking engagement photos? Then put those on the save the dates! There are numerous websites where you can simply point and click and ship your invites. My advice? If you're overwhelmed, don't just "pick anything". Bookmark some of your favorites and come back to it on another day when you're relaxed and have a clear head.

No matter your budget, with a little time and effort you can make your personal style shine through your special day! For more tips and ideas, contact us at danielle@goldenweddingplanners.com and let us know how we can help!

Erin Go....Get Married!

This weekend is going to be warm and sunny in the NYC-NJ area and it's also St. Patrick's Day Weekend! Whether you're planning to pop the question, or get married, there are so many things to consider!

If you're not engaged yet, consider using the Luck of the Irish to help you out. Guide your better half to a pot of gold where you can hide the ring. All it takes is a pot from Home Depot spray painted gold and voila! Pick up some shamrocks at their Garden Center to add into the pot and place the ring inside the greens! When she says yes, find a way to incorporate that pot into your wedding day...maybe even as a centerpiece for your sweetheart table!

Getting married on the holiday? No need to have a green explosion when there are way to celebrate...tastefully.

Wildflowers are perfect to use at your wedding and are very popular for Irish ceremonies. You could use them in something simple like your bouquet, or hang them from the chairs in baskets during the ceremony. If you want a more elegant look, consider using calla lillies!

Favors are something that every couple leaves until the end to figure out, but your guests will always talk about them. Why not give your guests some good luck with a rabbits foot? For the true Irish fans, consider giving small bottles of Irish whiskey and have the labels say your names and wedding date on them.

I'm a huge fan of mason jars, and I'd love to see an Irish wedding use some green ones to showcase their flowers. If you really want to get creative, buy enough to make a rainbow down the aisle!

If you're able to bring in your own caterer, keep with Irish tradition and offer fare like corned beef and cabbage. That said, don't just offer that as some people might not want it. Make sure you have a wide variety of food for your guests to choose from.

It's all about luck and good fortune! However you choose to celebrate, whether with a proposal or a wedding, enjoy it! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Ladies, today is the day to leap!

Happy Leap Year Day! If you're a lady looking to propose to your man, then today is officially your day to do it!

Even though rules aren't as strict as they used to be, if you're looking for an excuse to pop the question to your boyfriend, then let me give you one! Long ago, women were not allowed to propose to their boyfriends, except on this one day: Leap Day, also known as Sadie Hawkins Day. This day was never recognized by English Law and was "leapt" over. So if you're really into tradition, but want to give the ring to him instead, then this is your big day to do it! Please let us know if you do, we'd love to share your story!

Of course, there is also the Irish tale that St. Patrick was the one who officially allowed women to propose on this day....only after St. Bridget complained to him.

As far as marrying on this day, or in this year, if you're superstitious, and Greek, they suggest to avoid it. Many couples in Greece will avoid planning their wedding during a Leap Year so they will not have bad luck during their marriage.

If you want to get married on a Leap Day and want it to be a traditional wedding weekend, you'll have to wait a few years. 2020 is the next time that Leap Day will be on a Saturday.

Whatever your thoughts and superstitions are, share them with us! If you're getting married this year, did you think about it being a Leap Year? Ladies, are you popping the question today? We'd love to hear your stories!

Happy Leap Day!

Gay or Straight, you have the right to be married to your love!

This is not our usual wedding blog. This is not a blog about how to greet your guests, what colors work best together, how to select your flowers or make your entrance more interesting...it's a serious blog.

It's about the right to love the person you love, shout it from the rooftops, and declare to everyone that you two are together forever. It's about exchanging rings and hearts...till death do you part.

Golden Wedding Planners is based in New Jersey and fully supports the right for a man and a woman to marry. We also support a woman to marry her girlfriend and a man to marry his boyfriend. There is no limit on love, and when you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, no one should be able to tell you "no".

Today, the New Jersey Assembly approved gay marriage in the State of New Jersey. Governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto this when it hits his desk. We are hoping and praying for something different, but won't hold our breath.

We're asking the Governor to please put love first. You may not understand it, but love deserves a chance. If people like Britney Spears and Kim Kardashian are allowed to make a mockery out of the sanctity of marriage, then the gay population is not your problem.

We've seen so many New Jersey reality stars take a stand for gay marriage on twitter and facebook. We've watched the newscasters interview everyday people who want the gay population to be able to marry. Golden Wedding Planners is adding their voice. We believe in love for all. You get one life, and you should be able to celebrate it in union with your soulmate. It doesn't matter the color of your skin, or if you're a man or a woman.

Love is blind. In a good way. The heart wants what the heart wants.

If Governor Christie doesn't veto this, and a man can marry a man and a woman can marry a woman, Golden Wedding Planners will offer 50% off every single package to the first TEN gay couples that book with us. We also have plenty of vendors willing to slash their prices as well.

We'll also do a contest for a completely free package for one lucky gay couple.

We can't wait to offer this....good luck to the gay community. We're crossing our fingers for you!