Spotlight on :: Ceremonies From The Heart

LisaAnn captures your essence as individuals and as a couple, creating a unique and special ceremony that you, your family and friends will speak about for years to come. A Celebrant, ordained interfaith Minister and Relationship Coach, LisaAnn's approach is highly personalized as she gently guides you in the creation of your wedding ceremony.

LisaAnn also has created an unique process for couples to create a marriage vision. While many people offer premarital counseling, LisaAnn's approach to Relationship Coaching is fun, compassionate and an adventure.

Please be sure to stop by and visit LisaAnn at the Wayside Inn Bridal Show this Sunday. To visit LisaAnn's website, please click here.

Spotlight on :: Bella Cakes

Bella Cakes, located in Marlborough Massachusetts, has been opened since 2008. Aside from offering absolutely stunning cakes, they're more than just beautiful. With the growing number of allergies, Bella Cakes is a nut-free shop offering gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan cakes. Being especially small allows them to truly control their ingredients and eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

Since they're in a market where few offer these type of baked goods, they have a rapidly growing clientele. Offering such options makes the wedding cake special for everyone as everyone can enjoy it and no one will feel left out because of allergy concerns.

Be sure to visit Bella Cakes online to view their photo gallery as well as learning more about the options available for cake flavor, fillings and frosting.

Spotlight on :: Bravo Baskets

Nikki's company, Bravo Baskets, designs unique and inviting hospitality baskets for guests attending your special event. Nothing says "welcome, we're so happy you have joined us", like a personally designed Bravo Basket filled with an assortment of yummy treats, fresh fruit, and thirst-quenching drinks. Nikki works exclusively with you to select just the items you want all the while being mindful of the price point you want to spend. She designs all the baskets herself so clients are assured personal service, attention to detail, and great value for their money.

In addition, Nikki also designs and sends customized gift baskets for any occasion for clients who don't want run-of-the-mill choices that others offer. So if you want your baskets to BE fantastic, you must call Nikki at Bravo Baskets!

Spotlight on::Encore Party Rentals

Encore Party Rentals has pretty much everything you need for your wedding or next special event. Whether it's tents, amusements, linens or china, they've got a massive inventory to cover it! Being in business for over 70 years, they take pride in their work and are known for their reputation for customer service and satisfaction. Encore was bought from Robinson's Rental in the 1990's.

Encore Party Rentals can assist you with all your needs for any event including weddings, private & corporate functions, school and college graduations and events and more. Their specialty is most definitely backyard events, there is no doubt you're guaranteed to have a gorgeous event!

Visit their website to see some of the products they have to offer as well as their contact information.

Wayside Inn Bridal Show - Vendor Spotlights!

This week I'll be featuring different vendors that will be participating in Sunday's bridal show at The Wayside Inn. Since there are a couple vendors that are participating in this show that also participated in mine I figured I'd just post links to those posts first so if you want to read up on them (again) you can!

Shooting Star Photography
Bonardi's Formalwear

Stay tuned for more blog posts this week!

For details on the bridal & fashion show at the Wayside Inn, feel free to check out the bridal show website by clicking here. This is going to be an amazing event!

Spotlight on:: Salon Colour

Have you thought about you color, style and condition of your hair so you can look your best on your BIG day? After all, it's your day, leave them breathless! Salon Colour is a place where anyone can feel welcome, get pampered, and above all, know they'll be completely taken care of.

Salon Colour is rooted in a warm environment with a staff of personable highly trained specialists. Their stylists have been trained all over the country in color, special occasion hair and the newest Keratin Smoothing System. Whether you and your wedding party would like to come to the salon or be in the comfort of your own home or hotel room, Salon Colour can provide for those needs.

Salon Colour is proud to have a licensed esthetician and professional make-up artist who knows what it takes to get healthy, radiant skin and maintain a beautiful appearance. She has created stunning looks for brides, photo shoots and special occasions.

Salon Colour would love to meet you on Sunday, March 7 at the Bridal Expo

Spotlight on::Shooting Star Photography

Jim Abrams of Shooting Star Photography has been shooting weddings for 17 years and has been fascinated with cameras, lighting and shooting photos in general, for a little over 20 years.

From the start, Jim has enjoyed working with each couple trying to find their unique tastes for wedding photography. Based on this info he does his best to capture images on their wedding day that will be special to them. This was the case with the couple pictured here. This couple loved their motorcycle and he thought that should be part of their album. It also happens to be one of my favorite shots of Jim's.

Other couples may have a love for hockey, baseball, football or even just a location that is significant to them. If possible, these interests will be captured on their wedding day. Some couples just want an album that simply shows their love for each other, for others incorporating elements that are special to them is what they focus on for their album memories.

Shooting Star Photography is located in Franklin and will travel just about anywhere in New England. Most weddings during the season are all over New England which keeps the shooting very interesting and gives the opportunity to discover new locations.

Having worked with Jim not only for my own wedding but on several others I know he is a dedicated professional. I've seen him first hand do whatever it takes to get the best shots.

Spotlight on:: Salon Vicaro

Celebrating 11 years in business, Salon Vicaro strives to give their clients a fabulous experience at their salon. Between the warm and cozy atmosphere and their experienced and friendly staff, they strive to take pride in their work. The stylists at Salon Vicaro are up to date with the newest color trends and cutting techniques, while still understanding and appreciating the need for classic styles.

They are known as one of the area's top hair salons for special occasion hair and have received both #1 Salon and Honorable Mention in the Readers Choice Awards. Their stylists are available by appointment and walk ins are always welcome.

Please be sure to visit the girls from Salon Vicaro at this weekend's bridal expo! They look forward to meeting you.

Spotlight on :: The Pouting Room

This post is going to be a different type of Spotlight.  Since I wrote a detailed blog post about The Pouting Room awhile back I thought it was just as easy to give you a link to that post instead of basically rewriting it.  So, that being said, please click here to read all about The Pouting Room!  And make sure to stop by and visit Stefanie this weekend at the bridal expo!

Spotlight on :: Ron Auger Productions

DJ Ron Auger knows that great music makes a great wedding.  With over 20 years of experience, he's sure to make your wedding a blast! The key to his business is personal attention to each of his clients, making sure to customize their event they way they want it.  From the moment you enter as husband and wife, to the cake cutting, to the final dance, he guides you through the process of music selections.

When it's time to get the party started, Ron knows how to play an eclectic mix that makes each event fantastic for all guests.  Ron will work with you to create a musical experience that will have everyone saying "Wow, what a wedding", and ultimately that is what every bride and groom wants.

You may contact Ron at 508.889.9635 or by emailing him at djron@djronauger.com

Spotlight on :: The Frost Collection

Be sure to visit The Frost Collection booth at the So Chic Bridal Expo!  The Frost Collection offers a wide array of papers, colors, and printing options to present your personality, or create a look that defines your moment perfectly.  Get inspired and express yourself! 

The Frost Collection was recently awarded the 2010 Wedding Guide Bride's Choice Award for Wedding Invitations.  The Frost Collection is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire Community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada.  Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

The Frost Collection is also online, offering bridal shower invitations, thank you notes and other items.

Spotlight on :: 77 Blossom Shop

77 Blossom Shop opened in June of 2006. Joyce Maffeo, the owner of 77 Blossom Shop, has over 25 years experience prior to opening her own shop. In 2008, they were awarded first prize in the wedding show competition at the Spring Garden and Patio show at the DCU center. Look for their display at this year's show.

Although the 77 Blossom Shop has a great day to day floral business, their wedding business has shown the most growth over the last couple years. Brides are very happy with their personal touch, attention to detail and affordable prices and it's because of this that they often recommend them to family and friends. In addition to being recommended by previous clients, they're also on the preferred vendor list of many local wedding venues including Crystal Lake Golf Club and Blissful Meadows Golf Club.

77 Blossom Shop offers custom wedding designs along with a complete wedding package designed with beautiful roses for less than $400 for a party of eight! They also offer a free, no obligation consultation and are currently booking weddings for Spring, Summer and Autumn. If you mention this blog post you'll receive a free add when you book your wedding order.

77 Blossom Shop is located at 77 South Main Street in Uxbridge Massachusetts. They can be reached at 508.278.7737.

Spotlight on :: Bonardi's Formalwear

Bonardi's Formalwear has been dressing men for special occasions since 1923.  They have grown to be the largest provider of tuxedos in Central Massachusetts, known for their friendly staff and huge selection.  They continue to offer fashions for formal and informal occasions and their tuxedo line offers basic attire to very luxurious, all at budget friendly prices.  For 2010, they have added an extensive suit rental line in several colors and fabrics.  Bonardi's also offers a free rental for the groom with four other rentals. 

If you have out of state groomsmen, Bonardi's can still take care of them as well.  All of their tuxedos are in stock and custom fitting is done on site.  This will guarantee a perfect, comfortable fit for your entire wedding party.  With their attention to detail and great service, Bonardi's takes the worry out of getting dressed on your wedding day.

Please visit their website, or one of their convenient locations in Milford, Worcester, Framingham, Auburn and Sturbridge.  Stop by and meet them at the Myriad Ballroom during our bridal expo.

Spotlight on :: The Honorable Susan Green

Susan Green has been a Justice of the Peace for over 25 years performing ceremonies for many couples.  During this time, she's helped many clients design a ceremony that reflects their feelings and hopes.  Susan's approach to creating the perfect ceremony involves meeting with each couple to listen to their ideas and how they would like their day to feel, and in turn offering many samples to review and choose from.  Each couple has the ultimate say in their ceremony content.  Ceremonies can be large or small, long or short, complex or simple and may occur in a variety of settings.  Knowing every couple is unique, she happily incorporates their ideas so that their day is a reflection of their wishes.

Susan thoroughly enjoys her job and looks forward to meeting with you and beginning the process together.  Please feel free to email her by clicking here or calling her at 508.429.7770.

Spotlight on :: Morin's Studio of Photography

Morin's Studio of Photography, located in Milford, has been photographing area bridal couples since 1922.  Most people are surprised to learn that Morin's has three in-house, full time photographers with over 85 years of combined wedding experience!  Sue Morin Schoenberg, Morin's wedding consultant, will answer all of the questions that you have regarding their wedding services.  From your free engagement photo, the type of wedding coverage you need, your pricing options, album design choices, parent albums, canvas wraps, folios, and photo thank you cards, Morin's can meet all your photographic needs in a fair and competitive manner.  They have their own professional lab and print all of their portraits and wedding images in house.  Personalized service is always a priority. 

Weddings are filled with emotion and treasured memories and you can trust Morin's to record your wedding day and deliver a beautiful, finished album to you in a timely and professional manner.  They look forward to hearing from you for a free, no obligation wedding consult. 

Spotlight on :: Specialty Wedding Cakes

This next vendor I can truly attest to how amazingly wonderful she is. I've had the honor of having Heather's cake on more than one occasion and they're simply divine, mouthwatering and fabulously delicious! That being said, here's some information on Heather & Specialty Wedding Cakes!

Heather LaPlante, owner of Specialty Wedding Cakes, has been designing wedding cakes for over 10 years. Recently, Specialty Wedding Cakes has earned the award for "The Knot Best of Boston Cake Baker for 2009" so her brides are speaking out about how much they love her! Attention to detail, focus on freshness & quality and highest regard for client satisfaction has made her business successful. Years of instruction and practice of sugar art, as well as teaching, have provided the ability to create a beautiful, delicious and memorable wedding cake for your special day. Together, you will design the cake of your dreams! Contact Heather for a free consultation and cake tasting.

Spotlight on :: Bridals By Rochelle

Bridals by Rochelle is a full service salon offering everything from bridal gowns, maids, mothers and flower girl dresses as well as the accessories and alterations to make your day perfect. With all your bridal needs under one roof, your perfect wedding begins here. The salon has been in business for over 20 years and has been under its current ownership for the past 7 years.

In addition to the large selection of gowns, there are two seamstresses at the salon, each with over 25 years experience in the bridal industry. Having these talented seamstresses on site provides brides with the confidence that their gown will fit them perfectly. There is never a special request or alteration they cannot handle and the gowns are always finished to perfection.

As a small salon, they pride themselves on personal service and attention. Their customers may come in as brides, but they leave as friends. Being chosen as "The Knot Best of Weddings 2008 & 2009 Pick" by local brides showcases the level of service they provide. Bridals by Rochelle is also a Wedding Wire Rated business with a 5.0 rating and an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau holding an A+ rating.

Gowns from Bridals by Rochelle are featured in our bridal expo fashion show every year. They do an amazing job making sure the crowd sees gowns from every season. Make sure you see the fashion show next weekend at our bridal expo! Visit the expo website for more details.

Spotlight on::J & L Catering

During the next week, to give you a little preview of some of the amazing talent we have with us this year, I'll be featuring some of the vendors that will be participating at our upcoming bridal expo. To start things off, this first post is all about J & L Catering.

Chef John Boardman, along with his wife, Laurel, own and operate J & L Catering. They will cater any event, from small intimate dinners, to large family functions, including weddings (and anything wedding-related), corporate outings, graduation & holiday parties, BBQ's, clambakes and brunch.

I've had the honor of working with John & Laurel on both a professional and personal level. I recommend them to all of my clients and when I'm planning an event for myself they're one of the first calls I make. John, Laurel, and their staff will go above and beyond to fulfill every aspect of your party. While they do have sample menus featured on their website, they pride themselves on developing personalized menus for each client - based on their needs, tastes and budget. Some ideas for your event may include an elegant plated meal, a clambake or BBQ, a brunch or perhaps a more casual route with sandwich platters or trays of lasagna which are now available for pick up in their new cafe. In addition, they also offer a complimentary tasting once you begin the menu planning process.

Chef John Boardman has over 20 years of culinary experience. After he earned his formal culinary degree, John worked for upscale restaurants including Legal Seafoods, Inc., where he was a founding chef of their multi-million dollar catering division. John has also had the honor of cooking under the direction of some of the greatest chefs of the world, including Julia Child and Jasper White.

Over the years, John has catered events for thousands of happy clients, including Harvard University and Former President Bill Clinton. Guests have enjoyed the unique flavors and attention to detail for which he prides himself. John's creativity, talent and passion for food, combined with his drive to satisfy his clients, will shine through in any social event.

J & L Catering can be contacted at (617)852-7127 or email at jnlcatering@yahoo.com

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!

A focal point at your wedding reception is your wedding cake, but for anyone that is already married or couple's that have done their research, they know they can also come with a hefty price tag based on the amount of flavors, layers and intricate details. For example, my cake was almost $1,000. It was huge, 5 layers, 2 flavors, lots of scrollwork and strategically placed leaves. Now had I known then what I know now as a planner, I would've done things a bit differently. Don't get me wrong, I loved my cake, but like I said, it was huge! There are options to have your beautiful cake and also not break the bank, which is what this post is about. The first is have a smaller version of your dream cake and sheet cakes made by the same baker in the kitchen. If you don't want to go that route, then how about option two, keep reading for details!

I have recently discovered Fun Cakes Rental, which allows you to have your gorgeous cake but also save some money. The concept is simple; these cakes are actually made of foam and covered with fondant with the look and feel of a real cake. There is also a compartment to place a small portion of edible cake for the cake cutting ritual. Very clever right? This means none of your guests will know that it's not real unless you tell them of course. Once the cake cutting ceremony is over, the display cake is taken into the kitchen and the guests are served regular sheet cakes from the baker of their choice. It's really a win win situation. You get a gorgeous cake to display and the cake of your choice of flavor, filling and icing to serve your guests. Wow them with sight and taste; it's truly the best of both worlds.

Fun Cakes Rental offers many pre-designed cakes to choose from but if you don't see one you love you also have the option to design your own. Here are just a couple of the cakes they have in their gallery. Aren't they fabulous?!

Put on Your Dancin' Shoes!

Wow! I don't know what else to say really. Last week I had a private lesson with Pavel at Metronome Ballroom Dance Center and it was fabulous! I had an absolute blast! I actually found Metronome through a friend and I called and spoke to Linda and talked to her about my upcoming expo. She told me to come on in for a dance lesson and set that up with Pavel. I went in and immediately felt comfortable. I was a little nervous about that, I really thought I'd feel a bit awkward but I didn't at all! It was great! Pavel taught me the basics for the Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba and Swing.

Afterwards I was able to sit down with Pavel & Linda and learn more about their studio. They offer all private lessons which I think is fantastic. I also think it's why the atmosphere is so comfortable and inviting, there is no pressure to "perform" in front of a "class". They also compete in several dance competitions throughout the year which I think is really cool.

Now that I've taken my first ballroom dance lesson, I wish I had done it for my wedding. It's such a great thing to do, not just for the first dance but for the whole night and whenever you're out dancing. It's fun!

I'm also so very happy to say that Metronome Ballroom Dance Center will be a part of my expo this year! They'll be doing a dance demonstration as well and I can't wait to see it! I hope you'll come see it also!