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Keith Cephus, Keith Cephus has been a professional wedding and fashion photographer for over 12 years. Vibrant, fresh and seductive, his approach to wedding photography results in capturing not only the bride’s essence – both her inner and outer beauty - but of the bridal party and the personality of the entire event.
Keith’s approach seems like play; the result is a work of art.
Keith works with celebrity weddings such as Grammy award-winner Chad Hugo of the Neptunes and star quarterback Aaron Brooks of the Oakland Raiders. |
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Feeding of the 5000
This story of turning water to wine and multiplying loaves and fishes… truly a HUGE miracle…
But, at the risk of sounding sacrilegious neglects talking about the most challenging part of the story- the same part couples planning their wedding, and wedding consultants deal with all the time.
It skims over the part where people complained about the fact that they didn’t like red wine, or that they only drank Australian Shiraz, the people who were on carb free diets and couldn’t have the bread, who might not like the sauces he served with the fish or were vegetarian!
OK, OK, I’M KIDDING! (Boy I can see the comments already)
But the truth is: Picking a menu which will make everyone at your wedding happy is no less miraculous….
Here are a few simple rules to help you make it though the process of picking menu.
- Start with the big stuff first – pick entrée selection which appeal to you – stay middle of the road.
Picking items which are too far out of most peoples taste range will more than likely annoy rather than impress.
- Unless your religious or moral beliefs prohibit specifics – a beef, chicken or light flavored fish are good starts.
Unless your families’ cultures embrace specific foods items like lamb, veal, pork, or duck picking these is surly to leave a large number of guests hungry.
- Don’t make the toppings or sides too fussy – while using caviar, strong blue cheeses or exotic spices is fun for an hors d’oeuvre it’s tough on an entrée
- Discuss if the caterer will be able to have special items available on an as needed basis with some advance notice- a few Kosher meals, a vegetarian selection, or children’s meals.
- Build backward from your entrée – picking a salad that compliments the meal but doesn’t reuse items in your entrée-( if the chicken has spinach you might not want to do a spinach salad)
- Pick your hors d’oeuvres last – this is the place where you can get a little fun, and not worry about pissing people off…
If you don’t eat shrimp- you take the next hors d’oeuvre coming along – still keep in mind some balance, don’t reuse too many items from the salad or entrée courses, find something vegetarian, and maybe a few recognizable things.
** NOTE ON HORS D”OEUVRES –
I have always been a big proponent of trading off your ‘Crudité’ and ‘Fruit and International and Domestic Cheeses’ for other items of interest – as nearly every supermarket now sells the same items in take out trays.
HOWEVER- I often see that in getting a little adventurous with hors d’oeuvres it’s the two ‘safe’ foods for most people-it’s something the recognize and will eat when all the ‘cool, fun’ foods don’t appeal to them.
* On that same note- I’m going to say those taboo four words- PIGS IN A BLANKET…. Ok I said it…I always encounter the ‘tacky’, ‘cheap’ comments.
But the truth of the matter is – it’s comfortable – everything old is new again, mini cheese burgers often called ‘sliders’ are HUGE, as are tiny bites of grilled cheese paired with a sip of creamy tomato soup.
Only tip on Pigs in a Blanket – have a ton- they will honestly go faster than anything else…
When picking foods for a wedding – you’ll never please everyone – start middle of the road, pick some things you like, get a little fun with some of the passed foods where people have other options…
And be sure to include some fun, recognizable things that everyone will have fun with.
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A Rose By Any Other Name Would Smell As Sweet
Unfortunately the same cannot be said about Wedding Consultants-
Wedding Consultants, Wedding Planners, and Bridal Consultants to most people different names for the same thing…
In some cases they are- but in others they have totally different distinctions.
Take Bridal Consultant – to many it’s a term for someone who assists brides in planning a wedding as in Association of Bridal Consultants (www.bridalassn.com ) –
The person who works at the bridal salon and shows you gowns, veils and headpieces calls themselves a Bridal Consultant - often no experience beyond clothing , but they use the same title… I might suggest Bridal Attire Consultant?
And what about the person at your favorite department store’s Bridal Registry – the one who suggests a china pattern, the best coffee maker for your usage and personal taste or the perfect linens for your King sized bed with pillow top cover.
They call themselves a Wedding Consultant – no background in planning, great information on their registry and a big help in finding your personal style- what about: Bridal Registry Consultant?
Now we have the person at your entertainment company who helps you organize your introductions, the songs for your first dance, and your “play and don’t play” list… or at the limo company – the person who helps schedule your pick up…again Wedding Planner.
Mix in the catering manager- who is now a ‘wedding consultant’ because their job involves selling food and beverage to brides for their reception…and coordinating the service...
This one is more challenging as many of them crash heads with wedding consultants… they do a great job at the reception…and may even refer you to wedding professionals they like working with – doesn’t mean that they know if they are in your budget, or offer the style you are looking for…they just like working with them and know they do a good job when they work with them…
Even wedding planners can’t decide what we are called…Wedding Coordinators, Wedding Planners, Wedding Designers, and Bridal Consultants –
All pretty much the same, one might have a stronger background or emphasis is décor design, one might be a title given to the person who coordinates the wedding day but all pretty similar…. The all handle full service planning or all aspect of the wedding, generally including etiquette, referrals to qualified wedding professionals, organization of wedding flow and details, contract review and negotiation, overseeing the entire production as YOUR ADVOCATE…
Now here’s the hard part – Unlike your hair stylist who need to go to school and get a license to cut your hair ( which will grow back in a couple weeks) there is no licensing for wedding planners… there are some great associations, and even some good classes…but nothing is required to start doing business!
One planner told me of an INTERN in her office who went out and had cards printed with her name and Wedding Consultant – and she had just started as an intern.
Or the bride who had fun planning her wedding and wanted a career change…she she decided to be a wedding planner…
Her Wedding, Her Ideas, Her Money – a little different than working with 8, 10, and 12 brides, their families, their ideas, their money and their family drama…
When Shopping for a Professional Wedding Consultant, or Independent Wedding Consultant:
* Look for their background- experience in catering is a big plus, as is experience in floral design or bridal apparel…
* Look at their portfolio – IT’S OK TO BE NEW – everyone was at one time… but look to see if they have worked on weddings of the style, complexity and budget of the one you want to plan…
* Ask about what associations they belong to AND are active in- networking, getting to know the best wedding professionals in your area is key to knowing who is the best fit for your clients..
* If in doubt- ask to check references…obviously they will only send you to people who will say great thing so ask other wedding professionals you meet at the catering venue, or at a bridal event…
The most important thing in looking for a Professional Wedding Consultant to assist you in your planning is someone you can talk to, and who listens to what you want for your wedding.
Do your homework, Professional Wedding consultants can save you time, energy and stress…don’t be fooled by imitations.
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Just like the perfect wedding gown, or a great pair of shoes…..
You know you’ve found the right wedding planner when you meet them.
People ask me all time: “Do I REALLY need a wedding planner?” and my standard answer is-
“How much is your free time worth?”
Many brides aren’t sure they need a planner, can afford a planner or are afraid that the planner will come in and take over the wedding making it “their’ day…
OK, I get it - so let’s break it down and hopefully help you slow down, relax and enjoy your wedding.
First, keep in mind that the wedding is a process not a day…
Hopefully during your engagement you and your fiancé are spending time communicating – ya, ya, ya, I get it you talked when you dated, but this is about stuff like religion, family drama, and the taboo MONEY…
Hiring a professional wedding consultant will allow you to relax and spend some time doing fun things, spending time with family and still getting things moving with your planning.
It will streamline the process- you planner can offer you options of venues, products and services tailored to fit your specific needs- based on your style, budget and personality…
Or you can spend hours online, in magazines, or at bridal shows looking at things you think are ‘cute’ or a ‘good fit’ just to find out that they are booked, too expensive or you really don’t click!
“Ok, I know I NEED a planner but I CAN’T afford a planner…”
Not true – many professional wedding planners offer services in a number of levels
Hiring a planner to help you with a game plan in a great investment in your wedding- look at what you’ll spend in time and money over the course of the planning.
The couple hundred bucks you might spend with a planner to come up with a planning timeline, breaking down a budget to use as a guideline, and some tips to keep you on track or to personalize your wedding is worth a small fortune.
Even a planning tier with some additional consultations, broken down over the year- knowing you have access to a professional for basic questions is a HUGE help.
Knowing you have a neutral third party who can offer guidance during those rough family times is a big relief.
If none of that works, or you’re afraid of turning over too much control bothers you…
A Wedding Day director or coordinator might be just the right ticket- someone who will help you finalize all the wedding details, confirm services with wedding professionals and be there to talk you through the day “priceless”.
On you wedding day do you want to be a guest at your own wedding or the target of all the questions? Trust me the woman in the big, white dress is the easiest to find when you have a question or a problem!
Do you want to spend the wedding day with a clipboard and a time line or dancing with your friends from college?
Do you want to stay calm and look like you’re having fun or stressed and running around making sure other people are having fun?
How do you want to be remembered on your wedding day?
Interview several wedding planners, do your homework- check them out on line, see what their background is, do they have experience in catering where you’ll spend 50% of your budget, or areas where you already think you might need help?
In weddings there are no ‘do overs’ on your wedding day…
Find the right planner to assist you with your planning and relax and enjoy the process... |
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Leslie Orlen, M.S. CPT-NASM is the owner of Bridal Fitness, a 12-week online personal training & nutrition program for brides. Leslie has been in the fitness industry for over 10 years and specializes in training brides. She is a graduate of Penn State University and currently lives in the Philadelphia area.
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Michael Lasky, President of I-Volution,has been involved in planning bachelor and bachelorette parties for the last 10 years. He has been written up in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Howard Stern, Playgirl magazine and numerous other newspapers, magazines and shows including VH1 and Fox TV. A native of California, Michael constantly remains aware of the top trends of bachelor(ette) party planning as well as pre-wedding party tips. Mr. Lasky states, "The main emphasis should always be on the bachelor or bachelorette as it is their special time with their friends. The internet is an excellent way to reduce stress of planning through free wedding information and ideas. Enjoy each moment!"
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March 2008
Feeding of the 5000 by Mark Kingsdorf - This story of turning water to wine and multiplying loaves and fishes… truly a HUGE miracle…
But, at the risk of sounding sacrilegious neglects talking about the most challenging part of the story- the same part couples planning their wedding, and wedding consultants deal with all the time…
It skims over the part where people complained about the fact that they didn’t like red wine, or that they only drank Australian Shiraz, the people who were on carb free diets and couldn’t have the bread, who might not like the sauces he served with the fish or were vegetarian!
OK, OK, I’M KIDDING! (Boy I can see the comments already)
But the truth is: Picking a menu which will make everyone at your wedding happy is no less miraculous....read more
The Bride Wore Red, Lipstick That Is by Lisa Merritt-Lee Selecting the right colors for makeup would make a modern day bride choose a colors
of natural or soft tones. Playing it safe is always the first choice, however, playing with
color when done right, can create super star results. As the season change colors makeup
colors change as well. Spring brings colors of pink, peach, bronze, pinks, purples, orange
etc. Using color is always a way to turn a twist on what everyone would expect to see
when you walk down that Isle. Don't be afraid to play with bold colors either. Red lipstick
is always sexy and eye catching, but as bride, it would have to be done right! ...read more
Bridmaid Fashions? by Edith Gilbert Dear Edith, I have been looking at bridesmaid’s dresses and am having a hard time deciding what to choose. My bridesmaids are all different heights and sizes, both blonde and brunette, and also of different ages! What to do?”..read more
Music for the Bridal Workout by Leslie Orlen, M.S. CPT-NASMAre you just working out with the same boring cardiovascular routine whether it be on the treadmill or elliptical machine to get those pounds off before the best day of your life? Are you working out at a hard enough intensity?.read more
Go Get Now Products - Chosen by Scarlett Messina
Can't Live Without Products- Chosen by Scarlett Messina
February 2008
Just like the perfect wedding gown, or a great pair of shoes…. by Mark Kingsdorf - You know you’ve found the right wedding planner when you meet them.People ask me all time: “Do I REALLY need a wedding planner?” and my standard answer is- “How much is your free time worth?”
Many brides aren’t sure they need a planner, can afford a planner or are afraid that the planner will come in and take over the wedding making it “their’ day....read more
PInk Ladies by Scarlett Messina I am a huge fan of pink. I have been a “pink lady” since I was playing Rizzo as a kid. I love everything pink and especially love pink make-up. I use pink colors on clients all the time. I think no color brightens the skin and adds life to the face better than a pink tone blush. Nothing is sexier on the mouth than sheer pouty pink lipgloss. But when I tell clients I am going to use pink shades on them they immediately cringe especially when I tell them I am going to apply pink eyeshadow. ...read more
Bridal Shower Attendees by Edith Gilbert Dear Edith: Is it appropriate for me, the maid of honor, to invite people to a bridal shower when they are not invited to the “destination” wedding?”..read more
The Perfect Plan to Spring into Shape! by Leslie Orlen, M.S. CPT-NASM Spring- the most perfect time for a bride to spring into her shapely dress Maybe you would love to sculpt into shape this Spring just in time for your wedding or maybe you just want to shed a few pounds before shopping for that dynamite Victoria Secret bating suit you’ve been wanting to buy for your dream honeymoon. Spring is in the air- what a great time to regroup and focus on your ‘me’ time! .read more
January 2008
A Wedding Planner's New Year's Wish by Mark Kingsdorf - While I have NEVER said NO to a couple, there have been those times….Brides often have a fairytale vision of their weddings. Sometime the fantasy gets in the way of reality… here are my wishes for couples to have a happy New Year....read more
Guilty Pleasures by Scarlett MessinaThe Metallic Eye was the eye “du Jour” of Holiday 2007 and is still going strong into early 2008 but is now translating from dark smoky grey colors to burnished browns and golds. These colors with a “gilded” edge have been used on every catwalk showing the new Spring fashions. This is a very easy look to achieve and everyone from pale Nordic blondes to dark ebony haired gals can pull it off easily.
All of the cosmetic lines are “gilding” all of their colors. The choices range from burnished browns to gleaming coppers even bright gold shadow is given a tarnished tint. Cosmetic companies have worked with their “colorists” to add extra pigments to colors to achieve the gilded look. Even though you may currently have shadows you think will work for this look go try some of the new colors offered.. ...read more
Father's Role by Edith Gilbert Please tell me what role the father plays in helping me plan my wedding? I feel badly because it seems to me that he is kind of left out in the decision making process, although he is paying all the bills. Do you have suggestions?..read more
New Year, New You! by Leslie Orlen, M.S. CPT-NASM There’s no time like the present. First, set a realistic goal of starting and sticking to healthy behavioral patterns for your 2008 wedding! Before you know it bells will be ringing. . .read more
Decemeber 2007
Dashing Through the Snow, Stressing All the Way...
Sexy Smoky Eyes
Receiving Gifts
`tis the season to be fit, falalalala la la la - Achieving your FIT goals throughout the holidays…
November 2007
Mean, Oh Mean, Mean GreenFoundation And Your Skin Type Singing At My Wedding
Fall Into Wedding Dress
10 TIPS For Destination Wedding Bliss
October 2007
Crisp Autumn Nights, Candles, Fireplaces, and Great Harvest Foods...
Bridal Hair & Makeup you will never regret
Offered Help
Here Comes The Bride...Stress Free
Wedding Flowers: Tricks and Tips
September 2007
Fairytale Weddings
Hollywood's Secret
Who Should Give Me Away?
9 Tips on Living Well
Destination Hawaii
Amy Michelson
Lazaro
Anjolique
Jane Wang
Cheryl King
Erin Cole
August 2007
Responses and Seating and Guests…OH MY!
How to Hire A Professional Makeup Artist
Head Count
Keeping the Weigh Off!
Bride Today, Soldier Tomorrow
July 2007
Hiking the Paper Trail
Get A Makeover
Role of the Mother of the GroomStay Hydrated and Obtaining Optimal Fitness This Wedding Season
June 2007
You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate
Get A Makeover
What are the responsibilities of the groom’s family?
NUTRITION 101: Smart Choices for fitting into your wedding dress comfortably
Getting the Royal Treatment
Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?
May 2007
Finding Your Perfect Wedding Gown
Hair In Full Bloom
How Much Are Your Photos Worth
Beauty Recipe
Bridal Fitness Couture
Honeymoon in Pink
From Invites to Finishing Touches
April 2007
FOCUS!
What's Fresh - Spring 2007
Open Bar
Countdown to a Dream - It's almost here
Preserving your Wedding Flowers at Floral Keepsakes by Lauri
Waking up in Los Cabos
Art of Food - Trendy and Tasty Reception Treats
March 2007
The Truth About Brides and Bridesmaids
A New Breed - Mineral MakeupHow Much For My Minister?
Have Bridesmaids, Will Travel
February 2007
Keeping the WE in WEdding Pamper Yourself
Meeting with the Caterer
Beauty Recipes
Countdown to a Dream part 2Destintation Romance
January 2007
Let's Get This Party Started
What To Do First
It's A Process
A Prenup?
Beauty Recipes
Tight On Time with Tamilee Webb
Countdown to a Dream
New Orleans & PlantationsCapturing your Wedding Memories
December 2006
New Year, New TrendsRemembered on Your Wedding Day
Holiday Beauty
Premartial Counseling?
Beauty Recipes
Treadmill Training
Bridemaid Beauty Gifts
Turns up the Sizzle Honeymoons
Taking Care of Your Destination Wedding Guests
Novemeber 2006
Mikaella Bridal
Hayden Croft Wedding Bands Top Do's & Don'ts For An Island Wedding
Deck The Wedding Halls
Do It Yourself Make-up And Hair The Hardest Decisions You'll Ever Make
Monogramming Made SimpleSupplementation is Important
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