Featured Bride Friday

Names of Bride and Groom: Joanne and Matthew

Wedding Date: April 28th, 2012

Ceremony Location: Saint Patrick's Church

Reception Location: Memorial Hall at the Please Touch Museum

How did you and your fiance meet?: We met at a 4th of July party on our friends' roof deck in Philadelphia. My best friend and Matt's best friend had been dating for 3 or 4 years but we had never crossed paths until that 4th of July at their party.

Tell us about the proposal: First of all, I was completely shocked. I was not expecting it- AT ALL. We were spending our usual weekend in Dewey Beach with all of our closest friends and having our typical sunset happy hour on the beach, just hanging out like we always do when Matt asked me to go for a walk. I thought it was funny that he wanted to leave everyone and go for a walk, especially since it started to drizzle a tiny bit, but the three of us, Matt, Andre (his 12 year-old chocolate lab) and I went anyway. We walked for a little bit and then Matt pointed out something in the sand, it said MF+JF? written in a big heart. I looked down at it and next thing I knew he was on his knee proposing! My new initials will be JF, so that's why he wrote it with a question mark, instead of MF+JA which we have written in the sand before and have a framed photograph of. What was the most special about this was that 2 of our friends had "gone on a walk" before us and photographed the ENTIRE thing!!! It was then an instant party since our friends were there and the most amazing day of my life. I will never forget it. 

What is the overall theme for your wedding?: I really didn't want to have a theme, especially since Memorial Hall is such a gorgeous building and I didn't want to take anything away from that. Because it is Spring, I really just want the florals to stand out. We have selected a more garden variety in all shades of pink. I'm excited to see what our florist, TableArt, creates. 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: All of it! Especially shopping for my dress and picking out the save-the-dates and invitations. 

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: Both tastings- the dinner and especially the Isgros Cake. 

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Celebrating with ALL of our friends and family and creating unforgettable memories with Matt.

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: He said seeing me for the first time in my dress. 

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Of course Erin! She is the best and on top of EVERY single detail. 

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Logistics- getting everyone where they should be, when they should be there, but really I don't need to worry about that because Erin will be there. Other than that, we are hoping most of our flower girls and ring bearers make it down the aisle somewhat uneventfully. There are 8 kids total from ages 2-9 so it's going to be chaotic but cute. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: That it's for Matt and I!

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel the day AFTER the wedding: Exhausted, excited for the honeymoon and SO happy that we just had an amazing wedding day!

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Hawaii- Kauai and the Big Island as well as a short trip to Napa on the way to Hawaii. 

Anything else you'd like to share?: So excited for the big day to get here!

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Featured Bride Friday

With spring wedding season upon us, Featured Bride Fridays will be making a comeback here on the blog! First up is Roberta, who is getting married next Friday. Read on below to find out about her wedding plans.

Names of Bride and Groom: Roberta and Allen

Wedding Date: April 20th, 2012

Ceremony Location: Winterthur Museum and Country Estate in the Gallery

Reception Location: Winterthur Museum and Country Estate in the Visitors Center

How did you and your fiance meet?: We met at Dover Mall in Dover, Delaware. My sorority sister felt that Allen was a wonderful guy and pleaded with me to give him a chance. Allen gave me a call a few days later and initially I did not answer. However, I had a change of mind and called him back. After talking for hours, we figured out that our lives have always crossed beginning at Delaware State University until the present time. I guess it was time that we met to spend the rest of our lives together. On April 20th, 2009, Allen asked me to be his girlfriend and we have been together ever since. 

Tell us about the proposal: Allen always stated that I completed him on every level so I was not too surprised when he proposed. He asked me to meet him at Silver Lake Park in Dover, Delaware where on one of many dates we took night walks in the park. I had an idea that he was going to propose but I did not think too much into the idea. Allen and I walked in the park and he waited until I got to the swing and he quickly got on one knee and stated "I love you, Will you marry me?".

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: The overall theme for our wedding is "Simply Classic". We are simple people that like to show just enough which makes things beautiful. We love clean lines and details which we feel makes our wedding unique, intimate and personal.

Do you have an inspiration board you'd like to share?: The inspiration for our wedding comes from the grounds of Winterthur Museum and Country Estate. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and have a classic charm that is just enough for Allen and I. Also, our invitations that were designed by Paper by Proud, added the special touch needed for our theme. 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: My favorite part of planning has been the constant support from family and friends. Also, dress shopping was wonderful since it gave me an opportunity to be the simply stunning woman I am and to see what I looked best in for our special day. 

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: My fiance's favorite part of planning has been the food tasting at Winterthur and the cake tasting at Liz Marden Bakery. Allen is in love with good food and sweets.

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: I look forward on my wedding day to spend time with family, putting on my wedding dress and walking down the aisle with my mother. 

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Allen looks forward to the food as well as spending time with family. 

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: All of my vendors have been wonderful. I love working with Erin and TJ Proud from Proud to Plan, Brittany from Petals Lane, Tami and Ryan Garber of Tami Melissa Photography, Kim and Ruth of Curvy Girl Bridal, Kyle and all of the staff at Synergetic Sounds, and Jennifer Lamb from Winterthur. 

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: My biggest worry is that I will be late and I will trip when I am jumping the broom. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: We are very family oriented so we want to keep our wedding unique, intimate and personal. During the ceremony, we will add in a wine box ceremony so we can relive our wedding when and if times become overbearing. We are using the traditional vows "for richer or poorer..." since these vows pertain to our lives and will keep us strong and together in this marriage. At the end, we will seal the deal with an African American tradition of jumping the broom. 

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Relaxed, Relieved and Ready to begin our new lives as husband and wife. 

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: We are spending our honeymoon in Atlantic City, NJ. 

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Featured Bride Friday

Today's featured bride is one of our own coordinators, Annemarie! She is getting married tomorrow to Jimmy, a friend of Erin's since kindergarten. We love Annemarie (and Jimmy!) so much and are beyond thrilled to be coordinating their wedding with a FABULOUS group of vendors. We'll be back on Tuesday with some teasers from their awesome wedding but for now, read on below to get to know Annemarie and Jimmy and the plans for their big day!

Names of Bride & Groom: Annemarie and Jimmy

Wedding Date: November 26th

Ceremony and Reception Location: Abbie Holmes Estate

How did you and your fiance meet?: He was a bouncer at a college bar, I was trying to get into the bar and I got in- about a year before I should have ;) We saw each other around campus periodically and always said hi. On a random Thursday night (about 2 years after we first met) he came to my sorority house and we began talking. About a month after that night we were officially boyfriend and girlfriend.

Tell us about the proposal: Jimmy contacted our family and friends and organized a surprise dinner. I was told we were going to dinner to celebrate what would have been his grandfather's 92nd birthday. When we arrived to the restaurant he ran in front of me and then showed me to the banquet room. I was a little confused as to why we would be in a banquet room but didn't think much more of it. Jimmy opened the door to the room and while I was looking around the room seeing family and friends (people who would not have been celebrating his grandfather's birthday) he was already down on one knee. By the time my eyes made it back around the room, I was in shock and he asked me to marry him in front of all our family and friends. It was the most amazing night and so special because we were able to celebrate with everyone right away! We even went back to his mom's house with our immediate family and close friends and continued celebrating into the night and next morning. Our families organized a beautiful breakfast to help continue celebrating.

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: To have a party! The decor will be black and white with hints of purple. Centerpieces will be orchids and lots of candles. We wanted simple but classy. 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Being able to work with the best in the industry. 

What has been your favorite part of the planning?: Picking the venue and the food (we are both foodies).

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Jimmy to see me for the first time in my dress and our first dance together. 

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: To see the excitement on all of our guests' faces.

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: They are all our favorites because we have the dream team!!! Proud to Plan, Paper by Proud, Jennifer Childress Photography, Synergetic Sounds, Manic Botanic, OC Cake Studio, Andy Mahany (officiant) and our beautiful venue- Abbie Holmes Estate.

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Making sure we take time to enjoy ourselves. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: We have made it a point to focus on our family and friends in every aspect of the wedding. Friends and family have been invited to stay for the weekend in houses rented in Sea Isle City. Our moms will be included in our ceremony. Dinner will be served family style. Because it is during a holiday weekend, we are able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends we normally wouldn't see. 

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Best. Party. Ever.

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Bora Bora for Christmas and New Years. 

Below is a picture of their invitation we created for Annemarie and Jimmy! We love the simple black pocketfold and the subtle pop of color with the purple belly band. We can't wait for this weekend!!

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Featured Bride Friday

We're SO excited for Amanda and Andrew's wedding in two weeks! Read on below to find out more about the plans for their wedding day!

Names of Bride and Groom: Amanda and Andrew

Wedding Date: Saturday, October 29, 2011

Ceremony Location: St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ardmore, PA

Reception Location: The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA

How did you and your fiance meet?: We met online (plentyoffish.com). I set up my profile so I couldn't see anyone outside of 60 miles from where I was living in central PA. Andrew's profile came up as someone I might be interested in who recently checked their profile. I thought he looked cute, so I clicked on his profile and discovered he actually lived 150 miles away, in King of Prussia. However, I like to shop and his profile was smart and funny, so I messaged him regardless. No one else ever showed up outside of my 60 mile radius- we say it was fate! We started messaging through the site, then Andrew asked for my email, next my phone number, and eventually suggested we meet. Always the gentleman, Andrew offered to drive to see me for our first date in Lewisburg, PA. We have been together ever since our first date on October 18, 2008.

Tell us about the proposal: We went out to eat at Buddakan for our 2 year anniversary. I suspected he might propose that evening, but Andrew is excellent at keeping secrets, and I wasn't sure the entire time until he suggested we go on a walk after dinner. Andrew proposed on a bench beside the 2nd Bank of the U.S., near Independence Hall. Andrew was so nervous he forgot most of what he wanted to say. I cried and said yes! 

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: Classic elegance with a shot of color- our wedding colors are red and plum! 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: I have loved working with Proud to Plan, of course! I have loved picking out attire (I even had red velvet shoes custom-made for me inspired by a Valentino design), picking out the reception location, food, flowers, and planning the church ceremony with Andrew.

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: The tasting of our menu!

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: I am most looking forward to being married and celebrating a wonderful day with people we love! I am also super excited to find out where we are going on our honeymoon- Andrew has planned it all by himself and will tell me at the reception!

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Celebrating with friends and family!

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Proud to Plan- I am very type A, and Erin has really eased my mind and helped me feel organized while planning this very large wedding! Her vendor suggestions have also been incredibly helpful!

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: I am worried about bawling during our ceremony!

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: I think the combination of our unusual color scheme and architecturally significant reception location make our wedding unique!

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Elated, relieved and excited 

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: I don't know- Andrew is surprising me at our reception. I do know it will be warm, and I need a passport!

Thanks for participating in Featured Bride Friday, Amanda! Here is a picture of Amanda and Andrew and an inspiration board she sent us!

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Featured Bride Friday

We are so excited for our fall weddings! Read on below to find out about one of our October brides, Erin and her fiance, Rhett!

Names of Bride and Groom: Erin and Rhett

Wedding Date: October 15th, 2011

Ceremony Location: Lower veranda at White Clay Creek Country Club

Reception Location: Veranda Room at White Clay Creek Country Club

How did you and your fiance meet?: We met on Fat Tuesday in 2008. I was not happy to be at the bar my friends went to. A friend of mine knew a friend of Rhett's and they started talking. Rhett made a comment about how he liked my "red" shoes. I politely replied "they are pink," which incited a friendly banter about my shoe color. (Technically, they are raspberry.) We talked about many other things that night, including our mutual love of horses and exchanged numbers. Our first official date was a week later. 

Tell us about the proposal: Every year since we've been together we vacation with my parents and our dogs in Saratoga Springs, NY over Labor Day weekend. This also happens to be closing weekend at Saratoga Racetrack, which is the primary reason we travel there. 2 years ago, while at the racetrack, we were walking and one of us mentioned that a proposal on the finish line at the racetrack finish would be a good spot. The following year, my parents and brother joined us after the races for a drink. Rhett, my dad and brother, separated themselves from myself and my mom to "go to the bathroom." While they were gone, I spent the time complaining to my mom how he kept saying that because of the economy we couldn't get engaged until the end of the year (I thought he was having cold feet). Rhett and the rest of my family returned and we starting walking. He started saying really sweet things about how much he loves me but he always says things like that so I still wasn't catching on. The next thing I knew, he wasn't next to me anymore because he was down on one knee and asking me to marry him. Of course I said "YES!!!!" 

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: Our wedding theme reflects our mutual love of horses. Our wedding colors are Orange and Purple with Dark Brown accents (Rhett went to Clemson University). We've used our theme from the placecard table (interlocking horseshoes made from daisies), to the signature drink (mint julep...of course!!), to the placecards (featuring jockey jersey in different colors to denote meal choice) and lastly to our "Mr and Mrs" chair signs which will say "Stallion" and "Filly."

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Thinking of ways to incorporate our theme without being too overbearing.

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: Good question...

What are your looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Celebrating with friends and family!!!!!

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: He says seeing me walk down the aisle. 

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: TJ and Erin Proud!!! (I swear this isn't a solicited plug.) TJ has been really helpful and the invitations came out unique and beautiful. He's helped make my ideas come alive. Also, TJ and Erin helped bail me out of an invite fiasco (After I ran them over with my car. Long story......)

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Weather...the ceremony is outside. It's covered but I'm worried I'm worried it will be too chilly or too hot. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: I think our theme and ways we've incorporated it, is pretty unique. 

Give three words to describe how you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Tired, Excited and full of Love.

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: We are island hopping for 2 weeks!!!!! (Thanks to my awesome and loving fiance!!!)

Thanks for participating Erin! Below you can see their invitation and a picture that is the inspiration for their centerpieces. 

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Featured Bride Friday

Names of Bride and Groom: Ellenmarie and Anthony

Wedding Date: September 24th, 2011

Ceremony Location: Old St. Mary's Church- Philadelphia

Reception Location: The Atrium at the Curtis Center- Philadelphia

How did you and your fiance meet?: We met at my best friend, Amy's shore house in Wildwood. Anthony was friends with her boyfriend at the time and we all met at the shore for a night. 

Tell us about the proposal: Anthony took me to dinner on September 17, 2009 to Gnocchi off of South Street in Philly. It was a nice night, so after dinner we walked around the Penn's Landing area and ended up along the water. Anthony asked me to close my eyes and when I opened he was on one knee asking me to marry him. Of course I said yes! My dad and my sister were there to celebrate with us afterwards. It was a really special night. 

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: Since everything is in Philly, I have used the city skyline throughout my planning. It started with the save the dates and continued from there. Everything is black, white and pink for a classic yet fun look. 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: I have been planning this day for a long time. I have magazines saved and wedding binders with my ideas. I knew what I wanted and loved putting it all into place. My favorite part will be seeing it all come together that night. 

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: I know he loves me dragging him to some of our vendor meetings but overall he has left the planning to me :)

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: I can't wait to see Anthony that day as I walk down the aisle. And for the dancing, I cannot wait because our band is great! 

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: He said seeing me for the first time that day walking down the aisle. 

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Obviously Erin Proud! She has been amazing. Once we decided to use her services, a weight was lifted from my shoulders. Also, Amy Reese from Clair Pruett and Society Hill Studios. She really gave great ideas and made my choices a lot easier for photography and videography. Her videos are amazing! I cannot wait to see ours. 

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: I think I am most worried about the weather...with the recent rain and hurricane I do not want that to spoil our day. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: It will be the most fun! We have really put a lot of thought and effort into everything we planned and I want it to be the best time!

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Sad (because the wedding is over); Excited (for the honeymoon); Thankful (that the day went smooth and everyone had a good time)

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Aruba!

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Featured Bride Friday

September is a busy month for us! Here is another one of our September brides!

Names of Bride and Groom: Sherrie and Howard

Wedding Date: September 17th, 2011

Ceremony and Reception Location: The Water Works, Philadelphia

How did you and your fiance meet?: I was working at a law firm that handles real estate closings. Howard came into the office for the closing on his condo, and I was his settlement attorney. It turned out to be a difficult transaction and we were stuck in a conference room for 5 hours. A month (and many emails and phone calls) later we started dating. 2 years later, we became engaged. The rest is history!

Tell us about the proposal: After spending a weekend together doing fun activities around town, Howard surprised me with breakfast in bed on Memorial Day. Then he knelt down beside me and asked me to be his forever friend, with his two cats sitting next to him. It was very private and romantic and caught me by surprise!

What is the overall theme for your wedding?: We don't necessarily have an overall theme, but our style can be  best described as contemporary, minimalist and intimate. 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Shopping! For clothes, shoes and unique treats for our loved ones and out of town guests.

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: Planning the honeymoon. 

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Seeing all of our family and friends who have come from near and far to be with us that day. 

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Seeing me walk down the aisle. And, eating the delicious food!

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: We have two favorites. Erin has been the most responsive and helpful of all our vendors. She is truly a consummate professional and always offers valuable advice, from vendor recommendations to stylistic suggestions. And, she has received my numerous and wordy messages without complaining once or revoking my email privileges! 

Our photographer, Scott Lewis, has gone above and beyond to communicate with us about ideas, logistics and suggestions. We are confident that his pictures are going to capture our wedding day beautifully and honestly.

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Bad weather. We've had some crazy weather recently in Washington, DC area where we live- and earthquake and a hurricane- and we are hoping for a dry and sunny  wedding day since our ceremony and cocktail hour are outdoors. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: Our venue is an historic landmark and is absolutely gorgeous. Our ceremony will be unique in that we are incorporating Christian and Jewish traditions and putting our own spin on them. 

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel the day AFTER the wedding: Elated, Exhausted, and Excited for our honeymoon!

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Fiji!

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Featured Bride Friday

Read on below to learn about one of our September couples, Sarah and Adam! We're looking forward to their beach wedding!

Names of Bride and Groom: Sarah and Adam

Wedding Date: Friday, September 16th

Ceremony Location: On the beach, in front of the Atlantic Sands Hotel, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Reception Location: Our reception will be held at the Atlantic Sands Hotel. The cocktail hour will be held on their rooftop deck, followed by an intimate dinner held in their boardwalk restaurant, Atlantic Seafood Grille. 

How did you and your fiance meet?: Adam and I met while "studying" engineering at Rutgers University, in New Jersey. 

Tell us about the proposal: We had planned a trip to Hawaii, and then for my birthday, Adam scheduled us both for a day of relaxation during our vacation. He booked a full day of spa treatments for me, and a round of golf for himself; followed by a romantic dinner together overlooking sunset on Oahu. By giving this as a birthday present, he was able to avoid any suspicions I would have had, without the birthday excuse. After a delicious dinner in Waikiki, we went for a walk on the beach, where he then dropped on one knee and popped the question!

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: Our theme is probably best described as vintage cottage chic. We are blending a vintage, DIY look, but staying with the true beach vibe, seeing as our reception will be about 10 feet from the beach. 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Shopping!

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: Planning the honeymoon.

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Marrying my best friend in front of all my favorite people in the world. 

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Seeing me walk down the aisle! (sooo sweet, I know!)

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: All of our vendors have been really spectacular, which I especially appreciate since we are planning a Delaware Beach wedding from Connecticut! I can't possibly pick one that has been our favorite to work with, but these four individuals have really been incredible: Our planner, Erin Proud; our photographer, Angie Moon; our florist, Carl Grimm of Bayberry Flower; and our site coordinator, Gina Derrickson. 

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Icky weather which would drive our celebration indoors!

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: We will have a few unique, handmade details during the reception- including table overlays, banners, and drink stirrers, among others. But our ceremony will also be unique: for example, we have chosen to have our own siblings stand beside each of us during the ceremony, so my brother and sister will stand beside me and Adam's sister will stand beside him. 

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel the day AFTER wedding day: Happy, Excited, Tired

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Safari in Kenya and then Capri, Italy 

Anything else you'd like to share?: This past has been amazingly fun and we are so, so excited to share our wedding celebration with our wonderful family and friends.

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Featured Bride Friday

This week's featured bride is Devon, who's getting married next Saturday! Read on below to find out more about big day!

Names of Bride and Groom: Devon and John

Wedding Date: August 27th, 2011

Ceremony Location: Old St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Philadelphia

Reception Location: Atrium at the Curtis Center in Philadelphia

How did you and your fiance meet?: We met in Venice, Italy while studying abroad during our first year of law school. We had gone to school together for an entire year but had never met until we bumped into each other in a piazza in Venice while both running late for our abroad program welcome lunch. 

Tell us about the proposal: We were in Punta Cana for a vacation with John's parents and about three days into our trip, John asked me to go for a walk on the beach at sunset. I was feeling a little grumpy for some reason and didn't want to go, but eventually I agreed to go after I finished the crossword puzzle I was working on. Little did I know how much I was making John sweat as I couldn't understand why he kept telling me to look in the back of the book for the answers I didn't know! Finally we went down to the beach and as we were walking, he asked me to stop and look at the beautiful water with him but I once again foiled his plan as I sat down so he couldn't get down on one knee to propose. Finally, after getting back up to continue our walk, he was able to get down on one knee and propose!

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: I am not too big on going over the top with a theme, but we are trying to incorporate a lot of Venice, Italy throughout our wedding since we met there by doing things such as our Gondola cake topper, gondola ice sculpture, and tables named after our favorite places in Venice.

What has been your favorite part of planning?: My favorite part has been spending time with our family while planning all the details of the big day. We are both so close to our parents and it has been great getting their input in combining my family's Catholic-Irish-Italian-German traditions with John's Russian-Jewish ones. 

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: Meeting with the Priest and Rabbi to go over the ceremony, picking out the gifts for our registry and booking our honeymoon!

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Walking down the aisle with my Dad and seeing John for the first time at the end of the aisle. 

What is your fiance most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Seeing my beautiful bride walk down the aisle towards me and taking our vows to love each other forever. 

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: All of my vendors have been absolutely great but I felt an instant connection with Erin the moment we met her. We didn't even meet with any other wedding planners as I knew she was the one right off. Erin, Lisa and TJ have been so great and really make me feel like I can have a stress-free wedding day!

I also love Natalie Pagano (Hair by Natalie) and Emily from Cheekadee. They both make me feel like I will look gorgeous on the big day!

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Trying not to cry too much when my Dad walks me down the aisle and during the father-daughter dance. Because I am so close with my Dad, this part always gets me the most emotional at other people's weddings so I know it will be emotional at mine!

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: I think our wedding is unique because we are tying so many traditions together on our day. Our ceremony is at a Catholic Church but we are still having a Rabbi co-officiate and are breaking the glass and signing an interfaith Ketubah. Also, culturally we have such different backgrounds, so we are trying to honor John's parents who were born in the Ukraine but intersperse it with my family's Italian, Irish, and German roots.

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Excited, ecstatic and exhilarated! 

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Sandals in Antigua!

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Featured Bride Friday

This week's featured bride is Pamela, who is getting married to Scott in just about a week!! Read on below to find out more about their wedding!

Names of Bride and Groom: Pam and Scott

Wedding Date: August 20th, 2011

Ceremony and Reception Location: The Please Touch Museum

How did you and your fiance meet?: Scott and I met in April of 2008. Unbeknownst to me, a mutual friend thought we would make a great match and suggested to Scott that he go to a party she thought I might be. Scott showed up, I was there, and the rest is history!

Tell us about the proposal: Scott proposed on August 7, 2010, which was our first day on a cruise with my family. We were at dinner when Scott said he didn't feel well and was going back to our cabin for a bit. However, before he left, he asked me to check on him if he didn't return soon. About 15 minutes later, I went back to the cabin to see whether he was ok. When the door opened, I saw our cabin filled with roses and Scott down on one knee...

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: While our wedding doesn't necessarily have an overall theme, we hope it will be classic, elegant, and a great party!

What has been your favorite part of planning?: It's been fun to see everything come together. 

What has been your fiance's favorite part of planning?: Anything involving the food or entertainment. 

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Marrying Scott while surrounded by family and friends.

What is your fiance looking forward to on the wedding day?: Seeing me!

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Kelley and Bill at The Please Touch Museum have been phenomenal. Also, Erin and her team at Proud to Plan have done a fantastic job of putting my mind at ease. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: I think our venue is pretty unique. Memorial Hall, which has been renovated to house The Please Touch Museum, is the only remaining structure from the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 (i.e. the first major world's fair held in the United States).

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: on-cloud-nine

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Australia and Fiji

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Featured Bride Friday

We're so excited for all of our weddings coming up this end of the summer and this fall! Here is one of our couples getting married in August!

Names of Bride and Groom: Sarah and Michael

Wedding Date: August 20th, 2011

Ceremony and Reception Location: Groom's parent's farm in Lambertville, NJ

How did you and fiance meet?: eHarmony.com

Tell us about the proposal: Mike and I were walking around his parents farm talking about where we would like to build a house on the property. I was a little ahead of him and heard him say "Since we are talking about our future, why don't we start now." I turned around and he was right behind me, down on one knee, holding a box with a ring and said "Will you marry me." I said yes of course and burst into tears.

What is the overall theme of your wedding?: The only "theme" is traditional meets fun.

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Internet shopping and researching for the best prices and BEST vendors (I feel like I am doing my job as a girl if I can find the absolute best prices and items for things that can be shopped.) But with that being said, some things you need to spend more money on, like catering, music, venue and coordinators.

What has been your fiance's favorite part of the planning?: Caterer tastings

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: All of our friends and family from all over the country being together in one place.

What is your fiance looking forward to on the wedding day?: The food

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: I have 3...Our Priest, Father Mike, because he always makes me laugh and see things from another prospective. Synergetic Sound, because they have been very flexible and honest on what to do and what not to do with lighting. And of course, Erin and Lisa at Proud to Plan because they make me feel very relaxed. 

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Getting the pictures done in time and the food. (We have Seared Wasabi Tuna on the menu and I really want it to be perfect)

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: I have paid ridiculous attention to EVERY detail of the weekend. We have custom water bottles for the welcome bags, the ceremony and the Sunday BBQ. On the bathroom doors, I have 8x11 framed childhood pictures of Mike and I, Mike for the boys restroom and myself for the girls. I also want all of my guests to have an amazing weekend, not just a good time on Saturday.

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Relaxed, happy and anxious

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Curacao in the Dutch Antilles

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Featured Bride Friday

Here is this week's Featured Bride, Laura, who is getting married next Sunday! Read on below to find out more about her plans for her wedding!

Names of Bride & Groom:  Laura & Jack 

Wedding Date: 7.3.11 

Ceremony & Reception Location: Laurita Winery, New Egypt, NJ 

How did you and your fiancé meet?: We met in May of 2006 at a party in Philly. He came out for my birthday the following week, and we’ve been together ever since! 

Tell us about the proposal: The day that Jack proposed was one of the most beautiful beach days of the summer. Unfortunately for him and unbeknownst to me, he spent half the day driving to Long Island to pick up the ring. When he finally got to the beach, he immediately wanted to go for a walk. An idea that I instantly shut down... I forced him to put on sunscreen, and then told him to relax and enjoy the day. For obvious reasons, he just couldn't relax, and I finally agreed to go on a walk. Jack mustered up the courage to propose, but I bent down to pick up sea glass temporarily postponing things. This proceeded to happen four times before Jack could finally get the words out. 

What is the overall theme of your wedding? Do you have an inspiration board you’d like to share?: The venue was really the inspiration for the whole wedding. It’s rustic with modern elements. I’d like to think that the wedding theme shares the venues charm. 

What has been your favorite part of planning?: It’s been fun looking through magazines and blogs to find unique ideas. 

What has been your fiancé’s favorite part of the planning?: The fact that I’ve done 99% of the work. :o) 

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Having all of my friends and family in one place celebrating…and marrying Jack, of course! 

What is your fiancé most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Me, being there. 

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Erin Proud has been my right hand (wo)man! She has been so helpful with organizing and being my advocate when dealing with other vendors. I’ve also loved working with Emily Wren and Cassidy Field of Wren and Field Photography.  I had a bit of a mishap during our engagement photos. It’s not everyday your dress splits up your back, but they handled it like a pro and joined me in the humor of the situation. 

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Weather and being a blubbering fool. 

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: A ballroom bride I am not… I think the venue and over all casual style of the wedding make it unique. Hiccups in planning will  (and have) happen, but all that matters is that at the end of the day you’re married. 

Give three words to describe what you imagine you’ll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: happy, exhausted, and beach-bound. 

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Maui!

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Featured Bride Friday

This week's featured bride is Kyle, who is getting married next Saturday! Read on below to find out more about her wedding plans.

Names of Bride & Groom:  Kyle & Olin 

Wedding Date: June 4, 2011

Ceremony Location: St. Mark’s Church in Philadelphia

Reception Location: Union League of Philadelphia

How did you and your fiancé meet?:  We met when we were both sophomores at Brown.

Tell us about the proposal: Olin is from Vermont, so we often travel to Burlington to see his family.  Last summer, we decided to go to the Vermont Brewers festival while we were up there.  Before the festival, we spent all afternoon doing our favorite things in Burlington: lunch at Flatbreads, shopping on Church Street, and ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s.  We had some time to kill, so we stopped to take a break and hang out in the park.  As we were about to leave, Olin popped the question!  I said yes, and we had an amazing night at the festival enjoying the sunset over Lake Champlain. 

What is the overall theme of your wedding? Do you have an inspiration board you’d like to share?: The theme for the wedding is elegance, tradition, and FUN.  The Union League is a classic space, and we wanted the wedding to have the same feel, but we’re also throwing in some modern touches so the wedding reflects our personalities.

What has been your favorite part of planning?: I live in Boston, so I’ve really enjoyed traveling back to the Philadelphia area to visit my family and share the planning with them.

What has been your fiancé’s favorite part of the planning?: Working with Kurt and Jellyroll to plan the music for the event.

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Our first dance!  We’ve been practicing!

What is your fiancé most looking forward to on the wedding day?:  He says he’s most looking forward to standing at the altar and seeing me come up the aisle…but I suspect it’s sipping an Old Fashioned at the Union League with his buddies after we’re officially married!

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Proud to Plan!  I would never have been able to do this without the recommendations and advice from Erin and Lisa.  I’ve also loved working with Gabe from Philip Gabriel photography.  Our engagement pictures were such a success – I can’t wait to see how he captures the wedding day.

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: I hope it doesn’t rain, but at least all the events are indoors.

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: We have guests flying in from all over the U.S. as well as Australia and the U.K.  We’re so excited that all our family and friends are coming to celebrate with us!  

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: We’re going to Hawaii for our honeymoon!  We’re looking forward to adventuring around the islands and finally taking some time to relax.

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Featured Bride Friday

Meet this week's featured bride, Sarah, she's getting married today!!

Names of Bride & Groom:  Sarah & Carmen

                                       

Wedding Date: Friday May 20, 2011

Ceremony & Reception Location: Laurita Winery

How did you and your fiancé meet?:  I worked with Carmen’s sister for over 2 years and we first met at my going away party from the job.   We didn’t end up dating until almost a year later after Carmen’s sister’s wedding.

Tell us about the proposal:  Carmen proposed to me with my morning coffee (one of, if not, the most favorite part of my day).

What is the overall theme of your wedding? Vintage chic.  I love the winery and antiques so I tried to incorporate those in the wedding.

What has been your favorite part of planning?: I drive myself a bit crazy with some of the details, but in truth I think that it is fun to find the perfect thing that I was looking for.  I LOVE ETSY!

What has been your fiancé’s favorite part of the planning?:  Honeymoon planning!!!

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Spending time with friends & family, dancing, and of course beginning the rest of my life with Carmen.

What is your fiancé most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Partying with his new wife.

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Erin has given great ideas and vendor suggestions.

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Rain.  There is a plan B though.  I have my heart set on outside pictures.

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: I tried to cut corners in certain areas, but then had to have certain things.  We are having the groomsmen wear suits instead of tuxes and, overall, tried to keep it a bit more casual then a traditional wedding.

Give three words to describe what you imagine you’ll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Happiness, Relaxed, Excited.


Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Antigua

Be sure to check back on Tuesday to see some teasers from their fabulous wedding!

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Featured Bride Friday

Here is this week's edition of Featured Bride Friday. We're so excited for Erica and Gene's wedding tomorrow! Check out their great inspiration board at the end of the blog post. Happy Friday!

Names of Bride & Groom: Erica & Gene

Wedding Date: 5.7.11

Ceremony Location: Saint Mary of the Assumption, Hockessin, Delaware

Reception Location: The Patio at Archmere, Claymont, Delaware

How did you and your fiancé meet?: Like most Delawareans, we share mutual friends J

Tell us about the proposal: It was the Friday before Christmas, 2009 and we were enjoying a few cocktails and admiring the Christmas tree. I noticed a sparkle hanging in front of our first Christmas ornament! My jaw dropped…Gene’s side of the story is that it took me 15 minutes to notice the bling! I said YES! (of course) and we made calls to my parents…my Dad was happy to report that he already knew, as Gene drove from Wilmington to the beach the night before to ask for my hand.

What is the overall theme of your wedding? Do you have an inspiration board you’d like to share?: Overall theme is black and white damask with pink flowers, cotton candy and martinis!

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Reading wedding blogs like Proud to Plan, Style Me Pretty and finding amazing personalized items on Etsy! I also love watching any and all wedding shows on TLC, WE, etc…

What has been your fiancé’s favorite part of the planning?: Stocking the reception bar and planning the honeymoon!

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Seeing my groom for the first time as I walk down the aisle!

What is your fiancé most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Celebrating the day with family, friends and his beautiful bride!

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Erin and TJ Proud have been amazing to work with. Erin’s vendor recommendations have been top notch as well and have given me peace of mind that our day will run smoothly.

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: Crying during my vows, I have a super cute monogrammed hanky….just in case.

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: A lot of personal touches, picture displays and a very special floral arrangement made to look like our little Princess Maltese, Miss Sophia Alessandra!

Give three words to describe what you imagine you’ll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: ecstatic, relieved, relaxed

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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Featured Bride Friday

Here is one of our April couples, Beth and Jon. Read on below to find out their plans for their wedding at the Phoenixville Foundry!

Names of Bride & Groom: Beth & Jon

Wedding Date: 4/23/2011

Ceremony Location: Phoenixville Foundry

Reception Location: Phoenixville Foundry

How did you and your fiancé meet?: Online...although I had to lie to my mom because she thinks that you only meet serial killers online.

Tell us about your proposal: At our favorite brew pub, they often name their beers with acronyms and Jon had them rename one of their beers to BWYMM Ale and when I ordered the beer it came out in a pint glass that had "Beth, will you marry me?" etched on it.

What is the overall theme of your wedding? Do you have an inspiration board you'd like to share?: We don't really have a theme. It all just kind of fell together :) I wish I knew how to make an inspiration board!

What has been your favorite part of planning? Dress shopping...cake tasting!

What has been your fiancé's favorite part of planning?: Hands down it has to be be picking the local area beers for the bar.

What are you looking forward to the most on the wedding day?: Having fun and dancing the whole night!

What is your fiancé most looking forward to on the wedding day?: I was gonna guess the beer bar but when I asked him, he said..."Standing up there with my guys and the anticipation of seeing you come down the aisle and then the moment the party starts" :)

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Erin Proud! I feel fortunate to have found great vendors, everyone has been so awesome!

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: I HATE being the center of attention (I turn bright red and get very shaky). The thought of that many people staring at me during the ceremony, eeeeee!

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: Our local beer bar!

Give three words to describe what you imagine you'll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: I'M A WIFE!

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Riviera Maya

Anything else you'd like to share?: I want to thank Erin! She has been awesome and has such amazing ideas that I never would have thought of...

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Featured Bride Friday

Today, we'll be finding out some of the plans for another of our March couples, Kate and Mike. Let's see what they have planned for their wedding!

Names of Bride & Groom: Kate & Mike

Wedding Date: March 26, 2011

Ceremony Location: The Rittenhouse Hotel

Reception Location: The Rittenhouse Hotel

How did you and your fiancé meet?: NYC circa 2005 – standing in line waiting to enter a Bill Clinton fundraiser.

Tell us about the proposal: Mike proposed on the balcony of our hotel room in Aruba on New Years Eve. He made security at NY LaGuardia airport search my bags so I wouldn’t accidentally see the ring go through security.

What is the overall theme of your wedding? Do you have an inspiration board you’d like to share?: We don’t really have a theme but if I had to describe the wedding it I’d say timeless, elegant and classic with a sprinkle of modern (if that’s possible).

What has been your favorite part of planning?: drooling over wedding blogs and sending links to Mike in emails with subject lines like “need,” “want,” and “can we, please?”

What has been your fiancé’s favorite part of the planning?: Everything except writing checks.

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: Seeing our friends and family, and how all of our planning came together.

What is your fiancé most looking forward to on the wedding day?: Seeing me in my dress (it’s a closely guarded secret).

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Erin and Lisa, obvi.

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: crying during the ceremony-- I’m a total mush despite the tough exterior.

Give three words to describe what you imagine you’ll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: Happy, tired and married!

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Australia!

We're so excited for your wedding, Kate and Mike!! Here's an inspiration board of their favorite things in their wedding and of course their dog, Markley!

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Featured Bride Friday

Welcome to our very first Featured Bride Friday! We told you earlier this week that we had a few new weekly blog topics and this is one of them. We'll be chatting with our brides of that month and seeing what they have planned for their big day! First up is one of our March brides, Traci. Let's find out more about her and her fiance, Miki, and their wedding at the end of this month!

Names of Bride & Groom: Traci & Miki

Wedding Date: March 26, 2011

Ceremony Location: Spring Mill Country Club

Reception Location: Spring Mill Country Club

How did you and your fiancé meet?: We met through a mutual friend, our best man Vinnie.

Tell us about the proposal: He proposed in a bakery with a cake that said “Will you marry me, Traci?”

What is the overall theme of your wedding? Do you have an inspiration board you’d like to share?: I don’t have a theme really, I do love swirls so they are incorporated here and there. My colors are lavender and royal blue.

What has been your favorite part of planning?: Picking all of the details. I really loved picking out the florist and photog. They are my favorite vendors, besides Erin ;)

What has been your fiancé’s favorite part of the planning?: LOL yea ok…. I planned the big show

What are you looking forward to most on the wedding day?: walking down the aisle…

What is your fiancé most looking forward to on the wedding day?: wow I have no idea!

Which vendor has been your favorite to work with?: Florist and photog and my DOC

What is your biggest worry about the wedding day?: that I will forget something major but that can’t happen now that I have Erin thinking about things for me.

What makes your wedding unique from all the others?: All of the different touches. I have unique escort cards, they are rocher candies. And my invites are coasters! So that was unique too.

Give three words to describe what you imagine you’ll feel like the day AFTER the wedding: relieved, happy, and amazed how fast the day went.

Where will you be spending your honeymoon?: Fiji!!

Here's an inspiration board of a few of the great details they have decided on. Also, you can watch the video of their proposal below! So adorable!! We can't wait for your wedding day Traci and Miki!!

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