Category: Overall Planning Ideas

The Bridal Dish Office is Open!

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Finally!  The new wedding planning design studio is open for business! Newly engaged and starting the wedding planning journey?  Give us a call.  Begun the planning process and feeling a tad bit overwhelmed?  We are hear to help.  Geared to assist the DIY Bride, The Bridal Dish provides 1:1 consultation to assist you in the planning and design process.  Consultations are by appointment only.  We look forward to your call 757-689-8082.

 Please click on the “Visit Our Wedding Studio” tab above (top left)  to learn more!  Happy planning!

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Taking Time for You (Me)… It’s HARD! But, I am doing it!

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 So, two weeks ago, I made an entry about how I was going to start taking more time for me and  focus on the things I have started to lose sight of in my life… ENERGY, TIME, and BALANCE.  I received several comments from folks, especially my colleagues about how they could relate to my entry and that they were excited to hear the resolution.  I was a little afraid, to be honest, and I still am to openly “commit” to change.   But, here goes…

About a  month ago, I was introduced to Steve Johnson and Brooke Billings through a business colleague of mine.  Steve is the owner of Fitness Together in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Brooke is the owner of Relax Therapeutic Massage in the Kemps River Drive area of Virginia Beach.  Both business focus on achieving the best lifestyle possible for individuals.  Together, they will both play integral parts in me making time for me!

Taking time for you… it’s HARD!  But, I am doing it.  I now have a personal trainer training me through Fitness Together.  I am only able to make it there twice a week for two 45 minute sessions.  But boy oh boy, do those sessions kick my butt!  Literally!  I have made it to 6 sessions so far and I am LOVING IT!  I have scheduled appointments, that I have to keep.  Everything else has to work around it.  It’s hard, but I am doing it.  Haven’t missed one yet.  Been late a few times, but haven’t missed.  And, I am sore.  But it is fun and I am doing great.  It is very motivating.  I am super out of shape.  I am responsible for the cardio training 3 other days a week.  However, I have not been as good at fitting that in.  But, one step at a time.  It will come.  My eating habits haven’t changed much either, but again, one step at a time.  Darn, I sure do like wine and cheese and bread.  Boo hoo!

Massage… I haven’t made it there yet, but plan to.  My husband went today as he had a kink in his shoulder he needed to focus on.  He had a fabulous experience at RELAX Therapeutic Massage.  It is extremely affordable and such a beautiful location.  Very relaxing.  I hope to fit the massage in to my routine at least once if not twice a month.  I will keep you posted on that!

So, stay tuned for the next update.  I plan to go in to more detail about my experiences at both locations and tell you a little bit more about the services they have to offer.  Eventually, if I get really brave, I will share with you my before and after pictures… but, I am not ready to share those yet!  Cheers!

 

Photography by Ramone

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Taking time for you…

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We have all been there; that breaking point in the day when you throw your hands up and say “there just isn’t enough hours in the day!”  Lately, as wedding season fast approaches, I seem to find myself saying that more and more.  “If I could just have 3 more hours in a day, it would be perfect!” I have lost count of the number of times I have said this.  Sound familiar?  Of  course,  if we really had 3 more hours in a day, more than likely we would still be asking for a few more hours.  It’s a viscous cycle.

Regardless of how much time I do or do not seem to have in a day, there is no doubt I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my life.  I do.  I love my job.  Running my own event planning company is the most fabulous, fun, creatively challenging, and rewarding  job I have ever had.  I absolutely love being a Mom to my beautiful 6 year old daughter, who brings me more joy in one day than most could hope for in a life time.  I love being a wife to my incredibly smart and talented husband, whose skills and knowledge never cease to amaze me.  I am one very blessed girl.  And I am thankful for such every day.

With a busy schedule full of all the wonderful things I have going on in my life, one would think I would see the importance of carving time out of each busy week to take time just for me.  Time to decompress, recharge, relax- truly take time for myself.  It is a must for my health, both physically and emotionally.  But, in particular over the last two years, I have really fallen short in this aspact of my life.  I give 110% to my job and my clients, even more to my child and husband, but when it comes to taking time for me- I have definitely been falling short. The scary part is, I know I am not alone in this.  In fact, I see this happen to my clients on a regularly basis as well. 

“The Wedding”.  It becomes this all-being thing that consumes every breath and ounce of energy my clients (and their families) are able to put forth.  And, it does so for at least 6 months to a year (maybe more) prior to their wedding day.  Now imagine how much “THE WEDDINGS” begin to consume my energy. While I LOVE what I do, and my job continues to be extremely rewarding, it is a balancing act that is very hard to manage.  And again, I ask you… sound familiar?

Energy.  Time.  Balance.  I need these three words.  We all do.  But there are days that I surely feel I am lacking ENERGY.  And, rarely anymore to I take the TIME I should to recharge myself and focus on my emotional and physical health.  I have not been on a consistent exercise program in over 2 years!  I do not take  TIME to make it part of my daily routine.  As far as my diet; well, let’s just say it is far from BALANCED.  I see my clients, in particular the mothers of my clients, fall in to this same trap.  It is hard.  My Brides, and often their mothers as well, have full time careers and schedules on top of “The Wedding.”  Time and time again I see the “year from now” turn in to the panicked voice of ”the wedding is only 6 weeks away!” And, it happens in the blink of an eye.  Smart food choices, taking time to decompress, and scheduling time to exercise routinely is continuously put off.  Before my clients know it, the once sought after physical goals are now too far out of reach.  Realistically, they will never achieve anything close to the results they had hoped for initially.

So what to do?  Well, of course my social work background tells me “admitting it” is the first step, right?  ”I have let my life take control of me rather than me taking control of my life.”  There, I admitted.  Now what?  Well, I am working on that.  I have been doing some research, and I think I have a plan… but, I am not quite ready to lay it all out for ”all to see”  just yet.  I have been introduced to some local resources that are very unique and a form of healthy living I haven’t tried before.  I am intrigued, and motivated in a way that is different from ever before. 

Visit me back next week and I will fill you in a little bit more on what I have in store in order for ME to start taking time for ME!  And, you might just  find it is something that you want to start taking advantage of as well. It  isn’t any magic pill or a hidden secret “get thin quick plan”.  I will give you a hint- it starts with setting goals, making smart choices, using time wisely, and refueling your life! 

Are you intrigued?  Stay tuned…

We had a blast at the Uniquely Yours Bridal Show!

jennifer-la-londe-events-llc-logo-final-006We had  blast at the Uniquely Yours Bridal Show!  It was so much fun to spend some time with all of you excited brides.  Seeing the twinkle in your eyes as you see the endless possibilities for your special day… well, it just warms my heart :0. 

I had a great time designing the booth of my dear colleague and friend Cathy Carter of East Beach Catering.  It was a challenge smelling the tasty shrimp and grits  you were serving all day long! Yummy stuff!

Thank you Pearl and Isha for a fabulous event.  The fashion show was fabulous; loved the ballroom dancers this year :)  Everyone worked so hard on the show and it paid off.  FUN!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see us at Jennifer La Londe Events.  We have designed so many events this year with the black and white color scheme.  It seemed like a perfect choice for our booth.  And accenting the booth in red was so much fun.  Thank you to Atlantic Event Rentals for the stunning black beaded chandeliers that we hung above our booth.  Dressing them with the greenery and roses was so romantic.  We LOVED them… and so did the brides! 

Happy Planning Ladies!  We look forward to speaking with you soon :)  See you at the VOW bridal show on February 21st at the Virginia Beach Convention Center!

Ceremony and Reception Chairs with a Flair

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Photograph: Keith Cephus

Remember to Consider the Chairs When Choosing Your Venue!

When searching for your ceremony location and reception venue, be sure to look not only at the overall aesthetics of the room, but also  the chairs that are provided by the facility.  Unfortunately, in many instances, the chairs are not pleasing to the eye. Or, even more so, you may find the chairs to be beautiful in their own right, but the color of  the chair will never work with your color scheme.  This is something to be considered seriously when choosing your ceremony and reception venues.  If you are not in love with the style or color of the banquet or ceremony chairs provided, the cost to cover the chairs or change out the chairs completely can be a hefty expense.  This is due the volume of chairs needing replaced or covered.   Of course  no offense is meant to the reception venues.  Dark colored durable material is a must when seating the masses.  But, for elegant wedding decor, the dark colors and durable material aren’t always the perfect match.  

Chairs with a Flair…

So, the contract is signed and the deposits have been made.  It’s official… the reception and ceremony venue are booked.  But, the banquet chairs provided with the location are a thorn in your decorative side.  What to do?  Not to worry, there are several options.

Considering your options…

I encourage my brides to consider their options wisely when the chairs at either the ceremony or receptionlocation are not to their liking.  Not just any chair will do.  The chair you pick will make an impact on the overall look and feel of your wedding day.  You want a chair that is made of good quality materials, is pleasing in color,  and adds an element of flair to your event.  This can be done by the style of the chair you choose, the types of material you choose to cover the chair in, or both! You can have the most beautifully decorated tables and gorgeous centerpieces in town, but if the tables are surrounded by less than pleasing banquet chairs, your overall “look” of your event will be diminished. 

The traditonally covered banquet chair…

The “oldie but goody” that comes to the forefront of every bride’s mind is the slip chair cover with an accompanying colored sash.  Tried and true, this look will add elegance to any banquet chair.  And, there are some companies in the area that make this option very cost effective.   An updated approach to this concept is the scuba chair cover which provides a tight fitting sleek look and a bit of shimmer to the chair.

Photography: Dave O’Dell  Event Design: Jennifer La Londe Events

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The wood or “wood like” folding chair…

jl-events-ceremony-chairs-2   Wood, or “made to look like wood” chairs are becoming more and more popular.  They come in a variety of colors; white, natural, and black.  These chairs look pretty as a stand alone or dressed.  And, prove to be cost effective, coming in just under what it would cost to rent a seat cover and sash.  Depending upon the setting, these chairs are appropriate to be used for both your ceremony and reception.        

 

 

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Photography: Aaron Dussault and Nate Kinnison

The chiavari or “ballroom” chair…

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More and more I see brides work into their budget a specific type of chair they wish to use for their ceremony and reception.  The “top of the line” chair in our area is the chiavari chair.  This is a beautifully elegant chair that is very ornate in its construction.  Coming in many different colors, gold, silver, natural, black, white, fruit wood, and  “ice” or “crystal” (clear), the chiavari chair adds color and elegance to your overall design.  The color of the seat cushion can also be changed out to add another dimension to your decorative elements.  This chair  is beautiful as a stand alone or can be dressed.  Its use is appropriate for both the ceremony and the reception.  While these chairs are the most costly to use in our area, with out a doubt, they are worth every penny.  If my client  is able to work them in to their design budget, I encourage them to do so.  And, if your location allows you to use them for the ceremony, then change them over for use during the reception, they are a sensible investment. 

Some of the newest chairs to the group…

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There are a few relatively “new kids” on the block in the world of event chairs.  They are not stocked locally, but available through distribution.  One of my favorites is the relatively new ”chameleon chair”.  This is a phenomenal looking chair.  It is gorgeous as a stand alone or dressed.  You are able to cover just the back oe the back and legs both.  The seat cover comes in almost every color under the sun.  Also a new look over the past few years is the “ghost chair”.  This is a perfect selection if your style is more contemporary, metropolitan, or you just want to avoid the chairs taking away from the overall look of the table-scape.   While both chairs would be considered a luxury design item for your wedding, they would certainly be one your guests would be talking about for years to come!

Chairs with a Flair… Spring 2010 Design Plans from Jennifer La Londe Events

With 14 weddings on the books already for 2010, we have been busy designing wedding ceremony and reception looks for our clients.  We at Jennifer La Londe Events pride ourselves on providing our clients the traditional elements they long for but with a  creative “twist” that makes our clients’ weddings unique and different. ” Chairs with a Flair” are one of the many unique ways we are able to achieve that.  Please excuse the photographic eye below, mine, but I wanted share a few things we have on the design table for 2010… enjoy!

jl-events-pink-daisy-wedding-chair-design-2  Pink Daisy Theme

jl-events-feathers-and-ice-theme-wedding-2  Feathers and Ice Theme

jl-events-sandbridge-chair-design-1  Sandbridge Beach Wedding

      jl-events-love-bird-themed-wedding-chair-design2  jl-events-shabby-chic-chair-design-2Shabby Chic/Love Bird Theme

jl-events-peacock-feather-chair-design2  Peacock Feather Design Element

Resources to consider when shopping for chair decor: Atlantic Event Rentals, Classy Covers, Distinctive Event Rentals, The Chair Cover Girl, and The Chameleon Chair.

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Heather and Pedro’s Engagment Photos

Heather and Pedro ~ The Founders Inn, August 2010.

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 I just had to share these with everyone!  Keith Cephus (Keith Cephus Photography) captured these shots of my August clients Heather and Pedro during their engagement photo session in Sandbridge.  Keith was able to capture the true passion this couple shares for life and each other.  Thank you Keith for sharing.  Your work as always, is fabulous!  If this is just a taste of what’s to come…I can hardly wait for August!  1191-2

FYI- If you have yet to visit Keith Cephus’s website and blog, please do!  Be prepared to be dazzled!  After all is said and done on your wedding day, all you will have “left” from your special day are your photographs.  Don’t get me wrong, you will have some keepsakes, and of course your memories, but in a tangible sense, all that will be left are your photos.  This is one area you need to be certain you budget for accordingly.  Hire a photographer that is able to capture who you, your fiance, family, and friends really are.  Make sure they can capture the emotion in their shots as well as all of the little details that really made your wedding ceremony and reception special.  Keith is able to do this time and time again.  Your photos are your memories, so don’t leave them to chance.  You can find Keith on the web at www.keithcephus.com  

Enjoy and thank you Heather and Pedro!  I have had so much fun already with you and your families already.  We look forward to further assisting  you with your sunset wedding in August! 

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If the shoe fits; wear it? Not exactly.

Gorgeous, but so uncomfortable for my wide foot!

Gorgeous, but so uncomfortable for my wide foot!

I had a few minutes to kill between client appointments today and quickly ran in to a shoe store in search of a pair of gold heels to wear with a black gown for a formal event I will be attending with my husband in a few weeks. I spied the stunning gold pair of stilettos from across the store  as soon as I entered and made a beeline right for them!  They were the perfect find!  Brushed gold, strappy, with the most beautiful jeweled accents,  just the look I was going for!  I scanned anxiously for my size… YES!  Size 8 score!  Now for the test; are they comfortable?  Are the comfortable?  WHAT?  Did I really just say that?  What happened to do they fit?  How much do they cost?  Nope, the question I asked myself was “are they comfortable?”  As soon as I slipped my foot into this Cinderella of a shoe, I had my answer in a jiffy.  NO.  They most certainly were not.  

I stood there attempting to rationalize the potential purchase in my head, but I knew I couldn’t.  I knew I would spend at least two hours in these heels prior to sitting down for dinner.  I also had to account for the long walk from the hotel parking garage to the ballroom where the function would be held.  The gown has a long slit in the leg, so resorting to another more comfortable pair of shoes later in the evening was not an option.  The hemline would be too long and the visual line of the dress would buckle.  I had done the “math” and things were not “adding up”.  I just had to pass on this perfect gem of a shoe. 

Close, but no cigar...

Close, but no cigar...

Perhaps the rationale I did today was a sign of my “age”.  But, I would like to think it was in a good way!  Of course I want to look good, but for the “long haul” of an evening, I don’t want it to be at the cost of comfort.  It occurred to me, I hope my brides consider the same question when picking their bridal shoes.  Every bride should ask themselves, “is this shoe comfortable?”  If your answer is “yes”, then run, don’t walk to the nearest counter and buy those shoes!  If your answer is no, then perhaps you should reconsider.  At the very least, you need to come up with an alternate plan (of a shoe) for the evening.  Many of my brides are opting for a flip flop, sneaker, ballerina slipper, or something of the like for their reception.  But, often what they forget to consider is the loss of their 3 inch heel makes a huge difference in the length of their dress.  While their feet may not hurt anymore, they are know carrying a cumbersome handful of their dress in tow everywhere they go.  Especially when they are dancing!

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The One!

My suggestion; buy a heel you can live with, all day.  Yes, you may pay a little more money. Yes, you may only wear them one day, but it is a very important day!  And, most white shoes can be dyed another color for future use!  Limited by the choices of heels offered in white or ivory?  Go for color!  Ice blue is very popular these days.  I am working with a bride right now that is wearing sage green shoes (which is the color of her bridesmaid dresses). Hot pink, red, dark purple- don’t be afraid to show your style!  And please, don’t forget, be comfortable!

My favorite bridal shoe shopping experiences…

Locally, Nordstrom-  shop.nordstrom.com

Online: www.zappos.com and www.footlux.com 

Already have your shoes purchased but are worrying about their comfort over the long haul?  Try the comfort inserts called Foot Petals.  You can buy them online at www.footpetals.com or find them at Dillard’s department store at the Greenbrier Mall or David’s Bridal here locally.

Happy Comfort!

~Jennifer

The importance of a needle and thread…”Bridal Survival Kit” to the Rescue!

jennifer-la-londe-events-llc-logo-final-006For years I have carried a “Bridal Survival Kit” from wedding to wedding.  It has been rare I have  used the  arsenal of “wedding emergency”survival items I carry with me.  Maybe a small pair of sewing scissors here, a nail file there, but I have never had to truly “save the day” with any of the “disaster prevention magic” my staff carries in that little pink tote.  Just the same, my staff and I continue to lug this survival kit to every event we complete, just in case.  Should the tiniest moment of despair occur, we are prepared! 

As a courtesy to the bride, I will not be disclosing any of the the specific details that occurred one beautiful summer evening in the middle of a wedding reception.  But, I can tell you it was enough to drop this wedding coordinator’s jaw to the floor.  My mind raced as I problem-solved this bridal mishap.  It was something so unpreventable, completely unforeseen, and  unavoidable for that matter. But, there it was.  And there my staff and I stood, staring at it, wondering how we would rectify this most unfortunate situation.  The end solution; simple.  A needle and thread.  And fortunately, my little pink tote of magic didn’t fail us in our time of need.  With the help of myself and one of my  assistants Liz, a wiz of a seamstress at work, our bride was happily back enjoying her reception in 20 minutes!  She returned to cut the cake just as the band resumed from their break and started their second set.  No one missed a beat.  All were happy.  The guests and the happy couple danced the rest of the night away!  My little pink tote of magic saved the day!

So, what do I keep in my “Bridal Survival Kit”?  Well, probably more than most.  But I will share a few items with you.  If you have recently been asked to be a bridesmaid or a maid of honor, a bridal survival kit makes a very thoughtful gift to give the bride to be.  It can even be done as a group gift from all the bridesmaids (as to not take away from the couples’ much needed registry items). 

Happy Planning!

~Jennifer

“Bridal Survival Kit”

A  few items to consider…

  • Sewing Needles
  • Black, White, Ivory and Tan thread
  • Multi color spool of thread from sewing kit
  • BandAids
  • Nail Clippers
  • Scissors
  • “Tide To Go” Pen
  • Hand Wipes
  • Tweezers
  • Glue Dots
  • Clear Nail Polish
  • Mints
  • Ibuprofen
  • Hair Spray
  • Deodorant
  • Femanine Products
  • Safety Pins
  • Bobby Pins
  • Tissues

Sharing a good find for brides to be…

jennifer-la-londe-events-llc-logo-final-006Good day!  Just a quick planning tip this morning for brides to be… if you haven’t done so already be sure to register yourselves on the Michael’s Crafts website.  In doing so, you will have access to discount coupons on  a weekly basis (emailed to you directly).  And, these coupons typically offer huge savings, anywhere from 40-60% off!  Another tip, when you shop at Michael’s, you will receive another coupon for 20-50% off your highest non-sale item at the register.  So, if you split your shopping order up, returning on another day to purchase the  remainder of your shopping needs, you can receive another discount… and yet another coupon!  I love to shop Michael’s for many of my design needs, in particular their stamping items, ribbon selection, and votive candles.  In today’s economy, every penny saved helps!  Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this fabulous weather!

To ensure delivery of Michaels emails to your inbox, simply add Michaels@mic.michaels.com to your address book.

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A few things you may not have considered regarding your wedding day…

jennifer-la-londe-events-llc-logo-final-006So, the day you have been waiting for is finally here.  Short of a few nerves, Uncle Jack’s toast running a few minutes too long, and a safety pin coming to the rescue of a loose bow tie, your wedding is going beautifully. You share your last dance as husband and wife, and way too quickly your wedding day comes to a close.  What’s next?  Off to the honeymoon suite?  Well, maybe not so fast.  Suddenly, your caterer is asking you what you would like them to do with 7 pans of leftover food.  If your reception was at a private venue, you may have to answer the same question about the left over alcohol from the bar.  Same goes for your leftover wedding cake, wedding programs, wedding favors, cards and gifts, centerpieces, toasting flutes, cake serving set, guestbook, and pen…. and who could forget the 200+ votive candles you bought!  Who is responsible for these items?  Who has room in their vehicle to take these items home for you?  How will you pick them up the next day?  These little things can be last minute stresses you don’t want to be dealing with at the end of your reception.  If you have hired me as your wedding coordinator, you are safe in knowing these details have been accounted for.  But, if you do not have a planner involved, be sure to make arrangements for these details prior to your wedding day.  That way, you can happily move on to the “send off” of the reception and let your loved ones bring home the remaining items from your reception while you move on to the fun part… the honeymoon suite! Best Wishes!- Jennifer

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