Vanessa & Marcos - July 4th pix

Vanessa & Marcos were my July 4, 2008, "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" couple. These two had wonderful energy throughout the wedding process and the filming of their wedding. Here are some of there wedding photos by Scott Liu.

Vanessa & Marcos jump the broom!

Top 100 Wedding Planning Blogs, that includes us!

Soul Mate blog posted their Top 100 Wedding Planning Blogs today and we are on their list!

Ms. Jessica Merritt, researcher and finder of the Top 100 Wedding Planning Blogs writes, "Wedding planning blogs are an excellent source of inspiration for any bride or groom trying to put together a wedding. Whether you’re reading about invitations, etiquette, or just learning about DIY projects, these blogs are incredible resources."

Listed under blogs to go to for 'Advice,' Simply Dazzling Events is described as "wonderful about answering wedding questions and regularly features wedding eye candy."

Thank you to the folks at Soul Mate for this wonderful honor!

Destination: Grand Solaris, Cancun Mexico

Where have I been you may be asking yourself. Well destination weddings take alot out of a planner. I'm emailing from the Grand Solaris in Cancun, Mexico!

Check out the images of the all inclusive resort!

The Grand Royal Solaris also known as the GR Solaris, has 306 rooms in an L shaped beach front hotel on the south end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
At the on-site marina: non motorized water sports are included, you may also rent motorized equipment.

The GR Solaris is located 15 minutes from the Cancun airport and 20 minutes from downtown.
The GR Solaris is great for families, couples and groups.
This resort is also perfect for romantic destination weddings and honeymooners.

The Grand Royal Solaris, also known as GR Solaris Resort, is one of three Royal Solaris resorts in Mexico. GR Solaris is a 5 star beach front all inclusive Mexico resort located on the south end of Cancun's Hotel Zone.

Kids up to age 16 stay FREE when staying with 2 adults (some blackout dates apply). For kids 4 to 11 years old, there is a supervised kids club with a private kids pool, activities and play center. The kids club is open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. There is also childcare for children and teens for an additional charge.

I would definitely recomment this resort for a destination wedding anytime!!!! Adios amigos and amigas!

Guests: No show, no gift? No thank you.

Q. I've got another question for you, more of an etiquette nature. In writing thank you cards, am I expected to write thank you's to people who did not come, and did not send a gift? I mean...what would I be thanking them for, right? :) We have some people who did come, but didn't bring gifts, so I'd just thank them for coming, but the others I probably don't need to send anything at all, right? Let me know. :)

A. No, you do not sent thank you cards to the people who did not come to your wedding and did not send a gift. You're right to think, "What would you be thanking them for?" Nothing. On the other hand, you do send thank you's to the folks who attended your wedding and did not give a gift. The thank you card should read along the lines of how happy you are that they were able to witness and share in the joys of your wedding celebration.

Loving the Hot Pink

Here are some images from a recent wedding I did taken by Gruber Photographers.

the placecards

the chuppah
the reception loft
the bride's shoes

Loving the hot pink!

Pregnant, 1st Cousin Bridesmaid is hiding out!

Q. My first cousin is one of my bridesmaids. She's always been an attention seeking brat who has no sense of reponsibility because her parents, who are very sweet, have spoiled her rotten. They failed to teach her responsibility and respect. She failed to show up to my bridal shower and had her mother, my aunt, call me to explain why. It was then that I learned she was pregnant and due a week before my wedding. Okay, I clearly understood why she had to step down from her bridesmaid position but I felt very uncomfortable listening to my Aunt make excuses for my cousin. How do I express my feelings to them without damaging our family relationship? Am I a dope for even thinking about it this way? Don't get me wrong, I'm very hurt and angry about how all this went down. I mean the only reason I asked my cousin to be in my bridal party was because my Aunt would be hurt if I didn't. Help!

A. First let me say, we've all got one (or two) 'attention seeking brats' in our families. You're not the first to be thrown into an awkward familial situation because of an insensitive relative. On that note, I'm all about being honest so let them know how you feel. Have a heart to heart talk with your cousin and Aunt (and have one other trustworthy relative present - your mom?) at the same time. This way no one makes excuses for anyone and no words are twisted. Meaning, there will be no stories fabricated as to what really went on at your heart to heart talk. Hope this helps.

Mother of the Bride in black?

Q. My mother is very excited about the black dress she bought to wear to my wedding. Eek!! My color scheme is white & hot pink and my bridesmaids are wearing hot pink. What do I do? Although I understand that black is fashionable and might be considered appropriate at a black & white wedding, I still don't like the idea of my mother wearing black to my wedding. Is she trying to tell me something?

A. Tradition holds that the mother of the bride chooses a dress first, followed by the mother of the groom. Their dresses should complement each other, as well as the bridal party. For instance, having one mother in a floor length dress and another in a mini-skirt is a major no-no. Likewise, your mother wearing a black dress next to your bridesmaid’s hot pink ensembles are bound to make your wedding pictures look tacky. While your mom shouldn’t be wearing the same style and color, their dresses should coordinate.

You didn't indicate whether your wedding will be a formal, semi-formal or casual wedding. So here it is for all three formats. Generally, at formal weddings, your mother and mother-in-law should be in floor or tea-length dresses. Semi-formal or informal weddings allow them to get more creative with the length, but they still need to make sure they are complementing one another.

Unless your bridesmaids will be wearing black, a mother of the bride or groom should avoid this color. Until recently, black at weddings was considered a social blunder and many guests will still look at the color choice with suspicion. Sit your mom down and have a heart to heart talk with her about how you feel about the color choice of the dress. Explain to her choosing black will raise eyebrows as to whether or not she approves of the marriage. Hopefully she will understand. Good luck!

Bag, Borrow or Steal! Wedding Shop!

Often referred to as 'Netflix for Handbags', Bag Borrow or Steal offers women an exciting new means of enjoying the luxury accessories they love.

Whether your a bride, bridesmaid or a wedding guest, Bag, Borrow or Steal has stunning "special occasion" handbargs, jewelry and sunglasses to complete your outfit - beautifully! From Lieber, Vera Wang, Gucci and more.

Members of Bag, Borrow or Steal have access to over 3,000 styles of authentic luxury handbags and jewelry, including accessories from renowned designers such as Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Vera Wang and Stephen Dweck. With the flexibility to borrow by the week or month, members simply select the piece that strikes their fancy, enjoy it as long as they like and then exchange it for another. If they fall in love with what they're borrowing, they have the option to purchase it.

Honestly, why should women have to endure the emotional and financial sacrifices that accompany the endless search for the "right" accessory for every event, wedding, and dinner party? Really, why should celebrities, fashion editors, and socialites be the only ones allowed to borrow fashion accessories? Why not give everyone access to the perfect accoutrement for every occasion?

Here's an inkling of what you can Bag, Borrow or Steal:

Chanel Pearl and Diamond Ring

Chanel has created a stunning latticework of sparkling diamonds and small to medium pearls -- beautifully framed in a white gold setting.

Leiber 'Princess' Evening Handbag

Artfully shaped, this petite and posh Lieber clutch is fashioned from clear, square crystals set in a metallic frame. Dimensions: 4"L x 2"W x 3"H.

Vera Wang Victorian Bow Earrings

From the Vera Wang 'Victorian' collection -- diamond-studded bows of 18-karat white gold top delicate Japanese Akoya pearls. Total diamond weight: 0.72 carats

Kenneth Jay Lane Rhodium and Rhinestone Cuff

While the circles give a playful nod to mod styles of the '60s, this Kenneth Jay Lane cuff is nothing if not contemporary. Sparkling rhinestones accent the rhodium backing for a coolly sophisticated style. Hinged.

BrocadeHome.com - Mod, Romantic, Flirty & Whimsical

Surfing the net for hot items to feature, I found BrocadeHome.com. The furniture and items featured are whimsical, exciting and make for a wonderful registry. BrocadeHome.com promises to bring flity romance to your domenstic scene. Here is a small taste of what they carry.

patterned champagne glass set - $ 24
etched design. set includes 4 glass champagne glasses delivered in a gift box. hand washing recommended. 8.75"h. $49 - Sale $24


pattern plate set - cocoa - $ 24
dishwasher safe. set of 4. each with a different pattern. matching storage box included. cocoa. also available in stem. 7.5"dia x .5"h. $49 - Sale $24




flocked leaf electronics cases - silver/peony - $ 19 - $ 29
flocked silk fabric electronic cases. available in three sizes. small fits small cell phones and iPod® nano®, medium fits larger cell phones and standard iPod® and large fits BlackBerry®. delivered in a gift box. silver/peony.
SMALL. 2.5"w x 5"h. $39 - Sale $19
MEDIUM. 3.5"w x 5.75"h. $49 - Sale $24
LARGE. 4.5"w x 6"h. $59 - Sale $29

foil print travel set - leaf/silver - $ 34
medallion and floral print fabric covered travel set includes business card holder with 16 pages (holds 96 cards) 4.5"w x 8"h, passport holder 4.25"w x 5.25"h and luggage tag 7.5"w x 2.75"h. delivered in a gift box. leaf/silver. $69 - Sale $34

The Renaissance - Staten Island's best kept secret!

The Renaissance, located on Staten Island, is truly a diamond in the rough. The amount of food served, service & decor are altogether a winning combination for this venue. The prices are incredible for the amount of food and service this family owned venue provides.


The Renaissance has been providing culinary excellence in catering for over 15 years. From formal weddings and fundraisers, to social celebrations and corporate events, they are committed to providing you and your guests with extraordinary service and personal attention.



The Renaissance is the proud recipient of the Golden Apple Excellence in Food Safety Award. The award recognizes food service establishments that have maintained excellent food safety practices.



So, check them out!

Jumping the Broom on July 4th

I had the honor of coordinating a wedding at Bridgeview Yacht Club in Island Park, New York, on July 4th. The food and staff at Bridgeview were absolutely fantastic. It just so happened that yesterday's wedding was taped for 'Whose Wedding is it Any?' and will air sometime later this year. This bride and groom chose to incorporate 'Jumping the Broom' immediately after their ceremony as part of their recessional. The broom was placed behind the couple as they were facing the officiant. They turn around to face the guests and then jumped over the broom to start their recessional.

To give an inkling of insight into this tradition, 'Jumping the Broom' is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new. Broom jumping comes from an African Tribal Marriage Ritual of placing sticks on the ground representing the couples new home together. The tradition came to the United States during the days of slavery. Slave marriages were not legally recognized and so to announce to the community that the couple intended to live as man and wife they would jump hand in hand over a broom placed on the ground.

Jumping the broom fell out of practice due to the stigma it carried, and in some cases still carries, in relation to slavery. Once slavery had ended, many African Americans wanted nothing to do with anything associated with that era and discarded the broom jumping practice altogether. The practice did survive in some communities though and made a resurgence after the launch of Alex Haley's "Roots".

My July 4th couple chose to jump the broom immediately after their ceremony as part of their recessional but you can choose to jump the broom during the reception. In this case, it would be done before your first dance.. The broom is placed on the floor in front of you as you both hold hands. Friends and family may gather around you in a circle. An individual briefly narrates the significance and meaning of the ritual. Guests are asked to count out loud to three. On three you both jump the broom! The broom is then removed and you have your first dance as husband and wife.

You can purchase a ready-decorated broom from an ethnic crafts store or a plain one from any craft store which you can then decorate yourself.

Heather Waraksa - photographer - Love, Love, Love!

Simply put, photographer Heather Waraksa loves weddings. And I love, love, love her work!

I had the privilege of working with her at one of my weddings earlier this year. Her photojournalistic style is whimsical and seemingly effortless. Heather earned her BFA in Photography from Virginia Commonwealth University. Professionally, she has had the opportunity to shoot fashion, editorial and still life. She was chosen to be one of the featured photographers in an ad campaign for the Nikon D80 camera.

See for yourself, http://www.heatherwaraksa.com/!

Suggested Tipping Guidelines

Q. Who and how much do I tip on wedding day?

A. Gratuities are almost always added into the final bill, whether you have hired a private catering company or are using one of the finest hotel facilities. Although tipping is generally expected, it is never required - it is simply a personal expression of gratitude for service given and appreciated. How much to tip or whom to tip is always at your discretion. Here are some general guidelines:
• Maitre d: $300-$1500, based on service and number of guests. It’s usually $2 - $3 per guest.

• Banquet, catering or site manager: $100-$300, based on service and number of guests. This is usually $1 per guest.

• Catering staff (includes bartenders): 15-20% of food cost and for special service.

• Coatroom attendants: $0.50-$2 per guest.

• Delivery People (from the florist, bakery, party rental, tent set up crew, etc.): $10 - $20 to each delivery person.

• Limousine or other driver: 15% - 20% of total bill. Make sure to check contract to see whether gratuity has or has not been included.
• Ceremony musicians: 15% of fee

• Reception musicians: $25-$50 per member, paid at the end of the reception.

• Officiant: $75-$150 and up. If clergy, ask secretary for guidelines.

• Parking attendants: $0.50-$2 per car or 15% of bill.

• Photographer / Videographer: If the photographer or videographer isn’t the owner and is an assistant or a second shooter. $25 to $50 each.

• Powder room attendants: $0.50-$2 per guest

• Make-up / Hair Artist/ Nails: 15% -20% of total cost.

• Coordinator’s assistant(s) ~ $75 - $150

All the Cool Kids (and Me)!

Hurray! Simply Dazzling Events' blog & website has been included on Alltop.com! Alltop.com helps viewers explore their interests by collecting stories from 'all the top" sites on the web.
At each Alltop site, the headlines of the latest stories from dozens of sites and blogs are displayed.



You can think of an Alltop site as a “digital magazine rack” of the Internet. To be clear, Alltop sites are starting points—they are not destinations per se. The bottom line is that Alltop.com is trying to enhance your online reading by both displaying stories from the sites that you’re already visiting and helping you discover sites that you didn’t know existed. In other words, their goal is the “cessation of Internet stagnation” by providing “aggregation without aggravation.”