Brecknock Hall

Happy Thursday-it's-almost-Friday-eek!!

Time to talk venues.  In my opinion, the venue is the most important piece of the wedding/event equation. Well..maybe it's second to food.  Okay, maybe they're equally important. In any case, once the venue is confirmed, have you noticed that things start to magically fall into place?

Online research can only do so much - I much prefer discovering venues in person.

I had the pleasure of stumbling upon Brecknock Hall out on the North Fork of Long Island a couple of weekends ago when I coordinated the wedding of a very lovely couple - J & M.

The building is a beautifully restored mansion from the mid-1800's, located on the grounds of Peconic Landing.  Both the outdoor and indoor space are wonderfully conducive for different set ups for weddings and events. This particular wedding held the ceremony on the front porch with chairs set up on the front lawn, the cocktail hour throughout the various rooms of the mansion, and the reception in a tented area in the back.

In addition to the space being beautiful, the venue manager is quite pleasant to deal with and was so very helpful in ensuring everything went well.

The front porch and lawn. Courtesy of the Hall's Facebook page!

More photos and vendor recaps for this wedding to come in a separate post!

Hmm...I suppose it's never too EARLY to start looking for the perfect space is it?

Hope-to-be-your-bride-someday,
Your Venue Hunter

Just. Breathe.

To Ye Who Keeps Me Sane:

I saw this in a magazine a while back and wondered why I'd never heard about it before. It's a stress-fix concentrate that uses the science of aromaology to give the chill where it's needed.

It's no secret (perhaps an understatement) that brides and event organizers can get incredibly harried during the planning and executing process. Having this in one's emergency kit may prove to be helpful, and hopefully, soothing.

Purchase one here!

I like to be calm. And I'd very much like to keep my clients calm.

Here's to hoping you're also not a freaker-outer.

Your Stress-Free Bugaboo.

Social Butterfly

Heyyy youuuuu.

I tend to date men who have a lot of friends and like to have fun.  Because I'm sort of the same. I like to go out, meet new people, and keep myself occupied.

For some reason though... I haven't been able to crack the twitterverse.  But now I am determined to. In tandem with growing this little blog. + Pinterest. + Polyvore. + Etc.

I can't believe it's past the midway point of 2012 already. I have to say though, that things are going well.  I'm on my way to getting out of my not-so-great job, coordinating my THIRD wedding next week (more on that later), and romance is looking up! ;)

It's difficult having a day job, plus trying to grow a side job, plus figuring out life in general. Yes I know - totes first world problems.  But as long as you stick to my side, I think I will be able to do anything.  And I hope to positively affect the world one life, one couple, one wedding, one event at a time.

Bottom line?

I'm Ready to Stand Still With You.

G & C

Greetings from what feels like the center of the earth right now.

It's the middle of summer, 80 degrees, and I have no air conditioner! In an effort to cure (or prolong?) this irritating insomnia, I have decided to write about my day.

It was one of firsts for me. First Catholic ceremony, First wedding in Manhattan (!), and first time using separate venues for the ceremony and reception.

The Bride and Groom were exceptionally calm, there weren't too many moving pieces to coordinate, and once we moved from the church to the reception venue, it was pretty smooth sailing. The venue tended to get a bit hot even with all the A/C's running, probably because it was on the 17th floor, but otherwise, I think everyone had a great time.

Highlight: The dessert buffet. Most specifically, the Passion Fruit Panna Cotta. Yums.
Low light: Every now and then I just want to ask certain people in the wedding/events industry, "WHY do you work in this business if you don't know how to be nice to people??" I mean, does this make any sense to anyone? I can't stand it when an unsavory attitude is unwarranted. If I say "Thank you", I expect at least a "You're Welcome" or fake smile back, no matter how busy or stressed you are. And even if it WAS warranted, I don't believe in maintaining a sour demeanor when dealing with clients and vendors. Maybe this is why I can't sleep.

Excuse the poor quality of the pictures, but all I have right now is my old iPhone, which I have decided I must upgrade SOON!

St. Francis

Beautiful bouquet 

The Father of the Bride sweetened the deal
by including some cash with the bouquet

In lieu of flowers, a DIY candlelit centerpiece 

Glow stick bracelets for dancing!

Venue: St. Francis of Assisi, Studio Arte

Caterer: Savory and Sweet

DJ: HaHa Events

Photography: Kim Jin Hong Photo Studio

Mellllting in this heat,

Your Trooper

Take Two

Hellooo My Other Half,

I have my second solo coordination gig coming up on Sunday, June 24, and it's going to be interesting and a litttle hectic for a couple reasons:

1. It's the first time I'm working a wedding where the ceremony and reception are at two different locations! They're maybe 10 min walking distance from each other, so hopefully it won't be sweltering that day.

2. We get access to the reception venue just two hours before cocktail hour, and three hours before the dinner! Luckily, there are but 70 guests and no floral details, so it shouldn't be too crazy. Unluckily, I must rush straight from the ceremony while the bridal party takes photos to make sure everything is set up correctly! At least I will burn a lot of calories. :)

Having said all that, I'm beyond excited and grateful to have my first opportunity to coordinate a wedding in Manhattan.  Check out the beautiful event space at Studio Arte!!

Wondering What Kind of Grind You're Up To...
Your Hustla

janemade

After much deliberation with my trusted friends and sister, I think I've found it!

I know I said I wished my name wasn't so generic a couple of weeks ago, but my favorite letterpress friend pointed out that it has its own cute charm to it.  Once she mentioned janemade (JaneMade? Jane-Made? Janemade? So many options!), I couldn't stop thinking about it.

So janemade it is.

Potential logo designs to follow soon!

Consider yourself lucky dude,
Not-so-plain-Jane.

H & R

No, I'm not talking about the company that helps you do your taxes. I'm talking about the amazing couple who let me use their wedding as my first foray into this business. :)

I lead coordinated their wedding on Mother's Day, and let me tell you - it wasn't easy. But the experience was no less than awesome.  I enlisted J, my bestie-for-life, to help me out with this endeavor, and though she did an amazing job, she told me this is "not for her" when I asked her if she had fun. :)  Funny though, because it only further strengthened my desire to work in the industry.

I was lucky that H + R were really on top of their stuff and made things fairly easy for me. They had all their vendors ready, answered all my questions immediately, and were so appreciative, which goes a long, long way.

Here's a sneak peak, and I hope they will let me share more pictures once they have them!

Most original (and cute!) cake toppers I've seen

Only a teeny part of the beautiful flower arrangement by Cress!

Venue: NYIT de Severskey Mansion
Photography - Lilian Haidar Photography
Flowers - Cress Floral Decorators

Hopefully, we will be as chill as they were on their big day.  :)

Feeling accomplished,
Your Detailed Other Half.

The Perfect Name

Why is it SO difficult to come up with THE perfect name for my services? It would really help if my real name wasn't so generic, but that ain't something I can change now is it....

I hope it's not this hard when we have babies. Yes, I just brought that up with ye who does not yet exist in my life.

Here are a couple that I DO like in the industry. And why didn't I come up with them first. Poo.

Awesome Photographers Our Labor of Love

My DJ friend The Remixologists

Wedding Planning Gurus Details Details

I guess one slight issue is that I don't want to be limited to weddings, but want to branch out into non-nuptial events one day, so it can't just be all about the loooove.

Frazzled!

Exciting Inspiration

Oh hi.

Okay. So it's been, like, three months since my last post.

Splitting time between my real life and my dream life has proved to be a bit difficult, but thanks to my lovely and talented friend at Fourteen-Forty, I met an awesome group of ladies (and gent) last night who have re-spurred my inspiration to work in weddings and events!

Also, it's my birthday on Saturday - yes, I know it's on Cinco de Mayo -  and I've decided that the mission of my 2*th/rd/nd year of life is to make my (and other people's) dreams come true. In more ways than one. :)

I am totes looking forward to this journey and I hope you are too!

With lots of cyber confetti,
An Excited Little Monkey.

Choosing to Love

To My Future Valentine,

"Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new." - Ursuala K. Le Guin, The Lathe of Heaven.


I read this quote and thought, "how true".

It's the month of Valentine's Day, and being single at this moment, the subject of love crosses my mind pretty often.  Being in the second half of my 20's, I have heard many amazing stories of love and also sad stories of heartbreaks.  There are relationships that inspire me and feed my desire to find love, and there are others that leave me wondering how two people could have settled for so little.  I know that sounds harsh, but I think it's because I know in my heart that I will refuse to settle for something that just doesn't work.  My relationships have been far from perfect, and I know it's not easy to always be happy, but once I find someone to make a commitment to, I hope to keep it fresh and find ways to never let it get old.

A close friend once told me that love is partly a choice.  Sure, you can't help who you love per se, but you can make a choice to keep that love going. If you are committed to it.

All I ask of you is to remember that you chose to love me and to remain true to that commitment.  If we both do that, I don't think there's anything we wouldn't be able to overcome.

Love,
Your Valentine.

This Should Be Mine

Heyyy Honey,

Remember when I said I want to find a dress with flowers on it? You probably don't, but that's okay. Not your job.

Can I just buy this now for whenever it is that I will walk Down the Aisle? The detailed floral beading and the simple yet un-boring cut of this dress is just beautifully awesome. Le sigh. Absolutely adore it.

Dress by Luly Yang. Via 100 Layer Cake. Photo by Elizabeth Messina.

Don't you think I'd look pretty in it?? Just FYI, there's only one answer to that question.

Your Garden Gnome.

Drama's A Bitch

My Mature Man,

I realize this isn't quite a wedding post, but it certainly has to do with relationships, friendships and life in general.

I've recently discovered that a new-ish friend of mine said some major sh*t about me behind my back, and naturally, it got back to me.  I'm silently fuming at the moment, but once I cool off, there will be some major confrontation. Because unlike this person, I have zero qualms about calling her out. If you have something to say, grow a pair and say it to my face.

I don't understand why it feels like I'm going backward in time as I get older. I mean. Srrsly. Are we back in junior high? Wtf happened?! There's one good thing that came out of this.  I find myself thanking my lucky stars for my real friends that I know will 100% have my back and defend me to the death. Why yes, those kind of girls actually DO exist.

Here's to hoping you know how to You better be adept at communicating like a normal person. I don't take no sh*t from nobody. And you shouldn't either.

Now. An unrelated photo. It made me smile in my crappy state of mind.

By the ever-so-talented Max Wanger.
I don't know anyone else who can make such poetic use of blank space.

Trying not to frown (don't want any wrinkles!),

Straight-up Sassy.

Golden Inspiration

Dear Nominee-For-My-Affections,

I know I'm totally a week late, but I'm just now catching up on the always-interesting fashion of last week's Golden Globes. There were both hits and misses, but I had a few favorites that in my fantastical world, could be a version of the dress that I will wear on my big day. Of course, I'd also have to have almost zero percentage body fat to look this good in them, but hey, I have some time.

Mila Kunis in Dior. She can do no wrong in my eyes.
Can I have it in beige? Pretty please?

Piper Perabo in Olivia Theysken.
Not usually a fan of the poof, but how fanciful and cute is this??

Shailene Woodley in Marchesa.
Heart the detailing. Need I say more?

Nicole Richie in Julien Macdonald.
Click here to see the sexy back and the beading detail.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace.
The splash of red. Just. Awesome.

Jessica Alba in Gucci.
Not particularly my style, but would look quite purty on a lot of brides I'm sure.

Which one is your winner?

Bring the Bling.

Colors please!

When I moved to NYC, a friend of mine claimed that I would begin to dress in only dark colors.  But to that I said, no I will not!! I am alll about lovely colors and color combinations.

So I was happy when my friend (on the west coast) told me the colors for her wedding would be pastel greens and blushes.  Not everyone appears a fan of the green, but I don't mind it at all! Also, the bride has license to choose whatever colors she wants!

And since I have little energy to do much else besides sit on my bed as I'm on the dumb detox-ing cleanse this week, I put together the below color board.

A little lightheaded now.

Pastel Green and Blush on Polyvore

Hope you like playing with colors. Though men do happen to look rather dashing in black. Or grey. Or blue. More on that later.

Your Bright Bride.

Detox

Hey Hot Stuff,

For a variety of reasons, the word detox isn't quite in my vocabulary. I love to indulge - in the salty, the caffeinated, the spicy, the fried, the alcohol - pretty much everything that's bad for you.

So I embark on my first-ever cleanse in the attempt to make Resolution # One come true. Also, I have spent the last 48 hours in bed fighting a cold and feel exceptionally renewed.

I am combining the Food Lover's Cleanse from Bon Appetit as well as a vegetable detox recommended by a friend. Mostly because the thought of eating just veggies and grains for a whole week really depressed me. And the Bon Appetit one is a little bit out of my budget, so why not take the best of both worlds?

Doesn't look tooo bad right?

Photos courtesy of Bon Appetit

Depending on the level of healthy we are before our wedding, I may force you to partake in one of these prior to the big day.

Xoxo,
On-her-way-to-getting-super-hot.

It Will Be OK

Dear Protector of Sanity,

Continuing the recent phenomena of the "Sh*t Girls Say" videos that has hit the cyber waves in the past few weeks, the Wedding Channel has brought us their own funny rendition: "Sh*t Brides Say."

As laid-back as I am, everyone says planning my own wedding will turn me into a monster, but I refuse to give into that mentality. I pledge, here and now, that I will stay as chill as possible.

If I become anything REMOTELY close to a Bridezilla, make sure you put me in my place and remind me that I am not cray cray. I will allow you a mental b*tch slapping in this one situation. Also, I have encountered Groomzillas (-zillo?) in my time. And you. Must. Not. Be. One. Trust me, I will have no qualms putting you in your place.


Let's just enjoy the process please. It is what it is.

YOUR Protector of Sanity.

Details

Dear Future Housemate,

Similar to the reason I started recording resolutions, I want to be better at making lists and keeping track of details. Especially as I am starting something anew like this. So I got the below Moleskine planner.  I had one with a black soft cover for 2011, and thought I'd go with something a bit more bold this year - red hardcover. Ooh la laaa.

My hope is that you will help keep me more organized in all aspects of life and not spiral into more of a mess. : ) 

Keeping it together,

Your Organized Mess.

A Man's Taste

Dear Cool Guy,

On my walk to work this morning, I saw the most interesting juxtaposition of an outfit and an accessory. On a man.  His clothes screamed I AM GHETTO FABULOUS, but his Louis Vuitton laptop case retorted I AM CLASSY.

Not sure if this guy's style is my cup of tea, but I hope you have the same sense of fearlessness when it comes to yours.

I love New York.

Your Cool Girl.

Hustlin'

Dear Partner,

I am totes excited to have landed my first solo coordinating gig. I guess telling everyone that I know and meet that this is the business I want to get into is slowly working.  I'm looking forward to using the bit of experience that I gained from my short but awesome time at this amazing company last year to hopefully start building up a brand of my own!

The bride and groom have chosen to host their wedding at Westbury Manor in Long Island - an outside spring ceremony and an indoor reception. Isn't it just wistful and lovely?

Courtesy of wedding bee

I love weddings at mansions because you can pretend it's your own private estate and feel like a big baller for one of the most important days of your life. Holler!

Trying to make things happen,
Your Ambitious Lady.

2 0 1 2

Good afternoon.

I haven't made new year's resolutions since I was forced to in grade school, and I think the reason is because I have a fear of failing to keep them.

But 2012 feels different. So I've decided to chronicle them as they come to me so that I don't have an excuse to forget.

Here's the first one.

This refers to the following:

1. Literally: Losing weight and getting fit, which I've been trying to accomplish for the past 15 years.

2. Figuratively: I've come to learn that not I'm not meant to be great friends with everyone, and that it's okay if I'm not. That doesn't mean I won't be nice, but it also doesn't mean I will be a doormat to be stepped on.

Somewhere out there, I wonder if you are making resolutions to keep too.

Xoxo,

Feeling Fresh.