Pure Ambiance Event Planning

Short Wedding Dresses are IN This Season - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2011-05-31T20:21:00.012-04:00

Hello Everyone!

With the warm season finally here, I started wondering what the new wedding gown trends for this season are. As one of the go-to websites for trend setting reports, I checked out Pebblesbaby online magazine to get some insight on the summer 2011 trends. For those of you who are not familiar with this magazine, Pebblesbaby is made up of a team of fashion interested people who gather together in order to discuss and illustrate the latest fashion trends. The magazine focuses exclusively on the major fashion houses and it is addressed exclusively to women. Each day they publish new articles on a certain fashion topic.

Anyway, for this summer short wedding dresses are IN! The most popular ones have quite an intricate cut and are different shades of white. They are often accompanied by a long train to add a little style. There are also three-quarter length wedding dresses for this season; these kinds of bridal dresses do not have a train and the cut is simpler. Below is a sneak peak at some of the dresses.

What do you think? Would you rock a short dress on your wedding day? We'd love to hear from you!

St.Maarten Destination Wedding-NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2011-05-30T09:50:00.034-04:00

Hey guys! Ok so two weekends ago we were in sunny St.Maarten for the beautiful intimate destination wedding of Sarena & Marc. They were joined by 7 of their close family and friends at a mountain top villa overlooking the beautiful island where they exchanged vows, shared laughs and celebrated under the island stars! Check out the design details from this awesome wedding. Sarena and Marc thank you so much for having us there to plan this special day for you. We hope your having a great time on your honeymoon!

The view from the Eden Rock Villa..

Ceremony Details..

Cocktail/Reception Details

Stationary: Cam Turner Design

Photo Credit: Nadya Furnari Photography

This Weekend's Events - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2011-05-23T11:46:00.004-04:00

Happy Monday, everyone! =)

This past weekend was full of fun events for the Pure Ambiance Team. Kisha, Nadya and Tomyka have all been in St. Maarten since Thursday planning a beautiful beach wedding for one of our couples. I can’t wait to see pictures from their trip and the couple’s big day!

While they were away, Megan, Amanda and I were at an outdoor rooftop bridal shower in NYC, hosted by the bride-to-be’s Male of Honor [her brother]. The place was beautiful – overlooking the Hudson River on one side with views of the city on the other. Although the day was cloudy and a bit chilly, everyone had such a great time!! I must admit we were a little worried at first that it was going to downpour, but the rain held off and we couldn’t have been happier! I can’t wait until we have pictures from it to share with all of you. It was a very spring-y event, complete with a photo prop area, a lounge area, fun games for the bride-to-be, amazing food and even some live entertainment. Guests also brought their favorite pictures of the lady of the hour and we created a clothes line collage for everyone to enjoy. It was adorable!

Once we have the pictures from both events, we will be sure to share them. To plan your own bridal shower party or destination wedding with the help of Pure Ambiance, be sure to contact us today!

Happy Planning,

Kaitlyn

New Jersey / New York Event Planner ~ Daina's 18th Celebrity Birthday Bash!

2011-05-09T12:12:00.008-04:00

Hi Everyone!!!

So, we've GOT TO share a few sneak peek photos from an AMAZING event that we put together in 3 months for our client, Daina. Daina is the daughter of one of our August Brides and they both wanted this party to be a huge celebration for their entire family! Daina wanted a Barbie themed party (Barbie as in Nicki Minaj not Mattel LOL) and we went crazy with it! Daina was the V.I.B ~ Very Important Barbie, of course! Hot pink and lime green, hip hop Barbie dancers in awesome costumes, "Barbie" and "Ken" photo station, signature drinks, Aerialists, let's not forget the life size hot pink Barbie box that was lowered from the ceiling for Daina's big entrance! That's right - FROM THE CEILING!!! It was HOTTTTTT!!!! Oh, and did I mention all the celebs that were in the house?! DJ Absolute from Hot97, K. Foxx from Hot97's Morning Show, Terrance J. from the one and only 106 & Park, and of course Miss Keri Hilson!! This was certainly a night to remember and one that we're SO very proud of!! All the praise and compliments from this event really enforced why we do what we do!!! More official pics and details to come :-D

Twigs & Honey Bridal Accesories-NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2011-04-22T11:32:00.007-04:00

This wedding season is showing a huge trend in vintage DIY style weddings. These are always really beautiful and brides are opting for simplicity versus extravagant glamour for their wedding gowns. So if you are a vintage bride you need to check out Twigs & Honey. They have beautiful bridal accessories that add that special touch to your look, they are hard to resist. If your a DIY bride check them out also because it's a great place to draw inspiration from to create your own accessories!

Photo credits: Elizabeth Messina & Lisa Warninger

Color Combinations You Haven't Thought Of - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2011-03-30T10:43:00.010-04:00

Hello everyone!

For today’s blog, I’m trying to think spring (wishful thinking, I know)! This post comes from Refinery29, which I subscribe to. For those of you who don’t know, the company describes itself as “the cornerstone of fashion, beauty, and shopping for a new generation. Combining daily local newsletter editions and a website that serves as a global style hub, Refinery29 offers the only 360-degree source for shopping, exclusive deals, trends, beauty news, local hot-spots, and at-home sneak-peeks of fashion's finest.”

Anyway – they came up with 6 spring color combinations for 2011 [“6 Quirky Color Combos to Try Now"] that I think are amazing. Granted, these color combinations weren’t thought up with weddings in mind, but you can definitely incorporate them in your big day; especially if you want something different. So check out the pictures below and see if you can come up with your own inspirations based on their suggestions.

1. Royal Blue and Crimson

2. Burnt Orange and Khaki

3. Orange and Fuchsia [Pure Ambiance did a wedding with these awesome colors – check out Gallery 6 on our website]

4. Pink and Caribbean Green [LOVE!!!]

5. Red Orange and Yolk Yellow

6. Oxblood and Cornflower

If you need help on how to utilize these color combos, be sure to give Yours Truly a call!! And guys.. please please PLEASE join me in THINKING SPRING!!!!

Happy Planning ;o)

Kaitlyn

Vera Wang For Davids Bridal-White Collection-NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2011-03-23T13:55:00.004-04:00

Ok so this is big news!! Vera Wang has designed a collection for Davids Bridal! I mean helloooo talk about a deal and you get Vera Wang! Check it out here !

The dresses start at $600 and go up to $1,400 which still isnt bad at ALL!

The Limited Wedding Gowns!-NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2011-03-15T08:59:00.013-04:00

It looks like lately everyone is releasing a wedding line, but you can never have too many Wedding dress options! The Limited is one of my favorite places to shop, they have nice quality clothes at good prices, so it was exciting to see them finally release their long talked about Wedding line. Their dresses start at $228 and go to $400, how crazy is that talk about budget shopping! Check it out!

This one is sooo cute! I love it!

This would be so cute for a beach wedding!

Can you believe this dress is only $298! They also now have bridesmaids dresses at super great prices!

I have a small obsession lately with one shoulder dresses!

Check out their website, they also have guest wedding dresses and cocktail dresses for your other special pre-wedding events and for your honeymoon! With these prices you can buy a dress for all your parties ;)

Bread, Milk, Eggs and.. Wedding Gowns? - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2011-03-08T09:18:00.006-05:00

Good morning everyone! =) I meant to blog this yesterday..

Get your grocery lists ready: apparently, Costco is going to start selling wedding dresses!! Crazy? Awesome? Weird? Maybe all of the above. Here is a little piece from khou.com:

Costco, the nation's largest wholesale club operator, is teaming up with top bridal designer Kristie Kelly to sell six exclusive styles of wedding dresses in its warehouse stores.

Kelly usually designs couture dresses that run between $3,000 to $6,000.

The dresses at Costco will range from $700 to $1,400, but that's still more than half the usual retail price.

It sounds like a good deal to me! So next time you have to pick up some groceries, why not take a stroll down the wedding aisle.. literally. ;o)

Kaitlyn

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Fit for a Queen

2011-03-07T10:07:00.012-05:00

Every woman wants to be the center of attention on her wedding day. She wants to look elegant, fabulous and most of all, heart-stopping to her groom. Being a plus size woman, I know from experience, that finding clothing can be a frustrating, disturbing and sometimes a very upsetting experience. However, when it comes time to shop for “THE dress,” it can be very challenging. Don’t fret - here are four tips for you to look like the fabulous queen you are, on your wedding day:

1. Every woman needs to know her shape - We as women, all have different shapes. So we should search for a gown that will accentuate our assets versus finding something unflattering. For the curvier woman, an A-Line wedding gown will look flattering and gorgeous for your figure. For the top heavy woman, a V-neck or Scoop neck would look fabulous – just make sure the fit is just right and isn’t cut too low. Please try to avoid the poufy ball gown, as this will make you look fuller and more round.

2. Know where to shop - Do your research on plus size wedding gowns in your area and find shops that offer them. Not only will you be able to fall in love with a gown that you can actually have, but you can also try them on, which is very important! If you’re in the tri state area, Park Avenue Bridals in Verona, NJ is an excellent bridal shop, catering to all Brides including, plus size women (trust me I know… that’s where I got my wedding gown from). David’s Bridal is also a definite option!

3. Comfort is a must - Every bride needs comfort on her wedding day! You don’t want to feel stiff, suffocated, or stressed out on your wedding day. You want to feel like you can have a great time and not have to tug or constantly fix your wedding gown all night. Your gown should be comfortable and a pleasure to be in; you should enjoy every minute of having it on. If you happen to fall in between sizes after being measured, always choose the larger size. You can always make your gown smaller by taking away fabric, but you can’t necessarily make it larger by adding fabric.

4. Alterations are key - No matter what size you are, it is a MUST that you look your best on your wedding day. You’re paying a lot of money for that beautiful gown, so making sure it fits as if it was only made for you, is important. Be sure to have your alterations professionally done. Most Bridal Shops offer alteration services, but if they do not, they usually have suggestions for Seamstresses they recommend. You do not want to put your gown in the hands of an amateur and of course, every little detail matters, especially when it comes to your gown.

This is the most important day of your life. You want to look and feel your best in the gown that is just for you! You do know you deserve that, right? No matter what size you are, have fun and enjoy your day! Remember to be the fabulous and gorgeous queen that you are!

Happy Planning!!!! xoxo

Tomyka ;-)

New Jersey Wedding Planner - InStyle's 20 Beautiful Bridal Hairstyles

2011-03-02T13:55:00.004-05:00

Hey Everyone!!

This came up on my Twitter feed, so I figured you would all love it. I just wanted to share some wedding hairstyles with you, courtesy of InStyle.com. Click on the link below to get inspired by some of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood, including Claire Danes, Jennifer Garner, Kate Beckinsale and a few Gleeks!! ;o)

InStyle's 20 Beautiful Bridal Hairstyles Gallery

Which one is YOUR favorite??

Happy Hairstyling,

Kaitlyn

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Work it Out ..Together!

2011-02-22T11:58:00.009-05:00

I was watching television the other day and a commercial came on for a new show called “Shredding for the Wedding” where couples work out, train and diet before their wedding to try and lose as much weight as possible before their big day. At first I rolled my eyes and sarcastically thought, “Great another TV show about weight loss” . Then I actually thought about it and the benefits to working out with a partner.

Why do shows like this and “Biggest Loser: Couples” work so well? I think it’s because of one main reason: you have a workout partner with you. What better way to motivate yourself than to have someone else there with you, shooting for the same goals and reaching them. This not only is a great way to lead a healthier lifestyle, but also a great way to get closer with your partner.

Here are some great benefits, courtesy of GoldsGym.com, on why you should work out with a partner [substitute “friend” for “fiancé”, “partner”, etc.]:

You'll get out of bed. If you know someone is meeting you at the gym in the morning, you going to slap the snooze button and sleep in? Unlikely. "When you schedule workouts with a friend, you're held accountable, so you're less likely to skip out on a workout," says person trainer Mel Joyner.

You'll make it a habit. People are used to moving from appointment to appointment during the workday, so meeting a workout partner at the gym will just feel like another appointment in a busy day. "I believe strongly that you should make a point of going to the gym with a friend during the first few months of your gym membership," says Dr. Belisa Vranich, a clinical psychologist and member of Gold's Gym's Fitness Institute. Why? "Working out should be a habit, and it takes 21 days to form a habit. If you're going it solo, you're likely to slack off during those three important introductory weeks, but if you're regularly meeting a friend, the habit is more likely to set in."

You'll work harder. "When I work out on my own, I'm not likely to force myself to do extra reps or increase my speed on the treadmill," says Joyner. "But if I'm working out with a friend — ideally a friend who is stronger and faster than me — you can bet I'll try to one-up the other person by doing more chin-ups or running faster in a race or lifting more weight on the machine." Adds Vranich: "A friend can read your facial cues and body language, so he'll know when you're slacking off and, as a result, give you that extra nudge or a few needed words of encouragement."

You'll diversify your workout. "There are a variety of workout moves that you can only do with a partner," says Joyner. His favorite? The wheelbarrow push-up, where one person does a push-up while the other (standing) person holds on to the ankles. "The holder has to squat as the person goes down toward the floor, so the exercise works the muscles of both involved."

You'll stay social — without loading up on calories from food and drink. Let's face it: working out alone can take time away from your social life. But working out with a friend allows the two of you to catch up on work, life, and all the rest without doing so over, say, five frosty — and calorie-laden — beers. You're killing two birds (and, quite possibly, two beer guts) with one stone. Joyner learned this important lesson in college. "After my friends and I bonded over one too many boxes of pizza, we decided to center our social activity around the weight room as opposed to the pizza joint," he says.

And there you have it! I really think this is such a great idea… working out with your man or woman! Not only are you going to look great for your wedding, you’ll learn to live a healthier lifestyle that will [hopefully] stick with you throughout life and you’ll reconnect on a deeper level with each other. It doesn’t matter if you have a strict work out plan and diet that you intensely follow or go with the flow and plan daily outdoor activities like running or biking (no excuses – spring is almost here so the weather will be nice!).. get creative! As long as you go out and do some of your own shredding ;o)

Happy Training,

Kaitlyn

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Anthropologie Launch's Bridal Shop!

2011-02-14T13:40:00.010-05:00

This has been a long awaited launch by fans of Anthropologie every where! Today on Valentine's Day they launched their official Bridal shop "B H L D N". They are providing brides with all types of budget options starting from jewelry to gowns and everything in between. I love their style it's young, romantic and vintage but done modern (lol i know that sounds crazy). I am thinking of ways that I can get myself back into a wedding dress, perhaps a 2 year vow renewal?! I don't think my husband will go for that but for all you lucky ladies who may be getting engaged tonight or already are engaged take a look at their site! Even if you already have your dress they have accessories, shoes, jewelry and dresses! I am so excited and I am not even getting married! Enjoy everyone!

I will take that first and last hair piece OMG !!!

Shoes... Yes please :)

Perhaps as a 2nd dress or for bridesmaids? OR for a fabulous chic court house ceremony...LOVE IT!!

The middle one is my favorite! So different!

OK ladies I am done drooliong over this new line! Go check it out ASAP! Enjoy ......

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Royal Wedding Dress

2011-02-11T17:28:00.012-05:00

2011 THE YEAR OF THE ROYAL WEDDING DRESS!!

Prince William and Kate Middleton will be getting married on April 29th at the Westminster Abbey and everyone wants to know...who will she be wearing?!?!

The buzz around Prince William and Kate’s wedding right now is who is going to design her dress. Many designers are in the running, but the designer chosen will most likely be British. This decision is so important because the designer and style of the dress Kate wears could determine wedding dress trends for the rest of the year. She would also be propelling the designer into stardom. Here are two of the front-runners rumored to be designing her dress and the styles I could see her wearing.

Bruce Oldfield - is a British fashion designer, best known for his couture occasion-wear. Some of his clients include: Sienna Miller, Barbra Streisand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rihanna, Kelly Brook, and Taylor Swift..

Phillipa Lepley is one of London's leading bridal couture designers.

Other designers who could potentially get this royal duty include: Vivienne Westwood, Amanda Wakeley, Stella McCartney, Alice Temperley, and Brazilian designer Daniella Issa Helayel.

What dress could YOU see Kate wearing??

Megan

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Your Own Awards Show

2011-02-01T09:19:00.010-05:00

Its award season and that means one thing: 2011 fashion trends have begun to surface! I’m one of those people who watches award shows just so I can see who’s wearing what on the red carpet – I rarely watch the actual ceremony (I read about the winners later). So far this year, we have had two major celebrity events: the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards. There were so many chic stars and fresh trends, I can’t possibly list them all, but I’ve come up with a list of my favorites. Below are some great ways you can incorporate trends you see on the red carpet into your wedding day:

Jewel tones. Basically any color that you would see in a jewel, including: emerald green, amethyst purple, ruby red, topaz yellow, sapphire blue, and turquoise blue. You can incorporate these colors in your theme colors, flowers, accent pieces, or jewelry. Get creative with it! [Yes, Mila is on here twice because she is one of my favorites and does everything right!]

Nudes. This is one of my favorite trends of the season; I love nude colored dresses, nude shoes, nude lips.. you name it, I’m probably a fan of it. I think it looks great for all occasions. Use it as an accent color, bridesmaids dresses, or in your makeup!

Pink. It doesn’t matter what color pink you decide to use; the red carpet was full of this shade from pale to hot pink. Go bold and use pink as a theme color. Or for a more subtle effect, use pink in your make up; pink lips or cheeks look great on your big day.

Lace. As we all know, lace is super sexy and we’ve been seeing more and more people rock it lately, not just celebrities. Whether you wear it as part of your dress or opt to use it in, say, your bouquet, you will be sure to add a hint of sexiness and style to your day.

Sleeves. This trend has been popping up everywhere. People are starting to wear more gowns and dresses that have sleeves. If you like this style, why not try working it on your wedding? It’s a fabulous way to mix it up and surprise people (and great if you’re thinking of having a winter wedding!)

Hair. Updos are making a comeback! The most popular styles so far are the elegant French twist and the simple, chic ponytail. Both are super elegant and a great way to show off your dress, shoulders/upper body, and your beautiful, smiling face.

Keep in mind that just because the trend isn’t listed above doesn’t mean it isn’t great and won’t work for your wedding. I just picked my top 6 that I’ve seen this year thus far. The red carpet is a great way for ideas, but make sure you keep it original and make your day about YOUR style.

PS— let us know who your best and worst dressed at the awards were!

Happy Planning,

Kaitlyn ;o)

New Jersey Wedding Planner- Top Wedding Blogs for Ideas

2011-01-28T11:17:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!! Hope you all have fun plans for the weekend and getting lots of planning done for your big day :) ! We wanted to share with you some of the top wedding blogs that brides to be use for inspiration, style and well all things wedding! So go grab a cup of hot coffee and soft blanket and your laptop and take some time to browse through these blogs for inspiration, enjoy!!

Green Wedding Shoes- If your looking for southern Cali feel and inspiration you have to check out this blog! They have beautiful DIY ideas and real wedding inspiration. I love everything about this blog and if you like modern vintage ideas you will also love it!

Style Me Pretty- This is the mother of wedding blogs, I think that's all we have to say. Find inspiration from some of the most beautiful weddings in the world and great DIY projects! Their style is Chic, Classy and Stylish and they truly live it up to that!

Grey Likes Weddings- This is a great blog for simple and beautiful ideas from real weddings, you can search by color and season! I love the feel of this blog....

The Recycled Bride- This is a great blog to find out DIY and Eco-Friendly ideas and inspiration! If your having a Go Green wedding, you have to check this site out!!

Offbeat Bride- Maybe your not like the typical bride and you have a little punk rock to you and want to show your fun and playful side, then this is a MUST. They have real wedding inspirations from some of the most creative weddings out there, but they keep it beautiful!

Groom Advice- OK lets not forget about the men out there, check this site out for everything groom and groomsmen. They also have a great Man Registry!

Temple of Groom- I love the excerpt of this blog, "written by a straight man that actually cares about wedding planning!" and no he isn't a planner he is an actual groom so follow his journey!

Hope you all have fun checking these out and that it gets the creative wheels rolling for your big day!

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Top Wedding iPhone Apps!

2011-01-26T10:27:00.034-05:00

Good morning everyone! So here in NJ we woke up to yet another winter wonderland, it's beautiful to look at if your sitting at home sipping on hot chocolate in a soft and cuddly blanket, but for those of you who have to brave the roads we wish you a safe trip!!

Now on to today's post! So I don't know about you but I love using iPhone Apps and if your as bad as me I am pretty much glued to my phone. Although one of my resolutions for 2011 was to put my phone away when I am home at night ( it has not been easy!) . Anyways, you can find all kinds of apps but we are going to talk about the top 10 Wedding iPhone apps for brides on the go! It's nice to be able to organize all your info for your big day and have it at the palm of your hand when needed, so it's going to be easy to update all your info as your planning progresses. So let's take a look into a few of these apps:

iWedding Deluxe- Allows you to manage your guest list, to-do list, budgeting and way more almost like a pro ;) .

2. Wedding Dress Look Book by The Kot- Well first it' free! This is a great on the go wedding dress shopping app. You know how you always show up to the bridal salon with print outs from the Knot site of dresses you like? Well now you can save them with this app and it also helps you find the dress your looking for by salon! Also helps you search for dresses by shape, cut, style and price!

3. Wedding Dash- This is for the bride who can't get enough and wants to just practice for her wedding day :) . It's an action puzzle game with 50 levels and just a fun little game when you have time to relax but still want to think wedding!

4. The Wedding Party Studio- This is an extension of http://www.weddingpartystudio.com/ , list top wedding industry professionals, real wedding inspirations, trends, do's and don't and get this online shopping!

5. Wedding Countdown- Know exactly how far away your big day is down to the second! It's a simple app, but something about a countdown clock makes wedding day exciting!

6. Wedding & Prom Hairstyles- Ok this app is kinda cool! You can upload a photo of yourself and try on different hairstyles for your big day! It has over 50 different styles, side and back views, various head pieces and you can post to facebook to get feedback from friends!

7. Tiffany & Co. Engagement Ring Finder- Ok ladies this is for the ones that are not engaged yet! How about installing this app on your man's iphone LOL, and giving him a little hint along with ideas of what your looking for. I am loving this app, I wish I had this 2 years ago!!

8. 99- Wedding- This is a book that tells you 99 things you wish you knew before planning your wedding. Provides you with tips on all aspects of planning!

9. Wedding Speeches for the Best Man & Groomsmen- Scared about what they may say on wedding day? Or maybe you know they are struggling to find the words, get them this app for inspiration or for them to just pick a speech word for word! I would recommend this for Maids of honor also!

10. Shape Bride- Ok last one! This is a great app to have. We all stress before wedding day about how we will look and we beat ourselves up at the gym and diet till we can no longer all to fit into that fabulous dress and look extra beautiful for our groom! Check out this app, for exercise plans and nutrition information. Remember you have to be healthy and do this the right way and to help it will provide weekly workouts and meal plans!

New Jersey Wedding Planner- Hang Your Dress Up in Style!

2011-01-22T17:37:00.006-05:00

So you finally have your perfect wedding dress and you just know it's going to look fabulous in your photos. Well there is a new detail that is a big 2011 trend that is just for your dress. Why not hang your dress up in style and purchase a customized wooden hanger. Sounds crazy right? You have to check it out, I personally love this idea and I think it's a great gift for the bride to be for her wedding day (mmhmmm if your a maid of honor this may be a good idea for you to get ;) ). They come in your basic wood stain and also in colors, I love the blue hangers, they make a great something blue for wedding day. Check them out on Etsy.com, enjoy!!

Check out Dawn's Craft Store on Etsy.com, it's all about the details!!

New Jersey Wedding Planner - PA now a Preferred Vendor of TOP NJ VENUES!!

2010-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pure Ambiance Event Planning is so proud to be a Preferred Vendor of Weddings of Distinction, which includes some of the most prestigious venues in New Jersey ~ Bonnet Island Estate, Mallard Island Yacht Club, The Ashford Estate, The Stateroom at LBI, & The Mercer Ballroom! We're looking forward to creating many beautiful memories in each of these unique and amazing venues!! So glad to be part of the Weddings of Distinction family :-D

xoxo,
The Pure Ambiance Team

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Exciting weekend... UNDERSTATEMENT

2010-12-16T20:51:00.011-05:00

Well, if you follow me and/or Pure Ambiance on Facebook/Twitter, then you already know this, but... just in case you don't (you should BTW), I had an AMAZING time at the concert and meeting Trey Songz!!! Usher put on a great show too, but I was there for Trey :-o LOL

The Team's weekend in A.C. was a BLAST too. We had way too much fun and Kaitlyn lost a bit more money than she wanted :/ We've decided that we have to do this at least twice a year, because once just isn't enough!

Here are a couple pics from the concert and I'll post some A.C. pics soon :o) Oh and if my pic was Trey was taken one second later, I would've had a bigger smile :/ Oh well, there will be a next time :-D

xoxo,
Kisha

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Exciting weekend!!!

2010-12-10T09:55:00.004-05:00

Hi!!!

Well, the excitement of this weekend starts today. I'm sooooo happy that I just had to post something!!

Today, I'm going to see Trey Songz in concert on the OMG Tour, AND meet him backstage!!! I just LOVE him!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :-D Nadya keeps telling me that's she's scared for him... Her exact words, "Kisha don't get locked up for attacking Trey, I am scared for him now that you will actually be up close to him and not just seeing him from the floor seats LOL." Hahahaaa!! Pray for me (and him hahahaa) ;o)

Saturday and Sunday will be a fun-filled two days with the Team in A.C!!! They're so awesome; this is well deserved!! We'll definitely post pics ;o) Karaoke is going to be TOO funny!!! We'll post pics of that too, unless they're really bad :-/

Hope you guys have an awesome weekend too!!

Talk soon!!

xoxo,
Kisha

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Highly considering to move in to The Ashford Estate ;o)

2010-10-21T20:17:00.012-04:00

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an exclusive event to view, what I consider to be THE most breathtaking and incredible venue in NJ - The Ashford Estate. It's difficult to describe the beauty that this brand new venue holds, but I knew I was in for it, considering it's the sister property of the gorgeous Bonnet Island Estate and Mallard Island Yacht Club.

It holds similar characteristics of its sister properties, such as AMAZING on-site suites for the couple and several important guests. Each of the 12 suites has its own unique personality that makes you feel at home and like you're in a 5 star hotel, all in one! Heck, I'm still not over the incredible showers in each suite; each can hold a small (or large) family! The grounds are just flawless and you feel such a sense of serenity being there. It definitely provides an unprecidented destination wedding experience right in NJ.

My advice to those of you getting married (or even thinking of it)?? Take a day and tour this amazing venue because the only way for you to truly understand the natural beauty of The Ashford Estate, is to see it! Once their site is officially up, I'll be sure to post the link so you can check it out. In the interim, take a look at their sister properties - Bonnet Island Estate and Mallard Island Yacht Club.

Thank you to all of the wonderful folks at The Ashford Estate for the special preview and for bringing another unique and gorgeous option to all of the Brides & Grooms to be!

xoxo,
Kisha

P.S. Just found out that The Studio Photographers captured some great images of The Ashford Estate! Check them out here!

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Get your Carrie Bradshaw on!!!

2010-10-11T09:47:00.001-04:00

Just last week, Exquisite Bride - Millburn, revamped their shoe selection! They now have a large collection of beautiful couture wedding shoes. Each shoe style has been hand picked by Bridal Designer, Sareh, to suit the clientele's taste.

Go take a peak at the designer shoes that range from 1 inch to 4.5 inch heals.
They have flats, to flip flops, to platforms, that are dyeable. Not only can these shoes be used for weddings, they can be used for bridesmaids, prom, and special events!

Spice up your look with Swarovski Crytals on your shoe or add something blue! Call Exquisite Bride today to schedule an appointment with one of the stylists ~
973.376.2770

Happy shoe shopping!!!

xoxo,
Kisha

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Dress like a Disney Princess!

2010-09-29T11:34:00.003-04:00

So I just came across this video. Alfred Angelo and Disney have teamed up to create wedding dresses that bring to life all the Disney Princesses. I don't know about you, but I grew up on those movies and my personal favorite was Aerial. Check out the video below ^.^ Enjoy!

New Jersey Wedding Planner - 2 Dresses, 1 Bride

2010-09-28T20:51:00.003-04:00

I was reading a magazine the other day when I came across an article about Carrie Underwood’s recent wedding (she married NHL player Mike Fisher). As I was reading it and drooling over the million dollar photos, I noticed Carrie did something that a lot of brides are doing nowadays. She opted to have two different wedding dresses – a ceremony dress and a reception dress.

Brides are choosing to wear two different dresses for a couple of reasons. For some brides, it mixes up their outfit. A lot of girls want to be the “belle of the ball”, if you will, and want to be glamorous. An outfit change is a sure way to accomplish this. Some brides fall in love with more than one dress and can’t decide on which to wear, so having 2 separate dresses is the perfect solution. For other brides, it is important to have a ceremony dress and a party dress. Let’s face it – a dress with a super long train can get in the way of getting your groove on. To accommodate themselves, a lot of brides are starting to go with a long ceremony dress and a short reception dress to ensure they can move around.

Reception dresses are also a great way to incorporate color – you don’t have to stick with white all night. This is a great way to change things up and add your own unique element to your wedding.

Like I always say, it’s your day… so go with whatever makes you feel beautiful – one dress, two dresses, short, long, white, pink, blue..!! All you have to worry about it having a great time. =)

Kaitlyn

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Gorgeous Wedding Pics

2010-08-06T13:21:00.001-04:00

I've been meaning to post this for weeks now, but we've been soooo busy. Here are a couple photos from our wedding on June 26th ~ my birthday =) This was definitely an adventure... several performers, including a Contortionist, three bands, DJ, 400 guests, AMAZING decor, Strolling Table, and that was just the beginning! It was a long night, that didn't end until well past 3am, but it was worth every minute and every aching pain, to see Stephanie & Emmanuel so happy on their special day! We had such a great time!! Can't wait until we get the official photos, but here are a few that we snapped with our phones. Enjoy! =)

Kisha

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Editorial in THE KNOT!!

2010-08-04T11:09:00.001-04:00

Hello there!

As promised, here is the editorial of one of our weddings that is featured in this issue of The Knot!!! Wooooo hooooo!!! Hope you got a minute to pick up the recent issue/check out the other awesome editorial also in this issue that we blogged about a few days ago!! =)

xoxo,
The Pure Ambiance Team

New Jersey Wedding Planner - One of the top Planners in NJ!

2010-08-01T10:02:00.001-04:00

Hi!!!!

We are so excited about the recent issue of The Knot New Jersey Magazine! We have one of our weddings featured! As if that wasn't enough, Kisha, Owner/President of Pure Ambiance, provided tips and secrets as one of the top Planners in New Jersey!!! Take a look at the article, here, or pick up the new issue! =) We'll be sure to post the "Real Weddings" feature in a few days!!! Enjoy!

xoxo,
The Pure Ambiance Team

New Jersey Wedding Planner - BIG NEWS FOR PA!!!

2010-07-07T00:25:00.017-04:00

The Pure Ambiance Team is moving on up to Fairfield, NJ!!

Pure Ambiance Event Planning is thrilled to announce that we have moved from our shared office space in Millburn, NJ to our very own office space in Fairfield, NJ! :-D This is just the start of all the other wonderful things to come for our clients and for Pure Ambiance!

The month of July is being dedicated to getting our new office space ready for our awesome clients! Our office will be a total reflection of us and we can’t wait to share that with you!

We’re thinking of having an opening party this Fall. Let us know what you think!!

Of course, don’t forget to give us a call today! We would love to set up your consultation and chat about your dream wedding!!

xoxo,
The Pure Ambiance Team

P.S. More PA Team photos will be added to our site within the next couple of weeks... FINALLY : )

Our new address is:

Pure Ambiance Event Planning
The Fairfield Commons
271 Route 46 West
Fairfield, NJ 07004

Photography Credit: The Studio Photographers

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Twilight Saga Wedding Planned!

2010-07-05T11:35:00.010-04:00

I share a few things in common with Nadya, one of them being that I love, love, love the Twilight books (and movies!). I know that she’s blogged about what Bella’s wedding dress will look like, according to experts, but the other day I found what the whole wedding day will be like! According to InStyle experts, we have what Edward and Bella’s big day will look like. I am so excited to see this come to life on the big screen, because those of you who read the books as well know it’s going to be elegant, extravagant, and amazing!! Here are some pictures of what the experts came up with. Enjoy, everyone!! And, is anyone else as bummed as I am that we have to wait until NEXT November to see this?? At least they’re making it into 2 movies. ;o)

The Ring
“Nestled into the black satin, Elizabeth Masen’s ring sparkled in the dim light. The face was a long oval, set with slanting rows of glittering round stones. The band was gold—delicate and narrow. The gold made a fragile web around the diamonds.”

The Reception
“I was distracted by the profusion of white blossoms that hung in garlands from everything in the room...dripping with long lines of white gossamer ribbons. But I tore my eyes from the bowery canopy and searched across the rows of satin-draped chairs...until I found him at last, standing before an arch overflowing with more flowers.”

Alice’s bridesmaid gown
“Alice was back before I had taken two hundred breaths, in a dress that flowed down her slender body like a silvery waterfall.”

Rosalie’s bridesmaid gown
“Rosalie glided past the bathroom door in a shimmery silver gown with her golden hair piled up in a soft crown on top of her head.”

The Cake
“I was blinded by flashbulbs as we held the knife over a spectacular cake—too grand, I thought, for our relatively intimate group of friends and family.”

Aro’s Gift
“The necklace was simple—gold woven into a thick rope of a chain, almost scaled, like a smooth snake that would curl close around the throat. One jewel hung suspended from the rope: a white diamond the size of a golf ball.”

The Honeymoon
“We headed due east into the open ocean... As far as I could remember there wasn’t much east of Brazil… ’This is Isle Esme. A gift from Carlisle—Esme offered to let us borrow it.’… The moon was bright on white sand and, just a few yards away from the house, glistening waves... I was more focused on the absolutely huge white bed in the center of the room, hung with billowy clouds of mosquito netting.”

Amazing! Can't wait to see it.

Kaitlyn

All photos and references from InStyle.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Looking Cool, Feeling Cool

2010-06-13T14:05:00.006-04:00

Ah, the summer months are upon us. This calls for celebrations – beach trips, pool parties, BBQ weekends.. and weddings!! As we all know, summer is one of the most popular seasons for weddings. And for good reason: the weather is warm, the sun is shining, flowers have bloomed.. everything is just brighter, you might even say happier. But what happens when the lovely summer atmosphere turns into that gross, humid, sweat-rolling-down-the-back-of-your-neck air? Some people don’t like sitting for 4 hours in the sweltering sun, it can be draining and uncomfortable. However, you don’t want to compromise that perfect spot outside by the lake that you and your partner are destined to be married at. Guess what? You don’t need to. You just need to figure out the best way for you and your guests to stay cool. Here are some ideas:

1. Provide hand fans (or parasols) for everyone. This not only serves as instant air conditioning (or shade), but also as a favor for your guests. You can really get creative with this idea.

2. Set up a cool down area. If a significant amount of your wedding is outside, make sure you provide guests with a shady area to escape the sun and cold beverages to cool off with. You can even consider offering an ice cream station or adding a misting area.

3. Buy or rent fans for indoor areas. Some churches and venues don’t have AC, so you’ll have to make your own. Get a few big (but silent!) fans and spread them around your ceremony to make sure no one suffers from heat exhaustion (this idea could work for outdoor areas as well).

4. Think about the time of day. Obviously, a summer afternoon will be much hotter than a summer night. Maybe you can change your ceremony time from high noon to summer sunset at 8.

These easy, thoughtful ways to keep your guests cool will make the two of you even more of a reason to celebrate. Consideration for other people goes a LONG way, and trust me, your guests will be extremely grateful!

Stay cool. =)

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.amarieweddings.com
www.serendipstjohn.com
www.culinarycrafts.com
www.herecomestheguide.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Sarah's Stands, a Cake Stand Company

2010-06-06T14:46:00.008-04:00

Hey everyone! I want to share with you a great company that the PA team thinks you will all LOVE. It’s Sarah’s Stands, a cake stand company. At Sarah’s Stands, they specialize in “custom made pedestal cake stands for cakes that want to stand out”. They offer a variety of sizes and colors – from 12 inch to 22 inch stands, square to round stands, and 70+ colors to choose from. You are sure to find exactly what you’re looking for on your special day.

How perfect is that? Dessert stands are a great way to spruce up your cake and it’s often hard finding just the right one suitable for your wedding. I know you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for because of the endless options they offer. And, bonus, Sarah’s Stands makes all of their cake stands in their own workshop.

Look at the array of great colors they offer:

And here are some photos:

Be sure to check out the website or visit their Facebook page !!

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.sarahsstands.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Sarahs-Stands-a-cake-stand-company/218614538779?v=wall

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Man’s Best Friend

2010-05-30T15:00:00.013-04:00

No, I’m not talking about the best man or any of the groomsmen. I’m talking about your pet! Pets are like humans to some people (including myself, who loves my dog, Duke, to pieces!!!) and it only seems natural to some people to include them. Couples have been incorporating their furry friends into weddings for a while now, and I want to show you creative ways to get your little (or if you’re like me, big!) munchkin involved. The good news is that it doesn’t matter if you have a dog, cat, rabbit, horse.. there is a place for every animal at your wedding!!

There are several ways you can use your pet(s) during the planning of your big day. If you don’t want to physically use them in the actual ceremony or reception, consider some of the following:

1. Involve your pet in your engagement photos. You can use any type of aniaml here: dog, cat, horse, snake, rabbit, ferret, cow.. you name it! It’s a subtler way of keeping your precious pet involved, and you’ll have the pictures of him/her forever.

2. If you don’t want to have animals in your engagement photos, consider using a picture of you, your partner, and your pet in the Save the Dates.

3. Model your wedding cake, or grooms cake (see last week’s post), after your pet. This is another way of not involving the pet directly, but still paying tribute to how much a part of your life your pet is.

4. If you don’t want to compromise the elegance of your cake, you could add animal cake toppers to the top!

5. You could also name your signature drinks after them and add a photo or two! They're guaranteed to get a lot of attention!

If you do want to use your pet directly in the wedding, here are some suggestions:

1. Ride to your wedding in style on your horse! This is a beautiful, regal way to show up to the reception and a surprise to your guests, as well.

2. Use your pet to be your ring bearer, flower girl, or part of your wedding party (see: Adam Sandler, who named Meatball as his best man in his 2003 wedding). This is great for dogs, cats, or any other animal that is well trained.

3. If you have a pet bird, you can buy an elegant bird cage and utilize it as part of your wedding décor.

4. If you have pet fish, you can use them as part of your sweetheart table display, perhaps as the centerpiece!

5. Use pictures of you and your pet as table names/numbers.

These are just a few suggestions. There are many other ways that you can be creative and get your animals involved on your big day. It’s just another special “person” to be sharing your wedding day with.

Have fun!!

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.elizabethannedesigns.com
www.adamsandler.com
www.geoffwhite.com
www.ablwedding.com
www.baliwww.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - A great gift for your Husband-to-Be

2010-05-23T14:23:00.006-04:00

Are you thinking about doing something extra special for your hubby-to-be for your upcoming wedding, but aren’t sure what to get for him? Maybe you want to stay away from a traditional gift or want to add some spunk to something you’ve already gotten him. A great way to surprise him is to have a custom groom’s cake made especially for him. It doesn’t matter when you give it to him, that’s completely up to you! That’s right, you can stray from waiting until the wedding day to give it to him if that’s what you desire – you could give him the cake before his bachelor party (if he has one), at the bridal shower (if he’s going to be there), or catch him off guard on a random day (no audience needed!); the possibilities are endless. Whichever way you choose to surprise him, he’s sure to be in for a delicious treat.

Now that you’ve decided on the specialty cake, it’s time to decide what you want the cake to be. This is where you can be creative if you want. If you’re looking to go non-traditional, think of his favorite sports team, a pastime he loves, his hobbies, an inside joke between the two of you.. and then have that cake created for him. They can be funny, sentimental, manly, silly.. anything! Then take the idea to a local bakery and see if they can make it for you or use the internet to find bakeries near you that specialize in these types of cakes. If you’re REALLY good, you can make the cake yourself!

I Googled some pictures of groom’s cakes and here are a few for inspiration:

Have fun with this and he will love it!! =)

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
themecakesbytraci.com
sweetideasbywendy.com
hotbreadsmddc.com
blog.makezine.com
sweetelement.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Cocktail-style Wedding

2010-05-19T14:14:00.008-04:00

We had a fabulous wedding on Friday, May 7th!! It was the wedding of Yvette and Steve, who were the winners of our "Dream No More Wedding Giveaway" sweepstakes from Entourage Effortless Events this past November. Everything was so magical; from the wonderful couple to the stylish lounge, to the gorgeous lighting; everything was amazing!! We had such a great time.

One thing that Yvette and Steve decided to do for their wedding is have a cocktail-style wedding reception. This is a more informal way of hosting -- where there are more guests than there are seats. The tables used were a mix of high boys and regular sized reception tables. There were no assigned seats, so guests were free to roam around wherever and whenever. That is usually the point of a cocktail style, to make sure guests are up and dancing. It's just another style to consider when you are planning your wedding ;o)

We know Yvette and Steve had as much fun as we did and we look forward to keeping in touch with this fantastic couple!

Kaitlyn

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Be a Great Wedding Guest

2010-05-01T13:09:00.009-04:00

I've been blogging a lot about what brides and couples should do to prepare for their wedding day, but what about the guests? If you're a guest to a wedding, you're going to need a few guidelines, even if you have attended weddings before. Here are some tips on what you absolutely should not do as a guest at a wedding (no one wants ANY type of “zilla” at a wedding!). Some of these may seem obvious, but trust us.. they need to be said and more importantly followed!!

1. Don’t ask to be part of the wedding party if the bride or groom doesn’t ask you. There’s a reason

2. Unless it’s absolutely unavoidable and excusable, don’t skip the ceremony and go straight to the reception. It’s not only rude but disrespectful to the wedding couple.

3. Don’t bring your children or other family members whose names are not explicitly included on the invitation.

4. Don’t wear white, unless it clearly says that’s what the couple wants (ie, some couples ask all guests to wear white, but that only happens occasionally).

5. Don’t, under any circumstances, arrive late to the ceremony. It’s extremely inconsiderate to interrupt the ceremony, so give yourself ample time to get to the venue. Allot time for traffic, lights, stops; anything that might set you back.

6. Don’t cause a scene anywhere. This includes fighting and drinking too much liquor.

7. Don't assume you can invite a date (unless it says +1). Nowadays especially, people are trying to cut their budget costs, and adding an uninvited guest is impolite and more costly for the wedding couple. There’s a reason only your name is on the list.

It's very important to follow these rules, because in doing so you are showing the newlyweds your gratitude, appreciation, and respect for them. No matter how close you may be to the wedding couple, there are no excuses to breaking these rules. Don’t assume you’ll be able to get away with it, because chances are, you won’t. A bride, especially, will remember who let her down on her wedding day.

They aren't too tough to follow, so I know you guys will have no problem being great guests! Remember to have as much fun as possible!! =)

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
patrickcox.wordpress.com
swsmag.net
www.faqs.org
canongateoccasions.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Lighting Your Reception

2010-04-17T14:21:00.010-04:00

Lighting is something a lot of couples overlook when planning their wedding. I don’t know if it’s because they aren’t sure that so many great options exist, or if they just don’t want to add something else to think about on their long list of things to do (but what’s one more thing, right?). However, it’s not something you should be overlooking. Lighting is a great way to improve the mood, ambiance, and atmosphere of your weddings. Today I want to show you what great ways pin spotting can transform a room.

No worries if you don't know what pin spotting is, I certainly didn't before I joined the Pure Ambiance team. Pin spotting is a type of lighting that is set up before your reception starts. It is hung from above and you use the light to focus on one main thing. Perhaps you have gorgeous centerpieces that you want people to immediately be drawn to when they walk in; this would be the perfect time to use pin spotting. Generally anything you want to draw attention to is a great thing to use this type of lighting on. The right lighting will totally transform your reception into anything you want it to. Can you see the difference in a table with pin spotting and one without?

Another great thing you can do with pin spotting is change the color. Not all lights are white. If you want a different feeling than the one plain white offers, go for it! Blues and greens create cooler atmospheres, which are great for winter- or nature-themed weddings. On the other hand reds, yellows and oranges create warmer atmospheres; think of themes like a hot summer night or a sunny spring day.

Pin spotting isn't the only type of lighting that will make over your wedding reception, but I wanted to keep it simple to begin with. Now that you have opened your eyes to a whole new variety of options, the possibilities are endless!

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.pacificlighting.com
www.bizbash.com
www.flowershopnetwork.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Cake Toppers for Everyone

2010-04-06T13:58:00.015-04:00

The Team was in a design meeting one day when we came across cake toppers in one of the bridal books we were browsing through, and let me tell you, I was surprisingly amazed. I know that you can get monogrammed cake toppers, but as for the people cake toppers, I was one of those people who thought they only came in the plastic bride and groom statues with one look and no options -- you know the one I'm talking about. I was so wrong. I had no idea what great toppers were out there. You can customize, personalize, and specialize your very own cake toppers to virtually anything you want. There are humorous cake toppers, elegant cake toppers, themed cake toppers, bobble head cake toppers, character cake toppers, outrageous cake toppers, sporting cake toppers.. and all of them are great! Whether you're short, tall, thin, curvy, blonde, brunette, pregnant or not... you can find YOU.

This is a great way to show off a side of you to the guests that you normally wouldn't get to at your wedding. There are also places where you can send in a picture of yourself and they create you as a couple. If you don't want statues on the top, you can go for custom monograms, animals, beloved characters, flowers, trees, or even have a photo of you two engraved. If you want to go crazy with something at your wedding, but don't know what... this is the perfect solution for you!! I'm attaching some photos so you can see just a glimpse of all the great toppers you can choose from.

All I did was Google "wedding cake toppers" and found a huge selection. Start personalizing your own today. Good luck and go crazy!

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.caketoppers.com
www.weddingmountain.com
www.weddingaccessories.net
www.weddingcollectibles.com/

New Jersey Wedding Planner - This one’s for the Bridesmaids...

2010-03-28T20:31:00.005-04:00

One of the most fun things to do when helping your friend plan her wedding is to throw her a bridal party! It is the job of the Maid of Honor and other Bridesmaids to plan and host this event, from the drinks (if you decide to have any) to the location (bride's house? restaurant?) to the games. You may consult the bride before deciding upon the details, unless of course it's a surprise party. See what kind of party she wants, then get to planning!! Here are a few things to take note of when you are planning:

*Make sure you assign specific tasks to certain members of the bridal party so no one gets confused and things aren't left out. For example, have different girls send out invitations, greet guests as they arrive, order/make the food, etc. TheKnot.com has a great Bridal Shower checklist: http://wedding.theknot.com/bridesmaids-mother-of-the-bride/bridal-shower-ideas/articles/a-bridal-shower-planning-checklist.aspx

*Use name tags so those who don't know each other can talk to one another. If it helps, give each other titles, such as "aunt of the bride to be".

*Since gifts are the major focus of a bridal shower, make sure you're organized. Be sure to have someone record what gifts the bride gets and who it's from.

*Make it fun! Some traditions at bridal showers are: play games, tell funny stories, eat, drink, and be merry! For great entertaining ideas, visit BridalShowersEtc.com: http://bridalshoweretc.com/more_activities_for_your_bridal_shower.php.

If this is all too much for you to handle, just give Pure Ambiance a call and our team will be happy to coordinate everything for you!

Have fun,

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.yumsugar.com
www.forbridalshowers.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Spring has sprung!

2010-03-21T15:49:00.007-04:00

Happy Springtime to everyone!! ;o) Spring is one of my favorite seasons, and I'm so happy the weather is starting to get nicer. I was driving around today (windows open, sun shining inside.. aahh amazing!), and as the warm air was blowing in my face, I started thinking about all the different things you can do for springtime weddings. Then I saw a guy walking down the sidewalk in madras print shorts. I happen to love madras! On clothes, in patterns, just everywhere! Wouldn't it be a great idea to incorporate madras in weddings? I think that would be adorable! For those of you who don't know, madras is the multicolor, plaid pattern you see with lots of bright colors. The pattern has perfect colors that represent springtime. And you could use madras in many different ways: as your color scheme, in decor, as your bridesmaids dresses, as your linens; anywhere creative you can think! I've found a couple of samples of madras (below) so you can start thinking about all the great ways to use this pattern. Go crazy and have fun!

Kaitlyn

New Jersey Wedding Planner - All for you - Pure Ambiance has a new look!

2010-03-11T10:48:00.014-05:00

It's been in the making for a while now, but our new site is finally up and running and I couldn't be more excited!! Some cool features to look out for are:

-Our "Live Chat" feature - We will be able to chat with you, when we're available, right then and there to answer all of your important questions. We haven't come across another planning company that offers such an accommodating service for Brides, so enjoy!

-Our FREE "MUST HAVE tips and e-newletters" - Don't miss out on FREE useful information to keep you on the right track, from the experts at Pure Ambiance.

-Our new streamlined Gallery - Shows key photos from each featured wedding, all on one screen versus flipping through pages of photos.

-Our revised packages - We have streamlined our packages to be able to offer you the best services in a more simplified, easy to understand version.

There are many other cool features, so be sure to check out the new site and sign up for your FREE e-newsletters! Don't forget to Contact Us to schedule your complimentary "Get Acquainted Consultation!"

We look forward to helping you plan the wedding of your dreams!!

xoxo,
Kisha

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Bring out the kid in you!

2010-03-07T21:07:00.004-05:00

A lot of couples struggle with the same issue: Should we or shouldn’t we invite children to our wedding? The choice is up to you. If you prefer to have an adult only wedding, that's perfectly fine; after all, it is your wedding. If you decide to go with inviting children, that's acceptable as well. It all depends on your personal preference. If you do decide on the latter, here are some great ideas you could use at your wedding to keep the kids entertained:

1. Have a magician or a clown. The adults are getting entertainment, why not the children? This is a great way to keep the children occupied while allowing them to have a fun time as well.

2. Have a special candy/treats table for the children. Include all of your favorite snacks from when you were a child; perhaps gummy bears, fun dip, cotton candy, ice cream sandwiches, etc.

3. Have an arts and crafts table. Include coloring books, play doh, painting stations, sand art -- anything you think that will help the children have a great time.

4. Include them out on the dance floor. Perhaps have a children's dance and invite them out on the floor.

5. If you are having a reception outside, perhaps have a special outdoor area aimed towards the children. You can include jump rope, bubbles, side walk chalk, baseball, kickball, or other outdoor activities they could play.

6. If you are having an indoor reception, it may be a good idea to have a specific room geared for the children. You can talk with the owners to see if they offer any such rooms. Perhaps even consider hiring a babysitter to watch the children while the adults are celebrating at the reception. The room could be equipped with games and toys such as board games, legos, pin the tail on the donkey, etc.

The goal is to make sure both the adults and children are having an equally fun time! And who knows, maybe these ideas will inspire you to bring out the kid in you! ;o)

Happy planning,

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.weddingbeepro.com
www.tucsonweddingsite.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Act fast to save on your couture wedding gown

2010-03-04T14:58:00.003-05:00

Still looking for that perfect wedding gown?! Check out the Reem Acra trunk show at Exquisite Bride in Millburn, NJ. You'll get 10% off between today and March 7th! Reem Acra has AMAZING couture gowns... I'm was a "Reem Acra Bride" and can tell you that you will not be disappointed!! Check out Exquisite Bride's site for more info!

Kisha

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Wedding Rings

2010-03-01T18:15:00.008-05:00

For those of you who watch The Bachelor, I’m sure you’re excited to see the season finale tonight on ABC. Whether you are a fan of Tenley or Vienna, you know that tonight Jake will be proposing to one of them (if all goes as planned); which means he will have already spent the time picking out rings for the both of them. This got me thinking about shopping for wedding rings. There are a lot of things to consider when picking out the perfect ring, but perhaps the most important thing is the diamond shape. I found a brief description of each shape on DiamondInfo.org:

Round Brilliant - Do not confuse with Round. The Round Brilliant is the modern version of the Round which has been refined for maximum shine. The Round Brilliant is by far the most popular and has the best angles to shine maximum brilliance.

Asscher - A square cut similar to an emerald with step facets; however, it is more square rather then rectangular shaped. Like the emerald, it has clipped corners. Recently the Asscher shape has become very popular.

Oval - Not as popular for solitaires, but very popular for three stone anniversary rings, with two matching diamonds on the sides.

Princess - A square cut diamond that has refractive properties almost near round brilliant. The princess is the preferred square cut shape over Radiant and Asscher.

Emerald - A more traditional shape, the Emerald is not as popular as it once was, but still retains its old world elegance.

Radiant - Popular before the Princess shape was around, the Radiant has more facets than a Princess, but has the corners trimmed like the Emerald shape. This shape is not widely popular.

Marquise - Like the Emerald, the Marquise is a traditional shape. This is probably the fourth most popular shape behind the Round, Princess and Oval.

Heart - Hard to find due to low demand, but some people prefer a Heart shape diamond for sentimental purposes.

Pear - Mostly used in pendants, the Pear shape diamond is shaped in a tear drop shape and has fairly good proportions to refract light well.

Whichever shape you decide on, make sure it's the right one for you!

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.abc.com
www.diamondinfo.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Vintage is Back

2010-02-21T14:15:00.006-05:00

One of the hottest trends this year for weddings is bringing vintage back. The most popular thing brides are opting for? Birdcage veils.

Birdcage veils are a great way to show off your classic side. They come in a variety of colors (such as white, black, red, etc.) so if you want that extra pop of color, this would be an awesome way to get it. Birdcage veils are extremely versatile and can be paired with flowers, pearls, ribbon, diamonds, feathers.. virtually anything to compliment your day. And there’s more good news: they look fantastic with any dress, so no matter what or who you are wearing, you are sure to walk down the aisle in style!

For a good money saving trick, try making your own birdcage veil!

Good luck,

Kaitlyn

Photo Source:

www.daily.wedshare.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Make Your Wedding Super

2010-02-07T14:17:00.008-05:00

Its Super Bowl Sunday!! Whether you’re rooting for the Indianapolis Colts or New Orleans Saints, the day is sure to have four main ingredients: great food, great company, great entertainment, and a great atmosphere. Why not draw some inspirations from the biggest football day of the year? Here are some subtle ways to incorporate a football-inspired wedding day.. and it just might make your fiancé more willing to help you plan! ;o)

Instead of the traditional rice throwing, have your guests blow whistles as you exit as the new Mr. and Mrs. It might not look like you’re at the Super Bowl, but it will sure sound like it!

If you and your fiancé have a team that is special to the both of you, show off your team pride! You could use the team colors as your wedding colors or put your team emblem on your wedding cake. For a more understated visual, some couples opt to get team garters, which are sold online.

If you have a cocktail hour, draw food ideas from your Super Bowl parties. Everybody loves wings, mini hot dogs, nachos, mozzarella sticks, etc. – these are perfect finger foods to enjoy before the main meal. If you want a more gourmet menu, there are ways to spruce these classics up. Perhaps substituting fried mozzarella balls or chicken kebobs would do the trick.

For a very subtle way to incorporate football (or any sport, for that matter) without compromising your elegant wedding, get rid of the table numbers and name the tables after your favorite teams. This is a fun way to show off your love of sports. Another great way to use football names is to name your drink specials accordingly. Everyone will be talking about the “Tonic Touchdown!”, “Blue Brees”, or “Malibu Manning”. Just use your imagination!

These are all fun ways to bring your wedding to a whole new level of fun. Whether you want to go all out or show off your spirit just a little bit, these ideas will make for an awesome event that will have guests talking long after the final quarter is over. =)

Have fun!

Kaitlyn

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Celebrity Winter Weddings

2009-12-20T11:24:00.014-05:00

Not everyone dreams of getting married on a warm summer day. In fact, winter weddings have been in style for a long time. I thought it would be fun to make a list of some celebrity couples who have gotten married in the chilly months. See if your favorites are listed!

December
2nd, 1886: Theodore Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow
4th, 1976: Elizabeth Taylor and John W. Warner
5th, 2003: Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin
6th, 1962: Sean Connery and Diane Cilento
13th, 1924: Clark Gable and Josephine Dillon
17th, 1994: Celine Dion and Rene Angelil
21st, 1985: MC Hammer and Stephanie Burrell
22nd, 1997: Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn
22nd, 2000: Guy Ritchie and Madonna
23rd, 2007: Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley
25th, 1949: Cary Grant and actress Betsy Drake
31st, 1997: Will Smith and actress Jada Pinkett

January
1st, 2003: Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany
9th, 1938: Queen Frederica and King Paul I of Greece
10th, 2009: Josh Duhamel and Stacie Ferguson
12th, 1964: Bob Newhart and Virginia Quinn
14th, 1954: Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio
18th, 1969: Audrey Hepburn and Andrea Dotti
20th, 2001: Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli

-Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.multimedia.heraldinteractive.com
www.celebritybrideguide.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Walking in a Winter Weddingland

2009-12-13T11:36:00.008-05:00

I just love winter time – the parties, the decorations, the high spirits, the snow – as I’m sure most people do. What a wonderful month to have a wedding! As I was listening to Christmas music the other day, I started to think about ways to elegantly incorporate a wintery atmosphere into a wedding. I’d like to share with you what I came up with. Thr great part is, it doesn’t matter what holiday you celebrate or what religions traditions (if any) you’re using – these ideas are great for everyone!

Arrive in a horse-drawn carriage. Not only does it give a wintery feel, it also will make your guests ooh and ahh at the sight of a beautiful horse escorting you in. Now that would be a great entrance.

Use wintery décor. From table centerpieces to colors to flowers to lighting arrangements, there are so many ways this can be done. For a more Christmassy theme, try using ornaments, hang mistletoe close to the sweetheart table, or perhaps use Christmas tree inspired table centerpieces. For those who don’t celebrate Christmas, incorporating a menorah or kinara would be a nice touch. Some other neutral decorations to consider if you want to deviate from any religious culture: candles, wreaths, bows, snowflakes, bells, snowmen, icicles, sleds, candy canes and presents. Flowers, such as holly and poinsettias, can also add to the winter theme.

Use appropriate colors. Winter themed colors = light blue and white. Christmas themed colors = red, green, white, and gold. Hanukkah themed colors = blue, silver, gold, and white. Kwanzaa themed colors = red, black, and green.

Use frosting. I don’t mean the delicious topping on a cake; I mean create the illusion of frost. You can do this to windows, mirrors, even toasting glasses. It will definitely make guests feel like it’s wintertime.

Have a hot chocolate station when desserts are served. This will remind guests of coming in from a cold day of sledding and having a steaming cup of hot cocoa; a great way to incorporate winter memories.

Have snow fall from the sky. Okay, so you can’t actually summon snow to fall on your wedding day, but think about how romantic that would be! Instead, you can create the illusion by having snow fall from above. Consult the reception venue to see if you could have fake snow fall during the last dance (it could be messy otherwise), but what a great last impression!

These ideas are just the start of what you can do with a winter theme; the possibilities are endless! If you like some of these ideas and want more, you can always get help from yours truly when you come in for a consultation. =)

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.lovetripper.com
www.decoratingyourtable.com
www.patriot-farm.com
www.brides.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Don't Freeze at Your Winter Wedding!

2009-12-08T15:11:00.012-05:00

Winter weddings are beautiful, but there’s one big problem—it’s freezing! Thankfully, this problem is easily solved, and you don’t have to compromise the dress of your dreams for the sake of the weather. If you’re afraid that your bare shoulders or arms are going to freeze, consider a cover-up for your wedding gown. There are all types of cover-ups you can use, but the most popular are shrugs, wraps and caplets.

Shrugs: Shrugs look like tiny little jackets, and can be as simple or extravagant as you want. Find one that complements the style and color of your dress for a beautifully elegant look.

Wraps: Wraps can be as simple and straight-forward as a pashmina-type scarf, or as luxurious as cashmere.

Caplets: The same is true with caplets, which generally connect at the bottom of the neck and cover the tops of the arms. Try sheer or lace for just a hint of coverage, or go for a faux-fur one for maximum warmth.

The idea is to pick a cover-up that suits both your dress and your taste. Use your instincts—you were smart enough to pick a beautiful dress, and you’ll do just as well at picking out a beautiful cover-up for it.

Courtney

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Flowers, Flowers, Everywhere

2009-12-06T10:15:00.009-05:00

Well, it's almost winter time; I can't believe it's already December! The snow has started to fall, soon the hot chocolate will start pouring, and we'll all have to break out the winter jackets (if you haven't already). I know I was excited about the first snowfall yesterday, but when I look outside at the white blanket covering the ground, it's hard to imagine the beautiful flowers that were in full bloom just several months ago. I've heard several people talking about wanting a winter wedding, but they refuse to do so because they think no flowers are available. No need to worry -- don't change your plans! -- there are still plenty of elegant petals to choose from if you're planning on having a winter wedding. I have started a list of flowers for you that are in season during these chilly months for all of you out there who think the only time you can have great flowers is in the warmer months.

In Season in Winter:
Amaryllis, Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Camellias, Casa Blanca Lily (pictured), Cosmos, Daffodil, Forget-me-nots, Holly, Jasmine, Narcissus, Poinsettia, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lily, Star of Bethlehem, Sweetpea, Tulip, Waxflower

And don't forget about these flowers that are available year-round:
Baby's Breath, Bachelor's Button, Calla Lily, Carnations, Delphinium, Eucalyptus, Gardenia (pictured), Gladiolus, Heather, Lily of the Valley, Orchid, Protea, Rose (pictured), Scabiosa

Many of these flowers come in different colors, so there is sure to be a wide variety to choose from no matter what your theme may be! Remember this is just a starting point -- I'd suggest talking with your florist about what he/she has available as well!

So now you know flowers are in style year-round! =)

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.theflowerexpert.com
www.types-of-flowers.org
www.thefinishingtouchltd.co.uk

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Table Design

2009-12-04T20:58:00.018-05:00

So, I just wanted to follow up to our last post with the photos I promised of the mock table setting we created for the Entourage Party. We designed every aspect that you see, from the menus to the cake. So, when you're looking for the perfect Designer for your special day, look no further... you've found us! Hope you guys love it as much as everyone else did :o)
Kisha

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Dreams do come true!

2009-11-30T09:56:00.001-05:00

Huge CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of our "Dream no more Wedding Giveaway" sweepstakes from Entourage Effortless Events - Yvette Choma and Steven Martinez! The members of EEE held a Launch Party on November 12th for couples interested in finding out more about our services, as well as for those who entered the Wedding Giveaway Sweepstakes. Along with the delicious treats and champagne, there was a GORGEOUS mock table setting by yours truly, Pure Ambiance Event Planning! We will be posting photos of the table setting later this week, so keep an eye out! Towards the end of the party, we announced the winners of the Wedding Giveaway Sweepstakes, showcased in New Jersey Bride's most recent issue. Yvette and Steve were, needless to say, totally surprised and elated to win such a magnificent set of prizes! Their prizes totaled over $20,000 and included: wedding planning and design, photography services, videography services, honeymoon lingerie and gown undergarments, hair and makeup for Bride and a couple Bridal Party members, limo service, custom invitation credit of $1,500, floral credit of $1,500, and a gorgeous custom wedding cake valued up to $3,500! Yvette and Steve are excited to get started and we are thrilled to be a part of their beautiful union! We will try to keep you all updated on their planning as it happens ;o)

For those who don't know, Entourage Effortless Events is a collection of highly skilled wedding professionals who have joined forces to offer a full service wedding planning experience for today’s highly discerning and sophisticated brides. Our services include event planning/design, stationery, photography, floral design, videography, hair/make-up, lingerie, cake design and limousines. To find out more check out our site!

Oh, and for those that entered the sweepstakes, but unfortunately did not win, Pure Ambiance is offering $750 off our packages, just for you!

Congratulations again to our wonderful couple - Yvette and Steve!!!

Happy Planning,
Kisha

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Twilight Wedding Dress!

2009-11-18T12:20:00.007-05:00

As most of you may already know whether your a fan or not the new Twilight movie New Moon is being released this Friday! I personally am a HUGE fan of the books so I am looking forward to this movie and have my tickets for Friday morning! I was doing some googling and came across a post from the InStyle website. They reached out to some of the top fashion designers and asked them to give their interpretation of what Bella's wedding dress may look like in the last movie "Breaking Dawn". Her dress in the book is described as 1900 vintage style to match her vintage ring! I cannot wait to see the wedding, sooo excited!!! Below are a few of the dresses that were sketched. Hope you enjoy this post!! YAY! Can't wait @_@ .

to see the dresses in more detail visit http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/0,,20237320,00.html

New Jersey Wedding Planner - SAVE on favors & supplies!

2009-10-27T14:52:00.003-04:00

Don't miss out on savings by shopping through us! Click the Beau-Coup banner above, shop, and enter our special promo code to save 5%: PUREAMBIANCE

Happy Shopping and planning ;o)
Pure Ambiance Team

New Jersey Wedding Planner - The 2010 Top Wedding Trends

2009-10-26T13:45:00.013-04:00

The 2010 Wedding season is in full effect in the world of Weddings! Designers have released their new looks for this coming season and wedding experts are also releasing their ideas for top trends for all 2010 weddings. With the economy, people trying to go green and more brides willing to step away from the norm the trends are endless. Below are a few of the most common ones and some ideas! Enjoy.....

Green Eco Friendly Favors- Going green is a big trend right now and definitely one that everyone should consider even if it's with a small aspect of your wedding such as your favors. Check out Beau Coup's website for some great ideas and use our discount code for special savings! http://www.beau-coup.com/green-wedding-favors.htm For other ways to go green check out our past post about Green Weddings!

Metallic Colors- This past wedding season the hot colors to user were bright! This coming season we are seeing a lot of metallic (golds, grays, platinum's, bronze, etc) . Whether you choose to use these as a main color or accent they look great! This is a great design look for a Winter wedding and for fall weddings you can pair the metallic with a red, blue, brown and so on as an accent to these great colors! Just have fun with it!

Grooms Cake- Although this tradition is not new it has definitely become more popular. This is originally a southern tradition that is meant to represent something the groom enjoys such as a hobby, sport, sports team, etc! Surprise the groom on the wedding day or even at your rehearsal dinner. It's a great way to personalize your special day and do something different!

Short Wedding Dresses- Brides are stepping away from the norm and into short and fun dresses. This has slowly started up with Brides having a second "reception" dress for their wedding but now more brides are wearing tea length & short dresses for their entire Wedding day and I LOVE it! These dresses are fun, spunky and they look so great for an outdoor or less formal wedding, but you can definitely pull this off for a formal event. Personalize your look with some great jewelry and sexy heels! This is a great alternative for the modern bride :)

Birdcage Veil- The long cathedral veil was seen a lot this past wedding season but this new season we are going to be seeing a lot more of the shorter veils. This is a great compliment to the short dresses but also look great with formal gowns. Again this adds a little spunk to your look. The Birdcage veil really gives a great vintage feel to your wedding day look, pair it with a great brooch, feather or flower and it gives it that extra touch!

Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses- My last favorite growing trend, the mismatched bridesmaids! This look is great and usually makes everyone in your bridal party happy. There are two good ways of pulling this off choose one color and allow them to pick a dress in any shade that is the one color you specify and also allow them to pick out a style that fits their figure best! This is a big step away from the traditional bridesmaids look. It photographs well and shows each persons personality!
Nadya

New Jersey Wedding Planner - SAVE on favors & supplies!

2009-10-20T10:54:00.002-04:00

Don't miss out on savings by shopping through us! Click the Beau-Coup banner above, shop, and enter our special promo code to save 5%: PUREAMBIANCE

Happy Shopping and planning ;o)
Pure Ambiance Team

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Green Weddings

2009-10-12T14:13:00.006-04:00

There’s such a huge buzz about “Going Green!” People are starting to recycle more; a Hybrid is the new Hummer. With such an emphasis on saving our planet, why not have a “Green Wedding?”

It doesn’t even have to cost more, it can cost less. If you have your wedding locally, you don’t have to fly. Which means less Carbon Dioxide in the air and more money in your pocket. You can also use local seasonal flowers instead of conventional shipped flowers. Shipped flowers usually are full of pesticides that pollute our earth and they are much more expensive. Another great idea is to buy a vintage ring instead of a new one. Making one gold band creates approximately 20 tons of mining waste.

An additional great “green” idea is to recycle. There are so many ways you can salvage materials from your wedding. You can recycle the unwanted paper, plastic, metal, etc. If you don’t know where the closest recycling center is near your wedding sight, just go to Earth 911. You can donate all the left over food using Feeding America to find the closest food bank near you. You can also recycle your wedding gown at Making Memories.

The most environmentally friendly menu is made up of vegetarian locally grown products. The more local, the better. For the main course, chicken and fish are greener than beef. The cake is best made out of organic ingredients.

The save the date can be done by email and the invitations and photo album can be printed on recycled paper. You can even try organic makeup for you and your bridal party!

Try some of these ideas for a beautiful, budget friendly, green wedding.

Good Luck!
Love,
Liza

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Follow us and receive...

2009-10-10T23:22:00.004-04:00

We have a great offer for you directly from Pure Ambiance, compliments of Dove! Become a Follower of our Blog and e-mail us with your full name, physical address, wedding date, and the username used to follow our Blog, to receive a complimentary "Dove Ultimate Visibly Smooth" deoderant. This is a new, fabulous product from Dove that smooths and conditions the underarm, as well as lessens the look and feel of underarm hair over time! Find out more about this awesome product at: http://newdeofromdove.com/. E-mails can be sent to Kisha@pureambianceevents.com with the subject: "I am following PA's Blog!". Only a few will receive this special offer, so follow us now and send that e-mail!

Happy Planning!
Kisha

*ALL requested information must be sent in order to qualify.
*If selected, product will be received within 2-4 weeks of receiving e-mail.

New Jersey Wedding Planner - SAVE on favors & supplies!

2009-10-10T14:50:00.002-04:00

Don't miss out on savings by shopping through us! Click the Beau-Coup banner above, shop, and enter our special promo code to save 5%: PUREAMBIANCE

Happy Shopping and planning ;o)
Pure Ambiance Team

New Jersey Wedding Planner - The Office - Pam & Jim Wedding FINALLY

2009-10-09T12:09:00.007-04:00

So just on a fun note, one of my favorite shows "The Office", Pam & Jim finally got married! After watching for how many seasons and watching these two flirt with each other, and then him declaring his love for her, but then being rejected. Then reuniting and finally finally getting engaged, the wedding happened last night. Jim and Pam had to deal with what most brides and grooms deal with which are awkward family moments, wedding guest and so on. The wedding party did a great dance down the aisle at the ceremony doing a spoof off the popular YouTube video (http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/clips/office-wedding-dance/1164915/) . This episode was great because it really showed how no matter what goes wrong on your wedding day the only thing that really matters in the end is that you and your new husband/wife are happy and look forward to your future together. If you like Pam's wedding gown it was Designed by Galina and can be found at Davids Bridal. Jim also gave the sweetest speech at the rehearsal dinner, it put a tear in my eye ;) See it below! If you missed the episode they have it online at nbc.com .

Nadya

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Create Your Own (Wedding, Birthday, Bar Mitzvah, Baby Shower, etc) Album!

2009-10-08T09:53:00.011-04:00

Ok so your BIG event is over! All that's left to remember your special day is your memories, video and of course your pictures. For Weddings there are some photographers that will provide you a wedding album as part of your package but some may not include this and will provide you with the digital images instead. Even if you do get an album as part of your package you cannot forget about your Parents! There are several online sites that can assist you with creating custom albums at an affordable price. We recently used this great site "Blurb" to create an album to display all the great weddings we have done this year for our Bridal Show. Blurb allows you to create an album that fits your needs and budget with lots of options. You can do a soft cover book to a hard cover book with a dust jacket or a wrap around image like you see in the more modern albums. They give you the option to use Premium Paper at an extra cost as well as using a custom logo. Page counts can go from 20- 440 pages so you can go wild with your pictures! This is also a great idea if you want to create your own guest book for your wedding with images that can usually cost a lot when done by a photographer but you can make your own with pictures that you have already for a great price. This is a great way to personalize your Guest Book Sign in! See some samples below of a Wedding Album & Guest Book. check out their website for more samples, this is great for any occasion! Have Fun!!

Nadya

New Jersey Wedding Planner - An Elegant Halloween Wedding

2009-10-06T15:13:00.010-04:00

So I have seen a few postings about Halloween theme weddings. Although this idea could get out of hand it can definitely be done in a tasteful way with little details. I'm not talking about having your guest show up in costume, I mean there is nothing wrong with that idea but it's not exactly subtle! The expression of the holiday can come through with your favors, invites, wedding day stationary, linens, flowers and cake design. Of course if you choose to do this type of wedding you want to stick to fall colors such as browns, oranges, reds, typical fall colors. You can be a little more edgy and go with black and reds or orange. Another great idea is setting up a candy bar for your guest. Although this idea works for any wedding, this is especially great for a Halloween theme wedding. You can bring color in with the candy you choose to display or pick any candy you love and provide your guest with cute little paper or plastic Halloween baggies to fill with their favorite candy, or get personalized bags. Put up a sign that says "Trick or Treat" which you can easily DIY! Having kids at the reception, have a kids table with candy as the centerpiece and provide some Halloween theme coloring books and favors too keep them intrigued. Below are a few ideas! Remember less is better :) , have fun!!

Nadya

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Choosing the Best Dress for Your Bridesmaids

2009-10-06T15:08:00.008-04:00

Bridesmaid dresses do not have a good reputation. Images of overly puffy sleeves, blinding colors and hideous hats often come to mind when the phrase is mentioned. Luckily, the reality is that we’ve made some huge strides in the dress department. Here are some tips to making sure you pick the best bridesmaid dresses for the special girls in your life.

First, choose a dress in a color you love that also complements the theme and décor of the rest of your wedding. Try to pick a dress that complements your gown as well. You can ask your bridal store consultant with help on this one.

Secondly, don’t pick a dress that costs an arm and a leg. You may be willing to spend a fortune on your own dress, but please don’t expect your bridesmaids to do the same. If you have your heart absolutely set on a specific dress that you think may be out of your friends’ budgets, consider helping them out financially.

Also, try to keep each of your bridesmaids in mind when picking the style of the dress. A-line dresses are generally flattering on nearly every body shape, and aren’t too revealing. The last thing you want is for someone who worked so hard to make your day so special feeling entirely uncomfortable during the whole celebration.

Lastly, try thinking outside the box. A lot of brides are now choosing only a color and fabric, and allowing their bridesmaids to each pick the dress style they want to wear. This allows them to feel like you’re not completely controlling them, while still giving you some say over how everything looks in the end.

Courtney

Photo Sources:
www.theknot.com
www.perfectweddingguide.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Little Details - Mr. & Mrs. Signs

2009-09-30T09:59:00.008-04:00

When designing your wedding it's the smallest details that really stand out and make it your own. One detail I love is the Mr. & Mrs. Chair signs, it's a cute and fun way express your new status! These can be a DYI project or ask the person who made your invitations if they would be willing to make the signs to go with your design theme. You can also make the signs for your guest book table and even make signs for important members of the Wedding Party such as Father of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, etc. Take a look at a few examples of these signs! Also checkout some of these sites that help you DIY these signs! Have fun :)

DIY Sites:

http://weddingmonograms.blogspot.com/2008/04/mr-and-mrs-signs.html
http://www.projectwedding.com/wiki/show/d-i-y-wedding-challenge
http://diy.weddingbee.com/topic/mr-and-mrs-chair-signs

Check out this Etsy store, The Back Porch Shoppe. She has great handmade signs for your event, custom made to order!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5834886

Nadya

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Fall Wedding Design Ideas

2009-09-29T09:05:00.006-04:00

The air is crisp and there is a slight chill outside, that's right it's Fall! Wow this summer flew by and we had a lot of beautiful weddings with bright fun colors. With the change of season comes a change in design including color scheme, flowers, attire and location. We want to provide you with a few design ideas for your fall wedding. A lot of the popular colors include browns, oranges, yellows, reds and greens. The availability of flowers for the Fall season is also something else to consider. Below are a few of the flowers in season, of course a popular one is Roses which come in all the colors mentioned above and are always a classic! A few accents that can be used are small pumpkins, gourds, squashes, ornamental berries, leaves, dry grasses (rye or wheat) for texture and don't forget some greenery like ivy. Hope these ideas help move the creative wheels!

Nadya

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Attire For All Seasons

2009-09-26T17:42:00.008-04:00

Sometimes it can be hard deciding on what to wear to a wedding. What’s appropriate? What color is acceptable to wear? And it can be especially difficult now, with the seasons changing. So I decided to gather up some tips on what to wear when going to weddings. Whether it’s a summer, fall, winter or spring wedding, you’ll know you’ll be in proper style!

Men are easier to dress than women are. For a black tie affair in any season, it is always appropriate to opt for a tuxedo. For a more casual wedding, a suit is ideal. In some situations, a button down or sweater and slacks will work just fine. Use your judgment based on what the weather is like and what the invitation suggests. If you are still having trouble deciding, remember that it’s better to be overdressed at first; you’ll have the option to take layers off later.

Now for women, who are a little trickier. For this reason, I will go season by season and give some guidelines.

FALL. If it’s starting to get cooler, try to go for darker colors like burgundy, navy, and dark green. If it’s still considerably warm out, you can stick with the brighter colors found in summer, even into September. Fabrics will be heavier when it starts to get cooler, so don’t be afraid of layering or wearing fabrics such as wool. Dresses are appropriate this season, but make sure the length is appropriate. No one wants to see your thighs in November ;o)

WINTER. Pants are most often seen on women during this season, for the obvious reason that it is really cold outside. If you decide to go this route, make sure to choose your nicest pair. If you decide on wearing a dress, make sure it is long and don’t forget stockings! Also, since it’s so cold out, outerwear is a great accessory. Dress your outfit up with an elegant coat (i.e. pea coat). Also, colors in this season are always more subdued—stay with darker hues and away from brighter ones.

SPRING. For spring weddings, try lighter/pastel colors. If you decide on pants, choose a more delicate fabric. Dresses should still be an appropriate length, and if you decide to wear a jacket, make sure it’s not as bulky or as heavy as winter wear.

SUMMER. This is the most flexible season when it comes to outfits. Colors are brighter; however, darker hues are still acceptable (although people tend to stay away from them). Since it’s hot out, dresses can be shorter than other seasons. Skirts, pants and capris are suitable, but use your judgment. And try not to wear jeans or shorts unless the invitation says so.

If after all these suggestions you are still having trouble, just remember that little saying: you can never go wrong with an LBD. And remember, these are all just general tips for you to follow. Colors and styles will change depending on the wedding, but these guidelines should give you a great start! But PLEASE remember this cardinal rule before dressing in any season: STAY AWAY FROM WHITE!! That's reserved for the bride.

Enjoy the wedding day!

Kaitlyn

Photo sources:
www.squidoo.com
www.designersuits.org
www.fashionmefabulous.com

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Insure to Ensure

2009-09-10T16:40:00.007-04:00

Here’s the problem: you’ve put so much into planning your wedding— time, effort, money, emotion— but the reality is... you can’t control everything that happens on your special day.

Sometimes the unexpected happens and for that, there is Wedding Insurance. Wedding insurance protects couples against many nightmare-ish scenarios, such as: lost or ruined wedding dress/tuxedo; lost rings; lost money or deposits; unexpected, last minute cancellations; unpredictable weather; lost, stolen or damaged gifts; ruined photos; etc.

At an extremely reasonable price (most companies quoting between $150 - $350), you can receive coverage for your wedding. So, why not?

I’ve always heard “At least one thing is going to go wrong on your wedding day, so don’t get upset when it does.” By getting insurance you can put your worries at ease even more, and give yourself the ability to be completely stress-free… knowing that if something does go wrong, your day is covered.

Kaitlyn

Photo source:
www.savannahweddingdesign.com/

New Jersey Wedding Planner - Add a pop of color!

2009-09-03T13:07:00.004-04:00

Looking to add a little zing to your wedding day outfit? Want to make a great, bold statement without compromising too much?? I have the perfect solution. I saw this idea last year at my cousin’s wedding and it looks amazing! The bride decided to bring color into her shoes. She played off her wedding color scheme and showed up wearing bright pink pumps. How adorable! It really looked great—both in person and in pictures— and people are still talking about it. Since white goes with just about everything, you can go crazy with the colors— blue, purple, orange, red, gold, green.. your choice! So, what’s the perfect accessory to go along with killer shoes? If you really want the shoes to be in the spotlight, opt for a shorter wedding dress that shows off the fabulous heels!

Kaitlyn

Photo Source:
www.theknot.com

No Messy Clean-up! – NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-08-27T10:52:00.006-04:00

Throwing rice at weddings has been a tradition that has been around since the Roman times. Back then, it was used to represent fertility to the newly married couple. Today, the act symbolizes prosperity and luck from guests. However, not all wedding venues are willing to allow this tradition to continue; not without good reason— it is a messy act, and the clean up is long and tedious. So how can you receive luck and success after tying the knot without the unpleasant clean up? Use one of these alternate options:

-Release butterflies: an extraordinary sight with no mess!
-Throw silk rose petals: a much easier clean-up than rice
-Blow bubbles: get personalized bubble made to double as an extra favor to guests
-Release doves: more traditional than butterflies
-Ring bells: not only will you literally hear wedding bells, but there’s no clean up and, again, these can act as a wedding favor
-Release balloons: another cheap, beautiful way to celebrate
-Streamers: have custom streamers made for guests to wave as you walk by

If none of these options flows well with your wedding, use your imagination! Maybe these have inspired you to use something else. Just make sure you check with the venue to see if it works beforehand. Most places are willing to work with you, especially for things that don’t require cleaning. Or, if you’re really stuck on rice, you could always offer to clean it up yourself (or ask the planners!).

Get creative and have fun thinking of new ways to celebrate yourselves as the new Mr. and Mrs.!!

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:
www.swallowtailfarms.com
www.wirkenblog.com

Pick a Great Wedding Date! – NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-08-19T20:07:00.011-04:00

No, not the man you’re going to be walking down the aisle with— the calendar date of your wedding ceremony! Choosing a date can be confusing and overwhelming for some people. You don’t just want any date; you want to make it special, right? Here are 2 simple ways you can go about this. Choose the one that works best for you!

Option 1: Pick a date that has some importance to the 2 of you. If it’s really important to you to have a significant wedding date, don’t compromise. Think of key moments in your life and try to remember when they occurred. When was the first time you met? What about your first date? The first time you said “I love you”? Knowing these details can make it easier to choose. Pick one that means the most to you and go with that!

Option 2: Pick a date based on a different aspect of your wedding that’s important to you. Do you really want to have a summer wedding? Pick the season that fits your style and go with it! Are daffodils important to have as your flower décor? Check with your local florist to see when your dream flowers are in season to make sure you get what you want. Has a certain venue already caught your eye? Speak with the owner to see when the availability is and work around that. You get the picture.

All you need to do is figure out what means the most to you and plan around that! It’s all cake from there ;o)

Kaitlyn

Photo sources:
www.bridalmums.com
www.elegancebyie.com
www.daytonaofficiant.com

Sketch your Wedding Gown- NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-08-14T11:16:00.004-04:00

I came across this great idea on how to hold on to your wedding dress forever besides having it preserved. It's called Dreamlines, and it is a service that will create a beautiful sketch of your wedding dress by easily providing them with a few pictures. I LOVE this idea so much that I am hinting at my husband ;) , this would be such a special first anniversary wedding gift since the traditional gift is paper! This is also a good idea for thank you cards or other personalized stationary. You can also consider having this done for your bridesmaids dresses, the wedding gown and tuxedo, Baby's christening and even your Prom dress! They will also sketch out any other accessories (veil, bouquet, back of dress, etc), gift certificates are also available. Check out their website http://www.mydreamlines.com/ for more information. Enjoy!!

Nadya

Looking Good and Feeling Good!--NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-08-07T10:36:00.012-04:00

Our advice to you: Don’t ruin your engagement period by stressing out over losing weight for your big day. Your guy proposed to you because he loves you for you who are, and there’s no need to change that. However, we know you want to feel your absolute best in your beautiful dress, and we also know that looking good makes you feel good. So, instead of starving yourself silly, focus on toning up two key dress-wearing areas: your arms and back. Try these exercises we found at Self magazine’s website. They’re easy and definitely effective.

To get your best, jiggle-free arms, forget free weights. All you'll need is a resistance band with handles on each end. Visit spri.com and try their Ultra Toner ($9.95 plus shipping).
(http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2007/10/arm-sculpting-slideshow#slide=1)

Toning a sexy back requires different equpiment, but the results will definitely be worth it. You'll need a different type of resistance band: long, with two handles on each end (Try Spri's Original Xertube; $9.95 plus shipping). You'll also need access to a sturdy chair.
(http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2009/08/build-a-better-back-slideshow)

Remember: Don't push yourself too hard! You don't want to have trouble carrying your bouquet down the aisle because your arms are too sore! Work slowly and steadily and be confident in the fact that you'll look beautiful no matter what on your big day.

Courtney

Photo Credits: www.self.com

Don't feel guilty about eating anymore.. - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-08-01T13:12:00.020-04:00

Eat, drink and be merry — a phrase we all like to live by, no matter what time of year it is. Weddings are an ideal place to do this, and as the hosts, you want to make sure your guests are having as good of a time as you are. I’ve been a guest to many weddings and know first-hand that one of the things people look forward to is the delicious wedding food. Whether it’s the cocktail hour appetizers, buffet style meals, or sit-down dinner portions, there’s just something amazing about it. However, I also know that this area can break the bank for couples; it is one of the priciest aspects of a wedding. I’m going to give you the Top 7 tips I’ve come across of how you, as a wedding couple, can save big money on food without anyone knowing the difference.

1. If you decide on a having a cocktail hour with appetizers, don’t offer a cheese platter. Cheeses are costly and usually the least popular food item at weddings.

2. Try not to repeat items in the main dinner platter that you already served at the cocktail hour. For example, if you’re serving pasta as a dinner dish, don’t have a pasta station for guests beforehand. Not only is this saving you money, but it’s also saving your guests room for different food!

3. There’s always an excess of food at weddings—one reason is because hosts offer so much food before the actual meal and then serve a 5-course dinner. If you have a buffet beforehand, opt for a 2 or 3 course meal. Your budget will notice a difference; your guests won’t.

4. This one is so obvious and easy, but could save you hundreds: ask about pricing! Different meats and seafood are different prices during the year, based on what’s in season and what’s not. Simply ask the chef what the cheapest option will be at the time of your celebration.

5. If you have an open bar, don’t go for the top shelf liquors. Most people usually can’t tell the difference (especially if you’re having a signature drink or an array of mixed drinks), and it will save you big money.

6. Use bite-sized desserts to control portions AND your budget. Most people take a lot just so they can try everything, and end up leaving most of the plate behind. This will allow your guests to sample everything while wasting nothing!

7. My favorite tip for cake-savings, also given by the Cake Boss himself (for those of you who don’t watch TLC, Carlo’s Bake Shop is a family run bakery in Hoboken that has its own reality show). He says instead of going for a 5-tier cake, you can save big by choosing a 3-tier cake and simply having a sheet cake of the same flavor in the back for the chefs to cut up and serve. Your guests will have no clue, but you will when you see how much smaller the bill is.

Hopefully you can use these tips for some big time savings. Now you really CAN eat, drink and be merry.... knowing that you just saved a bundle! =)

-Kaitlyn

Photo sources:
www.stylemepretty.com
www.a-wedding-reception.com

Mix it up with a Signature Drink- NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-07-29T09:59:00.007-04:00

Whether it's a Wedding, Birthday party, corporate party, house warming party, BBQ, you get the point, a signature drink it a great "accessory" to your event! You have a theme, you have your colors and decor why not incorporate a drink into the mix. These can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, dress them up in a funky glass, come up with a fun name for them and have them setup at your event ready to drink! Need help coming up with a mix that taste good, well check out this website http://www.stirrings.com/ . This site is great,they have all kinds of recipes and products that you can use to coordinate with your event. They can help you match your drink to your color scheme, templates to print labels to make custom stirrers and also templates for custom drink menus! They even have favor ideas for your event.

Here are a couple recipes I found that sound delicious!!- Remember you can ask your venue to have the specific mix available for your event.

The Ruby Slipper

Click your heels together 3 times......then mix together Cosmopolitan Mixer and vodka.
2 parts Stirrings Cosmopolitan Mixer2 wedges ruby red grapefruit1 part chilled vodkaGarnish: Stirrings Cosmopolitan Rimmer
Rim martini glass with Stirrings Cosmopolitan Rimmer. Muddle grapefruit in a shaker, add ice, Cosmopolitan Mixer and vodka. Cover and shake vigorously. Strain into rimmed glass.

Manhattan in the Fall

The name says it all
1 part Stirrings Pear Martini Mixer1 1/2 parts Bulleit Bourbon1/2 part sweet vermouthGarnish: pear slice and cherry
Stir all ingredients together in a mixing glass half-filled with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a pear slice and a cherry.
- Nadya

Need a fun idea for the bachelorette party?!- NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-07-28T13:41:00.005-04:00

Attention Brides to Be, Maid of Honors and all Bridesmaids I have come across a fun idea for your Brides bachelorette party! If you are trying to find a unique, fun idea for her special night out with the gals you have to check this out. You can arrange to host a party with "DJ Chef, The Chef that Rocks!" . What is this you may ask, well it's an event service provided that mixes a cooking class, drinks and your very own DJ. What's the twist? Well the Chef is the DJ, his name is Marc Weiss (celebrity chef & spin master) and he has been recognized for his DJ Chef parties by Food Network and various magazines. The best part is the party comes to you, or any location you have available. So you can go all in with the Bridal Party and rent a hall to host the party or if money is tight have it at a friends house. This is a guaranteed fun time and a change from the usual going out to dinner and drinks. Check out the website to see how much fun these girls are having, and at the same time learning to cook http://www.djchef.com/bridal.html !! Nothing better then food, drinks and music all in one place without the crowds.

Remember ladies Pure Ambiance is available to plan small events as well, so if the Bridal Party wants to hand it over to us, feel free all you need to do is lay back and enjoy the festivities. We can assist with hall rentals, equipment rental, favors, etc. Pure Ambiance also offers this service as part of select packages, so call us for more information!

Nadya

When it Rains It May Pour! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-07-27T13:45:00.011-04:00

So lately the weather has been all over the place and if you are planning an outdoor wedding or just doing pictures outside you need to be prepared. Well that does not mean you need to compromise your style on your wedding day with a plain old umbrella. I found this great company " Signature Bella" that provides stylish umbrella's and parasols for sale or for rent! So maybe the Bride wants a special umbrella for her wedding just in case and then you can rent similar ones for your bridesmaids or even give them as a thank you gift to your bridal party! Another great trend I have seen is using a parasol for the bridal party pictures, they look great! Check out the site http://bellaumbrella.com/ , they have a lot to choose form and you can customize your umbrella . Like they say it's better to be prepared, although we all hope for the best wedding weather sometimes you have to just be ready for rain! -Nadya

Wear your dress one more time- NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-07-21T09:38:00.005-04:00

So wedding day is over, flew by didn't it? Probably by the end of your wedding night you couldn't wait to get out of that heavy dress and you were just over it from being so tired! Then the next morning you see your beautiful dress laying there and you think "Awwww I want to wear it again!" . Well you could consider doing a photo session afterwards with your dress, something more casual and fun. A lot of brides are starting to do "trash the dress" photography sessions after the wedding. You don't have to literally trash your dress but it's a photo session where you can go out in a much more relaxed environment with your husband and have fun taking pictures with your dress. Whether it be rolling around in the sand at the beach, jumping into a pool or the ocean, some couples choose to get extreme with this session and actually do trash the dress, but you can pretty much go to whatever extreme you feel comfortable in! You can consider taking your dress with you on honeymoon and most resorts will have a photographer on premise and do a photo session at your location! Check out the images below of some "trash the dress" sessions! Enjoy......

Click to Enlarge

After you have "Trashed your dress" contact us! Pure Ambiance is an Authorized Dealer of Wedding Gown Preservation Co. They are the leading establishment for cleaning, preserving and handling your gown. Pure Ambiance can take care of this process for you and that includes your dress and 3 accessories (veil, ring pillow, etc). This is available to all Pure Ambiance brides in their packages or any Bride for just $290! Please visit the Wedding Gown Preservation website for more information http://www.gownpreservation.com/ . We look forward to being a part of preserving one more special memory for you! Call us for more information!

Nadya

Beyond the Cake--NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-07-10T12:00:00.001-04:00

Wedding cakes have come a long way from the standard multi-tiered white cakes. Now they come in all colors, sizes, flavors and shapes. However, if you’re looking to expand your dessert options beyond just a cake, or if you’re ready to nix the cake altogether, consider some of these options:

Dessert Stations can be as grand or as simple as you want, and offer guests the opportunity to select what they’re really in the mood for. You can create a candy bar full of you and your husband’s favorite childhood candies. Place them in clear apothecary jars and label each treat for a simple but elegant look. Or, you can try a cheesecake bar. Scoop cheesecake into martini glasses and have guests select their own toppings like cherries, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and crushed Oreo cookies. Try incorporating your wedding’s colors with coordinating colored M&Ms.

If you’re not into the big-cake-cut-into-small-slices idea, try serving each guest their own individual cake. Try something as simple as an open-dish shaped angel food cake filled with seasonal berries and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, or something as elaborate as the ones pictured.

If you still want the feel of a cake, but want to try something a little less traditional, try a cupcake tower. These can be multi-tiered and can include cupcakes of all different flavors and colors. Cupcake towers are beautiful and practical, and are sure to delight your guests (particularly the younger ones!).

Lastly, you can always opt for a fondue station with a variety of dippers. Try marshmallows, graham crackers, bananas, strawberries, or rice-krispie treats. Be careful though, particularly if your reception is being held outside. Melted chocolate can get messy fast, especially if an unexpected gust of wind comes through.

Remember, dessert is inherently fun. Don’t worry so much about how intricate your delicacies are. Your guests will love anything that satisfies their sweet tooth and makes them smile!

Courtney

Fruit Centerpiece- NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-06-30T10:25:00.009-04:00

Want to do something different for your centerpieces? Maybe you're a DIY Bride? Well a great idea would be to consider using Fruit in your centerpiece! If you are looking to keep the cost down on the centerpiece consider using only fruit and no flowers, this is very modern and fun! Below are a few ideas for you to consider. This idea works great for an outdoor event and all white weddings where you may want to bring in a pop of color. Fruit can also be used as your place card holder, this is a fun and unique idea! Remember DIY Brides you don't want to be doing any type of prep work on centerpieces on your wedding day so consider hiring a Wedding Planner ( Pure Ambiance!) and we will take care of all your ideas and execute them exactly as you envision them to be! It's your day to relax and enjoy every minute, let us do the running around and prep for you!

Nadya

No words - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-06-26T00:13:00.012-04:00

I just have to send my thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the family, friends, and fellow fans of Michael Jackson. This is truly unbelievable and sad; my heart is heavy with sadness. He was truly one of a kind and will never be forgotten. He touched millions of people with his kind heart, music, and talent.

I just pray that the media will respect and honor him in the way he deserves; they're not off to such a great start, but hopefully they'll turn it around.

You never realize how much people mean to you until they are gone, so make sure you tell the people you love, how you feel!

Love you Michael!
Kisha

Follow us and receive... - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-06-20T17:14:00.000-04:00

Editorial for OneWed- NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-06-19T13:56:00.010-04:00

Pure Ambiance recently did a featured editorial for OneWed's website on "Top Tips on Reducing Your Wedding Cost" . Check out their site for the article and for some great advice on how to plan the wedding of your dreams without sacrificing your wallet. Enjoy!

Light The Way.......- NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-06-17T11:17:00.014-04:00

It's almost summer time and that means a lot of couples are probably planning their beautiful outdoor wedding. Throughout all the planning and details you may overlook the impact that you can make with the lighting for your outdoor event. Sure you can use outdoor lamps, but why not be a little more creative. Whether your event is inside a tent, on a large open porch or an open field you can make each of these locations feel more welcoming and warm by using some decor lighting. A few suggestions we can provide are:

Round paper lanterns these are great and they come in all colors! Even just using them in all white and variety of sizes adds a romantic ambiance to your event. These are available through Beau Coup which you can access right from our blog, they also come in 3 different sizes. A few things to consider is the size of the space, also hanging the lanterns at different lengths adds more depth. You can also purchase all white lanterns and if you choose to light them you can use a colored light bulb to add a hint of color in a subtle way! Can't afford to buy these lanterns, check out this link from Wedding Paper Divas on DIY for round lanterns http://blog.weddingpaperdivas.com/diy-divas-string-theory-pendant-lamps/

Candle lanterns can give a more vintage yet modern touch to your outdoor wedding. These also come in a variety of colors and designs. These are great for anyone thinking of a Moroccan theme wedding. These are not as cost effective as the above but if you can use them they look great! You can hang these from the ceiling, or line the ground with them to light up a path. Smaller lanterns can be used as your centerpiece and the candle light look great. You can even purchase mini lanterns and hand those out as your favors! How great would it be for a night wedding to have the mini lanterns as your place card holders lit up beautifully at night! These mini ones can also be purchased through the Beau Coup link on our blog!

Luminaries are a great choice as well, especially paper ones if your on a budget! This is a great way of lighting a path for outside even if your event is inside you can use these to decorate the outdoor paths that lead inside into your event. These also look beautiful lighting the aisle that you will walk down, along with beautiful rose petals. They can also be used as a centerpiece! These can definitely be a DIY project or they can also be purchased and you can also buy them or make them with a cut out design! Checkout this link for DIY luminaries http://www.weddingbee.com/2006/10/17/instructions-for-luminaries/

Nadya

An Alternative Way to Say “I Do” – NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-06-11T16:55:00.005-04:00

Not everybody likes to follow tradition— there are hundreds of variations that can be substituted and used in every aspect of your wedding. This holds true for your wedding vows, as well. A lot of couples opt to write their own wedding vows either instead of or in addition to saying the traditional ones. This allows you to be more personal with both your partner and your guests. It is a great way to put into words how you feel about your partner and how much they mean to you — something that should be easy and fun to do, right?? Not so much.

For some reason, most people who decide to write their own vows tend to get super stressed out about what to say, how long it is, and what the other is writing. The best tip you can get when writing your vows: have fun with it!! This should be enjoyable. Think about it — you’re talking about the person you love, who you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, what could be stressful about that? Just Relax… Smile… and Breathe!

Once you are relaxed, you should decide how you want to write these vows. There are two different ways to go about writing them: you can choose to write with your fiancé or without your fiancé. Both have their pros and cons, but whichever you decide upon, you should follow the same basic guidelines.

First, whether you’re writing with your fiancé or not, you should set some basic rules. Make sure you are both on the same page about the general aspects of your vows. For example, how long do you want the vows to be? You should allot a specific number of sentences or lines so one of you doesn’t recite a novel while the other only says a few things. How long it is depends on what you both want. You can say amazing things in 5 minutes, 5 lines, or even 5 words.

Next, you need to start brainstorming. Grab some paper and start writing your little heart out! Your ideas don’t need to be complete thoughts yet, this is just an exercise to get your brain working. Write about why you love them, what your favorite qualities about them are, how you met, how your life has changed since meeting them, your favorite memories, your favorite stories, what you see in your future together — anything and everything to get your mind flowing and to remind yourself of the wonderful things you’ve shared together. Although you probably won’t give a play-by-play of how you met when you’re standing at the altar, you could use these memories to remind yourself how you felt back then. Remember that a vow is a promise you are making, it should be based on emotions, feelings, your commitment, and your future together.

After you have a sufficient amount of material, you want to start organizing your thoughts and picking out the really important things you want to say. You don’t need to write the final draft right away, but this is a good step to getting there. Once you have the heart of your material all figured out, you can start putting it into fluid words and thoughts. You can always change, tweak, add and take out whatever you want during this process. Make sure it flows and sounds nice, but most importantly, make sure it comes from your heart!! And remember, it doesn’t have to be serious. Some people choose to put a comical spin on it or something that reflects their character.

After you have your vows all written out and it sounds like you, it is up to you to decide on whether you want to share what you have with your partner or keep it a surprise until the big day. Whichever you choose it totally up to you. However, if you decide to keep your vows to yourself, you might want to recite it to someone close to you to make sure it sounds okay and flows well, just in case. If not, practice it out loud so at least you can hear it. Make the necessary adjustments and you’re all set!

Congratulations!! Now you are ready to walk down the aisle and stand next to your partner and express your deep love to each other. That wasn’t so bad, was it?? I told you it would be a fun and positive experience!

Happy writing!

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources
http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com/ and www.altwed.com/rings.html

Romantic Honeymoon Getaways of 2009 - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-06-01T17:00:00.000-04:00

After tying the knot and becoming husband and wife there is nothing better than a Honeymoon Destination to start your life as Mr. and Mrs. Before planning your honeymoon there are 5 important tips you need to know:
- #1 is your budget: How much you want to spend on your Honeymoon. This should be done while you are planning your wedding expenses so you don’t end up in debt upon starting your new life together.
- #2 is where to go: You and your fiancé should both make lists of a few places you envision your honeymoon. Then compare lists with each other to find the best suitable place to spend your special time.
- #3 is what to consider: Make it romantic. You are in a new chapter of your life as newlyweds and having a romantic honeymoon can take on a whole new meaning.
- #4 is considering a travel agent: They can help you find the best deals especially for Honeymoons. Also if you still need help with finding out what destination to go to they can help you find the best hotspot.
- #5 is arranging for passports and visas: If you’re traveling out of the country you want to get this done as soon as possible so you don’t have any problems and can focus solely on the wedding.

If you’ve gone over these 5 tips and still need some help. Lucky for you we’ve also included some of 2009’s Honeymoon Hotspots:
- #1 is Aruba: a small gorgeous island with crystal clear blue waters. It is a very romantic location that is ideal for a Honeymoon. Some resorts to check out in Aruba are Riu Palace Aruba, The Westin Aruba Resort, and Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino.
- #2 is The Dominican Republic: an exotic island with a taste of many cultures. There are many sights to see and things to do. Snow white sandy beaches with unbelievable sunsets. Can’t go wrong for a Honeymoon here. Some resorts to check out are: Riu Palace Punta Cana, Breezes Puerto Plaza, and Riu Naiboa.
- #3 is St. Maarten: it may be the smallest island in the world only being 36 square miles, but it has some of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous views. The beaches are incredible while there are some amazing restaurants and activities to do on and off shore. Some resorts to check out are: Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort and Casino and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

I hope by now you feel ready to plan your perfect unforgettable Honeymoon. And remember your Honeymoon is a way to start your lives together in a peaceful romantic setting and any of these destination hotspots will do the trick. Have fun and congratulations!

Amy

Photo credit: Aruba.com

Be a Hair Do, Not a Hair Don’t - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-29T15:20:00.014-04:00

Let’s face it, ladies: how you look on the outside reflects how you feel on your wedding day. We know all brides want the confidence that they are the most beautiful woman in the room—because you ARE. You have the dress. You know what you want the make up to look like. Now you’re faced with the hair dilemma. What should you do with it? Up? Down? Curly? Straight? Side bang? Side Part? Veil? Since there are so many options to do choose from, it can get difficult and confusing when you’re trying to decide what style works for you. Here are 3 things to keep into consideration when you’re figuring out what your perfect hairstyle is:

1. Your face shape. Many people think that every hairstyle works well with every face shape. This is NOT the case. Specific hairstyles will compliment your bone structure, depending on your shape, but all cases are different. For a great website to determine what shape you are and what works best for you, click here.

2. Your hair type. Just like face shape, the type of hair you have affects what hairstyles will work with you. By now, you should know what type of hair you have. Is it thick or thin? Does it work well with heat or fall flat in humidity? Is it short or long? Decide on a hairstyle that works with your natural hair—you want it to last effortlessly. Also, make sure you are being realistic when deciding on a hairstyle, and realize that you have the whole day ahead of you. So, if you know your hair doesn’t hold curls well for more than an hour, you shouldn’t expect your hair to be in perfect tendrils 8 hours after the reception.

3. Your wedding dress style. It’s always a wise idea to decide how you want to wear your hair after you have chosen your wedding dress. A lot of time and emotion goes into selecting the perfect dress and you don’t want your hair to take away from it. So remember: different necklines suit different hairstyles. For example, a high neckline or halter should be complimented with an updo to show it off; a strapless or low neckline should be complimented with a hairstyle that’s down or half up, half down. Also the look of the dress, for example traditional, trendy, glamorous, etc. will also influence which style is the most suitable.

Remember that these are just suggestions to keep in mind—every case is different and there are certain times that coloring outside the lines still looks fabulous! You know what looks good, so go with your instinct. It’s your wedding day, so make sure YOU feel beautiful!

Kaitlyn

All photos from One Wed

Your own wedding website! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-28T14:00:00.008-04:00

Hi Lovely Brides & Grooms!

We know there's tons that you need to do and get for your wedding. So, we want to provide the option of being able to shop for several items through our site and blog, such as: wedding books, diamond jewelry, your honeymoon, favors, and much more. It's a work in process, but it's all starting to come together! We already have the wonderful option of renting diamond jewelry for your wedding through Adorn Brides, with 10% savings by entering the following promo code: PVVC0BT2.

NOW you can also create your very own wedding website that is completely customizable through Wedding Window! Wedding Window is Instyle Weddings Magazine "Top Pick" for wedding websites and has many awesome features for a great price. Wedding websites are an extremely convenient way of telling all of your guests about the important information pertaining to your wedding, as well as sharing fun stories and pictures. There's a 7-day free trial, so you have nothing to lose! Take a look at Wedding Window's site and sign up today!

Happy Planning!
Kisha ;o)

It's your turn! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-26T14:20:00.000-04:00

Huge thanks to all of the lovely Brides who are scheduling consults with us and selecting us to be a part of their special day! We are truly honored that you have entrusted Pure Ambiance to bring your wedding vision to fruition!

To all of the Brides who have not contacted us just yet..."What are you waiting for???" Who wouldn't want to work with a group of fun, down-to-earth, experienced wedding professionals that will be as dedicated to creating the wedding that exceeds your dreams, as though it was our own?! Not to mention, the consultation is *free! So, I repeat, "What are you waiting for???" Pick up the phone and give us a call ~ we love chatting with you and hearing about your soon-to-be hubbies and all the other fun details you love to share! You are also more than welcome to schedule your consultation via our Consultation page.

Listen to what some of our clients have said about their consultation and planning experience...

Kisha!
I was just about to email you and tell you how much Jimmy and I both loved our meeting with you! Jimmy even commented on how relaxed and comfortable he felt with what used to be such a stressful conversation (dealing with details and ideas!). We knew our meeting would be a glimpse into how this whole process would be....fun, easy, and STRESS-FREE!!!. I feel confident that you knew exactly what I was talking about even though I was throwing ideas from far left and right! We talked about how impressed we were with your whole layout from website, to location, to your ideas, and your organization! We kept saying, "This girl knows what she's talking about!" : ) ~ Jennifer & Jimmy

We did not want to have to go through any of the stress or drama that can sometimes be associated with weddings. From the first time we sat down with Kisha, we got the feeling that we would never had to worry about that at all. She made us feel very comfortable and REALLY valued our input. ~ Georgiana & Brian

My fiance and I sat down with Kisha at the first meeting and we both knew she was the one. I could not have asked for a better planner. At first I did not think I needed a planner. As I look back I wonder what I was thinking. ~ Dana & Darrell

We can't wait to hear from you!!!

Happy Planning!
Kisha

*Consultations are complimentary if held at PA's Millburn, NJ office location. If travel is required, a fee of $50 - $150 will be assessed.

Photography Credit - The Studio Photographers

Your Last First Dance - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-22T11:07:00.008-04:00

The first dance at your wedding reception is an important part of the wedding day ceremony—it marks the couple’s first dance as newlyweds and celebrates the new life you will be starting together. Many couples tend to stick with a traditional, romantic song that musically expresses their love for each other. When choosing the right song for this magical moment, consider the following suggestions:

• Look at a list of popular wedding songs with your spouse-to-be to get some ideas. There are tons, so you should be able to find one that matches your taste.
• Pick a song that suits the both of you. Make sure it’s one that reminds you of each other and fits in with your personalities. If you have a song that is special to you, use that. Think of songs you used to listen to together early in your relationship, or a song that was playing when you first met.
• Pick a song with significant lyrical meaning. A lot of people don’t realize what the lyrics of songs actually mean and end up picking inappropriate ones without realizing it. Thinly veiled sexual innuendos and ironic love themes rather than romantic ones are mistakes most people make, so take some time to analyze the lyrics.

To browse some popular choices, click the link below.
http://www.weddingapproved.com/help/wedding_songs.html

Some couples have been straying from the traditional, slow first dance—especially with reality TV shows, like TLC’s Rock the Reception, ever-present in our society. During these songs, the couple wows the guests with fast-paced dance songs to really get the party started. If you and your spouse-to-be want to add a flavor of flare to your wedding, consider choosing a non-traditional song. Some suggestions are “Thriller”, “U Can’t Touch This”, “Push It”, and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”. Just remember to choose a song you love, one that reflects your personality as a couple, and most importantly one that allows you to let loose and have fun!

For the perfect dance to go with the song you decide upon, you can always enlist in dance lessons. Here is a website where you can look up lessons in your area:

http://www.dexknows.com/search/?what=+wedding+dance&where

Go crazy!

Kaitlyn

Photo Sources:

http://www.godancestudio.com/event/442/Your_First_Dance.html

http://www.viralblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/thriller_weddingdance.jpg

Diamonds are a girls' best friend! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-21T22:00:00.012-04:00

I am soooo excited to announce that Pure Ambiance will be partnering with a well-known wedding jewelry rental company ~ Adorn Brides. Every bride that reserves their wedding jewelry through Pure Ambiance's site or blog, will receive 10% off their total!!
Once everything is completely set up, I will provide you all with the special code to receive your PA discount!!! You can still have the princess bling for a fraction of the cost! :o)

Kisha

Photo source: Adorn Brides

Our beautiful event design - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-14T19:46:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!!!

I wanted to share a few pictures from one our recent weddings! Many more will be updated to our Experience PA page soon, along with pics from other events! Enjoy!!

Best,
Kisha

Nadya's getting married!!!! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-14T19:40:00.004-04:00

One of our Planners, Nadya, who you all have gotten to know through her awesome blog entries, is getting married tomorrow!!! We're so excited for her!!! Yaaayyyyy!!!!

Kisha

Enjoy!!! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-10T15:03:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!!!! Have a wonderful day!!!

Pure Ambiance

Making the Most of Your Floral Budget - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-08T20:30:00.006-04:00

Nearly anyone who’s ever planned an event that included flowers knows that those beauties can make or break a budget. Here, we have some tips on how to make the most of your floral budget without making a big dent in your wallet.

• The easiest way to stick to a floral budget is to choose flowers that are in-season and are easily available. Choosing out-of-season flowers or ones that need to be imported from far away will immediately raise the cost.

• Consider using large potted plants to fill wider spaces in your venue. Beautiful flowered plants come in all colors and varieties, and are generally less expensive than large floral arrangements.

• Get your Martha Stewart on! We know you’re busy planning, and the last thing we want you to do is add more stress to your life! But, for those brides who find stress relief in hands-on, creative projects, consider arranging some of your flowers yourself. You can make beautiful centerpieces that are simple and don’t require much time or money. Take a look at the one pictured…a few lime slices, some flowers, a glass vase, and bang! A gorgeous centerpiece.

• Now, here’s one you’ll be surprised at: Try carnations. We know, we know…you think we’ve lost our minds. But you’d be surprised how beautiful and un-carnation-like these notoriously inexpensive flowers can be if you pick the right colors and bunch large amounts tightly together. We’re not suggesting you use them as your primary arrangement, but they can create beautiful accent pieces if you stay within your color scheme.

• Also, keep in mind that flower prices are significantly higher during high-demand months like February (for Valentine’s Day) and May (for Mother’s Day). If your event is scheduled during those months, you may find yourself spending more than you would like.

Remember, flowers accentuate an event…they don’t have to be the center of it. Stick to a constant color scheme and make a few smart choices, and you’ll be happy with your flowers without cringing at the bill.

Courtney

New Editorial in Park Place Magazine - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-06T09:40:00.008-04:00

We were asked by Park Place Magazine to provide money saving tips for those planning a wedding or special event! We're very grateful that this opportunity was presented to us!! Hopefully, these tips will help you plan your special day!

All my best,
Kisha

Click picture to enlarge

Unique Bridesmaids Gifts - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-05T09:16:00.006-04:00

This weekend I came across this great store called Lush. They sell homemade cosmetics that are completely made out of natural ingredients and some are also vegan! They carry everything from bubble bath, shampoo, creams, makeup, hair dye, etc. They also have prepackaged gift boxes to make it easier to pick from all their great products. This is a great idea for your Bridesmaids, something completely different from the usual gifts. I know if I was a bridesmaid I would love a gift from this place :) . Check out the website http://www.lushusa.com/ , Enjoy....

Nadya

Alternative to Flowers - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-04T13:22:00.006-04:00

Your wedding day decor is one of the most important aspects of your day. We feel this is the best opportunity you have to express your style as a couple! Not all future brides are into the flowers, and some of us just cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on flowers! Well I have found a fun alternative, may not be for everyone but it's definitely fun and different. Recently I have seen a few postings online about Button bouquets and centerpieces. Buttons?? Yes buttons you use on your clothes. Well I don't know about you girls but I used to collect all kinds of weird and pretty buttons when I was little! Take a look at a few bouquets and centerpieces I came across, these are also great for your other events like your bridal shower. Below are also the links to the designers! Enjoy.....

Button Bouquets by MMM Designs
http://buttons.net/index.html

Princess Lasertron's Button Bouquets
http://greenupgrader.com/6138/princess-lasertrons-button-bouquets/

Lillybuds
http://www.lillybuds.com/

Ribbons n Bows
http://www.ribbonsnbowsboutique.etsy.com/

Nadya

Update on PA Sweepstakes - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-03T21:31:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!

We would like to thank all of the Brides who have entered our Sweepstakes! We have gotten entries from many different states and we have been having a great time chatting with everyone about their special day. Remember, entries must be in by Friday, May 15th, so if you have not done so already be sure to enter the PA's Stimulus Package Sweepstakes and tell your friends!

Happy Planning!!
Kisha

Bridal Shower Decor ideas - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-05-01T14:04:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! It's been a long week, I wanted to do something light and fun for today's post. Here are just a few cute decor and favor ideas for your Bridal shower! I always come across cute ideas online and I figure why not share them with everyone. Remember Pure Ambiance is available to help plan and coordinate the shower of your dreams, just contact us!

Hope everyone has a fun weekend.....Enjoy!

Nadya

New wedding pics on Facebook! - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

2009-04-28T17:10:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone!!

Hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather and all the blog entries!! So, the new pics are not uploaded to our "Experience PA" just yet, but we did post a few pictures on our Facebook page from one of our Fall Weddings from last year. Take a look and become a fan while you're at it! New pics will be up on the PA site very soon!!! Here's a sneek peek...

Kisha

Photography Credits: The Studio Photographers