danielle pasternak, wedding coordinator, wedding planner, scranton

Who's going to be your "someone"?

07.31.2010 / Tips + Advice / one comment

Before I get started, let me say, I’m not talking about your loving someone.  This beautiful Saturday we are talking about a different type of someone…

Whether you are twelve months or one week before your wedding day, once an engagement is decided, plans are often started (I said often). As the planning goes along, you run into tiny conflicts.  Let’s say you’ve decided on your venue for your reception, and it’s perfect.  It’s one negative is that they don’t do any of the decorating.  Is it a deal-breaker?  Probably not.  So, you turn to your fiancé and say “We’ll have someone do that.”  In your head, you’re not sure who yet.  Maybe a friend, Mom, a group of former roommates who owe you a favor.

Next, you’re at your florist.  In order for them to deliver the boutonnieres, someone has to be there to receive them at the church.  And obviously you need them early.  Once again, “we’ll have someone go to the church and get them.”

Moving closer to the date, you know you’re going to need someone to put up your pew bows, take care of your programs, un-decorate, call and confirm your vendors, ensure all your well-thought-out plans are being smoothly and efficiently executed.

Well, I apologize for not introducing myself earlier.  It’s nice to meet you, I’m your someone.  I look forward to helping make your day (and your friends, family and former roommates) enjoyable, stress-free, and relaxing.

So, again I ask, who’s going to your someone?

one comment
  • Twitted by thefavourshoppe August 1, 2010 10:04 am

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  • Make it your own: Replace the bridesmaids' bouquet

    07.30.2010 / Etsy Finds / 2 comments

    Ok, ladies…  you have your bridesmaids and gowns all picked out, but maybe you’re not a fan of them walking down the aisle with a bouquet of flowers.  What about a stylish and chic clutch?

    Found on cadybriar’s Etsy shop.

    Or check out these great customizable finds from mishandmash.

    Happy Friday everyone!  And have a great weekend!  I’ll be out in in New Jersey tonight and all of tomorrow for Keally + Dan’s beautiful wedding.  Can’t wait to tell you all about it!  Cheers!

    2 comments
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  • Fun story: A lesson from Tom

    07.29.2010 / Tips + Advice / one comment

    As I have a wedding coming up this weekend, I spent some time talking on the phone with the owner of the inn that the couple is having their reception.  The location is the Cranbury Inn in Cranbury, New Jersey and I have a great feeling that it’s going to knock everyone’s socks off.  But more about that next week!

    Anyway, the owner of the Cranbury Inn, Tom, spent some time talking with me the other day about the ways that their venue is different from many others (and the many reasons it’s so successful).  During our talk, Tom asked me if I knew the purpose of the wedding cake.  My first response was “because it’s so delicious!” figuring that probably wasn’t the answer he was looking for, but still being my first thought.  Personal note: you would slap me if you knew the amount of Tastykake’s we have in our freezer – it’s crazy, but I love ‘em!  Anyway, back to my lesson…

    So, excited to learn more about the wedding cake’s purpose, I let Tom explain.  After doing a bit of research, he found out that the wedding cake became tradition at a wedding because of what it meant.  Ultimately, it’s a gift.  Not just any gift, but a very important gift.  It’s the first thing the bride gives to the groom and vice versa.  They then share that gift with their guests.  It’s also the first “task” they perform together as husband and wife (cutting the cake).

    So the next time you are at a wedding, and they serve you the cake.  Look at it in a different light.  Appreciate the meaning behind it and enjoy sharing in that special moment.  After all, that’s what life should be about: love, appreciation, happiness, sharing and eating cake!

    photo credit: wedding bee

    one comment
  • Real Wedding: July 31, 2010 {Keally+Dan} | danielle pasternak events August 6, 2010 8:15 am

    [...] Then, it was off to the reception at the Cranbury Inn in Cranbury, NJ.  (By the way, this is the place that is owned by Tom, the gentleman that told me all about wedding cakes and why they were so important – click here if you forget.) [...]

  • Real Wedding: A hot July 24th in Scranton {Gina+Kevin}

    07.28.2010 / Real Weddings / 3 comments

    Ladies and gentlemen…  I am happy to announce that Lauren has officially posted the photos from Gina + Kevin’s wedding this past weekend in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  And I was quick to jump over and steal a few for your enjoyment.  (with permission, of course… but stealing makes me sound so stealth-like)

    Ok, so I have to start with out with my ABSOLUTE favorite picture!  Keep in mind, it wasn’t easy for me to pick a favorite, but I forced myself.

    Now, let’s go back to the beginning…

    Before the ceremony…

    The ceremony was held at Divine Mercy Parish on Davis Street, in Scranton, by Father Pauselli.  We were all experiencing some form of melting in the beautifully hot (being optimistic) weather but the guys and gals pulled through like champs.  By the way, how gorgeous are these two?

    After the ceremony, Gina + Kevin headed to the Lackawanna Courthouse (see first photo) and the Furnaces for some beautiful photos with Lauren and Sean (her second shooter and sweetheart).

    By the way, the photo directly above is my second favorite.  Anyway…

    While they were all having fun playing in the heat, I was working my bum off to put together their reception.  Gina + Kevin’s vision was carefully explained to me (complete with diagrams) and we had exactly two hours to make it happen.  Of course, I couldn’t do it alone.  Help arrived in the form of friends and family after the ceremony and I could not have done it without their amazing help.  Thanks guys!

    After a nicely air conditioned cocktail hour at the Regal Room in Olyphant… and with help from the DJ, Kris Sheridan of Top Shelf Entertainment, the party started…

    Gina and Kevin – Not only did I have an amazing time helping you with your wedding, I also shared in what I hope to be one those days you won’t forget and that means so much to me.  You are a beautiful couple with awesome friends and family.  Love like yours is the reason I’m a wedding planner.  Wishing you both the best of life and hopefully a winning lottery ticket somewhere in your future.

    Behind-the-scenes:

    [church] Divine Mercy Parish, Scranton

    [reception] Regal Room, Olyphant – Josette

    [coordinator] Danielle Pasternak Events – Danielle Pasternak

    [photography] Lauren Brimhall Photography – Lauren and Sean Brimhall

    [videography] Daybreak Films – Gary Meyers and crew

    [entertainment] Top Shelf Entertainment – Kris Sheridan and Billy

    [flowers] Made by Bride and Bridesmaids

    [cake] Creative Cakes, Clarks Summit

    3 comments
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  • Gina July 28, 2010 8:13 am

    Thanks again Danielle! You were mor ethen I could have asked for!

  • Lauren Brimhall July 28, 2010 10:01 am

    Yayyy! Man, I wish I could narrow down my photos that easily, haha. I’m so bad at that! This wedding was an absolute blast and I wish my very best to the couple and their beautiful family :)

  • Make it your own: 5 Tips for a Wedding Toast

    07.27.2010 / Tips + Advice / one comment

    As a best man and often maid-of-honor, it’s part of your responsibility to come up with a toast for the new couple.  The toast is usually given right before dinner is served and is really simple.  I mean, how hard is it to make people laugh, cry, smile and applaud in less than five minutes?

    As an upcoming Best Man, my Mr. Man has asked me a couple of questions about his speech.  And while there are no set “rules” as to what you should and should not say, here is the advice I gave him.

    1. Keep it short. Under five minutes is standard, but stand up, speak up and then shut up.  Remember, dinner is waiting.
    2. No ex-girlfriends. Keep the past girls (or guys) out of it.  If you have a funny story about someone else, save it for another time.
    3. Don’t roast. They asked you to be their Best Man or Maid-of-Honor for a reason.  It’s ok to crack a few jokes, but it’s not the time to bring up all their flaws – it’s a toast, not a roast.
    4. No index cards! Everyone is different, but I’m a huge fan of speeches from the heart.  By all means, have something prepared and maybe an outline in your head that you want to talk about so you’re not a ball of “ummm”.  But, when it’s time to talk, you don’t want to be looking down at a piece of paper the whole time.  Show your confidence.
    5. Be real. If you’re a funny person, make people laugh.  If you’re sentimental, get them teary-eyed.  If you’re straight-forward, be straight-forward.  Just be you.
    one comment
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  • Kind words from {Gina+Kevin}

    07.26.2010 / Real Weddings / no comments

    As a wedding planner, I may think I’m awesome, but if my clients don’t agree, where am I going?  So, when I receive such kind words from my newlyweds, I feel that I just have to share it with you.

    From Gina+Kevin, married July 31, 2010:

    How did wedding planner make your day special? She attended to my every need! My whole vision was executed just the way I wanted it and it could have never been done without her!

    Useful suggestions, tips, wisdom your planner offered? She always gave me helpful planning advice anytime i needed it. She was sooo quick to respond to any emails/ quesions I had.

    How the planner reduced your inner-Bridezilla? If it wasnt for Danielle, bridezilla would have been unleashed! There was no way for me to be in ten places at once, but somehow she managed to be for me!

    Value of a wedding planner? I never really thought a wedding planner was needed. I couldnt be more wrong! I never realized until now all that happens on a wedding day. If there wasnt that one person taking control of the show all chaos would have broken out. there is no way for a bride to enjoy her wedding day when she has to worry about every other little detail. a wedding planner alleviates that stress so you can truly enjoy the day!

    To read other reviews of my work, visit OneWed.com.

    And I know I put up the teaser photo yesterday – don’t worry – more are coming soon!

    no comments

    Romance in Vintage: Chiavari Chairs

    So, my latest obsession, besides the cupcake-in-a-jar, would have to be chiavari chairs.  Also known as chivari or tiffany chairs, they are sweeping the wedding world with full force and they are GORGEOUS!  They can easily be rented for your event (who would want to purchase 100 chairs?) and are available in about eight different colors, making it easy to match your theme.  The pictures below were found on Vision Furniture, whose website is literally www.chiavarichairs.com, and they have dozens of pictures to help get ideas for your wedding or event.

    [all photos from vision furniture]

    Depending on who you are renting them from, they can cost anywhere from $2.50 up past $7.  The great thing about having a wedding planner on your side is we can do the bargain-finding and deal-negotiating for you.  I’m just saying…

    4 comments
  • Dognbird July 23, 2010 9:10 am

    Great call, chiavari chairs are so elegant!

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  • Mirian Fitzpatrick July 23, 2010 8:29 pm

    We love Chiavari Chairs too :) We have a bunch of photos posted on our site too at http://chiavarichairrental.com/gallery and on our blog http://blog.chiavarichairrental.com! Please check them out!

    • Danielle July 24, 2010 9:45 am

      Very beautiful, Mirian. Where are you located and what areas do you serve?