danielle pasternak, wedding coordinator, wedding planner, scranton

Two books I'm recommending to any bride…

10.30.2010 / Inspiration + Ideas / no comments

Good morning and Happy Saturday folks!  Hope everyone has some fun Halloween plans – I think I’m going as Little Red Riding Hood dressed up as a Pirate (it’s a long – and confusing – story).  But anyway…

Due to my crazy infatuation with the wedding world, I’m always trying to find interesting books that I can recommend to my brides and I think I’ve found two that are worth a read.  I know, I know!  You’re busy with ALL that planning and stressing, right?  Trust me, take a breather, and read these books.  You’ll thank me for it.

By the way, these aren’t “sponsored” posts – the authors/publishers/whomever don’t even know that I’m writing this.  It’s just my honest-to-goodness opinion.

The first book is Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget by Denise and Alan Fields.  This book is full of different tips and stories that give you a “realistic” look at the wedding world.  It makes for easy reading because (in my opinion) you don’t have to read it from start-to-finish.  I often find myself picking it up and turning to a random page and reading it’s useful info.

Amazon’s ratings give it 4.5 stars with 372 reviews so it must be doing something right!

The second book is Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides by Ariel Meadow Stallings.  This is a book I just recently purchased, but I’m enjoying it so far.  You can also find the Offbeat Bride on Facebook where they are always featuring great articles and finds.  Basically, this book is great for brides who dare to be different and are OK with thinking outside of the box.  Those who are looking for unique and indie ideas… definitely a must-read.  By the way, another 4.5 stars from 66 Amazon customers.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Cheers,

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Etsy Find: Your fingerprints are all over this one

10.29.2010 / Etsy Finds / no comments

First of all, I must say I am LOVING how unique and personal this Etsy Find is.  Today’s finds are coming from the shop of the amazing Fabuluster and are perfect for that couple looking for something truly special.  Jessica and Brent are the team behind Fabuluster and they offer rings, necklaces, even pet impressions.  The pieces listed below are made (and priced) for sterling silver, but the listings say that most things can also be made in platinum, palladium, and all karat/color golds – just ask!

  1. Custom Fingerprint Ring with Two Solo Prints on the outside or inside – $395
  2. Custom Solo Fingerprint Wedding Band – $205
  3. Custom Fingerprint Wedding Band – $195
  4. Double Fingerprint Pendant – $245 – “all that’s missing is you…”
  5. Fingerprint Pendant (NEW) – $150

Well, Happy Friday, everyone!  Have a great weekend!

Cheers,

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Candles: Soy vs. Paraffin

10.28.2010 / Tips + Advice / no comments

Yesterday, I stopped by LOL Candles in Dickson City to meet with owner, Achilles Darton.  Most of their candles are hand-poured on-site using a blend of soy and paraffin wax, so I asked Achilles why he doesn’t carry pure soy candles.  I had always thought that soy candles were better for the environment, and that they burned longer and cleaner.  Well, according to Achilles and the National Candle Association, there are many myths surrounding soy candles.

In my research, I came across this article by Stephanie Davies and I felt that it summed up the topic well.  Basically, it concludes that neither of the options are more eco-friendly than the other and it’s simply a matter of the way the candle is made.  Both produce a soot and both are healthy to be around – but what are your thoughts??

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Look what I found on RecycledBride.com!

10.27.2010 / Style + Fashion / no comments

I’m always a fan of the collections of dresses that come from Priscilla of Boston, but I was so excited to find this little beauty on RecycledBride.com.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with RecycledBride, it is a website for brides and newlyweds to sell their gently used items from their wedding.  They offer dresses, veils, decor, bridesmaids dresses and much more.  And, well, I love poking around to see what I can find.

This little beauty is Maeve from Priscilla of Boston and the bride is selling it for just $1500 (that’s a third off the original price, half off of the suggested price from Priscilla of Boston).  Both label and street size 4.  And my most favorite part: IT HAS POCKETS!!

Here is what the seller has to say:

You’re going to love this dress!  Not only does it have pockets (yes, pockets!) but it’s also extremely flattering to all body types and has a timeless look that can transition effortlessly to any venue!  I received numerous compliments on this dress and just know that you are going to love it just as much as I did!

Only alterations made to the dress were the french bustle added for the train and the top was taken in slightly.  Still has the original, untouched hem and is a beautiful silk taffeta with a gorgeous bow on the side.  Dress was worn in August, professionally cleaned in September and is ready for you to say yes to the dress!

Cheers,

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Real Wedding: Recap | Kat+Tom | 10.10.10

10.25.2010 / Real Weddings / 2 comments

Oh my goodness!  I am so excited to be showing you the pictures from my 10.10.10 wedding a few weeks ago.  First of all, I have to say Douglas Benedict is not only a great photographer, but he is amazing to work with.  I had such a blast coordinating this wedding and these pictures show off the best moments.  Please enjoy!

I knew the bride, Kat since I was younger.  She and I were both dancers/choreographers in Scranton and while out at dinner one night in Bethlehem, we ran into each other.  Well, not quite literally, but you know what I mean.  After that, we got back in touch and as she discovered I was a wedding coordinator, I discovered she was engaged to a guy named Tom – and of course, I was ecstatic to jump on board and the rest is history!

So, how many brides do you know chassê down the aisle?  Well, she didn’t do it the entire way – just for a quick moment for the camera – but it was great!

Kat and Tom also wanted to do something that would involve all of their guests, so they did a sand ceremony.  And every single person in attendance participated.  Then they capped off the top.

Douglas Benedict, with the help of his second shooter, Cesar set-up an awesome photobooth style session in a private room.  Below is just a small snippet of some hilarious and “LOL” moments from their guests (and the bride and groom, too).

Kat and Tom:

It was amazing working with you on your wedding.  I was so touched and honored to be your coordinator and part of your special day.  I’m so happy that you had an amazing European honeymoon and I look forward to staying in touch for all the exciting things to come!

All my love,

Danielle

p.s. You gotta love dancers when they get in front of a camera… look at that leg!

Ceremony: Packer Memorial Church, Lehigh University, Bethlehem

Venue: Edge Restaurant, Bethlehem

Florals: Sarah from Allium Floral Design

Photography: Douglas Benedict

Coordination: Danielle Pasternak

Entertainment: Jesus Vivar from Pure Mix D.J.

Cake: Granny Schmidt’s

2 comments
  • Jessica October 26, 2010 9:07 am

    Add another great 10.10.10 wedding to the books! Looks fab!

    • Danielle October 26, 2010 9:12 am

      Thanks, Jess! Can’t wait for yours in May! :)

    Wedding Timeline: 5 months before the wedding

    10.25.2010 / Timeline / no comments

    As you excitedly approach your wedding with just five months to go, I have to remind you to keep breathing.  Stay as organized as you can be and enjoy every single minute.

    This month, you’ll be tying up your loose ends with your bridal party’s attire and focusing on transportation.  And don’t forget to test out the beauty treatments – including that sunless tanner.

    Remember, if you are impatient, send me an email and I can send you a full PDF of the entire timeline, start to finish.   But only if you ask nicely.  :)

    Five months to go…

    • Update gift registry
    • Select flower girl and ring bearer attire
    • Decide on bridesmaids’ accessories
    • Give groomsmen and ushers information to rent formal wear
    • Test any beauty treatments that will be used on the day of (bronzers, makeup, etc.)
    • Book transportation service for bridal party on the day of (if not already booked)
    • Book shuttles for guests to ceremony, reception and back
    • Hire parking valets

    Cheers,

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    Etsy Find: Butterflies…

    10.24.2010 / Etsy Finds / no comments

    Due to some recent changes and exciting events in my life, I have been putting some serious thought into finally getting a tattoo.  In the hopes of stirring up some conversation, I put it out there on my personal Facebook page.  I received some feedback, one of which came from a woman whose daughter I used to teach dance.  She advised me to get a tattoo of a butterfly because they “symbolize the ever-present need for change and adaption in every aspect of human life, from relationships to personal growth.”  How inspirational is that?

    So, I still haven’t decided on a tattoo, but it did inspire to check out Etsy.  In my quest, I came across a Philadelphia shop by TimelessPaper offering handmade wedding and party embellishments.  And look at this adorable set involving… you guessed it: butterflies.

    1. Butterfly Place Cards – $1.20/place card – handcrafted place cards gracefully perch on wine glasses making any table more eye-catching…
    2. Butterfly Menu Cards – $2/menu – these paper cutout silhouettes enhance events from the largest wedding reception to the most intimate dinner party…
    3. Butterfly Wedding Invitations – $5/invitation – in this handcrafted three dimensional invitation, a butterfly connects the different items…

    Thank you to

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