danielle pasternak | scranton wedding coordinator and wedding planner

Real Engagement: Jacque and Mike by Blake Street Creative

03.21.2012 / Real Weddings / 2 comments

A favorite part of my job involves bringing the right couples to the right creative professionals. In this case, my bride, Jacque, was in need of a photographer that matched her style, budget and had the availability for her upcoming wedding in April. I was so happy when she fell in love with the style of Danielle Coons from Blake Street Creative and I couldn’t be more happy to share their recently taken engagement pics in Downtown Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

This will be the first wedding we’ll be working with Blake Street Creative and after seeing these photos, I know I’m going to be very excited to share some of their wedding pictures, as well. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

2 comments
  • Katie @ Lovebird Productions March 21, 2012 11:21 am

    They are too sweet! I cannot wait to see your talents at their big day! :)

  • Elizabeth March 22, 2012 4:15 pm

    Lovely! I especially like the one of her standing on the cement bump looking down at him!

    • Real Wedding: Andi and Adam – November 5, 2011

    01.02.2012 / Real Weddings / no comments

    Earlier this year in 2011, I offered a Good Karma contest to allow well-deserving couples a chance to have their wedding coordinated by moi. I hear so many couples say “if it fits in the budget” when it should be a must. Needless to say, there were two winners, and this couple was just an absolute treat.

    They were nominated by the bride’s friend (and Matron of Honor) Tiffany…

    “I chose to nominate my best friend, Andrea, because she deserves something nice. She is constantly doing good things for other people and this sounds like a great opportunity for her to finally get something in return. Andi is a registered nurse at St. Lukes, so making people feel better is something she does daily. I admire her so much for her compassion and understanding – and her amazing ability to just be there when I need her. When I was going through radiation treatments a few years ago, Andi was constantly visiting me with my favorite movies and foods – always making me laugh. Although it was an awful time in my life, Andi made it a lot more tolerable. I will never be able to thank her enough, which is why I think she deserves some help on her big day. She can get a “little stressed out” when pressures are on, so on her wedding day I want her to feel like a princess and to start her happily ever after without any stresses of wedding planning (at least for a day).”

    Just to prove how super-sweet these two are, they left me the sweetest review over on WeddingWire a few weeks ago:

    “Danielle is absolutely wonderful. She is a very bubbly and fun person and she loves her job! She went above and beyond to make our wedding day everything we dreamed it would be. I highly recommend her services. She made everything run smoothly and I didn’t have to worry about a thing on my Wedding day!”

    I can see why they received over 400 votes! Best of luck, Andi and Adam. Enjoy your happily ever after.

    (photos by Celebrations DJ and Photography)

    no comments

    Favorites of 2011: Photos

    12.27.2011 / Inspiration + Ideas / one comment

    One of the best parts of the season is the feeling of a “fresh start” come January 1. That being said, 2011 was a FABULOUS year for the crew of DPNAK. Below are SOME of my favorite photos from the 2011 season. For simplicities sake, I limited it to my top six (in no particular order).

    Ready? Go.

    The first photo was from Amanda and Mark’s wedding by Daniel Moyer. What I truly love about this photo is what you don’t see. First of all, this was the night of Hurricane Irene. Despite the odds, we managed to pull off a fantastic sparkler exit and it was great! Second, right before they were getting ready to exit, I realized I was in the shot and quickly ducked out of the way. As I did this, my shoes had gotten wet from the weather and I slipped and fell right on my butt! Oy.

    The second photo was taken by Amanda Grace Images of Amanda and Michael’s wedding (I had several Amanda’s this year… and next year!). My favorite part about this photo is the look on the bride’s face. This bride in particular was so beautiful and insanely gracious, and this photo captures that so sincerely. And it truly feels like all eyes are on them, doesn’t it?

    Next, we have another “in the moment” image by Maggie J Photography of Desiree and Scott’s Hotel Bethlehem wedding in July. There is something so beautiful about the first few moments as officially being “husband and wife”, but photo captures them so well. Almost as if it’s any other day, just crossing the street, holding hands and completely in love.

    This next photo was taken out in New Jersey by my good friend and amazing photographer, Amanda of Swoon Over It. Bill and Katie provided their guests with an amazing DJ and a fabulous Greek Band. As tradition holds, money is thrown into the air as every one holds hands and dance around. The money is literally swept up at the end of the night by the band and that’s their payment – how cool is that? And I love how Amanda catches the Father of Groom throwing the money in this shot! Friends and family and good energy is what this photo is all about.

    Kristen is another one of my bries who just continued to inspire me throughout her planning process. She remained calm, composed, and incredibly gracious to everyone around her. This photo by Brian Lapsansky is just stunning, soft and incredibly peaceful.

    The last one is another beauty from Amanda of Swoon Over It. The wedding of Mindy and Mark took place at the Terrain at Styer’s in Glen Mills, and it was a wedding that dressed heavily in DIY projects by both the bride AND groom. Usually, DIY can go two ways: good or bad. Well their DIY not only went well, it landed them on the front page of 100 Layer Cake! By the way, this amazing door they were standing in front of only cost a few thousand dollars! Love these two.

    Stay tuned throughout the next few days for more of my favorites from 2011! xo.

    one comment
  • Favorites of 2011: Wedding Blogs » danielle pasternak December 28, 2011 8:12 am

    [...] continue on in my Favorites series, today I’m showing SOME of my favorite blogs that I’ve really been digging this [...]

    • Real Wedding: Melody and Dan – October 21, 2011

    11.30.2011 / Real Weddings / 2 comments

    Normally, most of my communication is done with the Bride throughout the planning process and I often don’t even meet the Groom until the last few weeks/days. This case was a bit different. Dan, the Groom, contacted me back in the Spring to help him coordinate their incredibly organized and BEAUTIFUL fall wedding to be held at a small chapel in Exeter followed by a celebration at the Hilton Scranton. What I eventually came to find out is that the Bride is an event planner herself and he didn’t want her to have to do anything for this wedding, so he took the lead. Every one altogether now… “awwwww”.

    So without further ado… enjoy.

    This next picture is absolutely stunning, in my opinion. It’s the moments like this that I love.

    And how adorable are these two little cuties? I also have to say that it makes me so proud to know that my efforts to NEVER be in any wedding pictures pays off when I see shots like this. I’m back there, but you can’t see me.

    One of the groomsman, Chuck was absolutely ecstatic to get to ring the bell at the end of the ceremony. Can you tell?

    Showing off her bling… can’t blame her, right?!?

    Mel’s father was unable to attend the celebration due to health reasons, but Dan’s father was more than happy to share a dance with his newest daughter-in-law. In fact, Mel ended up dancing with all FOUR of Dan’s brothers, which was incredibly sweet.

    This picture of Dan’s parents is just perfect to me. You can see the love in their eyes and the joy in their heart. THAT is my goal right there when I’m their age.

    Mel & Dan – I can NOT thank you enough for allowing me to be a part of your day. It was fabulous, warm, full of love, families, and friends. By the end of the night, I felt like I was a part of it all and that truly warmed my heart.

    Photography: Brian Hatton Photography

    Coordination: Danielle Pasternak

    Florals: Central Park Flowers

    Cake: Frosted

    Reception Venue: Hilton Scranton

    DJ: Pete Bayo

    Hair: NOW Hair Studio

    2 comments
  • Melody November 30, 2011 10:11 am

    Thank you for the sweet post Danielle and thank you for helping make our wedding day PERFECT!

  • Jessica@TWB November 30, 2011 11:31 am

    Another great job hiding out :)

    • Real Wedding: Kristen and Ronnie – October 8, 2011 at the Woodlands Inn, Wilkes Barre

    11.07.2011 / Real Weddings / no comments

    Now that the full speed ahead sign has been changed from a steady light to simply blinking, I am so excited to share my recap from Kristen and Ronnie’s wedding last month. (Last month?? How did I get so behind???)

    Anyway, I met with Kristen and her awesome mom, Jeannette back in April. We talked for a while, got “shushed” by a group of people for chatting too loud (??), and I instantly fell in love. Since then, Jeannette and I would chat and share fun things on Facebook and I would look forward to every sweet email from Kristen. They are both truly magnificent women.

    As for Kristen’s wedding day… the same awesomeness carried right through to her groom, Ronnie.

    The two were married at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Pittston, Pennsylvania on what turned out to be a beautiful day with blue skies and birds chirping away.

    By the way, this is dress number one…

    After the wedding came the wonderful celebration at the Woodlands Inn and Resort in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. For those that are unfamiliar with this place, it offers a great outdoor deck for parties, and indoor bar, sushi restaurant, Alexander’s Spa and Salon, night clubs, plus rooms to accommodate all of your guests.

    First were the pictures on the grounds.

    Followed by a night of great food, great dancing, and great flowers by my favorite Central Park Flowers…

    The dance floor was beautifully decorated by Mark from Collective Events Pros and the NY Times Band kept the guests on their feet ALL night long!

    Oh and dress number two…

    All in all, it was a fabulous day filled with love, family, tears and laughter.

    To read Kristen’s review of my work, visit this previous post and be sure to check out these great pros that were involved with this wedding below:

    Photographer: Brian Lapsansky
    Coordination: Danielle Pasternak Events
    Flowers: Central Park Flowers
    Rentals: Collective Events Pros
    Entertainment: NY Times Band
    Video: John Beierle
    Cocktail Hour Music: Don Shappelle and the Pick-ups
    Hair/Make-Up: HiFi Hair Studio
    Cake: Truly Scrumptious

    no comments

    Real Wedding: Kristen and Ronnie, October 8, 2011 – Review

    10.17.2011 / Real Weddings / 2 comments

    Dearest lovely followers, fans and readers… how are you?

    My apologies for my absence this past week. Was doing some major prepping for a fab Greek wedding that went down this past weekend. Well, let me say, it went VERY well and it was a blast. And on this lovely Monday evening, I was so excited to receive a lovely review from my couple that got married two weekends ago on October 8th (or would that be considered last weekend?) at the Woodlands Inn in Wilkes Barre.

    And without further ado…

    Danielle was professional, curtious and extremely organized. My day ran so smoothly and I credit that due to Danielle’s services, she knew exactly what she was doing and made me feel so calm knowing she was behind the scenes. I would reccommend her time and time again! She was an absolute joy!

    By the way, I’m positively drooling over these stunning images by Brian Lapsansky. And when you want more (which we know you will, check out the full blog here)

    xo.

    2 comments
  • Naomi October 20, 2011 12:10 pm

    Oh that bouquet is just perfect..I Love when they aren’t too formed and a bit eclectic…just love!

  • Real Wedding: Kristen and Ronnie – October 8, 2011 at the Woodlands Inn, Wilkes Barre » danielle pasternak November 7, 2011 9:17 am

    [...] read Kristen’s review of my work, visit this previous post and be sure to check out these great pros that were involved with this wedding [...]

    • Real Wedding: Celebrating another 5.0 review from Amanda and Mark

    09.21.2011 / Real Weddings / one comment

    Wow. You remember Amanda and Mark right? Well, this fab couple just left me an incredibly sweet and touching review over on WeddingWire.

    Hiring Danielle was one of the best decisions we made throughout the entire wedding planning process. We were lucky enough to meet with her and start working with her at the very early planning stages, and throughout the entire year leading up to our wedding, she was there with us every step of the way! No matter how big or small an issue might be, Danielle always responded to every phone call and email in a prompt, courteous, and professional manner and always made us feel like our wedding was just as important to her as it was to us. She offered wonderful professional advice, gave excellent vendor recommendations, and provided us with all of the tools we needed to stay on track.

    As the wedding got closer, Danielle stepped in to handle communication with all of our vendors, which saved us time and stress. Once the wedding weekend had arrived, she took care of coordinating the rehearsal, and made sure our bridal party had all the information they needed, including a pocket-fold timeline telling them where to be, and listing all important phone numbers.

    But what was most impressive about Danielle was how she handled herself the day of our wedding, when she was faced with some very challenging circumstances that came in the form of a hurricane! Danielle never let the bad weather slow her down, and made sure that the night ran completely smoothly. We did not have to worry about anything and were able to fully enjoy ourselves, knowing that Danielle was handling things behind-the-scenes. She worked hard all the way until even after we had left the reception, making sure all gifts and other items were placed in cars, and sent home with the right people (which was not easy in heavy rain and high winds!!!).

    You can plan for a wedding all you want, but there is no amount of planning that can prepare you for something like a hurricane. If it were not for Danielle, our wedding day could have easily been ruined. But she was there ensuring us that everything would go as planned, and the day would be perfect, and because of her hard work and dedication, it was! I would recommend her to any bride – not only will your wedding day go off without a hitch, but you will gain a wonderful friend in the process!

    Truly can’t thank them enough for their kind words. What a great way to start a Wedding Wednesday :)

    {photo by Daniel Moyer Photography}

    one comment
  • When I see this picture, a million things go through my mind… » danielle pasternak February 13, 2012 6:22 am

    [...] of all, I have to say that this photo was taken by the amazing Daniel Moyer at Amanda and Mark’s wedding last August. It’s one of those photos that I love looking back on because so many things go [...]

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