From Wedding Planner, Danielle Pasternak
Wedding planning tips, resources, and inspiration
Must-Have Items for Getting Ready on your Wedding Day
As your wedding day draws near, the flurry of excitement and nerves is all too real. You've got your venue locked in, your attire fitted to perfection, and your heart set on a day you'll never forget. But before you say "I do," there's a chapter of the day that demands your attention: the morning of your wedding.
In previous articles, I’ve delved into the intricacies of What to Wear the Morning Of Your Wedding and Six Things To Remember For Getting Ready On Your Wedding Day for a smooth getting-ready process. If you haven't already, be sure to check those out. Today, we're taking it a step further by highlighting the must-have items that will be your steadfast companions as you and your VIPs get ready for the day.
Vibrant, Sun-Kissed Portico Awbury Arboretum Wedding | Siobhan and Sean
In the heart of September, where every other weekend seemed to succumb to rain, Siobhan and Sean defied the odds with a sun-soaked celebration at the picturesque Portico Awbury Arboretum.
What unfolded on that perfectly sunny day was nothing short of magical — and incredibly fitting for this beautiful couple.
Party Like a Philadelphian: A Deep Dive into the “East Coast” Wedding Reception Timeline
Discover the perfect dance of tradition and celebration with this guide to an East Coast wedding reception timeline. From intimate pre-dinner moments to the grand finale on the dance floor, this insider's view unveils the unique rhythm of a Philly-style celebration. Learn how to customize your East Coast timeline, collaborate with vendors seamlessly, and explore our Wedding Timeline template for a stress-free planning experience.
Rose Bank Winery Wedding | Selina and John
Picture this: a perfect October day, the kind that makes you fall in love with fall all over again. Crisp air, golden leaves, and love in the air. That's exactly what we had the privilege of experiencing at Rose Bank Winery in Newtown, PA, when we helped coordinate Selina and John’s wedding.
This wasn't your typical wedding. It was a fantastic fusion of DIY magic and the expertise of some seriously talented vendors. The couple brought their own flair to the decor, and the result? A wedding that was uniquely and undeniably "them."
Favorite Wedding Splurges To Elevate Your Day
I’m a firm believer that couples should invest in the parts of a wedding that mean the most to them. Outside of the four major aspects of hosting any event (providing food, drink, entertainment, and comfort), I think you — as the couple — are allowed to do (and not do) what makes the most sense for you.
But, in my many years as a wedding planner, there have been a few “splurge” items that can really enhance the day — especially from a guest experience.
Summertime Glasbern Inn Wedding | Marielle and Frank
At DPNAK Events, it’s all about turning big wedding ideas into unforgettable memories. Recently, I had the privilege of working with an incredible bride and her mom to bring to life a wedding that perfectly exemplified the magic of love, resilience, and a touch of Mother Nature's unpredictability — all within the remarkable timeframe of six months.
Your Guide to Creating the Perfect Wedding Welcome Bag for Your Guests
As a couple, one of the most thoughtful gestures you can make for your guests is to prepare wedding welcome bags. These little goodie bags not only express your gratitude for their presence but also set the tone for an unforgettable and smooth wedding experience.
Whether you're hosting your event in a bustling city, like Philadelphia, or a charming countryside, like the rolling hills of Bucks County, I've compiled a comprehensive list of items to include in your wedding welcome bags that will delight and pamper your guests.
Intimate, Bridgerton-Inspired Hotel Bethlehem 1741 Terrace Wedding | Caroline and Jason
Welcome, gentle readers, to a captivating day celebrating love, romance, and the sheer opulence of a wedding fit for the pages of a Regency-era novel.
This past May, nestled in the heart of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the iconic 1741 Terrace at Hotel Bethlehem recently played host to an enchanting celebration that blended the timeless elegance of Bridgerton with modern-day love.
With Alison Conklin behind the camera lens and Allium Floral Design creating pieces that rivaled the gardens of the Duke of Hastings, it was an HONOR to be part of this day for Caroline and Jason.
Pocket Timelines: The Best Tool for a Stress-Free Day
The wedding day is a momentous occasion filled with love and a flurry of activities. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, having a well-organized timeline is crucial. But sharing that BIG timeline with the VIPs is simply too much. That's where Pocket Timelines come in.
Chelsea and Brian’s Good Vibes Bok Wedding
I don’t think I’ve ever had a harder time choosing a handful of photos to share from a wedding. Sonderbird Photography did such an AMAZING job of capturing the day. Each photo captures a moment more perfect than the next.
From the couple, to the details, to the vibes. And boy, were there VIBES.
Chelsea and Brian’s wedding at Bok was full of joy, fun, really good vibes, and incredibly good people. Plus donuts. 🍩
8 Practical Wedding Attire Tips for Comfort
With all of the planning and preparation that goes into a wedding day, it’s easy to forget that what you’ll be wearing throughout the day ALSO requires some planning and prep.
For most marriers, there’s quite a bit of thought put into WHAT they’re going to wear on their wedding day. But, there is far more to consider when it comes to making sure you actually feel (relatively) comfortable.
Rainy, Fall Wedding at the Horticulture Center at Fairmount Park
If you’ve already skipped ahead, I know what you’re thinking… “Uhm, this certainly doesn’t look like it was raining?!”
Well, it absolutely was. Not a downpour, but for most of Jen and Matt’s wedding day on October 1, 2022, Mother Nature was providing a steady drizzle. This made the entire Horticulture Center at Fairmount Park look so green and lush. And provided a stunning “rain plan” for what was supposed to be an outdoor ceremony.
But the true rock stars were this amazing couple, their photographers (Asya and Georgi from Asya Photography), and the couple’s group of VIPs. They fearlessly braved the rain for photos and the result…. well, I’ll let you be the judge.
Six of my Favorite Wedding Venues in the Lehigh Valley, Bucks-Mont, and Philadelphia areas
It’s been a few years since I did a roundup of some of favorite wedding venues in the area. The first one I did was in 2015, followed by another in 2018. Clearly, this is long overdue for an update as we’ve worked at several absolutely INCREDIBLE venues since then.
This list includes some unique and beautiful venues throughout the Lehigh Valley, Bucks-Mont, and Philadelphia areas that I love working with.
Alli and Jake’s Whimsical and Fun Bok Wedding
Alli and Jake were one of those couples who lead their decisions with intention and the utmost care for their guests’ experience. There were many things that they opted to do “outside the box” and in forging their own path, they truly created a one-of-a-kind event for their guests to enjoy.
What to Consider Before Asking Children To Be In Your Wedding Party
Children can be an adorable addition to your wedding party. But they can also add a level of stress and logistical hurdles that might not be something you want for your wedding day.
If you’re on the fence about the idea of including children in your wedding party, here’s the questions to consider before making your final decision.
Elegant, Summer Vault 634 Wedding | Chloe and Matt
Chloe and Matt’s wedding at Vault 634 was nothing short of incredible. Their attention to detail and keen eye made for a beautiful and intentional event.
Navigating the Holidays When You’re Planning a Wedding
Being engaged around the holidays can feel a bit like a Hallmark movie. You have your matching PJs. You’re drinking hot cocoa out of your “just engaged” mugs. And maybe you’re snuggled under a cozy blanket gazing at your first tree together.
But, depending on your family, it can also be a really stressful time and bring about some difficult situations.
In order to help you navigate the holidays in a way that feels respectful, manageable, and perhaps even joyful, here are my best tips.
Hallie and Andrew’s Summertime Jewish Wedding at the Free Library on the Parkway in Philadelphia
Hallie and Andrew’s wedding took place at the Free Library on the Parkway in Philadelphia, PA. It was one of the hotter weekends in July, but not too humid, which helped keep everyone comfortable.