Tag Archive | Pa Bridal Shows

Real Weddings: Tom and Jamie

Tom and Jamie Dykie Jr. celebrated their wedding with us here at The Loft on March 24, 2012. This couple was very laid back and fun to work with! They opted for a more relaxed feel for their wedding and went with a butlered hor dourves and cocktail reception versus the 5 hour wedding package that we offer here at The Loft!

Jamie and Tom’s color scheme for the wedding was red and black! All of the centerpieces were beautiful and also reflected the room decor.

Jamie wore a gorgeous white and black gown with red pumps underneath!

The bride and groom chose a cupcake cake in place of the traditional wedding cake. We are seeing more and more cupcake cakes pop up this year- they are just so much fun! The great thing about the cupcake cakes, is that you get a few more flavors with this option versus the tiered wedding cake. Yumm!

Tom and Jamie danced the night away with close friends and family. The party went on into the late night and the couple actually ended up extending the reception an extra half hour! What a nice surprise!

It was great working with both Tom and Jamie and it was a pleasure helping them plan their special day!

Wedding Planning: Money-Saving Tips!

Apr1

Planning your wedding can become very stressful, especially when you start to add up the seemingly unending list of expenses. Most brides have a limit on their wedding budget but just because you may not have unlimited funds does not mean you are limited as to how beautiful your wedding day can be! So how do you pull off a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable, wedding day and still have money left over for a honeymoon? Follow these tips below and keep in mind that you do not need to blow your budget in order to have the wedding day of your dreams! Happy Planning!

Reception

1. Cut the guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces.

2. Think off-peak season or try setting the date on a Friday or Sunday and save thousands!

3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot- this will cut travel time for your vendors that you pay by the hour! This will also cut down on your flower and décor pricing!

4. Utilize larger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.

5. Shop the off-season for extra decor — get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine’s Day.

Flowers

1. Buy flowers that are in season.

2. Use more greenery than flowers.

3. Swap out costly flowers — did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?

4. Stick to just one or two kinds of flowers.

5. Include non-florals, like lanterns and DIY centerpieces.

Food & Drink

1. Serve entree duets.

2. Skip the main course — apps and drinks are fine too.

3. Limit the Open Bar- Limiting a traditional open bar to a few hours can really cut costs

4. Think of having an afternoon brunch wedding! If you move your reception to the afternoon, you can help you save on food and alcohol charges. Food will be lighter and less expensive, and guests will drink less in the afternoon than in the evening (you hope).

5. Skip the champagne toast.

Cakes

1. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).

2. Keep the add-ons simple.

3. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.

4. Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.

5. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.

Stationery & Favors

1. Get single-page invites to save on postage.

2. Give out one favor per couple.

3. Have favors double as escort cards.

4. Email your save-the-dates.

5. Make your own menu cards, escort cards, and wedding favor packaging.

Photo, Video & Music

1. Have a photographer you love but can’t afford the prices? Ask them if they have an associate shooter who will do your wedding for less.

2. Opt for a smaller band.

3. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception.

Will you be implementing any of these money-saving tips when it comes to planning your wedding? Lets us know how YOU have saved money when planning your big day!

Real Weddings: Colin and Lisa

Mar27

Colin and Lisa Walsh helped us to kick off wedding season this year on March 17^th – St. Patty’s day! What unusual weather we had for mid-March but they ended up having a gorgeous day! It must have been the “luck of the Irish!” The couple chose to hold both their wedding ceremony and reception at Limerick Golf Club. The ceremony was held on our outside patio for a comfortable 90 guests.

Colin and Lisa decided to go with a black, white and GREEN color scheme. The groomsmen looked dapper in their black suits with green vests and ties. Lisa wore a gorgeous gown and as a surprise touch of color, rocked the green heels in honor of St. Patty’s Day!

After the ceremony guests made their way from the patio upstairs to The Loft. While the bride, groom and bridal party navigated their way around the golf course- on the golf carts (which by the way- the guys LOVED!) for their outdoor wedding photos.

They really did get to take advantage of the great weather and Douglas Nevick, from DjN Photography was able to capture breath-taking photos!

While the bridal party was rendezvousing around the club, the guests enjoyed the start of the continuous 5 hour open bar along with hot butlered hors D’oeuvres. The hors D’oeuvres were prepared by head chef Shawn Kane and consisted of: BBQ Bourbon Balls, Beef Teriyaki Skewers, Scallops Wrapped in Bacon and Pigs in a Blanket.

Once cocktail hour was over the new Mr. and Mrs. Colin Walsh hit the dance floor for their first dance together. This is one couple that was truly adorable to watch. You could really tell they were enjoying themselves and were so happy to start this new journey of their lives together.

Continuing with the décor of their St. Patty’s day wedding- of course this theme did not stop at the wedding cake. Their festive and delicious cake was created by Diana at Sweet Addictions Bake Shop. What a creative job she did! The guests enjoyed adorable chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter and cookies & cream cupcakes with shamrock confetti.

It was truly a pleasure for me to work with both Colin and Lisa! Their outgoing and energetic personalities made helping them to plan their wedding such a fun and pleasurable experience! I wish you both love and happiness and thank you for letting myself and the staff at LGC help make your day a memorable one!

Spring has Sprung!

Mar20

Dreaming of tulips, sundresses, and swapping vows in a garden? From the save the dates to the wedding reception, here’s how to incorporate a little bit of spring into every wedding day detail!

Wedding Styles:

For a Classic Spring Wedding, work with Peony pink and leaf green

For a Rustic Spring Wedding, work with Chocolate brown and robin’s egg blue

For a Modern Spring Wedding, work with Poppy orange and celadon green

For a Vintage Spring Wedding, work with Pansy purple and butter yellow

For a Formal Spring Wedding, work with Warm ivory and candlelight white

Popular Spring Flowers:

Daises, Tulips, Roses and Peonies

Spring Cocktail Inspirations:

When considering a signature cocktail for your wedding in the Spring season there are a few factors you want to keep in mind! For your spring wedding, the perfect signature cocktail can help pull together a seasonal theme.

Many of your favorite fruits are synonymous with spring — combine those flavors with spirits and you can set a light, festive mood for your wedding.

Make sure to keep your cocktail fresh, fruity and light for your guests to enjoy.
Your signature cocktail should look as good as it tastes! Garnish the rim of the glass with fruit slices or add mint in the mix
Serve the cocktail blended instead of over ice to cool your guests down

Spring Wedding Dress Trends:

Trend 1: Flowers- Complement a spring garden setting with a floral-embellished dress.

Trend 2: Preppy Details- A gingham ribbon trim or a hint of polka dots could add the perfect finishing touch to an already gorgeous gown. Consider a dress with a pleated bodice or find a patterned sash to wear around your waist.

Trend 3: Sheer Fabrics- For a wedding dress that reflects the spring season, light and airy fabrics are ideal. Think chiffon, charmeuse, and organza.

Trend 4: Cashmere Cover-Ups- Nighttime temperatures in the Spring can drop into the 50s, especially in March and early April. Instead of a wrap, try a sophisticated cashmere cardigan.

Trend 5: Higher Hemlines- With short gowns becoming ever more popular on the runway, find a mini dress that will really show off your figure. Go for a tea-length dress paired with peep-toed heels for a fun and flirty look.

Style and Decor

Choose a spring color, and use a slightly different shade of fabric on each reception table. Your tables will look unified, but not matchy-matchy.

Invitations

Have a common springtime motif, such as a peony or a bird, printed on the invites.

Flowers

Have your florist pair your favorite springtime flower with fruits (ruby-red raspberries, luscious blackberries, or even strawberries) for a fete that feels as homegrown as a picnic in the park.

Menu

Fill large punch bowls with fresh lemonade, iced tea, and white-wine sangria, garnished with fresh lemons and fruit for a colorful drink menu.

Wedding Cake

Choose a flavor that’s light and fluffy, like a strawberry shortcake covered in pale pink fondant and topped with real strawberries or beautiful seasonal flowers.

Favors

Give bulbs or packets of flower seeds that guests can plant in their gardens or window boxes, tagged with a personalized label.

As we welcome Spring today and gear up for our seasonal weddings, we look forward to seeing these creative and refreshing ideas incorporated in your special day!

Let Them Eat Cake: Groom’s Cake Ideas!

Mar16

If you’ve attended weddings recently where there was not one but two cakes, you may have enjoyed what appears to be a charming new tradition: the groom’s cake. The fact is, the groom’s cake isn’t new at all. With origins in the 17th century, the groom’s cake is really a very old wedding tradition, somehow lost and now rediscovered for the most elegant wedding receptions.

The history of the groom’s cake is as varied as its flavors and shapes. Some sources say it originally was a rich, dark fruit cake without icing; some say it was a fruit cake with white icing to match the bride’s cake which was decorated with spun sugar.

According to an old myth, if a single woman sleeps with a piece of the groom’s cake under her pillow, she will dream of the man that she will marry.

Today, bits and pieces of these various traditions remain or have evolved into other wedding customs. For instance, couples still reserve the top layer of the wedding cake for their first anniversary. And although the Southern groom’s cake customarily was a dark fruit cake, it now comes in any flavor, shape or color.

Many couples are designing groom’s cakes to reflect the groom’s hobbies or interests. Original and engaging, grooms cakes have resembled the groom’s antique car or cowboy boots, while others in traditional cake shapes have sported hunting scenes or his favorite hole on the golf course.

In the past, groom’s cakes, which were separate from the bride’s cakes, were either cut and wrapped to be eaten after the reception, or they were served from another table for those guests who preferred a darker, richer cake.

Today, the groom’s cake is still sliced and served separately, usually by a member of the wait staff. Some couples prefer to offer the groom’s cake at the rehearsal dinner, a fitting time since the groom’s family hosts the occasion.

Whatever time or theme you choose for the groom’s cake, it is a charming tradition that adds a distinctive, personal touch to your wedding festivities while honoring the man you just married.

To check out some other creative groom’s cakes click on the link below!

Groom’s Cakes

Will you be surprising YOUR groom with his very own cake on your wedding day?

Signature Cocktails 101

Mar2

It’s time to focus on drinks! Add a splash of flavor and flare to your wedding by creating a signature cocktail to the wedding menu! Pick a drink that stars your favorite liquor, matches your color scheme, or just sounds delicious. Your guests will love sipping on your personalized couple concoction.

Having trouble coming up with ideas of what to have for your signature cocktail? Have fun when choosing the name of the drink, colors, flavors, style and taste of the drink! Cocktail guru, Jonathan Pogash is an accomplished mixologist who has been mixing up concoctions for weddings and special events for years! If you’re having trouble coming up with that special drink, he is the man to go to! Jonathan started his own innovative company called “Wedding Cocktail Design” where he will create your signature drink for your special day!

When working with Jonathan, he will get to know each individual couple and give them their own personalized potion! Some of the questions he may ask from you may sound something like this:

What are your favorite liquors and non-alcoholic ingredients in mixed drinks? Are there any liquor types and/or ingredients that you absolutely DO NOT want?
What types of cocktails do you two enjoy drinking?
Would you like the drink to match/complement your color scheme? If so, what is the color scheme?
Does your wedding have an overall theme (Hollywood Glamour, Country Simple, etc.)?
Do you have any ideas on a name for the cocktail? Oftentimes, it’s a combination of the couple’s name or something that relates to an interesting story about the couple (how they met, where they met, etc.).
What is the location of your wedding? Time of day?
Are you working with a caterer? If so, what is their name and contact info (so that we can coordinate with them and have the cocktail properly executed)

Whether you use someone like Jonathan and his services to come up with your cocktail or come up with one on your own, there are some great websites out there to help you with the process!

Check out: TheKnot.com – Brides.com – Delish.com – MarthaStewartWeddings.com

Here are a few of my favorites listed below! What type of signature cocktails will you be sipping on at YOUR wedding? Please share and let me know! Happy Planning!

Classic Champagne Cocktail

Ingredients

3 drops bitters
1 sugar cube
1 ounce Cognac
4 ounces chilled Champagne

Directions

Drop bitters onto sugar cube; let soak in. Place sugar cube in a Champagne flute. Add Cognac, and top with Champagne.

Iced Coffee Frappe with Cotton Candy

Ingredients

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons skim milk
3 tablespoons instant-coffee frappe mix (such as Nescafe Classic) 3 tablespoons sugar
White cotton candy, for topping

Directions

Blend 3/4 cup milk, 3/4 cup cold water, the instant-coffee frappe mix, and sugar in a blender until combined, about 30 seconds. Divide among 3 tall glasses filled with ice. Pour 2 tablespoons milk into each glass. Serve immediately, topped with cotton candy.

Frozen Ginger Lemon Drop

Ingredients

Lemon juice (about 1/4 cup), for coating glass rims
Superfine sugar, for coating glass rims
Frozen Ginger Lemonade
2 to 4 cups vodka
Lemon zest curls, for garnish

Directions

Dip rims of glasses in lemon juice and then in sugar. Pour 3/4 cup frozen ginger lemonade into each glass, and top with 1/4 to 1/2 cup vodka (to taste). Serve immediately garnished with a lemon curl.

2*25-Philly Bridal Expo at Oaks Expo Center

Feb23

Wedding planning leaving you stumped? Come join The Loft at Limerick Golf Club at the Philly Bridal Expo at the Oaks Expo Center THIS Saturday- February 25, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 4:00PM! You definitely do NOT want to miss coming out to this show!

You can look forward to FABULOUS vendors by the dozens to help you plan and organize your day! In addition to all of the festivities, vendor prizes will be given out EVERY 15 MINUTES!! That’s right, and you even have a chance to win a first year anniversary trip to CANCUN, MEXICO! There will also be exciting chef demos and a fashion show of 2012 designer wedding collections!

Tickets are $5.00 per person to attend but if you click this link below you will have access to FREE ADMISSION! Parking is also FREE!

Participating Exhibitors Include: Wedding Venues, Florists, DJ’s, Bakeries, Bands, Lighting Experts, Wedding Consultants, Wedding Gowns & Accessories, Hair & Make-Up, Jewelry Designs, Health & Wellness Coaches and much MUCH more!

With all of the great vendors, demos and shows this is one show that if you do not attend, you will be SORRY you missed! Click on the link below for directions to the show!!

Show Directions -Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!! Happy Planning Ladies!

Valentine’s Day Fun! xoxo

Feb14

Happy Valentine’s Day!

To give you all a little Valentine’s Day fun, here is some background information on Valentine’s Day, some fun stats and videos to check out!

Valentine’s Day is named in honor of St. Valentine. The holiday has roots in both Roman and Christian traditions, but the exact origin is unknown although there are a couple of theories. There are three St. Valentine’s that the Catholic church recognizes. Most people believe the holiday is in honor of St. Valentine, a priest that lived during the third century. Emperor Claudius II, to have better soldiers for his army, made it illegal for young men to marry. It is believed that St. Valentine still continued to perform marriage ceremonies in secret, but when it was found out, he was killed. It was this St. Valentine that sent the first “Valentine” greeting to a young woman he had fallen in love with while imprisoned. We celebrate Valentine’s Day in the middle of February because that is when St. Valentine was killed.

Some people have different theories about Valentine’s Day depending on what religion they are.

Some fun facts for you: (According to the U.S. Census Bureau)

Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days to get engaged! Approximately 10% of marriage proposals will happen on Valentine’s Day.

The most popular gift given to celebrate Valentine’s Day is greeting cards. (65%.)

The gift used least to celebrate Valentine’s Day is jewelry. (Only 11%.)
It’s estimated 15% of women will send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day.
Approximately 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered within the three-day Valentine’s Day time period. The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Red roses are considered the flower of love because the color red stands for strong romantic feelings.
In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Denmark, and Italy.
In the US, 64 percent of men do not make plans in advance for a romantic Valentine’s Day with their sweethearts. – Tisk Tisk! Men, make sure you book those reservations at the Sandtrap, as we are having a very romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner!

Also, check out this adorable couple from Montgomery County! They have been married 70 YEARS!! The Hendrick’s tell us that love, trust and respect are the three keys to an everlasting love!

Wedding Dress Blow Out Sale- Today Only!

Feb11

Attention Brides on a Budget! Good News, the Goodwill store in Pennsauken, NJ is having a HUGE BLOWOUT SALE, today January 11!! The store opens its doors at 9am and will stay open until 9pm! 200 BRAND NEW wedding gowns will be on sale and they are being sold as low as $99.99!! Goodwill also received a shipment of designer gowns from Alfred Angelo, talk about a steal! Gently used wedding gowns will also be sold and you can snag these dresses for a price tag of $49.00 or LESS! Gowns range from sizes 4 to 26, so there is really something there for every shape and size! Not only will the Goodwill sale be featuring marked down prices on wedding dresses, but they will also have discounted prices on bridesmaid dresses, veils, shoes, accessories and a whole lot more!

Make sure you get to this event early because anxious brides start to line up at the store early to make sure they get the dress look and size they want! Also, store owners advise girls to wear a bathing suit or under garments where they can change out in the open due to limited dressing room availability!

So, make sure you set those alarm clocks and get up bright and early to score that discounted, designer gown! Happy Shopping Ladies!

Check out the full story on CBS3 website with Jim Donovan! 3- On Your Side: Wedding Dress Sale

Wedding Guest Attire

Feb6

Has a wedding invite ever left you clueless about what to wear? Don’t be baffled — the info you need is likely there. You just have to know how to interpret the invite wording. Here’s your cheat sheet for what to wear.

The invite says: “White Tie”

This is the most formal of all wedding dress codes (think state dinners and the Oscars).
He should wear: A tuxedo, a long black jacket with tails, a white pique vest, and a bow tie. Black, formal shoes and even white gloves for dancing are appropriate.

She should wear:A formal, full-length ball gown in a neutral color like dark brown or black. Glamorous makeup and dramatic jewelry and hair are appropriate.

The invite says: “Black Tie”

This is the next most formal wedding dress code and usually means the wedding is an evening affair.
He should wear: A tuxedo. A black bow tie, cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are also suggested.

She should wear:A chic cocktail dress or a long evening gown in a dark, neutral color like brown or black. The bride, wedding party, or friends can help answer questions about the appropriate dress length.

The invite says: “Formal” or “Black Tie Optional”

The wording here suggests something slightly less formal than black tie. This means that a tuxedo isn’t required but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate.
He should wear: A tuxedo or a formal dark suit and tie.

She should wear:A long dress, a dressy suit, or a formal cocktail-length dress in a dark, neutral tone like brown, gray, or black.

The invite says: “Beach Formal”

This suggests an elegant beach wedding — so dress to impress, but also dress for the elements (sun, sand, and water). Anything you’d wear to a nice restaurant on a summer day is appropriate.
He should wear: A summer suit with a linen shirt (no ties required), linen pants or khakis, and sandals.

She should wear:A formal summer sundress at tea- or knee-length with flat sandals. Makeup and hair can be natural and everyday.

The invite says: “Semiformal” or “Dressy Casual”

Depending on the time of the event, you’ll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime wedding.
He should wear: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on the season and time of day.

She should wear:A cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top.

The invite says: “Casual”

Generally, casual means anything goes. That said, jeans, shorts, and tank tops are probably not appropriate unless they’re specifically noted as acceptable. For the purposes of wedding wear, assume business casual to be on the safe side.
He should wear: Dress pants with a button-down shirt or polo.

She should wear: A summer sundress or a skirt or pants with a nice blouse. Makeup and hair can be natural and everyday.

Now, this wedding season when you are off to weddings for friends and family- you should be the best dressed and know exactly what to wear!