It is True I Have Been Sick....Yes. I did Not Finish A Show It Is Going To Be Aired In May

Ok. Now for the serious part of the blog. I wanted to thank everyone whether you are a client, vendor or venue for your well wishes. I know rumors have been flying around about my health status. I would like to set them straight and be the "honest" Samantha that you all see every day! I am sure you may have read or have heard about a scare with a drug named Heparin. If you do not know what this drug is it is used for people who have heart conditions, bad arteries, people that are bed ridden for weeks at a time and various other conditions. This drug was recalled from many hospitals in NJ and elsewhere. It was not tainted, but was made with a different compound to save $$$ and well, this unfortunate change caused death in 29 individuals and severe allergic reactions with hundreds of people. Obviously, and I say this with thanks and whole hearted, I was the latter. I had severe reactions. Reactions that no one knew what to do. We did not know it was related to this issue until I was released 2 days later. To read on AOL about people dying and having horrible after effects from a drug I was given for NO reason.... My heart dropped. All I could think of was when am I going to die? I was scared to even send this on to my husband. My mind just went blank. My daughter, my family and my life. It is true, during my last episode taping with Style, I was unable to finish due to a severe emergency. I was hospitalised a week prior to a routine procedure a colonoscopy (if I need to explain this at least get me drunk first :). I was given Heparin from a doctor who was not my Internist. I asked why, they told me because I was told to stay in bed this was going to protect me from blood clots. I have been in the hospital before and have never been given any shots for this reason. I had no reason not to trust, I thought they were looking out for me. I was released as I went home with a fever, vomiting, very dizzy and hypotensive. My blood pressure had dropped to 70/50. I went to a new Internist who immediately put me back into the hospital. I became, anemic, had little potassium, magnesium and various other minerals you do not even think of that help us survive. I would get them and a day later they would be low again. I could not walk without passing out. I do not want to continue discussing my side effects. It was horrible. It still is horrible. We are working on just getting this out of me. No one has suffered any issues with weddings. Including the couple who did not have me present during the last portion of the show. They said it was still everything I promised it would be. Thank you Amy and James. I wish I was there to see the magical garden. I just wanted to write this to let you know. I am doing OK. I have just completed 2 weddings with NO issues. I have a HUGE support system from other planners on Style. Jenny Orsini who has been not only a close friend but has helped me to keep my chin up, when I hear things that may be negative. The producers at Style whom have gotten to know me the last few+++ years have been understanding and very supportive. Thank you. I love the emails. The treats you have sent have been awesome. If you want to continue please do so..LOL..I just need to stay away from the brownies. With this I have gained weight. I know you must think I am nuts for even saying that, but we all have our issues right? Let me have mine! I just wanted to thank you all for your emails, your calls and for keeping the faith in my work. Most of all your patience. I know for some this is about your day, but your support and being so unselfish I can't express my gratitude. Ok...Now let's get back to work right?

Last Episode My Soulmate My Biggest Fan!

Thank you for your HYSTERICAL emails. Yes it is true. I did not want to do this wedding while I had 2 major ones going on during the month of Nov...But I did not want Rhonda to have nothing, I know it's easier to say no and walk away. But my heart would bug me. I was really burnt. I was sent an email posting where my client would not show me where...But some people thought I was rude because I made a face about the KOC hall...How can I snob my nose if I am known for making weddings look amazing on a budget. You must not know me too well. Heck I don't care how much money you have. Let's be realistic you give me $500 and 3 weeks notice come on? I am not superwoman and she kept bugging me about it. My birthday had nothing to do with it. It was going to be my first Sat off in I cannot tell you how long. I wanted to just be lazy on my birthday. Is that bad? I only mentioned it was my birthday 2 times during the show. Some viewers exaggerate worse than the show! I had made no plans but to go out that night with my husband and friends. I deserve that. I never whined about it. I just wanted to have some Samantha time. Is that bad? I was honest. If you avid viewers can't accept that. That's just selfish. This was the best she would get for $500. What did you think I should have done? I am always open to positive criticism. Just don't get this one. I mean....I have other people who come here for advice... But this is just silly. Last BIG question you have asked me about payment. I DID NOT get paid anything after her initial deposit. She called off the wedding due to financial and physical issues. I told her when she is ready to pick up and try again we can talk about next year. This was around Halloween BTW...I had no time to do anything with her. I am sorry she was upset. But it was only me...I had major affairs going on. They deserved my attention as every client does before their event. I had no time!!!!! This did take away time from my other clients and they were so cool about it. I was doing this at n/c and at other clients expenses. I have to learn to say no....Do you ever get into that mode where you want to please everyone. Here is a lesson you can't. Thanks Lauren and Deepti my Nov 2007 Brides AMAZING BY THE WAY!. You knew I was stressed and you kept asking me if there was anything you could do to make copies, calls or decor. These were my clients whose weddings were in Novemeber???? I could never thank you guys enough.

Gold Events and Kathy Griffin

What an experience to work with Kathy Griffin! The funny, sassy red hot haired, petite comedian added a new career onto her resume. It made working so much easier to know that swearing during a ceremony is ok! If you want to talk about bad sex and things that make a bad marriage, add that in too! I tell you, yes there is a small part of me that gets tempted at times to say during ceremonies that I know are wrong....DON'T! I know you have felt this too. We have had these silly discussions in my office. No worries gals your secrets are safe with me. She walked into the room, all applauding her presence. Enjoying this new found hobby! The couple in NY loved her Witty ceremony. I found Kathy G to be REAL and just a genuine person. I told her I saw her dress in the what not to wear section of US...It was true...and she laughed. A woman after my own heart...Saying what she feels and being ok with that. Why is it the honest ones get beat up for saying just how they feel? Kathy I understand your pain! Here is the article located NY Daily News 3rd page. The actual show is coming soon on Kathy Griffin's "My Life On The D List" June 2008. http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/03/09/2008-03-09_comedian_kathy_griffin_weds_couple_in_qu.html In the end, the more beat up I become for doing silly things or editing that makes me look worse than I am...The small groupies who live and breathe reality TV and who write about this in the chat rooms. If I make you that upset, you need to talk to someone about that. This is REALITY TELEVISION. Thanks Kathy for telling me that. And your advice not to go on Bridezillas I will take it to the grave! My clients who know me, say I would give the world if I had it. When I say know me, I mean ones who care that we all have lives and actually ask about mine once in a while. Isn't that what a partner in crime is all about. If I am to be a GOOD planner, shouldn't I be that honest soul who looks out for you and ensures you do have the day you envisioned? I can honestly say I do this for each and every client. Whether you are spending $20,000 or half a million, your day still matters. I care. With that being said. I was assisted by a VERY special friend and partner in the industry Jenny Orsini President of Pampered Brides. Jenny I could not have done this without you and your team. It was a hard day for all of us. For different reasons. But you were my friend last night...and I needed that. So thank you! and BTW thanks for sticking by me ( in advance)...Even if my show on Tuesday night..may be a real ordeal or stinker...Yours will look like the good one! LOL.....

Planners Course #4 It's Ready!

I know I have been bad! You have been extremely patient..I FINALLY secured a date and location for our 4th training class CAES (Coordination and Event Specialists) series 100. Jenny and I are so EXCITED we have received over 100 requests for attendance. I did not think this was going to happen so fast you guys! So you are going to just be patient with me. My goal is to complete contracts for the next 2 dates. Sorry everyone March is sold out! Good News...We still have a few openings in our April 26th 2008 class. It will be located at The Westwood Manor 438 North Ave Garwood NJ 07027 Time: 10:00am until 3:30pm Fee $700 This includes all materials, lunch, snacks and beverages (non alcoholic) Sorry :) Please call (908) 450-9766 for more information You must have some form of event coordination experience to participate in this course.

Yes I am Back....This is just a plethora of information

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for the get well wishes! They definitely helped. I wish I could explain everything that happened, but now that it's been a few weeks maybe it's best to just forget it. Hospitals are no fun...I felt like I was stuck with IV's over and over again... I was a challenge for the nurses. Seriously they had the "masters" on every floor debating if they would be able to get a vein for IV use...I wondered if I drank water would it pour out of me like the Tom and Jerry cartoons in the 70's??? Am I aging myself here? Anyway Thank you! We have a lot going on this month. We are going to start the month with our clients Elka and Brian who are getting married by "Kathy Griffin" on Saturday. She really did get her officiates license and is going to make a couples dream come true...Maybe that sounds too corny, but she is definitely adding excitement to the wedding. We will keep you posted on the air date. It will be on Bravo's Kathy Griffin I am on the D list." We have had a HUGE response to our first planning class. Jenny Orsini and I are excited and are trying to cut each class down to ten individuals. We feel this will give us more leverage and more time with each of you. We have secured a date of April 26 2008. The class will remain at 5 hours including lunch for $700. If you are interested in this class please email us at samanthagoldberg@goldeventsplanning.com. A form will be sent and once we have reviewed it you will be sent specifics on the class! We are now working on our 4th class. So please email us so we can include you! I am so excited to meet you all and Jenn and I are going to make this a class one you won't forget. The material is fabulous and will be most essential for your success. Last and certainly not least....The 7th season of "Whose Wedding" is out there! Tonight is the first episode of ten. Gold Events will be on next Tues with Pampered Bride we are back to back...I can only tell you hysterical episodes! Watch them both! March 17 at 10pm ET. Gold Events will have 3 episodes this season and we are excited to see what Style has put together! As always...Stay Calm...Know that every part of the planning will work if you just "keep it cool" And remember to have fun....I put myself on these shows to make you laugh and please realize this is supposed to be the best part of your life with someone special! XO Samantha

So You Want To Know About Wedding Planning?

Are you one of those gals who has planned her own wedding?? You have done a stellar job and everyone says you know what, you would make a great wedding planner??? I know you gals are out there....and you get back from your honeymoon and seconds later you run to Vista Print because they are giving a deal on 250 FREE business cards! I see you smiling girls! In one week you are the new " Wendy's Wonderful Weddings. " I have some news for you. I welcome ANYONE into this industry with open arms. One thing that I have learned is never be afraid to share your success. So this is how I live. I am here to share. Not because I think I know everything, but because the more I give the more I get. I am going to be a realist here. Planning your own wedding and doing it well is not even 1% of what it takes to make it in this industry. You really want to know what makes you successful? 1. YOU 2. Experience. 3. Being totally receptive to learning the hard way. I get hundreds of emails weekly from aspiring planners who watch the show or read my articles. I want to thank you for taking the time to write to me. I thank you for watching me on TV or just shooting an email to ask a question. When I get this support, I want to work harder, be better and more savvy of this business. You never stop learning. I get several emails asking me how I became so successful so quickly. It was not a fast ride. TRUST me. For those who have followed me, I am not an East Coast native. That should be enough info to let you know it was not 100's of open doors. In fact I think the only open door I had was having to pee at a venue and the hotel's concierge showed me where the restrooms were on my way out! Thanks! I lived in Chicago for over 34 years of my life. My background consisted of working in the beauty and fashion industry. We had events, classes, I was also a Regional Sales Manager for many years in the same industry. I basically ran the Midwest along with salespeople in 9 states. I started a side business with a sweet gal named Jennifer Goldstein in the year 2000. Unfortunately, our partnership went sour, but I kept the business. To this day...I wonder Jenn did you see what I did with our company? We made it! Just when I began to really gain a name for myself in Chicago, I was told by my husband in 2003, while I was 4 months pregnant, that we are moving to NJ. Yes the timing could not have been worse. I had to leave my friends, family and career. I just did it. I was depressed, lonely and well out of sorts being so far away from what made me who I am. Where are you without your friends and family? Nowhere. After our daughter was born in Dec 2003, I decided the only way I would be happy was to get back into working. I was not able to do what I did in Chicago considering my old company did not have positions open here in NJ. So this was when my husband suggested starting Gold Events on the East Coast. I did the Vista Print ladies! 250 FREE cards....I bought folders and tried to recreate everything I had in Chicago. Well can I be honest? The first 3 months were the worst. This is what I heard daily: No we don't work well with planners, why do we need planners we have planners that work here, you planners take over everything and screw up our system. Ok. I guess if they just said no I would have been ok. But why do they hate planners here??? You know what, some venues just don't like us. There is nothing we can do about that. All the convincing, the lunches, the letters may have been a bit of a waste. I know I can't gain access everywhere, but I do know one thing. I know I was trained by some of the best people in the sales and event business. I also know I can't be good at everything or win everyone over. So what is the point you ask? I did not give up. I served my talents well at fundraisers where I met some of the best people in the industry out here. I asked a lot of questions and I built relationships. And a few months after that horrible 3 months, I finally broke through and got referrals. Not many. But they came. I paced myself and believe me in my 16 years I have made mistakes of taking on more than I can chew. I wanted to be that everything. But I learned VERY fast that this was not going to make me successful.. Anyway, back to my very first clients. These clients did not know me from Adam... But thanks Marie M. and Melanie B. my first brides! You took a chance on me. Well, here I am. Without you, where would I be in NY, NJ and all over the US? Probably no further than my front door. I had to be different I decided but how? Television and Magazines that is a whole different story. But yes, it has happened. I finally made a niche. Who was going to help those brides, 75% of America who have a budget of 20K or less? I felt it was going to be me. Why? Because this is where I started and you never forget the ones who believed in you when you had no where else to go. Right now as I work with many budgets sometimes in the high six figures, I know I can still help someone who just needs a little extra care to make her wedding just as glamorous as she imagined. I still want to be there for the ones who hope I can be the one. I know can't do it every weekend. But I am working like mad to train other planners to do what I did. So this is a story for the planners. To show you that some bride who may not have a lot to work with budget wise, could make your career as wonderful as you can imagine. If you just take a chance with her or him. And for those of you who have, you know what I am talking about. We work for peanuts, but it's not about the money it is about the reward you receive mentally. Right? People took a chance with me. Like I said, what I have achieved was not an overnight success. But I will never shut the door on someone who needs that extra bit of help and who tells her world about the planner who made her dreams come true. So ladies or Gentlemen, aspiring planners. Your only judged by your last job and you will always need to learn more than your own wedding. I only wish it were that easy to gain trust of someone else's big day. But if you take the time, your train and work very hard at what you want. You can also be that planner who makes a real difference in someone else's life and what that brings in return is Priceless!

Happy Valentines Day!

Ok so I have to admit....I must be losing my mind. It took me 4 times to spell Valentines Day. How can one forget this word? I definitely need a break! Today has been interesting for us. We are still in the process of taping season 7 of WWIIA and I am also preparing for the special with my clients Elka and Brian who will getting married by Kathy Griffin the comedian in March! I did find out that the special will be a part of her regular show Kathy Griffin I'm on The D List. It is going to be on Bravo. I would anticipate that it will be aired in the late Spring/Summer. Well today 15% of the world is going to get engaged. Did you know that 15% of you lucky gals are going to be asked to be someone's life partner today??? I wish I were able to see how many men will be on their knees..(Ladies this will be the only time you will see this unless he is begging for your forgiveness!) The reality of today is that it's love day! HOWEVER.....Tomorrow is REALLY love day for me cause at Target the candy is 75% off! So ladies stay away from Bridgewater Commons...That's my turf! :) News...I am having a fabulous time taping a new WWIIA show with my great friend Jenny Orsini who is also on Style. We are 2 peas in a pod...They literally during taping have to cut us off because we chat too much. This weekend is the wedding of Tobi and Petros who will be on the show. They have entrusted us with basically everything regarding the planning of their wedding. I have no idea what design I've made. I hope it looks good...if not sorry Tobi! :) No it's going to be FABULOUS! Our Wedding planning course is 2/3 full. I have decided to break the 40 students into groups of ten and due to the date of March 22 conflicting with Easter I have decided to change the date to 3/15/08. I will be posting hotel information for those who are flying in. I will also have negotiated a great rate for overnight stay. I need you all well rested and fed! This is going to be a great crash course basically a can of whip ass so that you can be successful and accomplished! Yes. I am sharing my pearls...No I am not afraid of competition. Nor should you. I am SO excited to meet you all. Please note I can only take on 10 more students. I will be having a second level course after this one...To be honest I have no idea on dates yet but will let you know this minute I find out! Last but not least! have a wonderful Valentines Day, be good to the ones you love...and smile...Today could be one of the best days of your life! XO Samantha