Sex and The City Movie I FINALLY watched it!

After months and months of saying I was going to see SITC it was too late and no longer in any theatres at least on the East coast. I did find one location at the time in FL, but that would be a bit to the extreme if I traveled for a movie. I have been known to be extremely spontaneous, so the thought did cross my mind. I know, it's pathetic. I really LOVED the movie! I know some have mixed reviews. But the concept of the on/off again relationship, I am way too familiar with. Watching characters go through what I have already was enough to make me break out into tears. The whole turing "40" I know too well. I still have single friends like Samantha struggling to find themselves. I also have friends who struggle to stay in the relationship too. I think you reach a certain point in a relationship whether married or not when you think to yourself, is this it? I have had many conversations with brides about the "after" part of marriage and is it really happily ever after. While I would like to believe in the white picket fence story, I am not sure that all stories work that way. All relationships have trials and tribulations. One thing I know for sure is marriage takes work. So many women and men once they get engaged, forget that after the wedding, the reality settles and we have to focus on the relationship again. While planning someones wedding, I constantly try to get our couples to focus on just that. I do not want culture shock for them when the party is over. And for some, the reality REALLY sinks in after the honeymoon. So when you hear "the honeymoon is over" that's when you know, you're back! This is the time of year where I spend my time thinking about what I want to write in columns for new brides. While I love talking about when and what you should plan, I think there is one area for sure that gets left out. The relationship before the word "wedding" interjected! The big question "Does marriage change the relationship"? The answer is clearly stated, yes. After watching hundreds of relationships and the movie today, it was the icing on the cake for me. Change doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, change could be a great thing for relationships and the status of one. I guess we realize what changes we can handle while getting ready for a prominent one right? I would be lying if I said I did not have cold feet too! So for those of you who write in asking if these feelings really do occur in other relationships, they certainly do. You are not alone and by all means not crazy. Even if people say you are, they are only voicing their own opinion. Which may not mean a whole lot especially if they are single or divorced! Drama makes the world go round! Without it, we would feel empty. This is only true for the good drama! I do believe there is such a thing. I would love your thoughts about the movie! I know there were several quizzes on line months ago about whose personality you related to: Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda and Carrie. I think I was a bit Carrie and Miranda. Do you have a friend circle like this? I did in Chicago and am slowly starting to gain it back again in NJ. Like every relationship it takes time. I have just been a bit impatient! Any fun stories this weekend? Not on my end! Our weddings went well...It was a happily ever after for 3 of our couples. They are now on their way to some tropical paradise for a week or 2. When they get back, the world will still be the same except for the status on an application single or married! Can't wait to hear some feedback!

Whose Wedding ...The Famous Missing Pieces Episode and New Press!

I was just about to walk out the door today, and was reminded by a client about my famous (I am being facetious)episode filmed during the 7th season of Style. This one episode was rated the highest episode in the history of Style according to some producers. She said she has watched this show 3 times and has found new things to think about every time she watches it! I think having such crazy issues with both planners Kevin and myself it was quite the "drama" for that season! I think we all remember this was the episode when I fell ill and could not make it to the wedding. I refuse to watch it for one reason I don't want to be reminded of what I went through physically and mentally. I do love the decor and watching the quick amount of planning that took place. I have never had so much fun planning so many different portions of ones wedding in 24 hours. I know this may sound crazy, but I was able to get the most AMAZING deals for this client because of the short amount of time we had to plan it. If certain brides on small budgets were a bit more spontaneous??? What we could do for you would make some brides cry! I have saved some brides in the thousands...I actually like having less time to plan to be honest. This allows our clients to have less time to analyze and more time to focus on themselves and life again! Season 8 which is being aired now has a GREAT last episode. I know some of you have already seen quick scenes of some planners including myself explaining what has happened on some of the more questionable episodes/seasons. It allows us to explain what really happened. I wish we could do this with every episode! Who knows! I am beyond EXCITED to announce that I will have my first full page article published in Decembers issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine. It will be out the beginning of November. The article is called "Confessions of a Wedding Planner". I have the lovely mugg shot included. I need some new ones...I will add that onto the list of hundreds of things I need to do ok? This weekend we will continue to tape the pilot of my own show. This is hard work! It has been 3 months and hours and hours of taping for 5-7 minutes and then 22 when they get what they want. I never realized this would be so hard. I do have to say, just being me no acting has been awesome. It is more of a day in the life of a planner. It includes lots of behind the scenes. There are times I cannot stop laughing. The poor producers shake the camera when they laugh which causes lots of movement...I think I may have destroyed some great scenes with all of the laughing we do. I love to laugh and it's worth it. I have not included my poor husband in this yet. They are just going to film us communicating at home which for many is a joke to begin with. I hope our home is like some out there. However, I highly doubt it. Well, this will be the first night in weeks where I get to sleep early on and wake up late! Wish me luck with taping...I am going to be interviewing people on the street Sat! They make smack me for what I plan to ask! Have a great weekend! Congrats early to our clients Phil and Stacey, Michael and Michelle and Geraldine and Mark! We have great weather ahead and the photos will be great!

Bloomingdales King of Prussia Mall 6-8pm Be There!

Tomorrow, I will be traveling to PA for another FANTASTIC event at Bloomingdale's in their registry department. I will be chatting with brides about new trends, the timeline and several other hot topics! You have the opportunity to speak with the actual companies that make your china, crystal etc...There will be music, dancing eating and DID YOU HEAR me say FREE chocolate? I hope you will join me along with Bloomingdale's for a fabulous evening located at the King of Prussia Mall, PA inside the registry dept 6-8 pm! Grab a great seat because seating is limited! Our next Bloomingdale's registry event will take place in Bergen County NJ on Oct 16th 6-8pm and White Plains Oct 19th from 12-2pm! Call and RSVP! Or you can go directly to the web at www.bloomingdales.com for more information on every event! Let's shop until we drop together! Get ready for food, fun and some great freebies!

You're Engaged Now What?

I always find myself responding to viewers with what to focus on first. I thought it would be a great idea to share my thoughts on the subject! While getting engaged can be exciting it can also become very stressful if you do not have a "plan" while you are planning. There are a few important steps to take while planning your special day. The primary portions that need to be addressed are your budget, guest count, the date and location. Destination weddings are becoming more popular these days and it may be that your wedding is the destination for many. Giving your guests ample time to plan would be quite thoughtful and practical! The more flexible you are with dates and location, the likelihood of your finding something affordable and perfect for your special day will become apparent. If you decide to have your ceremony at a place of worship, park or sentimental location you may need to be flexible to ensure you have both the wedding and reception locations open on the same date. Some brides may find having both at the same location to be less stressful and financially in line depending on your budget. Speaking of budget, this is the largest most important part that determines what type of wedding you can have. While some would love to invite all family, every acquaintance and friend, the budget and location may not allow this. That is why it's crucial to make a preliminary list of guests prior to your visits. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a venue that only houses 160 and your guest list is at 200. Having to cut important people out after you have tempted your fancies with a venue can be both frustrating and not productive. This is the one area most people forget to focus on. The stress from this alone can cause you to run to the Justice of The Peace! Once you have completed this portion of the planning, you can then begin to choose the vendors that complete the affair such as photography, video, entertainment and floral. Remember not to put the horse before the cart! You can't give any information to any vendor unless you have your date or location. Work with the larger budget items at hand. The other items always fall into place shortly after! Most importantly, remember no matter what happens during your planning, everything always works out on the day of . Just remember to keep your focus on the biggest prize, your partner! Happy Planning! Sam

Something Funny!

It is raining AGAIN on the East coast and I needed to share a funny video that was shared with me! I hope it makes you laugh! SG

Updates and Bridal Shows!

I wanted to give some updates with regard to appearances and classes for planners. I will be at the Bloomingdale's located at the King of Prussia Mall on Thursday October 2nd from 6-8pm in the registry department. There will be food, some informative information on how to save at your wedding, the new trends, great music, prizes and delicious favors! I hope to see you there! Space is limited so please RSVP to www.bloomingdales.com. The site should direct you on where to call. I also wanted to announce a GREAT new show I am the Celebrity Headliner of "Behind The Veil". The show is scheduled for January 19th 2009 at the Double Tree Hotel in Fort Lee NJ. I will be sharing all kinds of bridal tips and secrets of the trade. We have so many vendors that have already signed up. I expect this to be a fantastic turn out with high end vendors and ones that are affordable for any budget. I can't wait to have fun with everyone! We are going to dance, eat and well...I am not sure what kind of show this will be. Certainly one where you will walk away having a great time that's for sure! The decor alone will blow you away! Planners GOOD news regarding our Oct 24th Class at Skylands Manor in Ringwood NJ. We now have more space! We can invite more attendees! We already have 16 in our class and I would say 9-10 more applicants can attend now. Jenny and I really can't handle much more! We have lots to learn and well it's going to be very hands on! The best way to learn. If you want more information, I will be happy to email you logistics. The class is $850 and includes an overnight stay the night before the class ONLY. They only have a few rooms left, so please register now! This weekend was fantastic. All 3 of our weddings including the one we taped on Style...I am blown away! I cannot wait until you see this show. I only have one thing to say, I AM BACK! This design was truly a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" theme...So glam...So breathtaking and we have to wait until Feb 2009 to see it! I am still so excited and the event is over! The year 2009 brings great things. We have some more celebrity affairs to announce! I know I said I was going to take it easy and I am...Just want to dabble as always. Thanks again everyone for your emails and posts. Without this support, I would have given up months ago.

Style Network Season "9" Here We Come!

It has been a LONG week! We have been taping non stop with Style. The couple Ana and Tony have been GREAT! To make a long story short and I know all brides can agree to this problem, they started with a budget and it doubled! I am not going to tell you the outcome BUT....It is a GREAT show. How many brides have been in this situation? I can already see 60% of America raising their hands! I totally get the budget issues. If we were all millionaires we would have no problems with all of the extra additions towards the end right? I want to leave you with some pointers of how to stay ON TRACK with your budget! What is the FIRST and MOST important thing we focus on??? The date and location. The more flexible you are, the better your chances will be in finding the location you want and for the PRICE you want. Remember, if you are on limited means and I know this is 75% of America, this is really crucial. 33-40% of your budget goes to your venue. This is a LARGE chunk! My question to all brides, what difference does it make whether you have the wedding on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday? If you have a date which has significant meaning, I do understand that point. But for those who could have their wedding at anytime, why not be a bit open to an afternoon wedding on a Saturday or Sunday? I can tell you I have done so many weddings during the day in rooms where we make it appear to be evening. The promise of having more guests that you want to attend could happen this way. In fact, If you have your wedding during the day and off peak months, you can definitely have a better looking wedding this way! I have worked with $20K budgets on a Sunday for 75- 100 guests and let me tell you, when I say DECADENT, I mean "Town and Country" style. This includes high centerpieces, lighting (Yes, nice lighting), linens, menu cards and even custom wrapped chocolate favors on each setting. Would I lie about decor??? No way! Why is this so much less? This is due to the trend not being at a high right now for off peak dates. We have so many vendors who would love to be booked during slow times, thus allowing you to get a better rate on everything from soup to nuts... Someday this is not going to be available as often. So this is crucial for the brides who are below the average of 30K to TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RESOURCES NOW! If you are nervous you are not going to have the wedding of your dreams today, why not give some options? I know I can offer the dream wedding during off peak times. I have published many weddings for even $5k. If I have a guest count of 40 guests even at this amount, there are venues during the day that can make this work! You don't need to stay engaged for 5 years or borrow from your credit cards. You just have to be practical! Bottom line, what is the prize ladies? The GROOM! You get married because you want to show your love for each other..Not for your venue or florist! I am not saying you can't have the things you want! I am saying look at the BIG picture. Why sacrifice? Ok. I am done preaching and I need to get changed for the next scene...As I said I am taping! I love to write and need a few moments to relax... This morning was rough...Sydney my daughter was screaming to PLEASE spend the day with Mommy. I had to send her off with my in laws for the night. I am feeling incredibly guilty. Last night we had a Mommy and Sydney sleep over in my bed..(we kicked hubby out)..She leaned over and said I was her best friend. She also said I can never leave her because when I was in the hospital, she was very sad. I had tears in my eyes laying there with her in the dark. I was making a promise to her her, but how do I explain, if I do have to go back again? I never know with my health if I do get a bad enough migraine or become so Hypotensive that I pass out. I have to take a deep breath, I lied to her. We do these things to protect our loved ones from feeling sad or scared. These are the moments where I wish I could take back this year. I lost some valuable time with my family when I was ill. My husband after looking at insurance saw I was in the hospital 100 days. I wasted 100 days of my life over a mistake...I just pray that someday Sydney will trust Mom's going to be ok. I am a trooper and I will try my best...That's all I can do right? Well I am off again, I need to put on the clothes for tonight...The wedding is happening and I have a great story to share. I think this episode airs in Feb. I wish write more about the other weddings we had this weekend! All good but some fun details! xoxo Sam