Happily Ever After…Do You Have To Marry To Have True Love?

I've always been a romantic at heart…I can't get enough of Hollywood love stories. Even if it’s only on the silver screen, I still believe true, non-judgmental love does exist. Even for some celebrities! You don't have to marry to live happily ever after...Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have proven this to be true. And several other A-listers are still together even after really crazy careers in Hollywood! As you all have heard, the beloved Farrah Fawcett has passed on from a long battle with cancer. I've kept pretty close tabs on her career through the years and have always felt she was a very accomplished woman. I can still remember watching Charlie’s Angels and seeing her poster in all of my friends' rooms! One thing I've always appreciated is the relationship she had with Ryan O’Neal through the years. I remember after her divorce with Lee Majors, Ryan was a good friend and soon after a long-time companion to Farrah. Who would have thought he'd stay until the end? They had many ups and downs, yet he had unconditional love and an appreciation for her. Even at her worst, he continued to ask for her hand in marriage. My eyes water when I think of his undying love for her. They were so close to tying the knot. While issues stood in the way of making a marriage happen for them, they still had an everlasting love and appreciation for each other. I think we can all agree that's not so easy to find. Just wondering what your thoughts are on true love? Do you feel the man you're with has what it takes to make it until the end? What is your opinion on unconditional love? May you all be blessed with unconditional love… Here’s to you Farrah! XOXO Sam

CAES 100 Beginners Planning Course Summit NJ July 25th 2009

Back by popular demand we have FINALLY set a date for our next beginners planning course. If you are just starting out or need a refresher this is the class for you! This July will be our 14th class in 2 years! Please visit our website at www.samanthagoldberg.com (Education link)for more information on content. We are able to accept 12 applications at this time. Date July 25th 2009 Time: 9:30am to 4:00pm Location: 12 Bank Street Suite 201 Summit NJ 07901 Fee: $999.00 Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and snacks, training, materials and hands on experience after the course. You will recieve certification once you have completed a wedding on your own. We will supply the bride! Payment programs are open...PayPal, All Major credit cards, checks and cash are welcome. IOU's sorry guys, can't do it this time :) Please contact Lacey our Special Events Coordinator at 908.219.4028 to sign up today! This will be our last class until November of this year! Dont wait!!!!

Your Friend The Blogger Their Jealous OK?

One thing I never thought I would have to deal with is a friend who was jealous enough to post terrible information about me in a public chat room. You never think that this could happen to you especially when you share your frustrations about the business and just life in general. You never think someday, it can backfire on you. I remember reading a website called "I Hate Rachel Ray.com". I thought to myself how could anyone be so vicious as to participate in something so insensitive. Could we call this jealousy, or just plain being rude? Rachel had just stated out at this point and she found out who it was. It was an old colleague. I was mortified for her. Who would actually make the time to say these things? What would make someone do it I asked myself. And then it dawned on me, the green devil comes out no matter what you think about people. That saying "keep your friends close and your enemies even closer". I am not sure I agree with that. I actually was given some information about this poster and wonder what do I do? Do I confront them? Do I press charges for defamation of character? Furthermore, why was it done? I can go with the whole jealousy issue, but why be jealous over a friend or someone you know because you want what they have? It's not like there's a shortage of brides. I've worked very hard to get to where I'm at. It wasn't given to me on a silver platter. The more I grow and noted as so, the more criticism follows. I remember a producer at Style telling me any publicity is good. It means you have a made an impact. I am not sure I want this type of attention especially if it's negative. I work on shows that are National and International. Everyone who reads the postings in any chat room can form their own opinion. But it still stinks! What I need is some unbiased opinions. What would you do if you found out someone you know is talking smack about you? Have you ever run into this? What did you do? At this point I don't care about rekindling a business relationship...I just want to know why they said these things. They are hurtful and untrue. I know you have all faithfully followed by blogs and I thank you for doing so. I thought if anyone could understand this, you would. What would you do? I found out this persons secret "identity" through an attorney and now it's my choice if I choose to press charges or let it go? I am having problems letting it go. If it's not this person, it will be someone else. Right? Thanks for listening! xxoox Sam

Getting Married in a Tough Economy

A few weeks ago I started talking about how the economy is affecting us all—especially those of us currently planning weddings. Well, I turned my attention to other subjects for a few weeks because I was starting to feel like a Debbie Downer, and really, who wants to hear how dismal things are week after week? Well, we can’t avoid the topic forever, and I would rather help you figure out how you can still have it all—the wedding of your dreams—even in this rough economy. The other piece of this—and also something we can’t avoid discussing—is whether your guests will be able to afford to make it to your wedding. And, I hate to be the one to have to admit this, but will your guests also be cutting back on your wedding gifts? Someone had to say it. Yes, it is selfish to wonder about your wedding gifts in a time like this, but truth is, weddings are generally a selfish event where we find ourselves worrying about things we wouldn’t normally. I think it’s OK to be a little selfish this one time in your life. Just remember—it’s just this one time. And also please remember, people are suffering in this very difficult economy. So, let’s get back to your dream wedding on a realistic budget. For starters, I know you wanted a spring or fall wedding, but this is one area where you can easily shave off a lot of expense simply by having your wedding in an “off” month. I know, no big surprise here, but I wanted to remind you that July is a beautiful month to get married, and you could get very lucky with the weather— August too, and even November. This is a relatively minor compromise that could represent big savings. Moving on—would you be willing to have a Friday evening, Saturday afternoon or Sunday (anytime) wedding? If you can forfeit your Saturday-night affair, you could save BIG bucks. I know, no great revelation here either, but do ask yourself this question—are you willing to cut back on guests just to have a Saturday-evening affair? Just by changing the time of the year, and day of the week of your wedding, you can see a 20–50 percent savings. So, my advice is quit arguing over the guest list and compromise in other areas so you can have the venue of your dreams surrounded by ALL the people you love. Next, you need to prioritize. Once you’ve secured your biggest expense, the venue, start by making a list of the things that are most important to you—areas you are NOT willing to compromise. For many, this is photography and videography. Why? Because besides (hopefully!) your actual marriage, these are the two things that will last the longest beyond your wedding day. If you want a lifetime of reminders of your big day, allocate a decent amount of your wedding budget for these items, but do remember, you DON’T have to go with the highest end photographer. There are many middle-of-the-road (expense-wise) vendors that are just as good and will save you big time! And, even if it makes you uncomfortable (take 10 yoga breaths), you MUST ask for a good deal…now is the time! Stop shaking your head and saying, “I don’t have nearly enough in my wedding budget to hire a decent photographer.” Yes, you do, because you can register for one! If you and your loved one are both bringing toasters and dishes into the equation, you don’t need to register for those household items. Instead, you can register for your vendors! I know it seems a little untraditional, but people, these are quirky times. Quick tip: Have your stationer make up little cards for each vendor and include them in your shower invites so people will know they can contribute to these registries. Now, I won’t take you through every single item on your wedding to-do list, but here are some rules to live by when planning your dream wedding on a reduced budget: As I said, prioritize the items on your wedding wish list. Make cuts and compromises where you won’t feel “cheated.” And, don’t compromise on those things that mean the most to you—set aside enough money for those items, and then see if you can secure as good a deal as possible on those pieces. With the less important items, ask family and friends to help out. Got a crafty friend? Ask her to help you out with your favors as her wedding gift to you. Got any friends in the printing business? Perhaps they could print your invitations for you. Know any good bakers? Could they make you a wedding cake? Love your mom’s wedding dress? Everything old is new again…what about her veil, or wedding jewelry? Any of your friends into making jewelry these days as a hobby? Looking for a break on the catering? What about culinary students? You can go to a great culinary school and see if you can get a good deal on catering. Got any friends with younger siblings working part-time as deejays? Will they run the music for your wedding if you pre-program your iPod? Having a non-denominational ceremony? It’s very easy to get certified online these days to perform marriages—another great wedding gift idea from a friend or family member. Do yourself and your friends and family a favor by securing as much help as you can when planning your wedding. By offering you a “service” in lieu of a crystal vase, they can save money on your wedding gift and you can save BIG time on vendors! All it takes is just a little bit of imagination. Xoxo Sam

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway New Show May 26th @ 8pm!!

Tis the time of year where we finally get to see the episodes we've taped for season 9! Turn on the TIVO and DVR and watch Samantha Goldberg along with Linnyette Richardson Hall share an exciting one hour of challenging tasks! See Ana above getting fancied before her big debut on camera! She was a wonderful bride!! Did we have fun drama or what???? Your going to love my "tough love" shopping tactics! The show will be aired on May 26th at 8pm Eastern time! You're going to love it! Ana and Tony were an awesome couple to work with and we had an amazing time taping even though we dealt with some crazy vendors! The show is called Wedding Warriors! Now that sounds like a show I could do with Linnyette. Got to love the "tell it like it is" personality to appreciate the show! We do not hold back if things need to be said that's for sure. Get ready for a new show on the CW network coming out June 18th "Hitched or Ditched". We had the pleasure of working with a new production company and the experience was amazing and fun. Yes, there is drama, but not with us!!!! Let ne know what you think. I hope this episode makes you laugh! xoxox SG

Floral and Design Class June 1st Summit NJ

For those who have expressed interest, we ONLY have 3 spots left! Sign up today and save 1/2! Please inquire with Lacey Borman Cohen at 908.219.4028. See what you can do with your next client and their venue!!!! Includes a little vino and pizza too! Get ready to make a centerpiece and learn the color wheel! xoxo Sam

Courier News Sunday May 17th!

If your an East coaster and you get the Courier, we have a fantastic article about prom and the trends this year! I will try to link it! Enjoy! Congrats to Amy and Daniel and Elaine and Daniel today! It's cold out there! I'm glad you all decided to have the ceremony indoors! I would have froze with you Amy, but you know I would have raced you to the door when it was over! :) XO Love you guys! Sam