OK, STOP Yelling! I can hear this already!

I grew up in a house filled with a Jewish Grandmother and Aunts, so I know this to be true… {but, I’m actually talking about something a little different…}

I’m actually talking about Jewish wedding ceremonies….

We assist in planning a lot of Jewish weddings, some fairly formal, others less formal and also quite a few Jewish –interfaith ceremonies.

Many non Jews don’t realize that in a Jewish ceremony the processional is a little different and bride and groom stand on the opposite side of where they would stand in a Christian wedding ceremony….

Thus the comment, Jewish Girls Are Always Right……. As they stand on the RIGHT side under the Chuppah! {this is an easy way to remember who stands on which side}

However, the bigger challenge comes when you’re doing an interfaith ceremony –

While communication is important in planning any wedding ceremony, when planning an interfaith – Jewish ceremony discussion goes beyond the ceremony and extends to the seating of guests and the processional.

So let’s go back to Jewish Girls Are Always Right…. As the bride is the focal point in the processional of the ceremony…

If the bride is Jewish, most times the processional will follow a Jewish format where both parents will walk her down the aisle…. {It’s often nice when a non Jewish groom procession in with his parents at the beginning of the ceremony as his parents are seated}.

As the bride will stand under the Chuppah on the right, seating will often follow the same format….

In a ceremony where the bride is non- Jewish, she may often opt for a more traditional Christian ceremony processional where her father walks her down the aisle {again still really nice when mom and dad can escort her}…

In this case the groom may choose to escort his parents as they are seated at the beginning of the processional and sit on the right side of the aisle just prior to the seating of the mother of the bride….

In many cases with a non Jewish bride, and using traditional Christian processional and seating the bride may stand on the left side of the Chuppah…

Especially when planning interfaith ceremonies, the sky is the limit….

Building a ceremony that reflects each of you and your families is especially important… and offers you many, many options for your wedding ceremony.

This is a something we haven’t posted in a while….It’s a fun little Q&A with some of the wedding professionals we get to work with .

We think it’s really important for the couples we work with to not only know the work and pricing of the people we work with but to know a little about them…

Here’s a little interview with Béke …

Name:  Béke Beau  
Title:  Owner
Business Name:  Béke Beau, Make-up Artist

Years in Business:  20

How did you get started in your industry?  My sainted late ex-mother-in-law helped me get an apprenticeship with make-up artist Laura Geller, of QVC fame.  But it really started when I plucked my friend Amy’s eyebrows when we were 14…

What is the highlight of your career so far?  Doing Judith Nathan Giuliani’s make-up on Rudy Giuliani’s last day as mayor of New York City, that is, December 31^st 2001.  I was in the hotel suite, doing Judith’s make-up for the event in Time Square that night, and Rudy came in to help her choose her dress.  I wanted to say something to this man who had demonstrated such extraordinary leadership following 9/11 – the wounds were still very fresh for New Yorkers at that time, and Rudy had led us steadfastly through the hurt and confusion – he seemed superhuman.  All I could think to say was “We’re going to miss you, Mr. Mayor!”  Then, as I was leaving the suite, he stood in the foyer in his shirtsleeves, adjusting his tie.  I’ll just never forget it….

What’s the craziest job you’ve ever held?  When I was 18, I cleaned and painted low-income apartments at a complex in which I lived, in Phoenix, Arizona – long story.

Tell us something about you that most people wouldn’t know.  In my twenties, I was a professional rock singer and songwriter, and was on the road with my band in New England for seven years.  We were very successful, had a huge following and I’m grateful for that.  I continued my career in New York City, performing, recording and showcasing for record labels like Warner Brothers.  I still dabble….

 What is one common mistake you see brides make in regard to your services?  By far, it’s that they wait too long to book me.  I’ve had to turn down so many last-minute requests.  My advice is to plan ahead (I should be booked nine months to a year in advance), especially if your wedding is scheduled anytime between April and November.  This goes, of course, for booking any wedding professional you hope to secure.

What is your favorite food?  Popcorn, specifically Jolly Time, made on the stovetop, a little salt, no butter.  And I don’t share well….

What is your favorite restaurant?  Not sure of the name or address, but it’s definitely in Italy.

OK, how about local restaurant?  Does my dining room count?

What is your favorite thing to do on your day off?  Should I ever truly get such as thing as a “day off,” I’ll let my undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder run the show.  I would anticipate some consignment store shopping, bird-watching and lots of daydreaming.

What’s the best advice you would give to couples planning their wedding?  Have the wedding you want to have, not what others think you should have, and never lose sight of the marriage to come.

Tell us anything else about you you’d like to share with half the free world…. 

I’m deeply committed to promoting safe, eco and body-friendly beauty and want to help women be more aware of what they’re putting on their bodies and pouring down the drain.

Any awards, honors or charitable endeavors you’d like to plug?

I was really delighted to make the top 5 on the 2009 MyFoxPhilly.com HOT LIST.  I’ve only been doing make-up in the Philly area for two years and this made me feel very welcome.

Thanks Béke

For ages I have seen BORING, really BORING shots of wedding rings…

 I’ve seen them in someone’s hand (usually the photographer’s second shooter), or laying flat on a desk…

YAWN….

Then we went to setting them into the bride’s bouquet – a little better but it got old….

This year I’ve seen some fun shots on cherry tomatoes and grapes….

So I polled a few local photographer friends we work with for some fun ideas and they shared the following shots from their collection…

Thanks to everyone who sent responses!

The first is from Eli Allen of Majestic Images Photography - from one of our client’s weddings.

These are from Laura Eaton Photography -

These from Jackie Bayne of Love Shack Photo are some of the most unique…

And last but certainly not least…. Alison Conklin

No sweeties, this post has nothing to do with the 1990’s hysterically funny British comedy ABFAB (Absolutely Fabulous)….

{Although I was really excited to be able to steal that line as a title} J

This is post is all wedding, all food and all luxury….

Tucked away in the Rittenhouse Hotelon the west side of Rittenhouse Square is LACRIOX at the Rittenhouse – an AMAZING little restaurant people planning weddings keep missing….

I had lunch there the other day with a beautiful view of Rittenhouse Square from their panoramic windows – everything was creative, well presented and delicious without being stuffy or pretentious.

My main mission was to look at the space for rehearsal dinners or small intimate wedding receptions – it’s a great space for either.

A private room for 30 is cozy and adorned with antique plates which could be removed from the wooden shelves and replaced with family photos – and Manager Alexandra Townsend will work with each client to design a menu (she’s currently working with a new client of ours on an all vegetarian menu).

If you are hosting a slightly larger group (up to 115 works well) you can discuss renting out the entire space…

Another luxurious option is a place for a bridesmaid’s luncheon –

They are currently offering their “Appetite Stimulus Plan” offered Monday- Friday this three course lunch offers first course options like Creamy Onion Soup, Toasted Bagel Panzanella Salad and Mixed Organic Green Salad; paired with entrée selections like Baked Ham and Cheese Risotto, Ultimate Hamburger or Chicken Caesar Salad – and to top off the meal a Trio of Petit Desserts – including a non alcoholic beverage for $24…

But they also offer great tasting menus and the selection for their group dining is extensive…the presentations are beautiful and the service is attentive but not stuffy….

Heck… I’m not waiting for a special occasion I’m liable to make this a regular spot for lunch meetings….

On The Mark! -

I had to start out with a diva, my friend Meryl Snow of Feastivities Events…  She’s a ball of fire!

Sorry, that’s not the ball of fire shot- this is!

This is Meryl with husband, business partner and Feastivities chef Andy Snow…

Being that Feastivities has won acclaim from nearly every associations across the catering, wedding and special events industry I couldn’t think of a better place to start.

The girl can throw a party – and I am fortunate enough to work with them several times a year!

So here’s the dish:

Name: Meryl Snow         
Title: CEO
Business Name: Feastivities Events

Years in Business: 21  

QOH: How did you get started in the catering business?

MS: I was brought up in the restaurant business. It’s just in my veins. Catering was a natural evolution for me, the excitement of every event from concept to completion.
 

QOH: What is the highlight of your catering career so far?

MS: Believe it or not, it’s not about all of the awards the company has received, more so is the recognition from our industry peers.
 

QOH: Tell us something about you that most people wouldn’t know.

MS: Hmmm- good or bad, I’m such an open book; I don’t think there is anything that people don’t know. 
 

QOH: What is one common mistake you see brides make in regard to catering?

MS: Not being adventurous with planning their menu. They seemed to be too concerned in pleasing the masses instead of staging their personal tastes.
  

QOH:What is your favorite food?

MS: Really? Don’t laugh; I’m a bit embarrassed to say- but its bread, any kind and in any form. 
 

QOH: What is your favorite restaurant?

MS: My favorite restaurant is in a small town in Italy, I don’t get there too often but the bread is fab!

QOH: OK, how about local restaurant? 

MS: -too many to mention.

QOH: What is your favorite thing to do on your day off?

MS: Photography – it’s another artistic expression that totally excites me.
 

QOH:What’s the best advice you would give to couples planning their wedding?

MS: Take two aspirin before going to bed, because when you wake in the morning your face won’t hurt from constantly smiling from the day before.
 

Thanks to Meryl for allowing me to start with her – she’s really telling the truth….Meryl has no secrets- she tells it like it is and pulls no punches… it’s part of what makes her the professional that she is! 

Thanks love!