5 easy ways to stay stress free while planning your wedding...

It’s April 28th and we are in full wedding season! For all of the wedding planners at Making ME we’re all excited and eager for our first wedding of the season in a couple of weeks. The final weeks before your wedding can be best described as make it or break it when it comes to all the long months of planning. Collectively along with your fiancé, bridal entourage, and family you’ve spent over 500 hours obsessing, planning, and designing your wedding. This is one of the most important days of your life and to keep you from having a bridal meltdown on your big day. We’ve come up with our 5 most helpful tips one month before your wedding day.


1.) Stop Planning- I know this seems silly for wedding planners to tell you to stop planning, but really STOP PLANNING! Take a night to go out with your fiancé and do anything except plan your wedding, keep in mind that this day is about the two of you celebrating your love.

2.) Hire a Wedding Planner-Yes I said it! If 30 days before you’re wedding you’re really feeling the stress of everything and having “wedding terrors”, hire a day of coordinator to assist you with the final weeks of planning…they don’t call us lifesavers for nothing hunny!

3.) Enlist your girlfriends- This is one of my favorite tips because it really allows your girlfriends to take part in some different aspects of your wedding. Try and think of things that you are not having your Day of Coordinator in charge of and enlist away…trust me they won’t be offended!

4.) Exercise- Ok we had to throw this in simply because it’s something that you can do that will not only work as a de-stressor but you’re going to see fantastic results.

5.) Grab a Massage- This is just another way for you to take a step away from the planning of your wedding and to start focusing on the other amazing things that are going to happen in your life. If you’d like to add a little spice invite your fiancé and enjoy a couples massage too.

Ok Brides and Brides to be I hope you’ve enjoyed these helpful tips, best of luck on your wedding day!

Cheers,

Phebe L.

Proposal Story

The story of us begins with a series of missed connections. We studied at a small liberal arts college and graduated one year apart. For part of our college career, we even shared a small group of mutual friends and acquaintances. A majority of our on-campus work experiences is in the same building with the same people. Yet, our paths never crossed until after college. Fast forwarding a couple of years, Noah and I met at a work event and several months later, we began dating long distance after a fateful phone conversation. 

A year and half later and a move back home to NYC, Noah decides to propose. His mother, a safe deposit box and an heirloom ring were part of the plan. The unsuspecting fiancée to be (that’s me) had no idea what was going on. The night before the proposal, dinner was at our first “date,” Bella Sguardo. We sprang for the Emack’s ice cream we were supposed to have when we first met at Ramaz Upper Day School. Still, I had no idea.

It was August 28^th, 2010, a summery yet nice day outside. Noah was sick with a fever the night before. I tossed and turned in bed mainly from the heat wave that nearly canceled our plans for the day: picnic and check out the Cloisters. After some serious prodding from Noah and a slow start to the day, we drove to the farmers market, filled the cooler with delicious cheeses, fruits and kale (we love fresh kale). Our destination was Fort Tyron Park in the Cloisters. Our picnic was short but a great reprieve. In that moment, where life couldn’t get any calmer, the sun couldn’t shine any brighter and our dog couldn’t be any happier, Noah asked me a series of silly questions. Still, the unsuspecting bride to be has no idea what is going on.

Noah: Would you give me a serious answer to a serious question?

Lia: Depends on the question.

Noah: (leans over to me) Will you Marry me?

Lia: ……….?

Noah:… okayyyy…. Not the reaction I was expecting…

Lia: Are you serious?

Noah:….

Lia: Are you kidding?

Noah:…..

Lia: Are you serious?

Noah: (puts away the ring……)

I must have looked like a starry eyed idiot. Instead of responding to the question at hand, I asked Noah if he was serious and some other variation of that question, a half dozen times. Noah was indeed serious. After a couple of awkward, teary eyed, quiet, touch and go moments, I answered yes and asked to see the ring again.

Picture? yes!! 

And there you have it folks, the story of our proposal and what brought on this entire wedding organization and mania. In hindsight, I am truly oblivious because the signs were ALL THERE!!!

With that I bid you Adieu,

Lia 

Engagement Chicken….say what say huh?!

Falling off your seat already? Well I did too when just a week ago a friend was telling me all about the secret engagement chicken recipe. Call it superstition, call it lucky but whatever you do don’t call it crazy until you’ve tried this on your future hubby. Now I myself (as many of you may know) am not married (please refrain from the ooos and aaaahs lol) but am absolutely smitten with a man I’ve been dating for nearly 3 years.

Ok friends I don’t plan on pulling a chicken, for this gal it’s just good old fashioned waiting (yes ma’am disclaimer successfully inserted..ha!). BUT when is it time to pull a chicken, I mean make the engagement chicken? As a wedding planner I've heard it all and now I've heard even more about how women are gently nudging their future hubbs into engagement season! 

Enjoy and Good luck to anyone trying the recipe!
Pheebes

Engagement Chicken
Serves 2 to 4

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (approximately 4 pounds)

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, plus 3 whole lemons—including 1 sliced for garnish

1 tablespoon kosher or coarse sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Fresh herbs for garnish (4 rosemary sprigs, 4 sage sprigs, 8 thyme sprigs, and 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley)                                                                                                                                                          

1. Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the giblets from the chicken, wash the chicken inside and out with cold water, then let the chicken drain, cavity down, in a colander for 2 minutes.

2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the chicken breast-side down in a medium roasting pan fi tted with a rack and pour the lemon juice all over the chicken, both inside and out. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper inside and out.

3. Prick 2 whole lemons three times each in three different places with a fork and place them deep inside the cavity. Chicken cavity size may vary, so if one lemon is partly sticking out, that’s fine. (Tip: If the lemons are stiff, roll them on the countertop with your palm before pricking to get the juices flowing.)

4. Put the chicken in the oven, lower the oven temperature to 350°F, and roast, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

5. Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Using tongs or two wooden spoons, turn the chicken breast- side up. Insert a meat thermometer in the thigh, and return the chicken to the oven and roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the meat thermometer reads 180°F and the juices run clear when the thigh is pricked with a fork. Continue roasting if necessary. Keep in mind that cooking times in different ovens vary; roasting a chicken at 350°F takes approximately 18-20 minutes per pound, plus an additional 15 minutes.

6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. And here’s the secret: Pour the juices from the roasting pan on top of the sliced chicken— this is the “marry me juice.” Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

Dear Lovely Readers and Brides-to-be

Dear Lovely Readers and Brides-to-be,

My name is Lia and I am your newly minted social media guru. What this means is that I will share the love, joy and challenges behind my wedding process and planning with Making ME Event Planning Firm.

This whirlwind journey began last summer when my then boyfriend, now fiancé, asked me to marry him in the sweetest and thoughtful of proposals. (Not that I have anything else to compare it to……) Bubbling with excitement, I called my friend and wedding planner, Pheebs, to giggle and live in the moment. Over the course of the next few months, I cherished my engagement heirloom ring, scoped out every single wedding blog and magazine, all the while bouncing off ideas with Pheebs.

One of the most important pieces of advice that Pheebs gave to me was to compile inspiration boards. Surprisingly, a majority of my wedding vision was drawn from the day to day life that my fiancé and I share as a couple. The way the sunlight warms up our apartment and feeds our plants in the mornings inspires me to capture the warmth as part of our wedding. Sharing an impromptu work related wine tasting with my fiancé inspires me to integrate his love of wine. It was the simple things that moved my heart and instantly jumped into my inspiration boards. Still, my main source of inspiration is the joining of our lives, as one big happy family.

In the meantime, I welcome you to stay a while. Browse through the blog. Read about our wedding moments and ultimately watch our wedding plans unfold.

With that I bid you Adieu,

Lia 

Wedding Reality??

Ok so we all know that I'm a reality TV junkie...oh wait you didn't? I confess I'm a reality TV junkie and combine that with anything wedding and I'm IN!

I just stumbled upon a show called Wedding Wars and I couldn't turn the channel, now I've seen shows about competing to win the blah-blah-blah of a lifetime but geez! This show is like a combination of survivor and all things weddings and it's crazy.  The prize? $25,000 towards your dream wedding, so what will you do for your dream wedding?

XOXO,
Phebees

Sick dayz

Argh! Today I woke up with an awful feeling all over (head, joints, neck, throat)....today was going to be a sick day! So what did I do on my sick day? Aside from medicating myself every 4-6 hours I did something I haven't done in years.....

I didn't move off the couch and had a steady flow of my favorite snacks and trash tv right at my finger tips.  I proudly watched Maury and declared that I was indeed not the father of that baby! I strolled over to Jerry where a cheerleader referred to their love as the "spirit stick"...you couldn't put it down, and I finished off my day with a little Sex in the City where Carrie proclaimed her love for Big (aka John pst...did you know that was his real name??) all over again. It felt like 2002 and for the day I was  back in college, one word glorious!

Now I don't think I could do this everyday but today being at home sick wasn't so bad...here's to feeling better soon!

xoxo
Pheebes

Happy Valentines Day!

Today is the official proclamation of love day---ok ok maybe I made that up, but today is Valentines today. So like it or not there will be plenty of roses, chocolate, love, and the emergency run to CVS today, it's a day like no other where LOVE is in the air. So what does the wedding planner and her boyfriend do on a day when love is to be celebrated?


We've managed to escape this crazy day by staying grounded and treat each other every day like its V- Day, and to be honest I wouldn't have it any other way.
Our budget...$5

Our gift to each other anything handmade (macaroni encouraged lol)

Our love for each other...priceless and worth a thousand words

With that said here are a few words for my special beau: you were right... (3 of the best words I could give him ok well you know the other three words lol)!  What are your plans for the big day??

Should I hire a Wedding Planner?


It seems like a simple question with a simple answer right? Our answer YES! We know there are a lot of facts and myths out there about Wedding Planners and in this post we are going to de-bunk em! Ok well maybe not all of them but the top 3.

Myth: Wedding Planners are too expensive…

Truth: Wedding Planners are an investment, but the price can be right if you have a realistic budget. What’s a realistic budget? There are different kinds of packages that can begin at $500-$5,000 and beyond. Keep your eyes peeled during “off wedding” season for discounts planners may be offering. At Making ME we’ve been known to offer two of our wedding planning packages for FREE to two very lucky couples!

Myth: If I hire a Wedding Planner it’s not my event, it’s theirs…

Truth: Wrong, we want you to have a stress free and enjoyable day….prepared only to say “ I DO.” Hiring a Wedding Planner means you’ll work with someone who is committed to working collaboratively with you to create the wedding of your dreams.


Myth: My friend is super organized, she’s my Bridesmaid can’t she be my Wedding Planner?

Truth: Sorry to say, NO. You’ve invited your friend to your wedding as a guest and you want them to enjoy your wedding too right? On the day of your wedding someone that is in your wedding party and attending your wedding can’t be everywhere, but WE CAN.

There you have it our top 3 myths; we hope you can now rest easy as you’re beginning your search for a Wedding Planner and remember……A Wedding Planner will SAVE you: time, headaches, and most of all MONEY (cha-ching!)!

Looking to book Making ME as your Wedding Planners? Contact us today at makingmephebe@yahoo.com or call 978-710-9823!

Amanda

It's STYLE SWAP Time!

When I was in college I was notorious for going through my girlfriends closets! They always seemed to have the right accessory or shirt to complete my outfit. Style Swap is exactly like going through your girlfriend’s closets--I mean don't we all have like 40-50 girlfriends? Umm ok well I don't but I am happy to bring in my gently worn clothing to a style swap and get my "style swap ON" (oh yes ma'am I am!). Who will be there? YOU (yes you lovely fashionistas), Tricia Cromwell of Trust In Tricia, Pistachio, oh yes and ME of course!
The first ten lovely ladies to bring in 5 swap worthy items will receive a FREE copy of The Crave book (your personal guide to the walking city of Boston).


Want more dets???
Where: The Good Life Bar
When: February 12th 6pm-9pm (clothing drop off at 6pm, clothing swap 7:45pm)

What kind of coffee drinker are you? Dunkin Donuts vs. Starbucks

Remember back in the day when you gave no thought to where you’d go to get your coffee? Or even the kind of coffee you’d order? It was simple, medium regular, and it tasted just the way you liked it. Nowadays you read what seems like a novel of a menu and try to decipher between a latte, a cappuccino, an espresso, or even an “iced” coffee drink.

As soon as I moved to Massachusetts I quickly realized which fans I now lived near, Dunkin Donuts. Anywhere I went I was sure to see a “Dunks”, as the locals like to call it. I had to know what was up with their loyalty and again it was simple, dunks had remained the same since its opening. They’re in the business of coffee and that is that! Now to be fair and still true to those in the Starbucks camp I had to ask why they were so loyal (p.s. Phebe is totally in the Starbucks camp!). Their loyalty came from much more than the coffee it was the come and stay a while vibe you get after ordering from a barista.

So the ever growing debate continues. Which camp are you in?

Today only we’d love to reward our fifteenth comment with a free $5 gift card to the camp you’re in.


Amanda

Giveaway: Win this gotta have navy vintage brooch Necklace

Today is Tuesday and you know what that means ladies, its steals and deals day! We are very excited to introduce our newest vendor crush, LC Vintage Jewelry. We're crushing all over LC Vintage Jewelry and you should too! Want to win this lovely featured long navy vintage brooch necklace?

How to win:

1. Visit the LCVintage Etsy Shop, come back to the Making ME blog and let me know where you would wear the Long Navy Vintage Brooch Necklace.

2. Head over to the LCVintage FB page and become a "fan" and leave them a comment, letting them know that you are stopping by to say "hi" from the giveaway.

3. Come back to the Making ME blog and let me know you've done both!

4. Last step: click the "like" button on the Making ME blog.


Best of luck ladies!!

Event Logo House

As all of you may know Making ME Event Planning Firm is all about connecting vendors to our clients, working with us is so much more than organizing your event/wedding it's about SAVING! I'm pleased to announce Event Logo House today on the blog, a company specializing in classy customized monograms that really helps to take your wedding or event to the next level!

Making ME clients if you're looking for this "steal and deal" please contact me for a special discount code!

Real Wedding: Meghan and Chad

I'm so excited to announce this wonderful Bride and Groom, Meghan and Chad who (in my eyes) just got it right, from the location, the incorporation of religion/culture, styling and of course Meghan's gorgeous dress!

In Meghans words: Our wedding took place the weekend of August 20-22nd in Winthrop, WA (in the beautiful Methow Valley). We rented Spring Creek Ranch for three days and had a full on wedding festival. It was truly a grassroots effort- everyone pitched in to make it the amazing, beautiful event it was.

We started by riding our bikes to the wedding, over the North Cascades Highway, a 2 day journey. Friends drove our vehicles and all of our camping and wedding supplies, and we enjoyed spectacular views from the top of Rainy and Washington Passes. Once we arrived at the ranch, we had a small Shabbat potluck dinner and the wedding itself took place on Sunday afternoon. The ceremony, the heart of our wedding, was a true reflection of us. I'm Jewish and Chad is not, so we took a traditional Jewish ceremony and wove in a river theme, to reflect Chad's reverence for the water (as a fly fisherman, he finds spirituality in spending time outside in nature, often along a river).

To learn more about Meghan and Chad's wedding and to hear advice from Meghan, check her out on Bride to Bride!



 Photo Credit: Arthur Shwab http://www.arthurshwab.com/

   

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Client Spotlight

I have amazing clients! This page is all about them and as an event/wedding planner I'm honored to be able to share in their special moment. Stay tuned for pictures after their wedding.

Ok Making ME friends and family let's show them some love.......

Meet: Tanya & Shawn

Her Quote: "It was more than I EVER thought he might do. It was PERFECT and I can't wait to marry my soul mate."

The Proposal:

It was Father's day 2010 and we arrived at the beach at 11:45am, after getting situated I decided to change into my bathing suit.  While I was changing I later found out that he was showing my ring and the sign to our fathers to hold up while he proposed.
Once I came back, we laid out in the sun for a couple of minutes and then he asked me to go for a walk because he need to go pee (lol). I said OK, and we headed toward a rock bed and bushes, once there we looked at the ocean for a few minutes before he said "Ok let me go pee so that we can get back to our parents."

We started walking back towards our parents and when I turned around I noticed a BIG sign flapping in the wind being held by both our fathers.

When I turned around he was on one knee, at this same moment I heard our song blaring in the background.

I OF COURSE SAID YES!

A perfectly neutral wedding!

Want to know yet another thing that's great about Making ME Event Planning Firm??? We're here to inspire you to think outside of the box when it comes to color choice, venue, heck even what to eat at your wedding. At your first meeting with us we vow to wow you (but of course), with not one, two, wait three inspiration boards for your wedding!

Loving neutrals??? Take a peek-a-boo at this!





































Your's truly~your wedding go-to gal!

Phebe L.

Client Spotlight

I have amazing clients! This page is all about them and as an event/wedding planner I'm honored to be able to share in their special moment. Stay tuned for pictures after their wedding.

Ok Making ME friends and family let's show them some love.......

Meet Sarah and Scott

Wedding Day: June 18, 2011
Wedding Location: Steppingstone Museum, Havre De Grace MD

Couple Quote:
I love who we are as a couple and as parents and how far we've come together

In her words:

I come from a relatively small family, I'm one of three girls. Scott comes from a family of all boys! We didn't have aunts and uncles and cousins around very often, so family and friends are a very important part of our lives today. I have a beautiful, amazing, smart, talented little boy Ethan, he'll be 7 the end of January. We just love him to pieces, he really is the reason for everything that we do! I immediately felt comfortable around Scott, he's intelligent and has my dad's sense of humor, and his laugh is as genuine as he is. There are so many things about him that I just love, he's in touch with his emotions, he's open to growth and change & he is such an amazing father to my son. He really is the cutest thing ever, well, besides Ethan! I still get butterflies when I see him & that is amazing to me! I'm pretty sure, he probably feels the same way, ha!

The Proposal:

I could tell right away that he was nervous but I had no idea why. Honestly neither of us can remember what he said, exactly. I do remember how he asked me to marry him (in front of a room full of at least 70 people), he said, as he got down on one knee, "will you go to marriage counseling with me?". That's my Scott! Of course I said yes, how could I say no to that?

The location:

We decided on the Steppingstone Museum in June of this year after a quick visit one afternoon. I really do feel like it's the perfect place, it has so much character. We're both kind of "hippie-ish", for lack of a better word, I really can't imagine not having an outdoor ceremony. We really want the day to be a celebration of us and the life that we have today. We can't wait to share it with our friends & family!

Tis the season!

Someone asked me today what the L after Phebe stands for, I jokingly said “Love silly!” There is no denying I may be in love with love more than anyone I know and this time of year is my favorite, we have officially entered engagement season (applause around the room please). A season where many men will take a knee for a lovely lady in their life and ask the question every girl has been dreaming of since they were knee high to a grasshopper, “Will you marry me?” Did you know that 26% of proposals will happen between November and December? For me that means happy, eager brides ready to jump right into the planning and overall design of their weddings….this also means a very busy summer!
This weekend I’ll have the lovely honor of working with a couple who chose to say their vows in December, and if I may say so this couple is a true example of a modern day Romeo and Juliette. They chose to let the words of love from famous authors and the holiday season as their platform for the design of their wedding. I can’t wait for you to see their “day after wedding” shoot designed by Making ME Event Planning Firm!
Stay tuned for pictures….

Welcome Back to Boston

I had the absolute pleasure of traveling to Atlanta, Georgia this week (or home as I like to call it) and having the divine pleasure of combining business with pleasure--an all too often rarity when you're as busy as I am. Not only did I have an opportunity to meet with just the loveliest southern belle brides but I had a chance to see my family.

Over the years I've loved living in New England and it's become like home to me, but there is still apart of me that craves my southern roots. I actually flew in on the big day or shall I say game between UA and Carolina...of course I'm a UA fan!!! It was nice seeing the town painted with 72,000 extra visitors and to my surprise my southern twang had once again come alive.

I'm now on my way back to Boston and ready to get back to my life in New England. This entry is to you Atlanta as I bid you a fond farwell....

Cheers,
Phebe L.

Real Weddings: Fall Inspiration

Check this out Brides......

**Please credit Making ME Event Planning Firm for this inspiration board

Photography: Summer Street Photography

10 Ways to Cut your Budget - Project Wedding

Ladies check this article out, it's a great guide to reducing your wedding budget.

10 Ways to Cut your Budget - Project Wedding

Happy Planning.