Local Vendors Shine in Southern Weddings!

Posted by Angie VanDaele in Advertiser, florals, Local Weddings, Phoenix, Photography, The Wedding Chronicle, weddings

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Two of our favorite vendors were mentioned in Southern Weddings. The Amazing Floral was Designs by Design and the entire Biltmore event was coordinated by Charlee Geisler at Signature Events. Don't you just love the Tiffany lamps festooned with red roses on each table? See more of Leanne + Robert's beautiful wedding at Marriott Photography.

Curtis Whipple, BS

Posted by Angie VanDaele in Advertiser, Introduction, Phoenix, weddings

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Judy, Bobbie and I had the best time yesterday watching our friend Curtis Whipple receive his diploma at The University of Phoenix Commencement held at the University of Phoenix Stadium. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Many of you know Curtis as the new coordinator of the Wedding and Event Network here in The Phoenix Area. He is also the President of the American Disc Jockey Association Phoenix Chapter.

If you haven't met Curtis, you have missed out. Bright, funny and a bit whacked (in a good way); he plays the piano, guitar, sings and is one of the most popular and professional disc jockeys in the valley. I am proud to call him my friend.

Congratulations Curtis! Job well done.

Tips for Getting your Wedding on TV

Posted by Angie VanDaele in Advertiser, Advertisers, Bridal Show, event, ideas, Phoenix, Photography, press, Sedona, The Wedding Chronicle, wedding, weddings

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Platinum Weddings Sunday, April 19th Episode is featuring a wedding featured in The Wedding Chronicle. Summer Degado and Matt Gehrke were married at The Four Seasons, Scottsdale at Troon North June 21, 2008.

Photographers were Katrina Wallace and Andrew Mejia and edited Hollye Schumacher. Amy Vandervort was the coordinator. The gorgeous flowers were provided The Flower Studio and Petal Pusher. Ray the DJ was present. The Spin was one of the live bands for the affair.

Tri-Rentals and Kool Party Rentals provide much of the splendid decor. My friend Doug Johnston, Avant Garde Limousines coordinated all the transportation. I can't wait for the show.



I recently expanded my cable selections in my office due to the superabundance of wedding shows. I can almost watch a wedding program every hour of the day. Unfortunately, my favorite show "Platinum Weddings" on WeTV shows at 11:00pm on Sunday nights here in Phoenix. I am either too tired from the weekend or I manage to stay up for a couple of episodes and am cranky all Monday from lack of sleep. These are the top weddings with budgets over $100,000 and some go into the millions. I love the ideas, love the professionalism of the planners and love the fact that they usually don't portray the bridal party in a negative light.

Some other shows are WeTV's "Bridezillas," "Amazing Wedding Cakes," "My Fair Wedding" and "Rich Bride, Poor Bride" or TLC, home to "Say Yes to the Dress,""Get Married with Collin Cowie on Lifetime, and even "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?," on E!'s Style Network. Most of these can be seen in full episodes online as well.

Getting on some of these shows could offer you some services you might not normally afford but at what price? First, having your wedding selected is a lot like getting on a game show. You need to be very appealing! Having a good backstory (as it is referred to) meaning how you met. Did you postpone the wedding because your dog died and you were transported to Oz in a tornado? Great backstory!

Next, you have to fill out the questionaire very creatively! Send an scrapbook with all the questions answered with lots of visual embellishments. Send a video tape along with the questionaire. Do something creative and different to get noticed.

You have to succeed in the first two steps before you get to the Screen Test. Be obsessed or be crazy but above all be authentic in a high energy sort of way. Nothing is more boring than a groom that agrees with everything.

But be prepared to give up some of the control. You may not be able to pick the wedding date and when you do get a date the network can come tape, be ready to find a venue on short notice.
Be ready to have the worst of you and your friends and family portrayed. Although it doesn't always happen, it does make for good TV. The network controls all the footage. So don't say it, think it or do it if you don't want it aired. Be ready to be provoke for reactions also.

If all of this hasn't scared you away, you may be one of the lucky ones that is selected. You will get great video of your day. Your vendors may offer a little extra to show them off in the best light. And who knows, you may have something to share with your grandkids some day.

I can't wait for the show. Of course I will be cranky Monday morning.

Album Design for Jim Bruno Brides

Posted by Angie VanDaele in jim bruno, Phoenix, Photography

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Intimate Design Solutions has moved into a bigger office and can be found 325 E Southern Avenue Suite 105 • Tempe AZ 85282 • 520-840-3066. They apologize for not updating The Wedding Chronicle (the Publisher is always the last to know!!!) They are still offering special pricing, just tell them who sent you.

WHEN A LIVE BAND – REALLY ISN’T!

Posted by Angie VanDaele in music, Phoenix, weddings

1 comments

We can't always use every article that is sent to The Wedding Chronicle. But sometimes the information is too good to pass up. Hence my GUEST BLOGGER today is Spencer Bass, a professional musician in the Phoenix area.

What image comes to mind when you think of a live band? Talented artists playing musical instruments and singing together? In the past, that would be an apt description. When the technology available today is utilized, “live” can be open to interpretation. How can you tell if the band you’re thinking of hiring uses high-tech devices to create their sound, rather than musicians? Today’s high-tech devices can do everything from imitate any type of musical instrument, to turning a weak singing voice into a strong one. Even adding chorus like harmonies!

A device with most potential for misuse is called a “sequencer”. When fully employed, professional musicians can be replaced by just about anyone acting like they’re playing an instrument. You may have already seen what you thought was a “live” band but was actually a staged act “lip-synching”! Remember Milli-Vanilli?

Legitimate musicians use such devices sparingly, so as not to fool the audience or damage their credibility. When the use of such devices is disclosed up front, there’s no problem. But frankly, this disclosure almost never happens and those who hire the band end up paying way too much for what they are actually receiving! Imagine purchasing what you thought was say, a genuine Rolex watch, only to find out later it’s a knock-off! The motivation for someone to “stage” a band utilizing a sequencer, rather than investing the time and money to produce a real “live” band is the same as anyone selling a counterfeit item, GREED! If your event calls for “live” music and you have never hired a band before, because of the burgeoning use of devices such as a “sequencer”, it is probably a good idea to seek professional advice or representation so the band you hire is actually “live”!

About the author: Spencer Bass, a professional musician working in the Valley over 3 decades has seen a genuine need for those seeking to hire a “live” band, have someone to represent them in the procurement process. Spencer can be reached at: (602)248-0307,(602)717-8482 Or via e-mail: SpencerBass@live.com

Our Annual Grooms Edition is Out

Posted by Angie VanDaele in ideas, Misc, Phoenix

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It's on the streets starting today, the Fifth Annual Grooms Edition of the Wedding Chronicle. A toast to grooms everywhere because without you... there would be no wedding. Oh, the power! I have been told that by the end of October, every groom in the Valley hates us. Because every bride has picked up this issue of the Chronicle and read it from cover to cover to make sure that all the articles reflect her side of the argument. She rips out the offending pages and hands it to her groom and saying, “Read this.”
We know this is not the preferred reading list for most gentlemen but let me give you the Cliff Note version of this issue. If you want to make your bride happy she said yes, early on choose the activities in which you wish to be involved and stay out of the rest. I know that’s easier said than done but Patti Zint, our fabulous writer, takes you through four easy steps to turn that Bridezilla back into the woman you love.
We also have some sage advice for you from our zany, zaftig Zadie; ideas to get the music you want at the reception and perhaps a hint or two about all those toasts! So cheers and thank you. We would be nothing without you.
We have some new faces that have joined the staff of the newspaper. Our newest writer is going to help keep us focused on the most important part of the wedding day—the spiritual component. His name is Rabbi Weiner and you may know him by his fabulous tag line, Got Rabbi?
Believe it or not, another sister has joined the Chronicle. Her name is Bobbie Darzes and she is a senior account executive for us. It’s amazing how much better we all get along now that Barbie dolls are not involved. You will see her at upcoming bridal shows, trade events and anywhere horses can be found. You’ll recognize her by her beautiful smile and Lucy red hair.
We have a new office too. I’ll be sending pictures to my blog once I unpack my camera. It’s in a box around here somewhere…

WMBA Offer Extended

Posted by Angie VanDaele in ideas, Misc, Phoenix, weddings

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By popular demand, the special 2 for 1 offer for the Wedding Business Merchant Academy (see last post) has been extended till September 12. Don't miss it. It is the best early Christmas Present you can give yourself.

Blogging with the Best of Them

Posted by Angie VanDaele in Advertiser, EVENTS, Local Weddings, Phoenix, weddings

1 comments

I am sitting with the talented Charlee Geisler of Signature Events discussing blogs. There are so many great ideas opened to brides as well as professionals through the miracle of the internet. I love reading blogs every day and find it cathartic to rant and rave in public.

Charlee writes for The Wedding Chronicle about weddings and event planning and I have convinced her to share some of her insights and ideas developed during her 18 years doing this. I place some random pictures of her events below. She is the 2008 Wedding Chronicle Readers Poll Best Wedding Planner recipient.

Watch for Charlee's Blog soon!

Time is Running Out – Register Now for Spotlight! Arizona 2008

Posted by Angie VanDaele in Advertisers, EVENTS, Misc, Phoenix

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Tuesday, June 17^th at the University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale

11:00am-5:30pm

This is not a show for Brides, this is a show for wedding vendors especially event planners!

Learn, Network and Have Fun at the 3^rd Annual Spotlight! AZ Trade Show for the Arizona meeting and event industry.

Meeting & Event Planners - Spotlight! features:

*A fabulous keynote luncheon featuring Industry Trends Expert & Celebrity Planner Michael Cerbelli

*Expo Floor featuring 150+ exhibitors as well as plenty of fun demonstrations and activities

*Three Free Educational Sessions throughout the day

*Exciting Stage Entertainment, Raffle Prizes, and Complimentary Food & Beverage

*The Sweetest Hour Finale Reception presented by Global Spectrum, the University of Phoenix Stadium and Centerplate Catering-an event extravaganza showing the stadium in a way you’ve never seen before!

This is the best Spotlight yet, and you don’t want to miss out!

IT IS FREE TO ATTEND!* If you plan any type of meetings or events, register now to attend!

Register Here: http://www.spotlightshows.com/upcoming/arizona/register.html

*With the exception of the Michael Cerbelli kick-off luncheon which is only $50! Please note that attending is only open to planners, and not non-exhibiting suppliers.

Vendors: Interested in Exhibiting? Space is still available - Register NOW!

Register Here: http://www.spotlightshows.com/upcoming/arizona/register_exhibitors.html

Thank you to our promotional partners: MPI, HSMAI, ISES, NACE, SITE, HIP, AzSAE, WEN, The Wedding Chronicle, Southwest Meetings & Events and the West Valley Events Coalition.

Thank you to our sponsors: University of Phoenix Stadium, Global Spectrum, Centerplate Catering, GES, Action Registration, TIS/Pixtreme, Kool Party Rentals, RegOnline, KaBloom, Shadow Mountain Productions, Living Energy Productions, Fairytale Brownies, Bahr Photography, Super Hero Productions, Marveless Transportation, Gold Stars Speakers Bureau, Connection Pros, Exhibit Experts, Robert Van Arlen LLC, The Wedding Chronicle and Foot Klan Entertainment.

Questions? Contact us at 800.914.1421 or at info@opendoorevents.com

Where is Jim Bruno?

Posted by Angie VanDaele in Misc, Phoenix, weddings

24 comments

I hate being the bearer of bad news but I want to be an ombudsman for our industry if it helps. We have a bride whose wedding was at Grayhawk Golf Club on 4/6/08. She wrote to Phil Waring looking for this Photographer. Can anyone help us? Her letter reads as follows...

Hello!
Thanks again to all of you, Gwen, Phil, and David for making our wedding wonderful! I have trying to contact Jim Bruno at Star Studio and his phone is disconnected. I know you all have worked with him in the past so I was wondering if you had heard anything about his business? My friend used him for her wedding 3 years ago and his pictures were wonderful. I hope I am worrying for nothing. Please let me know if you have heard anything.
Thanks,
Deena

When wedding vendors are unprofessional, it makes us all look bad. Is anyone else having problems with this vendor? Does anyone know how to reach him? I have never met the man. Let me know. Thanks