THON 2009!!!

Every year in mid-February, I am left in awe of what college students with a mindset can do. I know this isn't wedding related, but this is something that always knocks me out of my socks. Students at Penn State are given the opportunity to give back, by giving up weekends, beer money, and time. It always amazes me what they can do!

THON is the largest philanthropic effort by a college and has been for many years. Students have designated weekends where they spread throughout the Northeast, holding cans, and asking anyone who passes for a donation "For kids with cancer." On weekends that they're not canning, they are calling corporations and sending letters. It is through this effort that they were able to raise $7,490,133.87 in the past year, which is up nearly $.7M from last year's efforts.

So where does the money go? It is donated to the Four Diamonds Fund, which operates out of Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania. The Four Diamonds Fund supports the families of children with cancer who walk through the doors of Hershey Medical Center. If their insurance doesn't cover the full amount of the medical bills, Four Diamonds covers the cost.

This past weekend, I was able to watch 700 students stand for 46 hours straight, without sleep, without sitting. They stood there "For The Kids." It's a pretty amazing sight within a time of recession that people were willing to put their hands in their pockets and donate. I am still in awe and get choked up when I think about it.

Happy New Year!!!

So many people have been asking me where Unforgettable Soirées is going next year, and the truth is: in so many new and exciting directions! However, we can't look at where we're going until we know where we've been right?

2008, a year in review: It started off in a mad rush, people were calling, and e-mailing, and even texting me to reserve their date at my bargain of a price. January was full of meetings with potential brides, many of which turned into clients, and some now even friends. With only one wedding in February, it was a time to focus on a plan, how was it that I would do 26 weddings in 1 year? Well, sitting here on the last day of december, it seems as though it's worked. I'm still here, doing what I love to do. Over the course of the year, I've gained so much experience, knowledge of the industry and some truly great friends that I love to work with!

Now where are we going in 2009? Well packages have been re-focussed based on the needs of clients, so that I can provide the best service possible. The new webiste is almost ready to launch, my assistant, Jess is taking on a great deal with quite a few weddings in the next year, and more to come, and I think we're ready, as a team for it to begin!

I wish you all a very prosperous, exciting, and happy new year!

Today is my 1st Anniversary!

So today is my first anniversary with my husband, Chris. We decided to celebrate yestearday and it was amazing!

The weekend started with me trying to make a replica of our cake topper. It came out OK- luckily it tasted great so we were able to ignore the look:) We didn't freeze our cake topper because we made it a special flavor for the bridal party, Cannoli! So here's a picture of our cake on our wedding day:

And this is a picture of my recreated cake top! (Insert Laughter followed by mmmm...)

We woke up nice and late (8:00am) Saturday and Chris suggested that we head into town a little early and walk around Piedmont Park. I thought it sounded like a great idea! So we check into the Wyndham Midtown and start walking toward the park. On our way there, Chris's phone rings. I asked what it was and he told me it was a reminder of why we're not going to the park!

Usually he's not able to surprise me, but in the case, he was! He walked me to Blue MedSpa, and had booked us for an hour long couples massage! While I was there, I couldn't help but work! They have a lot of great bridal packages available too!

From that amazing massage, we went back and got dressed for dinner at the Melting Pot, one of our new favorite restaurants!

All of that was followed by a walk around the park today- what an amazing anniversary in town!