Liza + Jordan, Artesano Galeria – Manayunk, Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner – Angela MALICKI events

Ahhh - our beloved Liza and Jordan, where do we begin. Back in December of 2010, this couple was referred to us by the talented Beke Beau. “Ang, I feel like you two will jive together”, and she was right! Liza, a marketing and special event planner, had great eye for detail and after searching for her venue, they chose the über modern Artesano Iron Works Gallery or also known as Artesano Galeria in downtown Manayunk. This venue is an art gallery by day, showcasing all their own designs hand forged in Columbia and by night, a fabulous space for any type of event.

Liza and Jordan are more than clients to us, they are our close friends that we often share dinner, drinks and laughs with. We thought it would be nice to share some of the wedding details from their point of view:

Liza and Jordan’s Inspiration: “Jordan and I have a modern-eclectic style. From our everyday outfits to our home décor, our aesthetic consists of clean lines and warm/natural tones. We knew we wanted to be true to who we are as individuals and as a couple when thinking about the look and feel for our wedding day. After living in NYC (and Jordan growing up there), we gravitated toward urban spaces when looking for a venue. After a site visit with our caterer, Peachtree & Ward, we knew Artesano Iron Works Gallery was the perfect setting for us to become husband and wife. From the magnificent iron work art adorning the walls to the endless candles – the space had the urban and romantic feel we were going for.”

“By utilizing the space and the beauty of the gallery (the exposed brick walls, the art, the lighting), it allowed us to focus on the design details. We wanted our guests to walk into this “world” of Liza and Jordan – to feel us. We wanted a long aisle of hurricanes filled with pillar candles. We think flowers are beautiful, yet we didn’t want over-the-top centerpieces that competed with Artesano’s raw beauty. We were inspired by the iron work art and soft lighting and played off those design elements when picking our natural burlap linens to complement our squared, wooden centerpieces filled with gorgeous succulents and accents flowers in our lapis purple and bright green color palette. The bouquets and centerpieces by the amazing J & J Flowers were out of this world. To carry along our succulent theme (which more so evolved over time), we used wine-cork succulent magnets as our favors (made by AlissaRose on Etsy). And as I was shopping with my cousin in Home Goods, we strolled by the art section where a perfectly matted image of a succulent stared me in the face. We used that image as our “guest book,” where our amazing family and friends signed the matting with sweet messages of love. We both wavered on our table number cards. We went back and forth between modern, wooden stand-alone numbers or to get creatively modern. We chose the latter and had JonesStreetPress (Etsy) create cards in our lapis purple background with black & white images of moments in our lives as a couple and the relative date or year of the event. To honor our dear friends who were in our wedding and share our anniversary, I used the group shot of their wedding along with “916” as the number – they cried, we cried and we’re so glad we chose to add another personal touch to our day.  As with many things in our lives, our inspiration and design naturally came together for our big day. We didn’t overthink any one thing too much – we just tried to stay as true to ourselves as possible…just kicked it up a notch!”

Liza and Jordan’s Story: “It was May 27, 2006 and I (Liza) was at the Beer Garden in good ‘ole Astoria celebrating my new job (still current job) with friends. My girlfriend and I went to the restroom and we decided that being the single ladies we were, we should do a ‘loop’ to scope out the prospects! Jordan and I eyed each other. I gave him the ‘look over the shoulder’ and he approached. Here’s how the conversation went:

Jordan: Hi, I’m Jordan. (stuck out hand to shake mine…)
Liza: Hi, I’m Liza.
Jordan: Do you have a boyfriend? (he saw me with my friend at the time and thought we might have been dating)
Liza: No.
Jordan: Why not?
Liza: Because I don’t want one.
Jordan: OK, well, I’m going to buy you a beer and sit with you.

That was the start of a conversation that would continue day after day, now year after year. Couldn’t imagine the banter with anyone else.”

 

We love the simplicity of this photo. Amanda D’Andrea putting the finishing touches to Liza’s hair style.

Liza’s mother staring at the beautiful bride-to-be.

Liza’s infectious smile never ended though out the day.

The aisle was lined with tall cylinder vases that we had with 16 inch ivory pillar candles. There was endless votive candles to set the mood -  it fit the romantic feel 100%! Their processional was critical as the groomsmen and mothers walked down the aisle to “Crystal Ball” by Pink and the bridemaids and Liza walked down to “Glitter in the Air” – 45 seconds each to be exact per person!

There was alot of love and emotion at this moment, there were no microphones or interruptions, the ceremony was for Liza and Jordan “It’s about us” Liza stated. Their ceremony was performed by Elizabeth Frumin, whom we worked with a week prior at another wedding. We love her!

THEY ARE MARRIED!

“The Dog Days are Over” Florence and the Machine

The bridesmaids wore a beautiful Lapis purple dress (Priscilla of Boston), their bracelets were a gift from Liza, they were a gorgeous Silpada  design – silver and amethyst stone. The succulent bouquets were perfect against the dresses.

Special moments between the new couple, all captured by Scott Lewis Images.

A few details that fit the theme of the event.  left to right -1. Cake designed by Bredenbeck’s that was delicious. 2. Family photos of  Liza’s grandparents and grandmother. 3. close up of Liza’s bouquet – designed by J & J Flowers. 4. Centerpieces were designed by J & J Flowers consisting of succulents, spider mums and seasonal flowers, contained in a bamboo  wooden box Liza found at IKEA. Each table was designed with burlap linens, custom designed table signs , which represented a date that meant something to Liza and Jordan. 5. Custom made and designed mini succulent cork magnets with tag.

Their first dance was “I could die for you” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Planner: Angela MALICKI events - Ang, Ashley and Ada

Venue: Ceremony and Reception – Artesano Galeria

Photographer: Scott Lewis Images

Officiant: Elizabeth Frumin

Entertainment: CTO – DJ Bizz

Florist: J & J Flowers- Philadelphia – 215.462.6555

Caterer: Peachtree and Ward

Cake: Bredendbeck’s

Make Up: Beke Beau

Hair: Amanda D’ Andrea – 215.356.8605

Bridesmaids Jewelry: Silpada

Wedding Gown Designer: Vineyard Collection, Priscilla of Boston

Wedding Shoes Designer: Nina

Crystal Hair Pin and Brooch: YJDesign, Etsy

Perfume: Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater

xoxo Ang & Ash

Liza and Jordan – Tales of a bride and the bizzaro dreams – Part two – Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner – Angela MALICKI events

I month or so ago, you noticed a “different” type of post, not done by Ash or myself, but our fabulous client Liza. Liza and Jordan are to wed in a few months this year, but as many brides, the crazy, bizzaro dreams and planning – turn of events occur during this process. This is Liza’s second of many posts. I hope you enjoy this as much I do!

Did Your Email Mean What I Think it Meant?

We’ve all been there. The time when the wedding planning check-list needs attention and by attention, I mean you need answers from your vendors. Email is used so frequently in our everyday lives and sometimes, unless you are constantly using happy-face symbols, our intent can be misconstrued. The same applies for emails received. Here’s my breakdown of how NOT to create a mystical nonsense world in that female head of ours when a “blunt” vendor email comes your way.

The Response Was 5 Words…I wrote 2 Paragraphs

Women (assuming it’s the bride doing the coordinating…I know, it’s bad to assume but chill out for the case of this amazingly well-written blog <insert happy face!>) are emotional beings. We get excited when a DVRd Oprah is ready to give you yet another “Ah-Ha” moment. We also are excited to be getting married. It’s like major. We’ve planned and planned and now it’s time to get ‘er done and finalize those ever-so-important items on the list. Working your way down you begin to draft an email to “Vendor Number One.” You’re excited, you want to know when to schedule your rehearsal so you can then schedule your rehearsal dinner. Seems to be a logical enough request, right? Then you start writing…and writing…and writing…and before you know it you have written the fourth book in the Twilight series. All you needed an answer for was: what time are you open until so I can set the schedule for my rehearsal? 

And then comes the response: We’re only open until 5. You sit in shock for a good minute analyzing why they didn’t add animated comment to the rest of your romance novel. Then you begin to over-analyze and create that mystical nonsense world in your brain that says: “I had a feeling they had an attitude from the start…I am paying them, I should not have to deal with this…They are probably too busy right now to comment on my novel…They better call me to apologize for their overly blunt response.”

At this moment ladies, it’s time to take your hands away from the keyboard and reply button. Compose yourself. Remember that you are not the only bride inquiring about your unique agenda. Remember that “Vendor Number One” responded to you in a rather swift fashion to provide you with the information you needed to move on to step #2. Remember that even though there was a lack of happy faces, they are still committed to making sure your day goes as smoothly as you imagine it because you would not have booked them if you didn’t also feel a good energy when “interviewing.”

We are women, we love that emotional connection and we want other women in our lives – from friends to vendors – to feel the same way. Guess what? They do. But they don’t have to respond with the sequel to The Notebook to prove it.

Until next time….

xoxo
Liza

Liza and Jordan – Tales of a bride and the bizzaro dreams – Part one – Philadelphia Wedding and Event Planner – Angela MALICKI events

So, as you know, we have phenom clients that we get to know personally and that grow into relationships. I met Liza and Jordan several months ago and we knew that we were perfect together (isn’t that how it should be)! Liza, in person and all avenues of communication, is hilarious, after reading a few posts on facebook, I had to have her guest blog.

This soon – to – be – Bride, sparked a “OMG I have to have this stuff on my blog”. So this is the beginning of a great dream sequence in the life of Liza and Jordan. I hope you enjoy this as much I do.

Liza and Jordan – how cute (priceless and nice tatts Jordan)

Liza & Jordan Are Getting Hitched on September 16!

I Threw an Exercise Ball at my Officiant’s Head…

Let’s talk about dreams, shall we? You know, the dreams we soon-to-be-brides have in the months leading up to our nuptials? I thought I was the exception to these dreams. Yep. I thought I was so calm, cool and collected that I was untouchable and frankly, “so not that kind of bride” that would stress the BIG day. Well, I was wrong, very wrong. Talking about my dreams and experiences with you all will hopefully make me feel sane again and perhaps give you a good chuckle in the process.

What the…..?!

All was moving along on my big day. We (bridal party/mom’s/grandparents) were getting ready at Artesano, Angela was there moving things along and then before I knew it - as dreams go -I was walking down the aisle to marry Jordan. The ceremony began and my officiant was speaking of love and partnership (insert “awwwwwww”) and then it was time for our vows. As I was about to speak my “sweet nothings” to Jordan, some random lady walked up and told our officiant she had an urgent phone call. I looked at Jordan and saw he had a very round belly. Not a beer belly, ladies, a pregnant belly. Then I looked down and saw my own pregnant belly. While it looked very “Bethany Ever After” at first, I quickly went into freak-out mode.

Fast forward (as again, dreams go) and our officiant walked back up to announce that she had to leave immediately (yes, before marrying us!) to officiate another orthodox wedding. I then looked at Jordan and he was no longer pregnant but sitting on a large exercise ball. I realize I too am no longer pregnant and I take the ball from Jordan. As our officiant was walking away, I threw the ball at her head so hard that she fell flat on her face. I remember a scary sense of victory before waking up and laughing hysterically. What the…?!

So…Let’s Break this Bad-Boy of a Dream Down Shall We?

The interruption of our vows: 

A fear of not saying what we have put so much pressure on ourselves to say.

This is the one day when you are supposed to profess your never-ending love and devotion, right? Well, why don’t we do that each and every moment we’re together? Why wait until we have a room full of people to witness our love to say and SHOW each other how incredibly amazing and inspirational they are to us? I vow to tell Jordan every moment that he rocks my world and couldn’t be more blessed that he is my partner in life. FOR-EV-A.

Jordan was preggers…and so was I: 

Thinking too much about the future – what may or may not be and how we’ll handle it.

Most soon-to-be-married folks have talked about their “visions” for life after marriage. The decision to have children is pretty high on that talk for many. And from what I gather after talking about this subject with my friends and family who have gone through this, the thought of “I wonder IF I can have kids” comes up a lot. I share in this “thought” (TAKE OUT ….) and sometimes think too much about tomorrow vs. living for today. I’m a woman, I like to plan and emotionally connect to my current and future life butsometimes all that planning can make you go B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Just as I live by A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, I need to live by being PRESENT and trust that we will embark on starting a family when the time is right and what will be, will be.

I threw an exercise ball at my officiant’s head (hahahaha):

Worrying too much about how my arms will look in my dress vs. remembering he’ll love me regardless of the muscle definition.

We all “dream” of what we’ll look like on our wedding day; the dress, the hair, the make-up, the jewels…and then the “dream” becomes an obsession. Personally, I began my “kick-it-up-a-notch” workout regimen two months ago with the idea that I’d start jogging three times a week along with some strength training mixed-in. That was going well until I went to an amazing flow yoga class which ended with me crying hysterically. As I reflected on the spiritual movement that had occurred after this amazing yoga session with my dear friend, she helped me understand that this “vision” is about more than getting my arms toned. It’s about dealing with all the speed bumps that happen along the way and truly being there for each other when the tough gets going. We all should remember that our chosen partners for life are just that - there for us for life. I don’t take that commitment lightly and I pray that you don’t either because when my toned arms become soft andever-so wrinkled, I know Jordan will be there to tell me how beautiful I am, just the way I am.

Until next time…

Liza!!!!

xoxo

ang and Liza