2011 – Coming To A Blog Near You!!

Photo Credit: Life's Little Mysteries

I am looking forward to the New Year and all that is to come.  I always get giddy this time of the year.  I love all the new exciting couples and the fresh love they bring to the wedding industry.  I will be going on my annual Christmas break vacation from blogging so I can spend my Christmas with my mother and I’m so excited.  While it may be a vacation I will working on projects for New Year. 

2011 will begin with the annual blog postings of "The First Steps of Wedding Planning".  All the information you need to start your wedding planning on the right foot. From budgets to picking the right venue or even just where to start.  This will be your helping hand as you start the planning process.

Events, Events & Events!! Get ready because I am taking it to the streets in 2011!!  First event I have in store for you is the Venue Bus Tour! This tour will take you to NYC’s best venues and provide you with planning information along the way.  More information coming soon so stay tuned for details.  Also, I’m getting ready for a GNO (Girls Night Out) Event.  Bring your besties and come have some fun.  It’s all about the fabulous cocktails, fashion and fun, all while getting wedding planning tips! No boys allowed!!  I will also make appearances at bridal expos so look out for that.

Throughout the year, I hope to continue to bring you more planning advice, inspiration and help you keep your sanity while planning your wedding.  I'll be working hard behind the blog and I can't wait to see you in the New Year! Wishing you a Happy Holiday!!

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

The Year In Review

When the year is coming to an end, I tend to take a look back at all the wonderful things that took place.  So I decided t take a look at all the wonderful things that took place on the blog this year.  Let’s take a look shall we!

1)      The 2010 patone’s color of the year was turquoise and the inspiration board was a big hit amongst my readers.  I’m looking forward to 2011 color honeysuckle. Inspiration boards coming soon.

2)      I attended two great events and did a vlog (video blog) post on it.  Thanks YouTube for freeze framing at the wrong times.   

3)      The blog got a makeover!! See above!!

(Design by the fabulous LePenn Designs)

http://weddedluxe.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-year-new-look.html

4)      I had an Aha Moment and found my true self as a wedding planner.

http://weddedluxe.blogspot.com/2010/06/allow-me-to-re-introduce-myself.html

5)      The favorite wedding post of all with over 2,000 page views and over 100 visitors is The Fall Has Arrived Inspiration boards. 

http://weddedluxe.blogspot.com/2010/09/fall-has-arrived.html

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com 

http://www.weddedluxe.com/

718.938.4713

Vendor Profile - Kiss the Bride

I have a confession to make. I was not a fan of the wedding video for a long time.  The photo montage, the guest’s messages and the length of the video just turned me off completely.  Now I am in love with the wedding videos that are being created today because they are not videos they are cinematography.

Now enter Kiss the Bride! Kiss the Bride is a boutique cinematography company that creates wedding documentaries that are stylish and modern.  Their editing style captures all the special moments that you want to remember. You could feel the love and emotion just from a quick glimpse into the happy couple’s wedding day.  Leslie, one of the owners of Kiss the Bride

How long have you've been filming weddings?

4 years. We launched our company Kiss The Bride Films in November of last year!

When did you start the cinematography style of shooting?
Our background is in fine art films. We've both made films that have shown in festivals all over the world, including Sundance.

How long is the final edited video?
We offer two final produces. A documentary film and a highlight film. Our documentary is usually anywhere from 45 min- to an hour. Our Hight light is three to five minutes in length.

How do you decide what to include in the final cut?
We include everything that we feel accurately tells the story of our clients wedding day.

Best wedding day memory?
For us the best wedding memories are when we work for kind hearted people. Most of our clients are so wonderful and it is such a pleasure for us to be with them on such a special day.

Here a sample of their wonderful work.  I swear I tear up every time!


Allison + Ryan from Kiss The Bride Films on Vimeo.


Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph
Wedded Luxe
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Groomsmen Attire

Bridesmaids usually have the opportunity to wear a dress that shows their personal style but the groomsmen are stuck in the same suit. I saw this picture and I thought this was such a great idea.  Each groomsman wore a different tie that matches the color scheme of the wedding.  This is a great way to let your groomsmen’s personal style shine as well.

Photo Credit: Kaye English Photography

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

New Year’s Eve Wedding – Inspiration Board

New Year's Eve is by far my favorite holiday.  I love any holiday that allows me to wear a LBD and some really haute shoes! A New Year’s Eve wedding is the time to pull out all the bells and whistles.  This day is always associated with dressing up, champagne and a rocking good time.  So if you are planning a New Year’s Eve bash, be ready to give your guests the best New Year's Eve they ever had. This inspiration board is inspired by my idea of New Year’s Eve! Enjoy!!

Theme: New Year's Eve Black Tie
Colors: Black, White & Red

Photo Credits: 1 &2 ) Project Weddings 3) The Knot 4) Project Wedding 5) The Knot 6) MarthaStewartWeddings 7) Project Weddings 8) The Knot

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

 

Deniesha Joseph

Wedded Luxe
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I just wanted to take this time to give thanks to my readers and supporters out there.  Whenever I write a blog entry I think to myself, will this help someone? I hope that have helped or inspired many of you planning weddings for yourself or other wedding professionals. 

It’s a blessing to do what you love and I thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a joyous occasions.  I am thankful for all the other wedding professionals I met and had the opportunity work with this year. 

I hope everyone takes the day to put the wedding planning aside and enjoy this day with your family and friends, unless of course your wedding is this weekend, lol!

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Winter Wedding Flowers

Photo Credit: Project Weddings

Winter Weddings have one small obstacle and that’s wedding flowers.  The only reason this becomes an issue are brides use pictures of weddings for inspiration not knowing the flowers of choice are not in season during the winter. You can still have the flowers you've always wanted but it will cost you more to do so or you work with the flowers that are in season.  This very small conflict will not ruin your wedding day vision, it will only create a sidetrack to something unexpectedly beautiful.

Photo Credit: The Knot

Some flowers can be found all year round so you will find roses, lilies, gerber daisies and carnations to name a few.  Flowers that in season are amaryllis, casablanca lilies, narcissus, anemones and chrysanthemums. 

Photo Credit: Big Apple Florist

Just remember, don’t panic there is a solution to your flower vision. An experienced florist and/or event designer will have many options that fit into your wedding day vision.

Photo Credit: Wedding Aces

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com 
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Chinese Wedding Traditions - The Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony is a tradition of the Chinese culture.  Here’s a brief history lesson on the traditions and significants of the ceremony.

The Tea Ceremony is an official ritual to introduce the newlyweds to each other's family, and it's a way for newlyweds to show respect and appreciation to their parents.  The newlyweds kneel in front of their parents, serving tea to both sides of parents, as well as elder close relatives.  Parents give their words of blessing and gifts to the newlyweds.  During the tea presentation, a "Good Luck Woman" would say auspicious phrases to bless the newlyweds and the parents.  Those who receive the tea usually give the bride gifts such as jewelry of “Li Shi” money wrapped in red envelopes.

Couples are still keeping this tradition alive on their wedding day.  To embrace tradition and also some of your own modern ways, host the tea ceremony the day after the wedding just like a post wedding day brunch.  I love keeping traditions alive in the family.  One way to pass down the tradition to your next generation is by keeping the tea set that is usually gifted by the bride’s parents and hand it down to your children.

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Inspiration Board - Silver Bells

Winter is approaching very fast.  I can feel the chill in the air every morning.  This also means the holidays are coming even faster.  For me, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and I think there is something very special about a Christmas wedding.  The holidays brings everyone together and what better way to celebrate your new life together than a Christmas inspired wedding.


Theme: Silver Bells
Colors: White & Silver

Live.Laugh.Love….. Luxuriate!

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

The Workout Plan - Getting Fit for the Big Day

In less than 90 days I’ll be turning 30.  I’ve been keeping a countdown since my 29^th birthday because I’ve had some things I wanted to make sure I accomplished before the big 30.  On the top of the list is to lose weight and I have not lost a pound. Correction, I lost 6 but I’m pretty sure I gained it all back because I haven’t see the inside of my gym for over a month.  So with less than 90 days left I’m determine to drop a size (hopefully two) by my birthday.

When I hit the 90 day mark, I thought of all the brides out there that try to lose weight, shape up and tone up for their wedding.  I have yet to work with a bride who didn’t say I want to lose some weight before the wedding, no matter what size they were, even the size 2 brides.  It’s nerve wrecking to look at the calendar each day and count down until your bid day. In my case, the big day is my birthday.  So instead of the pressure of the countdown, why don’t we all just take it day by day, do the best we can and if we fall off the wagon just hop back on tomorrow.  If all fails, just remember SPANX is your friend!!

I’ll be checking in from time to time with my road to slimming down.  I hope you share your stories as well.


Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

Venue Profile – Midtown Loft & Terrace

I recently re-visited one of my favorite loft spaces in NYC last weekend. I was showing this space to my clients, for their upcoming nuptials, and they loved it just as much I did. Midtown Loft & Terrace is conveniently located on Fifth Avenue in the heart of midtown. The space is 5,000 sq feet with windows on four sides of the loft with beautiful hardwood floors. The Terrace has a perfect view of the NYC skyline and the most famous NYC landmark, the Empire State Building.

Now I’ve been here before so you may be wondering why the post, well I’ll tell you! I received great news that there will be a retractable glass enclosure beginning 2011. This will allow events all year round with the same great view. Take a look here:

Midtown Loft & Terrace is a great venue for a wedding. It’s blank canvas so you can make it whatever you want. It allows for ceremony, cocktail and reception to be held all in one venue for an affordable price. If you are looking for a venue, make an appointment to visit the Midtown Loft & Terrace.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com www.weddedluxe.com
718.938.4713

A Wedded Luxe Wedding Feature

I'm so happy to announce that Shirley & William's wedding was featured on Para ti Novia this week.  To see the full post please check out their blog here: http://paratinovia.com/real-wedding-shirley-william-in-nyc

Para to Novia is a great blog for the Latina bride.  Lots of inspiration and ideas on how to celebrate your culture with your wedding.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph

DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Photo Op!!

Sometimes I come across photos from wedding photographers and it leaves me speechless because it’s so gorgeous. I love this picture! The bride taking a moment to herself before she walk down the aisle. It’s so natural and not rehearsed.

This photo is courtesy of one of my favorite photographers Vanessa Joy.  Check out Vanessa's blog to see more great shots.
 
Happy Planning,


Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Wedding Etiquette - Wedding Favors

Staying on topic of favors, I thought I’d address a common question I get asked by couples all the time; how many favors should I order or how do we give them to our guests. This all depends on the favor you give and here is how to make the decision.  By the way, that's a favor display at a Wedded Luxe past wedding.  The favors doubled as escort cards.  When it comes to favors, presentation goes a long way!


1) If it’s edible, you should give one to each guests. You can’t expect a couple to share a slice of cake.

2) If it’s a souvenir or some kind of keepsake, you should give one per household or per couple.  If the couple doesn't live together, be sure to give each their own.

3) If you are giving a favor that will double as a escort card then you should give one per household or per couple. An easy rule of thumb is it should be given the same way you address your invitations.

You see, it's that simple.  I hope this helps those faced with the challenge of purchasing favors for their upcoming wedding.

Happy Planning,


Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Fall Wedding Favors - Apple Season

Fall in NYC means apple season which means apple picking which means lots of apple treats.  If you are looking for a wedding favor for your fall wedding, an apple treat will be a great way to incorporate the fall  season into your wedding.  My two favorite are apple treats are apple pies and candied apples.  You can’t go wrong with either!!

Individual candies apples with personalized wrapping to match your wedding

Mini apple pies with your monogram placed in an old fashion bakers box.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

The Wedding Budget

I recently met one of the sweetest brides ever! She had a lot of great ideas for her wedding but there was one problem, the BUDGET. I’m very budget conscience when it comes to planning a wedding. I’m a drill sergeant to my clients on this topic because before you know it, you have blown the budget due to bad choices. With this bride, she started planning her wedding and she did a lot of research. When it came to the budget she totally ignored the advice she found online. In particular she used one of my favorite tools,        the budget estimator. The budget estimator gives you an estimate based on where you live and the type of wedding you want which they decipher by asking you a series of questions. For the wedding she wants, the estimator told her she would spend anywhere between 37,000 to 67,000. She didn’t believe it even after I told her that estimate is pretty accurate. Don’t get me wrong, there are ways to save but you have to know how to use your funds and here’s how:


1) Determine a budget. I can’t stress this enough, you must set a budget before you start planning. If you go in blindly, you risk the chance of spending way more than you ever intended to spend. Talk about it with your fiancée and anyone who is financially contributing to your wedding.

2) Use a budget estimator or something like it to help you allocate your funds. These are just estimates but be clear you will spend 45% -50% of your budget on the reception. The other categories like photography, décor, etc you can prioritize and decide where you want to spend more or less.

3) Hire a wedding planner!! I know what you are thinking, “I’m spending more money not saving”. That’s an incorrect statement. Hiring a planner will help you find the right vendors that fit within your budget. Also a planner will help you allocate your funds and use them wisely.

These three tips will help you save in the long run.   Before you start planning, commit to any vendors or a venue, you should follow these three tips.  Your wedding may cost more than you think it will cost so before you go out there, take my advice.   Here's some more budget tips from a previous posting.  http://weddedluxe.blogspot.com/2008/12/ask-planner.html
 
Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Infusing Your Culture Through….. Cocktails

Signature drinks are becoming a staple at weddings these days.  This is an idea I love and highly encourage couples to serve to one or three at their wedding.  Take this trend and celebrate your culture by serving a customary cocktail.  Today’s cocktail is Lassi. 

Lassi is a popular and traditional Punjabi yogurt-based drink of India and Pakistan. It is made by blending yogurt with water or milk and Indian spices. Traditional lassi is sometimes flavored with ground roasted cumin. Sweet lassi, blended with sugar or fruits instead of spices, is also very popular.  The picture below is a mango infused Lassi.  Thank you Wikipedia!

Photo Credits: IndianWeddingSite.com

Happy Planning,


Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Simple Grace – Inspiration Board

Lately I’ve been really into old things, well vintage things. I was looking through old family photos and it seems liked my grandparents put on their Sunday best every day of the week to do just about anything. We don’t dress up anymore or make anything a big deal, except weddings, this may be why I love weddings so much. Everyone dresses up and it’s a really BIG deal. This inspired an inspiration board which I like to call “Simple Grace”.  Inspired by vintage and the simple elegance of a different time.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Jewish Wedding Traditions

I was raised Catholic but I must admit the Jewish wedding ceremony is one of my favorites. I love that the bride and groom are escorted down the aisle by their parents. I think the groom’s parents are also giving away their child and it should be honored just as the bride. But my favorite aspect of a Jewish ceremony is chuppah, symbolizing God’s presence, shelter and protection. Before I knew what the chuppah represented, I fell in love with the design of it. Chuppah can range from simple to over the top glamorous. Customize it to fit within your wedding color pallette, keep traditional or personal.  Here are a couple I love!!

Elegance & Lush 

Feminie and Opulent

Traditional & Organic

Traditional & Elegant

Colorful & Bold

Tropical & Modern

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Get Married Giveaway

Be the first couple ever to get married in Times Square on New Years Eve!! Get Married is giving away a free wedding in one of the most famous locations in NYC on the everyone's favorite night of the year. To enter this amazing contest click here: and good luck!!

Happy Planning,


Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Fall Has Arrived

Fall has officially started as of 11:00 pm yesterday here in NYC.  Although it feels like a beautiful summer day, fall is here.  To celebrate the change of the season, I wanted to share some past fall inspiration boards I've created with you.   

This is what I would like to call a soft side of fall.  Warm colors and soft tones with a romantic glow.

Photo Credits: 1,3,4,5,6) Project Weddings 2) TheKnot

Purple was the new black in 2010.  This is a new way to have a fall wedding instead of the traditional color schemes of orange, yellow and brown.

Photo Credits: 1)Purple Ring Pillow TheKnot, 2) Purple Clutch - Brides.com, 3) Purple Chair Cover - TheKnot, 4) Purple Bridesmaid Dress - TheKnot, 5) Purple Carnation Centerpiece - Jubilee Events, 6) Bouquet - SnippetandInk 6) Purple Shoes - TheKnot

Mustard yellow is a traditional fall color.  It's classic and you can't go wrong with it.  But this inspiration board mixes the traditional with some modern elements.

Photo Credits from left to right 1)ProjectWeddings.com, 2) TheKnot.com, 3)Brides.com 4)MarthaStewartWeddings, 5) TheKnot.com, 6) TheKnot.com

Happy Planning,


Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Meet The Planner

I made a promise to let my personal side out a little more on the blog this year and I don’t think I’ve done a good job at keeping my promise. So today, I’m going to play a little game called .......

“10 Random Things You Didn’t Know About Me”!

New Years Eve 2008. Lost 20 lbs, Got over a ex and I was feeling great. Can't you tell?! LOL

1) I’m not the least bit athletic. Step class is a challenge for me.

2) I love to dance, sing, listen to music or anything related to music.

3) Sunkist is my all time favorite drink. I would drink it every day if I could.

4) I’ve been on a diet since I was 10! Hence why I don’t drink Sunkist every day.

5) TV is my favorite past time.

6) White shirts are my wardrobe staple.

7) I love the beach even though I get the worse heat rashes. I won’t give it up.

8) I have the same birthday as my idol, mentor and aunt-in-my-head… OPRAH!! January 29th

9) My first job was an internship at Lehman Brothers. I knew then that a 9-5 jobs wasn’t for me.

10) I was senior class president of my high school.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph,
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

A Wedded Luxe Wedding Feature

Congratulation to former clients Sarah & Stephen who were featured in Engaged 101 Magazine. Also to Vanessa Joy Photography for the beautiful images. To view more details from this happy couple's wedding see the orginal post here.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713

Choosing The Right Centerpiece

When you are choosing your centerpiece there is one important factor that goes overlooked and that’s the shape of the table. Your centerpiece should complement the shape of your table and create the right flow. Not all centerpieces are made for every shape table. Here’s a guide on picking the right centerpiece for your tables.


Round Tables – very versatile and most centerpieces go well on round tables. High or low centerpieces can be used. You also have the option to use multiple vases, containers and candles in different heights and sizes.

Square Tables – like round tables, square tables are very versatile. Square tables are also a great choice of a modern tablescape design.

Rectangle or Oblong Tables – the best centerpiece for these shapes is a tablescape design the goes across the length of the table. Utilize the entire table instead of just the center. You can have a main centerpiece that is the largest and add small vases along the length of the table, vases with different heights or a monochromatic look of vases all in the same size.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
718.938.4713