Fall 2010 Cover of Destination I Do Magazine

Feature Las Vegas Article-Click image to Enlarge

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge is honored and delighted to have a "Las Vegas Style Wedding with Style" I planned and produced a few years ago featured again in one of my favorite bridal publications; Destination I Do Magazine: The Travel Publication for Engaged Couples and Romance Travelers (I love that description!!)

I have had the pleasure of being featured in Destination I Do Magazine in the past (2006), in an article called "Vegas Baby, Vegas!". You can read that article here. I am also proud to have a long-term marketing partnership with them as well.

This Fall, 2010 issue arrives on your book or news-stand shelves on Tuesday August 31st.

Some quick details about this wedding of Leigh-Anne and Todd who are both officers in the United States Navy.

Image by Robert Valenca Photography

Location: Foundation Room, House of Blues at Mandalay Bay Resort.
Photography: Robert Valenca Photography (who now resides and photographs weddings in Italy by the way).
Floral and Decor: Flora Couture by Floral 2000
Cake: Freed's Bakery.

Celebrate Today and Everyday with Love, Life & Style!!
Tracey

Free Wedding Photography Seminar for Couples-Local Photographers Offer Tips for the Ideal "Photo Finish"!

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierges' fabulous photographer friends, Artistic Imaging and Write Shot are hosting an informational seminar for couples to give you the 411 on what you need to know about making informed and confident decisions about your wedding photography.

See the Press Release Below...

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION A BRIDE FACES IS WHO TO MARRY.THE SECOND IS HOW TO HIRE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER TO DOCUMENT HER WEDDING

Experts offer free workshop educates brides about wedding photography 37/60 The Wedding Photography Workshop for Brides, offers 37 serious recommendations in 60 minutes, guaranteed to help brides:

• Save money
• Save time
• Maximize their wedding photography experience, regardless of their budget.

Las Vegas wedding photography studios Artistic Imaging and WriteShot have partnered to develop this educational workshop to all brides, many of whom feel overwhelmed by the myriad of wedding photography options available.

“There will be no sales pitch, at all. This is purely an opportunity for brides to learn and get answers to their questions, regardless of their budget,” says Adam Frasier, Artistic Imaging. According to Natasha Chornesky, millennium brides are smart and regardless of their budget, they’re looking to learn as much as they can about maximizing value before they commit to any particular wedding vendor, especially photographers.

Las Vegas has many talented wedding photographers. 37/60 is designed to benefit all brides, regardless of whom they eventually hire as their wedding photographer.

“We’re reaching out to empower brides with real information, so each one can make decisions that best suit her distinct needs,” says Chornesky, WriteShot.

The Saturday workshop is scheduled for August 28th, from 10‐11 am and is limited to 10 participants. Though it is free registration is required. Call (702) 465-5700
for more information on location and other details.

About Artistic Imaging and WriteShot
Artistic Imaging’s Owner/Photographer Adam Frasier has been a professional wedding photographer for over 7 years. Frazier is the Founding President of the Las Vegas chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding.

WriteShot’s Owner/Photographer Chris Cozzone has been a professional photojournalist and wedding photographer for over 20 years. Natasha Chornesky Owner/Photographer has been shooting professionally for four years. Chornesky is the Founding Vice‐President of Las Vegas' Wish Upon a Wedding.

For Love or Money? Plan Properly to Opt for Former!

Image found at GetMarried.com

I don't care too much for money, 'cause money can't by me Love"-The Beatles!!

But money does make your celebration of Love and Marriage possible so it is important to make sure your budget is in shape (from the very beginning) and all your money matters pertaining to the wedding day BEFORE the wedding day. Your wedding day is the time to be indulging in the love of your friends, family, enjoying being pampered as you look forward to that very special moment of saying your vows with your future husband and then basking in LOVE, LIFE and FUN and having a great time.
Your wedding day is not the day to be worrying about whether your florist or DJ or venue or caterer is paid. On top of that, it is perfectly acceptable and appreciated for you to show your sincere appreciation for your wedding professionals who put their LOVE of their craft into your wedding day and offer them a gratuity or (tip) for service that you feel went above and beyond.

Please note that "gratuity" is not considered the same as "service charge" (which is a percentage, generally anywhere from 19%-23% in Las Vegas, of the catering bill for food, beverage and labor like additional bartenders or personal chef attendants at food stations). But do you really need to be flaunting money or bills (or even be concerned about it) on your wedding day? Do you need to be concerned that your beautiful bridal clutch is full of envelopes or your new husband's tuxedo's pocket is bulging from a wallet stuffed with bills. Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge thinks not. That is neither attractive or secure.
My wedding photographer/wedding journalist friends and colleagues from Write Shot blogged about this exact topic recently and they were kind enough to include some of my tips (pun intended) about tipping wedding professionals on your wedding day.

• Recommendation 1: Pre-pay all your vendors fully at least 15 days prior the wedding. That way, checks and credit card payments can clear their accounts prior to your wedding.

• Recommendation 2: Calculate and distribute cash tips ahead of time for creative partners. Place cash tips in sealed envelopes with each recipient’s name clearly printed on the front. Give these envelopes to your planner or your maid of honor to distribute on your wedding day.

*I love these luxury, customized thank-you gratuity notes created by Mimio Papers with wedding planner Mary Dann. Presenting your wedding pros in this way truly shows graciousness and appreciation with STYLE!

• Recommendation 3: Confused about tipping? Creative partners (these are professionals, not "vendors") who own the business do not necessarily have to be tipped on the wedding day. Their assistants and associates should be. If you would like to tip a creative partner who owns the business, send a gift and thank you note, post-wedding. Always include a personal testimonial sharing how much you appreciate what that person did for you.

Also, please do ask your wedding planner (or your caterer or venue) about the accepted amount to tip wedding creative partners whether your wedding is in your home town or ESPECIALLY if you are planning a destination wedding celebration. Every city and every country has different tipping customs and expectations.

Finally, don't forget to allow to budget for the extra tips for those valets, the bell men/women who help you with your bags, your gown, all your favors and wedding personal items and get them up to your room and to your venue safely. Here is a general tipping guide from Vegas.com while you are visiting us be it for your wedding, a friends or just because it's VEGAS!

You can read the entire blog post here. Thank you Natasha & Chris!!
Do you have any questions about tipping, gratuities regarding a Las Vegas wedding? Feel free to comment and ask your question right here on the blog.

Style Me Pretty: "Inspiration to Reality" Las Vegas Style

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge and friends had a simply fabulous day on Wednesday at a photo shoot bringing this "Inspiration Board" to life.

I am a member of the Little Black Book of wedding professionals on Style Me Pretty, one of the most popular and trend-setting wedding blogs that appeals to both brides and wedding pros for it's gorgeous images and attention to the details in their writing.

Style Me Pretty has a tool where you can enter the "Style Circle" free and create "Inspiration Boards". If you don't want to make one yourself, you can spend hours admiring all the amazing boards that readers have created. There are so many ideas out there from so many creative brides to view. It's hard not to get "inspired"!

The concept of the "Inspiration to Reality" shoot is for a team of wedding professionals to select an "Inspiration Board" that we love and bring our own twist to bringing that inspiration to life.

We chose this "Feathers & Fur" inspiration board created by Chiara and I can't wait for Chiara to see what we have put together. I know she and all of you will LOVE IT!!

Some of the Las Vegas creative dream team members that made the magic happen are Chelsea Nicole Photography, Naakiti Floral Design, Gourmet Invitations, Couture Bride and our amazing venue, Springs Preserve.

Stay tuned for the gorgeous results and a list of the entire creative team in a few weeks on Style Me Pretty for the big reveal.

Celebrate Your Day with Love, Life & Style!

Andy & Elizabeth 5.17.09-The Slideshow

Images by Altf.com Photography

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge is pleased to be able to share with you the full photo slideshow, by the geniuses of AltF photography, of the wedding of Elizabeth and Andy at the Four Seasons, Las Vegas on May 17th, 2009.

Click here for Slideshow.

The slideshow is about 10 minutes long and represents their favorite images of the day plus some of their amazing bridal shoot

And what a day it was!! Watching the slideshow truly made me smile. It was a wonderful day, a great party and a memorable celebration for all the right reasons as I like to say:)

Thank you John & Dalisa of AltF Photography and to the bride and groom for your generosity in allowing me to share your special day here on my blog.

Have a Stylish Day!

Your Wedding Day Magazine Party, LA-Video Party Recap

Video by Russell Fowler Studios

Last month, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge had the pleasure of attending an amazing party in Los Angeles for the Spring 2009 Launch of Your Wedding Day Magazine at the Ebell Club, Los Angeles; a venue that is synonymous with the Hollywood Glamor era. 

It was an incredible evening with the very best of the best in the south west and California wedding industry and I was so excited to be a part of it, as well being a marketing partner with Your Wedding Day Magazine (which you must get your hands on-IT'S A GORGEOUS publication!!!)

This party was over the top with an elegant garden decor to welcome us and delicious cocktail designed by the Ebell, Los Angeles featuring my new obsession, Ventura Limoncello. 

The piece de resistance of this event, the drop dead gorgeous "Marie Antoinette Gone Modern Ball Room"  was the result of the magic spun & designed by my very good friend,  Jeannie Ward, The Wedding Jeannie. 

The other rooms, featured an opulent & sensuous "Bollywood" Room & henna plus a totally chic "Le Discotheque" room. Of course, I danced all night to the DJ-live entertainment fusion sounds of 11H Entertainment. You have to let me book these amazing people for your event & YES, they travel!

It was one of the most amazing industry events I have been to & one I will remember for a long time. I am sure Your Wedding Day will have a great time trying to outdo themselves for the parties for their upcoming issue (which will have some exciting surprises) but I'm not telling:)

Enjoy the fabulous video recap of all the party fun above and you might just see Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge and friends at the very end having some fun at the LA Photo Party Booth which is a total blast & I totally want to book them for a wedding (hope it will be YOURS)!

Check out the Your Wedding Day Blog (& you will want to stay tuned to this blog in the near future for some other exciting information regarding yours truly!) for more info, phenomenal images by CherieFoto (and decor ideas galore) of the event and links to all the great event designers and sponsors of this fabulous event. 

Featured Wedding-Andy & Elizabeth | Four Seasons 5.17.09

All Images by Altf.com Photography

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge had the great pleasure of planning & directing the absolutely beautiful (if I do say so myself) wedding of Andy & Elizabeth at the always elegant Four Seasons Resort, Las Vegas this past May 17th. 

It has been one of my absolute favorite weddings this year for so many reasons beginning of course with a couple who I have come to know & love over the past 15 months. 

The wedding locations took some twists and turns from when we first started out but, I'm a firm believer in "beshert" (Hebrew for "destined to be") & the celebration could not have been more perfect than in the gorgeous Fountain Terrace of the Four Seasons thanks to the fantastic Asst. Director of Catering, Dennis Silknitter. 

Andy & Elizabeth incorporated not only the beautiful green color but also as many "Green" elements they could into their wedding. From cutting down on paper & having an elegant seating chart/menu combination to bio-fueled luxury transportation for guests and environmentally, socially responsible wedding bands, the affair reflected this couples wish to celebrate in style & with respect for the environment. 

It was a wonderful evening and truly a celebration of love, family & friends enjoying a beautiful environment, a fabulous Las Vegas night, delectable food & drink (Donut Bar & Eskimo Pies included) & live entertainment all night long. It wasn't just a wedding, it was a PARTY!!

Thank you to the unbelievable, talented team of Wedding Professionals who made this event such a success. It's a pleasure & honor to work alongside you. You make me look GREAT & you all ROCK!

Weddings like this & couples like Elizabeth & Andy are why I truly love my job!

• Tifany of Gourmet Invitations for the amazing custom "linen inspired" invitations & reception pieces. 
  
• Randi of Naakiti Floral & Sit on This Chair for the gorgeous florals, decor, linens & chairs who is just a joy to work with & always goes above & beyond my expectations.
  
• The uber-talented John Michael & Dalisa Cooper of Alt F Photography. It took 6 years to work with you FINALLY, & it was worth the wait:)-I'm going to make sure it won't take that long again. 
  
• Lori White who is one of my absolute favorite hair & makeup stylists to work with. 
  
• SWANK A/V for those super cool light balloons.
  
• The Steve Beyer Band for keeping us rockin' all night long.
  
• Vegas Photo Booths for all the photo fun. What WAS going on inside that cabana?;)!!
  
• Pat Harris & the awesome Sight N' Sound Events Video Team
  
• Nicole from Earth Limos for the Eco-Luxury Rehearsal Dinner Transportation
  

And Thank YOU Andy & Elizabeth for allowing me to be a part of your lives this past year & help you bring your vision of your wedding to life. It was truly an honor & pleasure! Mazal Tov you two & may you have a long life (120 years or so) full of good fortune, good health, lots of laughs and of course, much love all ways and for always! X0

T.

Beautiful Wedding in Gold & Red at Four Seasons, Las Vegas 4.17.09

Wedding was held at the beautiful Four Seasons, Las Vegas Resort

Bouquet of deep red roses, flame cala lilly wrapped in bronze & accented with some sparkle!

Decor was inspired by Bride's bronze gown & wedding song "Lady in Red"

The beautiful ceremony site also featured a red high gloss dance floor for the aisle

Stunning Custom Staircase Decor for some fabulous photo ops

Gorgeous Belly Dancers in the wedding colors were just 1 part of the amazing entertainment

All images provided by Ray Iavasile, Ray Anthony Photography

To see more "Sneak Peek Images of this event, visit Ray's Blog

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge had the pleasure of planning this gorgeous wedding celebration that took place at one of my favorite venues, The Four Seasons, Las Vegas Resort, on April 17, 2009 in 28 days! Yes, JUST 4 WEEKS! 

That was the first time, believe it or not, I had the opportunity to squeeze about 6-12 months of planning into less than a month and I must say for the record that it was a very busy 30 days and one of the most unexpected pleasurable planning experiences I have had to date. 

From the time I met the Bride & Groom (due to a privacy contract I signed with the couple, I am not at liberty to reveal their names or any images of them or guests), I quickly discovered this was going to be a fantastic and very memorable party for them and their guests. 

With the assistance of Asst. Catering Director Dennis Silknitter of the Four Seasons that served a sumptuous 6 course wedding meal, I began assembling a team of some of Las Vegas' top (and my favorite) wedding professionals to create this gorgeous, warm ambience set in tones of bronze, golds, reds and oranges to compliment the bride's gown & love of beautiful, bright and warm colors. 

The wedding party walked down a petal lined, high gloss red aisle to a collection of red & orange florals on pedestals. Guests dined under a fabric canopy accented with crystals and flowers, lounged on European style gold sofas & ottomans, at antique gold mirrored tables and a monogrammed bar. 

The beautiful decor was created by Andrea Sage, Marian Menezes and Nina Sauter of Destinations by Design.

The bride wanted to treat their guests to an after-dinner show and boy, DID WE PUT ON A SHOW. Thanks to Bruce Sampson of Steve Beyer Productions, we assembled a parade of entertainment to dazzle guests including belly dancers, a magician, "Cirque" performers, ballroom dancers and a magician, all orchestrated by a DJ & and "All Night Mike", a great MC who kept everyone happy, laughing and dancing on the red dance floor all night long (when they weren't enjoying the hot wedding trend Cold Stone Ice Cream and Hot Doughnut Stations)!!

The bride looked gorgeous thanks to my ace makeup artist Barbara Jo Batterman (THE BEST) and all the incredible images here were taken by the uber-talented Ray Iavasile of Ray Anthony Photography. I picked Ray to work with this couple as I knew this wedding was a great match for his style and I'm sure you will agree, I was right on!

The rest of the week long celebration included golf at Shadow Creek Golf Course, a Maverick Helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, a family dinner at Charlie Palmer Steak and welcome in-suite receptions & brunches.

The event was a fabulous success which proved to me that when the stars align and you get  amazing clients and wedding professionals to work with, planning a fabulous Las Vegas Wedding with great Style like this one in 28 days is a pleasure! THANK YOU!

 

Wedding Concierge Article (by Tracey) Featured on Style Me Pretty!!

Image by Ashley Bartoletti

Image by Chelsea Nicole

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge is over-the-moon excited to tell you that a feature story I wrote about Las Vegas Wedding Style, titled "Your Vegas Wedding Style is Showing" (a little play on a past Las Vegas marketing campaign) is featured on the Little Black Book Blog of Style Me Pretty.com. Style Me Pretty is considered one of the top wedding blogs on the internet as a go-to source for "Style Obsessed Brides" as their tag-line states.

The article I wrote also features two of my favorite, fabulous, female Las Vegas photographic artists; Chelsea Nicole and Ashley Bartoletti. 

I wrote the article as an interview asking 5 questions about what sets Las Vegas apart with the "Style" of weddings we do here, what we love about shooting/planning weddings off and on the strip and it includes some of the fabulous work of Ashley & Chelsea so you can get an idea of all the variety of venues, ambience and styles that we have available in this great city. 

From beautiful mountains and lake views to the energy of the strip; the article is made up of the answers to these questions from both Ashley and Chelsea and from my perspective as a wedding planner. 

Sincere thanks to Style Me Pretty and to Eddye!! I am so proud and honored that you have been so generous to publish my article (I hope you will see more of me in print in the future). 

I hope that you enjoy the article and the beautiful images. It's being blogged in 2 or 3 parts I believe. 

Please do let us know what you think by not only commenting on the article at Style Me Pretty, but I know that Chelsea and Ashley will be thrilled to hear your comments on their blogs. I most certainly would appreciate your feedback here as well:).

Visit Chelsea Nicole's Blog

Visit Ashley Bartoletti's Blog

Enjoy!