JENuine Creations!

Scribbles of an Event Planner...

August 20, 2008

Liza & Lou

Location: Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
Caterer: Wong's King Chinese Cuisine
Photographer: MsB Photography

JENuine Creations! now offers an a la carte "24-hour" package after this wedding! Just kidding. But, I will say Liza & Lou’s wedding was nearly a 24-hour event full of various traditional ceremonies and loads of entertainment for their 550 guests! Yes, you are reading that correctly-- 550!

The day began as early as 8am and wrapped up close to 2am the following morning. I kid you not—I have blisters to prove my presence! By the way, thank you to Chef Mark for the caramel latte and iKham for the Rockstars- replenishment with those fluids truly helped me remain alert… REALLY ALERT! :)

Fu Wong of Wong's King and his team did an amazing job of creating a 10-course meal, which included ginger lobster, honey walnut prawns and sea bass (just to name a few), for the guests to dine.

The entire bridal party gave a surprise performance to their guests with their version of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Then Liza and her five bridesmaids gave Lou a surprise performance of their own. But, the boys didn't let Liza get away with it so easily. They sat her down with a surprise lap dance! You know what they say, boys will be boys. haha!

Here are some detail shots of the wedding:











Oh, and below are some playful shots some of the wedding guests (including yours truly) and most importantly, the bride & groom got to enjoy with Robin & Erik of Paparazzi Tonight:










Good times, good times! ;)

February 13, 2008

Cut Corners Wisely

I cannot stress this enough when I advise my brides: You can cut corners here and there, but do not be sparing with two very important items: your photographer and your honeymoon.

After your perfect wedding day, how will you remember it? The honeymoon? Yes. The photos? MOST DEFINITELY! When your friends and family ask you to share images from your wedding day sending a DVD would be ultra cool; but, I think most of us find it so much easier to e-mail photos and/or a link to your photographer or even your personal website dedicated to your special day. This is why the memories captured on your wedding day should reflect the quality and style of what you've always dreamed it could be, or pretty darn close to it.

When choosing your wedding photographer, ask yourself these three questions:
(1.) Is the style of photography to your preference?
[If yes, then move to question #2]
(2.) Is the photographer's personality a good fit for you and your event?
[If yes, then move to question #3]
(3.) Can you really afford this photographer?
[If no, then move to the next photographer on the list.]

I'd like to expand on question 3 and why I make the suggestion of moving on. If you are contacting a photographer, whose starting rate is $1,500 -- yet you only budgeted $1,000 -- for a wedding/event photographer, then stop right there. Review your list of local photographers again and narrow it down to those within your $1,000 budget. Why? Though there may be promotional discounts and/or coupons that you can use, it's considered offensive to the photographer's talent if you try bargaining for more of a discount. It becomes an imposition to the photographer to try and work with your limited finances, therefore you may not get the full experience if you were to pay full price.

Remember, the prices set by the photographer are often in relation to the cost of producing the picture in the style you see on their website, the cost of their equipment maintenance, staff salaries, and other various small business expenses. The photographer is not supposed to pay you to work your wedding/event, and does need to receive a profit at the end of the day to keep their business going. Please keep in mind that it's not a personal issue where the photographer doesn't want to work with you or within your budget, but it may be that they are unable to operate their business without creating debt.

Consider that cliché phrases, “You get for what you pay for." and "quality vs. quantity.” If you choose to limit your wedding budget on the essential items, you will be remorseful in the end. Your wedding should be about creating memories that lasts a lifetime. A quality photographer will capture those priceless moments for you; and I assure you, it's an investment with eternal rewards.

February 7, 2008

What a "Ratty" year...

To all of my friends and family, "Happy Chinese New Year 2008!" Some may say you have to be of Chinese descent to celebrate this event; however, in my book, any reason to celebrate is an excellent reason for me-- Chinese or non. One big "Happy Family..." just like the entree on the menu of your favorite Chinese restaurant! Haha.

Not everyone has full knowledge of the Chinese Lunar Calendar and what the various animals signify. Therefore, allow me to provide you with a brief history lesson:

It has been told that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve accepted the invitation and Buddha named a year after each one. He indicated that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality.

Because this is the Year of the Rat, we'll elaborate on its traits. Those born in rat years tend to be leaders, pioneers, and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. So, the next time someone calls you a "rat," it’s not really a terrible thing. ;)

My family had an early celebration because we just couldn't wait... Here are some of the items I arranged for the festivities:






Note: I wouldn’t allow anyone to consume the items until I was done with the photos. I know, torturous. Haha!

Photos courtesy of MsB Photography

December 1, 2007

Planner, Coordinator... Same difference, right?

At a recent wedding, a guest noticed I was the wedding planner, “I hope I don’t offend you, but can I ask a question?” My motto is, “If you don’t ask, you don’t know, right?” I smiled and said, “Of course, you can. Ask away!” The guest continued and asked, “This may be a dumb question, but what is the difference between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Coordinator? It’s the same thing, isn’t it?” I chuckled and assured the guest that the question was definitely NOT dumb. In fact, I welcomed the question with open arms because, in reality, not very many people truly know the difference; hence, it was a GREAT question!

My explanation was that a wedding planner's title can vary (i.e. planner, coordinator, director, facilitator, administrator, etc.), depending on how the individual prefers to be addressed. The difference between a couple hiring a planner to assist with their wedding is different from what I like to call “On-site [venue] Coordinators.” Although our roles have similar titles, we are not one in the same; however, we do collaborate with one another to ensure a successful event for the client.

It may seem as though my insight on this topic may appear biased, but actually, it’s far from. Matter of fact, I adore On-site Coordinators — between the two of us, nothing slips through the cracks. It is ideal to have one point of contact for me to partner with instead of trying to individually locate the banquet manager, bartenders, wait staff, chef, etc.— you get the picture. With the coordinator’s assistance, I can provide the deserving attention to our mutual clients, while they can concentrate on the venue's service and setup.

With that said, it is essential to know the reality of each role vs. your expectations. So I’m going to keep this simple and address three main differences:

1. On-Site Coordinators are responsible for their venue. Their partnership and most important concern is ensuring that everything in relation to the venue is complete. The venue pays their salary. A wedding planner is responsible to YOU. This is a third party that is an advocate and administrator of all your vendors and wishes.

2. On-Site Coordinators may have limited vendor referrals. Most of them will have a source of vendors that they prefer to use or have contracted through their facility (i.e. a particular florist that cleans up after themselves, a specific DJ because they already have the compatible equipment to the venue’s system, etc.). While on the other hand, a wedding planner knows many vendors that can fit into many different budgets and match the client's personalities. It's our job to know FANTASTIC vendors that may not even advertise!

3. On-Site Coordinators are there only for the reception (or time at their venue). They are not a wedding planner that will cue the DJ to ensure the first song is played accordingly, or attend photographer meetings, or will be there with you when you’re trying on your tenth dress, or have various design ideas and magazines for you to review, or make themselves available to you for 11pm calls with the reassurance that “everything is going to be just fine…” A wedding planner is there from the planning stages, rehearsal, ceremony and to the reception — executing all of the elaborate details. This is why I say that I’m the first to arrive and the last to leave.

Hopefully this has helped you identify the importance of the role of a wedding planner, along with making certain the venue you choose will provide a coordinator as well. Remember: On the day of the special event, the bride should be carrying a bouquet, not a clipboard. So what are we waiting for? Let’s get planning!!!

For further questions, feel free to send me an e-mail!

October 27, 2007

Rasha & Keith

Location: RiverPlace Hotel
Caterer: Three Degrees Restaurant
Photographer: MsB Photography

My first wedding since the official launch of JENuine Creations! and, let me tell you, I was pretty darn excited. The bride (Rasha), photographer and I met at a coffee shop on a Tuesday evening. Yes, I remember the night very well.

We began discussing the wedding details for 60-80 guests and Rasha had indicated she had three weeks to plan the big event since her parents would only be visiting the country for that period of time. Three weeks? That’s doable, not a problem. However, little did I know that about 75% of the timeline had already passed. "The wedding is this Saturday..."

*moment of silence*

Not only did I do a double-take, I asked her to repeat it a couple more times just to make sure I heard her correctly. Five days prior to the big event … a little nervous? Now I know why Rasha offered the espresso at 7pm—she knew I had work cut out for me! "Umm... barista, I’m ready for that Caramel Macchiato now—triple shot, extra caramel and, heck, put some whipped cream on it!" Haha! Nah, I wasn’t worried; this is what I thrive for; I'm always up for a challenge. Needless to say, the couple opted for the “Day of Coordination” package—literally.

You’re all probably wondering what complications we encountered within days leading up to the wedding and on the day of. But, in actuality, the wedding went pretty smoothly. Scouts honor. There was one moment that had me giggling, but in a good way. The brother-of-the-bride, Mohsen, had to prepare a speech for the new couple; I approached him 15 minutes prior to his scheduled slot and asked if he was ready. His response, “You mean now?” You can tell he was a bit nervous by the tone of his voice.

“Actually, I’m not [ready]. Can I have about 30 more minutes (from the scheduled time)?” This was where my negotiation skills had to come into play—and fast! I agreed for an additional 15 minutes.

Time had expired, so I went back to Mohsen with a big ol’ smile on my face. “Alrighty… are ya ready?” “No, not yet. Can I have ten more minutes?” he nervously asked. We agreed to a final additional five minutes. He stepped out to prepare himself, but my eyes followed his every move to ensure I knew exactly where to find him once the extra time expired. Five minutes later and I found him in the lobby reading, editing and reciting his speech to himself. “Okay, mister, it’s now or never,” I said. “I’m ready,” he responded.

He went back inside to present his speech in front of 60-plus guests. My thoughts, “Touch Down!!!” Mohsen had nothing to worry about, his speech was funny and very sentimental. Great job, bro!

All in all, it was a beautiful wedding. Rasha looked radiant in her gorgeous wedding dress and Keith wasn’t too shabby himself. Just kidding. They are one beautiful couple! The night ended with tons of dancing, and I even received some traditional Egyptian dance lessons from one of the young guests.

Here are some photos from the wedding:













October 15, 2007

Bunn & Romie

Location: Oregon Square Courtyard
Caterers: Double-Tree Hotel and Noho's Hawaiian Cafe
Wedding Cake: Helen Bernhard Bakery
Photographer: Jason E. Kaplan Photography

The Oregon Square Courtyard had never seen a social event as grand as Bunn and Romie's summer wedding ... their guest list was 400 people long — and that was after they cut it down three times before finalizing it! That right there already doubled the courtyard's maximum 200-guest events. On this day, I was not only the wedding planner, but I was also Bunn's Matron-of-Honor so, needless to say, I was kept quite busy!

Their reception was not only filled with tears and laughter among their family and many friends, but also tons of entertainment from Polynesian dancers to two of the world's cutest boys imitating Usher and P.Diddy's "I Need a Girl" routine. There was even a surprise MJ's "Billie Jean" skit by Romie's 11-year-old nephew! Bunn and Romie were called out to join the little guy on the dance floor, too! By the end of the night, they had not one but TWO fire-knife dancers!



















Photos courtesy of Jason E Kaplan Photography

September 1, 2007

JENuine Creations! [Blog]site Launched!

I've finally hopped aboard the "blog train"-- Choot, Choot! Although this is not the official JENuine Creations! website (in the works), I will utilize this blog to update you with the various events I've planned and executed. And every now and then I may share stories of what goes on in the busy life of a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, analyst, shopping buddy, entrepenuer, but better known as an Event Planner. ;) So click back often to check out what's new!

Brief bio of JENuine Creations!:
What started off as just planning and hosting various events, such as milestone birthday parties, social gatherings, corporate events, family and friends weddings, along with my own wedding of 600+ guests has become sheer passion for me. I launched JENuine Creations! with the vision of producing the chaotic task of event planning simple, yet fun!

My specialty is working with modern, contemporary styles. Whether it is an intimate gathering of 25 or an elaborate wedding of 600 guests, my goal is to help you orchestrate your vision into fruition while eliminating your stress and to provide you with the well-deserved opportunity to relax and enjoy your memorable event!

Every event is unique as the people hosting it. My attention to detail and impeccable organization is what makes the difference between an ordinary event and a truly extraordinary experience. While you mingle amongst your amazed guests, my team and I will work diligently behind the scenes to ensure your affair a complete success.

For a complimentary consultation, feel free to send me an e-mail!

About JENuine Creations!

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JEN-JEN
Portland, Oregon, United States
Scribbles of an Event Planner...
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