Event planning: Where creativity, ingenuity and hard work meet

Erik Kent, Co-Publisher of NJWedding.com (Photo by Bryan Madrid Photography)

Erik and Beth Kent were practically newlyweds when on Valentine’s Day, 1997, they launched www.njwedding.com, one of the longest-running wedding planning sites in New Jersey.

Married at Rutgers University’s Kirkpatrick Chapel in 1994, they planned their entire wedding the old-fashioned way: thumbing through the Yellow Pages, asking lots of questions and writing lots of lists. The next year, while visiting friends at MIT and watching as they researched things on the Internet, the Kents had an “a-ha!” moment.

It was a like a light bulb went on: “We realized that pretty soon, when the Internet was more public, people would be using it to search for local services and products,” Mr. Kent says.

And so was born the idea for one centralized resource. At njwedding.com, brides and grooms search for bakeries and bridal gowns, bands and florists, photographers and videographers, ministers and civil officiates, multi-cultural wedding planners, reception halls and destinations, and much more.

To say the site has come a long way from its early days is like saying everyone focuses on the bride on the big day: an understatement of epic proportions.

“We wrote to about 50 people we knew connected to the wedding business – most were people we’d worked with for our own wedding – and explained what we were doing, and the only person who saw the potential was the minister who married us,” Mr. Kent says. “He became our first advertiser.”

PM Fine Living Magazine (May 2013 issue), featuring “Celebrations” like Weddings, Bar / Bat Mitzvahs, Catering and more…

The first site was HTML – “just links on a page,” as Mr. Kent says – with new information uploaded as it became available. When the Kents found someone who could do computer programming, they automated their systems.

Today, the site gets about 500,000 hits per month, compared to about 25,000 per month in the early years.

There might be larger companies in the region, but none are as thorough, or as focused on relationship building, Mr. Kent says.

“Anyone can easily create a site that can be shared online,” Mr. Kent says. “We’ve made connections, built relationships. That’s what we’ve done so well over the years. We have a presence in major search engines, at bridal shows throughout the Garden State, in local newspapers and magazines, and in local wedding groups and associations.”

Mr. Kent, who lives and works in Montgomery Township with his wife, enjoys meeting with brides and grooms at bridal shows to get “an understanding of what they’re looking for when it comes to their wedding plans.” And, as a spokesman for his company, he can also steer couples toward particular members and services.

Some trends Mr. Kent has noticed: a shift away from clubs and toward “fun” outings – golf, cooking classes, hot air balloon rides – for bachelor and bachelorette parties, uplighting at wedding receptions, dancing “in the clouds” a DJ puts on the floor, photo booths, and honey jars created by local beekeepers.

It’s been a nice way to make a living, Mr. Kent said, as it’s given both him and his wife the opportunity to work from home and watch over their three children, ages 13, 10 and 8.

(Reposted from the May 2013 edition of PM Fine Living Magazine / Packet Publications (see Pages 8 & 9 where NJWedding.com was featured along with Mary Harris of Mary Harris Events). Photo of Erik Kent by Bryan Madrid Photography)

5th Annual VIP Contest Winners Put LBI In Center Of Wedding Plans

NJWedding.com and the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce announce winner of Wedding Road Show on Long Beach Island 2013 VIP Contest!

NJWedding.com’s Wedding Road Show VIP Contest Winners, Ashley Taluba and Pete Gallagher

Long Beach Island, NJ – After receiving almost 1,000 entries since November 1, 2012 for the VIP Contest, a winning couple was chosen on Friday, April 12th, announced Erik Kent, Co-Publisher of NJWedding.com . Ashley Taluba of Roselle Park, NJ and Pete Gallagher of Millville, NJ were chosen randomly out of the entries of engaged couples and awarded with the “VIP Experience” during the upcoming Wedding Road Show on Long Beach Island 2013 event.

Ashley and Pete will receive an overnight stay in the “Honeymoon Suite” at The Gables Historic Inn & Restaurant in Beach Haven, NJ on Saturday, April 20th, including breakfast on Sunday morning. Then they will go to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce office in Ship Bottom to register for the Wedding Road Show, where they will receive a custom welcome gift basket by Camille’s Floral Design and an LBI-themed cookie bucket from A Sweet Memory. They will then enter their white stretch limousine, courtesy of A Shining Star Limousine Service, where they will tour the LBI region’s venues and view exhibits by wedding professionals featuring a variety of services and products.

When asked why Long Beach Island was a consideration for her wedding plans, Ashley replied that she’s an “LBI beach girl” and has spent time on the island, taking day trips to Loveladies and Beach Haven over the years. Also, with her being from Northern NJ and Pete being from Southern NJ, Long Beach Island provides a centralized location for them, their friends and family. She considers LBI to have a different feel than other New Jersey beaches, and enjoys taking relaxing drives throughout the island. Her ideal wedding would be on the beach, where she and Pete could take memorable pictures. She and Pete met and began dating while attending Stockton College and were engaged in June 2012. They have a tentative wedding date of Spring 2015.

After attending several bridal shows around New Jersey to get ideas and costs for various wedding services, Ashley and Pete are looking forward to attending the Wedding Road Show to further explore the Long Beach Island region!

The Wedding Road Show on LBI is taking place Sunday, April 21st from 10am – 4pm. For more information go to http://www.visitLBIregion.com or call the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at (609) 494-7211. The event is sponsored by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.

FREE Bridal Showcase at The Bethwood in Totowa, NJ on April 17th

Don’t miss one of the biggest bridal shows in New Jersey at The Bethwood on April 17, 2013

Bridal Showcase Four Season Productions is having their free admittance, semi-annual MEGA Bridal Showcase on Wednesday, April 17 at The Bethwood in Totowa, NJ from 6-10pm.  This wedding planning event has been taking place for the past 18 years and is always entertaining and full of surprises!

While not only being popular for its large and unique exhibitor collection over three floors of ballrooms throughout The Bethwood, they have been known to have notable guest appearances.  In the past they have had the famous Anthony Roberts Salon and the Gatsby Salon from Style Network’s television show Jerseylicious as well as a guest appearance made by dancer Tony Dovolani from ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.

The event will include their infamous “yellow brick road” styled walk through of all their vendors, a high energy bridal fashion show, DJ performances, complimentary champagne, hot and cold food stations, cake and coffee, free bridal magazines, and grand prize giveaways!

Valuable gifts, door prizes and special discounts will be given away throughout the evening, and one lucky couple will have a chance to win a Super Grand Prize Giveaway of 3 Nights / 4 Days in tropical Tobago at an Oceanfront Resort!

For more information and to register, visit www.njwedding.com/bridalshowcase.

NJWedding.com has been a long-time media sponsor for this wedding planning event, and will be giving away 2 door prizes, so come by and visit our display! Also mark your calendar for the next Bridal Showcase Four Season Productions show at The Bethwood on Wednesday, October 9, 2013.

Red Bank RiverCenter presents 2013 Wedding Walk on Sunday March 24th

Red Bank, NJ becomes a destination for wedding shopping at the annual Red Bank Wedding Walk on 3/24

RED BANK, NJ – Red Bank RiverCenter is pleased to announce that this year’s Red Bank Wedding Walk will take place on Sunday, March 24, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.   Inspired by the continued popularity and success of previous Red Bank Wedding Walks, RiverCenter and Red Bank’s wedding-related businesses are excited to once again present this unique event.  The 2013 Red Bank Wedding Walk promises to be one of the most fun, creative and well-attended bridal events in New Jersey.

This FREE one-day event is designed for prospective brides, grooms, their families and friends to come to picturesque, downtown Red Bank to plan their weddings.  With fabulous riverfront venues, world-class shopping, gourmet restaurants and a fun and funky vibe, Red Bank is THE place for a dream wedding celebration!

The Red Bank Wedding Walk is the perfect occasion to explore downtown Red Bank to see what over 40 wedding-related businesses have to offer!   From formal wear to favors, every aspect of the wedding day can be expertly planned with the help of Red Bank’s resident florists, gown and tuxedo retailers, photographers, jewelers, salons and banquet facilities.  Wedding Walk guests can learn to dance, plan their rehearsal dinner, have their wedding memories custom framed, order invitations or purchase gifts for their wedding party!  Most participating locations will be offering promotions, light refreshments, and libations and live music will be performed all day at locations throughout town.

Brides! Bring your bridesmaids to help you shop for local products and services at the Red Bank Wedding Walk

Brides will register at The Oyster Point Hotel beginning at 10:00am for check-in and registration. All brides will receive a Wedding Walk Map and Tote Bag. Participants will be directed to walk to the businesses or enjoy the transportation of choice including limousine, wedding trolley, or shuttle to convenient central locations downtown so they may visit as many registered businesses as they can.

Visit a minimum of 12 businesses in order to be entered to win a Grand Prize Raffle along with other valuable prizes donated by the participants and sponsors.

Prize drawings will take place at a reception at the Molly Pitcher Inn starting at 4:00pm. All entry forms must be in by 4:15 pm and entrants must be present to win.

Doors of downtown businesses are open for brides, grooms, their bridal parties and families to explore Red Bank for all their wedding needs!

The Wedding Walk will conclude by 5:00 pm. There will be music, fun, food and lots of surprises!

Sponsors of this event include The Knot, McKay Imaging Photography, Molly Pitcher Inn, The Oyster Point Hotel, Great American Trolley Co., inc., NJWedding.com, Craig Kiely & Darryn Murphy Floral & Event Design, John Arcara Photography, Arrow Limousine, Count Basie Theatre, New Jersey Bride magazine, Red Bank RiverCenter, The Two River Times, Costa Honeymoons, The Sassy Chic Boutique, A.H. Fisher Diamonds, Spitball, Sounds To Go Entertainment and Barbizon Modeling.

Guests are strongly encouraged to pre-register on the Red Bank Wedding Walk web site, where they can browse the participating businesses and map out their itinerary to get the most out of their time.  Engaged couples, mark your calendars for the Red Bank Wedding Walk on Sunday, March 24th! Your dream wedding awaits!

For more information and a list of participating businesses, go to www.ACoolLittleWedding.com or call Red Bank RiverCenter at (732) 842-4244.  Red Bank RiverCenter is a not-for-profit alliance of businesses, property owners, and residents working toward the economic vitality of the Red Bank Business District.  Please visit www.redbankrivercenter.org for additional information.

Enjoy a fabulous day of wedding planning and fun at the 2013 Red Bank Wedding Walk!

Say ‘I Do’ Wedding Show 2013 to be held February 24th at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton NJ

The Say ‘I Do’ Bridal Show is presented by Provence Catering at the Grounds for Sculpture

You are cordially invited to the Say ‘I Do’ Wedding Show 2013 at Grounds For Sculpture (18 Fairgrounds Road Hamilton, NJ 08619) from 12:30-3:30pm on Sunday, February 24th.

Meet with top wedding specialists, enjoy light fare, fantastic giveaways and discover the latest in wedding trends. The first 100 brides to arrive will receive a bridal bag full of goodies, too! So register today, and plan to arrive early!

Features include:

• Free online registration for you and a guest ($10 at the door)
• Chance to win vendor prizes with a fun Mystery Game!
• Vendors will be available during the event to speak with couples about planning their wedding and the personal touches that will make their wedding day special
• On-trend, innovative and classic table designs for reception tables to give brides an idea of what their reception could look like.
• A creative Sangria Bar will be available for guests to sample
• Decadent hors d’oeuvres
• The new 2013 J. Crew Look Book, bridal magazines and gifts from other amazing vendors in an overflowing bridal gift bags.
• A chance to win tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show in March 2013
• Get pampered with hair and make-up demos, and much, much more!

For more information about vendors and to register please visit www.sayidowedding.com.  To double your chances of Winning tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show in March 2013, Like Say I Do Wedding Show on Facebook today!

The Say ‘I Do’ Wedding Show is hosted by Grounds for Sculpture and Provence Catering, and sponsored by Cleveland Lane Productions, Viburnium Designs, Cloth Connection, Something Different Party Rental, NJWedding.com, New Jersey Bride magazine, The Knot and VIP Wedding Magazine.

Sculpture Credit: Hans Van de Bovenkamp Sagg Portal, 2004, stainless steel, 132 x 180 x 72 inches. Courtesy of The Sculpture Foundation, Inc. Photo: Kay English Photography

10 Reasons To Get Married In New Jersey

What’s NOT to love about the idea of having your wedding in the Garden State? With a variety of locations for the event and some of the most creative and talented wedding professionals in the world, NJ has everything on a bride and groom’s must-have list. Here’s just a sampling of great reasons to get married in New Jersey:

1. Being located in a geographic region with four unique seasons, New Jersey offers couples the opportunity for winter weddings (sometimes even at a discount), wedding celebrations during the spring renewal, beach or garden weddings in the summertime and colorful fall foliage for memorable photos at one of the many golf resorts, wineries or country clubs.

2. Having your wedding closer to home is more green and eco-friendly than planning a destination wedding: you can reduce your carbon footprint by using less gas and tolls, using locally sourced foods, flowers and wedding service providers.

3. With 127 miles of shoreline, New Jersey offers some of the most beautiful beaches and shore towns around, so couples can have their wedding ceremony on the sand with a reception following on or near the beach.

4. Cape May, New Jersey (“Exit 0″ on the Garden State Parkway) is known as the third most popular destination in the United States to get married, and you can have your wedding on the beach or in one of many Victorian locations from a bygone era.

5. The Long Beach Island region is one of the fastest growing wedding destinations in New Jersey, with over 40 venues and wedding services to serve couples that want to have their wedding weekend in this resort area.

6. You can have a New York style wedding at New Jersey prices (and without the traffic!) since sales tax in New York City is 8.375 percent compared with 7 percent in New Jersey. Still want that backdrop of New York City? Have your wedding at one of the many venues along the Hudson River or charter a boat and cruise past the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks.

Buddy Valastro and his team at Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken have put NJ on the map, showcasing various styles of wedding and specialty cakes on TLC’s “Cake Boss.” Photo provided by Carlo’s Bakery

7. Wedding TV reality shows love New Jersey, too! Some of the NJ’s top wedding locations and experts have been featured on the Style Network’s Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? and Jerseylicious, Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, TLC’s Masters of Reception, Say Yes To The Dress, Four Weddings and of course … we have the Cake Boss (and the Next Great Baker)! New York wedding planner David Tutera often showcases his New Jersey brides on WEtv’s My Fair Wedding.

8. New Jersey’s history is rich with numerous historic locations and landmarks, places where George Washington has lived or slept. More recent history is also represented in the many locations that have served as a backdrop for movies and television, like The Sopranos. One of the most popular places in the state to pose for an engagement or wedding picture is Woodrow Wilson Hall at Monmouth University, better known as Daddy Warbuck’s mansion in the movie Annie.

9. New Jersey is one of the most culturally diverse states in the nation, with large populations of Italians, Pan-Asians, Asian Indians and much more. You can have ANY type of catering you wish at your reception … just name it and you can find it in New Jersey … and it’s delicious!

10. Looking to attend a bridal show or expo? In New Jersey, you’ll be able to find a bridal show almost every day of the week. You will meet local wedding professionals who will give you advice and direction on your wedding plans, see the latest bridal fashions, and even maybe take home some fabulous door prizes or a free honeymoon.

BONUS REASON -> New Jersey was hit with Superstorm Sandy in 2012, which impacted several regions of the Garden State, especially the Jersey Shore. Many beachfront wedding facilities and businesses were affected, and and several are currently in the process of rebuilding. View our blog post entitled “Hurricane Sandy and the aftermath on the New Jersey weddings community,” with details on how NJ couples went ahead with their wedding plans, how wedding professionals teamed up to offer relief for NJ residents, and additional resources for helping those in need. New Jerseyans are “JERSEY STRONG” and we want you to know that the JERSEY SHORE IS OPEN and remains a popular destination for weddings, events and very special memories…

One of the top spots for wedding and engagement photos in New Jersey is Woodrow Wilson Hall at Monmouth University. Photo: Photography by Mike D.

Erik Kent is the Co-Publisher of NJWedding.com. This article was previously featured on AOL’s Aisledash in August 2010.

“All That Glitters” Bridal Extravaganza Presents Preston Bailey, International Event & Wedding Designer, in Atlantic City this Sunday

Divine Elegance by Deirdre will present international, award-winning event and wedding designer Preston Bailey on Sunday, October 21, 2012 as the celebrity special guest during “All That Glitters” Bridal Extravaganza, a one-day only gathering of the area’s most experienced wedding and event planning vendors.

Tickets for “All That Glitters” are complimentary for the bride and groom and are $20 for accompanying guests. Advance registration is required to attend. Please visit www.allthatglittersnj.eventbrite.com for more information and to register. The event will occur at One Atlantic located at 1 Atlantic Ocean in Atlantic City, New Jersey. “All That Glitters” will begin at 12 noon and continue until 5pm.

Preston Bailey will be the Celebrity Guest at the “All That Glitters” Bridal Extravaganza on Sunday, October 21st at One Atlantic Events in Atlantic City, NJ

Preston Bailey’s more than 30-year career as an event and wedding designer is an inspiration to brides and grooms especially as he shares how his clients’ visions are transformed into extraordinary experiences. In addition, in anticipation of the January publication of his forthcoming book Dear Preston: Doing Business With Our Hearts (Greenleaf, 2013), Preston often inspires creative entrepreneurs in the audience with stories of his personal career growth.

During “All That Glitters,” Preston will speak about his spectacular designs, his career and inspirations. The afternoon will conclude with guests having an opportunity to chat with Preston during a book signing. Brides may also enter for a chance to win an exotic honeymoon rendezvous in St. Lucia sponsored by Easy Flow Travel.

Divine Elegance by Deirdre Bridal Consulting and Event Planning brings “All That Glitters” to One Atlantic, a venue known for its unique over-water, ocean front location. Perched 100 yards over the ocean, One Atlantic is the perfect dramatic setting to meet with experienced event and wedding professionals showcasing hand-pressed invitations, a fairytale reception site, exotic honeymoon destinations, wedding bands, caterers, floral designers, event coordinators, musicians, lighting technicians, party favors, personal care, fitness and much more. In addition, a live runway fashion show by Brides by Demetrios highlights the latest trends in bridal gowns.

About Deirdre Luster

“All That Glitters” is produced by one of New Jersey’s premier wedding and special event planners, Deirdre Luster. A Certified Professional Bridal Consultant and Event Planner for more than 16 years, Luster began her career planning parties and events for friends, family and employers. Her vast industry contacts and passion for the business prompted her to establish Divine Elegance by Deirdre LLC. Luster’s continued success is based on devotion to clients, their vision, their needs and making their dreams come true with attention to detail to create a memorable event. For more information please visit www.elegancebydeirdre.com. Follow Deirdre Luster on Facebook and on Twitter @DivineDeirdre

About Preston Bailey and Preston Bailey Designs

Preston Bailey is recognized as the premiere event and wedding designer with more than 30 years of experience under the auspices of his namesake company, Preston Bailey Designs, Inc. He is best known for his ability to completely transform generic (sometimes no more than a shell) spaces, into opulent, theatrical environments, translating his clients’ fantasies into awe-inspiring reality.

Preston Bailey’s one-of-kind events have attracted such notable individual clients as Donna Karan, Jennifer Hudson, Matt Lauer, Liza Minnelli, Joan Rivers, Uma Thurman, Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Catherine Zeta-Jones as well as members of several royal families.

Preston’s influence as a designer continues to expand. Recently announced is a new, signature collection of event and wedding reception tabletop accessories to be launched in 2013 with Weddingstar. In August 2010, Preston partnered with Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute to create the first-of-its-kind event and wedding planning course offered around the world online and in U.S. college classrooms. As an extension of the existing courses, Preston will launch a Floral Design Course series in September 2012.

As an author, Preston has written five bestselling books: Design for Entertaining, Fantasy Weddings, Inspirations, Celebrations and Flowers, which was published by Rizzoli in September 2011 and is already in its second printing. His forthcoming book for creative entrepreneurs is Dear Preston: Doing Business With Our Hearts (Greenleaf, 2013). Headquartered in New York City, Preston Bailey Designs is a privately held company and maintains international offices in Indonesia and the Middle East. For more information please visit www.prestonbailey.com. Follow Preston Bailey on Facebook and on Twitter @prestonrbailey.

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White Carpet Boutique Showcase features luxury wedding professionals in Northern NJ on June 13th

White Carpet Boutique Showcase will launch at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn on 6/13

Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey – Calling all brides-to-be! The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, Creations by Christine Events, in association with (201) BRIDE Magazine and NJWedding.com have announced an upscale, one-of-a kind bridal event that will showcase the areas top luxury bridal professionals and vendors on Wednesday, June 13th from 5-8 pm at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern.

From food to flowers to bridal gowns and formal wear, from fine china and invitations, The White Carpet Boutique Showcase is a must attend event for those soon-to-be brides and bridal parties planning the thousands of details necessary to make your New Jersey wedding special. Along with food and dessert tastings, there will be live demonstrations, expert advice, a bridal attire preview and bridal vendor giveaways.

Participating vendors include Biltmore Tuxedo, Le Bijou Day Spa, Mania Hair Studio, Serenity Massage, Craig Scott Entertainment, Sweet Caroline, Amaryllis Florals, Wedding Flowers by Robyn, Courtyard by Marriott, Plaza Jewelers, Ambassador Video & Photography, Videoccasions, Valley Tent and Kallman Travel.

Tickets are $10 with advanced registration or $15 at the door. The evening also includes a complimentary signature cocktail for all guests and a deluxe gift bag. Registration can be completed by visiting www.whitecarpetboutique.com. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit Wish Upon A Wedding, a non-profit organization providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness & serious life-altering circumstances.

Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern is the host for the White Carpet Boutique Showcase

Meticulously restored and under new ownership since 2009, The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern has been re-designed for an optimum dining experience offering gourmet offerings in a casually elegant atmosphere. Touching virtually every aspect of one of Ho-Ho-Kus’ most beloved and historic buildings, the renovation included the addition a of a casual 33-seat Tavern, a bluestone patio and outdoor fireplace for seasonal outdoor dining and a complete renovation of the Inn’s dining rooms, each evoking a personality or period in the town’s history. Recently appointed Executive Chef Ralph Perrotti creates innovative cuisine using the freshest ingredients from select local and regional farmers and purveyors. The historic Ho-Ho-Kus Inn sources the majority of its produce through Zone 7, the farm fresh distribution service that connects select NJ restaurants interested in responsible and sustainable local and regional farmers. The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn is open every day from 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. (weekdays) and until 2:00 a.m. on weekends. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern is located at One East Franklin Turnpike. Reservations can be made by calling (201) 445-4115 or through the Open Table link at http://www.hohokusinn.com

Check out photos from the event here, and view a video recap from Videoccasions Video Productions below:

Upscale Bridal Showcase to Benefit NJ Brides and “Wish Upon a Wedding” Nonprofit

"Say Yes To The Best!" Bridal Showcase Experience is on Wed., March 7th in Livingston, NJ

LIVINGSTON, NJ – On March 7, 2012, the New Jersey branch of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) and the International Special Events Society (ISES) New Jersey North Chapter are coming together for the third annual “Say Yes to the Best” Bridal Showcase Experience, which will take place at Cedar Hill Golf & Country Club in Livingston, NJ from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

All ticket proceeds will be donated to “Wish Upon a Wedding,” a non-profit organization providing weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation. Candice Benson, President of the New Jersey Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding explains, “We are so honored to be the charity of choice for a second year in a row for this great event.  It is just one of the many ways we have seen those in the industry come out with great support for our organization, and we look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Christine Brower, ISES New Jersey North Chapter President states, “The International Special Events Society, New Jersey North Chapter is delighted to collaborate with the New Jersey Association of Bridal Consultants for the third annual ‘Say Yes to the Best’ Bridal Showcase. We are thrilled to support Wish Upon a Wedding by donating 100% of our ticket sale proceeds to the foundation. These proceeds will be used to grant a couple facing terminal illness the wedding of their dreams.”

Brides, Bridal Parties & Members of the Wedding Community are cordially invited to the 3rd Annual "Say Yes To The Best!" Bridal Showcase Experience at the Cedar Hill Golf & Country Club

Expertly produced and beautifully designed, this event features vendors which are hand selected by an appointed ISES and ABC committee. Guests will gain access to some of the event industry’s premier vendors. Other treats include a fashion show, a table design competition, a groom’s lounge, fabulous door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, a cocktail, and a carefully designed gift bag. Also included this year is a tabletop design competition!  Party Rental LTD is sponsoring this and designers will use linens, chairs and tabletop items from their inventory.  There will be two awards for the table designers: a “Bride’s Choice Designer” (voted by brides and their guests)  and the other is “Wedding Professionals Choice” so everyone who attends can vote for their favorite design.  Attendees will have the opportunity to get inspired by designs at 8 designer showcase tables, each with a different theme.  Here are the companies submitting tables: The Finishing Touch, Rohslers Florist, Party Rental (2 tables), Aventina Events, Christine Hyder Events, FINA Worldwide and Cedar Hill Golf & Country Club.

Event Sponsored By NJWedding.com, New Jersey Bride magazine, ABC-NJ and ISES-NJ North, and hosted by Cedar Hill Golf & Country Club

The Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) and the International Special Events Society (ISES) are organizations dedicated to constant education of wedding and event professionals. Both entities strive to create educated and informed individuals who can better assist clients on their special event.

Brides and guests can register for the “Say Yes To The Best” Bridal Showcase Experience on the official web site: http://www.sayyestothebestnj.com. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Attendees will have the ability to explore many different resources for their special day. Some of the many different types of exhibitors include: Hair/Makeup, Entertainment, Bridal Gowns, Tuxedos, Car Services, Florals, Style Services and Event Planning.

Participating vendors are: The Finishing Touch, Maritime Parc, Eloquent Studios, Platinum Entertainment, Rohslers Florist, Jorg Windau Photography, Skyland World Travel, Troy Curtis Inc, Marie Papp Photography, Inc., Confectionary Designs, Party Rental Ltd., DFX : Sound Vision, Cupa Cabana Cappuccino, Espresso & Coffee Catering, LLC, New York’s Best Musicians, Photo & Video, Bridal by Michele, Vesa Dresses, Aventina Events, Excellent Limo, Lounge It up, Food Company Catering & Special Events, Frungillo Caterers, Najua, FINA Worldwide, Cedar Hill Country Club & Crest Florist, Christine Hyder Events, CAKE! Dessert Design Studio and Stella & Dot Jewelry.

Media sponsors: NJWedding.com and New Jersey Bride magazine.

NJWedding.com Celebrates 14 Years Serving NJ Wedding Community On February 14th

From listing local resources which help couples find vendors for their weddings, to making it easier for NJ wedding professionals to promote their services, to creating areas on popular “social media” sites, NJWedding.com helps put all the pieces of the “wedding puzzle” together

NJWedding.com home page, detailing features of the web site that couples can use to plan their New Jersey wedding

Since its launch on Valentine’s Day 1997, NJWedding.com has made it easier for engaged couples to find services such as banquet facilities, bands, disc jockeys, photographers, videographers, clergy, florists, limousines, invitations, favors and much more through the Internet in the comfort of their home or office. This local wedding planning web site is now entering its 14th year of service to the wedding community on February 14, 2011, announced co-publishers Erik and Beth Kent.

NJWedding.com currently features over 500 listings for various types of wedding businesses that couples can choose from, as well as links to helpful articles and other wedding planning tips. Other special features include information on wedding dresses and bridal registries, virtual tours of banquet facilities, video/music clips from local wedding bands, ceremony musicians, disc jockeys and videographers and a photo gallery showing the creativity of local wedding photographers.

Recent additions to the site include sections on South Asian/Indian Weddings and Civil Union Celebrations, a listing of upcoming bridal shows and wedding planning events throughout the Tri-state area, and sections focused on planning a beach wedding along the Jersey shore, including specific categories for Cape May and Long Beach Island weddings. Also, NJWedding.com in association with the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism, is giving away a VIP Experience to the Wedding Road Show on LBI (on April 10, 2011) through a special contest running through the end of March. NJWedding.com has also had the opportunity to give away a free wedding ceremony aboard the A.J. Meerwald, New Jersey’s official “Tall Ship,” for the past two summers, in association with various LBI organizations and wedding professionals.

For wedding professionals, the Kents developed a Business Resource Center, providing links to wedding statistics, trends, “green” and eco-friendly weddings, marriage research, podcasts, blogs, wedding and event industry associations and more. Wedding vendors and engaged couples can also find NJWedding.com on social networking web sites like facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube, providing an even greater experience to connect within the New Jersey wedding community. In addition couples and wedding professionals can keep up with additional wedding news through a new WordPress BLOG.

Visit NJWedding.com directly at http://www.njwedding.com to search for local wedding services or inquire about advertising opportunities. For more information, contact Erik and Beth Kent at (908) 874-0417 or e-mail them at info@njwedding.com.