Meet the Wedding Pros: John Ryan

This is the first in a series of posts where we spotlight wedding professionals in the Philadelphia PA/NJ/DE areas.

I recently met John Ryan at J&J Studios, a photography/videography company based in Philadelphia, after he liked & followed Trilogy Event Design on IG. He slid into my DMs (calm down… it was 100% professional) to invite me to be featured on his blog. I suggested we schedule time to chat and become familiar with one another first… because I don’t align Trilogy Event Design with random people I don’t actually know.

So we scheduled time to talk and I was immediately impressed by this young man’s passion for photography and business savvy that has led this company to see significant growth. On his website, John says, “I love wedding photography. I get to be a product, portrait, lifestyle, glamour, boudoir, family, and documentary photographer all in the space of 10 minutes.”

During our conversation, I mentioned that I was working with Open Aire Affairs and Joshua’s Catering to design & coordinate a styled shoot and open house at Ridgeland Mansion. (more about that event later) Since John was unfamiliar with the venue, I invited him to come out to see this beautiful hidden Philadelphia gem.

Not only did John show up but he also captured some images of me and the other participating wedding/event professionals. I even got a cute new headshot!

John is a pretty cool guy and we look forward to opportunities to work with him in the future. But don’t take my word for it, contact him to see for yourself. (Email info@jjstudiosphiladelphia.com)

Until next time… I leave you with Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses!

Tips for Planning a Wedding During Uncertain Times

I know it has been a while since we posted a new article. Like everyone else in the world right now, I have had a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirling around my head… which makes it pretty hard to write something that isn’t a jumbled mess of words. I hope this article is helpful to at least one of you.

The world is currently experiencing a wave of uncertainty but this doesn’t mean we can’t still find ways to focus on the important, exciting and special aspects of our lives, including weddings.

Love should always be at the core of anything related to wedding planning. When there is positivity and loving energy, you can get through any challenges or uncertainty. If you and your partner are in the midst of planning your wedding day, here are a few tips that will help.

Deciding Whether to Postpone or Cancel

I strongly recommend that instead of cancelling your entire wedding, you postpone it. It can be difficult to stay positive about the wedding planning process with all of the lingering uncertainty, but it will end. By postponing your wedding, you’ll incur fewer financial losses than if you cancel it completely. Your hired professionals and venue will be more than happy to help you make alternative arrangements, ensuring everyone benefits. If your wedding is in the near future, start the process of choosing another date and making the necessary arrangements with vendors and guests. If your wedding is still several months away, there’s probably no need to change your date yet. Just keep your eyes and ears open for changes in regulations and restrictions.

Rope in the Experts

As mentioned, your vendors are here to help you. They are professionals who want to keep their clients happy. Plus, they want to keep their businesses running too. There’s no need to go through this alone. Ask your wedding planner, venue and vendors for help when rescheduling your wedding day. Not only will this help relieve some of the pressure, but they may be able to assist you with some helpful suggestions that will make all this a lot easier too.

Focus on One Thing at a Time

Planning a wedding is a full time job. When you need to plan an entire wedding all over again, it can get very overwhelming very quickly. Slow down and start by brainstorming everything you need to take care of, starting with a new date. Once you’ve discussed a new date with your venue and vendors, you can start taking care of the finer details, such as letting your guests know. A wedding website is a great tool to have for communications with your guests.

Remain Positive

This can be easier said than done but positivity will be key at this time. Lean on your partner, friends, and family for support. It’s perfectly normal to feel sad, angry and disappointed but try to bring your mind back to your reason for wanting to get married. Focus on love, unity and the bigger picture to stay positive. You will get through this and you can take solace in the fact that you’re not the only couple who needs to navigate these challenges.

Nobody planned for any of this to happen but the good news is that you’re surrounded by people who will help ensure you still have the wedding of your dreams.

If you need personalized guidance, schedule some time to meet with me (virtually by phone or video). Our initial 30 minute session is on me.

As always, I leave you with Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses

Randi

5 Ways to Make the 2020 Holiday Season a Wonderful Experience

Guest Post by Emma Grace Brown

The 2020 holiday season is gearing up to look like none other. Between travel restrictions, bans on large gatherings, and fears of our parents and grandparents catching the virus, this year will bring about many changes to the way we celebrate. Here, Trilogy Event Design presents five tips that can help you make the most out of what can only be summed up as a weird year.

1. Host a virtual gathering.

Virtual gatherings are a trending topic — and for a good reason. The coronavirus continues to have the biggest impact on the elderly population. And, considering that these are the ones we typically get into closest contact with around the holidays, many people are rethinking their Thanksgiving and Christmas plans. Instead of gathering around the table, consider hosting a Zoom meeting. Using your smartphone or another connected device, you can share your holidays with friends and family near and far. If your technology isn’t up to the task, now’s a great time to treat yourself to a good deal on a tablet or laptop.

2. Plan a food exchange.

No matter how far apart you and your family members are, you can still share your favorite treats. Get together with your parents, siblings, cousins, and friends and agree to a food exchange. If you have a pie that everyone loves, for example, start baking. Most items — yes, even Christmas cookies — can be shipped safely. UPS notes that it’s best to use plastic wrap and padding to keep freshly baked goods fresh and intact.

Image via Pexels

3. Create a signature cocktail.

Families that enjoy a drink around the holidays might want to consider designing a special drink as a proverbial nightcap for a very dark year. To come up with your drink, think about flavors that matter to your family. For example, if grandma makes a cranberry-orange chutney, a cran-orange vodka mix might be a fun way to be together apart. Give it a whimsical name, like Apocalypse Punch or 2020 Twister, and then send a care package with all of the ingredients needed to your closest friends and family.

4. Stay outside.

When you absolutely can’t stay away from one another, plan your event outside. Circulating air will make it less likely for unknowingly asymptomatic carriers to transmit the virus. To keep everyone warm, consider using a pop-up tent and blocking wind from one side, building a fire pit, or utilizing radiant heat so it stays cozy even in cold conditions. Gathering in person may not be permitted in your area, so do check local regulations before sending out invites.

5. Travel safely.

Finally, if you do plan to stray away from home this holiday season, do so responsibly. Keep in mind that travel, even by plane, does not have to be a super-spreader event. Most planes already utilize HEPA filters that remove virtually all bacteria and viruses from the air. Unless you’re traveling in your own personal vehicle, wear a mask. No matter how you choose to get from point A to point B, make sure to keep hand sanitizer within arms reach, use it often, and don’t touch your face. Most importantly, if you have the sniffles, stay home.

The above five tips won’t replace a traditional holiday gathering. But, they can help you end your year with a bright and merry memory, which is something we all need right about now. No matter how you choose to celebrate, enjoy your time together (or apart).

Let Trilogy Event Design help you plan your next family or business gathering. Graduation parties, bridal showers, and corporate galas are just a few of the events we can manage. Plus, our wedding design service can help you make your big day just as dreamy as you have always imagined.

Wedding Bands for Him

Hey there! This one is dedicated to the men who want their wedding band to show a little personality… a little zazz. After all, why should women’s rings get all of the attention? Since your wedding band is supposed to stay on your hand forever, it should be something you like looking at.

I was recently introduced to an amazing local small business called Bands 4 Bros which caters to the groom (for a change). Their selection of rings is vast and gorgeous.

The Trailblazer - Tungsten with a Turquoise Inlay

Silver Rings. Gold Rings. Black Rings. Nothing Boring. ALL EPIC

There are a few things every man should consider when choosing a wedding ring:

• width

• fit

• metal

• finish - high polish, matte, combination

• detail

• engraving

The Olympian - Available in Gold, Rose Gold Plating and High Gloss Tungsten Finish

All of the rings are affordably priced. The most expensive ring is under $350.

Free shipping on every ring… worldwide.

One of the really nice things I appreciated was the status updates via email from the time the ring is ordered thru delivery. I know this will be a calming grace to many nervous couples awaiting the arrival of the wedding band. Right?

Another great feature is their 45-Day Exchange policy. If you get the ring and don’t love it, or it doesn’t fit properly, or you just can’t make up your mind about what you want… No Worries! They got you.

The Typhoon - Blue Plated Tungsten with Black Carbon Fiber Inlay

EVERY ring comes with a FREE one-year warranty, but I recommend a lifetime warranty for added security… because we all know nothing ever goes wrong until the warranty expires.

OMG! I almost forgot to tell you the BEST feature of all. EVERY ring comes with FREE ENGRAVING! You can add both of your names, your initials, your wedding date, or a meaningful message. Here’s a little bit of advice if you are on the fence.

If you buy your ring from Bands 4 Bros, please come back and post in the comments to let me know about your experience. Until next time…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses xoxo

Randi