My intention in creating Jim Thorpe Weddings & Events was not only to promote my services as a wedding planner, but Jim Thorpe as a venue for corporate events, retreats, parties of all kinds, and of course, weddings. So, whenever there is a talent in Jim Thorpe that fills me with glee and inspires in [...]]]>

My intention in creating Jim Thorpe Weddings & Events was not only to promote my services as a wedding planner, but Jim Thorpe as a venue for corporate events, retreats, parties of all kinds, and of course, weddings. So, whenever there is a talent in Jim Thorpe that fills me with glee and inspires in me the endless possibilities that surround this town as well as party ideas, I must boast of it on this blog. And so, this week I want to talk to you about Venus & the Moon , a partnership of two very inspiring and gifted women, Michelle Gallagher (Venus) & Selena Mazmanian (The Moon). Together, in their quaint and cozy shop tucked on Jim Thorpe’s very own (and very picturesque) Race Street, they tackle Mind, Body & Spirit and offer something quite unique for your wedding, party, or corporate event.

Unique Party Favors

Picturesque Race Street in Jim Thorpe, PA

It is customary at many weddings and parties to hand out parting gifts to the guests that shared in your special day or event. Having worked many weddings I find that, more often than not, these little gifts are left behind. I have stacks of left over favors in a box to prove it. But, what if couples offered something so cool and unique that guests wouldn’t want to leave it behind? Why not offer your guests a box of candy soap or even offer them heart shaped conversation hearts in flavors like Vanilla or Cinnamon.? And yes, these candy soaps not only look like chocolate so good you want to eat it (but please don’t), but smells like chocolate candy too! Selena can create the perfect parting gift from her line of hand-made all natural bath and body products that includes edible body butter in a selection of flavors. As a planner I love the idea of couples or parties offering their guests soap or lotion that reflects their spirit as a couple, and, of course, it’s a parting gift so unique your guests will not forget it.

Wedding Officiate & Tarot Readings

Michelle Gallagher makes up the Spirit aspect of the Body, Mind & Spirit Offerings of Venus and the Moon. An interfaith minister, Michelle will travel to your wedding to perform your marriage and will work with you to customize your ceremony. I have found that these days, many couples have migrated from the traditional ceremony to the custom, creating verbiage that speaks to their bond with each other, their own religious or spiritual beliefs, and incorporates any aspect of the couple’s relationship that they wish to share with their guests to create a unique and personally meaningful marriage ceremony.

Beyond being an interfaith minister, Michelle is also a psychic medium that offers soul service and Tarot Readings. Immediately, my juices were flowing and I thought how much fun it would be to have her come to your corporate event, bridal shower, bachelorette party or any gathering to do some readings for your guests. It is a unique and fun way to entertain. As a matter of fact, Michelle will be providing not only officiate services to one of my Brides, but will be doing private Tarot readings for the Bridal party preceding the ceremony!

For more information on Venus & the Moon, their products, and services, you can find them on Facebook.

As an entrepreneur I am always looking to network with local businesses and fellow entrepreneurs, especially those that have services to offer Brides and their Grooms and family members. My intention is, and has always been, to make Jim Thorpe a destination wedding location in the Northeast Region. And why wouldn’t it be! Our area [...]]]>

As an entrepreneur I am always looking to network with local businesses and fellow entrepreneurs, especially those that have services to offer Brides and their Grooms and family members. My intention is, and has always been, to make Jim Thorpe a destination wedding location in the Northeast Region. And why wouldn’t it be! Our area has so much to offer. I call it your destination wedding location close to home.

Hydrotherapy Capsule

I was happy to discover Pure Beauty Lounge located on Interchange Rd in Lehighton on the outskirts of Jim Thorpe near the PA Turnpike. It is an oasis of luxury perfect for pampering the Bride, Groom and their family members. In addition to hair styling, coloring, texture services and nail services, they offer massage (including a couple massage), Facials, Rejuvenating Body Wraps utilizing herbs, mud and minerals from all around the world and an infrared and hydra-therapy capsule that aid in weight loss, pain relief, detoxification and skin purification.

If you’re looking to boost your weight loss before your big day, their infrared capsule is proven to help people  loose weight and burn calories. One session can burn anywhere between 400 – 700 calories.  Their sessions are $25 for 1/2 hour or you can purchase 10 sessions for $199 or unlimited monthly sessions for $249.   The infrared capsule also helps with detoxification, pain relief and skin purification.

Their Hydrotherapy Capsule provides the following functions and is only $50 for a 35 minute session.

Functions:
1. Affusion shower
16 jet water columns massage your body, clean your skin and make it more elastic.
2. Full-body steam bath opens pores and heats the body, making the detoxification process more efficient.
3. Aromatherapy oils are used for perfectly combining plant essence with the body, or healing physical therapy can be accomplished with herbal medicines.
4. Chrome Phototherapy – Red: accelerating skin metabolism, promoting blood circulation, and increasing absorption of alga  essence in the skin. Blue: calming and relaxing the skin.
5. Music therapy
Wired receiving system is used for selecting SPA music therapy.
6. Hydraulic massage
Lying on the hydraulic mattress, just like floating in the sea, you can relax the muscles of your back and legs by the soft force of water.
7. Cool breeze for face
 The thermal effect will accelerate the blood

For more information and to learn about their special Bridal packages, you can visit them on the web at http://thepurebeautylounge.com or find them on Facebook !

I think most of us would agree that, in addition to being an event, a wedding is also a production.  There is quite a bit of scheduling that requires  everyone to be at a certain place at a certain time so that all those moments are captured in [...]]]>

Cast & Crew of Wissotky Tea Commercial Shoot

I think most of us would agree that, in addition to being an event, a wedding is also a production.  There is quite a bit of scheduling that requires  everyone to be at a certain place at a certain time so that all those moments are captured in the five hours of celebration.  And so, it goes, that productions , like a commercial shoot, operate the same way.  There is scheduling and coordination of all the staff ; make-up artists, the actors, production assistants, lighting guys and props.  I was very excited to have been asked by Hoffman Productions to be their Production Coordinator.  There, I put my event planning skills to work to help put together a commercial shoot.

Hoffman Productions is a production company based in NY and Israel with satellite offices in Allentown, PA.  They specialize in online viral video, and particularly ones aimed at the Jewish Community.   Video is the new SEO and Hoffman Productions is on the cutting edge of that with a strong YouTube presence. 

I found that my methods for time management  and planning I utilize for weddings translated well to a commercial shoot.  With the shot list, you coordinate the length of time anticipated for each set up /shoot/break down. Now, some shots take longer, some shorter. At one point your early but can quickly find yourself running late. I enjoyed coordinating aspects of the shoot, from scheduling the shots, to the actors arrival, finding and scheduling lunch & finger foods throughout the day (and long days they were) and troubleshooting on the spot when something came up (fortunately, thanks to good planning, there weren’t too many of those).  We worked hard, but it was a great time!  I look forward to more work with Hoffman Productions in the future.

Here is the clip for Wissotsky Tea;  Tribute to the Jewish Mother

I always get excited when I have the ability to utilize my skills for a good cause.  It is why I helped start the First Annual Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival, which was originally created to benefit the business community in  Jim Thorpe and the Mauch Chunk Opera House.  It is why I am [...]]]>

BC Sports Company Logo

I always get excited when I have the ability to utilize my skills for a good cause.  It is why I helped start the First Annual Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival, which was originally created to benefit the business community in  Jim Thorpe and the Mauch Chunk Opera House.  It is why I am on the planning committee for the Annual Victorian Heritage Festival (raises money for Kemmerer Carriage House Restoration).  After all, it was my start in those endeavors that gave birth to Jim Thorpe Weddings & Events.  So, imagine how excited I was when an opportunity presented itself to become the Regional Event Planner for BC Sports & Sporting the Stars.  Now, I get to expand my business while helping charities raise money for their noble causes.

BC Sports is a highly reputable sports memorabilia company in business for decades with retail stores throughout the Philadelphia Area.  Their charity division is headed up by a company called Sporting the Stars.   Through this partnership, they are able to offer a  RISK FREE fundraising option to charities, both big and small, by consigning signed sports memorabilia for live or silent  auctions,  raffles, or to sell at their events.  The charity simply returns anything it doesn’t sell and pays a minimal price for the items it does , pocketing the difference for their cause.  No other company offers this type of product for charities and completely risk free  – it’s a win win! The products are certified authentic and of high quality. You can choose from a broad selection of signed memorabilia of local and national superstars!

As the Regional Event Planner, it is my job to bring this amazing fundraising option to local charities and organizations, whether it be a small community looking to raise money for a family in need or an entire organization looking to raise large capital.  No charity is too big or too small!  You can select from  1  to 20 or more items to raffle.  For larger events, we can even make arrangements for a sports star to be present (stars fee and certain conditions  apply).   As the regional event planner I can connect and coordinate the event with you.  I’m excited at the possibilities and creative ideas we can utilize  to make your fundraising event a huge success! 

While I represent the Allentown/Lehigh Valley/Carbon County area, I am not limited in where I can make the connections. That means, any one of my friends, families, and associates across the United States can contact me.  BC Sports has connections with all major sports and teams throughout the United States.

For more details, please do not hesitate to contact me at 484-629-5070 or via my contact page .  You can also view a pdf flyer about the program here.  If you know of anyone that is looking for a risk free way to raise some money for their charitable cause, please spread the word and pass my information on.

A recent phone call from a potential bride and groom all the way from California got my wedding planner creative juices flowing.  The couple, who have family on the East Coast, are looking for a somewhat low key wedding in an area that features a lot of outdoor activities.  They are an [...]]]>

A recent phone call from a potential bride and groom all the way from California got my wedding planner creative juices flowing.  The couple, who have family on the East Coast, are looking for a somewhat low key wedding in an area that features a lot of outdoor activities.  They are an active couple that like the idea of hiking, biking, rafting and other activities that the Jim Thorpe area offers.  I’m all excited about the different ideas that have been flowing through me since I spoke to the potential groom.  I can’t stop thinking about it and I felt the need to share.  

I truly believe that ceremonies and receptions can take place anywhere.  Jim Thorpe is surrounded by not 1, but 4 potential parks;  Mauch Chunk Lake, Beltzville Lake, Lehigh Gorge (Glen Onoko) and the often overlooked Kemmerer Carriage House Park  located on mansion hill with the Asa Packer Mansion and the Harry Packer Mansion as its backdrop. Any of these, with a little planning , coordination, and know-how,  can be perfect spots for a beautiful and unique ceremony and reception.

Photo from www.tinywarterblog.com

An idea I absolutely fell in love with is the picnic wedding. I have been fantasizing about one for months as a possibility for my own nuptials ( when that time comes).  A google search of picnic weddings returned some amazing photos, like the one I’ve snatched here from www.tinywaterblog.com.   This image could have been taken in any of the parks within the area.  Jim Thorpe is a PERFECT  setting to create such an amazing and romantic atmosphere.  It’s the  rugged outdoors meets wedding elegance.

What’s even more fabulous is that there is no right or wrong way to do it!  Creating your own atmosphere,  with nature as your backdrop, allows you to personalize your wedding and create something truly  unique.  Not only will you always remember your special day, but so will your guests.

It’s ideas like these that gets me  so excited. I’m truly happy  to be a wedding planner and one that has such a beautiful area to work and with so many possibilities.  If you would like to know more about planning an outdoor wedding in any of the locations mentioned, or would like to learn of other locations in the area, contact me!  There is no idea too crazy, too outlandish.  I”m all about making it happen!  If you can dream it, I can help you create it!

Let’s make your wedding dreams come true!

To learn more about the different locations mentioned:

Mauch Chunk Lake Park

Lehigh Gorge State Park

Beltzville State Park

Kemmerer Park

This past September 3 I had the privledge of being the planner for Courntey & Ernie at the beautiful Mauch Chunk Ballroom.  They were such a [...]]]>
I absolutely LOVE Jim Thorpe.  I can’t say it enough. It’s just a beautiful town that offers an amazing backdrop and an old world romance to your wedding day. 

This past September 3 I had the privledge of being the planner for Courntey & Ernie at the beautiful Mauch Chunk Ballroom.  They were such a fun, loving and wonderful couple with two beautiful children to boot.  The photographs just came in, and so I had to share them for a few reasons. First Josh Finsel + Amber Breiner (JF+AB Photography) did such and AMAZING job on the photographs.  Secondly, the scenery in which they shot the wedding was amazing;  The Inn at Jim Thorpe, The Old Jail House on Broadway, the Jim Thorpe Train station, I can go on!   No matter which direction you look in historic Jim Thorpe, there is just so much beautiful scenery and all of it is filled with romance!

Then, of course, there is the gorgeous Mauch Chunk Ballroom that is housed in the Mauch Chunk Museum building.  DJ Adam Skuba of Skuba Entertainment offered some really awesome looking uplighting for the event, adding another layer of elegance an pinnache. 

I looked at these photos and fell in love with Jim Thorpe all over again.  I am so grateful to have discovered this little town and I’m happy to share it and it’s romance with couples that come through here and chose this magical town to get married in.  I’m also grateful for the many talented photographers, cake makers, DJ’s and Florists that I have the pleasure of working with. Please , enjoy some of the photos in the photo gallery compliments of JF+AB Photograhy!

 Through my experience as a wedding planner , and particularly since beginning the work I do with the Mauch Chunk Ballroom,  a theme that seems to be a common thread with all the couples I meet is that they want a beautiful wedding (who doesn’t) but as times are tough and [...]]]>

 A Cost Saving Alternative without Sacrificing Elegance

 Through my experience as a wedding planner , and particularly since beginning the work I do with the Mauch Chunk Ballroom,  a theme that seems to be a common thread with all the couples I meet is that they want a beautiful wedding (who doesn’t) but as times are tough and  money is tight , so many feel that the wedding of their dreams is out of reach.  How do you  have a beautiful, elegant and classy wedding that is easier on the budget without appearing as such?  Well, I’ve been thinking about it for months trying to come up with the right solution; a cross between a scaled down affair with the air of elegance that accompanies an all out wedding. 

One day, while perusing through the various magazines I skim through for ideas and inspiration, I came across  what is being described as the latest fad in weddings. It was called the Cocktail Reception.  Immediately, my brain started turning over ideas.  Being the IPhone geek I am, the phrase “lite” came to mind; you know , what the “free” version of otherwise paid for apps for the Ipod, IPhone and IPad are often referred to as.  The brilliant idea of a  Wedding Lite™ package came to mind.  Of course, it’s not free, but it is a lighter on the pocketbook .

So what exactly is a cocktail wedding?  It is exactly as it sounds.  It’s the cocktail hour spread out over three hours and includes finger foods, drinks, and, if you so choose, music. Of course, with a reception wedding there are certain rules you need to follow.  A few:

• Rather than 5 hours, your reception should be limited to 3 hours
• Time of the day should be between the two biggest meals of the day, or after dinner; say mid afternoon at 2 or after 6pm.
• Your invitiations shoud read: Join us for Cocktails after the ceremony with lite fair.  It should be clear that a meal will not be served. You don’t want your guests to show up hungry
• This isn’t a sit down affair, so seating is arranged to accommodate for 70% of the guests attending.  This allows for less costs associated with dressing the tables with linens, etc.

My next step was to get together with Dorie, the chef at Through the Looking Glass, to prepare the menu that we would present. Dorie choose a combination of cold stationary platters like Crudite, for guests to nosh on and an amazing assortment of robust appetizers.

And, with that,  I’m happy to announce my Wedding Lite™ Package at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom!

Mauch Chunk Museum

Since coming to the town of Jim Thorpe and, consequently, falling in love with the town,  it has been my vision to make Jim Thorpe a destination wedding location.  Often  couples come through our quaint town on a romantic weekend getaway or as a stop on their hiking, biking, or river adventure.  [...]]]>  

Mauch Chunk Museum

Since coming to the town of Jim Thorpe and, consequently, falling in love with the town,  it has been my vision to make Jim Thorpe a destination wedding location.  Often  couples come through our quaint town on a romantic weekend getaway or as a stop on their hiking, biking, or river adventure.  But no matter what brings them to Jim Thorpe, without a doubt, they are captured by the romance.

Many of the brides and grooms I have had the privilege of working for over the past few years have been out of towners who fell in love with that same charm that captured me . They ultimately chose Jim Thorpe as a backdrop for  their special day.  One of the most memorable couples, from Delaware, will be married one year this coming October. They come to Jim Thorpe often to escape their otherwise hectic job as homicide detectives.  The groom even proposed to the bride here in our town.  Jim Thorpe was their dream wedding, and I had the privileged of helping  them plan it. 

The Mauch Chunk Ballroom

Thw couple had their ceremony and reception at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom.  The ballroom sits in what used to be John the Baptist Church on Broadway.  Most know the building as the Mauch Chunk Museum, and most are unaware that above that museum is a gorgeous main room; the room where parishioners used to worship.  It was lovingly restored by the curator of the museum, John Drury.  Its beautiful hardwood floors and chandelier give it a very elegant feel without being overstated.  There is a large window with stained glass that looks out onto Broadway. The stain glass represents all religious denominations from Judaism to Christianity.  It is, and has been, one of my favorite locations for weddings and the only location that sits directly in the heart of Victorian Jim Thorpe.

And so, I am excited that  I, along with Through the Looking Glass Caterers, have become the exclusive “team” that makes weddings happen at the ballroom. Together, the ballroom, combined with  my services, and Dories culinary skills, make magic happen. I am excited and honored to be the official coordinator of weddings at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom. I am now one step closer to putting Jim Thorpe back on the map as a destination wedding location in the North East.

You can view the different package pricing on our Mauch Chunk Ballroom Package page.

And, as I did last year, I am putting on the Second Annual Jim Thorpe Wedding Expo ­™ at the ballroom. I hope you’ll stop in and visit us.

That is our fantasy and, as a planner, my goal is to [...]]]>
We all plan for our big day.  Let’s face it, most Brides have planned for their big day since they were five!  For the most part, many already know exactly how they want their day to go. We just needed to insert a Groom.

That is our fantasy and, as a planner, my goal is to get you as close to that fantasy as possible while living in reality.  The realities that sometimes come in direct conflict to your vision are; budget constraints (a big one during a time of recession), any visions that your groom may have  for what is supposed to be his day too, and then there are the parents , step parents, grandparents and, well you name it, of both sides of the family.  I’ve seen too often how what one side of the Bride/Groom mixed bag of families wants is sometimes in direct conflict with what the other side wants and how the couple envision their day.

But there is a way. That I promise. Here is where a good planner comes into play to keep the peace and make everyone as happy as everyone can possibly be.

The first thing I always remind my Bride’s is that it’s their day.  If they are paying for my services, as well as for the wedding themselves, that is even more true.  If their parents are paying, then I dole out the “requests” , so to speak,  on what I consider a percentage basis.  In negotiating through the visions of others that conflict with the Bride & Groom, I am emotionally unattached, unlike the Bride and the family.  This gives me the ability to see what requests are reasonable and which are, well not so much so.  I can act as Switzerland and help all sides come to an agreeable solution where everyone’s vision of the day is met.

If you don’t have a neutral third party, things can get a little dicey.

Then there is the other aspect of planning;  all the details, and the work involved.  A bad planner can doom a wedding day.  Last summer I recieved a phone call from a caterer (Through the Looking Glass Caterers, my partner in many events at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom) that a Bride was in trouble. She had a “planner” that was a friend of the family that didn’t order linens and so she had nothing to cover the tables with.  The Bride’s family was contemplating running to Walmart to get whatever plastic tableclothes they could find.  So, they had these gorgeous chair covers with satin sashes , over 150 guests . went to the expense of having  some delicious food in a beautiful venue, but would be serving it on cheap plastic tableclothes!   Well, I felt so horrible for that Bride that I ran over to the venue , made a few phone calls, called in a favor or two, and managed to gather enough table linens to make it work. 

I’m sure the family friend’s intentions were all well and good, but no matter, if you do not use an experienced planner with references and a good reputation for getting it done, you could end up with many hiccups and missteps.  Not everything will and can always be perfect, but it certainly should come with as little stress as possible.  You want to be sure that the vision for your day, if not in your own hands alone, is in the hands of someone that can deliver and make it happen.

Having a planner doesn’t have to be expensive and many, myself included, offer different levels of service.  The most practical, and popular , is what I call the “Day of” package which entails making sure that all the details the Bride & Groom went to the trouble to arrange, actually gets done without them having to give out orders or delegate on their actual wedding day.  After all, it’s their day, they shouldn’t have to lift a finger or give an order; just sit back and enjoy being the focal point of the day. 

It’s also important to remember, your time is money, and if doing stuff for your wedding takes you away from the time you need to actually make that money, it adds up.  You also want to be careful about leaning too heavily on family and friends before, during and after.  They want to enjoy your day with you.