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A PLANNER'S VIEW

INTO OUR MINDSET
​

Togetherness

1/2/2023

1 Comment

 
​"I’ve been so remiss! OK, I said it." 
 
This year, priorities shifted and there simply was not enough time to hold that diligent edge of keeping up to date on brand promotion. I started to feel the internal pressure as week after week and month after month passed and I did not return to writing my  blog. The anxiety spiked further when Instagram posts and social screen time halted.

​Somewhere during all of this, I allowed myself the space to just let go
of the expectations and rules I had set for myself.
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I decided instead to abandon the cause and focus on clients and events at hand, new business inquiries, our family, my father’s failing health, my rest and taking time to enjoy our property and furry friends.

I realized that, float time at the pool (which occasionally presented itself on a sunny weekend when I was not working an event) was far more gratifying then focusing on any blog or post or letting followers know what I was up to. The ones in my inner circles, knew exactly what 
I was up to and were ​a source of constant support through another very challenging personal year. It took a lot of willpower to say “no” to getting up even earlier than I already was to see to these social and digital duties. But it became very apparent to me that it was time to reset priorities for my peace of mind. This mindful shift allowed me to relax and be present in each moment when the people in my orbit needed me most (be it at work or at home) and to create enough stillness to reset myself and get back  to the work at hand each morning ​with all of our clients (both event and graphic) and many of you.
So, with all of this, comes an apology to all the wonderful vendors 
that I love to follow and comment on.
I know you were out there doing it all and so very well, 
but I simply could not cradle that phone to send you a heart emoji.
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Another confession...email fatigue in the red zone, so overdone. You?
If you got mine and it lead you to this blog, well, I am beyond impressed and grateful that you clicked through.
 As we approached each event day and the emails finally settle and ceased, and we began interacting directly for set up...
THE BEST had arrived. I was at my happiest. I LOVE walking onto a property and just working it to a finish "together"
​be it talking, laughing, working silently or even cursing at times.
It’s what I love most about this work, "the unity" of energy and talents and personalities. It’s the face-to-face time and I don’t mean Zoom.
It’s often the first time we’ve met in person or it’s a joyful reunion since our last event together.
For me, it always involves a good hug and the comfort of being together to do what we love to do. 
​So, thank you for this repeated gift! It's the icing on my cupcake. It's "so" what I need when we get to the finish line.
​Cheers to more togetherness in 2023
(that is, once we rest up and get our share of peaceful morning rises!).
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Now that that’s behind me, it’s time for sharing my personal gratitude
to those that worked alongside us this year.


​Our year was truly successful and empowering, and it was so wonderful to feel like we were on a path to returning to the good ole days in the event world. But it did feel intense and highly driven and very demanding. You all stepped up as you always do with vigor, professionalism, positivity, and focus to make it the best if could be for our clients. I know it was not easy for you either, I felt your intensity on emails and calls and sometimes in person. Please grab hold of my truly heartfelt thanks for all you did to make our events tremendous success stories. ​I hold our relationships in the highest regard. I could not do what I do without you, nor would I want to even if I could. My team is equally grateful for the opportunities that we made together and look forward to many more.

​I’m so proud to share "our" 2022 galleries!

Please take a peek at what “WE” did with our TOGETHERNESS”!
Do share with your teams along with my personal gratitude for their efforts and hard work.

KATE + CHRIS | THE SABLEWOOD
 
TANYA + ARIN | RED + GREEN AT TACONIC RIDGE FARM

RAN + JON | HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE

NOA + NOAH | FIELD OF DREAMS

BRITTANY + KYLE | BY THE LAKESIDE

MACKENZIE + WILL | FAIRFIELD FARM

NICOLE + KWAME | GATHER GREEN IN SPRING

ENGAGEMENT PARTY | Watergrasshill B+B

BAT MITZVAH INTO THE WILDERNESS

LUAU 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY

BOOK SIGNING COCKTAIL | Washington, CT
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Please see vendor credits at the end of each gallery!

​Happy 2023…make it a year that makes you feel good!
PHOTOS TAKEN FROM HOME + HILLTOPS WHEN I AM STILL.

1 Comment

A Year at a Glance...Honoring our 2021 Newlyweds, Bat Mitzvah & Graduate

4/16/2022

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​As we leap into this fast approaching event season, we want to look over 
our shoulder one last time to give thanks to our stoic 2021 couples & families. 
​It was quite a year to say the least!

Despite the ups and downs of planning amidst the instability of last year, our clients marched on and trusted
us to lead them to their special day, be it weddings, vow renewals, or their child's bat mitzvah or graduation.
With each successful ceremony, came celebrations like never before. There was an extra bit of sweetness
in each moment that unfolded. Every couple, participant and guest were not only fully engaged but fully present.
With so much uncertainty in the lead up, when the moment finally arrived to say (without a question mark
but instead an exclamation point),  
“This REALLY IS happening!”, the energy was justifiably
​filled with disbelief and exponentially that much more charged with glee and appreciation.
A blanket of gratitude fell over all of us as we heard these words echo again 
and again, event after event, until we reached December 31st
with our last wedding celebration. 

The feelings associated with these emotional roller coasters tied to so much uncertainty will always
be my point of reference for the rewards of leaning in and having our prayers answered.
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​We are equally grateful for our couples and our families!
Beyond trusting us, they worked so hard alongside us to hold onto their dreams while at times, needing to bend
and flex to meet safety requirements as well as to process additional level of stressors in their planning.
In the end, each wedding and celebration was a gift to all!  
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And speaking of gifts, when 2022 awards came our way in the 1st quarter for both The Knot “Best of Weddings” & Wedding Wire “Couples’ Choice Awards”
it had everything to do with our couples and families who took
time to share their experience with 5-star reviews and endless accolades.
​We are so honored to have earned their praise and we cannot be more grateful to have this recognition!
In this epic year of intense work and grit, these awards mean so much more.
​​Thank you all with all my heart!

After we caught our breath and rested after the marathon, we got busy tidying up files, folders, and photo galleries from last year. Not until this past week, did we have time to reflect on all we were able to create.
 
​It has been incredibly rejuvenating and energizing.  As we now work with our 2022 and 2023 event clients,
 we are reminded of why we love what we do and how meaningful it is to bring this joy to others.


I have endless memories of time spent with our 2021 clients. I miss them! For postponement couples, many of us spent close to three years planning together so we got “really” comfortable. For all of our clients, there came a closeness in just being there to support each other in the challenges on any given day between isolation,
illnesses, losses and the daily challenges and impatience of continued limitations of life in the midst of the pandemic.
Despite it all, my moments with clients be it virtual or masked, were such bright spots in my year.
​I’d love to highlight some of the happy heart moments of our time together!
​To each of you, you and your day will always hold a special place in my heart
​given how very much we all gave to get to the finish line together. 
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Sarah + Matthew | 6.12.21
Braving that frigidly cold site visit day when we stepped into your ceremony circle in the pine grove. 
Was it the chattering of your teeth or the whisper of I do's that I heard? Regardless is felt sacred and yours and 
THE most perfect spot for the two of you, who love to forge your own path and are always up for an adventure.

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Elizabeth + Andy | 9.18.21
​You at your sacred ceremony adorned with endless jeweled blossoms. Flower discussions permeated most every meeting and phone call. I loved that our mutual passion for gorgeous gardens and florals always took priority.
​When you walked down your blossomed aisle and stood at the alter surrounded by dahlias and September blooms, the vision was complete. I could see how you settled instantly in the setting and the knowing
that it was perfect and perfectly you. 

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Kiersten + Andrew | 7.23.21
Remembering our first walk to the upper field to contemplate a sail cloth tent surrounded by corn stalks.
​Your wheels were turning as your smiles grew. Through the months and years that followed, I loved witnessing your partnership in creating this day in your own way with your own hands-on approach. From raking out a level area for the dance floor, to making gifts for your wedding party to stringing lights along the endless fence rails.
Nothing ever got in your way! 

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Simone + Gabe | 7.10.21
Walking your new property while thinking about the millions of things we needed to get done (in less than 5 months!)
before we even got to wedding planning. You were fearlessly decisive in each moment and never lost sight
of the deadlines and what it would take to get 200 guests on the hilltop, on time. Work and focus got us up that
steep driveway. I loved that your land was blessed with your union and that your family and friends were there
​to witness the start of your lives as husband and wife. I am so glad I have you in my sights
​from my kitchen window and can now call you a neighbor. 

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Lindsey + Jake | 7.31.21
From our very first conversation to the many that followed through one postponement and to your wedding day,
it was always about the details, details, details. I cherished your perfectly crafted response emails with correct punctuation, no typos, paragraph breaks, tabs, bullets and always sprinkled with politeness and courtesies. Your timeline document was timed to the second with nothing left to the slightest bit of chance. On day-of, I witnessed you let go and let be. Seeing you both so relaxed and going with the flow was validation to me that you not only trusted us ​and your team, but truly that nothing else was as important as your joy together in this day. 

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Sarah + Benjamin | 7.10.21
​Your spectacular wedding day sunset and smiles…both so warm and wonderful.
You took time in every moment of the day to enjoy each other and those that surrounded you.
Time seemed to stand still.  As the night unfolded, and surprise guests appeared (in costume) to charge
​and ignite the dance floor, you rolled with it all with such grace and joyfulness. 

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Rachel + Mitch | 8.22.21
​Your ability to let go of the sunny dream day wedding but not let go of the most important aspect of your day
— your love, each other and being surrounded by those people who adore you so much that they
braved a hurricane, tent mud slides and continual torrents of rain and wind to celebrate "you".
The Carvel ice cream truck headlights beaming through the storm,  the roar of the crowd AND your ear to ear smiles when you held that soft serve cone with rainbow sprinkles and took a lick...was my icing-on-your-cake moment.

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Niketa + Arib | 8.28.21
From your adornment, Baraat horse and procession, to ice cream cups to all the wonderful warm tones of your wardrobes, florals and table setting AND the choreographed dance party, your wedding was the best birthday gift
I could have imagined. Your ceremony and vows, so very heartfelt and genuine. Throughout the wedding day,
the warmth continued to present itself not only in the wood fires but in the hearts and eyes of everyone present.
The day truly glowed and was only outshined by your love light.

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Kayleigh + Julian | 9.9.21
​From our first call, the only thing that was not negotiable was the garden ceremony. You flexed and
compromised in so many ways while maintaining  your good spirits and optimism. That day brought rain.
When we had the dreaded conversation of shifting to Plan B, I love that you chose umbrellas and staying
​the course to see your dream come true. You smiled away the clouds and focused on each other.  
Seeing you in the garden together, rain and all, ​was the sunshine of the day!


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Jamie + Ethan | 9.25.21
​Dreaming about your fairytale wedding on our site visits was like stepping into a storybook.
It was THE best to be on property together to begin to visualize all of the moving parts on this vast and ever so special property. On your day, seeing your fav "RED" hues (Estee Lauder lipstick and Ferrari) inspire a color palette that burst
from the lush greens and stone silvers of the landscape, was truly this artist's delight. 

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Katie + Nikos | 12.31.21
Quite a sparkling end of year! Working together to tie in a wedding and new year celebration was such fun.
I loved how focused you were on "wishes" for your guests and the personal touches you added to honor your cultures and your loved ones. The confetti blast off was incredible and it ignited the party all over again. 
So thrilled to have had our last 2021 hoorah with you both!

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Robin’s Bar Mitzvah | 5.31.21
​I love the day you proudly modeled your Bat Mitzvah outfit for me. You were excited to share your flower patterned cotton shirt (which of course I loved), asked me about buttoning the vest or not AND flashed your new orange Vans
(which of course, matched your color story). You looked so fabulous and beyond cool! 
Never phased by the rain and going with the flow on this important day, made you that much cooler!

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Olivia’s Graduation | 6.6.21
I adore setting a table for guests as much as I adore puppies.
​Setting your pretty-in-pink tablescape and having my toes liked by your little puppy bull dog, Moe,
well, hardly felt like work. I was tickled by it all, in fact!
Indeed a very happy and never-to-be-forgotten event year !

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ThankFULLness

11/23/2021

 
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PHOTO CREDIT: SUSAN STRIPLING PHOTOGRAPHY
​We had quite the road rally this year, and it feels so rewarding to look
​in the rear-view mirror to see the tremendous amount of positivity
and merry making that we created for our clients in 2021. 
It’s also so good to feel the rumble of my engine start to slow. We kept an intense pace. 
I am so eager to share the moments and the reviews with our followers and future prospects
as this year comes to an end and a new year awaits.
 
As with any race, we were not the only ones in high gear at the starting line. But unique in this race
of getting back on track and making up for 2020, we were amongst MANY other winners. 
 
I dedicate this month’s blog issue of “A Planner’s View”
to the vendors we raced with and alongside,
through what I felt was the most challenging, intense
and rewarding career stretch I have ever experienced. 

 
My hope is that this post will reach those I most want to thank for this gallant year as well as
those that we did not have the honor of working with but hope to in the future.

My deepest appreciation and gratitude goes out to...
the venue owners and managers, vendors, artisans and laborers that supported the vision that my clients and I held for their day, showed up wholeheartedly ​to get to the finish line united and with a smile. 

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​Where do I begin? How loud can I roar my gratitude to all of you? 
​In order to truly appreciate what it took this year to succeed and shine, I’d like to touch on the many extras that each of you stepped up to face that went above and beyond the norm of getting the job done:
 
1. The demands of Covid protocols...vaccinations, tracing, testing, vac cards, waivers,
​documentation submissions, and simply taking responsibility to do the right thing.
 
 
2. The many last minute adjustment of guest counts that impacted catering, rentals,
floor plans, signage, personalized guest cards, gifts and so much more. 

 
3.  Adjusting and modifying to endless supply shortages and delivery delays.
 
4. Labor shortages that impacted every owner and became not only a scheduling nightmare
but impacted the already very long workdays to even longer ones.

 
5. The ongoing uncertainty of Covid variants added so much more to the communication focus,
client management and your own health risks.

 
6. The #*! weather!!! Sideways rain, mud, inside out umbrellas, need I say more?
 
7.  etc….I could go on and on, but you lived it and know it as well as I.

All of this took so much grit, blood, sweat and tears
(maybe you didn’t cry, but I did once!) and it took so much more. 


Beyond looking back, when I “feel” back to each event, my heart swells again and again because of the compassion, the patience, the generosity, the extra effort that was in each conversation and interaction with all of you. Even though you were exhausted, stretched to your limits and working so very hard to juggle the immense and complex schedules and demands, I always felt that each of you put your struggles aside to be there for me, my team and our clients . In many moments it felt like survival, but in reflection,
it is truly a most heartening way to look back to the challenge and see
the greatest parts of humanity show up with sincerity and grace. 

 
I do believe that when life feels most challenging, the gifts are the greatest.
You have been that for me. ​I will always cherish these memories, the highs and lows, the “oh-my-God’s”, the “holy sh_ts”, the “really’s?” and many other expressive and spontaneous utterings
that erupted ​in my moments of stretching to new limits.

​Despite it all, look what we did!
​21 in 21

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Mostly, I will cherish you, the many friendships that blossomed, the trust that was built and the endless proud moments we created by taking the time to work together and be together with heart and soul. 
 
A heartfelt thanks to my pros!
I hope for many more opportunities with you
and​ with far fewer obstacles on our racetrack. 
 
Bless you and wishing you and your loved ones a truly warm and wonderful holiday season!

​XOXO
Paula

For blog followers and onlookers seeking talented party makers…
SO VERY HONORED TO HIGHLIGHT OUR 2021 PROS
...listed below categorically and alphabetically 
​ [ WEBSITE LINKS + INSTAGRAM HANDLES ]
 
Please take a moment to explore the offerings and talents of these incredible venues, vendors and artisans. If I had the time, I would write a sidebar shouting kudos to each and every one of them.
Trust me, support them, spread the word!

BABYSITTING
Hudson Valley Ceremonies @hvceremonies
 
BARAAT HORSE
Loon Meadow Farms
 
BARTENDING | LIQUOR 
Domaney's Liquor @domaneysliquors

CAKES
Nine Cakes @ninecakes
 
CALLIGRAPHY
Marjorie’s Letters @marjoriesletters
 
CATERING
Farmer’s Wife @farmerswifeancramdale
Foremost Caterers @foremostcaterers
Harvest Real Food @harvestrealfoodcatering
Mazzone Hospitality @mazzonehospitality
Simply Divine @simplydivinenyc
Suburban Kitchen @suburbankitchenny
The Breakroom @thebreakroomgw
The Kitchen Sink @kitchensinkny
Wood Fire Food @wood_fire_food
 
DRAPING
Bearfly Designs @bearfly_designs
Drape Kings @drapekings
Stortz Lighting @stortzlighting
 
FLORALS
Arbor & Flora @arbor.and.flora
Athabold @athabold
Boston & Burke @bostonandburke
Country Gardeners @countrygardenersflorist
Croaked Oak Farms @crookedoakct
Flower Blossom Design @flowerblossomdesign_
Flowers by Felicity @flowersbyfelicity
Fleurtacious Designs @fleurtaciousdesigns
Hedge Floral @hedge_floral
Kamilla’s Floral Design @kamillas
Putnam Valley Florist
Sprig & Social @sprigandsocial

FOOD TRUCKS
It’s a Pizza Truck @itsapizzatruck
 
GAMES
Upstate Jamboree @upstatejamboree
 
GLAMPING
Glamp Star @glampstars
 
GOLF CARTS
W&B Golf Carts @wbgolfcarts
 
HAIR
Allure Traveling Beauty @alluretravelingbeauty
Artisan Beauty Bar @artisan_beautybar
Artist House Salon @theartisthouseny
Hello Lovely @hellolovelykc.com
Kanwal Batool @iamkanwalbatool
Kindred Beauty Co. @kindredbeautyco
Lauren Germain Pratt @laurenb0105
Le Shag @leshagbeauty
Renee Russo @reneemrusso
SB Beauty @sbbeautynyc
Willow House Beauty @willowhouse.beauty
 
ICE CREAM CARTS + TRUCKS
Bona Bona Ice Cream @bonabonaicecream
Fortunes @fortunesicecream
New York Food Truck Association @nyfta
 
LANDSCAPING
AB Landscaping @ablandscaping
Gillooly & Co Design @gillooly.design
Old Farm Nursery @judymurphy5452
Salisbury Garden Center @salisbury_garden_center
 
LIFEGUARDS
Hudson Valley Ceremonies @hvceremonies
 
LIGHTING
Bearfly Designs @bearfly_designs
Gillooly & Co Design @gillooly.design
Handy Boys Event Services @handyboysllc
Sprig & Social @sprigandsocial
Stortz Lighting @stortzlighting
 
MAKEUP
Alexandra Angelone Bridal @alexandraangelonebridal
Allure Traveling Beauty @alluretravelingbeauty
Artisan Beauty Bar @artisan_beautybar
Hello Lovely @hellolovelykc.com
Kanwal Batool @iamkanwalbatool
Kindred Beauty Co. @kindredbeautyco
Lauren Germain Pratt @laurenb0105
MBD Beauty, LLC @mbdbeauty
SB Beauty @sbbeautynyc
Willow House Beauty @willowhouse.beauty
 
MUSIC
Bill's Toupee Band @billstoupee
Continuo Music LLC @continuomusic
David Ross Guitarist @davidrossguitarist
DJ Dina Regine @dinaregine
DJ Lauren Murada @laurenmurado
Elan Artists @elanartists
Kaos Production @kaosproduction
Lucy Music @lucymusicny
Matthew Friedman & Stiletto @mattybfree
M4U Events @m4uevents
Silver Arrow Band @silverarrowband
Steve Gravino Guitarist
Wendy Kerner Harpist
 
OFFICIANTS
Rabbi Steven Kane
Rev. Al Zadig
Rev. Jude Smith
Rev. Sarah Henderson

OUTDOOR EXPEDITIONS + WATER SPORTS
Hudson Valley Expeditions @hudsonvalleyexpeditions
 
PARKING
Classic Valet Parking, Inc. @classicvaletparking
 
PHOTO BOOTHS
Bluebird Hill Events @bluebirdhillevents
Kaos Production @kaosproduction
 
PHOTOGRAPHY
Adam Okimatsu Photography @adamokimatsuphotography
A.H Pham @hieuterus
Danila Mednikov Photography @danilasphotography
Didier Gault @didiergault1
Elena Wolf Photography @elenawolfe
Golden Hour Studios @jessepafundi
Susan Stripling Photography @susanstriplingphotography
Undressed Moments @undressed_moments
Wildly Beloved Photography @wildlybelovedphotography
YM Visuals @yannismalevitisweddings
 
RENTALS
Columbia Tent Rentals @columbiatentrentals
Events Unlimited Tent & Party Rentals @events_unlimited_party_rentals
Mahaiwe Tent Inc. @mahaiwetent
NorthEast Tent Rentals @northeast_tent_productions
North Country Vintage Rentals @northcountryvintage
Total Events @totalevents
 
RESTROOMS
Premier Executive Trailers @premier_executive_trailers
 
SOUND | AUDIO + VIDEO TECH 
Bearfly Designs @bearfly_designs
Handy Boys Event Services @handyboysllc

BRIDAL STYLIST
Lizzy Polden @lizzypolden
 
TRANSPORTATION
Casanova Carriage @cassanovacarriage
Coxsackie Transport Inc. @coxsackietransport
JTR Transport @jtr_transportation
Premiere Transportation @premiere_transportation
 
VENUE
Ellsworth Manor @ellsworthmanor
Glynwood @glynwoodevents
Oak Hill @oakhill_on_hudson
Old Drovers Inn @olddroversinn
Southwood Estate @southwoodproperty
Taconic Ridge Farm @taconicridgefarm
The Pines
Troutbeck @troutbeck.ny
 
VIDEOGRAPHY
Danila Mednikov Photography @danilasphotography
Kieran Mangels Photography @kieranmangels
Margo Sees Stars @margo.sees.stars
The Candi Project @thecandiproject
Valerie Barnes Photography @valeriebarnesfilm
 
YOGA 
Ascend Center @ascendcenter

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Take the time to celebrate who you love and what you love in 2022!

All the Parts Make it Whole

5/27/2021

 
​In life, both personally and professionally, I realize more and more, that we intuitively just know
what we need next, that is if we listen. The knowing is reassuring, as it only asks that you quiet
yourself enough to hear your own voice.  The acting on it is the true challenge be it creating the time, finding the energy, or making it a priority, for without this motivation, the idea or the knowing
never really has a chance to become more than a thought. 
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​Last year, a seed of a conversation started between me and a colleague and friend, Monika founder of Boston of Boston & Burke Florals. We both knew it was time to shoot a unique wedding in an industrial space. Both of us typically gravitate toward more natural venues and our wedding couples seem to hire us for just that reason. Yet, the time had come to show another side of our talents, but how?
​What I truly love about the next steps that led us to seeing this idea to fruition, is how during this time of challenge, we wanted so desperately to be physically together with others in our industry, to collaborate, to create with other talent. Last year left us flat without the ability to gather and work at what we love. Those of us that had clients willing to go “micro” and celebrate anyway, were few and far between. So suddenly the idea of creating a styled shoot in an industrial space became so much more poignant and significant. It gave cause and reason to seek out others that were willing to unite, who could share this vision and come together with their skills and a lot of pent-up energy and open schedules. 
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The timing and our mindsets led us to the perfect space for success—the Senate Garage in Kingston, New York. From this point on, all the parts, people and bits fell into natural order. I reached out and connected with those I knew who could bring a unique quality to what we were trying to achieve and through this initial vendor team, met new talent, made new friends and finally, at the very last moment, met our two gorgeous models who happened to be exactly spot-on for what we had always intended for our lead characters. The fact that they were a real life in-love couple solidified in that moment that this all fell into the exact order that it was intended to. 
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For me, collaboration is where the joy truly happens. Working alongside others and realizing that it takes more than myself to create a setting or event, is the energy that drives. True satisfaction comes from inspiring and supporting others. Gratitude comes from witnessing their talent and commitment and how their process evolves and then suddenly dovetails into mine. The fellowship of it all really feeds my soul. Nothing feels better about my event work than when I am standing shoulder to shoulder
​to see the end result as well as the contented smiles that we share,
and in knowing that we all put our best feet forward together and it all worked out
.  
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This styled shoot was indeed the perfect alignment of talent at the perfect space and time.
​It felt like our coming out party and the fuel we needed to feel renewed and ready for the season ahead. 
I'm honored to share thoughts ​on what this collaboration
​meant to some of my colleagues, and now friends:
​Monika Boston  •  Boston and Burke Florals
A styled shoot allows creatives to draw from the wide variety of their professional experiences, as well
as a bank of emerging ideas they would like to explore, to create a product that is more than the sum of its parts. Working among a team of creative professionals, we can share the support and encouragement of colleagues
in the industry. Using the common themes as a launching point, each professional contributes their specialized skills
with their interpretation of the theme. The collaborative environment allows for creative freedom,
​while providing the trusted foundation necessary for exploration.
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​Cappy Hotchkiss  •  Cappy Hotchkiss Photography
Collaboration as a photographer is a must for me.  Working with other people who I respect and admire
is so motivating and invigorating.  It is often hard for a photographer to relinquish control and this forces us to do so.  Bouncing ideas around and seeing a vision from other talented peoples’ viewpoint can inspire and excite.  
Nothing gives me greater joy and inspiration than becoming a team for a day with the vendors at a wedding.  
​It makes the job go so smoothly and the results truly pay off for the couple.
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​Judy Tallerman  •  The Senate Garage
When Paula Smith from Your Event contacted me during the pandemic to do a photoshoot at our venue
it was a breath of fresh air; it was a coming to life again; it was a collaboration with others in an industry
that was virtually shut down by the pandemic.  

Each professional that works in our space brings their own unique style. 
The 10' Chesterfield couch became a centerpiece of a pop-up lounge in the middle of the space—never done before.  Our fireplace mantle was covered in a gorgeous cascading flower arrangement that showed off the brick
and the beautiful steel casement windows—never done before.   

​The day brought everyone together that had never met before, to contribute their talents to make
Senate Garage come alive in ways that have never been done before. 
The beauty of a photoshoot is that you can really have fun in ways that are not possible during a wedding. 
You can have the bride sit on the bar or pose lying on the concrete floor. 
​The photographer can climb ladders to get the perfect shot from up high.
​
It really was a special time and a great way to break back to being NORMAL again.
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​Bea  Rue  •  Upstate Jamboree
Something incredible happens when people work together towards a collective vision.
That is exactly what we experienced during this shoot, and that is the ultimate mission behind our games--
to bring people together in connection and celebration.
 
Paula, as always, went above and beyond with this event, curating a gorgeous shoot and catering to every vendor
​and detail along the way. We left feeling uplifted after a difficult year of cancellations,
and inspired for a fruitful and creative year ahead!
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​Marjorie Politi  •  Marjorie’s Letters
As a graphic designer and calligrapher, it’s so important to have a clear vision before I start creating.
I was able to conceptualize a wedding suite that drew from the seeds that Paula planted.
She welcomed collaboration and contribution to her ideas, and 
came up with details that were one of a kind
(and even had them engineered and built!). She choreographed all the contributing vendors to create a beautiful, seamless and cohesive event that just blew me away! It’s so rewarding to see all of this come together.
​Paula’s positive and creative energy is infectious…she is such a joy to work with!
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I want to thank this team of talented artisans for a great out of the starting gate effort and for coming together
to create a beautiful setting. This shoot was a labor of love, a very proud moment and in the end, the inspiration
and the spark that seemed to snap us gleefully back to our reality as event makers and celebration masters. 
•
Please take a moment to explore their websites and social media!
Support them, spread the word!
Make the time to celebrate, and please call on us when you do!
PHOTOGRAPHY:  Cappy Hotchkiss Photography
EVENT PLANNING + CREATIVE:  Your Event | Paula Smith Designs, Inc.
VENUE:  Senate Garage
FLORAL DESIGN:  Boston and Burke Floral Design
LIGHTING DESIGN:  Stortz Lighting
RENTALS:  Events Unlimited Tent & Party Rental Company, Inc.
BRIDE:  Rasheeda Riddick
BRIDAL GOWNS:  Blush Bridal Boutique
HAIR + MAKEUP:  Artisan Beauty Bar 
JEWELRY:  Elizabeth's Jewelry and Fine Gifts
GAME RENTALS:  Upstate Jamboree Game Rentals 
WEDDING CAKE:  Nine Cakes 
CALLIGRAPHY + GRAPHICS:  Marjorie’s Letters
METAL WORK:  Jeffrey Green Metal Designs
MENU: The Farmer's Wife
VIDEOGRAPHY:  Atma Cornelius
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Timing Will Tell

4/23/2021

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​Over the past year, time has taken on a rhythm of its own. I still grapple as I measure it against prior years.
​What we are forced "to-not-do", what we are trying "to-do", and when we are anticipating the freedom
"to-do-more", has slowed our personal and professional timelines and made us focus and measure
​each day,
 no longer by the minute or hour yet by the stats of the pandemic.
•
As the wedding and event season begins to pull out of the stalemate,
we are trying to recalibrate and anticipate returning to some version
of celebrating—deliberate in each step we take and
​taking the time to do it right and responsibly.

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​Spring has sprung and with our events on the calendar from Memorial Day through the end of the year and into 2022, we are in full swing building out timelines for weddings, birthday celebrations and bar mitzvahs. We are anticipating that these will go on and with cautious optimism, we know that we’ll need to build in time as we near the day-of. This year we will need guest arriving earlier for temp check or signing in with vaccination cards or proof of 72-hour testing. We will take additional time to clean surfaces and moderate guest flow. We will anticipate later than normal RSVP and perhaps last-minute changes in guest seating should there be positive tests before arrival. Building in time on our timelines for uncertainty and unexpected change of plans will be essential. 
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​In the current climate, all of our operations are taking more time! Communication responses between vendors and supplies, shipments and deliveries, fabrication, printing and general day-to-day operations. I think it’s safe to say that with so much of the workforce operating from home base with a steady stream of interruption in their workflow as well as with companies forced to downsize, we are challenged by a whole new set of obstacles in building out our event and remaining on schedule. 

My new time management mantra has become “plan FURTHER ahead”
​even in this state of uncertainty and actually because of it. 
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This means building in more time as we work events not only in the planning and management stages but as we gear up during month-of, week-of and day-of.  Being realistic as we step into this season will allow us to be prepared for the unexpected.​ We are logging so much more time than in a normal start-up season in order to stay prepared and to guide our clients. It is daunting at times and certainly unsettling as longer work hours permeate the much need personal time to rest and create balance. There simply does not seem to be enough time these days. And on some level, I feel that no amount of time would make the current situation feel normal or the event folders feel in complete order. I grasp for more time each day anticipating that with time, I can make it feel like all is good in the world. 
 
The reality is that time will tell. And until it does, we can only show up daily, prepared to do the best we can in this environment, while remain flexible and open as we guide our clients through their events. Planning “further” ahead will aid in our preparedness, expanded timelines will allow us to run our events more realistically and working from our hearts will give us the drive and stamina to remain positive and see each event through to a happy and safe ending. 

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May I live with compassion, with grace, with insight, with integrity, with love.
May I live each moment at a time,
​doing the next right thing, whatever that may be.

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