Taylor Nicole Events -Year in Review On February 28, 2010, Taylor Nicole Events happily served as co-chair for the Something Old Something New: Bridal Gown Fundraiser held at The Mansion on the Main in Voorhees, NJ. The Fundraiser was a joint collaboration between The Association of Bridal Consultants (Philadelphia/South Jersey LNG) www.bridalassn.com and The Career Wardrobe www.careerwardrobe.org , the nation’s largest, independent community-based nonprofit providing women in transition with free professional clothing and educational opportunities to help them successfully find and retain employment. Bridal salon’s from all over the area graciously donated over 300 bridal gowns to this worthy cause including 3 couture gowns from Nicole Miller. Both ABC Philly/SJ LNG members and Career Wardrobe staff greeted brides and served as personal shoppers. And ABC vendor partners graciously donated products and services for raffle such as overnight stays at Center City hotels and private in home dinner provided by caterers. This event was very near to my heart as I had been a volunteer with the Career Wardrobe and a member of The Association of Bridal Consultants since 2008. Marrying two of my passions to raise much needed funds for The Career Wardrobe was a true labor of love. Please visit the Career Wardrobe’s website for volunteer opportunities and enjoy these photos from the event. I hope that you enjoy them as much as we all enjoyed helping a worthy cause!

Please enjoy more highlights from Bill and Cettina's wedding day!

Cettina and Bill – Wedding Date: July 3, 2009

Since launching Taylor Nicole Events, I've had the pleasure of being a part of many unique weddings. But Bill and Cettina's wedding was by far one of the most culturally authentic weddings that I've experienced to date.

The Italian themed wedding reception, held at the Aldie Mansion in Doylestown PA, honored the bride's heritage and ultimately her parents. From the ceremony to the reception there were many special touches reflecting the couples past, present and a glimpse of their future.

The following video features highlights from Bill and Cettina's wedding day provided by Therese Farrow of Therese Farrow Films in Egg Harbor Township, NJ captures the essence of this marriage and celebration better than any words on a page. It is also a reflection of two great people who are absolute joys to work with. I am so happy that I had the pleasure to meet them. Enjoy!

Therese Farrow Films: http://www.tfarrowfilms.com/

Meet the Team

Hello, I would like to introduce you to my wonderful team for the Marin-Otubu wedding that took place on September 5, 2009 in Berlin, New Jersey.

On the left is Sheila Corbett. I just cannot say enough about Sheila. She is the owner and lead consultant of Elegant Events and when I began Taylor Nicole Events Sheila was a warm, welcome breath of fresh air. I interned with her company on many events and I have learned from the best! On this special occasion Sheila was part of the Taylor Nicole Events team and as always was wonderful.

In the Middle: Kimeko Jones, Kimeko is a consistent member of the Taylor Nicole Events team and has worked on over 90% of our weddings. She is excellent for this business, she cares about the bride, groom and all of their guests and always makes every effort to ensure all has a great time. This paired with her ability to execute and attention to details makes her an asset to the Taylor Nicole Events team.

On the right...Well...that's me!

Thank you to Jolene, Harris and all of the Brides and Grooms who've allowed the Taylor Nicole Events team to be a part of their special day!

Whitney and Craig’s Wedding Date: May 23, 2009

Taylor Nicole Events was blessed to share and be a part of this lovely couple’s special day. Whitney and Craig were married on May 23, 2009 in Center City and were blessed to have family and friends travel from every corner of the US as well as Canada to attend. This pair of doctors chose the beautiful Church of Holy Trinity in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square for their wedding ceremony. The 150 year old church features beautiful semicircular archways, intricate wood working and a beautiful skylight in a gilded dome. Whitney and Craig exchanged vows in front of family and friends during a uniquely personal service. The bride’s only sister who was also the maid of honor, belted out a beautiful solo while the mother of the bride followed by mother of the groom were escorted down the aisle; joined hands and approached the altar to light the unity candles. Pint sized ushers greeted arriving guests and the ring bearer, who did an amazing job, barely reached the tops of the church pews. Whitney, a beautiful woman and stunning bride, was escorted down the aisle by her father, Dickie Daniels, as her groom waited anxiously. And in all of his anticipation, the groom tried to take her hand before the pastor could say, “Who gives this woman to be married”. Paying homage to Craig’s Jamaican upbringing, guests watched as the couple signed the marriage contract as part of the wedding ceremony. This couple’s choice of church not only provided a beautiful ceremony location but a unique Philadelphia setting for photos. The groom was able to share quality time in Rittenhouse Square prior to the wedding ceremony with his brothers who were co- best men and his groomsmen. We congratulate Whitney and Craig on their marriage and wish them many successful years to come!

Retirement Dinner vs. Retirement Party?

If you are planning a retirement celebration, you might use the above terms interchangeably throughout the process, however, there is a BIG difference. And your choice to have one over the other may not be based on the guest of honor at all but rather on the guest list! Why do we celebrate Retirements? …So that friends; co-workers and family have the opportunity to gather to celebrate the start of a new chapter in one’s life and to honor the accomplishments of a past one (that is… a past work life). And sometimes, no matter how much preparation and thought one puts into this event it may not turn out to be the event expected. Think about your guest of honor AND the guest list; then determine what type of crowd you will be entertaining for the evening. Is this a crowd who prefers intimate conversation over drinks or one likes to rock out to a good DJ or Band? Does the crowd appreciate the value added décor and personalization or do they prefer a good dinner and even better laugh? Is this a crowd of active participants or reserved observers? All of these questions and many others should be taken into consideration when planning to have a retirement party vs. a retirement dinner. It is important to note that there is no one master plan that ensures a great celebration, be it a milestone birthday or Retirement. Understanding your guest of honor AND the guest list as well as enlisting the help of an event planner will get closer to the prize. Read more in our blog, “What is the Importance of Happy Guests?” Enjoy!

Events Honoring the Achievements of Others!

It is always nice, when by design or default; one can be a part of an event that honors the well deserved achievements of others. In 2009, Taylor Nicole Events did just that! We had the wonderful opportunity on two separate occasions to provide events services for the Jackie Robinson Foundation in New York City. The JRF is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting minority youth with college scholarships. The organization’s effort does not end with financial assistance; students are mentored by professionals throughout their partnership with the foundation and every effort is given to ensure their individual success. Taylor Nicole Events provided design, rentals, setup and breakdown as well as staffing for each event; consisting of a light reception, lunch and a short program followed by dessert. We provided floor plans and an inventory management service which included, rental order creation based on menu and guest count, order placement, order receipt and confirmation. This service alone provides a large measure of relief for event hosts who are not familiar with the items and/or quantities to order. Order receipt alone can encompass a few hours depending on the size of the order. Our staff arrived early to set up the event space including tables, chairs, linens, napkin folds, buffet and food as well as beverage service. Our staff worked throughout the events to ensure that the food remained the proper temperature, replenishing food, serving guests and clearing refuse. At the end of each event our staff wrapped the remaining food, broke down the tables, chairs and buffet and ensured the event space was clean. It is always great to know that the host and their guests are happy with the service that Taylor Nicole Events provides but especially great to provide an exceptional service for a host honoring guests who deserve praise for their achievements. Thank you for allowing Taylor Nicole Events to be a part of your Event!