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Mar 08
2

EBE Vendor Feature: Brûlée Catering

By | Blog, Ask The Experts, Spotlights, EBE News, Vendor Features

Philip Gabriel Photography

In our industry, it’s impossible to execute an incredible event without the help of other dynamic vendors. In our Vendor Features, we learn more about the people who we love to work with event after event, and year after year. Next up is Marley Alig, Director of Catering and Facility Sales at Brûlée Catering.

Marley Alig has been in the event industry for 10 years, and has spent the last 5 of them with Brûlée Catering as their Director of Catering and Facility Sales.

Brûlée Catering, by Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix, is the region’s premier catering company serving the greater Philadelphia area and all New Jersey shore points. Their team embodies decades of experience providing catering services to an impressive list of social, corporate, and institutional clients, and serves extraordinary food at over 4,000 events each year.

They cater at the location of your choosing or at one of the Philadelphia region’s landmark buildings where they’ve earned exclusive caterer status. These exclusive venues include the Museum of the American Revolution, Moulin at Sherman Mills, Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall, National Constitution Center, Free Library on the Parkway, Independence Visitor Center, Independence Seaport Museum, and more!

Brûlée’s experienced team works with you to craft menus unique to your needs, ensuring no detail is overlooked. They cater all types of occasions, for groups which range in size from 10 to more than 11,000.

I was able to sit down with Marley to ask her a few questions… check it out!

What makes Brûlée Catering stand out next to companies like it?

We make EVERYTHING and our chefs work hard to make sure everything is perfect about your menu.

What has been your favorite event in your career?

Temple Hospital’s 125th Anniversary Gala in 2017 with Patti LaBelle as the headliner

Do you play any instruments?

Violin, piano, voice

Favorite Wedding Month?

October

What is your Best Advice for Potential Clients?

Hire professional help

What is your Zodiac Sign?

Virgo

What wedding trends are you loving?

The Return to Classic – The traditional, elegant dinner party wedding is back in fashion. “For example, think of the special elements in your grandmother’s dining room—silver candlesticks, monogrammed linen napkins, Battenburg lace overlays, and crystal stemware all have a place in this beautiful and timeless wedding trend.

What wedding trends are you ready to see go away?

Donuts

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

I was a vocal performance major my first 2 years in college and have studied voice classically for 20 years

Show us some photos of your work!




Want to stay up-to-date on Event and Bridal Trends? Learn about Vendors We Love? New EBE Products?

Mar 08
0

5 Ways To Incorporate Succulents Into Your Wedding Floral Design

By | Blog, Ask The Experts, EBE News

Succulents are teensy tiny little plants that are making a big impact on the wedding scene these days. They are making appearances in unexpected places like ceremony backdrops, cake decor, wedding invitations, and more! We’ve put together a list of some creative ways that you can incorporate this hearty little plant into your wedding day.

Wedding Bouquet

The floral star of the show is typically the Bride’s flower bouquet. Adding succulents to the bouquet brings drama, greenery, and texture. With hundreds of varieties of succulents, you will certainly find something to compliment your wedding colors and flowers. We especially love the dynamic contrast of reds and yellows paired with the green hues of the succulent plant.

Wedding Favors

A little potted succulent can make a big impact as a wedding favor for guests to take home! These hearty little plants prefer a dry climate, so even those with not-so-green thumbs shouldn’t have a problem keeping one of these plants alive. Include a “Care For Me” card with your plant so guests can keep their new little house guest alive for years to come.

Hanging Succulent Vases

Bring major style to your aisle by hanging vases filled with succulents and flowers on the chairs. Guests will love this personalized touch, as you can incorporate incorporate your wedding colors easily. This can be a fun DIY project for your bridal party to put together before the event!

 

Place Setting Decor

Subtle accents of succulents will add major appeal to your table! Place a succulent plant on the center of each folded napkin laid on each plate. This simple yet beautiful addition to your decor adds contrast and texture to the table.

 

Table Centerpieces

Skip traditional roses and add a taste of trendy flair by incorporating succulents into your table centerpieces. The texture and contrast provided by the succulents will add drama to your tablescape that guests will absolutely love.

 

Did you incorporate succulents into your wedding day? If so, we want to hear all about it. Contact us today!

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Mar 08
0

How To Create The Perfect Wedding #Hashtag

By | Blog, Ask The Experts, EBE News

Etsy: dodidoodlesTwitter, Facebook, and Instagram basically run on Hashtags. Creating a unique wedding hashtag is all the rage within the land of social media. By creating a wedding hashtag, loved ones who couldn’t make it to the event can get updates in real-time and guests who do attend can post photos, which is always fun for the couple to see! The wedded couple can use the hashtag to document the planning process to look back and remember the incredible wedding journey.

What is a hashtag? It is a word or string of words that have the “#” in front of them. Once the post or comment is saved with the tag, it creates a hyperlink. If the hyperlink is clicked, then any other posts that have used the same hashtag in the past will show up in a search.

We have put together some ideas to help you create the perfect hashtag for your wedding event!

The easiest way to create a wedding hashtag is to is a free generator. A quick Google search will produce tons of results but there are a couple that we like best:

Wedding Wire’s Generator

Wedding Wire’s generator uses details like names, nicknames, the wedding date, the wedding location, and more to create a unique hashtag to celebrate the event.

Wedding Hashtag Wall

Wedding Hashtag Wall keeps things a bit more simple by using your names and date to create your hashtag.

Find a Freelance Hashtag Creator

Paying someone to make a hashtag may seem a bit unusual, but it is actually a popular decision that couples make as part of planning their wedding! Websites like Wedding Hashers craft customized hashtags for couples after answering a few simple questions.

 

Etsy: BigDayPrintsIf you choose to create your own hashtag, keep it short and sweet so guests can remember it easily. Guests should be able to snap a photo, then post it to social media with the hashtag easily so they can get back on the dance floor and enjoy the event. Also, double check that the hashtag hasn’t been used in the past so your photos don’t mingle in the land of social media with another wedding event.

Some great examples of unique hashtags are:
#FOREVERINGREEN2019
#ONCLOUDGAVIN
#BAKERSINTHEBARN
#TOHAVEANDTOHOLTON

Lastly, don’t forget to post a few signs in high traffic areas around the reception to remind guests to use the hashtag when they snap and post photos to social media!

Did you use a custom hashtag for your wedding? If so, we want to hear all about it. Contact us today!

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Mar 07
0

Host Your Bridal Shower At These Philly Area Wineries

By | Blog, Ask The Experts, EBE News

If the bride-to-be is a wine gal, then hosting her bridal shower at a local winery only makes sense! Pennsylvania is blessed with over 150 wineries within state lines, many of which are located within the Philadelphia area. These gems serve up some award-winning wines, and we highly recommend that you consider hosting your next bridal shower at one of them!

Penns Woods Winery

This family-owned and operated winery in Chadds Ford, PA has been in working order for the last 40 years, providing some of the best wine that you can find in the southeast region of Pennsylvania. Their award-winning Pennsylvania-grown grapes create wines that are served at restaurants throughout the Philadelphia region. Hosting up to 50 guests in the winery, Penns Woods Winery is the perfect place to host a bridal shower. The winery will host private events after normal business hours so you can allow your guests to have the winery all to themselves during the party! Contact the winery directly to start planning.

Crossing Vineyards & Winery

A quick ride from Philly in Newtown, PA, Crossing Vineyards & Winery is the ideal location for hosting a bridal shower. With three different room options for the party to be held, this winery really knows how to entertain. The Vineyard room is a warm and inviting converted hayloft perfect for an intimate gathering. For a unique atmosphere, host the party in The Barrel Room and Winery to allow guests to mingle among the working oak barrels and steel holding tanks. Alternatively, the stunning Garden Room allows guests to bring the outdoors inside with panoramic views of the vineyard, terrace, and gardens. For more information about hosting your bridal shower at Crossing Vineyards & Winery, head on over to their website.

Rose Bank Winery

Located in the heart of Bucks County, Rose Bank Winery provides a rustic elegance that is the perfect location for hosting a bridal shower. The 3 venues on the property can fulfill the needs for any party: The Rose Ballroom can hold up to 250 guests and allows guests to enjoy the breathtaking views of the vineyard and pasture where the sheep graze. A bar, buffet tables, and a spacious interior make it perfect for a large bridal shower. If you’re looking for something more historic, The Buckman Barn is right for you. The gorgeous barn is perfect for hosting as many as 60 seated guests indoors and as many as 100 outdoors on the gorgeous scenic patio. Vintner’s Ballroom is ideal for hosting up to 200 guests on two floors – an open downstairs space with a bar and a loft featuring a beautiful deck with spectacular views of the vineyard. If you’re interested in checking out Rose Bank Winery to host a bridal shower, contact them here.

Was your bridal shower held at one of these wineries? Did you attend a bridal shower at one of these wineries? If so, we want to hear all about it. Contact us today!

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

 
Mar 07
0

Nostalgic Touches to Include in Your Wedding

By | Blog, Ask The Experts, EBE News

Bringing a blast from the past to your wedding is one of the best ways to add personal flair. Your wedding reception an amazing place to celebrate years of wonderful memories. We have put together a list of our favorite nostalgic touches to include in your wedding.

Love Stories of the Past

Were your grandparents or great grandparents married for 50+ years? Celebrate love by displaying photos of them at the happiest point of their lives. If you have heirlooms, they make a great addition to sit near the photos and make for a great conversation starter!

Outdoor Lawn Games

If you are getting married outdoors in the spring or summer seasons, incorporating some fun outdoor games for guests to play during cocktail hour is always a hit! Games like Cornhole, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, and Ladder Ball are fun and easy for guests to play, even if they are dressed to the nines.

Photo by AlekseyK Photography

Classic Movie Decor

If you and your spouse have a love of film, you can incorporate quotes and movie posters from films that fill you with memories. Choose films from childhood years like Alice In Wonderland, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid, or go full-glamour with old romantic films such as Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, or An Affair to Remember. Hollywood and film-themed weddings are so fun, and have the potential to be classically breathtaking!

A Vintage Candy Bar

Who doesn’t love candy? Set up a candy bar with mason jars or plastic bags so guests can choose what they want to enjoy. For those who were raised in the 80s and 90s, treats like Airheads, frosted animal crackers, Cow Tales, Warheads, Gummi Bears, and Nerds will have guests remembering the days of the past.

“Leave Some Wisdom” Typewriter

To really bring your guests back, set up an old working typewriter so guests can leave you words of wisdom to take into your wedded bliss. This may really entertain your grandparents as they are probably professionals, but your younger cousins may need some help from the older generations.

These ideas can add some wonderful personality to your wedding, and we hope that you find them useful! If you decided to use any of these ideas, we would love to hear all about it, so contact us today!


Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Mar 06
0

The Best Places To Take Wedding Dance Lessons In Philly

By | Blog, Ask The Experts, EBE News

When planning out the important details of your wedding, your first dance song can be a big decision! This song is often decided on through nostalgia, and receives the coveted title of “Our Song.” What some couples seem to forget is whether or not they know how to actually dance to it! If you aren’t a dancer, or aren’t into holding onto the other’s hips and shoulders while swaying back and forth (a la middle school dance style), we have a solution.

To avoid potential embarrassment from taking a tumble on the dance floor, many couples choose to take a few dance lessons to make the first one unforgettable. Enlisting the help of a professional can help you nail that slow dance, or even surprise guests with a choreographed number!

Where are the best places in the Philadelphia area to get your education in dance? We’ve compiled a list of the top dance studios in the area.

Society Hill Dance Academy

Society Hill, Philadelphia, PA

This Philadelphia staple has been teaching people how to dance since 2002. Offering one-on-one lessons in the months leading up to the wedding event will ensure that the first dance is memorable. Society Hill Dance Academy offers the first lesson for free, so contact them to make the first dance one that will always be remembered!

All That Jazz Dance Studio

Sewell, NJ

Located just over the bridge in South Jersey, All That Jazz Dance Studio is a non-competitive, performance-based dance studio. Their focus is to provide each and every student with professional instruction, all while having fun in their safe and friendly environment. As they help each student achieve their own personal goals, their experienced and qualified instructors will enhance every student’s learning experience and create amazing memories. Their Wedding Choreography classes are private, so you don’t have to worry if you feel awkward or nervous around other people. Contact Vanessa at All That Jazz to schedule your private class!

Top Hat Dance Studio

North Philadelphia, PA

Located conveniently on Bustleton Avenue in Philly, Top Hat Dance Studio offers classical dance education in a beautiful modern environment. Whether you and your dance partner are beginner dancers, expert dancers, or anywhere in between, Top Hat is the place for you. Classes are offered in a group setting to help create a relaxed feel and allow class participants to dance with one another freely. Private lessons are also available upon request. You can contact the studio to book your first lesson.

La Luna Dance Studio

Bristol, PA

If you want to become a dancing pro, La Luna Dance Studio is the place for you. With a variety of options for lessons (which include monthly membership for cost savings), you can learn how to master the Art of Dance. La Luna teaches ballroom, salsa, swing, and Argentine tango. Private lessons are available for one-on-one individual education. For more information on the lesson packages, contact La Luna Dance Studio.

Main Line Ballroom

Ardmore, PA

Main Line Ballroom’s laid back and fun atmosphere will make anyone learn how to dance comfortably. They offer group settings as well as individual workshop sessions to perfect your first dance. If you don’t know where to begin, they will help you choose a dance that works best depending on the style of your wedding and your first dance song. Contact Main Line Ballroom to schedule your first lesson. Did you learn to dance at one of these studios in the Philadelphia region? We want to hear all about your experience and all about the first dance at your wedding. Contact us today!


Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Feb 18
1

Real Weddings: Latoya & Rodney

By | Blog, Event Highlights, EBE Real Weddings, EBE News

The beauty of weddings is that every event is different. From style preferences and personal touches, to tradition and inspiration – each wedding is a unique product of the couple’s hard work and planning. Latoya and Rodney were married at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve on November 11, 2018, and we asked them to take us on a visual tour of their Autumn Wedding Day!Let’s walk through their day to see how they pulled it all together!

10:00 a.m. – Getting Ready

Latoya and her bridal party began getting ready in the RiverCrest Bridal Suite, while Rodney was getting ready at home. The couple’s Photographer, Burkett Photography, & Videographer from EBE Talent arrived for some getting ready content.

4:30 p.m. – Ceremony

Latoya and her bridal party headed to the Patio Terrace at RiverCrest to meet Rodney and be married. Their ceremony was officiated by Rodney’s family pastor, Reverend Nathan Coleman of Bethel Baptist Church in Phoenixville.

6:00 p.m. – Reception

The reception doors opened at RiverCrest, and the Autumnal vibe was beautiful! High and low floral centerpieces adorned with burnt orange and cream flowers brought the whole room together. Amber lighting throughout the room created a warm, intimate feel.

We were able to ask Latoya & Rodney a few questions about their wedding day… Check it out!

What was your favorite moment from your wedding?

Walking down the aisle together after saying our “I do”s as husband and wife for the first time.

What was it like working with EBE?

Everyone was great to work with and they were able to bring to life a drapery design that I really wanted for the ceremony and reception space, which turned out great!

What made you choose EBE?

I was able to get a package deal since they have so much to offer!

What is your advice to future EBE brides and grooms in regards to the stress of wedding planning and the choosing of vendors?

Honestly, don’t stress! Just communicate what you’re looking for and your vendors will be able to make your day truly special.

Vendor List Recap

Venue: RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve
Photographer: Burkett Photography
Videographer: EBE Talent
Hair & Makeup: J Touch Xperience
Bride’s Gown: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit:  Men’s Wearhouse
Music: EBE DJ Tom Hefferon
Wedding Cake: The Masters Baker
Florist: Risher Van Horn



Want to stay up-to-date on Event and Bridal Trends? Learn about Vendors We Love? New EBE Products?

Feb 07
1

EBE Spotlight: Katrina Osnoe

By | Blog, Spotlights

EBE is made up of a myriad of people and personalities. Throughout this series of EBE Spotlights, we’re looking past the job title and learning more about what makes our team tick. We were able to sit down with Katrina Osnoe this week, EBE’s Contract Administrator.

Katrina joined the event industry 5 years ago, after deciding that the Paralegal life wasn’t for her anymore. She joined EBE a year and a half ago as our receptionist, and was quickly moved into the Contract Administrator position. Her love of events and background in the legal system made her the perfect fit for this position.

Katrina can often be found eating grilled cheese, quoting her favorite shows, and letting out a laugh that echoes down the hallway.

I asked Katrina a series of serious & silly questions to get to know her better. Check it out below!

What is your go-to at karaoke? Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations

What is your favorite movie? Gladiator

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about? I can stick my tongue up my nose?

What is your zodiac sign? Capricorn

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, and Avocado on Rye

What is your favorite thing about your career? Working with a diverse group of people

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Add more hours to my day

If you could join any past or present music group, which would you want to join? Queen



Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Feb 07
2

EBE Vendor Feature: J&J Studios, LLC

By | Blog, Ask The Experts, Spotlights, EBE News, Vendor Features

In our industry, it’s impossible to execute an incredible event without the help of other dynamic vendors. In our Vendor Features, we learn more about the people who we love to work with event after event, and year after year. Next up is John Ryan, Co-Owner of J&J Studios, LLC.

John Ryan started J&J Studios in 2011 with the original intent to provide premier event coverage of various collegiate events. He was very involved in ballroom dance, and wanted to provide competition photographs for his team. It grew very rapidly from there to include corporate events, weddings, portraits, and headshots.

Recently J&J Studios has incorporated videography and aerial services into their offerings and became licensed drone pilots!

I was able to sit down with John to ask him a few questions… check it out!

What makes J&J Studios, LLC stand out next to companies like it?

We have an “all in” approach to business. We are full-service so we keep our production, editing, and delivery all in house. Our customer service is almost instantaneous. When you message us, you get a response in minutes.

What is your favorite type of event?

Weddings for sure. I get to be a product, portrait, lifestyle, glamour, boudoir, family, and documentary photographer all in the space of 10 minutes.

Favorite Wedding Month?

October

What is your Best Advice for Potential Clients?

Make sure to meet your photographer in person. There’s no substitute for clicking with your photographer.

What is your Favorite thing to do in Philadelphia?

Eat, of course! Huge foodie here. I love Talula’s Garden, Barbuzzo, Jamonera, Vetri, Volver, Fork, Vernick, Zahav, among others.

What is your Zodiac Sign?

Aquarius

What is your Favorite Movie?

Deadpool, John Wick Movies, Matrix

What motivates you to work hard?

Nothing better than working for yourself. I think this can’t be stressed enough. Working for someone else is never quite as enjoyable. It also keeps you accountable. Now any failure and any success is based on you and your work. The buck starts here and the buck stops here.

What wedding trends are you loving?

Love the return to vibrant, bold, “contrasty” images.

What wedding trends are you ready to see go away?

Light and Airy Images

Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

I can dance and play piano pretty well. I love playing Billy Joel, Elton John, and The Beatles.

What is your Go-to at Karaoke?

Journey – Don’t Stop Believing

If you could join any past or present music group, which would you want to join?

U2. Hands down.

Is there anything else you want to tell us about your company?

We love what we do, wouldn’t want it any other way.

Show us some photos of your work!




Want to stay up-to-date on Event and Bridal Trends? Learn about Vendors We Love? New EBE Products?

Feb 07
0

The Most Beautiful Streets in Philadelphia to Take Engagement Photos

By | Blog, Ask The Experts, EBE News

We may be biased, but we think that Philadelphia is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. It is filled with old-world charm, rich history, and a contemporary artsy vibe that many adore. Aside from the well-known areas like Love Park, Rittenhouse Square, and the Schuylkill River Trail that many folks seem to flock to for engagement and wedding photos, there are some hidden gems that we think are equally, if not more beautiful to set the stage.

Elfreth’s Alley

Photo by Peach Plum Pear Photo

This historic hidden gem is one of the nation’s oldest streets dating to 1702. The oldest home on the street was built in 1728! Located between Second Street and the Delaware River, this narrow road provides the perfect backdrop for taking engagement photos with the beautiful brick homes and cobblestone road. Pro tip: Hit the street at sunrise to avoid the tourists and to catch that beautiful dawn light.

Delancey Street

Photo by MLE Pictures

Located in Rittenhouse Square, the 1900 block of Delancey Street offers picturesque views of Philadelphia that are perfect for engagement photos. Many of the brick homes were built in the 1800s, bringing charm and history to photos. If you love Philadelphia, Delancey Street is the ideal locale for your engagement photoshoot.

Addison Street

Photo by We Laugh We Love Photography

Looking for that small town feel in the big city? The 1700 block of Addison Street is just the ticket for your engagement photos. Beautiful trees donned with string lights that line the street provide the perfect amount of twinkle to your photos. This street is especially dreamy during the snow covered holiday season. It is perfectly picturesque!

Quince Street

Photo by Swiger Photography

Between Locust and Spruce Street in Center City, Quince Street is hiding. We spoke to Amanda Swiger, Wedding and Boudoir Photographer, and she told us, “Quince is a super cute little side street, with a cobblestone ground, adorable houses, and its extra perfect in the fall! Philly’s Gayborhood has some other awesome spots within walking distance of this street, and it’s my favorite hidden gem of the city!”

Did you take engagement photos on one of these beautiful streets? If so, we would love to see them! Contact us today! 

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?