Think Big ~ EventQuip (Philadelphia Event Planner)

Donald Trump has been a public icon that I have followed closely since the beginning of my college career, when I really became interested in Business.  I many times find myself mesmorized by his ability to make deals, run effective organizations, and strive for excellence in every aspect of his brand.  In my career, if I can master half of his magnificence and business sense I will retire feeling successful.  One of my favorite books by Mr. Trump is Think Big.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit EventQuip in Lansdale.  During the tour of their facility, I couldn’t help but think of “The Donald”.  Everything EventQuip does is BIG.  Their organizational skills are incredible.  I have never seen such a multitude of equipment so neatly arranged, and efficiently categorized.  EVERYTHING was in place.  There was not so much as a single bolt lying on the floor.  As the tour continued I began to feel as though I was going through Willy Wonka’s Choclate Factory.  I was beyond impressed.  My favorite part of the tour was seeing the washing machine they use for the tents.  It looked just like the one I have at home, except about 65 times bigger and made of what appeared to be a steel-like material.

As Michael Sardanopoli, my gracious tour guide, explained the procedures they follow it became clear to me why EventQuip is known as “thee” tenting company in the Philadelphia area and surrounding counties.  Every  precaution imaginable is taken to insure the saftey of their clients and their guests/customers.  There is never a detail overlooked.  If Mr. Trump where looking to buy into the tenting industry, I would be sure to let him know where to start

Hats off to Ed Knight, Michael Sardonopoli, and the entire staff of EventQuip for creating and maintaining such a cohesively and efficiently run organization!

www.EventQuip.com

Do As The Romans Do. (Philadelphia Event Planner)

**This is the second part of the previous blog. If you haven’t read it, go back and catch up **

So. . . now that we had come up with this amazing idea, that would be the “surprise trip of a lifetime”, we had a LOT of planning to do.  We started by talking to all of her friends, and seeing if they would like to join us.  Seven of my mom’s friends were ecstatic to come along, making a group of 13.  13 people in Rome, now that’s a party!

We contacted my mom’s supervisor at work to let her know that she would be taking some vacation time.  Then we started the planning, the concocting of our story, and how we would get her there.

First we needed somewhere to stay, so we started looking around on all the top travel sites.  There are some gorgeous hotels, with amazing architecture, but so many of them only had rooms for two, which began to get pretty pricey.  We decided to see if we could find apartments to rent, which worked out to be much more cost effective, until my dad upgraded ours to the lap of luxury   He insisted that it’s a once in a lifetime trip, and we should enjoy it.  (Hey, I wasn’t going to argue)

We then began researching the area to plan our itinerary, and search for the perfect spot to host my mother’s birthday dinner.  We will be visiting all of the great tourist spots, shopping, and since we are Catholic, we acquired tickets to go to the Vatican for Mass on Palm Sunday.

My sister and my dad went out and bought her clothes for the trip, new make-up, and everything she would need.  My mom is VERY perceptive, if one thing was out of place she would notice (this is how I often found myself in trouble as a teen.  I was never as good at covering my tracks as I thought I was).  We couldn’t risk her realizing that something was missing, so new everything it was.

Now that we had her bag packed and tucked away in a closet she would never look in, we had to think about how we could get her there without her knowing.  We didn’t want to tell her about the trip until we were already on our way to the airport, so we tried to think of what would be in the same direction.  Longwood Gardens is a location our family has grown very fond of over the past year, and it just so happens to be in the same direction  as. . . you guessed it, The Philadelphia Airport.

My dad and I put together a fake email about a special Longwood Gardens, and an Authentic Italian Restaurant (the actual restaurant we will be having her birthday dinner at in Rome) was having for one night only.  This special was conveniently being held the week of her birthday.  It involves an hour tour of Longwood Gardens beautiful orchid display, followed by a five course dinner with fine Italian wines at the restaurant just down the road.  She bought it, and found it so thoughtful of us to find something she would enjoy so much (boy is she in for a shock )  My wonderfully amazing fiance has all the bags in his car, and will drive down to the airport and meet us there.  Meanwhile, while I am in the car with my family, about half way to the airport, we will ask her to type the address of the restaurant into the GPS, and when she asks for the city, we will tell her Rome.  I will, of course, be videotaping inconspicuously from the back seat, and will youtube her reaction for all to see!  Once we get to the terminal, all her friends will be waiting there already, which will be surprise number two!

I can’t wait to get back and begin my next blog series “The Ultimate Surprise Party”.  Stay tuned!

When In Rome . . . (Philadelphia Event Planner)

By the time you read this, I will be in the air on my way to Rome.  (A huge thank you to Amanda Ojeda for posting my drafted blogs for me while I am gone).  At this time I have hopefully just accomplished pulling off the biggest surprise party of my event planning career.  Although it has been killing me, since the person being surprised by this trip is one of my frequent readers I was not able to write about any of the plans in my blog. . . until now!

Over the years I have not only done event planning for my company, and other companies I have worked with, but also for friends and family.  There is never an occasion in my family that does not get an all out bash.  For my parents 25th anniversary we threw them a surprise party with an International Theme and 80 of their closest friends.  This was the perfect theme for them.  Through my life I have been lucky enough to live in three different countries, due to my father’s work, and have gotten to travel more then the average person.  While living in both England & Germany my parents took full advantage and traveled to so many places, Greece, Italy, Paris, Austria, Scotland, Alaska, Amsterdam, etc.  The list goes on for a while.  So what better way to commemorate 25 years together then to incorporate something they love!  The party was fabulous down to every detail.  Every room in the house was decorated in authentic decor from a different country, and food to go with it!  There were lawn inflatables, souveniers, etc.  We even got some of the guests to dress in costumes.  It was a phenomenal themed event, and an amazing time had by all!

For my father’s 50th we threw him another great surprise party with a fall theme as his birthday is in September.  He was utterly surprised, and had no idea.

Around this time a year ago we began to consider what we should do this year for my mother’s big birthday (we won’t say which one).  My father LOVES to party, and is very social.  If you put him in a room with 200 people he didn’t know, he would leave with 200 new friends.  My mother finds it more enjoyable to do things with the people she loves, and to experience unique adventures.  She specifically told me years ago she would much rather do something for her “big birthday” then to have a party.

For my parents anniversary party we gave their friend the option of putting money towards a trip to Italy for them, rather then a gift.  We knew they had been wanting to go for a long time.  To play along with the International theme we placed the check of all the money their friends supplied into a Pinata and had them smash it to get it out.  As of last year they had still not had a chance to take the trip, so we decided a trip to Rome would be a great way to surprise my mom for her big birthday!

Come back tomorrow to read how we pulled it off!

Who’s Monroe (Philadelphia Event Planner)

Each time I introduce myself and my company I always get the same question, “Who’s Monroe?” After having a blog for over a year, I suppose this is a post that should have come sooner, but better late then never. I do believe that curiosity creates intrigue.

The simple answer is that the company is named after my grandmother, however it is a more detailed story then that.

From a very young age, as I’m sure many girls did, adored Marilyn Monroe, her beauty, her sex appeal, etc. The older I got, and the more I learned about her my interest continued to grow.

My grandmother and I were very close, and she knew my love for Marilyn Monroe.  In many ways I saw her in the same light as Marilyn Monroe.  She did not have a great deal of money, but she was always well dressed and glamorous and her name was Norma Jean, just like Marilyn Monroe, or so I was told.

My grandmother battled cancer and won twice!  She is my hero!  What’s even better is through everything she endured during her life she never lost her good spirits and love for all adventures, people, and experiences.

On April 5th, 2005, Norma Grande passed away.  Although she had a very strong will to live, her body had had enough.  At this time I was 22, and in my senior year at Temple University studying Tourism & Hospitality Management with a focus in Event Planning.  I was leaving class when I got the call.  I was devastated.  My grandmother was always my unconditional supporter, and one of my best friends.

The next few days of planning the funeral and making arrangements went by in a flash (which is what inspired me to provide funeral assistance as a service provided by Events by Monroe).  The morning of the funeral I drove over to Resurrection in Northeast Philadelphia (a bit of useless info . . my father was the first baby ever christened there) to attend the funeral mass.  I walked in and took several funeral cards to keep for memories.  As I turned the card over a wave of nausea and panic came over me.  The funeral director had made an unforgivable mistake!  She had written my grandmother’s name as Norma Eleanor instead of Norma Jean!!  I dashed over to where my father was speaking to my cousin and said “Excuse my interruption Dad, but they wrote the wrong name on the funeral cards!  How could this happen?”  My father looked at me like I had three heads and said “What are you talking about?  They have the correct spelling.”  I continued to argue that they had written the wrong middle name.  My dad explained to me that I must be mistaken and that my grandmother’s middle name is and always was Eleanor.  I think my father and I realized what was going on at the same time and just smiled.

My grandmother had told me her name was Norma Jean for all those years because she felt like it could be one more way for us to relate to each other.  It is obviously how she always wanted me to remember her.  So now every time I hand out a business card, or go to my website, etc.  I can think of her the way she wanted me to see her.

I love having this as my company name because it not only keeps my grandmother as a constant memory, but it also aids in many of the decisions I make.  When faced with a challenge, or a tough ethical decision, I always think about what she would have done, and use her as a guide.  It has worked out great so far

GREEN ~ It’s Not Just For St. Patrick’s Day (Philadelphia Event Planner)

Since everybody will be eating, drinking, and wearing green today, I thought this would be a great time to mention and upcoming event that will be green.  On April 28th, 2010 the GreenChic Living event will be hosted at the Crystal Tea Room beginning at 5:00pm.  All proceeds will benefit the Sustainable Business Network & Schuylkill Banks.

This event will be a showcase of all the finest in green housing, products, food, fashion and services in the Philadelphia region. Sponsored by MAINLINE & BUCKS Life magazines there will be a vast assortment of eco-chic products for the home and body, all things that compliment your lifestyle without compromising style, function or comfort.   Philadelphia’s sustainable czar Katherine Gajewski will be speaking about the cities plans for the future.  Models will showcase bamboo and organic clothing.  Recycled jewelry will be made on site.  Peco will explain the changing energy laws.  GreenandSave will let you know the latest innovations.  Other highlights include solar innovations, a beauty bar, local beer, liquor distillers and restaurants plus much more! For more information about the event, you can follow this link http://www.luxephila.com/greenchic.html.

Romance in New Hope (Philadelphia Event Planner)

Last month the associated press published an article noting the 10 MostRomantic Places to Visit in America. http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle272347510_most_romantic_places_to_visit_in.html?cat=16.  I was excited to see New Hope, PA included in the list.  It is one of my favorite places to spend a sunny day, and also is where I will be marrying my fiance next April

When we began looking at venues we first went to Font Hill Castle in Doylestown, which is an absolutely gorgeous venue.  I was sold from the moment we pulled down the classic tree lined driveway.  Jack Skudris, owner of memorable affairs, took us on a thorough tour of the facility, and spent a great amount of time discussing the many options they offer.  We left the meeting ready to go home and sign the contract.

I am extremely organized and always on the ball with planning my clients weddings and events.  Lucky for me, I am a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to my own.  After thinking about it for a few weeks we came to the conclusion that it just wouldn’t work with our budget (Yes. . . even event planners have a wedding budget ).  I came across the reception site we would book completely by accident.  In fact, I was working on a client’s wedding when I found it.  I had not been to the venue yet, but had seen it on Memorable Affairs website, when I decided it would be a good option for my clients.  I scheduled a meeting with Pat Kor to check it out before taking my clients.

The venue is Occasions, and is located right in New Hope in Union Square.  I fell in love with the rich colors, extensive decor, and chic modern vibe.  I couldn’t believe the pricing, and how much they included in their package.  I can honestly say you will not get more for your money anywhere else in the Philadelphia or surrounding areas, and I have a lot of experience to base this comparison on.  They even include linens and napkins of any color you want for no additional charge.  This is virtually unheard of!  I regretted that I hadn’t been out to see this location sooner.  The pictures they have, although beautiful, do not do the location justice.  You really need to see if for yourself, and feel the energy of the building.  In addition to my love for the location, working with the staff of memorable affairs has been just as amazing of an experience.  They are always available, and will schedule their meetings at your convenience, not theirs.

Needless to say, this is where my reception is booked.  I can’t wait to start planning all the details.  The fact that it is in New Hope makes it all that much better.  I love the uniqueness of New Hope, the shops, bed and breakfasts, art, etc.  I am also excited to be able to make our wedding a destination weekend without our guests having to travel far.  I will be blogging about the whole planning process as I mentioned in a blog a while back, and would love feedback.  Although I have been to New Hope many times, I would love some advice on good spots for photos.  So.. to all my readers and photographers out there, what are your favorite spots in New Hope for pictures??  Help me out

Photos : Provided by Memorable Affairs

Great New Ad Thanks to Opaque White Design (Philadelphia Event Planner)

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Stephanie Wells for doing such an amazing job on our new ad that will be featured in Mainline & Bucks Life Magazine starting in May

I have known for 20 years.  Watching her grow as an artist and explore new areas has been an amazing journey.  She is extremely talented in graphic design as you can see, in addition to photography and many other creative forms of design.  Her photography is one of my favorite aspects of her art.  She has a great way of finding and portraying the beauty of the forgotten.  Her work is extremely intriguing.  If you have the time please take a look at some of the work she has done.  Her site is still in the works of being put together, but it shows a small sample of what she could do for you or your company.   You can also contact her through Facebook.   Thanks Steph!

http://web.mac.com/opaquewhitedesign

Congratulations Mike & Erica! (Philadelphia Event Planner)

I have been meaning to get this post (and several others) up all week, our office has just been very busy!  Last Friday great friends of my fiance and myself got engaged and we couldn’t be more happy for them!  Mike and Erica began dating last spring, and have been inseparable ever since.  Erica has a very fun loving spirit, and Mike is ecstatic to have found her.  It wasn’t long before he knew that he had met the girl he just had to spend the rest of his life with.  They are an amazing couple, and incredible friends.  They are also parents to two adorable pugs, Donovan & Kali, who love to play with our adorable pug   We wish them great happiness, and can’t wait to see how the wedding plans come along.  Feel free to congratulate them in our comment section!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You can hear all the details from Erica in the comment section…

Bloomers & Blush (Philadelphia Event Planner)

There are several schools of thought on how much the Internet should be used.  I am sure the majority of parents today think their children are spending way to much time online, and many may worry that they are missing out on developing socialization skills and interacting with the outside world.  I however, can’t get enough.  Business is constantly changing, and for me personally it has opened so many more doors.  I have reconnected with people I haven’t seen in years, and learned things about them I never would have known.

I was recently on facebook and saw a familiar name in the top right hand corner with add as friend below it.  The name belonged to someone I worked with formerly years ago.  I had no idea that she had branched into a new profession, or that I this profession directly correlated with mine.

I was amazed as I followed the link on Jennifer Kuptsow’s facebook page to discover the incredible talent she had, that I just had to tell all my clients and fellow professionals about!

Jennifer has had a background in photography and video for quite some time, and has transformed her background into her current company and passion of doing Boudoir Shots.  Her company is called Bloomers & Blush, and is based in Philadelphia.  She also shoots in New Jersey and New York frequently but can travel anywhere in the world.  Jennifer will spend hours with every client to ensure they are comfortable and having a great time “The result is a final product with magazine quality images making all women feel confident & euphoric.”  What a great gift for your husband or boyfriend, or even to yourself.  Jenn is currently in Las Vegas for a Photography convention (I’m so jealous).  Be sure to look at her website and great blog, and contact her to schedule your photo shoot when she returns

http://www.bloomersandblush.com/

All photos belong to Bloomers and Blush Boudoir Photography

The Ultimate Groom Contest~ Brought to you by The Man Registry (Philadelphia, Event Planner)

Attention all Grooms (or Brides).  Be sure to take a look at The Man Registries awesome new contest.  They are looking for America’s Ultimate Groom.  They have partnered with The Dessy Group, Whiteflash.com, Adam & Eve, Grilltopper, & MissNowMrs.  Whoever wins this great prize pack is guaranteed $1100.00 in goodies.  Grooms can enter through March 15th by telling what you have done for your wedding that sets you apart from other grooms.  Brides can nominate their grooms.  For complete details please see the article below on themanregistry.com

http://groomsadvice.com/the-man-registry-ultimate-groom-contest/