10 Ceremony Tips

1. READINGS: Always send copies of your readings to the readers in advance for them to practice. Have extra copies on hand during the rehearsal, and on the podium/table during the ceremony in a very large font.

2. RUNNERS: In a church ceremony where there are many aisles, lay and tape the runner down in advance of the ceremony. Block the aisle with garland and have guests escorted down the side aisles. It is a beautiful statement as guests arrive and assures a smooth procession.

3. PROGRAMS: Remember you really only need to print one per couple. Have your planner or one of the ushers place a program on the seats of the participants in the procession so they have a copy once the arrive in their place.

4. REHEARSALS: Always have one - no matter how simple the ceremony. Remember Friday traffic especially in Summer and plan your timing accordingly. Always have readers practice .

5. BATHROOMS: Make sure your ushers know where they are , they will be asked. Why not donate some beautiful soap and lotion as well. Even if your guests don't use it the parishioners will enjoy it.

6. EYES ON THE BRIDE: I always tell my wedding parties that if they keep their eyes on the bride , they will be standing the right way.

7. LEAD WITH YOUR HEART: If you process down the aisle with your heart leading the way, you will be standing straight with shoulders back.

8. RECESSIONAL : Walk slow. Smile Big. Have a plan on where the Bridal Party will recess to if you are not having a receiving line. An automatic receiving line will form if everyone is not tucked away somewhere.

9. DIRECTIONS: Even if you have sent in advance, make sure you have copies of directions to reception available.

10. CLEANING: Make sure someone stays behind to pick up programs and other items left behind. This burden should not fall on the church. He/She can also bring any flowers you are not leaving at the church to the reception for you.

Congratulations to Liz and Don!

Liz spent a great deal of time crafting each detail of her wedding from the color concept of sky, grass and crisp white to the fabulous menu and wine pairing she and Don created. It was a gorgeous wedding!

A big thanks to a great group of event professionals: Catering--Corner Stone Catering, Floral- KD+J Botanica, Band-Perrone Brothers, Paper Details - Ceci New York, Wiley Valentine and Laura Hooper Calligraphy and these amazing photographs by Leslie Dumke Photography

Thank you for allowing us to be a party of the special day.

How do you know he/she is the ONE ?

Yesterday I was asked this question, and I immediately thought of this Poem/Story as the appropriate answer:

[ If you feel this way about someone- he/she IS THE ONE! ]

I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg

I like you and I know why.
I like you because you are a good person to like.
I like you because when I tell you something special, you know it's special
And you remember it a long, long time.
You say, Remember when you told me something special
And both of us remember

When I think something is important
you think it's important too
We have good ideas
When I say something funny, you laugh
I think I'm funny and you think I'm funny too
Hah-hah!
I like you because you know where I'm ticklish
And you don't tickle me there except just a little tiny bit sometimes
But if you do, then I know where to tickle you too
You know how to be silly
That's why I like you
Boy are you ever silly
I never met anybody sillier than me till I met you
I like you because you know when it's time to stop being silly
Maybe day after tomorrow
Maybe never
Too late, it's a quarter past silly
Sometimes we don't say a word
We snurkle under fences
We spy secret places
If I am a goofus on the roofus hollering my head off
You are one too
If I pretend I am drowning, you pretend you are saving me
If I am getting ready to pop a paper bag,
then you are getting ready to jump
HOORAY

That's because you really like me
You really like me, don't you
And I really like you back
And you like me back and I like you back
And that's the way we keep on going every day

If you go away, then I go away too
or if I stay home, you send me a postcard
You don't just say Well see you around sometime, bye
I like you a lot because of that
If I go away, I send you a postcard too
And I like you because if we go away together
And if we are in Grand Central Station
And if I get lost
Then you are the one that is yelling for me

And I like you because when I am feeling sad
You don't always cheer me up right away
Sometimes it is better to be sad
You can't stand the others being so googly and gaggly every single minute
You want to think about things
It takes time

I like you because if I am mad at you
Then you are mad at me too
It's awful when the other person isn't
They are so nice and hoo-hoo you could just about punch them in the nose

I like you because if I think I am going to throw up
then you are really sorry
You don't just pretend you are busy looking at the birdies and all that
You say, maybe it was something you ate
You say, the same thing happened to me one time
And the same thing did

If you find two four-leaf clovers, you give me one
If I find four, I give you two
If we only find three, we keep on looking
Sometimes we have good luck, and sometimes we don't

If I break my arm, and if you break your arm too
Then it's fun to have a broken arm
I tell you about mine, you tell me about yours
We are both sorry
We write our names and draw pictures
We show everybody and they wish they had a broken arm too

I like you because I don't know why but
Everything that happens is nicer with you
I can't remember when I didn't like you
It must have been lonesome then

I like you because because because
I forget why I like you but I do
So many reasons
On the 4th of July I like you because it's the 4th of July
On the fifth of July, I like you too
If you and I had some drums and some horns and some horses
If we had some hats and some flags and some fire engines
We could be a HOLIDAY
We could be a CELEBRATION
We could be a WHOLE PARADE
See what I mean?

Even if it was the 999th of July
Even if it was August
Even if it was way down at the bottom of November
Even if it was no place particular in January
I would go on choosing you
And you would go on choosing me
Over and over again
That's how it would happen every time
I don't know why
I guess I don't know why I really like you
Why do I like you
I guess I just like you
I guess I just like you because I like you.

..thanks again Isha!!!

Paris on my mind !

Get to know Cymbeline - started by three sisters more than 30 years ago to provide traditional gowns with a modern edge that would revolutionize the bridal industry.......

While Cymbeline has grown into an international wonder, the company’s design shop is still located in an old mill, dating back to the 17th century, in Nemours, a small village in the south of France. It is where all the designs are conceived before each collection is presented to the world. Every year Cymbeline invites young talented designers from different countries to make contribution to the collection. The inclusion of these designers in the company ensures fresh ideas are constantly introduced each season. This, along with the sophisticated taste of the three sisters who impose their romantic and modern touch to the brand, attracts brides from all over the world.
Cymbeline is unique, it is a sort of small international family with will and desire to broadcast their know-how (savoir faire). With offices and shops all over the world it is a truly global company. This makes the name CYMBELINE one of the world leaders in the bridal industry today.

Cymbeline is one of our favorite lines that we carry in our studio. Our brides love their easy and glamorous style. The fabrication is exquisite and the lace used is to die for !!! Pictured above is Agadir -one of the most requested styles at TRE.

Antibes has amazing lace details is available with a Black or White Sash. So Romantic!

Chopin has the ever popular empire waist and a delicate sweep trainCornelia has a special place in my heart. I love texture, and this dress I adore.

All of these gowns are available in our Studio to try on- and some are even part of our Sample Sale. Experience a little bit of Paris this week - Come try on one of these amazing dresses!

Favorite Footwear Picks for Fall!

To start .....a teensy confession:

Hello, my name is Traci Romano , and I am mildly [ wink] addicted to shoes!

I love the change in seasons because it means a change in footwear.... and who among us does not love shoes? I must also preface this post by saying that I consider shoes an investment. A great pair of shoes should last you a very long time and your local Cobbler should be your best friend. Treat them well, and they will return the favor.

So here is what I am loving right now ..........

This is a GREAT neutral over the knee boot by Sigerson Morrison

This Beauty is by Jimmy Choo but for H+M! So the splurge is much less damaging on your Prada Wallet!
For a shorter boot, there is nothing I want more than these Manolo's - I am simply in LOVE!
This d'orsay cuff by Manolo is my favorite shoe of the season.

Available in Red or Black the Valentino Flat Bow Peep Toe is an amazing Pump that will probably get the most wear in your shoe closet[ you do have a shoe closet don't you? ].

Enjoy the upcoming Fall Season - attend great parties, and wear GREAT shoes!

What do you do to get "un-stuck" ?

My "Thinking Beach" at Sunset

We all have ways and methods we use to spark creativity...but what do you do when you are completely stuck?

This is something I struggle with myself, but I do have some techniques that often help me:

I have a "beach" I call it my " thinking beach". It is a small private beach and only has parking for for about 10 cars. Especially at this time of year and through the winter it is a fabulous place to go to be at peace. Often just being there helps to clear my mind.

I also try to do things that are not in my normal routine - like taking in a baseball game

Fenway Park

I am a big Red Sox fan, but don't often get the chance to head up to Fenway. This year I was able to take my son and nephew to a game and it was great to experience the fun through their eyes. They loved the game but I think they most enjoyed singing Sweet Caroline and doing the Wave!!!

Culinary Institute Greystone Campus

If you are really "Stuck". Try taking a class in something you love. I once took a class at The CIA Greystone campus in Napa. Napa is one of my favorite places to visit, but actually taking a class was an amazing experience.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

If you are in the Metro New York area ....have you ever walked across the Brooklyn Bridge? I even spent a year working in Brooklyn and never crossed the bridge by foot until this past May. Once over the bridge we went for ice cream here at the Factory - YUM. If you don't want to walk back you can take the Water Taxi.

As creative service providers we often get stuck, but our clients do as well. They have very difficult decisions to make throughout the planning process of their weddings. It is not always the biggest decisions such as Dress or Venue that can make them "stuck" in the planning process. It is often such a small detail like a favor or song that block their ability to focus on the fun of planning. I have found for my clients some simple things such as taking a dance class as a couple or heading out for a "date night" where there is no talk of the wedding can be very beneficial.

I would love to know what you do to get "un-stuck"................

My Memories of The World Trade Center

I moved to NYC in the summer of 1993. I had a great little apartment on Thompson Street in Soho that I shared with one and sometimes two people. Our apartment basically served as a place to sleep in those days,but if my memory serves me correctly there was probably a very small unused kitchen inside.

After a short stint at Viacom, I became gainfully employed at BNY 1 Wall. Each morning I would rise with city roosters [ rats ] in the thick of darkness to make the run to Spring Street to catch my train to the World Trade Center. I despised that run. I had to be to work by 6:30am and the only people on the street at that hour were not the type for a friendly "hello". The worst part was that when I got to the train [ usually outrunning the rats] I still had to run through an underground tunnel to catch the southbound E train. I still remember holding my breath as I ran through the tunnel until I climbed up the stairs on the other side trying to look cool and unafraid. "Attitude is everything" I would tell myself.

I could not wait until the train came an pulled me into the WTC stop. Arriving felt like arriving home, I could breathe again. The stores were of course closed at that hour - lucky for me as I was usually late but the towers were still buzzing with "suits".

On the way home from work I would often make the short walk through Chinatown back to my apartment, saving a fare and considering exercise checked off my list for the day. Once on foot I would first pass by Trinity Church where I could often be found saying a daily prayer - it usually went something like this " please don't let me fuck up this job". It still amazes me to this day that Trinity was left unscathed by the tragedy of 9/11. After a quick prayer and a look around to make sure no one knew I was cursing in gods house, I would then pass through the little park that was filled with men playing chess. I let them amuse me while trying not to make eye contact with Century 21.

The WTC was a major hub for me in those early years. I knew the security guards faces and there was always a polite nod as I scurried to not be late for work. In the WTC, I bought my first few suits for work, at Casual Corner and once engaged had my diamond appraised for insurance purposes by the little Italian man who owned the jewelry store I passed by frequently. I never really made it above the basement floor until the day I started Kevin Zraly's Windows on The World Wine Class. The class was phenomenal, and Kevin was amazing but my fondest memory of the class other than learning that I did not like Dom Perignon was the breathtaking views from the top of the tower. It was spectacular.

On September 11, 2001 I watched the bombings from my living room in Connecticut while pregnant with my second child. My husband, Mark, worked on Maiden Lane for Goldman Sachs- I was terrified. I was soon to learn that on this day , he had a meeting at the Goldman offices in Princeton and was not in the city. A true blessing! It still took him about 12 hours to make it home, but he did- he made it home. Living in NYC and the surrounding areas for so long we knew so many people affected by this tragedy. It personally took me six years to visit the the void that was once the World Trade Center. Once there, I was only able to give the construction site a one eyed glance while holding my hand over my other eye in case it tried to peek. This was a position I usually found myself in at the movies when a terrible scene was unfolding. I haven't been back since.

I will still skirt the area, and am still known to frequent Trinity Church for a quick prayer. Forgive me , but I am still usually praying that I am not fucking something up, but now I also spend time reflecting on what was and what is today as a result of September 11th.

As I write this, my heart is with the countless heroes of that day, the families who lost loved ones and all of us who will never forget. I am also filled with my own memories of morning upon morning of pulling in WTC. I can still see the security guards faces, and smell the aroma of coffee brewing and will always remember the train stopping , me getting off and feeling like I was at home.

TRE's Top 10 First Dance Songs...

Here is what we are loving right now: [ a mix of old and new ]

1. Joshua Radin - Today
2. Peter Gabriel - Book of Love
3. Bright Eyes- First Day of My Life
4. The Fray - Look after You
5. Phil Collins- Groovy Kind of Love
6. Nancy Falkow- Where Do I Start?
7. India Arie - Can I Walk with You?
8. Tanya Donelly - Manna
9. Van Morrison - Someone Like You
10. Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am

What are your Favorite Readings at Weddings?

I was thrilled this summer that one of our clients had chosen one of my favorite all-time poems ever to read at her wedding. It is by ee cummings. What is your favorite reading [s ] ?

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

Real Wedding : Marie and Quinn

Congratulations to Marie and Quinn !
[images courtesy of Laura Novak Photography]

Thank you to the amazing team who helped to make this such a magical wedding: Watson's Catering, Stamford Tent, Frost Lighting, Grucci Fireworks, Laura Hooper Calligraphy, Andy Kushner Entertainment, John Dent Parking Productions, KD+J Botanica , Party Rental LTD, Laura Novak and of course the Team at Traci Romano Events[Caitlin, Alex, Julie, Jodi and Marianne] !!!!