Wednesday, January 28

Lelek Loves: Giving

I love to 'give back'.  The idea of 'giving back' to your community or to communities you don't even know, is often met with same attitude permiating life today - I'm too busy. I feel just the opposite: the busiest people are often the people who do the most for their communities, friends and families.  So as you run from work to the dry cleaners to home, turn your brain on and realize how you too can give back. 

Cathy, designer of Princess Bands, loves to give back too and has made it is for brides. If you make a purchase with Princess Bands, Cathy will donate 10% of the cost to the charity of your choice. How easy is that?

There is certainly no shortage of worthy causes and it is easier than ever to find a charity that matches your concerns and meets your standards. Check out Charity Navigator for smart giving practices http://www.charitynavigator.org/ and visit Global Giving to search by your interests and support grassroots projects http://www.globalgiving.com/ . 

Happy helping! 


Thursday, January 22

Sample Sale Spotlight | Amy Kuschel Antoinette



Decadent, Glamorous, Sophisticated. Exquisitely crafted in Duchess Silk Satin, Antoinette's timeless silhouette has an asymmetrically draped waistline with vintage brooch details, a fluted A-line skirt and a dramatic balloon hemline.
size 8

View this dress and many others in our Winter Sample Sale Savings Event. Dresses are 30-75% off! Ring us today to find out more
| 203.354.9791

Jennifer Skog | The Couture Couple Contest


In honor of Valentine's Day, Maria Chang and Jennifer Skog have planned an amazing GIVE AWAY ......a Couture Couple Shoot to one fabulous couple! Here are the details:

What is a Couture Couple Shoot | A full day stylized shoot with Jennifer Skog and hair and make-up design by Maria Chang of PMA. The shoot includes up to 3 different looks and an opportunity for a Couple Boudoir in the bedroom.

The Contest | In about 1000 words share your love story with us. The most romantic story will be chosen among a panel of colleagues and the winner will be announced Friday, February 20th. To keep it fair, Jennifer and Maria will not actually be picking the winner. CONTEST DEADLINE : VALENTINE'S DAY at MIDNIGHT

Who can enter | Everyone! This contest is not limited to California - Maria and Jennifer will come to wherever you are to do the shoot!

How to enter | Email submissions to: seduction@jenniferskog.com Please include 1 or 2 of your favorite photos together (1000px max) as well as your name, city, state and email address.

Wednesday, January 21

Alex Finds | A Personal Touch




For those of you who like to put the perfect touch on everything, take a look at this great find! Felix Dolittle has the cutest return-address labels that I have seen so far. Add a Label to your At Home Cards for the perfect touch. Whatever your style or interest, they have the perfect label to match; there is something for beach lovers, city dwellers, gardners, equestrians, dog lovers, and more...!!
($42 for 100 Labels)

Tuesday, January 20

A Conversation with Lisa Hoffman founder of Ceci New York


photography by Karen Mordechai



At Traci Romano Events, we have been fans of Lisa Hoffman from Ceci New York for years. She is truly a visionary and leader in the Wedding/Event Industry. We are thrilled that she shared a bit of herself with us today... enjoy!

When and Why did you decide to start Ceci New York?
I started Ceci about 5 years ago. But the real catalyst was when I was working at a design firm in San Diego (my home town) and I was hired to design the Bridal Registry Kit for Macy's and Bloomingdales and all the Federated department stores. It was the first time I started conceptualizing weddings and my coworker who was engaged loved what I was doing and asked that I design her wedding invitations. I approached it as a design challenge rather than a pre-templated invitation card and created my first Ceci Luxe book invitation, it was an instant hit! - I was then offered a job in New York in the web design world designing brands and websites for Fortune 500 companies (Major League Baseball, Hotwire, Eluxury, Tylenol, etc.) but I missed paper and the tactile qualities of print design so much I started designing invitations on the side. Applying the thinking I put into corporate brand design and 'branded' each of my events. My clients loved the concept of having me create their "brand" and/or imagery for their event... it seems to have created a trend! My name was passed around and soon the demand became a full time job!

Where does your design inspiration come from ?
Vintage architecture and glamorous mid-century interiors, intricate tile patterns, and ornate fabrics, but above all turn of the century couture fashion designers have always fascinated me... Every couture gown was completely fabricated and designed specifically for each customer. I love the artistry, craftsmanship, patterns and fine quality that these designers embodied and I strive to offer that level of service. Yet living in New York I just can't help but be influenced by the raw energy and creative edge that the City puts out...as a result my concept for Ceci has always been "downtown style meets classic elegance".

Do you have a favorite color combination ?
Orange will be important and I love the bright cobalt blue. Purple is a huge trend right now but I see that being replaced by stronger color pops mixed with soft grays. Spring is a time for rebirth and typically brings brighter palettes. However, the metallics will continue to carry over from 2008. I think with weddings, champagnes, golds and silver metallics will always be in fashion (desirable).

Is there a design tool that you could not live without? my creative mind and my eyes - if I lost one of those, I would be nothing.

Out of the four White Label Collection Concepts and which resonates with you most? - I love them all but the Destination Collection does at the moment stand out to me. Maybe it's because I am personally planning my own destination wedding. The collection is inspired by travel, culture and sophistication - all elements that are important in life.

Favorite vacation spot?
any where where there is a gorgeous beach, warm sunshine and peace and quiet. But if I had to name one - I had an amazing experience at the One&Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. They take care of every detail for you. Their tag line states "Where heaven embraces the Earth" - I couldn't agree more!

Favorite restaurant in the City?
Right now I'm loving ALTA . It's this little cozy gem of a place in the West Village. It's great to go with friends because the entreés are small, tapas style- perfect for sharing! I personally LOVE to eat and love it even more when I get to share and sample a variety of delightful new flavors through out the meal. Plus ALTA has incredible sangrias - perfect compliment.


Thank you for sharing Lisa!!

Friday, January 16

Engage!09- Something Blue










Mark your calenders.... Registration begins at 9am on 2/2. This amazing event featuring the who's who in the wedding industry is NOT to miss.


Visit the Engage! 09 Website here to learn more about how you can be in the Grand Cayman June 21--24.

Thursday, January 15

Rosa Clara Trunk Show | January 23-24


Introducing a wonderful event featuring Rosa Clara Bridal Gowns. Preview Rosa's entire 2009 Collection and enjoy Spectacular Savings on these Couture Gowns.

Spend an hour or two with us trying on fabulous dresses, sipping champagne and nibbling on chocolates.

Ring a Stylist to secure your personal appointment at this exclusive event| 203.354.9791

January 23-24
10am-6pm
Traci Romano Events
50 Water Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854

Monday, January 12

Alex Finds | Rag and Bone Bindery

An Adorable Guestbook From a Fabulous Bindery


Having been recently married, myself, I know that finding a cute color-coordinated guest book is not an easy find!! Luckily, I came across Rag and Bone Bindery, which has the perfect guest book! All items at Rag and Bone are handbound and come in an assortment of great colors. You can order your guest book with or without a ribbon on the cover (I personally prefer the look with the ribbon-its so cute!!). Photo Albums, Journals, and Baby Books are also available from this wonderful bindery, and each one is the perfect gift for someone special (Or go ahead and treat yourself!).

Rag and Bone Guest Books are available at the Studio -- Please come and visit us to select your very own!!!

Sunday, January 11

Campaign for Change | $50 Wedding Photography Raffle

Emilie Inc. is offering the greatest raffle. Enter to win a chance to have the very talented Emilie photograph your wedding. There is a $50 entrance fee , and all proceeds go to The Pink Initiative.

Enter to win this amazing opportunity here!

Saturday, January 10

Secretary of The Arts

Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to
appoint a Secretary of the Arts. While many other countries have had
Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never
created such a position. We in the arts need this and the country
needs the arts--now more than ever. Please take a moment to sign this
important petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.

You can find the petition here to sign.

..... thanks to karen zieff for forwarding this great message to me!

Thursday, January 8

TRE Welcomes Ceci New York White Label Collection

We are thrilled to introduce our brides to the luxurious White Label Collection from Ceci New York. High fashion and exquisite craftsmanship are now available at a ready-to-order price. As the only Connecticut studio to carry this collection we invite you to call us today for a preview that includes: Save-The-Dates, Invitations, Thank you Notes, Menus, Programs and so much more!

Take a peek at some of the designs below. Each invitation suite is fully customizable, and the options are endless from formal black tie to botanical and destination themed as well as chic classic designs.







Contact a Wedding Stylist today to schedule your personal preview of this collection:

Ring | 203.354.9791
Email | events@traciromano.com

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Wednesday, January 7

Dancing Deer - A Sweet Deal





Dancing Deer, one of my favorite bakeries, is having a great sale on cookies. Send some to him/her ....just because!

Two--Tier Holiday Cookie Tower

Now only $9.95
- regular price $39.95


67 all-natural shortbread cookies. Gingerbread Folks, Mocha Marble Rounds, Chocolate Drizzled Stars, Cranberry Pepita Shortbreads, Peppermint Nuggets, Triple Chocolate Shortbreads, and Maple Pecan Shortbread Bites. You`ll understand why we get such rave reviews about our cookies. Arrives in wood boxes silkscreened with our whimsical artwork - very fun and useful too. Each box a gift in itself. 67 cookies in all.



Monday, January 5

Alex Finds | A Thoughtful Gift for the Newly Engaged!

Now that the Holidays have come and gone, you just might know someone who was recently engaged!!

I have always found it difficult to find the perfect gift for a newly engaged friend. Recently, I discovered something perfect... A monogrammed tag for the inside of her wedding gown!!

J. Crew offers a fabulous grosgrain ribbon which can be sewn right below the original label in her wedding gown ($20 online)... And even better the stitching is blue!!! (There is something blue for her too)


Monogram her initials and wedding date for a sentimental and timeless gift.

Saturday, January 3

What Lelek Loves | For Me, From Me


At this time of year, I love treating myself to a gift or two. This year, I treated myself to some of Lollia's perfume that I have been obsessing over in our studio. Lollia's "Inspire" is a simple scent and I love putting it on during the day or evening. The best part of gifts to oneself isn't wearing a new scent but treating yourself to something special. I hope everyone enjoys this busy time of the year. Maybe you can stop in for some Lollia of your own!




Right now, if you purchase any Lollia perfume, take home a coordinating lotion for FREE ($25 value).