Love is in the air...

Millions of red roses are shaking in their thorns. Bottles of champagne are chilling, strawberries are taking baths in chocolate, and men everywhere are descending upon jewelry stores with trepidation. Yes, Cupid is circling the neighborhood as Valentines Day is less than a week away. As you’re planning your wedding this year, the question is shifting from what chick flick you and your girlfriends will see (He’s Just Not That into You, no matter who you are, it’s a goodie) towards how to make this day romantic and special for you and your fiancé. There will be many Valentine’s days in your future, and it seems like every year the search is on for the perfect dinner, perfect present, etc…

First and foremost, remember that you’re madly in love. With that, any Valentine’s Day is sure to be wonderful. As you’re juggling through lists of caterers, florists, and every other vendor that a wedding requires, you have all these great resources to help you out. After all, these are experts in flowers, cakes, candy and catering.

Most local restaurants offer amazing Valentine’s Day deals. One look at the unique 19th century church, white tablecloths and candlelight of The Refectory is enough to make a reservation for two. One bite of the food however is enough to never want to leave. If a romantic dinner is what you had in mind, The Refectory might be just what you need.

If your fiancé has more of a sweet tooth, MJ's Candy Bar is a great resource for finding a great original gift. Maybe his favorite candy growing up was Bottle Caps and Candy Buttons, or perhaps he has more of a mature appreciation for dark chocolate. All of these are options at MJ’s, with my personal favorite being the Candy Topiary Trees ;).
A new survey that was done by the ladies bible, Cosmopolitan, shows that a majority of men enjoy receiving flowers. So if you’re wanting to try something new, or even give your guy a great florist to keep in mind for the future, The Daisy Basket is one of Columbus’ best resources for beautiful and original flowers. Be warned, he might be accepting of flowers, but probably not of pinks, purples, or an over abundance of satin ribbon. Simple arrangements with clean lines in blues or whites can say I love you without too much fuss.
So whatever the gifts, whatever the meal, just remember that very soon you and your fiancé will be enjoying a lifetime together and that’s the best gift you could ever give or receive. For those sappy romantics out there I thought I would include my all-time favorite poem, in case you are still in need of some inspiration for the 14th or possibly your wedding day.

I Seem to Have Loved You...
~ Rabindranath Tagore
I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times, In life after life, in age after age forever. My spell-bound heart has made and re-made the necklace of songs That you take as a gift, wear round your neck in your many forms In life after life, in age after age forever. Whenever I hear old chronicles of love, its age-old pain, Its ancient tale of being apart or together, As I stare on and on into the past, in the end you emerge Clad in the light of a pole-star piercing the darkness of time: You become an image of what is remembered forever.You and I have floated here on the stream that brings from the fount At the heart of time love of one for another. We have played alongside millions of lovers, shared in the same Shy sweetness of meeting, the same distressful tears of farewell- Old love, but in shapes that renew and renew forever. Today it is heaped at your feet, it has found its end in you, The love of all man's days both past and forever: Universal joy, universal sorrow, universal life, The memories of all loves merging with this one love of ours- And the songs of every poet past and forever.

ColumbusBrideandGroom Launch Party

Devoted to Details held the launch party for it's second business,

ColumbusBrideandGroom.com,

on January 15th at a new venue called Shanes in the City. This is located in the City Center Mall at the previous Forever XXI store. The space was rented by Shanes Gourmet Catering who also provided absolutely incredible food and friendly staff. The space was initially bare and provided a clean slate for The Daisy Basket to work their magic. It was decorated and designed to perfection from mirrored walls to hanging palladium windows from the ceiling! With the help of Lasting Impressions Event Rentals who provided the tables, linens, and amazing lounge seating, the look was complete!

Braving the extremely cold weather well over 200 guests were in attendance. They were greeted with champagne and hors d' oeuvres. The evening began with lounge music by Fermata Music, models were provided by Alan Ray Bridal and Classic Tuxedos. Arthur Murray Dance Studio provided gorgeous ballroom dancers to entertain us with their wonderful moves.

Guests could move around throughout the evening, having a chance to meet the particpating vendors:

They could get their make up done by Make-up MelissaRashan

They could have their hair done by J.Bentley

Flavored lattes were provided by Latte 2 a Tea

As well as the bar, guests enjoyed the slammin drinks from The Margarita Man

A make it yourself cup cake bar with unusual flavors was provided by Our Cupcakery

A candy buffet was provided by MJ's Candy Bar

The 8 person photo booth was provided by The Columbus Photo Booth Company,

Old fashion flip books and props were provided by Sneakers Productions- these were really cool!! I can see this being the new wedding reception trend!

Black Jack tables were provided by Interactive Game Solutions

Invitations with Bling were provided by Paper Occasions

Mood lighting was provided by Buckeye Sounds

Guest Favors by my FAVOR-ite things of Columbus and Buckeyes On A Stick

And the best entertainment of the night came from Class Acts Entertainment who provided an amazing band called Lt. Dan's New Legs -check them out!

Photos by Banks Photography

Ok. So I was not dancing on a table but on a glowing dance platform provided by Sneakers Production. How could anyone not dance to this awesome music! It was a great party and a great way to launch a wonderful resource for local engaged couples in Columbus!

Much thanks goes out to these incredible vendors for a job well done!

Top 10 Questiosn To Ask When Choosing A Band For Your Reception

Top 10 Questiosn To Ask When Choosing A Band For Your Reception
by Robert Frascotti, B.M., M.M. (Paragon Music & Entertainment, Ltd.)

1. Does the band have a good quality demo tape that I can receive in the mail? You should not have to traipse all over town trying to duck into someone else's reception in order to see a band perform.

2. Are there written comments on file from customers who have used the band in the past, that I will be allowed to examine? Your best assurance that a band will do a good job at your reception, is a documented "track record" showing that the bad has satisfied its previous customers.

3. Does the band have experience performing specifically at wedding receptions? Providing the entertainment for a wedding receptions requires a unique set of skills that are acquired by a band only through plenty of actual experience. These include emceeing, pacing, protocol, modes of behavior and dress, and much more. A band that usually performs in bars or lounges will have little or no such experience.

4.Does the band wear black tuxedos when they perform? Formal black tuxes for men, and dressy gowns for ladies are the standard attire that you should expect from your reception band.

5. Are the band's promo materials neat, attractive, well-organized? Nice materials indicate an organized, experienced band. Messy materials warn of sloppy habits and probably music. No materials means - losers.

6. Does the band play the styles of music I am expecting? You should be provided with a sample song list, which will relflect the kinds of music the band normally plays.

7. Has the band been recommended by a reputable entertainment agency? The best bands will have been noticed by companies such as Paragon Music & Entertainment, (740) 548-5250. Their recommendation means that the bad has been auditioned and selected by music professionals who are trained to evaluate musical talent and who understand the requirements of wedding receptions. It should carry a lot of weight in your decision-making process.

8. Does the band specify their instrumentation, or do they offer to "put something together?" The phrase, "Sure, we can put something together for you" should turn you off immediatly. The speaker is suggestingthat you accept an "ad hoc" group of musicians who will likely be playing together for the first time at your reception! Not a good idea.

9. Will the band leader call me the week of my wedding, to "touch base" with me about my entertainment? You have a right to expect this personal touch, and the opportunity to fine-tune your entertainment agenda.

10. Once I choose, will I receive a written contract from a responsible entertainment agency to guarantee the band's appearance? This is a must. A company such as Paragon Music & Entertainment will provide this to you.

Robert Frascotti, President of Paragon Music & Entertainment, Ltd, holds music degrees from the Indiana University School of Music and from The Eastman School of Music. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the International Special Events Society, on the music faculty of Indiana University and of Capital University. He is the co-author of the acclaimed music text, The Orchestral Saxophonist. As a noted jazz saxophonist, Mr. Frascotti has appeared with such music legends as Liza Minelli, Ella Fitzgerald, Leslie Uggams and Sarah Vaughan.