Happy 4th of July!

Vendor Spotlight! Weddings on the Waterfront!

This weekend I am participating in an exciting summer wedding show; Weddings on the Waterfront! It's going to be an amazing event.  I'm really looking forward to it!  They've been blogging about each of the vendors participating, and here is the blog post they have on me!

Vendor Spotlight :: Ethereal Events

Posted on July 11, 2012

Hi!  I’m Wendi with Ethereal Events.  I am a fun loving, bubbly wedding and event planner with a passion for beautiful shoes and handbags!  I believe a girl can never have too many pairs of shoes or too nice of handbags.

My favorite part of working in the wedding industry is it never feels like work. I have a blast every day!  I love the connection I make with my brides and her loved ones.  There is something I love about each of them, and their relationship.  I have the honor of taking them through what could be considered a stressful time, but instead we laugh, eat & drink and have a lot of fun!  I’m invited to share with their friends and family in the purest moments of love and celebration.  When the wedding day comes to a close, and they have truly had the time of their lives, I feel so rewarded.  There is no better job in the world for me than this one!

When you work with me it is a collaborative effort!  I work to make sure that my client’s style and personalities are reflected in every detail of their wedding.  The wedding is NOT about me! I work to get to know my clients, their personal style, personality, likes and dislikes, etc. and turn those things into elements of their wedding.  I listen, give advice and use my professional opinion to create exactly what they want.  When a guest walks into their reception I want to hear them say “this is so…insert your name here!” That is when I know I have done my job correctly.

When I Iook back at the most fun, unique or unusual wedding that I have had the pleasure to work on, it is so hard to just pick one!  My favorite weddings are usually the ones where I can see and feel how much love the couple shares.  It is usually reflected in the families of the couple as well.  This makes for the most beautiful vows, toasts, and celebrations.  I often tear up during these ceremonies, toasts, and dances; even though I’ve usually only known the couple for a year or less!  I’m kind of a sap and hopeless romantic, so weddings really touch my heart.

My #1 tip to every bride is plan out a small amount of alone time for you and your husband right after the ceremony to be together, just the two of you.  The rest of the day you will be pulled in a million directions by your family and guests.  Take 30 minutes minimum for the two of you to relax, reflect, celebrate, eat & drink, whatever you want to do.  It’s the only chance you will get ALL day, and if it’s not scheduled it WON’T happen.  It is a really special time to connect and reflect or jump for joy over the commitment you just made!”

I am married to my best friend and partner in crime.  We’ve been married for almost 6 years.  I remember parts of our wedding day vividly and the rest is a blur.   It is one of the greatest days of my life!  My favorite part of the whole day was seeing my husband for the first time. It had been a busy morning with hair and makeup for 8 ladies, breakfast, last minute items etc.  There was a ton of joy and excitement!  I had some nervous energy just waiting for everything to begin. Finally getting to spend time with him before the wedding was exactly what I needed.  When I got out of the car and walked into my husband’s arms everything in the world melted away.  I have never felt so peaceful, safe, and at home in my life.  I will never forget that feeling or moment in time for the rest of my life.

In Their Own Words:
“I insist we laugh! If it’s not fun, let’s find a way to make it fun! The wedding planning process can and should be one you enjoy.

Make it personal. Non-traditional.  A little quirky.  As long as it reflects you and your relationship, we can incorporate it. Your wedding should be representative of how you feel and who you are, anything but generic.

Trust. Trust has to be earned, and Ethereal will do what we need to make sure you know that we hear you and understand your vision.  Then we’ll take the responsibility off of your shoulders and allow you to enjoy your day!

Be treated like it’s important!  Yes, we have other clients, but you wouldn’t know it. Our service is personal and focused.  It’s about you and your day, and having an experienced friend help with the process”.

Fun Facts:
I am a UW Football season ticket holder, since 2000.  I love my HUSKIES!
I love dogs.  I rescued a boxer, ridge back mix over 6 years ago.
I love HGTV!  I can’t get enough of House Hunter International, Design Star or Love it or List It!  I can watch it for hours.

How to Contact Ethereal Events:
Company Name: Ethereal Events
Contact: Wendi Hroncich
Website: www.etherealevents.com
Email: info@etherealevents.com
Twitter: @etherealevents
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ethereal-Events/47754608686

Tis the Season - January or June?

Summer, fall, winter or spring? 2 pros weigh in on the wedding ‘when’
Anna Sachse CTW Features

January 12, 2012

Summer

Pros: “The weather!” says Christina Friedrichsen, author of “Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style” (North Light Books, 2004). “If you’ve got your heart set on an outdoor wedding, there’s no better season.” There are also three great three-day holiday weekends, and guests are more willing to take vacation time in the warm months and/or when kids are out of school, says Wendi Hroncich, founder of Seattle-based Ethereal Events. Other advantages Hroncich points to include a seasonal produce and flowers, and more daylight hours, which is great for photos.

Cons: Summer is the most popular season for nuptials in the U.S., which means prices generally are the highest and there’s a lot more competition for vendors, says Hroncich. In addition, guests may have already made vacation plans - or have another wedding to attend - during your wedding weekend. And that sunshine you were hoping for? It may not seem so spectacular when you’re dripping in sweat.

Autumn

Pros: Fall is full of fabulous décor inspiration, from colorful leaves to pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks, says Friedrichsen. You also can have a sunset ceremony that’s reasonably early, adds Hroncich, and you may still be able to have an outdoor party. Even better? Travel is typically cheaper during this time, so you may find great honeymoon deals.

Cons: Hroncich warns that cold or wet weather can hit out of nowhere, so you’ll definitely need tents or an indoors backup plan. Autumn also is the second most popular time for weddings, so you’ll need to book your vendors well in advance.

Winter

Pros: Hotels and venues will likely do their own decorating for the holidays, supplying you with free décor that feels festive and warm, notes Hroncich. December can be costly, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but prices often drop drastically in November, January, and February. Use some of the money you save to serve an indulgent spread of seasonal treats like spiked eggnog and gingerbread cookies, says Hroncich.

Cons: It’s a busy and expensive time of year for people, so chances are not everyone on your list will be able to make it, says Friedrichsen. Furthermore, severe weather could make traveling treacherous or downright impossible, Hroncich says.

Spring

Pros: Spring usually is the off-season, thus more venues and vendors should be available, perhaps at a discount, says Friedrichsen. You’ll also find a greater selection of blooms, fresh-feeling menus, and bright color palettes, says Hroncich. Add to that the possibility of sunshine without sweltering heat.

Cons: With the exception of Spring Break, kids will be in school, making it more difficult for families to travel, says Hroncich. And, says Friedrichsen, there’s a lot of potential for a cool, rainy day that you didn’t properly plan for.

Wedding Show Re-Cap

If you missed the Seattle Wedding Show this year, don't worry! Seattle Bride Magazine went to and is sharing it with you in a 3 part video series! Check it out!

SEEN with Seattle Bride @ The 2012 Seattle Wedding Show - Style Episode from Seen LIVE with Team Photogenic on Vimeo.

When to Marry? Is One Season Better Than The Others?

Recently, I was interviewed by my favorite Journalist Anna Sachse for an article she is writing an article about the pros and cons of each season for getting married. This is a really good question for couples to consider. Every season has a significance to each couple, some maybe more than others. Most people think of summer weddings based on what we all see in movies, magazines, and when we are invited to attend the most, but that does NOT mean it is the right time of the year for you! Here is my full list of the Pros and Cons of each season! I had no idea I had so much to say about this! I hope you find it helpful!

Summer

Pros:

Beautiful weather is most likely

Guests have time off or willingly take vacation time,

Kids are out of school,

3 great 3 day holiday weekends

In 4 season locations, outdoor option generally available

Wonderful selection of seasonal produce

Amazing variety of season flowers in bloom

Bright, Vibrant, and fun color pallets appropriate

Fun refreshing beverages appropriate

Any summertime activity or food is an option, crab bake, lobster cook out, BBQ, etc.

May have a beautiful tan still from summer weather

Longer days full of light

Cons:

Most popular time of year for weddings in 4 season places, which means most expensive time of year, and most competition for locations, vendors, etc.. Can limit your options if you don't pre-plan.

Your may be competing with your guests pre-scheduled vacation plans

3 holiday weekends, people may not appreciate you taking

In warm climates - really hot temperatures - out doors not suggested

Bugs can be a problem in certain areas in the summer months

Competition, You may schedule your wedding on someone else you know's wedding date - 2nd cousin, distant friend, etc. Some of your guests may have another wedding the same day and have to chose

May be leaving your location for honeymoon vacation during your best weather months - might miss the sunshine come winter

Outdoor wedding on hot summer day is really uncomfortable for the Bride in a really formal heaving dress, and for all men in Tuxes or Suits

Sweating profusely on your wedding day is NOT something any bride or groom imagines or thinks about!

Air conditioning at the wedding location really important - can be disastrous with out it!

Candle light is null and void until late into the evening

People can have a hard time dancing until it gets dark - can be late into the evening depending on where you live

Fall

Pros:

Beautiful natural color scheme and use of natural elements for decor

Fall theme is really easy and popular

Beginning to be the less popular time of year, vendor and location rates may be dropping

Nice time to go to on a tropical honeymoon as the weather where you live is getting cold - Make your summer tan last

Less weddings scheduled, so your guest are more likely not going to have another wedding on your date

Travel is less expensive - September is the cheapest and least popular month for travel

Indian summer

Bug problems decrease

Candle light

Sunset Ceremonies - at a reasonable time

Great time for a European or other hot spot honeymoon

Cons:

In warm places, popularity may be increasing due to cooler weather than summer months

School starting

Little to no vacation time left for you or your guests

Risk of cold or wet weather

Sun sets earlier - less day light for photos
Football Season- you may have to negotiate your wedding date around your Honey's team's schedule

Winter

Pros:

Amazing decor options and color schemes to work with

Hotels and venues may decorate for the holidays - supplying you with free decor (that most likely goes with the aesthetic of the location)

Holidays bring family together and are a natural time to celebrate

Prices are discounted except in December at Peak holiday party season

Comfort food

Spiced cider, egg nog, gingerbread, etc.

Candle light/ Fireplaces

Really romantic and magical time of year

Wonderful time for tropical or snowy honeymoon -

Cons:

In cold weather places:

Out door photo or ceremony options limited without proper warm clothing options

Sever weather could delay or cancel your guests travel

Power outages and storms are more likely

Icy roads and bad travel conditions can cause issue for even local guests

Summer color palette, food, and beverages are inappropriate

Flowers are not in season or local

Seasonal Fruits are harder to come by

Travel prices increase

Many holidays to schedule around

Busy and expensive time of year for your guests - may be a hard time for people to travel, buy a wedding present, etc. while juggling holiday expenses

Very little day light for photos

Spring

Pros:

Wonderful flower selection

Bright cheerful colors appropriate

Less expensive then summer months

Less popular time of year creating less competition

Cooler weather than summer months with possibility of sunshine

Great time for honeymoon

Spring Break

Beautiful light for photos

Cons:

Scheduling around Easter

Rain more likely than summer

Kids in school

You Don't Want to Miss This!

Happy New Year!

What a great start to the new year! This is the week for all newly engaged ladies to begin planning their wedding! (If you're not newly engaged No problem! This week is still so amazing you need to know about it too!) There are so many exciting events going on starting with the Trunk Show at Luly Yang on Friday, followed by the Seattle Wedding Show on both Saturday and Sunday! There are so many deals and bargains to be found this month on couture dresses and top of the line vendors it could make a girl's head spin! If you are the type of girl who gets hot at the idea of pre-sale(ing) the Nordstrom's sale, then these trunk shows are for you! You DO have to make an appointment for the Trunk show and buy tickets for the wedding show, so make sure you do so! Don't say I didn't warn you!

Now go have fun, and let me know how it goes!

Enzoani Trunk Show at Luly Yang Couture

Friday January 6th, 2012 through Sunday January 8th, 2012

Brides will receive 10% off any Enzoani gown & a complimentary Hollow to Hem measurement during this trunk show!

Limited consultations available, call 206.623.8200 to book your consultation today.

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Luly Yang Diamond Trunk Show

Friday January 20th, 2012 through Sunday January 22nd, 2012

Brides will receive 10% off any Luly Yang Bridal gown and bridal accessories purchased during this trunk show weekend.

Limited consultations available, call 206.623.8200 to book your consultation today!

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Enzoani Gorgeous with Curves Trunk Show at Luly Yang Couture

Friday January 27th, 2012 through Sunday January 29th, 2012

This is the perfect trunk show for women with gorgeous curves who want to try on beautiful gowns in sizes 16-22!

Brides will receive 10% off any Enzoani gown & a complimentary Hollow to Hem measurement during this trunk show!

Limited consultations available, call 206.623.8200 to book your consultation today.

Wedding Dress 101

Happy Holidays! I hope all your Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. dreams have come true! For those of you who's dream of getting engaged over the holidays came true I'm here to help! Here are first of many tips to come!

10 Tips for Wedding Dress Shopping Success!
Wendi Hroncich

1. Always make an appointment at the dress shop beforehand!

2. Shop for your wedding gown SEPARATE from Bride's maid dresses. Shopping for both at the same time can be too overwhelming and does NOT give either shopping experience the value it deserves!

3. Wear or bring a strapless bar

4. Wear or bring heals with a comparable heel height to what you will wear on wedding day.

5. Shower and do your hair/makeup - when you try on dresses you will feel better in them if you like your hair and makeup that day!

6. Bring more than 1 person with you, especially if this person will like or hate everything you try on. Bringing someone whom you love their style/taste or has similar taste to you will really help. A 2nd set of great eyes will give you more confidence in your decision! If you have to - bring the people you love, whom you don't share taste, as your last option. They can make your decision harder or with out meaning to make you 2nd guess your self or not enjoy the experience at all. Surrounding yourself with positive people with great fashion sense will help you the most!

7. Try on dresses outside of your comfort zone. You never know what you will end up loving once it is on you. Have fun with this experience! After the wedding is over, you will wish you could go dress shopping again!

8. With that said, keep your wedding vision in mind - you don't want to end up with a dress that doesn't match your venue or formality of your wedding. For you I know you have a pretty clear idea of what you want and it really fits your whole vision, but don't rule anything out before at least trying it on!

9. Ask for a fabric swatch of the dresses you love and take pictures, if the shop will let you!

10. Bring a snack for in between appointments. Have everyone coming with you do the same! Dress shopping takes a lot of energy and time. It's important for all to become starving in the middle of the day!

I Do!...Want to come to the Hottest Bridal Event of 2011

Fall is upon us hear in Seattle! The rain has returned, the leaves are beginning to change and football season has begun! Whether we like it or not, the hot summer days of August (as few as there were) are behind us, and all the crip beautiful days of Fall are here to stay!

The turning of the seasons also marks a significant turn in the Wedding Industry. In October, we go from the summer's wedding every weekend craziness to wedding show mania until the beggining of the year! It is a wonderful time to be a newly engaged couple starting your planning or finalizing your wedding day plans!

Here are the details for one of my favorite shows of the whole season! Get out your party dress, grab your girl friends, and get ready for Urban Unveiled!



The Celebrated Wedding Show for those with Style, Sophistication and a Passion for the Unique
Urban Unveiled returns with its
sixth show on Wednesday, October 12^th. The event will be held
at Benaroya Hall and showcases over 50 premier wedding industry vendors, as
well as raffle drawings for attendees, and a one-of-a-kind Luly Yang Couture
fashion show.

The annual Urban Unveiled event held
at Benaroya Hall is more than a wedding show; it is a celebration, a cocktail
party for those getting married and the creative partners who make dreams come
true. This evening of opulence is a chance to meet and mingle with the Urban
Unveiled partners who can take your bridal vision and make it a reality.
It is the culmination of a collaboration among the finest artists in the
Seattle wedding industry.

We have invited each participant to joinus at this event because we truly believe that they excel at what they do. We are confident that we have selected visionaries who are guaranteed to please you with their creativity, personality and style!

We are pleased to present the theme of Urban Unveiled 2011 - "Diamond" - which brings a chic cocktail couture ambiance dripping in sparkle to Benaroya Hall. We hope that this experience will inspire you, captivate you, and spark your imagination to the possibilities for your own wedding or event.

The award winning designer Luly Yang will debut her 2012 Bridal Collection, Diamond, at Urban Unveiled. While Luly has always held a fashion show at the event, this year Urban
Unveiled will feature a full-scale expanded bridal runway show to cap off the
evening. The "Diamond" collection is an ultra feminine, fluid collection of romantic bridal and evening wear gowns inspired by diamonds and precious metals. Experience the brilliant sparkle and unique beauty of diamonds and crystals transformed into exquisite bridal gowns and luminous
evening wear.

Last year's collection

For additional information and to purchase tickets please visit www.urbanunveiled.com.