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Engagement Excitement

Arizona Wedding Congratulations! You are engaged! This is a very special time in your life, and one to savor. In the future, this time will be remembered  as a whirlwind of happiness, planning, and anticipation. Engagement photo sessions are the perfect way to capture these memories. They can be fun, whimsical, romantic, or posh- whatever style is a reflection of you! They are also a great way to get to know your photographer, and a way for the photographer to become familiar with your personalities, likes and dislikes.

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These are some adorable photos of Debbie and Zach at their engagement session. By picking a fun location, Photographer Michael Guernsey was able to put the couple at ease and get to know them in a relaxed setting.  These pictures reflect  a playful, fun, and in love young couple.

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Trends: Club Theme for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs

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Over the last year the club theme has been very popular for both Bar at Bat Mitzvahs. There are three key  components to consider when creating the perfect “Club.”

1. Incorporate all aspects of the room. This means adding design elements throughout the space to create a cohesive whole.  For this Bar Mitzvah, we continued the club design to include both the cake tower and the bar. This filled the space across from the dance floor and in the corners of the room making it one cohesive space rather than a series of stations.

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2. Utilize light as décor. The intelligent lighting in this bar moves with the music, adding a fun dynamic. Combining this with a retro inspired pillow wall created light and movement in an area that could otherwise have been dark and predictable. We also designed the table bases so that they were lit from within and featured unique lighting as the focus of the centerpieces. The combination of these two elements, offset by the chic bar, enhanced and perpetuated the cool vibe throughout the room.  

 

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3. Choose two or three feature colors. In this case, white and royal blue were our feature colors. We chose to incorporate them by using white for the seating and lounge accents, and royal blue for the lighting. The royal blue lighting played perfectly off the white furniture and provided a chic, modern vibe. This enhanced and reinforced the cool club feel of this trendy Bar Mitzvah party.

 

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If you liked this post or found it useful, let me know! Comment below or check us out on Facebook at Signature Events by Charlee Geisler!

Starry Night: An Elegant Arizona Wedding

Rebecca and Zack amid the orange trees in Mesa

Rebecca and Zack amid the orange trees in Mesa

Rebecca and Zack knew they wanted their romantic reception to be held beneath the stars in the orange groves of Mesa , Arizona. They also knew they would need some extra help bringing their vision to life, so they contacted Arizona wedding coordinator and Signature Events owner, Charlee Geisler .

Scottsdale Event Coordinator, and Signature Events Owner, Charlee Geisler

Scottsdale Wedding Coordinator, and Signature Events Owner, Charlee Geisler

“The natural beauty of the orange groves provided the perfect setting for us to make Rebecca and Zack’s dreams a reality. When we started,” Charlee continues, “the reception site was a gravel lot in the middle of rows of orange trees. There were no lights, no power, and no restrooms, but we made it into something magical.”

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Scottsdale Wedding Planner Charlee Geisler made Rebecca and Zack's dreams come true

The theme was “Starry Night,”  and Charlee wanted to incorporate the stars as much as possible. However, since it was also April in Arizona, she wanted guests to be comfortable, which meant brining in air conditioning. “We decided to go with a clear tent so that guests would feel like they really were under the stars. The design elements we incorporated included soft white draping for the walls, twinkle lighting overhead, and hanging illuminated multipoint stars from the top of the tent to enhance the romantic effect.”

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Throughout the night, guests were able to enjoy the beauty of the Arizona spring, while dining and dancing in cool comfort. The romantic tone set by the twinkle lights and  draping was further heightened by the elegant blue and white centerpieces, sparkling crystal, and navy blue linens.

To complete the evening, the bride and groom cut the cake and shared a kiss as perfectly timed fireworks erupted over the grove, completing the perfect, romantic starry night.

The night started with elegant romance and ended with fireworks

The night started with elegant romance and ended with fireworks

Sincere thanks to Marnee Marriott of Marriott Photography for the wonderful pictures of this event! To see more images, please visit her website at http://www.marriottphoto.com/weddings/rebecca-and-zack-starry-night.html

From Mitzvah to Matrimony

Signature Events, LLC Bride, Rachel Clayton, got all she ever asked for and more from Charlee Geisler and Signature Events, LLC. Starting as a young girl dreaming of the perfect Bat Mitzvah, and culminating as a ravishing bride in her March 20, 2010 wedding, Rachel and those like her hold a special place in Charlee’s heart. “I can’t believe I have been coordinating weddings and events for twenty years! It is so rewarding to see these girls grow into accomplished young women. I am so honored that I am able to play a part in making their dreams become reality.”

Rachel and Dan

Photo by iLLume Weddings

Charlee first met Rachel in 1997 when she was just thirteen and starting to plan the perfect art themed Bat Mitzvah. “It was such an exciting time for me,” recalls Rachel, “and Charlee made it so easy and fun.” Together, they came up with such creative ideas as palette shaped cookies, Paul Jackson Pollock inspired tablecloths, and inviting guests to enter the magical room through a an oversized gold gilded picture frame.

Bat Mitzvah

After the resounding success of Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah, Signature Events, LLC went on to plan the Bat Mitzvahs for Rachel’s two sisters. Cindy, Rachel’s mother, made Charlee promise to stay in business long enough to do Rachel’s wedding. Well, Cindy, you got your wish!

On March 20, 2010, Rachel walked down a beautiful petal lined isle to her Prince Charming, Daniel Bronson. Signature Events, LLC helped her plan the perfect wedding, including twinkle lit curtains in the ballroom, glowing centerpieces, and a chuppah laden with elegant flowers.

“After the wedding,” Cindy recalls, “I asked Marshall, Rachel’s father, if it was worth it. He said it was worth every penny!”

Rachel demonstrates the benifits of the complimentary flip flops she and Dan provided to guests.

Photo by iLLume Weddings

Rachel and Dan enjoy some fun alone time in the photo booth.

Photo by iLLume Weddings

The consumate hostess, Rachel had a basket laden with flip flops on either side of the dance floor. She did not want sore feet to inhibit the dancing and merry making! Rachel also incorporated a photo booth where guests could immortalize the day in their own special way. Rachel and Dan chose to use it for fun!

Ice Cream and Candy

Photo by iLLume Weddings

Known for her sweet tooth, Rachel also included both a candy table and an ice cream bar. This made every sugar addict in attendance sing her praises as they dug in to candy coated bliss.

“Each and every one of my weddings is special,” remarked Charlee, “But there is something about bringing a bride full circle from Mitzvah to Matrimony that touches a special place in my heart.”

As you being your life together, Rachel and Dan, we at Signature Events, LLC wish you the love of the ages, the laughter of the present, and the art of the future.

Featured Cultural Events Speaker

Last month, the National Association of Catering Executives asked Charlee Geisler, owner and founder of Signature Events, LLC to share her expertise on giving traditional and religious rituals and a modern twist. As an experienced event planner, Charlee is able to incorporate special décor and distinctive accents to create a unique experience at each celebration, while still maintaining its cultural integrity.

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At this meeting, NACE asked Charlee to focus specifically on Jewish practices. The following two pictures demonstrate how a modern twist on a traditional element can take an event from expected to exceptional.

Chuppah

In the Jewish Faith, the creation of a Chuppah, literally meaning “canopy” or “covering,” symbolizes the home a couple with build together. In this beautiful rendition, Signature Events incorporated gnarled branches and wrought iron to create an elegant and contemporary feel for this classic tradition.

Additionally, there is a themed celebration after a Jewish 13 year old child becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Below are two examples of a fashion themed Bat Mitzvah where M&M favors and shoe shaped centerpieces added fun and glamor.

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Chinese Traditions

One of a wedding planner’s greatest challenges is finding the right balance between traditional and contemporary elements. While it is very important for some couples to honor their heritage, they also want their wedding to feel contemporary. With the help of Signature Events, LLC, Stella and David, were able to create the perfect blend for their Chinese themed wedding.

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They began the day with a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony in which the couple expresses their gratitude to both families by pouring them tea. Signature Bride Stella wore a red dress in the traditional Chinese style to the Tea Ceremony, but later changed into a beautiful white bridal gown for her wedding and reception at the Four Seasons resort in Scottsdale. By wearing both red and white, the bride was able to honor her both her Chinese and American heritages. yeeflowergirl The flower girl was also dressed to impress. How cute! liondance1 During a traditional Chinese dinner, Signature Events was asked to provide Chinese Lion Dance performers to help summon luck and good fortune for the bride and groom. yeecenterpiece.2jpg In keeping with Charlee’s execution of the bride’s vision, Camelback Florist created a beautiful centerpiece of white cymbidium orchids, hydrangea, and gold birch branches that was both modern and culturally relevant.

Wedding Work of Art

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The Phoenix Art Museum was the perfect location for Emily and Jack’s wedding. The bride’s family is a long-time supporter of the venue, and the sleek modern style was the prefect fit for the couple! Signature Events truly enjoyed planning an event to compliment the beautiful surrounding artwork.

The bride and groom came down a grand staircase into a uniquely set room. The tables were a mixture of rounds and long banquet tables. We also mixed high-back chairs with leather banquettes.

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The floral design was created by Angelic Grove, and the entertainment was a local band and a DJ.

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The Phoenix Art Museum also provides a lush setting for an outdoor ceremony. Boxed florals lined the aisle and hanging tea lights provided a gorgeous backdrop for the bride and groom.

Wedding at Sea

boatsmall Aboard the America, a well known San Diego racing yacht, Signature Events set sail for a wedding on the open water. Michelle and Cy were the happy couple that employed us to help create an intimate, sunset cast away. boatcrop The forty guests were greeted at the dock with champagne as they boarded. Captain Troy took the group out into the bay for a sunset exchange of vows by the bride and groom. boatcake As the cruise went on into the evening, everyone enjoyed food, music, and dancing! boatturndown Signature Events thought of everything, including a turndown favor of personalized M&Ms. These were left on each guest’s pillow at the Hyatt Manchester. Our wonderful photographer for this wedding was Stuart Thurlkill from Eyes 2 See Photography.

Casual Lounge Atmosphere for a Wedding

collageCreating a more casual, lounge atmosphere is becoming more and more popular with the less traditional bride and groom. This unique wedding took place at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale. It began with a cocktail reception where beverages and hors d’oeuvre were passed.

The guests were then asked to gather around the happy couple for a quick exchange of vows. headtableLater, the party moved into a room set up as a lounge with a band, residential furniture vignettes, and scattered cocktail tables

To continue a casual feel, the traditional plated dinner was replaced by food stations and an espresso bar.

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Relaaax! You Hired a Wedding Coordinator

This could be you on your wedding day…

bathtubbrideWhy do you need a wedding coordinator?

A good wedding coordinator will help you set a balanced overall budget. They will also ensure you have a seamless event with a down-to-the-minute timeline. You can also expect a good wedding planner to help you hire reliable vendors, and usually, at a reduced rate. But there is only one thing a great planner can do…create a stress free environment for you on your wedding day!

You have been imagining this day for a long time, and it is so important that you enjoy it! Don’t spend the time worrying about tablecards or vendors. A bride’s job on her wedding day is to relax, and enjoy the moment. Take in all that is around you and have fun! A great wedding coordinator is one that will take care of your unsaid requests and anticipate what needs to happen to ensure a flawless event.