By Marcinho Savant, Senior Event Designer: savvyplanners.com, LLC

This is a difficult topic.  When clients actually to more harm than good, how can we handle that?

Hello, Angel-Puddins!!

As you’re thinking of getting married and hiring professionals to assure your needs and requirements are met, please consider the following.

If we, or any true wedding or event professional, are hired by you to create, design and manage your event, please allow us to do our best job for you.  Here are some things to avoid, when working with professionals working on your wedding.

1.  Do not permit loads of people to get involved in your planning.

We know that there can be MANY people that wish to offer their ideas and thoughts to your wedding planning.  They, SURELY, have your best interests at heart.  However, “design by committee” is confusing, counterproductive and inefficient at its core.  Our policy is that, while we appreciate and consider the input of others, we work for the Brides, Grooms or the signer of the agreement.  It is THEY that we must please.  We’re happy to work WITH family and friends on certain matters, however, we work FOR the persons signing the agreement.  You are hiring us for our experience, expertise and knowledge.  It is our task, duty and privilege to assure your greatest success.  Let us do our best job for you.

2.  Let us fully represent your desires to your vendors.  We speak the “same language”.

Our agreement clearly states that clients are to limit their questions or concerns to us, exclusively.  It is our reponsibility to properly represent your questions and concerns to the vendors you select.  To feel that you might be better able to ‘negotiate’ or arrange special considerations than we are is a mistake.  Our sole purpose is to work WITH vendors to meet all a client’s desires.  We are SHAMELESS and UNAFRAID to ask for the things that a client wants or needs.  Our years of vendor negotiation have prepared us to know just what to say, how to say it for the greatest efficacy and results.  We will go to bat for our clients as often as necessary and until there are simply NO MORE options or routes to pursue.  Please allow us to do our very best for you.

3.  Help us Minimize any Confusion

We are experienced in securing the very best benefits, perks, considerations and extras for our clients.  We begin the relationships with each vendor with your needs in the forefront.  We nurture that relationship to your advantage, every step of the way, for the months and years it takes to put your event together.  If we, whom you’ve hired to protect your interests, are not the single point of contact and go-between on your behalf, there are historical demonstrations of how things get confused, misconstrued and misdirected by too many ‘sources’ of discussion and conversation.  We’re HERE, solely, to represent your needs, desires and wants.  Let us show you that you’re in good hands.

I recognize that there are some people that simply MUST feel that they are in charge of things and feel uneasy if they do not assume a directorial role.  THIS is counter-intuitive when working with professionals.  Our purpose is to assure that the client is fully satisfied, is heard and has their requests honored fully.  Clients choose to invest in wedding and event professionals, for the purpose of making their lives easier.  To take AWAY the stress that is inherent in wedding and event planning.  It takes three to 4oo hours to plan a wedding properly.  We do this day in and day out.  Let us perform for you and exceed your expectations!  Our pledge to EVERY one of our clients is that they, as a result of hiring our professionals, will only have to show up, be GORGEOUS, participate in, enjoy and REMEMBER their day, because there isn’t anything left to chance.  Let us bear the burden of the stresses and challenges of managing your event. 

Just some, lovingly, suggested thoughts based on our years of experience and caring for our clients’ needs!  Experience the savvyplanners.com difference! 

“Be Stress and Worry Free!  Be Savvy!”

“A Piece of me Died Today
—The gross disappointment in vendors who don’t live up to our Standards”

By Marcinho Savant, Senior Event Designer: savvyplanners.com, LLC
Wednesday, June 02, 2010

I am sad today. Saddened because I have had to release vendors from an upcoming engagement.

I received an email from a client that disturbed me so greatly, that I had to take a moment. The email said that the client had doubts about the end results of their item because of a poor vendor consultation they attended. This in itself is disturbing enough— that I made a referral and recommendation with utmost confidence, honor, honesty and faith because this vendor has never let us down before. Ever.

What is equally disturbing is that this vendor has had two complaints in the past 6 weeks which revealed a lack of consistency, professionalism, readiness and maintenance of the savvyplanners.com level of care and service. My personal integrity and my dedication to my and our clientele have been called into question as a result.

The client’s email read: “Our only question to you is how can you guarantee a great [product] for our day? This experience left a damper on the reputation of Savvy planners [savvyplanners.com] to recommend the utmost quality, as this is the first vendor we have visited.“

I am embarrassed, upset and highly disappointed that our company’s stellar reputation has been sullied in the minds of this client. Of course, I take responsibility for this failure. While it was entirely unexpected, after a history and track record with this vendor, we failed. Period.

I assumed responsibility for the problem and apologized, sincerely, for the occurrence. I will rectify the client’s concerns and resolve the issues they expressed. That is my responsibility.

It was with no great pleasure that I was forced to inform this vendor that the client had fired them. It was with no great pleasure that I was required to place this vendor on probation. Now, based on gross tardiness in providing requested estimates and quotes, I must prepare to relieve another vendor from duty and from this event.

We, and I, have worked with these particular vendors for nearly 8 years. We have become friendly and well-acquainted with these vendors over the years. I care GREATLY for these vendors as people and now find myself in the position of having to terminate our work relationships because they are not keeping up, pulling their weight, nor living up to the savvyplanners.com, or my, expectations of them and on behalf of our clients.

This is not fun at ALL. Love, however, is love and business is business. After seven years of service to couples from all over the world, for this company, I can recall just three times when a vendor failed, in part, to perform as expected. I, even then, assumed responsibility for that failure. That was my obligation and duty.

This company has worked tirelessly and joyfully in the business of making dreams come true. That track record of success and performance has now been called into question.

Too much time, effort, devotion and care have gone before these incidents, reputation and client confidence and, therefore, cannot be permitted to be sullied by the failures of some of those upon whom we rely to perform on level or beyond.

Just recently, we received a commendation from one of our highly respected colleagues. It read:

“Do you want the most unusual, unique, or impressive arrangements for your special event? The professionals at SavvyPlanners [savvyplanners.com] can handle ANY task their clients put in front of them – with absolute passion and integrity! I rarely find a professional who goes so far to ensure their clients receive the ultimate in service, but when asked by clients who is the BEST wedding and event vendor for first class events, Savvyplanners [savvyplanners.com] gets my referral for sure!” -Jewish & Interfaith Weddings by Cantor Debbi Ballard

That is the type of accolade we are accustomed to from clients and colleagues alike.   To have disappointed a client in the preparation of their most important day is unacceptable and terrible.   So as a piece of me dies today, so, too, I am reborn and possessed of even greater commitment  to ensure client satisfaction, remove the ‘problems’, protect our brand, uphold our reputation and that of myself.

I risk destroying the friendships that have been forged as a result of working with these vendors and that saddens me greatly. Love of friends is precious and vital to me personally and important to our company and our brand. Nothing, however, takes precedence over the end result and the successful creation, implementation and execution of the client’s dream. Nothing.

I wonder if the vendors in question, and all of the nearly 2000 vendors upon whom we rely worldwide will understand my plight and the wrenching and difficult decisions I am required to make in order to protect our clients.

Our client’s come first.  Our vendor relationships come an important and valued second. This is the savvyplanners.com brand:   Client Protection • Integrity • Ethics • Respect • Punctuality • Service • Quality • Commitment • Innovation • Professionalism &  Joy.

In upholding those characteristics, I will continue to do what must be done.

-Marcinho Savant. Senior Event Designer

Here’s the third in the series. How do you not horrify the kids!?

The Fairy-Wedding-Father™: Pre+Teens

by savvyplanners.co

Previous in Series

The Fairy-Wedding-Father™ Teaser by savvyplanners.co

Our Personal International Celebrity Makeup Diva: Michele Bell!

Boudoir Photography has gained popularity in recent years.   Some “nearly-weds” are still a bit hazy on what Boudoir is, and some aren’t sure if they’d be comfortable taking the plunge in a racy Boudoir photo shoot.

So today, I have introduced a photographer with whom I have had the sheer pleasure of working with exclusively (inspired by these gorgeous Boudoir shots from Critsey Rowe).   I thought I’d clear the air and fill you in on the ins and outs of Boudoir!

What is Boudoir Photography?

It is the art of visually capturing the inner and outer beauty of regular folks in a sensuous and classy way.

Why would I schedule a Boudoir session?

There are a few things to remember when considering a boudoir shoot…

1. Boudoir photographs make a wonderful wedding day, Valentine’s Day, or Anniversary gift for your husband or wife!

2. If you are planning your wedding, you’ve likely been working hard on getting your bod into tip top shape. Capture your pre-marriage or pre-baby body in all of its glory with boudoir photos! You can look back on these when you are old and grey, and remind your husband or wife how hot you looked when you said “I Do”!

Where do these Boudoir photo sessions take place?

Most reputable boudoir photographers will conduct your shoot wherever you feel most comfortable. Typically, this would be in the privacy of your own home.   Some alternatives: your best friend’s house (for some moral support!) or a hotel room (to help unleash your inner sexpot!)

Of course, Hair and Makeup Artist Michele Bell could be on hand to alleviate your stress with her most perfectionistic artistry to enhance your outer appeal and reveal your sexy inner self.

So people, what are your thoughts on Boudoir??

I’m a pretty shy girl, and am not always comfortable in front of a camera. But after seeing how beautiful boudoir photos can be, when the time comes and I’m ready to tie-the-knot, I think I’ll be stripping down for a boudoir session! Although a few glasses of champagne and Chambord, pre-shoot, will definitely be in order.

Beautifully Yours~

Michele Bell
International Hair and Makeup Artist
www.bridestobeny.com

###

Editors Note:  savvyplanners.com could not recommend anyone more highly than CRITSEY ROWE for Boudoir photography.  We have had excellent photographers in our master vendor list for years, which now includes Ms. Rowe,  that are outstanding at shooting the Boudoir photography for men.  We will be happy to book either Ms. Rowe, our other photographers or our own Make Up Diva: MICHELE BELL to create Boudoir shots beyond compare.  Just ask us how.

By MARCINHO SAVANT

T’is the season for question popping, happy acceptances and nervous britches!  YES!  It’s the engagement season!

It’s fairly common knowledge that the greatest number of marriage proposals occur during the major holidays (starting near Christmas, through New Years Day and into Saint Valentine’s Day.

If you’re fairly stealthy in the wrapping of the ring box in an off-sized container, you might even be able to delay the wonderful impact of the surprise a few seconds more!

So now you’ve got the ring.  You’ve got the intended.  You’ve asked for their hand and spoken with the ‘rents…  what’s next?

Well if you’re the recipient of this special ring, take a deep breath, show your happiness to the ring presenter and get ready to start one of the greatest times of your life… working with a professional and designing your wedding!

It’s your day, BOTH of you, and an important first step is to locate a designer who will not only share their expertise and insider knowledge with you.  They should be extending vendor discounts and support from day one.

The FIRST panic will be about what to do next and here is some of our expert advice for couples on creating their wedding budget.  This is usually only shared with contracted clients but here you are!

“All Weddings Lead to Bankruptcy!” Here’s Help.

Take a look at that post and I’m pretty certain you’ll feel some instant relief knowing that the process is not carved in stone and destined to lead you into harm’s way.

With an expert on your team, to keep you out of the potholes and traps, planning YOUR wedding will be an honor for us and a PLEASURABLE and relaxed experience for you!

Are YOU ready for the zone!?

Our Personal International Celebrity Makeup Diva: Michele Bell!

A wedding is no doubt one of the greatest highlights of a woman’s life. Whether it is a small event or a grand affair, the bride is usually the main attraction. That can account for why she is always so particular with how she would like to look or why she changes her mind so often in between the space of the makeup trial and the actual wedding day.

What really happens is that the bride just wants to look beautiful for herself, her groom and her guests. She also wants to feel comfortable with her makeup as a wedding day is quite a long day for her. She wants to look in the mirror when she is finished, recognise herself, be awed at her beauty and be pleased with the makeup application.

Having said all of that, the one look that pleases almost all brides is a traditional bridal look. If you are a bride who’s doing her makeup herself, a makeup artist or a makeup artist who’s doing her own face for her wedding, this is how to achieve this look.

Face

1. To clean and toned skin, apply a hydrating cream, lotion or gel (depending on the skin type) with a foundation brush.
2. Prep the skin with a silky primer. This gives the skin a smooth finish as well as makes the foundation last longer.
3. Use a matte liquid foundation and apply to the face with the same foundation brush. Make sure the foundation is the same colour of the skin, because flash photography would show it up if it is not. Apply right into the hairline, blend up by the ears, over and under the eyes and under the jaw line. Blend, blend and blend well.
4. Apply a matte concealer as needed under the eyes, around the nose and mouth and blend with the ring finger. The natural warmth of the finger causes the product to blend into the skin easily.
5. Apply a light dusting of finishing powder all over the face.

Eyes

1. Use matte and slightly pearlescent shadows for the eyes. Shimmery colours do not stand up well under flash photography.
2. Use a flesh coloured eye shadow all over the eyelids.
3. With a fluffy blending brush, apply a light brown colour that is darker than the flesh colour into the crease and blend well into the first colour.
4. Intensify the outer corners only with a dark matte grey. Use a pointed brush to precisely place the colour.
5. Blend this same colour along the bottom lashes.
6. Get waterproof gel eyeliner in a dark brown or black brown colour and apply a very thin line close to the top lashes.
7. Curl lashes, if you need to and apply two coats of waterproof (again, in case of waterworks) to top and bottom lashes. Comb out gently with a lash comb.
8. Groom brows with a brow pencil and then set with brow powder. It is okay to go a little stronger with colour here as brows tend to disappear when photographed. Ensure, however, that they still look natural in real life.

Cheeks

1. Smile and apply a dusting of a rosy blush to the apples of the cheeks and blend out well towards the temples.
2. Repeat so that the blush does not disappear during the course of the day. Another way to set the blush is to apply a gel blush right after the foundation and then apply a powder blush after the finishing powder.

Lips

1. Prime lips with a soothing lip balm.
2. Use a natural colour lip liner all over the lips, lining first then filling in the entire lip.
3. Dust some finishing powder lightly over the lips.
4. Add a rosy lip gel. This should not be glossy as it would reflect badly when photographed. Spray the entire face with a fixing spray and you’re finished!

Beautifully Yours~

Michele Bell
International Hair and Makeup Artist
www.bridestobeny.com

by Associated Press via Staten Island Advance

December 01, 2009

ALBANY — Gov. David Paterson said today the way is now clear for a state Senate vote on legalizing same-sex marriage in New York.

“It’s on the special session calendar, we are in special session, we have cleared the roadblocks away,” Paterson said. That means a vote could come as early as Tuesday night, although the outcome remains uncertain.

Such bills have been high-profile topics in Eastern states this year.

The prospects of a New York vote comes the same day high-profile New Jersey Democrats are pushing for a vote on the neighboring state’s own gay marriage bill.

It also comes one month after Maine voters rejected the legalization of gay marriage there, creating what opponents of same-sex marriage in other states called a setback for the cause.

The latest obstacle to a New York vote was a deficit reduction plan that has occupied most of the leaders’ time since September. Some senators had insisted on completing a deficit plan before they would take up the same-sex marriage bill.

Lawmakers are now expected to approve a plan to knock $2.8 billion off a projected $3.2 billion deficit late Tuesday night or Wednesday.

“We have an opportunity to pass marriage equality in New York,” said Paterson, who introduced the bill in April.

The Assembly, also controlled by Democrats, approved the measure in May, so approval in the Senate would be the final legislative hurdle before it heads to Paterson for his signature.

A leading advocate, the Empire State Pride Agenda, and the bill’s Assembly sponsor, Daniel O’Donnell, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

This week could be a good time for lawmakers on the fence to limit exposure back home: A vote in December, six months after the regular session ended and at the same time a major fiscal crisis is addressed, is preferable to voting on the bill as the only agenda item later in the month or in 2010, an election year.

Paterson said he was assured by Senate Conference Leader John Sampson that the bill would get a floor vote by the end of December. Although Paterson says he’s confident the bill would pass in the Senate, he says he wants a debate and vote — even if it fails — as way to advance the cause and force lawmakers to take a stand.

Opponents like Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz said they didn’t think a vote is imminent, but they are ready to oppose it.

Diaz said Sampson told him that he would be the first to be told if same-sex marriage was headed to a floor vote.

“He hasn’t told me,” Diaz, a conservative minister from the Bronx, said of Sampson. “If he said that (to Paterson) Sampson is lying to me … when people lie to me, I get angry.”

Sampson spokesman Austin Shafran said the Senate plan remains the same: To take up the same-sex marriage bill sometime after the deficit was addressed.

The New York State Catholic Conference ramped up its fight today.

“In the last several years, voters in 31 states have taken up the issue of changing the timeless definition of marriage and 31 times they have voted to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman,” said the conference’s executive director, Richard E. Barnes.

While Maine voters rejected the legalization of gay marriage, in New York, polls show slightly more support than opposition for the measure.

Soon after, advocates said their position was further bolstered when New York’s highest court affirmed more rights for gay couples married legally in other states as the Senate headed toward a promised vote, which advocates say they will win.

Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont and was for a time in California. A New Hampshire law takes effect next year.

Paterson said it was “reprehensible” that the bill was delayed until a deficit reduction plan was negotiated with legislative leaders.
—
twitter.com/siadvance

Reminder:  At the direct request of state legislators who support marriage equality, Garden State Equality and our organizational allies are holding a lobby day this Thursday, December 3rd in Trenton beginning at 8:00 am.   This Thursday, December 3rd at 8:00 am, we’ll meet at Garden State Equality’s office at 110 West State Street in Trenton, across from the State House.

From there we’ll do a public march to the State House, where we’ll have a hospitality room to serve free breakfast and then free lunch.  Help us spread the word:  Please forward this email asap to your friends, family, congregation members, organizational colleagues, list servs and blogs.  Thank you so much.

Questions?
Journalists, contact Steven Goldstein, Garden State Equality Chair, at cell (917) 449-8918 or Goldstein@GardenStateEquality.org
Members, contact Hannah Johnson, Garden State Equality Field Director, at cell (920) 222-1878 or Johnson@GardenStateEquality.org

Happy holidays from all of us at Garden State Equality.