Something I'm Liking to LOVE: Dr. Scholl's Rub Relief Stick

Please don't walk away from those strappy sandals or the cute pair of  flats you’re eyeing because you know they'll give you blisters and leave your feet uncomfortable for the night.

I LOVE my shoes but I'm also a HUGE fan of comfort. Not too long ago, I pulled a pair of sling-backs from my closet, that matched my outfit just right, and my first thought was "these are going to hurt!" Then I remembered that I had recently purchased a stick of Dr. Scholl's for Her Rub Relief at my local drugstore (costs about $10) - just because I wondered if it worked. What a perfect time to try it out!

NOT ONE BLISTER! And we're talking some serious walking...

This little tube of miracles has now made it into my Emergency Bridal Kit (and permanently onto my dresser shelf). Because I love it so much - I wanted to share it with all of you in hopes that you can still wear your expensive wedding or party shoes without having to pack another pair for Plan B! Enjoy...

Vendor Visit - Shannon Sano Photography

The most important thing to consider when hiring a wedding photographer is how comfortable you feel with her. I got the chance to have breakfast with wedding photographer, Shannon Sano last week and it was a BLAST! I love meeting new people that I can easily relate to and I recommend that anyone looking for an amazing photographer to shoot their wedding day should meet with Shannon Sano Photography.

Here's a taste of what we got to talk about...

Who are your favorite wedding couples to shoot?
We are always looking for opportunities to try new things, so I look forward to wedding shoots that have an unique element; not the same ideas over and over again. I most enjoy the clients that give us complete freedom to be creative and have total trust in what we can do. This is when we can do our best work. I also try to get to know the couple throughout their planning process so they feel completely comfortable with us on their wedding day which allows me to better understand what to look for when I’m taking their pictures.

Do you include engagement pictures with your wedding packages?
Every one of our wedding packages includes an engagement shoot with us. This type of shoot is one of my favorites to do because it is a great chance for us to get to know the couple and help them feel comfortable with us. I have really learned to love using modern posing techniques and since this type of shoot isn’t as time sensitive as the wedding day, we get to try different things and really get a sense of what the couple is like. Our engagement shoots are very relaxed and casual.

You recently started to shoot boudoir photos? What made you interested in this type of photography?

I saw boudoir as a upcoming trend and as another way to be creative with my photography. I loved the concept of giving average everyday women a glamorous model type experience. My boudoir sessions are actually a huge confidence boost for most women! So we launched Boudoir by Shannon Sano in January 2010.

Boudoir photography is SO sexy, how do you keep clients from feeling self-conscious?
Most people think they have to act sexy to have a successful boudoir shoot. In reality, the client and I are talking throughout the shoot. I bring in a make-up artist and while the client is getting her make-up done, it gives me time to make her comfortable and willing to open up. Then once the shoot starts, things just start to roll and the pictures come to life. Everything is kept very tasteful and classy and after the shoot, I airbrush everything to make it look perfect.

Where do you do the boudoir shoots?

We can take the boudoir shoot wherever the client would like. If the client would prefer, I’d be happy to come to their house or to another location that they have “borrowed” such as a friend's house. I also have personal relationships with local vendors that allow me to shoot in their business spaces. The possibilities are always up for discussion.

Thanks so much for sharing with me Shannon. I'm so looking forward to sharing some upcoming wedding time with you real soon! Everyone check out Shannon's website to learn a little more about Shannon Sano Photography - she'll be a great addition to your wedding vendor line-up.

Renae and Scot

Married June 12, 2010 in Newark, Ohio

What a beautiful wedding for such an amazing couple! I had a BLAST planning this grand event with Renae, Scot and their families and though it threatened to rain, it turned out to be a truly picture-perfect day. Renae was by far my most detailed bride. Not one aspect of the wedding went unplanned, even down to the greenery placed within guests' napkin rings. I can’t begin to describe how gorgeous everything turned out.

My favorite part of the day happened when rain clouds were hovering overhead as guests took their seats. Right as the processional began, a bright burst of sunshine came through almost like a spotlight to present the bridal party before Renae's grand entrance. It was heart-warming and timeless; giving Renae the bright blue sky she wanted on her wedding day. I feel very honored to have been a part of their special day... what an remarkable memory!

Wedding Coordinator: Janelle Marie Events

Ceremony: Enchanted Gardens

Officiant: Reverend John Harra

Dove Releasing Ceremony: Wings of White Doves

Reception: Longaberger Golf Club
Photographer: Adam Lowe Photography
Florist: Roots & Shoots
Cake Baker: Cecile Pletcher
DJ: Ken Justice
Transportation: Violet Limousine Service
Chair and Tent Rental: Main Events Party Rentals
Reception Entertainment: joyUNSPEAKABLE

Vendor Visit - Capital Club

This week, I sat down with Diana Holt, Event Sales Director for the Capital Club, to get better acquainted with what they had to offer our Janelle Marie Events clients. If you are looking for an intimate and soft ceremony or reception site, be sure to contact Diana at 614-228-0694 or by email to schedule a visit and tour. This beautiful space is located in the heart of downtown Columbus, nestled behind the Huntington Center (so you won’t see any signs from High Street - FYI). The Club sits on the same floor at the Doubletree Guest Suites Columbus… so you can imagine the deals you can get on Doubletree hotel accommodations with the Captial Club’s spectacular relationship. Just to give you a sneak-peak at what to expect from the Capital Club, I’d like to share with you my Q&A with Diana:

How many rooms do the Capital Club offer and how many guests can you accommodate? We have two rooms that we use for wedding ceremonies and receptions:

• President's Dining Room: (pictured above) accommodates up to 150 guests and can be used for both ceremonies and receptions, has crystal chandeliers and large windows facing the Columbus skyline with a marble dance floor and a walk-out terrace
• LeBistro Room: accommodates up to 80 guests, this is normally where ceremonies are held with a focal point on our fireplace and decorative mantel

We also have plenty of space throughout the Club for cocktail hours, portable bars, and food stations. Parking always seem to be an issue with downtown Columbus venues. How do you accommodate this for your guests? Wedding ceremonies and receptions occur in the evenings and weekends. Because we use the Huntington Center parking garage, parking is unlimited to all guests. We have options for our clients in how they would like to handle the cost, which is $3 per guest after 5 p.m. Guests may either pay upon leaving the parking garage or we will be happy to give all guests parking vouchers as they are depart from the facility. Do you book more than one wedding per night?

No, we only allow for one wedding to be booked per Friday and Saturday in our facility. This allows for us to give our complete and undivided attention to our couples and their guests.

The Capital Club is a private members-only facility. Does this mean only members can enjoy the venue? Won't it be extremely expensive?

Membership is not required to hold a wedding ceremony or reception at the Capital Club. We recently have begun to offer packages to our clients as a way to better meet their needs and the budgets of different couples. We offer both plated meals and buffets ranging in prices from $60 - 90 per guest. In addition to the selected menu, what else is included in the price?

• Complimentary use of our marble dance floor
• Complimentary cake cutting and serving
• Floor-length solid table linens and napkins in any color
• Complimentary use of our votive candles
• Placement of favors and place cards
• Discounted room rates at the Doubletree Guest Suites Columbus
• 5 hour bar and bartender service
• One hour welcome reception with a fruit and cheese display

Do you require clients to use your preferred vendors?

Besides the catering (which we provide and serve), all other vendors are welcome into our facility. Contracting with wedding vendors is to the clients' discretion. Should any of our couples need help in locating trustworthy vendors in the Columbus area, we would be happy to supply them with a list of those we've had positive experiences with in the past.

Everything sounds so great. How soon do you accept deposits and/or book reservations for wedding ceremonies and receptions?

We are now booking wedding events for 2011. We welcome any interested couples to visit our facility and to inquire on our availability. Please call me anytime at 614-228-0694 or contact me by email.

Thank you so much, Diana, for letting me visit and share this information with my clients and fellow wedding planners. Be sure to consider booking with the Capital Club - by the way, the food is DELICIOUS!!

Something I'm Liking to LOVE: ChaChaBella

How perfect are these for your bridesmaids? If your girlfriends are anything like mine, they're always on the lookout for a cute cocktail ring and ChaChaBella's Friendship Rings can be your gift that they actual WILL wear again.

I love these rings because they are so colorful and unique-looking. You can give matching rings that complement your wedding colors or even design a ring for each separate attendant. Maybe even get a ring for yourself that goes perfectly with the color of your dress... what an awesome way to add a little color!

Happy Birthday to US!

Janelle Marie Events turns ONE YEAR OLD!

WOW... what a year it's been and how time flies! We've had an amazing time this past year with all of the brides, grooms, families, and central Ohio vendors that we've had the privilege of meeting and working with. Thank you for your kind welcome into the Columbus area wedding industry and for letting us be a part of your special moments.

Personally I want to thank my family and friends for all of the support and kind words you've had for me - I couldn't do this without you. MUAH!

We're looking forward to the future and all that it brings. Hopefully you can come along for the ride as a client, colleague or new friend.

Be sure to subscribe to THE DAY Planner for new and exciting information and for our new line of blog series starting SOON! Don't forget to visit our website (http://www.janellemarieevents.com/) to learn more about what we do and how we can be a part of your special day.

Thank you again and Happy Planning!