Blog
The journey to the wedding day may be a winding one. I’m happy to share some tips and tricks along the way. I continually offer ways to strengthen your relationship, and provide additional resources & tools. Scroll on down, and click on a post that interests you. The comments are always open, and I would love to know what you think!

Gratituesday 4.2.19 - The Universe Provides
Not much to report. It's exciting to see Spring arrive here in NY. It's really my favorite time of the year. And I really hope the renewal brings the much needed changes in my life and in my business. I have been surrounded by people "making it happen," and those that exude pure positivity. It's a nice reminder that I what I need most, the universe provides.

Gratituesday 3.26.19 - Welcome Back!
I've taken 2 weeks off my Weekly Lists. So, I give myself a hearty Welcome Back. I am not sure if anyone really noticed, but I just didn't have it in me to post them. I did start them last week, but didn't have the positivity to continue.

Vendors I Love: SASCHA REINKING PHOTOGRAPHY
I met Sascha through his lovely wife and fellow officiant, Jackie Reinking. Together they make up #TeamReinking. In planning a gathering of NYC-based officiants, Jackie offered to host, and Sascha was there to lend a hand. I quickly found out that he not only makes a great hamburger, he also takes AMAZING photos. I love that he easily captures the love and excitement of his couples. He has a great eye for color and energy and that each and every photo is it's own love letter to NYC. Without further ado, I am so happy to share more about Sascha Reinking of SASCHA REINKING PHOTOGRAPHY!

Gratituesday 3.5.19 - Bordering on Hilarious
My grad school thesis was about comedy, laughter and humor. I titled it, "When You Hit Your Funny Bone" based on that exact feeling. You know the one, pain bordering on hilarious? I know I'm not the only one to experience that. Please tell me you do, too!

Gratituesday 2.26.19 - I See a Glimmer!
While I've done my best to keep positive, I've been a ball of stress for a while now. Those close to me have heard me (and continue to hear me) complain, and for that I thank them. However, I think I see a Glimmer!

Desire Wednesday - Not So Smart
When I left my apartment this morning, I noticed a woman carrying an umbrella. Did I think much about it? No, not really. I briefly questioned the chance of rain, but I did my usual stop at the community compost collection before heading down town. Not so smart.

Gratituesday 2.12.19 - Walking in the Snow!
Today is one of those days that you stay inside. And how did I start my day? By walking in the snow! Forecast showed a "wintry mix" with accumulation of 2-4". While all of my appointments changed to phone meetings, I needed to meet a potential painter at my new apartment to get an estimate. So I bundled up, donned my snow boots, pressed play on an old episode of "How I Built This" and started walking.

Gratituesday 2.5.19 - Discover the Good
For those of you who may not have been able to read through the cryptic notes and comments over the past few weeks, I am a homeowner again. The process that I experienced in buying an apartment Atlanta versus New York was amazingly different. So while everything was difficult in NY, I am currently trying to discover the good. That also goes for the renovation.

Gratituesday 1.29.19 - Pruning Season!
Hello and welcome to Pruning Season! I was going to put my Weekly Lists off for another day and I had to stop by myself. I need as much positivity in my life as I possibly can right now, so I thought it best to pause and reflect today!

Vendors I Love: AMY SIMS PHOTOGRAPHY
I met Amy a few years ago working on a wedding up in Tarrytown. And then our paths kept crossing. I love her positive energy, and just as she mentions in feedback from a bride below, she's just so cheerful to be around. Every year, the folks at 501 Union open their doors to the industry for a week of co-working and collaboration. I was not only able to spend some time with Amy, but lucky enough to have her take my gorgeous new headshots! Without further ado, I'm happy to introduce Amy Sims of AMY SIMS PHOTOGRAPHY!

Gratituesday 1.22.19 - A World of Unknown
As I've said lots lately, in living in a World of Unknown. Yes, I've always had lots of flux, but this is ridiculous. I am in the middle of a housing transition and there are regular shifts in my business. Surprisingly enough, I am taking the lack of firm answers and a clear path rather well.

Gratituesday 1.15.19 - It's Going to Be Okay
It's all about perspective. And that good news is that it's going to be okay. I mean, perhaps I just need to repeat the phrase over and over again to believe it. But truthfully most of us are just experiencing first-world problems. We may think that everything is going to shit, but if we look at the details, are they really?

Desire Wednesday 1.9.19 - Inner Superpower
As I crossed Broadway to enter my co-working space this morning, started to consider how I would prompt today's 15-minute meditation class. And the idea of our Inner Superpower came to mind. (Honestly, I don't know where these thoughts come from...!)

Desire Wednesday 1.2.19 - Stillness
Yesterday I hosted my annual New Year's Day Open House. After we were all full of black-eyed peas, corn bread, salmon croquettes & collard greens, I offered everyone a reading from The Moon Deck.

Celebration Thursday 12.27.18 - Positivity
In tonight's counseling session, one of my beautiful couples spoke about an experience they shared. When I asked R what he needed, he struggled a bit and his courageous wife finally said, "You'd like for me to complain less." While it was not quite what he was asking, it was a welcome offering. The idea of positivity came up. How can you find the positivity in all things? Or at least in MOST things?

Creating Rituals
We are surrounded by ritual. I am not just saying that because I spend a good chunk of time writing and performing wedding ceremonies. When I speak to my couples about rituals, some look at me with fear or doubt. Yes, the definition of 'ritual' comes from a religious place, but it certainly doesn't have to. But I find the need for ritual in the every day. Um, Taco Tuesday, anyone?

Sautéed Collard Greens Recipe
Every January 1st I host an Open House for friends and family. From my years in Atlanta, I serve traditional Southern foods for luck and abundance in the new year. This sautéed collard greens recipe totally fits the bill.

Gratituesday 12.18.18 - Being proactive
I've reached an age where I'm done "paying my dues." Actually I reached it years ago. Instead of being proactive, I sit back. I'm active and available, but passive. So that means that I am largely waiting for things to happen rather than going out and getting them.

Desire Wednesday 12.12.18 - The Power of Detachment
Today in my 15-minute meditation class, I spoke about the idea that we don't have control over much. Sometimes we need to focus on the Power of Detachment. In both our professional and personal lives, we are largely reactionary. But what happens if we detach for just a moment?

Vendors I Love: TWO KINDRED EVENT PLANNERS
I met Alison a few years ago working on a wedding in Brooklyn. I was then honored to work with both Alison and Jonathan on a wedding at a 'super secret hotel' this past October. I love their attention to detail, their willingness to go the extra mile and just how easily they work together. They could certainly plan and execute an event on their own, but choose not to. And for their couples and clients they say, "why have one planner, when you can have two?" Without further ado, I'm proud to introduce you to JONATHAN STAMPER-HALPIN & ALISON SZLEIFER from TWO KINDRED EVENT PLANNERS!