Getting married? A local jeweler is hosting its annual sale to help you find the looks you want for your big day.
Richter and Phillips opened a new location on the west side of 6th and Main streets.
Wedding season is just around the corner and that means brides-to-be are searching for the perfect piece of jewelry to truly make them shine on their big day. To help you find exactly what you’re looking for, Richter & Phillips is hosting their annual Diamond, Engagement, and Wedding Band Sale March 10-12.
According to Carol Ryan, Advertising and Marketing Director at Richter & Phillips, the sale will feature representatives from many of the major jewelry designers the store carries, including Michael M, Martin Flyer, Simon G, Gabriel, Coast, Goldman, and Henri Daussi.
At the sale you can expect to find discounts on many brands as well as loose diamonds. Plus, you can enjoy light bites and cocktails to get you in the mood while you taste wedding cake samples.
If you’ve already got the bands and are just looking to perfect your bridal look, Ryan says there is plenty of on-trend jewelry in store.
Some of the biggest trends in bridal jewelry this season include yellow and rose gold, as well as platinum jewelry. “Some of our brides are mixing those different types of gold and stacking bands,” adds Ryan.
As always, halos are very popular with brides as are vintage touches on wedding bands.
Bridal sales aren’t the only thing keeping the team at Richter & Phillips busy. They’ve recently opened a new location on the west side of 6th and Main streets. “Our new showroom is three times the size of the old and is truly beautiful,” says Ryan. “The showcases and lighting truly allow the jewelry to shine and sparkle, the difference is amazing.”
For our annual wedding issue, we chat with a local wedding concierge to learn about the biggest bridal trends, best local vendors and a big wedding expo coming up this week at Great American Ballpark, complete with a grooms workshop at the batting cages. Keep reading for all the big day details.
A Bride’s Mafia will be hosting its annual Afterhours Bridal Show this March 10 at Great American Ballpark.
This year’s wedding season is upon us. If you’re planning a wedding, then you know that there’s a lot of work behind the words “wedding planning.” Whether you’re doing it on your own or with the help of a planner, you’ll quickly learn that there are different wedding trends every year.
That’s where Nidhi Bedi, founder and owner of A Bride’s Mafia, a Cincinnati-based wedding concierge business, can help. She says with expansive visual resources like Pinterest, brides are following fewer trends and mass-produced concepts, and instead, finding inspirations that uniquely create their her own vision. “Brides aren’t going by what’s trends or the colors they saw at the last wedding,” she adds. “This year is about designing their vision and making it a reality.”
Nidhi Bedi
For example, Bedi says, while metallic is very popular among brides, they’re bringing this style out in their own unique way. “Some brides to them to make their event over the top, some use a sparkle to make it whimsical and others use it to make it complete earth tones,” she says.
Bedi says brides are taking Pinterest ideas and customizing them. “They will take lighting, chandeliers, linens and centerpieces, to name a few, and give it their own personality stamp,” she says. “They aren’t just using up-lighting, but brides are turning to gobos with monograms and customized designs.”
When and where a bride is having her wedding also plays into the design, theme and colors she chooses. That’s why she recommends booking a venue as one of the very first steps in planning, as it sets the tone for many other wedding day decisions.
The trends that Bedi says makes her most excited for this year’s wedding season is all the variation. “I just love the different weddings we’ve been seeing – from metallics, earth tones, bright color fusion and greenery,” she says. “There’s so much variation and I love them all because it makes each event so unique.”
Bedi and A Bride’s Mafia are helping brides meet with the vendors of their dreams at the upcoming Afterhours Bridal Show at Great American Ballpark on March 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. “This show is absolutely my favorite of the year,” says Bedi. “It’s so fun! It’s at the ballpark and we have 90 amazing vendors in this show.”
From table linens to photographers and videographers, florists and DJs, the Afterhours Bridal Show lets you meet with those vendors to let you see the latest trends up close and personal.
Bedi says that A Bride’s Mafia took extra steps this year to help get the groom involved. “I think we’ve hit a home run there,” she says while discussing the new Grooms Workshop.
The workshop, hosted by Hey! Mr. DJ, allows grooms to get pointers on how to make their day unique and how to be involved in the finer details of the planning process. Plus, after the workshop they get to go to the batting cages.
Brides who attend the show can enter to win a $20,000 wedding. The winner of the grand prize will get married at the ballpark, and A Bride’s Mafia covers the rental, dress, tuxedo, DJ, photographer, videographer, hair, makeup, florist, limousine, cake and a coordinator. “It always makes my day to meet the winner and see how excited they are,” she says. “The team of vendors that do the giveaway are so amazing and incredible.”
Bedi says A Bride’s Mafia also has some big things planning for this year. “We’ve got some things up our sleeves we are working on – we just can’t say it yet, so stay tuned,” she adds.
To learn more about this season’s wedding trends, local vendors and how to hit the ground running with your wedding planning, visit www.abridesmafia.com. You can also get complimentary tickets to the Afterhours Bridal Show here.
We chat with a full-service production company that offers professional DJ, karaoke, MC, sound, lights, entertainment and more — all under one rockin’ roof. Read on for details.
Allen Walker knows that planning a wedding can be stressful. That’s why his company Big Daddy Walker Productions serves as a one-stop-shop for everything entertainment during your big day.
From DJ, karaoke, MC, officiant, sound, lights, and entertainment, Big Daddy Walker Productions offers it all. Established in 2002 with a long history of entertainment services, Walker says they also stay on the cutting edge by maintain the latest in music selections and frequently update equipment and services.
Allen Walker with Big Daddy Walker ProductionsIn fact, they just added a new service called “Foto Bomb” to their entertainment line-up. The service allows attendees of your wedding or event to submit their photos via smart phone – no application needed – to a short code and it will be submitted to a slideshow that will play throughout the event, and be added to a zip drive given to the event host at the end of the night.
“Big Daddy Walker Productions truly cares about entertainment and making your next event a success,” Walker says. “We believe that music and entertainment has the ability to connect people and further relationships.”
Connecting and building relationships also earned Big Daddy Walker Productions several awards. In fact, they’ve been named Best of Weddings by The Knot for five straight years and inducted into the Hall of Fame. “We are the only DJ service in Cincinnati to ever earn that distinction,” he says. “We aim to bring to you and your guest the absolute best in wedding Emcee and DJ services. We ensure that every detail is covered to give you the night of your life.”
Walker says that because they’re privately owned and managed, he keeps a careful eye on quality, and that’s his secret to success. “We have one chance to get it right, and that’s how we train our DJs to perform,” he explains. “DJs have to shadow me for a year before they’re released and certified to do the weddings. We have 17 DJs total right now who can do a variety of events, but only five are committed to and certified to do weddings. That’s how we keep our quality in tact.”
It’s wedding season. Yoga can help with that. Our yogi columnist explains.
Photo: GwyneMark Photography
Hey out there, newly engaged ladies! Congratulations! If you’re like most brides-to-be, you’re probably already thinking about the things that you need to do before the big day. Amid all the choices you’re making about flowers, venue, dress, my guess is that you’re thinking about some personal remodeling as well.You’d like to lose a few pounds. And you definitely want to tone up those arms.Tighten the belly. Actually, you’d be happier with slimmer thighs, even though no one will see them in that big puffy dress.
Here’s the capital-t Truth about your wedding day — it goes by so fast. In the blink of an eye, all those things that you’ve planned for, the cultivated choices, the planned moments will be suddenly in the past. And if you don’t pay special attention, if you have too many things that you are worried about happening at the perfect moment, you’ll miss it.
Yoga can be your best ally for wedding season, but not for your biceps, bum, or thighs. Maybe not for any reason that you are currently considering. Yoga is a gift of presence, and one that you can have for longer than just one day.
And anyway, when you’re 80 and looking back on this day, you won’t wish you spent more time in the gym. You will cherish the photographs and memories made with your loved ones. You will wish that you could climb back into these moments and spend time with these people once again. You will look back at pictures of your body as it is at this very moment and only see how beautiful you are.
Why wait for time to make us wise and content?
Yoga helps with a little thing called mindfulness. It’s something we practice every time we come to our mat, and it’s something that even a very beginner can try. Maybe you’ve been going to yoga classes but think you haven’t been giving mindfulness meditation a try. But you have. When your teacher asks you to close your eyes and notice, that’s mindfulness. When you realize that you’re clenching your jaw, release it, and feel the tension melt away through your neck and shoulders, that’s practicing mindfulness. When you find that you’re holding your breath in a pose instead of breathing easily and then adjust, that’s practicing mindfulness.
Mindfulness is all about staying in the present moment, however boring or uncomfortable, and being totally and fully aware. Even if you’ve never done yoga before, you can do it right now. Close your eyes and ask yourself, how do I feel today? And simply notice what comes up. It may be words, it may be feelings or emotions. You may notice your back twinge in response. Don’t get too wrapped up in the answer. The answer doesn’t matter. The noticing is what matters. Continue to sit like this for a few breaths and keep asking, keep noticing. How do I feel today?
Over time, a mindfulness practice helps us to realize how little most of the things we think about matter. That really, we’re okay just as we are. We’re perfectly imperfect, just like every other human being on the planet. And when we notice and accept the imperfections in ourselves, it’s so much easier to accept them in other people.
As you prepare for wedding season, your own or another’s, considering adding yoga to your preparation list. Not for your arms or your core, but for your mind and the rest of your life. So when that thing goes wrong on the big day (there’s always something), you take your deep breath and notice. That you are surrounded by loved ones. How concerned everyone is in making this special. How love and community and connection are what have brought you all together on this day. Amid all the nerves and anticipation, you will find peace and gratitude. And a smile.
Cherish this day, dear one. May you find happiness in the here and now.
Ready to give yoga and mindfulness a try? Look for mindful classes at a local studio. At the Yoga Bar, for example, any of our Gentle, Mindful Flow or Restorative classes will also have a deep focus on mindfulness. Look for classes with similar names at other studios.
You can try out seated meditation on your own with one of the recommended apps below. All are free to download and have beginner sequences of varying lengths. Delving deeper requires a paid subscription.
Learn more about Cincy Bridal Beauty and the sister duo behind it to see how they make brides wow on their wedding day with toxin-free, eco-friendly beauty products.
(l-r) Andrea and Ashley Lauren of Cincy Bridal Beauty
Andrea and Ashley Lauren love brides. That’s why they want to make them look beautiful while also keeping the products they use free of toxins and dangerous chemicals.
The dynamic duo behind Cincy Bridal Beauty are long-time professional makeup artists, and also own Cincy Style Bar and Alba Organic Beauty Studio in Hyde Park — all of which use toxin-free, eco-friendly products. That’s what set them up for success when they launched Cincy Bridal Beauty, a team of professional makeup and hair artists that provide both in-studio and on-location wedding day preparations for brides.
When asked what inspired them to launch this business, they said it was a love of brides and a vision of being able to offer them “stress-free, affordable wedding day preparation.”
Cincy Bridal Beauty provides full-service, on-location and in-studio wedding makeup and hairstyling services. “We also offer a full range of pre-wedding bridal beauty preparation services from haircuts, color, facials, nails, airbrush tanning, waxing and massages,” says Andrea.
Yes, that means even in the months leading up to a bride’s big day, Cincy Bridal Beauty can help. They even offer makeup classes for those who want to change up their makeup techniques, or have a fun activity for a bachelorette party, Andrea says.
Something else that makes Cincy Bridal Beauty unique is that it they offer brides a full countdown to the wedding day beauty preparation experience. “We take brides from a consultation through a 6-month timeline of head-to-toe gorgeous,” Andrea explains. “Through this process, brides become ‘part of the family,’ which makes us all super invested in their wedding day happiness.”
Cincy Bridal Beauty also offers a private Bridal Suite for in-studio brides. They’re located on the line of Oakley and Hyde Park at 2882 Wasson Road in Cincinnati.
Attention, brides-to-be! The Reading Bridal District is hosting an event you won’t want to miss! Learn more about it and this year’s $10,000 dream wedding giveaway.
As the largest bridal district in the country, it’s only fitting that the event would literally stop traffic.
The fifth annual “Fall in Love” Bridal Show in the Reading Bridal District, which will close down Benson St. to foot traffic only, will feature a wide variety of entertainment, refreshments and networking with local wedding professionals. “There will be food, drinks, live music and great people for their wedding, plus there’s a $10,000 wedding giveaway,” says Stacey Shiring of Creative Invites and Events, which is located in the Reading Bridal District.
This year, the event will be held on Sept. 17 from 6-9pm and the $10,000 dream wedding giveaway winner, which is new for this year’s bridal show, will be announced at the end of the event.
Shiring says hundreds of brides-to-be from across the region bring their fiancé, friends, and family to the event. “Brides and Grooms are going to find the top wedding professionals for their wedding day and enjoy something different than a typical bride show that ping pongs you down multiple aisles,” she adds. “It’s a relaxed, fun and exciting night of wedding bliss for everyone who attends.”
Tickets to attend the bridal show are $5 and each ticket will get you three free raffle tickets for the grand prize drawing at the end of the evening. Shiring says that attendees can purchase additional raffle tickets for $2 each or three for $5.
As part of the $10,000 giveaway, the prize package includes a free reception for 25 people, cash, jewelry, a weekend getaway and much more. “One lucky winner gets it all and seeing their face as their name is announced always makes me smile,” Shiring says.
Tickets for Fall in Love Bridal Show are available online. Click here to learn more and to see photos from last year’s event.
Aside from all of the stores in the Reading Bridal District putting on the Fall in Love Bridal Show, there are local and national wedding sponsors participating including The Perfect Wedding Guide, The Knot, Venue Magazine, Cincinnati Wedding Magazine and Cincy Chic.
Here’s a list of this year’s “Fall in Love” Bridal Show participating vendors: Belle Bridal Couture, Bliss Bridal and Prom, DJ TOAD, Patricia’s Weddings & Custom Cakes, Raffel’s Catering Inc., Ron Shuller’s Creative Images Photography, Say I Do Love Weddings & Events, Style Squad, Tres Belle Cakes & Coffee Shop, Your Dream Day, A Thousand Words Photography, Bridal & Formal, Carrie Karibo Boutique, Creative Invites and Events, European Bridal, Everlasting Sounds, Foley’s Irish Pub, Geno’s Tux Plus, Lace Bridal Couture, Party Pleasers Services, Rose Ann’s Bridal & Ladies Alterations, Something New Borrowed & Blue, Splendid Bridal, The Event Connections, Valley Central Savings Bank, Vonderhaar’s Market & Catering, Inc., Wendy’s Bridal Cincinnati, Yours Truly, Kelly Bridal Boutique, Eye Do Makeup & Hair LLC, Sharonville Fine Arts Center, Studio 66 LLC, Knox Pro Photography, Gloss Lash Extensions and Makeup, Christina’s Gifts, Holiday Day Inn, Chloe + Isabel By Rachel, It Works by Tanya, Fyrefly Photography, Village Pantry Catering/ RSVP Event Center, Joyful Noise Entertainment, Jenny Monroe Photography, Elegant Whims, Mary Kay, Marks Photo & Video, Bella Rose Flower Co., Cincinnati Marriott Northeast, Shutterbooth, Jill Matthews Photography, Newport Aquarium, Centennial Barn, Joseph Testa Films, Rohrig Photo and Video, Lutz Flowers, DeSha’s, Nicholson’s, DiStasi Banquet Center, Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Ideal Image, Bryon Black Photographer, Crown Jewel Designs.
We chat with Nidhi Bedi, the owner of a local wedding concierge service, to see which industry experts she trusts most to take care of her brides.
Nidhi Bedi, owner of A Bride’s Mafia
Nidhi Bedi takes a deep breath recalling all that she’s learned in her five years since launching her Cincinnati-based wedding concierge service, A Bride’s Mafia. “I remember when I first decided to take on this adventure,” she says. “I had planned to do a bridal show on Fountain Square and everyone thought I was a bit crazy for it. I can remember the night like it was yesterday. I remember at 5p.m. thinking, this is it. I wonder how it will go.”
Four hours later, with perfect weather, 60 vendors, 250 brides and more than 2,000 guests later, Bedi knew she had found her calling. Following that first event, Bedi did additional bridal shows at Paul Brown Stadium, The Elements Conference and Event Centre, Great American Ball Park, Glendale Square, Moonlight Gardens, Hollywood Casino and Music Hall.
Today, A Bride’s Mafia is a full-service business that helps brides coordinate their dream wedding. According to Bedi, it’s a one-stop-shop with exclusive deals, complimentary consultations, customized wedding timelines and bridal shows to introduce you to the finest wedding vendors in the Tri-State.
“A Bride’s Mafia and our team has everything for you from the moment you get engaged to the time you walk down the aisle,” she adds. “The members of A Bride’s Mafia are hand-chosen to be part of our exclusive group. Every vendor must submit an application and is then approved with a site consultation and visit. Our vendors and team hold a certain level of respect, commitment, expectations and reputation that we want our brides to experience.”
At A Bride’s Mafia, you’ll find a number of different vendors from attire to music to flower. Here’s a breakdown of the businesses Bedi and her team work with to help make your special day even better:
Attire
Bedi says that she adores Carmen and Peppe at Peppe Ramundo & Son, and not just because they’re great people but because of what they do for her clients. “Peppe Ramundo & Son owns all of their inventory in house, so when a measurement goes bad or something doesn’t fit the way it should, they can take care of it right there on the spot,” Bedi explains.
Wendy’s Cincinnati Bride offers a great selection of inventory, great pricing and produce one of the area’s favorite bridal shows. “As one of our sponsors [for the Afterhours Bridal Show] for the last two years, Wendy’s Cincinnati Bride has been phenomenal to work with,” says Bedi.
Bedi has worked with Toni at Alterations by Toni personally, and she says that working with her is very rewarding. “I can tell you—she had her work cut out with me,” says Bedi. “Finding a dress was the easy part, but there were certain things I wanted changed. I was extremely concerned because I didn’t know if it could happen and what I had envisioned everyone wasn’t able to see. However, we went into my first fitting with Toni and by the time we went back the dress was so much more than I could have ever imagined.”
Beauty
Summer at A Touch of Summer Make Up Artistry will take what you tell her and make you look even more beautiful on your special day. “She is one of the most talented people I have ever come across,” says Bedi. “She not only makes all of my brides absolutely stunning but she calms them down.”
Angie Bova at Sia Spa is there for botox and fillers to help you and your bridal party look your best. “I’ve sent her two of my clients already and they have absolutely loved her service and dedication,” says Bedi.
Cincy Style Bar is a favorite of Bedi’s. She says she fell in love with the place when she went there and many of her clients agree that co-owners Andrea and Ashley are amazing to work with. “When I met with them I just got such a great vibe and energy,” Bedi adds. “Cincy StyleBar not only offers hair and makeup but they also offer services such as tanning, manis, pedis, waxing and much more.”
Bedi adores Heidi at I Do Updo On Location. “Not only does she do my hair but I got to plan her wedding,” she says, adding that Heidi is someone who understands the pressure of getting married and can keep you feeling relaxed through the stress of your big day with her jokes.
Lash Out offers eyelash extensions and permanent makeup. “While the thought of permanent makeup might sound scary,” Bedi says, “I recently talked to someone who said it’s a painless process.”
Christina is Bedi’s contact at the Paul Mitchell School where she once had a team of 30 artists take care of 400 brides’ hair and makeup. “The people that attend the school have such passion,” she says.
Bedi says that when it comes to Rodan & Fields, the creators of Proactiv, she isn’t sure if she should first mention the products or Jennifer Knell, the independent rep Bedi works with. “The products leave your skin feeling silky smooth, refreshed and clean,” Bedi says.
Ruhin at RK Henna offers Henna in standard henna as well as white.”Ruhin’s work is original and customizable with a unique touch that makes each event look different,” Bedi says. “My last bride loved sparkle and she added gems and glitter to the henna and it looked amazing.”
Culinary & Dessert A Spoon Fulla Sugar offers tasty cake and amazing designs. Bedi says it’s the bakery’s attention to detail that really makes them stand out. “This year alone they not only did cakes but hot chocolate, caramel apples, party favors, custom buckeyes and so much more,” she says.
Angela from Dulce Designs has great candy buffet designs and her willingness to customize anything and everything. “Every bride that I’ve sent to her comes back with raving reviews about how amazing she is and how they felt so excited to be working with her,” says Bedi.
Elements Catering, which Bedi helps run, has enjoyed a hugely successful year. “I think one of my favorite parts of 2015 has been being able to go off-site and visit so many amazing venues and customizing the bride’s day from a clear slate,” she adds.
If you’re in search of the perfect place for your rehearsal dinner, you’ll want to check out Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment by stopping at Jeff Ruby’s Carlo & Johnny, Jeff Ruby’s Precinct or Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. Any of these restaurants is perfect for bridal showers, luncheons, rehearsal dinners and even small receptions. “The staff are personal and accommodating,” Bedi says, “and the eateries feature indoor and outdoor options to suit your preferences,”
Bedi says that Patricia at Patricia’s Wedding & Custom Cake is one of, if not, the hardest working person she’s ever met. “Any time I call with a need, Patricia calls me back,” Bedi says. “I love that my brides get so excited because they deal with Patricia herself. Patricia makes each bride feel important and customizes everything to meet their specific needs.” As an added bonus, Bedi says, the cakes are super tasty.
Entertainment
There are a number of entertainment bands that Bedi and her team at A Bride’s Mafia work with, each of which is so different and unique. Aside from the bands, there are four DJs that work with A Bride’s Mafia including DJ Toad, Hey! Mr. DJ, JD Hughes and McFadden Music.
Bedi says DJ Toad and his team are personable, care about your event and, according to Bedi, “they know how to rock a party!”
Hey! Mr. DJ is one of the key vendors who impressed Bedi from the moment she met him. “Every time I work with them, they have something new that they add to the reception,” she explains. “The team will sit down with you, customize timelines and try to help you create a vision that will set your event apart from all the others.”
“JD Hughes is one of the nicest people I know,” Bedi says. “He cares about you and your marriage as well as your family, your history and your future. He gets to know you and he offers his knowledge to make your marriage successful.”
Mark at McFadden Music is sweet to work with “and comes with a lot of experience,” Bedi says of the Q-102 radio disc jockey, “he lets his music do the talking.”
Floral, Decor and Linen
Lindsay at A Fluttered Collection can customize anything and everything you need. Bedi calls her a real-life Etsy store. “She can do table numbers, decor, signs, bowties and more to make your special day perfect,” Bedi explains.
Entertainment Unlimited can make anything look like the royal palace, Bedi says, adding that she’s worked with the owner, Scott, many times. “I’ve never been able to get him a challenge he couldn’t complete with flying colors,” Bedi laughs. “He does lighting, draping, backdrops and customized pieces. If you have a vision, Scott and Entertainment Unlimited can make it happen.”
Beth at Glendale Florist goes above and beyond with each of her clients, according to Bedi, adding that every bride feels like she’s made a new friend after their experience with Beth.
Local florist Ellie at O’Reilly Florist brings talent and passion. “The thing with Ellie is she really wants to get to know you,” says Bedi. “She takes what you want and helps make it a reality.”
Sphire Elegance Chair Cover & Linen brings ultimate transformations to your wedding and reception set-up, Bedi says. “Amanda and Barb can make your vision happen with care and passion,” she adds.
Limo & Travel Elements Limousine Service, which Bedi helps to run, is a business that caters to the bride on her big day, bachelorette party, bridal shower and more. “The team is able to bring personalized service with its 14 passenger hummer limo that’s spacious, fresh and the perfect accessory for your big day,” says Bedi.
Jerry and his team at First Discount Travel can get your honeymoon booked easier than anything you’ll find online, Bedi says. “Their personal expertise won’t cost you a penny more and because they don’t work for anyone in particular, there’s no bias, just plenty of personal travel experiences to help you along the way,” she adds.
Jenny Meiners Travel can book you with any of the major cruise lines while ensuring that your trip is seamless, Bedi says.
Photography & Video Dolce Vita Photography’s Kristie is sweet and creative, Bedi explains. “I love when Kristie is on a wedding because I know that timeline will be nailed out in advance, I know she is closed to the bride and their family and I know that she will go above and beyond for the bride,” she says, adding that Kristie owns a piece of land so she can offer brides secluded scenery to make their own.
Besides being hilarious, Bedi laughs (he’s her fiancé), Michael at Michael Bambino Photography has passion and skill. “They’re one of the most talented team of photographers I know,” Bedi says. “The unique talents and skills each of his photographers bring to the table is amazing.”
Bedi says Michelle at Nixon Photography enjoys getting close to her brides so she can get to know them and provide them with the best, most personalized, photos possible.
Specialty AddieInk Design takes your vision for a wedding invitation and customize it into something more than you ever dreamed of. Bedi says that she loves this recent add to her vendor list because it isn’t a “retail” store so brides get to interact one-on-one with Jen, the owner of AddieInk.
To make it official, Dorrien is a pastor who gets to know the couple through counseling “and often tells stories to their guests with the utmost sincerity,” Bedi says. In addition, Steve at A Day To Remember will officiate your wedding and bring humor to your day, Bedi says.
CapStory is a unique concept that gives you a link that your guests can text their photos to so you have them all in one place instead of tracking them down with a hashtag on social media. Bedi says they’ll even make a mini album with your pictures.
Bedi says one of the best jewelers in town in Diamonds Rock. “Diamonds Rock knows service beyond expectations,” she says. “Dennis guides you and takes care of you.”
Customizable wedding invitations are available for every personality, theme and budget at On Occasions Cincy. Bedi suggests stopping by the store if you can to check out what their bridesmaids gifts, too.
Bedi says one of the coolest vendors at A Bride’s Mafia is Pedal Wagon, a unique way for you and your friends to enjoy the city. Bedi says it’s a rolling party that you attend with 15 of your closest friends. There are wine tours, historic tours, parties and more available with Pedal Wagon.
Want your wedding to go off with a bang? Turn to Queen City Pyro, where Bedi says you can get customized fireworks for your big day.
According to Bedi, Shutterbooth is a great way to incorporate a photo booth into your wedding without sacrificing quality. “Shutterbooth has national recognition that gives them reputation and passion for what they do,” she adds. “They’ve been members since we started and offer each bride a customized package that fits her budget.”
Bedi says the other trusted photo booth company she works with is Smiling Eyes Photobooth. “Not only do they give you double prints, an album and stay for the reception, but they also offer incredible service,” she explains.
“Rosalind at VeRozzi has jewelry that will blow you away,” Bedi says. “The custom pieces aren’t just for you, but for your entire bridal party so that everyone can coordinate perfectly on your big day.”
Venues The Bell Event Centre is full of history and friendly staff. Bedi says that it’s become one of her favorite venues after she recently attended a wedding there.
Bel-Wood Country Club is one of those hidden gems with beautiful grounds and scenery. “The place is stunning and the people are awesome to work with,” says Bedi.
The Crowne Plaza Blue Ash will work for guest lodging, “but it’s also a great place for your wedding,” Bedi adds.
Feeling lucky? Head to the Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg. Bedi says it’s also the perfect place for bachelorette parties.
One of Bedi’s favorite places downtown is the Hyatt Regency. “Their recently renovated ballrooms are stunning and there are beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling,” she explains. “The hotel has a great chef, room blocks and its staff are easy to work with.”
For a sophisticated location, you’ll want to have your wedding at Music Hall. “They are great at working with your requests and the day of your wedding will have you feeling like you’re walking around in a dream,” Bedi says.
Bedi coordinates about five to six weddings each year at the Savannah Center, where Mary will do anything she can to accommodate a bride’s request. “The place is gorgeous and the experience is unparalleled,” she says.
It isn’t uncommon for couples to have their weddings at Great American Ballpark. In fact, Bedi says their team is quite easy to work with, and you can even get married at home base.
Elements Conference and Event Centre (also run by Bedi), will give you the blank canvas you need to design your day and make it perfect. “My team and I at Elements make you feel like the most important event that day,” she explains, “since we only do one event per day/night.”
On November 11, A Bride’s Mafia will host its fourth Aferhours Bridal Show at Music Hall. The show is unlike any other and gives a unique twist with more than 2,000 people expected to attend. The show will take place from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and brides, grooms and their families have the chance to preview the latest wedding trends and chat with vendors to help make their big day the most perfect one.
“We will have everyone that you need to make your perfect day happen fromt he moment you get engaged to the time you walk down the aisle,” says Bedi. “While you are there, make sure you stop by our pampering romo where brides and their guests receive complimentary hair and makeup.”
Bedi adds that the best part about the bridal show is that admission is free. “Oh, and there’s a huge bonus for this year–we will be giving away a $20,000 wedding that night to one lucky bride,” she says. For more information, visit www.abridesmafia.com or send Bedi and her team an email at info@abridesmafia.com. For your complimentary tickets to the Afterhours Bridal show, click here.
A local catering service is making waves at events large and small, corporate and residential, casual and refined. Read on for all the delicious details!
Current Catering by Bensons. It might be a new name on the local catering scene, but they certainly aren’t beginners.
Bensons Catering was founded by the Bernstein Family in 1981. Over the decades, Bensons was selected to cater in some of Tri-State’s most prestigious homes and venues, such as the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, Music Hall, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and The Western & Southern Open.
But after three generations in the business, it was time for Benson’s Catering to get current — quite literally. “Current Catering by Bensons is a new and updated version of Benson’s Catering,” says Current Catering owner Terri Bernstein. “The third generation of the Bernstein family has now taken over the daily operations.”
While Benson’s Catering saw much success, Bernstein says that they wanted to take those 33 years of experience and incorporate the fresh, new ideas of today. According to Bernstein, the business plan for Current Catering by Bensons was finalized in March 2014 and implementation of that plan got off the ground in October 2014.
From corporate dinners and business boxed lunches to weddings and galas, or even family picnics and household holiday parties, this full-service catering business offers services to a variety of customers. “We do many small house parties all the way up to the Great American Insurance Christmas Party every year for 7,000 people,” says Bernstein, adding that they’re always looking to expand. “We have a whole team out and about looking for new ideas and business.”
According to Bernstein, the team at Current Catering by Bensons will design a menu to fit nearly any taste, occasion or price point. Breakfast starts at $8 per plate, lunch starts at $10 per plate and a dinner menu is created starting at $14.95 per plate. And if you want to pair with your food with beverage service, Current Catering by Bensons also holds a Kentucky catering liquor license!
Each year, Bernstein says Current Catering by Bensons, as well as their other family owned business BB Riverboats, always gives back to the community that supports them. In fact, she adds, when they consider the donations they provide, they’re giving tens of thousands of dollars to many local organizations.
Need beautified for a big day in your future, but don’t want to break the bank? Get all the beautiful details about Rollers & Rouge, a local on-site hair and makeup service.
Anyone can have the hair and makeup of their dreams for a special occasion. All it takes is some Rollers & Rouge.
Natalie Thomas and her sister launched Rollers & Rouge together in 2012. Then, in 2014, Thomas became the sole proprietor of the business. With a strong background in cosmetology, and nearly two decades of salon experience prior to launching the business, she was ready to take the wheel at Rollers & Rouge.
Today, Thomas’ team consists of two other makeup artists and a hair stylist. Services are primarily offered on-site which makes it convenient for clients and reduces overhead for the business. And those savings are passed along to clients, Thomas says, as a lower price point is the biggest difference between her and other businesses. According to Thomas, her main goal is to do her best “to work with everyone and to make things as affordable and attainable as possible.”
This year, Thomas is on schedule to have quite a busy year. “My goal is for 75 weddings this year,” Thomas says. In the future, she adds, she’d like to begin offering services for destination weddings. But for now, she enjoys that her job and business provide her with a flexible schedule and the ability to be a stay-at-home-mom primarily during the week.
Her favorite part of the business is that she is an integral part of making a woman feel beautiful on one of the most important days of her life.
Thomas specializes in Dinair, an alcohol-based airbrushed makeup application process. The product is rub, water, and tear proof, and lasts 12-24 hours. Thomas says Rollers & Rouge offers complimentary consultations, which can be done over the phone, in person or via email.
Click here to learn more about the certified wedding planners behind Elegant Whims and how they can make your big day dreams come true.
(left to right) Melinda Strobehn and Patti Davis, Co-Owners of Elegant Whims Certified Wedding Planners (Photo by: Pottinger Photography)
Cincy Chic: What is Elegant Whims? Patti Davis, Co-Owner of Elegant Whims Certified Wedding Planners: Elegant Whims Certified Wedding Planners was established by two cousins who believe that no bride and groom should experience the wedding day problems they did. We combine our creative talents, organizational skills, passion and sense of humor to provide a relaxed, enjoyable journey up to and including your wedding day. At Elegant Whims, we treat each couple and their family and friends as if they were family.
Cincy Chic: What’s the inspiration behind Elegant Whims? Davis: I, along with my cousin Melinda Storbehn, have dreamed of owning our own business since we were children growing up in Michigan. Spending our time together playing dress-up, Barbies and having tea parties. When it was time to celebrate – birthdays, holidays or family gatherings, our mothers would always add that little “something extra” to the table seating that would transform it into a beautiful and enchanting affair. We learned at an early age that it’s in the details where memories are made. Today, we bring our unique strength and styles together, along with our appreciation of the details, to give each client that Elegant Whims Experience.
Cincy Chic: Who’s behind Elegant Whims? Davis: It’s me and my cousin Melinda who co-own Elegant Whims together. Melinda is the CFO and has been happily married to her cousin Steve for 33 years. They have two children, two dogs and two cats. Some of her responsibilities including layout design for the ceremony and reception site, ensuring that the correct rental items are orders and working with clients on their budget.
I’m the CEO and have been married to my wonderful husband Rick for 36 years. We have two sons. A few of my responsibilities include client correspondence, timeline creation and posting to social media and advertising sites.
Cincy Chic: When did you launch Elegant Whims? Davis: The State of Ohio officially recognized Elegant Whims as a business on February 14, 2012. Prior to the launch of Elegant Whims, we worked together planning and facilitating multiple weddings and events.
Cincy Chic: What do you enjoy most about running your business? Davis: Everything! The first meeting with our clients is exciting because we have the opportunity to hear their story, the vision of their wedding and how Elegant Whims can help them. The planning process is like putting together a huge jigsaw puzzle. As each piece is put into place the total picture starts to emerge. As the day draws near, we watch out couples and their parents relax, enjoy and start to “see” the total picture of the wedding day vision coming together. Oftentimes, couples come to us with no idea of what to do next so it’s our joy to guide them and watch them joke and have fun at each vendor meeting.
On the wedding day Melinda’s favorite part is the excitement in both the bride’s and groom’s pre-ceremony rooms. The bride is relaxing and joking with her attendants and moms. There is talk about how to properly hold their bouquets, reminding them to walk slowly and smile. The groom and his groomsmen are usually laughing about shared stories as he gets ready for the next chapter in his life. My favorite part is getting the attendants and bride ready for the walk down the aisle – from fluffing the bride’s gown train to watch the groom’s face as she walks down the aisle toward him, it’s one of the most heartwarming experiences.
Cincy Chic: Is there anything new on the horizon for Elegant Whims? Davis: Always! Elegant Whims is excited about many new things on our horizon. Because it is important to offer packages that will help many couples with different planning needs, we are in the process of restructuring and adding to our planning packages. We are always on the lookout for the next cutting edge trends happening on the east and west coasts. Continuing our education is important to us and we are currently working toward our Senior Certified Wedding Planner certification. Being a part of many networking groups helps us forge working relationships throughout the wedding industry.
Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more? Davis: We would love to invite readers to visit our website and don’t miss out on tips and trends by Elegant Whims on our blog. See the fun it is to plan your wedding with Elegant Whims by liking our Facebook page and share in our design ideas on Pinterest. And, of course, we are featuring on The Knot, Wedding Wire and Perfect Wedding Guide.
