Vendor Spotlight: Red Letter Event Planning
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Robyn Bruns of Red Letter Event Planning
Many of our busy Brides need an “extra set of hands” on their special day, and being a part of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), has allowed me to meet wonderful wedding planners who can assist our Brides. Robyn Bruns, owner of Red Letter Event Planning is a great resource and can help you with your “Red Letter Day!” She took a few minutes out of her busy day to share more about herself and her company with our readers.
Hi Robyn, tell us about yourself: I started Red Letter Event Planning four years ago, originally I thought my clients would be planning corporate events but I fell in love planning weddings. Now 90% of the business is wedding planning from full planning to wedding day management.
What town is your business located?
I am located in the beautiful north shore suburb of Glenview, I love my town, there is always something fun going on. But of course I can help Brides throughout the Chicagoland area.
What services do you offer to Brides & Grooms?
My philosophy is that a wedding has to reflect the couple getting married, I always tell my clients that the best thing I can hear at their wedding is one of the guests saying, this wedding is so Chrissy, or Matt or whatever the name is of the couple. Then I KNOW I have done my job.
Wow Robyn, we are definitely on the same page…the more creative and personalized the wedding the better!
Do you have memberships in any associations or trade groups?
I have the Professional Bridal Consultant designation with the Association of Bridal Consultants.
Has your business received any awards or designations? I have received the 2010 Brides Choice award from Wedding Wire. I am also an approved vendor on the website You’re EnGAYged, which I am proud of because I believe every person has the right to walk down the aisle.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still doing what I love which is planning weddings, playing with my dog and living a happy life with my soul mate and husband Greg. I also have a Mediterranean cruise on my 5 year list!
Sounds fantastic…especially the cruise! It is also my philosophy to work hard and play hard.
What is your favorite color?
My personal favorite color is green, however my all time favorite wedding color combo is black and white with an accent color, this year I think the coral and turquoise colors look fantastic with black and white.
If you could only have one song on your Ipod, which song would it be? That is really a difficult question as I love all types of music, I actually went to my ipod to see what song I played the most these past few weeks, embarrassingly enough it was Go Cubs Go (I went to a game last week) I guess that shows I am an eternal optimist!
Seeing the glass half full is a great characteristic…especially in the Wedding Business!
To learn more about how Robyn can help you with your “Red Letter Day,” please visit her at: www.redlettereventplanning.com
Tags: ABC, Red Letter Event Planning, Robyn Bruns
Vendor Spotlight: Onesti Italian Steakhouse
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
I had the opportunity to participate in a Wedding vendor showcase held at the beautiful Onesti Italian Steakhouse in St. Charles, IL, and I can honestly say that Ron Onesti, Aubrey Pauly, Romi Herron and the entire staff are amazing to work with. With 3 different rooms to accommodate any event, this hidden gem is the perfect place for Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Bridal Showers and of course for a date night with your sweetie. And being Italian myself I can honestly say that the food is authentic, delicious and prepared with love.
Aubrey Pauly took some time to share more with our readers:
Tell us about yourself and your business:
I’m Aubrey Pauly, Events & Catering Coordinator at Onesti Italian Steakhouse & Supper Club. I help couples plan their upcoming rehearsal dinner, reception, engagement party or bridal shower. I make sure the bride and groom enjoys some gourmet Italian food, all while having fun with friends and family!
What town is your business located? St. Charles, IL
What type of event makes up the most of your business?
We host several rehearsal dinners, and also have our regular diners that like to come listen to live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Many brides and grooms also choose us for a smaller and more intimate reception, which we are seeing a growing demand for. Additionally, we host many communions, baptisms and birthday parties.
What other services can you offer to Brides & Grooms at Onesti’s?
We are constantly keeping in touch with great local vendors like Something 2 Dance 2, who we can refer to brides and grooms for their Wedding needs. If you’re looking for a photographer, florist, bakery, or just specialty linens and china then you’ve come to the right place!
Do you have memberships in any associations or trade groups? We belong to the National Restaurant Association, St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, and Ron Onesti is on the Board of Director’s for the St. Charles Visitor’s Bureau.
Has your business received any awards or designations? Ron Onesti won a St. Charles “Pride of the Fox” Award.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I hope to still be planning weddings and events. I’m constantly learning with each event…skies the limit!!
What is your favorite color? I love turquoise….It reminds me of summertime and the beach!!
If you could only have one song on your Ipod, which song would it be? Madonna’s “Like a prayer”.…it’s a classic!! How can you not sing along??
Great choice, Aubrey…”Like a Prayer” is one of our most requested songs at Weddings!
To learn more about Onesti’s please visit them on the web www.onestidinnerclub.com or stop in for dinner 7 days a week.
Aubrey always has a smile on her face!
Tags: Onesti Steakhouse St. Charles, Something 2 Dance 2, St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, Wedding Venues
Chicago Wedding Planner Frank Andonoplas
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Frank Andonoplas speaks for Chicago ABC Chapter
This week I had the pleasure of hearing Chicago Master Bridal Consultant and Event Expert Frank Andonoplas of Frank Event Design at our monthly ABC meeting at the beautiful Intercontinental Chicago. Frank put together an amazing presentation sharing insight into his 19 years as a Wedding and Event Planner which was a HUGE SUCCESS!
Frank is truly an expert in the industry and he gains inspiration for his beautiful events from Food, Fashion, Interior Design, Bridal Magazines and Industry Events just to name a few. Frank personalizes each and every Wedding and adds “special touches” for each Bride & Groom to create a magical night that each and every guest will never forget.
When discussing current wedding trends I was so excited to hear that Purple is one of the current Hot Colors and that Cupcakes are still a fun way to share something sweet with your guests at the end of the night. Frank shares so much with fellow planners and wedding professionals and feels that we are all “colleagues” in this industry rather than competitors. That is something very refreshing to hear…thanks for being you Frank.
To learn more about Frank and to view photos of his work, check out his Blog “Frankly Speaking” at www.frankeventdesign.com/frankblog
Networking with Chicago ABC Chapter at the lovely Hotel Intercontinental Chicago
Tags: ABC, Frank Andonoplas, Frank Event Design Chicago, Frankly Speaking, Intercontinental Chicago
TOMS Shoes for your Wedding
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Fabulous TOMS Shoes Wedding Collection
While attending a conference I came across a wonderful video regarding TOMS shoes and was really inspired by their concept of donating 1 pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair that was purchased. Recently TOMS started offering Wedding Shoes, so I thought I would share a bit of their story with our readers.
Change a life with your next big step. Wear TOMS in your wedding, and help children in need with the first steps you take toward your new life together. TOMS offers a special deal for couples who outfit their entire wedding party in TOMS to help make an even bigger difference in the lives of others around the world. With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
Another great idea is to have your guests sign a pair of TOMS along with your guest book…you will be helping a child in need on your special day!
For more information please visit their website: www.toms.com/wedding-collection
Tags: TOMS Shoes, Weddings
