"This never happens at weddings...I'm honored that it happened to me"

jQuery Image Transition by WOWSlider.com v2.0m

Thank you so much for making Christina's wedding and the whole weekend so stress-free - from the moment we stopped assembling church programs Thursday night, I never thought about anything again except enjoying the activities.  I knew you were on top of it all - the comments about everything running like clockwork continue to come in - and Christina was the calmest bride anyone had seen!  Look forward to seeing you again in the future. 

Pat H. - Mother of the Bride

If your catering manager has told you

"you don't need a wedding planner", read on...

Dear Sheryl,

After assisting you as an intern on several weddings you have planned, I decided to take a job as a cater waiter with a high end caterer in the Philadelphia area to gain more experience.

The catering company I worked with had two supervisors at the wedding to manage the event. I assumed that one of them would supervise the catering staff and the other would work in the capacity of a wedding coordinator to ensure things flowed smoothly and on time.  I soon learned that both event managers were focused on managing the staff of twenty-five people in the set-up and execution of the reception and very little attention was paid to the bride, groom, family members and bridal party.

Prior to the ceremony, the bride and her mother were the only ones available to get the bridal party assembled and the process seemed chaotic and very stressful for them. The event managers did not assist with the ceremony at all.

No direction was given to the band by the managers and because of that, the band did not follow the timeline for introductions and traditional dances and played during most inopportune times, making it difficult to serve the meals to guests.  Because no one was coordinating the reception activities, the best man gave his toast and then it was discovered that the maid of honor was not in the room.

The photographers did not have a liaison and I noticed that most of the photographs were candid shots because there was no one available to locate specific people for the posed photographs.

These complications would not have arisen if you had been there.  In closing, I had an invaluable opportunity to learn the importance of hiring a wedding planner.

Sincerely,

Beth

Hey Sheryl,

Wanted to say thank you for all your help with Lisa & Mike's wedding.  Michelle was a big help as was your agenda and all your calls and emails.  So often I hear very little from a wedding planner; usually just a phone call or two and an eventual agenda.  Sometimes I have to disregard the wedding planner altogether and run the show myself b/c she has no clue.  I don't like doing that b/c I don't want to interfere with another's work.  With all the twists and turns over the months and weeks, and with all the last-minute drops and adds, and with all the divergent personalities in this wedding, I think it turned out swell.  I'm sure Mike & Lisa enjoyed it.  Looked like they had a great time and made some memories.  In the end, that's what's important.   

Maybe we'll work together again, and if so, Norma and I will count ourselves fortunate to work with someone in the biz who knows what they are doing!  Give my regards to your assistant, Michelle.

Warm regards,

DJ Will Stephens
4MostSound 

Hi Sheryl,

As promised, here is my recommendation letter.

If you're in the process of planning a wedding like myself, chances are you contemplated on whether or not to invest in a wedding planner. I have always considered myself a organized and creative individual. I have often enjoyed planning events for friends such bridal and baby showers, bachelorette and tea parties but when I got engaged last August I discovered that all that organization and creativity was becoming a challenge to apply to my own event, my wedding. Let's face it, weddings are EXPENSIVE but it is the most important day of a gal's life and you should have the wedding you have always dreamed of.

A wedding consultant is the perfect way to ensure that your day goes as it should. When I looked into wedding consultants shortly after we got engaged I wasn't sure I would be able to afford it and thought maybe the money would have been better spent somewhere else. After all we are in a tight economy and every dollar counts. After careful consideration though and a recommendation from the knot I then decided to invest in you for the day before and day of package. I didn't want my family to have to worry about who went where at the ceremony or coordinating vendors, etc.. I didn't want anyone to worry about anything but enjoying the day.

As a result my consultant has been truly a pleasure to work with. I cannot say enough good things about her. She is amazing and is so much more than I expected. She sends emails to me ensuring that I am on schedule, she has made numerous recommendations for vendors, and she truly cares that you have the wedding of your dreams.

When I receive an email from my consultant, I feel accountable. It's a tangible way for me to make sure that I am on schedule. I know that she is genuinely interested in my big day and that brings me peace of mind. Your service is the best investment a couple can make on ensuring that their wedding day is truly an event to remember.

Kelly S.

Dear Sheryl,

We wanted to thank you for all of your help and support throughout the entire wedding planning process. We can't imagine what we would done without you! When we first met with you at the Rafi home, we had no idea how much time, work, and effort it would take to make this happen. As the wedding date got closer and the magnitude of the event became more and more real, we were more and more grateful that we had you to lean on for advice, support, and encouragement. You have a wonderful way of being professional and friendly at the same time, and it was truly a pleasure to work with you. Our wedding was truly the happiest day of our lives, and we are so grateful to you for helping to make it as beautiful and perfect as it was.

We would love to meet with you sometime to catch up (and also return your easel!). We know this is a busy time for you because of the wedding season, but please let us know whenever you have some time to meet with us.

Thank you,
Michelle and Yashar

Dearest Sheryl,

You do such a great job with this class. The more weddings that we play for the more I appreciate the value of the Wedding Planner. Last Sunday, we played at the Montrose Mansion at the Villanova Conference center and the bride broke down before the wedding which delayed the start by quite of number of minutes! The only person who was running the show was the banquet manager and he didn't have the presence of mind to send someone up to tell us that there would be a delay - so we kept playing and playing and playing and I finally sent the DJ ( who was going to play the recessional) to find out when the parents we going to be seated. No one knew about the bride until after the ceremony. If only they had had the presence of mind to hire a professional, that person would have sent someone to the ceremony site to alert the musicians. Oh, Well!!!!

Thanks, again, for asking me to speak to your class. I have been asking other musicians if they had suggestions that I could pass on the next time. You do such a wonderful service. Hope you realize how you are appreciated!

Have a wonderful holiday season and busy new year!

Love ya,
Virginia Schawacker

Sheryl,

I would like to take a little more time and express just how much my husband and I enjoyed our experience with you!!

We came to your company one month before our wedding having just parted ways with a planner who caused more stress than anything else wedding related. We met with you for a couple hours on a weeknight and walked away feeling more relaxed than we had in a long time. In fact, we have said numerous times that you more work in those few hours than the previous planner had done in a year and a half. For the first time, we really felt like people cared about our special day. You were kind and full of ideas and it overjoyed us.

Over the next few weeks you and I were in constant contact. You answered all of my questions thoroughly and was always one step ahead of me. I can't tell you how many times I would say something like “Maybe I should call the tent company today and find out…” and your response was always along the lines of “I talked to them yesterday, they're all set, everything's fine.” And everything was fine.

We dealt with a very difficult venue where our entire wedding weekend was to be held. They were, from the beginning, unorganized and unhelpful. Only because of you did I feel like this may be an obstacle but not one that was going to affect anything. And, of course, in the end, everything was perfect. My only compliant was it was a little chilly and windy, and I know that if you had it in your power you would have fixed that for me, too! You ran a great rehearsal, and helped organize a wonderful rehearsal dinner. You and your assistants were around and helpful throughout the entire day of for everyone in the wedding party. Not only did all of you take care of business, we all laughed together and enjoyed ourselves. The night was absolutely spectacular thanks to you, and I couldn't ask for more.

I'm sure you know, and I'm sure you have been told before, but please let me say it again. You were nothing short of wonderful. You allowed me to have a perfect wedding! I cannot thank you enough for giving me the wedding of my dreams, but also allowing me to enjoy the planning process. I only wish I had met you sooner.

From an industry associate

I remember speaking with one of your associates when I was working at Robertson's and it was always a pleasure to deal with your staff. That is a luxury that does not come with every company. Your team has that “no worries” attitude that comes primarily from having a confidence of knowing what you do and doing it well. I would love the opportunity to work with you again.

Sandy O

From the "Mother of the Groom"

Dear Sir/Madam:

On Friday, March 16, 2007, my son, Michael De Note, was married. The wedding was held at St. Valentine's Polish National Catholic Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The reception was held at the Hotel Dupont in Wilmington, Delaware..

If you can recall, that Friday evening was a weather disaster, with rain, hail, sleet and snow. Interstate 95 was almost shut down due to the weather. The city of Philadelphia as well as Wilmington was at a standstill.

You took complete charge of the delays, the unforeseen disasters as they occurred; the flowers arriving late and the glue did not adhere, you were there to calm everyone and had pins handy to attach the flower. The limousines were late to transport my family along with the wedding party to the church and you were there at the church to greet us and direct us and tell us what we were to do. Your two assistantsand you were life savers and the beautiful wedding that my family had on that special could not have occurred without them. There were many other instances that evening where you just jumped in and took charge which are too numerous to mention.

Your two assistants are true assets to your company and you should be proud that they are a part of your wedding planning team. I would highly recommend you as efficient, thorough and professional.

Sincerely,

Diana DeNote

From the "Parents of the Groom"

Dear Sheryl,

This note of THANKS is long overdue. The best memories of our son Mike Luba and his new wife Maura were of their wedding on April 29th at the Aldie Mansion. From the very beginning to the very end it could not have been planned more perfectly. No matter how big or small, every detail was taken into consideration. Even to the point of you finding my husband and I to see Mike and Maura cut their wedding cake.

You are a professional, with your knowledge and expertise in the wedding planning business yet so personable, friendly and helpful to all of us, you do your job so well. From you handling the rehearsal, ceremony, reception , flowers, cake, DJ, food, photographer, videographer, officiant and everything else in between and most of all making sure Maura remained relaxed. Kate (Maura's mom) and myself were somewhat hesitant about Mike and Maura getting a wedding planner, but it turned out being one of the best decisions they made in hiring you to help plan one of the most important days of their lives. Obliviously it was a great time for all, no one wanted to leave and they ended up extending the time.

Again we can't Thank You enough, and very much appreciated you coordinating Mike and Maura's future together as husband and wife, this meant a lot to us. If you should ever need a referral, we would gladly recommend you.

Sincerely,

Janet and Pete

I cannot emphasize enough the quality of work by Sheryl! She is as involved in each and every detail as you desire, and always maintains a cheerful disposition and helpful hand with what could become a stressful situation. Without hesitation, I would recommend Sheryl as a wedding planner (I actually already have) or for a personalized special event! Our wedding was unique, in that it was in a very rural location, without a single hotel for 60 miles. Sheryl maintained constant contact with numerous private B&Bs, contractors, etc. I can't think of a single detail she missed! Again ... you can't go wrong with Sheryl!

Joel B.

Sheryl has so much experience and is so incredibly talented! My wedding day was absolutely flawless, everything went according to plan! The best decision we made, was involving Sheryl in our wedding planning process. She led us to the best band, food, venue, etc. She was instrumental in making sure everything was executed exactly how we wanted it! Sheryl was there for us every step of the way, morning, noon and night. She is truly the best of the best!

Laura A.

Sheryl was very helpful in identifying vendors for my outdoor wedding. All the vendors that she recommended were professional and did an excellent job. Sheryl and her staff were very professional and made sure my wedding day was wonderful and an experience my husband and I and my guests will never forget. Sheryl was very flexible as she listened to some of the concerns and recommendations I had so I didn't feel like the planning was totally out of my hands. I liked this because I wanted to be involved in the planning process to a certain extent. If your looking for someone who has a can do attitude and who will provide recommendations for elegant and excellent vendors, pick Sheryl!

Rose S.

From the "Parents of the Bride"

Dear Sheryl,

Our second daughter's wedding took place about four weeks ago and I feel compelled to send you a note of personal appreciation. Since I am very certain that many parents will feel how we felt after the fact, we are comfortable with your using our letter to motivate them to accept your help in preparation for their Big Event, if you wish.

Since this was the second wedding which you helped us with, we have gotten a little bit more “expert” in what to expect and what the many pitfalls and pressure points can be in preparing for a wedding.

It is now clearer than ever to us that we could never have experienced both weddings in the way we did had you not been there. Your guidance, directions, contacts and bridge building with potential vendors were incredibly valuable and gave us the perfect position of actually making reasonable choices without wasting unnecessary time (or money). Your checklists of what to think of, and what to address at different points in the preparatory time were as valuable as the more and more detailed timelines for every step of the event. That you were always available for questions, minor and major ones, was a tremendous help and comfort to both the bride and the bride's mother.

In retrospect it is also clearer than ever that NOBODY can possibly be aware of all the details which go into a “perfect wedding” planning (no pun intended). What greater relief can there be than the fact that YOU however have seen it all, done it all and are now using your knowledge to make life easier for everyone who is involved. Most importantly, both of our daughters mentioned that they KNEW and were completely calm about the fact that their wedding day was indeed going to be flawless and that you would always be around to take care of everything. If there was anything that was not perfect, we actually never saw it (because if there was, you had probably taken care of it).

I would also like to mention that particularly during and after Alex's wedding last month several vendors/ suppliers (florist, caterer, location manager) for the event mentioned that you and your staff were just about the nicest and most considerate of any wedding planners they had met in their jobs. Hats off to you from us too; you are wonderfully warm individuals.
Leslie and I want to thank you for all you have done for us and for our daughters. You have tremendously contributed to making their weddings great memorable events and have given us all the comfort and peace of mind to only focus on the beauty of the event.

It goes without saying that we will very warmly recommend you to anybody and everybody we know who is planning a wedding.

Warmly

Leslie and Ulrich Taglieber
(Dr. and Mrs. Ulrich Taglieber)

From the "Father of the Bride"

Subject: There are no words

Hi Sheryl -

If I am repeating myself I apologize...but, "There are no words" I can think of to say how much we appreciate what you have done.  We are still receiving e-mails and phone calls from guests.  

May I just list a few quotes and comments:
- "One of the best receptions I have ever attended."
- "We have been to weddings, bar mitzvahs and parties all over the world and this was a perfect evening."
- "Elegant and fun."
- "I saw people on the dance floor that normally have trouble walking."
- "I wish the night would have lasted longer."
- "I danced every single dance."
- "Who were the two beautiful young ladies that were in charge?"
- "This night was worth whatever you paid."

Now, a few observations:
Forget for a minute all that you did for the last year organizing this day and focus on "The day".
Another list:
- Arrived with your tool box and hemmed Kelly's ribbons.
- The challenge of the weather...you rearranged our garage (moved boxes and trash cans) so the limo could back in, then escorted everyone to the limo (in your heels).

The ceremony was perfect, the rain stopped (slowed...) and everything went well, then the limo broke down.  We thought there was too much time between the ceremony and the reception, you said "don't worry, it always works out", it did.

The reception... when we arrived at Normandy things didn't look too good, we all went upstairs and again you performed magic, by the time we came back down everything was perfect.  From that point the rest of the evening could not have been better, during the introductions Bill's mom said, "I don't have my flowers", you reached under the table and produced  a white rose from the altar, more magic.

I know there were a million other details during the night you handled, these were things we didn't have to think about, and this is what we loved the most, your game day face.  I can't tell you how many times someone would ask me something and I would say "Ask Sheryl", and that's key, you were always there to answer questions, solve problems, offer support, and keep everyone together and focused.

I am rambling now after two martinis, but please know "there are no words"... feel free to post any quotes or pictures on your web-site, I am happy to be a reference, pass my name and number along, and did you mention we should get together for a drink, how about Mojitos at Cuba Libre?

Our love to you,

Katharine, Craig, Jennie, Bill, Lindsay, Kim

Craig Schweriner