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Wedding Wit Planner

Laurie: January 2012 Archives

sonja and john .jpg
I love January. Not only are there a wonderful group of newly engaged couples from the Holidays, but the new magazines, the new ideas and just the thoughts of getting newly inspired and energized. I know my caterers are playing in their kitchens creating new menus, displays and recipes.

The above photo is Sonja and John, isnt she gorgeous ? The were married April of 2007 and just out of the blue Sonja emailed to say hi and send some pics. I love it -- I realize it has absolutely nothing to do with January or wedding planning but I wanted to share so enjoy Sonja's radiant smile.

Back to January- It a very busy time for newly engaged couples to start on their plans - If you are flexible on your dates you still have plenty of time to pull off an amazing wedding this year. I have arranged weddings of 150 in 6 weeks complete with large bridal parties, gowns and the works. The trickiest part are the invitations - time to go out and come back. Thinking of pulling off a spring wedding I am sure you will find some great financial advantages where there are open dates. If your heart is set on that perfect date for 2013 and your psychy just needs a little more time - it is time to get on the road and research venues because we are booking. How long should it take to create a wedding celebration ? It only has to be as intense and as complicated as you wish to make it. So sit down with your honey and soul search what your priorities are - Space, flowers, music, photographer, privacy, setting - everyone has a different list. I just booked a wedding whose date was chosen around their favorite photographer another wedding has just booked for 9 weeks from now because it is just time to get on with it. Maybe you know where and when your dream honeymoon is - then consider working backwards starting with the best time for that dream. Everyone who knows me knows I believe that every couple not only needs a honeymoon but they also need a balcony more then their guests need bar or shrimp ( sorry guests ). Speaking of Honeymoons - I am off to Jamaica on Saturday to finish me whirlwind tour of personally visiitng every Sandals resort. On this trip I am visiting Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios -My 2 assistants Amber and Diana are excited as they are joining me next Tuesday on their first trip. We will also be sitting in seminars hosted by ABC so always working and always learning. This will also be my first time staying at a Beaches ( Beaches is for everyone -Sandals is for Couples) can not wait to see.. Feel free to send questions and thoughts if anyone is considering a honeymoon or destination wedding in Jamaica -happy to take specific photos. Again Happy Planning from A Gracious Event and Laurie at The Appel Inn. One more final note - The new home of A Gracious Event is almost complete - One of its unique features shall be the wedding library filled with books and magazines for any and all to come, enjoy and be inspired. I shall keep you posted.



Laurie Beckmann

I have been helping brides plan, coordinate, host weddings and ceremonies in the Capital District since 1978. Starting first with a love of cooking, I began to plan events and catered them. My background includes managing large events for Piccolo's at the Plachza where I coordinated Governor Carey's wedding to working in France as a chef on a private yacht.

The Capital District has been my home for over 27 years when my husband and I purchased a historic house in Altamont: The Appel Inn. A tavern from the 1700's, we turned it into a Bed and Breakfast. It was our good fortune in 1983, when a wonderful young couple knocked on our door and asked if we would host their wedding at the B&B.

The rest is history and the beginning of an amazing career that has allowed me to participate in hundreds of special occasions. The increased demand for events led to the design and construction of what we call The Gathering Space, a beautiful structure on our property that can accommodate over 150 people. We even added a bridal boutique where we make custom dresses. Over 1400 brides have passed through our elegant historic inn or The Gathering Space over the last 27 years.

I believe in simple elegance and love helping brides and their families create the day of their dreams, and in case anyone is wondering -- that first couple celebrated their 26th anniversary last November.


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