Weddings In Profile – February / March 2010
This issue our beautiful cover was shot on location at the Chesapeake Inn in Chesapeake City, MD. What an unbelievable location to have a wedding reception, or for that matter any type of event. We decided this issue that instead of doing our Women In Profile that we would actually profile the different preferred vendors that we had asked to be part of our first Bridal edition of the Women’s Journal. They were our top picks, and we hope that you will enjoy the education that they each have tried to provide you in planning your Big Day. All photos were shot on location by Roy McDowell of Royal Photography Studio, and, as usual, Roy has totally out done himself.
Elaine
Kempski
Kempski
Kemps
Colleen Rodgers
Owner of Flowers by Colleen
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-327-3680
www.flowersbycolleen.com
With over 30 years experience in all aspects of floral design, Colleen offers the floral design for weddings, parties, corporate events and seasonal decorating. Her creative design style and attention to detail with the use of unusual flowers and foliage is sought after by clients who do not want “cookie cutter designs.”
Credits include – Special events designer for Longwood Gardens creating floral designs for events such as – DuPont parties, Visiting Committee Dinners, American Orchid Society Black Tie Events. Director functions, Trustees luncheons, Christmas displays and Christmas designer trees. Colleen also won 2nd place in 2009 at the Harvest design competition held at Longwood Gardens.
Here are some of the testimonials from satisfied clients:
“I was so thrilled by the combination of colors and fragrances that you put together, truly stunning and unique arrangements” ~Bride, Jessica Z.
“You made the day even more wonderful-your special attention to detail showed. Thanks for making our special day for our daughter so terrific and beautifully graced with your artistry.” ~Mother of the bride Marcia R.
“Colleens’ flowers were over the top! What a splendid impact those table decorations had on everyone.”
~Nathan Haywood III, President of Board of Trustees, Longwood Gardens
Liz Marden
Owner & Pastry Chef of Liz Marden Gourmet Cakes & Desserts
1252 Lancaster Old Pike
Hockessin, Delaware 19707
(302)-239-2689
www.LizMarden.com
Liz Marden was born in England, then moved to Delaware at a young age with her family. Working in the medical field, Liz wanted to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a pastry chef. After being very persistent, she was hired at the Hotel Dupont as a pastry chef and worked alongside Gunther Highland who really inspired her. After many years of hard work, she now owns her own business called Liz Marden’s Gourmet Cakes and Desserts.
Liz Marden’s Gourmet Cakes and Desserts offer a wide range of scrumptious desserts, but they are known for their beautifully designed wedding cakes. For Liz to begin designing a cake for a newlywed, she must meet with them and have a design meeting which is no charge. The client is given samples of cakes to take home and taste. With years of experience, Liz offers her clients many helpful design elements, and together they brainstorm ideas for the cake so the client can get the cake that they want, inside and out. Liz’s cakes continue to turn out beautifully and her clients satisfaction is very rewarding to her.
Being a pastry chef is a dream come true for Liz and she says that it’s very natural to her. Liz is truly passionate about desserts and she hopes to be a pastry chef for the rest of her career.
Eddie Greer
General Manager
Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina
605 Second Street
Chesapeake City, Maryland 21915
(410)-885-2040
www.chesapeakinn.com
Eddie Greer has been the general manager at the Chesapeake Inn since 1996. He attended West Chester State and afterward became a school teacher. Aside from teaching, he held a second job as a bartender. Eddie became interested in restaurant management and soon pursued it by becoming the manager of Chesapeake Inn: Restaurant and Marina.
With its spectacular ballroom, presenting a beautiful water view, a starlit ceiling, and elegant décor, the Chesapeake Inn is a prestigious place for holding a memorable wedding reception. The ballroom accommodates about 160 people, but also has a side room for larger parties. The restaurant offers three wedding packages, two of which are sit down dinners, and the last is a buffet. The first package is for a Saturday night which ranges from $89.00-$108.00/guest. The second sit down package is set for either a Friday night, Saturday afternoon, or a Sunday which costs about $79.00-98.00/guest. The last package is for a buffet which is $89.00/guest. For a wedding reception to be scheduled on a Saturday night, the clients would have to schedule with the restaurant at least 8-9 months in advance. The Chesapeake Inn provides a true fine dining experience with a top notch chef, Tom Howell. Tom Howell was a former chef at the Hotel DuPont, DuPont Country Club, and Hartefeld Golf and Country Club, and has a very admirable job at The Chesapeake Inn.
The Chesapeake Inn has been a second home to Eddie. They have treated him very well and it’s something he wishes to do throughout the rest of his working career.
Photos Provided By: Royal Photography
Roy McDowell, Owner
Royal Photography’s owner, Roy McDowell, brings a wealth of experience, both creative and business, along with an unmatched ability to put people at ease, to every occasion he photographs.
Over the past 18 years, Roy McDowell has captured “that” moment for more than 300 brides and grooms and preserved high school memories too numerous to count. Such exposure has led Roy to become one of the most recognizable photographers in Delaware. He creates a lasting impression, not only of an event, but of himself. The pride, precision, and passion he exudes has compelled brides-to-be to track down, “the photographer who took their senior portrait years before”.
Roy exhibits this same commitment and customer service when working with the many schools and businesses with whom he’s managed contracts. “The consumer drives the product I provide; not the other way around.”
With the help and support of family, friends, and business associates, Roy McDowell strives to achieve his goal of providing an unforgettable experience with superior photographs, exceptional customer focus, and lasting relationships.
Royal Photography
Phone: 302-438-1308
E-mail: royalphotogde@aol.com
J. Christian
Owner of J. Christian Studio
7465 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE
(302) 235 – 2306
Hair styling & make-up application were provided compliments of J. Christian Studio, where hair and art perform.
J. Christian is a Master Artist with more than 30 years experience in the beauty industry. Together with his wife Marcy, they own and operate J. Christian Studio, an upscale salon located in Hockessin, DE. As an International Platform Artist and Master Educator for Sexy Hair Concepts, J. Christian travels here and abroad teaching other Stylists about hair fashion. He regularly teaches at the Institute of Courage, a hair academy established by Michael O’Rourke, founder of Sexy Hair Concepts located in the Topanga Canyon just outside Los Angeles as well as at the Paul Mitchell School in Delaware.
Call today and let the talented stylists create hair and makeup for your bridal party.
Colleen Wilsom
Claire’s Fashions, Inc.
1312 Philadelphia Pike
Wilmington, DE 19809
302-798-1312; Clairesinc@aol.com
www.clairesfashions.net
Claire’s Fashions offers a one stop shopping solution to address the fashion needs for the bride and her entire bridal party. For formal events and the wedding/reception, Claire’s Fashions offers a stunning selection of gowns and dresses from full to cocktail length. If the event or dress code calls for a more relaxed look, Claire’s carries a great selection of daytime dresses and upscale casual separates, perfect when you are trying to maintain a more casual but still sharp and stylish appearance. Need something fresh for the honeymoon? Claire’s has that covered too, with a fantastic selection of sexy short dresses and fun separates. Of course, Claire’s Fashions is also the place to find the perfect bridal gown, bridesmaid gowns, gowns for the bridal mothers, and any bridal fashion accessory the bride could need.
Melisa Ferriola
CPCP
Lasting Looks, Inc.
www.lastinglooksforyou.com
302-463-8871
Melisa Ferriola began her career in make-up at the Pennsylvania State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Arts and Science with an emphasis in theatre. Melisa studied and applied stage and special effects make-up for the university theatre company. After graduating, Melisa worked as a free-lance make-up artist for a theatre company in Santa Barbara, CA.
Back on the East Coast, Melisa had a 20-year corporate career, but craved to get back to the beauty industry. She opened Lasting Looks, a permanent cosmetics studio, lash bar, and mini day spa located in Newark, Delaware in 2006. The Lasting Looks mission starts with the desire to empower women to take charge of their appearance and to put their best image forward. Let’s face it, we are judged every time we step out the door. Melisa lends her talent in skin care and makeup artistry to bring out the very best in her clients. As owner and operator, Melisa personally ensures that every client receives private, exclusive care. Her artistic skills and attention to detail show through in every service she provides.
Melisa is a licensed Aesthetician and Certified Permanent Cosmetic Artist. Lasting Looks is located in downtown Newark on West Park Place. Melisa resides in Newark, DE with her husband and children. She can be found at Swift Park in the spring enjoying Piedmont Baseball and Softball.
Carmella Gibellino-Schultz
The Permanent Cosmetic Studio
www.permanentu.com
Beginning in 1978 Carmella’s flair for hair began by attending the Delaware Beauty Academy. Since then she has followed a long line of cosmetologists. Carmella worked at Majo Hair Studio for many years with her two sisters, Madelyn and Lynda, and her mother, Carmella. In 1996 her dream of opening a school specifically for skin care became a reality when she opened Delaware’s first aesthetic school, The Skin Care School and Center.
Carmella’s journey into permanent makeup began in 1999 out of curiosity simply because she was allergic to topical makeup. She had eyeliner done, got hooked and decided to begin practicing the art of permanent cosmetics. Carmella’s training has been in Canada, Texas, Belgium and Philadelphia and she believes that continuing education is a key to success.
Carmella is Board certified by The American Academy of Micropigmentation and holds Certification with the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals. Holding both certifications makes Carmella one of only a dozen technicians in the country to hold both certifications. Carmella also is a Lifetime Member with the SPCP, having 10 years of membership.
She has helped many a bride look flawless on their special day, from permanent lip color that won’t kiss off, to eyeliner that won’t smudge when you cry.
Elizabeth TiglaoManager of The Spa in Montchanin Village Inn
Route 100 & Kirk Road, Montchanin, Delaware 19710
(302)-888-4205
www.montchanin.com/spa-menu.html
Elizabeth Tiglao was born and raised in the Philippines. At the age of seventeen, Elizabeth and her family moved to Delaware, where she currently resides. She attended the University of Delaware and The Art Institute of Philadelphia for Business Marketing and Graphic Design, but her true passion is for bodywork. Passion became reality when she became a massage therapist.
Elizabeth currently works for The Spa at Montchanin Village Inn in Wilmington as the spa’s manager. This spa is like no ordinary spa. Of course it offers the typical massages, facials, and natural nail care, but what makes this spa differ from others is its serene environment. It has an intimate setting and a quiet and peaceful relaxation lounge. Also for the clients’ convenience, breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be ordered from the nearby Krazy Kat’s and be delivered to the spa. “It’s a home away from home” says Elizabeth.
The spa offers bridal parties for those anxious and overly stressed brides to be. They offer a wide range of treatments: from the signature treatments, to the healing massage treatment, which includes hot stones and a swedish massage that is claimed to be “the ultimate treatment” says Elizabeth. The Spa also offers body treatments to purify and detoxify the body.
Elizabeth promotes that going to a spa regularly will induce a healthy lifestyle, just as going to the gym on a regular basis does. It is beneficial to the body and good for it as well.
Vera Palmatary
General Manager Montchanin Village Inn
Route 100 & Kirk Road, Montchanin, Delaware 19710
(302)-888-4205
www.montchanin.com
There are 28 richly furnished guest rooms/suites at the Inn at Montchanin Village appointed with period and reproduction furniture and marble baths with all the amenities for the demanding and sophisticated traveler, which make them a perfect fit for out of town wedding guests. The Inn’s renowned Krazy Kat’s Restaurant, once the village blacksmith’s shop, is known as much for its creative cuisine as its whimsical décor. The Crow’s Nest, situated above Krazy Kat’s, accommodates forty guests in an elegant private setting also great for more intimate weddings.
Chrysa Cohen
Co-owner of
Continental Jewelers Inc.
2209 Silverside Road
Wilmington, Delaware 19810
(302)-475-2000
North Wilmington has been home to Chrysa her entire life. She is a single mother of an eight year old girl and proves to be an excellent example of a hardworking successful woman.
Chrysa is the co-owner of Continental Jewelers Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware. She previously has been the bookkeeper and store manager, and currently handles the buying, merchandising, marketing, and administrative components of the business. Her love of fashion is evident in the styles she chooses for the store. She enjoys helping clients find jewelry to fit their lifestyle and budget. The store is known for its unusual merchandise, beautiful and unique colored gemstones, and bridal and custom design services. Fun, fashionable pieces in gold or sterling add to the collection. A large estate and vintage jewelry department showcases design history, from pre-owned contemporary jewelry to selections from the 1800’s. Her involvement in all aspects of the business give her a unique perspective and an ideal position to advise clients on their own jewelry collections.
Continental Jewelers also has a very busy bridal department. From the engagement ring to the wedding ring to attendant and other bridal gifts, Chrysa and her staff provide an array of services that add to the wedding jewelry. Engraving, personalizing and custom design capabilities allow the bride and groom to create sentimental heirlooms that reflect their personalities. For Chrysa, this close involvement with clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of the business.
At times, work and personal life intersect, as her daughter enjoys sketching her own jewelry designs and spending time at the store with her mom. Free time is spent with her daughter, family, and friends.
Crystal Gooding
Simpson Travel
info@simpsontravel.biz
(302)-378-0894
Make your next vacation a memorable one!
“Dear Crystal, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the services you provided in coordinating travel for our destination wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico. You were able to ease my nerves and maintain honesty, efficiency, and integrity. Many of my guests commented on how helpful and kind you were when planning their travel. You even made yourself available to me once I was in Mexico and needed further assistance, whew! Beyond the professional service you provided you became a friend in the process. We will definitely continue to recommend you to others and look forward to planning our one-year anniversary trip with you!” ~ R. and E. Winslow
“Crystal, thank you very much I really appreciate the extra attention and the personal touch that you provide your clients and know that I will continue to use your services and will be honored to spread the word about your excellent and personal client service. Thank you again.”
~ LaTonya N.
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