Yesterday I had the pleasure of coordinating the wedding celebration of Kathleen and OK. I met Kathleen and OK through Cathie and Al of BG Productions, who were hired to do their photography and videography. Kathleen was concerned about all of the events that were going to happen, and when she told Cathie she thought they may need a day-of coordinator, she gave them my name as we have worked together many many times (thanks Cat!). I met with Kathleen and OK five weeks ago, and got to hear all about thier special day, which was going to incorporate a lot of traditions.
OK, the groom, (nick name for Oketchutwu) is Nigerian, and the culture has many wedding traditions. We created a timeline that would give us time to incorporate everything they wanted – and it was a lot! The timeline was tight, but I was determined to get my bride and groom everything they wished for. The wedding took place at Ridley Methodist Church, one of the most charming churches I have ever had the pleasure to be in. The ceremony was beautiful, with many songs and readings, and Kathleen was a stunning bride. After the ceremony, there were a total of 27 photos that the couple wanted, but with a complete list and good direction, we got every single one (thank you again BG!) while staying on time. The reception was a true celebration!!! The hotel allowed an outside Nigerian caterer in, to add to the menu they were providing, so both American and Nigerian traditional fare were there, they had the blessing of the Kola nut (another beautiful tradition), their guests showered them with money during their money dance and wished them countless blessings during the ‘dance and toast’, and halfway through the night, Kathleen and OK changed out of their gown and tux and into traditional Nigerian wedding attire, made of beautiful material in green and gold hues. They packed so much into their night!! I hope they enjoyed every minute – their guests most certainly did! I will post photos soon….
Kathleen and OK – I wish you a wonderful life together. Thank you for trusting me with your day! Take good care of each other.
Though the weather definitely fought us, the Phoenixville Area Chamber of Commerce Charity Ball was a great success. Our guests braved the wind, rain, and yes, some even overcame power outages to attend this wonderful event. As I posted before, this year the beneficiary chosen was the Good Samaritan Shelter of Phoenixville. Nate Hoffer, Director of Good Samaritan, addressed the crowd and thanked everybody there for contributing, and then introduced a resident of the shelter, who bravely told his story of how he fell on hard times and Good Samaritan was there to empower him to get back on track. It was moving, to say the least.
From there, the night was full of bidding on the live and silent auction items – people took home some great things (like weekend stays at the Loews in Philly, box seat tickets to an Eagles Game, and memberships to RiverCrest Country Club, who hosted the ball) and dancing to the tunes provided by the #1 Philly Party Band – Bigg Romeo!! It was a great time.
I want to again thank the Chamber for hiring us to help coordinate this fantastic event, RiverCrest Country Club for being so accommodating to our scheduling needs, all of the businesses who donated items for the auction, and all of our guests who braved the elements to be a part of this special night. We hope to see you all again next year!!!
I will post photos soon!!
Every year, the Phoenixville Area Chamber of Commerce holds a Charity Ball to benefit a selected charity in their area. I was honored to help them plan last years event, and was excited and honored when they asked for my help again this year. This is a GREAT event, scheduled for March 13, 2010 at RiverCrest Golf Club, that features a live and silent auction, great music (thanks to the featured band, Bigg Romeo!) and great food. Most of all, it features great people, all coming together to benefit an even greater cause.
The beneficiary this year is The Good Samaritan Shelter. Good Samaritan Shelter is located right in Phoenixville, and shelters adult men who have come upon troubled times and have found themselves without a place to call home. Good Samaritan offers these men a helping hand in the form of shelter, clean clothes, and resources so as to get back on their feet. In this economy, Good Samaritan has found itself at full capacity many, many times, and has stated that being the beneficiary of this Charity Ball could not have come at a better time.
The event is open to all, and tickets are still on sale. You can find out more about it at their link: http://www.phoenixvillechamber.org/events/view/5th_annual_community_charity_ball/
or feel free to drop me note. I am happy to answer any questions you have!! And if your March 13th is free, I encourage you to come and be a part of this wonderful event. You won’t be sorry.
