Archive for the ‘Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge’ Category

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Changes

Monday, September 19th, 2011

My Message on the “Bright Run” Wall of Hope, 9/10/11

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The last few months, since about the second week of March when I found a very large lump in my breast, have been a blur.

It happened right after attending a professionally exhilarating Catersource 2011 Conference and Trade Show where I enjoyed presenting as a panelist speaker and judging in several prestigious categories at the International Caterers’ Associations’ “CATIE AWARDS” gala.

So, after a great week of education, networking and inspiration, I was pumped and ready to make some changes. I HAD NO IDEA!!

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on April 8, 2011. My mother was in Las Vegas on April 11th and the “Amazing Race” was on for tests and more tests. As we met with doctors under my insurance plan and then doctors I really wanted who were not, I got the whole scary picture of what I was up against and I was more afraid of the costs than the disease!

Still being a citizen of Canada, my husband, my parents and I made the very hard but wise decision that only I would return to do all my treatments in my home town at the amazing Juravinski Cancer Center in Hamilton, Ontario with an incredible health team. I returned to Canada just before Easter and began chemotherapy immediately which was completed in August. I am so blessed to have come through that ordeal with great results and, not too worse for the wear, thank G-d.

I write this post on the eve of my surgery. Radiation to follow and then another IV drug treatment for a year after (that would be $100K alone in the USA but covered in FULL in Canada)!

I won’t get into THAT argument here now or anytime, but I will say that, for financial and logistical reasons, “coming home” to enjoy the benefits of Canadian citizenship was the best decision I ever made for my survival and well being.

I will be here in Canada for an extended period of time and taking an extended leave of absence from my business and from planning weddings and events in Las Vegas. I’m taking one step and day at a time and I know that I will be a SURVIVOR!

One thing I will make an argument for is this; LOSE THE WEIGHT (if you have to) or maintain a healthy one, exercise, go to the doctor, get MAMMOGRAMS or other important medical tests when (if) you are due. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF because you only have this one life and this one body to live it in. I know that sounds hokey. Oh well, it’s true! If my story can be of service to anyone, it is that I would have never found the lump if I had not lost the weight!! Losing weight SAVED MY LIFE! I reversed the self-imposed curse of Type 2 onset Diabetes and, in the nick of time, gave myself a shot at hopefully many more years to enjoy life with those I love and do great things for others in whatever way I may choose in the event world or beyond that.

To ALL the venues, creative wedding partners and my wedding planner colleagues who are doing an amazing job of stepping up to take over the weddings that I could not continue planning this year; Jeannie Ward of Wedding Jeannie and Veronica Medrano of Summit Events Catering in California, Juliet Douglas, Angelica McDonnell of Green Orchid Events and Dennis Silknitter at the Four Seasons Resort, Las Vegas….THANK YOU!

To Danielle and Terry, Theresa and Dave, Allison and Ron, Natalia and Rhett; being part of planning your weddings this year was/is a great thrill and honor. Although I couldn’t be there for you in person, I was and will be celebrating every moment with you on your day and thrilled for you! I know you will make every moment count and I WANT PICTURES!!

Please contact my Las Vegas Wedding Planning colleagues if you are looking for assistance in planning your wedding celebration. Whomever you choose from this list, you will be well taken care of by all wonderfully talented, passionate, professional, creative and professional women I am proud to call my friends.

www.GreenOrchidEvents.com-Contact Owner Juliet Douglas
www.EppolitoEvents.com-Contact Owner Andrea Eppolito
www.CLMWeddings.com-Contact Owner Christie McCoy-Hjelm
www.SchemeEvents.com-Partners Rissa Merkley-Gunderson, Traci McMaster, Tara Cox, Jacqueline Butler
www.SimplyWeddings.com-Contact Owner Brit Bertino
www.PriscillaDrozd.com-Contact Owner Priscilla Drozd.

Thank you and, for now, wishing you happy planning for your wedding or special event Celebrated with LOVE, LIFE and STYLE!!!

Fondly,
Tracey Kumer-Moore

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Posted in Celebrate Life, Celebrate Love, Tracey's Life, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 3 Comments »

Wedding Concierge in Canada October 13-23rd

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
Toronto, Canada Skyline-Image found at www.seetorontonow.com

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge here and letting you know I have not disappeared into the city of Las Vegas. I have been keeping busy and had some wonderful weddings in the past month that I look forward to sharing with you all very soon.

In the meantime, just as I’m saying hello again, I am writing to let you know I will be taking a little vacation time to visit family and attend some celebrations in my native Canada (Toronto & Hamilton to be specific), from October 13th-23rd.

I will be back at my desk on the 25th.

Although I won’t always have (or want to have) consistent access to being online, I’m sure I will jump on every now and then and say hello from my Facebook Fan Page at least if I find anything Wedding relevant in my travels.

Have a great 10 days and remember to Celebrate Today and Everyday with Love, Life & Style!

Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Toronto, Tracey's Life, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge, vacation | 2 Comments »

A Gift of Love & Life Video You MUST See-To Life!

Monday, September 13th, 2010


“To Life:: Vanessa’s Wedding Surprise” from her husband, father, family & friends.
Created by Films by Francesco, New York | Palm Beach

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge absolutely LOVES this wedding video that my dear friend Ellen sent me from You Tube.

An original, touching surprise involving the entire wedding party and parents and their true gift of love, joy and for celebrating Life and family with STYLE!

Of course, many of you know this song, “To Life, L’Chaim” from “Fiddler on the Roof” (one of my all-time favorite films). As the song says, “It takes a wedding to make us say, let’s live another day….”

I could not agree more. It really does take a wedding celebration or any special occassion (“simcha”) to make us realize what blessings we have in this life, even when things are not always so great.

For comparison, here is a You Tube video of the song and scene from the movie. I think you will all agree with me, they ALL did a fabulous job!!

I couldn’t help smiling and singing and clapping during this wonderful tribute to family, new family and to the beautiful bride, Vanessa. This just makes you (well me for sure), feel so good.

To the bride and groom, the parents, wedding party and family and friends, what a beautiful memory you created for yourselves and congratulations to Films by Francesco for preserving it in such a fun and touching way.

MAZAL TOV and may you all (and all my readers) celebrate Love and Life Today and Every Day.
To Life, L’Chaim!!

Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Celebrate Life, Celebrate Love, Cultural Weddings, Entertainment, Jewish, Video, Weddings on Film, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 2 Comments »

Celebrating Life on Jewish Holidays-Closed 9/9-9/12

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge wants to wish all my family, friends and colleagues near and far, my very best wishes for the Jewish New Year on this eve of Rosh Hashana (aka “Head of the Year”, aka “Birthday of the World”-5771 years actually).

I will be closed for the holidays starting at 6:00 PM Pacific Time and back on Monday September 12th. I will not be checking regularly for voice and email messages and not returning messages until the 12th.

As a Wedding Planner, one of the most wonderful things I have to look forward to this coming year is the blessing to be involved in helping to create wonderful wedding celebrations of Love and Life for some wonderful brides and grooms. Thank you for the gift of trust you have given me to be a part of your lives and that of your families and friends to help you on this wonderful journey that we will all take together:)

May the coming year bring you and your loved ones happiness, health, good fortune (in whatever way it materializes) and sweetness.

Shana Tova (Happy New Year) and...

Celebrate Today and Every Day with Love, Life & Style!!
Tracey
Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Celebrate Life, Celebrate Love, I Love My Job, Jewish, Tracey's Life, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 2 Comments »

A Prayer for You on Your Wedding Day

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge found another wonderful wedding oriented article on Aish.com (a Jewish online site for learning).

This was written by Azriel Hirsh Friedman and it is called “Wedding Day Dreams”.

Again, the theme resonates for me that these prayers are said or can be said, by any bride and groom and wished for them by their loved ones on their wedding day no matter what your background. I truly believe most of these prayers are universal-every one wants these gifts for their future together.

On your wedding day, do try and make time for some silent reflection to thank your higher power (whatever that may be) for the gifts you are receiving; love, support, affection, extended family and to also contemplate for a life blessed with good fortune, good health, joy, love, children and whatever you and your spouse wish to make of your lives together.

Here are a few select excerpts…

“On one’s wedding day, the gates of prayer are wide open. The Jewish mystical sources tell us that on a wedding day, the bride and groom’s power of prayer is greater than even the holiest person alive. You can ask for anything! Yet most of us get so caught up in the details of the day that we forget to tap into this spiritual wellspring.“

When I got married, I hadn’t the slightest clue what to pray for. Someone was nice enough to make me a list, so that I wouldn’t miss out on all the blessings for a great marriage and life together.

On your wedding day, I recommend going through this list at a quiet moment, right as you get out of bed in the morning, before everything gets hectic.

And don’t forget: Prayer works best when you open your mouth to speak it out, as opposed to just skimming with your eyes.

Marriage Relationship

May I always speak gently, and think before speaking.

May we always have open, good communication.

May I always act with caring and compassion.

May I have the patience to appreciate our differences.

May we bring out the best in one another”

Read the Entire Article Here.

Thank you for allowing me to pass the list on to my readers!

Celebrate Today and Everyday with Love, Life & Style
Tracey

Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Aish.com, Celebrate Life, Celebrate Love, Jewish, Tracey's Life, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 1 Comment »

Free Wedding Photography Seminar for Couples-Local Photographers Offer Tips for the Ideal "Photo Finish"!

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierges’ fabulous photographer friends, Artistic Imaging and Write Shot are hosting an informational seminar for couples to give you the 411 on what you need to know about making informed and confident decisions about your wedding photography.

See the Press Release Below...

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION A BRIDE FACES IS WHO TO MARRY.THE SECOND IS HOW TO HIRE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER TO DOCUMENT HER WEDDING

Experts offer free workshop educates brides about wedding photography 37/60 The Wedding Photography Workshop for Brides, offers 37 serious recommendations in 60 minutes, guaranteed to help brides:

  • Save money
  • Save time
  • Maximize their wedding photography experience, regardless of their budget.

Las Vegas wedding photography studios Artistic Imaging and WriteShot have partnered to develop this educational workshop to all brides, many of whom feel overwhelmed by the myriad of wedding photography options available.

“There will be no sales pitch, at all. This is purely an opportunity for brides to learn and get answers to their questions, regardless of their budget,” says Adam Frasier, Artistic Imaging. According to Natasha Chornesky, millennium brides are smart and regardless of their budget, they’re looking to learn as much as they can about maximizing value before they commit to any particular wedding vendor, especially photographers.

Las Vegas has many talented wedding photographers. 37/60 is designed to benefit all brides, regardless of whom they eventually hire as their wedding photographer.

“We’re reaching out to empower brides with real information, so each one can make decisions that best suit her distinct needs,” says Chornesky, WriteShot.

The Saturday workshop is scheduled for August 28th, from 10?11 am and is limited to 10 participants. Though it is free registration is required. Call (702) 465-5700
for more information on location and other details.

About Artistic Imaging and WriteShot
Artistic Imaging’s Owner/Photographer Adam Frasier has been a professional wedding photographer for over 7 years. Frazier is the Founding President of the Las Vegas chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding.

WriteShot’s Owner/Photographer Chris Cozzone has been a professional photojournalist and wedding photographer for over 20 years. Natasha Chornesky Owner/Photographer has been shooting professionally for four years. Chornesky is the Founding Vice?President of Las Vegas’ Wish Upon a Wedding.

Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Budget, Friends of LV Wedding Concierge, Photography, Vegas Wedding People You Should Know, Wedding Planning Advice, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | No Comments »

The Jewish View of Marriage

Saturday, August 7th, 2010
Image found at www.Aish.com

For another, entirely personal reason, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge was browsing the website of Aish.com. Aish.com has become the world’s largest Jewish content website. Their goal is to give every Jewish person the opportunity to discover their heritage in an atmosphere of open inquiry and mutual respect.

I happened to come across an article by a Rabbi Dan Silverman entitled “The Jewish View of Marriage”.

As a Wedding Planner (and a Jewish one at that), this article spoke to me because it’s not about the Jewish view of planning a wedding (although there are many books about that including a great one called “The New Jewish Wedding Wedding” by Anita Diamant).

To me, this article is about what marriage is about and how to try and live those ideals together with “your chosen one”. It’s about what the goals of marriage really are; sharing love, living and supporting your goals together and having a common destination. With that right person, even with ups and downs, Life together IS a beautiful journey and every year of marriage a noble destination.

Whether you are Jewish or not, I feel the lessons are very universal so I hope you take what inspires you from this article and some of the other posts you may find useful from this website on dating and love and marriage.

This is one excerpt that I particularly love (as I come upon 10 years of marriage).

“Which brings us to a shocker: True love comes after marriage. The Torah says that Isaac took Rebecca into his tent and he loved her (Genesis 24:67). Love should grow continuously as your appreciation of your spouse grows.

A friend of mine was sitting with his father and said to him, “Dad, after five years of marriage, I think I finally understand what love is.”

The father said, “Wait till you’re married 25 years, then you’ll understand what love is.”

The grandfather was also in the room and overheard this exchange. He told them: “Wait till you’re married 50 years. Then you’ll really understand what love is.”

Celebrate Today and Every Day with Love, Life & Style (and with those you Love)!
Tracey

Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Aish.com, Celebrate ve, Cultural Weddings, Jewish, LoCelebrate Life, Love and Relationships, Wedding Advice, Wedding Planning Advice, Wedding Planning Books, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 1 Comment »

Love These Fun & Stylish Las Vegas Wedding Invitations

Friday, August 6th, 2010
Image & Invitation Created by Tifany Wunschl of Gourmet Invitations

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge LOVES these fabulous and stylish invitations from my dear friend and stationery designer extraordinaire, Tifany Wunschl of Gourmet Invitations in the Detroit, MI area.

A fun, intimate and personal wedding deserved a very special design and stylish take on the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign and Tifany delivered. I loved the way she incorporated the black leather as a nod to her client’s love for bikes.

Most of all, the take on the “What Happens in Vegas….Stays in our Hearts” made me smile!

Check out more of Tifany’s images and her description of this invitation here.

I love working with Tifany for the ingenious and creative work she does. If you will recall, Tifany designed the gorgeous invitation and other pieces for the “Return to Desert Glamor” photo shoot I did earlier this year for Style Me Pretty. You can see that here.

She also designed my fabulous new logo and business cards as well as a fun, modern and stylish invitation and reception suite of designs for Elizabeth and Andy’s wedding last year. See that here.

Do check out more of Tifany’s “Gourmet Invitation” styles on her blog which she updates regularly.

Celebrate Today and Everyday with Love, Life & Style!!

Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Friends of LV Wedding Concierge, Invitations, Pretty Papers, Stationery, Style Me Pretty, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge, Your Wedding Style | No Comments »

Wedding Concierge featured in "International Catering Association" Publication

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Cover of the Summer, 2010 Issue of ICA “CommuniCATER”

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge is delighted to share my featured article that appears in the “CommuniCATER” newsletter for the ICA (International Caterers Association).

The article is titled “Caterer & Wedding Planning Planner Partnerships:: Creating a Winning Recipe for Success”.

You can read the article in PDF format here.

I am also very excited to follow this piece of great news up with the announcement that I will be speaking, along with some of my WIPA (Wedding Industry Professional Association) colleagues at the Catersource, 2011 conference in Las Vegas, on this very topic. Check out the conference website for the “sneak peek” information they have to date and make sure to book mark and see what’s new as the show draws near.

I hope you enjoy the article and please feel free to leave any questions or comments for me here on the blog. If you have any suggestions for what you want to hear in the presentation, I would love to hear those too.

Celebrate Today and Everyday with Love, Life & Style!!
Tracey

Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Caterers, Catersource, ICA, Las Vegas, WIPA, Wedding Concierge News, Wedding Planners, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 2 Comments »

For Love or Money? Plan Properly to Opt for Former!

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Image found at GetMarried.com

I don’t care too much for money, ’cause money can’t by me Love”-The Beatles!!

But money does make your celebration of Love and Marriage possible so it is important to make sure your budget is in shape (from the very beginning) and all your money matters pertaining to the wedding day BEFORE the wedding day. Your wedding day is the time to be indulging in the love of your friends, family, enjoying being pampered as you look forward to that very special moment of saying your vows with your future husband and then basking in LOVE, LIFE and FUN and having a great time.
Your wedding day is not the day to be worrying about whether your florist or DJ or venue or caterer is paid. On top of that, it is perfectly acceptable and appreciated for you to show your sincere appreciation for your wedding professionals who put their LOVE of their craft into your wedding day and offer them a gratuity or (tip) for service that you feel went above and beyond.

Please note that “gratuity” is not considered the same as “service charge” (which is a percentage, generally anywhere from 19%-23% in Las Vegas, of the catering bill for food, beverage and labor like additional bartenders or personal chef attendants at food stations). But do you really need to be flaunting money or bills (or even be concerned about it) on your wedding day? Do you need to be concerned that your beautiful bridal clutch is full of envelopes or your new husband’s tuxedo’s pocket is bulging from a wallet stuffed with bills. Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge thinks not. That is neither attractive or secure.
My wedding photographer/wedding journalist friends and colleagues from Write Shot blogged about this exact topic recently and they were kind enough to include some of my tips (pun intended) about tipping wedding professionals on your wedding day.

  • Recommendation 1: Pre-pay all your vendors fully at least 15 days prior the wedding. That way, checks and credit card payments can clear their accounts prior to your wedding.
  • Recommendation 2: Calculate and distribute cash tips ahead of time for creative partners. Place cash tips in sealed envelopes with each recipient’s name clearly printed on the front. Give these envelopes to your planner or your maid of honor to distribute on your wedding day.
*I love these luxury, customized thank-you gratuity notes created by Mimio Papers with wedding planner Mary Dann. Presenting your wedding pros in this way truly shows graciousness and appreciation with STYLE!
  • Recommendation 3: Confused about tipping? Creative partners (these are professionals, not “vendors”) who own the business do not necessarily have to be tipped on the wedding day. Their assistants and associates should be. If you would like to tip a creative partner who owns the business, send a gift and thank you note, post-wedding. Always include a personal testimonial sharing how much you appreciate what that person did for you.
Also, please do ask your wedding planner (or your caterer or venue) about the accepted amount to tip wedding creative partners whether your wedding is in your home town or ESPECIALLY if you are planning a destination wedding celebration. Every city and every country has different tipping customs and expectations.

Finally, don’t forget to allow to budget for the extra tips for those valets, the bell men/women who help you with your bags, your gown, all your favors and wedding personal items and get them up to your room and to your venue safely. Here is a general tipping guide from Vegas.com while you are visiting us be it for your wedding, a friends or just because it’s VEGAS!

You can read the entire blog post here. Thank you Natasha & Chris!!
Do you have any questions about tipping, gratuities regarding a Las Vegas wedding? Feel free to comment and ask your question right here on the blog.
Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Budget, Las Vegas, Money, Photography, Pretty Papers, Wedding Advice, Wedding Planning Advice, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | No Comments »

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