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[caption id="attachment_323" align="alignright" width="268"] Photo by Lauren Liese Photography[/caption] Many thanks to Mrs. Colleen Bunn for being the first to review me on The Knot and Wedding Channel! "Natalie is very professional, but she will care about your wedding as if it was her own. I would recommend her artistic touch for your wedding or event!" It was my pleasure, Colleen! To read the full review, click here....

At almost every holiday, my mother asks me to "whip up" a centerpiece using whatever she has around. The good news, of course, is that she has a pretty extensive collection of decorative items and she usually has random flowers or floral supplies at home. (The apple doesn't fall far from the tree?) I dug out one of her Department 56 pieces (this one had a reindeer and some birch trees surrounding a small creek), centered it over some magnolia leaves (I LOVE magnolia leaves), and made use of...

There have been more than a few flurries since Janice and Allen celebrated their commitment during a June heatwave, but there's no time like the present to post some photos and thanks. Thanks, of course, to Janice and Allen to inviting me to be their wedding planner.  It was a thrill watching Janice walk down the "aisle" (a hidden path along the pond) and seeing their first dance to Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life." [slideshare id=6305512&doc=janiceandallen-101222135653-phpapp02] Special thanks to Chrissy K for beautifully shooting this nontraditional, outdoor wedding and sharing the...

Congratulations on a wonderful opening day, Enchantment Theatre Company!  I was honored to be invited to coordinate the dessert reception for Cinderella's opening at the Prince Music Theatre.  We were treated to delicious goodies and hot drinks donated by Franklin Fountain, Miel Patisserie, inFusion Coffee and Tea Gallery, and Starbucks. [slideshare id=6198681&doc=enchantment-101216143325-phpapp02] Special Thanks to Select Event Rentals for providing shimmery linens worthy of Prince Charming's castle and to ecofriendly Hana and Posy for providing not only the beautiful flowers and magic recycled pumpkins (I saved them from their one-way ticket to...

I periodically like to write about alternative wedding songs – new, independent artists, forgotten gems, lesser known cover songs, and quite a bit of Springsteen. If you’re an alternative bride and music aficionado and have suggestions, please e-mail me at natalie (at) nataliediener.com. I’m always looking for new music! I love Bruce Springsteen. Not quite as much as I love my fiancé or my father, but as a closer runner up. As a bride in Philadelphia myself, I am inexplicably drawn to the Jersey Shore when selecting music for my own...

[caption id="attachment_264" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Outside the Mariott"][/caption] Tuesday evening I was treated to a wonderful N.A.C.E. networking event at the Courtyard Mariott in Philadelphia.  I was running a minute or two late (after another frustrating run-in with those Parking Authority machines!) but I had to pause for a moment to snap a picture of the entrance.  Sometimes I have to stop and really appreciate the cool, urban beauty of the city I live in.  The whole wrap-around, arch covered sidewalk is such a unique detail to this particular venue.  That, plus...

I'm periodically going to write about alternative wedding songs – new, independent artists, forgotten gems, lesser known cover songs, and quite a bit of Springsteen. If you’re an alternative bride and music aficionado and have suggestions, please e-mail me at natalie (at) nataliediener.com. I’m always looking for new music! Some songs are timeless… which means that they will be popular first dance songs until the end of time. You cannot deny the appeal of those romantic melodies and beautiful lyrics. If you are planning a unique wedding...

Many thanks to the Knight Foundation and Canary Promotions for bringing me on board for this wonderful event! I had a blast planning the launch party for the Knight Arts Challenge: Philadelphia and am so thrilled that the Arts community will be getting such a huge influx of money. TRUST continues to be one of the coolest Center City venues, Starr Events makes the tastiest Truffled Mushroom Bruschetta, and the fine folks at Synergetic Sounds kept the flatscreens rolling all night. Thanks also to Jeremy Dyen for...

[caption id="attachment_199" align="alignright" width="254" caption="Cake #1: Spice Cake with Caramelized Pear Filling and Cream Cheese Icing"][/caption] I'm a foodie, and last I checked you couldn't consume a wedding gown, or invitations, or even most of the flowers.  Which is why the prospect of "cake tastings" sent my heart aflutter.  (As you know, I am in the process of working with my pickiest client - myself - on my own upcoming wedding). My good friend and Philadelphia cake-baker-extraordinaire Amanda Gambier of Gambier Events and I struck a pretty "sweet" deal - for each...