Save the Date: Carol to appear on The Learning Channel Sunday, June 1st, 8 p.m.

Pencil in Sunday, June 1st at 8 p.m. to witness and celebrate my Learning Channel debut on the premier showing of "The Running of the Brides." Check out my web site or read the press release to find out more. So break out the popcorn and share the joy of my national tv debut! (And remember that television schedules have a way of changing at the last minute without warning.) The show is also scheduled to air Sunday, June 1st at 11:00 p.m. and June 18th at 8 and 11 p.m.

Got a Life Coach?

Having a life coach is like having a personal trainer for your life. I've had a life coach for a year and a half. She's an amazing listener, asks me the perfect poignant question at just the right time, and leads me to find the answer inside myself without judgment or criticism. Simply put, she helps me claim what I want and get out of my own way.

My sweet, smart wife, Beth Shapiro, MPP, CPCC, is also a coach, working with individuals, teams, and relationships (and she trains coaches, too!). Wanna try a FREE sample session? Give her a buzz at (617) 784-9687 and tell her I referred you.

Ask the Experts: Q&A with Jeri Soloman Floral Design

About Jeri
Jeri Solomon Floral Design is a studio specializing in events- both large and small. Jeri says, "Think of us as your "floral caterer." Whatever function you'd hire a caterer for (wedding, corporate event, small dinner party, holidays etc) we create the floral arrangements. Flowers add the spice to an event taking it from great to spectacular and memorable."

Q: What sets you apart from other florists?
A: "I take an a lot of time listening to and asking questions of my clients. Most people have a vision for their event and sometimes have difficulty verbalizing what they want. By asking all kinds of questions, I get an intuitive sense of who the person is. Then I can translate their personal style and vision through my medium of flowers. Most of the time, the result is comments like "It was everything we could've imagined if we could have imagined something so beautiful.""

Q: What three things should brides know about hiring a florist?
A: "Here are a few questions a bride should ask:

How many weddings like mine do they do each year? Make sure you are hiring a wedding specialist. Not every florist caters to brides. You want to make sure that the company you hire specializes in weddings so they are familiar with all the intricacies and details they must cover from timing of deliveries to specific requirements at venues and religious sites.

What services will they provide? There is more to wedding flowers than the flowers. A couple deserves service. You may want some or all of the following services: Personal consultation meetings, written proposals, sample arrangements, delivery to each venue of your wedding, pinning boutonnieres and corsages, set up of each venue, and moving flowers from ceremony to reception. Make sure you hire a company that will provide all that you want.

Will I work with one person from start to finish? Make sure that the person you meet with initially is the person who will oversee all the details of your wedding. You want continuity. You want to develop a relationship with one person so that you can be sure that they are responsible for all the fine points you discussed with them. This way nothing can get lost in translation.

Can I see examples of your work? You want to see photos or actual arrangements that the designer does. Make sure they have a portfolio of their work, not just photos from books and magazines."

Jeri's contact info:
Web: Jeri Solomon Floral Design
Phone: (781) 391-8700

Carol Lundeen Photography-Award winning wedding and family portrait photographer - Boston

Monday, May 12, 2008