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July, 2011

  1. Time Traveling—A look at Bridal Fashions

    July 27, 2011 by jcoppock

    Fashion—it along with everything else related to NJ weddings is constantly evolving with time and trends. Interestingly, Hotels Unlimited wanted to look at some of the history of interesting wedding dresses and how they have changed with time. Believe it or not, before Queen Victoria was married in 1840, brides simply wore their best dress. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria that white gowns caught on.

     

    1800s

    Photo found on http://www.summer-dresses.info/

     

    1900-1920

    Photo found via http://weddingdressesgallery.com/?cat=3

     

    1920s

    Photo found via http://www.wedding-alberta.com/2011/06/27/1920-wedding-dresses/

     

    1940s

    Photo found via: http://rivalscostumes.blogspot.com/

     

    1960s

    Photo found via: http://www.fashion-era.com/Weddings/1965_old_wedding_photos.htm

     

    1980s


    Photo found via: http://blog.bridepower.com/picture-perfect-post-a-wedding-fashion-flashback/01/30/2010/1980s-wedding-dress/

     

    Which is your favorite?

     

     

     

     

    Category brides, events, fashion, NJ, Uncategorized, wedding history, wedding venue, weddings | Tags: ,,,,,,, | No Comments

  2. Interview with Chocolate Carousel

    July 25, 2011 by jcoppock

    Introduction

    Today, Hotels Unlimited met with our friends from our partnered bakery, Chocolate Carousel located in Wall, NJ.  Chocolate Carousel is an old-fashioned bakery specializing in wedding cakes, occasion cakes, stuffed cupcakes, desserts, cookies, pastries, homemade chocolates/novelties, favors and more. We interviewed the owner of Chocolate Carousel, Lisa for a behind the scenes look into how a wedding cake is made and what special touches we can create for our clients throughout the Ocean County, Monmouth County and Mercer County areas.


     

    How long have you been baking and designing cakes?

    I have been making and designing cakes professionally for 10 years.

     

    How much time does it take to make the average wedding cake from start to finish?

    It is funny how many people ask me that question. That is a tough one since every cake is unique. Each cake is done in stages and varies in time based on design elements and flavor choices.  I would say on average it takes about 8 hours.

     

    How many flavors of cake and icing do you offer?

    Through the Hotels Unlimited packages, couples are offered a choice of yellow cake, chocolate cake, or a layer of each.  Additionally, the package includes 14 different filling options including mousses, puddings and fruits.  Couples can choose between butter cream or whipped cream icing for white or ivory designs and fudge or chocolate butter cream icing for chocolate designs.

    Chocolate Carousel also offers a number of additional cake and filling flavors which can be added to Hotels Unlimited packages at an additional cost (upgrade charge).

     

    Do you make any gluten-free cakes?

    We do make gluten free cheesecake, chocolate torte, yellow cake and chocolate cake.  Typically if there is a gluten allergy, this special cake will be served in additional to the wedding cake.

     

    What is the most popular flavor combination for a wedding cake?

    In wedding cake, the most popular is the yellow cake with chocolate mousse filling or chocolate cake with raspberry and vanilla mousse filling.  Most people like the mousse filling because it is a light filling and the perfect ending to a big meal!  However, with so many flavors available, I see many different flavor combinations come together.

     

    Which flavor of cake is your favorite?

    I am definitely a dessert lover and have a different favorite flavor everyday. I would say today is chocolate cake with peanut butter filling.

     

    What wedding design elements are you finding are most popular?

    We pride ourselves in offering our clients the ability to customize their cakes.  In fact, we have over 1100 cake designs into our portfolio to help inspire couples.  This year, monograms are very popular as well as inscriptions on cakes. I have had clients choose  to inscribe a verse from their favorite song or poem on their cake or write their names or a series of words on their cake.

    More timeless designs include scrollwork or pearl dots which are more classic elegant. At Chocolate Carousel, these designs are all hand piped in homemade buttercream adding a beautiful artistic finish to our cakes.

     

    What was the strangest design that you have made on a cake?

    There are two that stick out in my mind. I did a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed wedding cake. The cake was iced completely in      black and covered in spider webs and cocoons. I also did an antique style wedding cake adorned with hundreds of handmade sugar roses and finished with Yankees bobble heads guys on top.

     

    What is the strangest flavor combination that you have done?

    Banana cake with German chocolate filling, and then a pineapple icing.  This seemed like an odd combination to me but the bride and groom loved it and that is what counts!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Category banquet facility, banquet hall, bridal shower, brides, Catering, Central NJ, events, gay weddings, hotels, Jersey Shore Wedding, Meet the Staff, Mercer County, Monmouth County, NJ, Ocean County, Uncategorized, venue, wedding venue, weddings | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | No Comments

  3. In response to TLC ‘s top 10

    July 21, 2011 by jcoppock

    Recently TLC network had created an article listing the top ten most expensive facets when it comes to a wedding. It should come as no surprise between the cake, the dress, the catering, the rings, the DJ, the venue and the honeymoon that the average wedding costs about $30,000.. YIKES. (Somewhere inside, you know somebody’s bank account is crying.)

     

    Meanwhile, this TLC article explained that the venue was the #1 most expensive item that couples spend the most money on while planning their wedding. Catering followed in at #2. Fortunately, Hotels Unlimited understands and is here to help. Our New Jersey banquet facilities with our inclusive value packages can save the average NJ wedding couple more than $7,200.

     

    Our packages include the following items:

    • Bridal Suite & breakfast for two the following morning
    • Private Bridal Party Room for Cocktail Hour
    • Five Hour Premium Open Bar
    • Customized Wedding Cake
    • Choice of Napkin Color
    • Dramatic Centerpieces
    • Place Cards & Direction Cards
    • Personal Wedding Coordinators
    • Professional Maitre d’ Service
    • Attended Coat Room (Seasonal)

     

     

    Our NJ banquet facilities have won recent awards from Wedding Wire and The Knot, and we can assure anyone who books with us that they will receive the highest quality event for the money. We also offer discounted rooms for out-of-town guests and on site catering all neatly wrapped within one venue.

    Photo Courtesy of Sarah Schutle
    taken at Windsor Ballroom.

     

     

     

     

    Category banquet facility, banquet hall, bridal shower, brides, Catering, Central NJ, Famous, gay weddings, Holiday Inn, holidays, hotels, Jersey Shore Wedding, Mercer County, Monmouth County, NJ, Ocean County, Ramada, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Uncategorized, venue, wedding venue, weddings, WeddingWire | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | No Comments

  4. Whats going ’round town

    July 19, 2011 by jcoppock

    Although it is currently above 90 degrees outside, New Jersey has some fun places to cool down. Put on your sunglasses and sunscreen because NJ Monthly magazine has issued the “Best of NJ 2011” voted best places to go for the summer traveler in NJ. Although Hotels Unlimited is not listed specifically, we can offer the weary traveler a quiet place to rest their head and a cool place to chill. Even though we should be listed..  ;)

     

    Below is a brief list of what attractions in NJ were listed or mentioned in the article and their proximity to our relevant locations.

     

    Destination #1: Six Flags Great Adventure. Jackson, NJ

    **indicates Six Flags Stay and Play package available.

     

    Destination #2: Point Pleasant Boardwalk & Jenkison’s Aquarium

    • Hilton Garden Inn Lakewood—18 minutes
    • Doubletree Tinton Falls—20 minutes
    • Ramada Toms River– 20 minutes
    • Holiday Inn Express West Long Branch—23 minutes
    • Radisson Freehold—27 minutes
    • Holiday Inn Toms River—30 minutes

     

    Destination #3: Stone Pony Concert Hall & Bar, Asbury Park

    • Holiday Inn Express Neptune—12 minutes
    • Holiday Inn Express West Long Branch—15 minutes
    • Doubletree Tinton Falls— 17 minutes

     

    Other great attractions voted by NJ Monthly included Island Beach State Park, Allaire State Park, Asbury Park Boardwalk, The ShowRoom Movie Theatre in Asbury Park and much more.

     

    No matter what you are rocking from the beach, boardwalk, night life, state parks to mountains—we will always be here to make your visit to NJ the best it can be.

     

    Category Central NJ, hotels, Mercer County, Monmouth County, NJ, Ocean County, summer, travel, Uncategorized | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | No Comments

  5. Finding Value for a NJ Wedding & Party

    July 15, 2011 by jcoppock

     

    It’s no surprise that everyone is looking around to find the best deals when there is so much information available on the internet. When it comes to party & event planning no matter what the occasion from weddings to birthdays, Bat / Bar Mitzvahs to Anniversaries, Christening parties to bridal and baby showers and sweet 16 parties, there is one thing that all these events have in common. Each event has significance to our clients and can be hosted at any of our locations throughout the Ocean County, Monmouth County and Mercer County areas.

     

     

    All of our banquet halls in NJ offer both elegance and value for all those looking to host an event. Our packages include many features so that all clients receive the best value for their needs. Each of our experienced Catering Sales Directors (introduced in our “Meet the Staff” series) are ready and willing to work with you. We also include on site catering, bar options (when applicable), flatware, stemware, centerpieces, tables, chairs, linens and napkins, cake from our friends at Chocolate Carousel Bakery, and of course an elegant venue.

     

     

    Attached below is our PDF giving clients a      visual reference as to how everything    financially compares.

     

    DTE Bridal Splash – Check Please

    Category anniversary, baby shower, banquet facility, banquet hall, bar mitzvah, bridal shower, Catering, Central NJ, Christening, Doubletree Hotel, events, gay weddings, Holiday Inn, holidays, hotels, Jersey Shore Wedding, Mercer County, Monmouth County, NJ, Ocean County, Radisson, Ramada, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Uncategorized, venue, wedding venue, weddings | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | No Comments

  6. Meet the Staff V– Valerie Lobato

    July 13, 2011 by jcoppock

    Introduction:

    Here at Hotels Unlimited we have a committed staff at each of our locations that is here to cater to our clients’ needs. Today, we continue with our ”Meet the Staff” series in which we will inform you of our resources that are available for your opportune moment.


    Hotels Unlimited interviewed Valerie Lobato, the Catering Sales Director of the Crystal Ballroom located inside the Radisson Hotel of Freehold, NJ.  For the latest updates, be sure to check out the Crystal Ballroom Twitter and Facebook pages and the Radisson of Freehold Twitter and Facebook.

     

    Photo taken courtesy of David Todd.

     


    HU: How long have you worked at Hotels Unlimited?

    VL: I have worked with Hotels Unlimited a little over three years now, and have been at the Radisson for all three years.

     

    HU: What is the most common type of event that your banquet facility holds?

    VL: We do tons of Weddings, Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvahs. We do everything from corporate events to social including anniversaries, bridal showers, breakfast the next day after the event, and baby showers.

     

    HU: What is your most memorable event that you have done?

    VL: The most memorable event we had done was a wedding that was planned through David Tutera, the famous celebrity planner who is on “My Fair Wedding.” David and his whole crew had chosen one of our brides and had selected our venue for the show. It was very exciting.

     

    HU: What do your clients like most about the facility?

    VL: Our clients like the beautiful chandeliers which you will have to see for yourself when you come visit. We have outdoor wedding ceremonies, and just the convenience of the hotel as well.

     

    HU: What enhancers do your clients use the most?

    VL: Our clients like to use our chair covers as well as our Hollywood lighting packages for the night because it definitely changes the mood of the evening and they can make it their own, and I am a big fan of the Sweet Memories package in which we serve sweet treats butler style.

     

    HU: What is your favorite part of the event planning process?

    VL: My favorite part is the initial working with the clients and watching them see the Crystal Ballroom for the first time and see the “wow” look on their faces. I also really enjoy walking with them through the whole booking process and it’s so wonderful to feel that they chose me for their special day.

     

    HU: Any advice you would recommend to any couples getting married that are looking around?

    VL: Don’t listen to too many opinions of family and friends. Obviously they should work with the parents and such, but brides seem to have too many people put in their opinion and it can get overwhelming. When something is right, they will feel it. Although everyone has a budget to work with, all of our properties will work with them and in the end it is their decision.

     

    HU: What is your most unusual event request?

    VL: We had many unusual event requests, but there are two that really stick out to me. Once while planning a Bar Mitzvah, we had a client who wanted to ride in on a dirt bike since the party theme was extreme sports.

    The other event was during a gay wedding where the couple had requested a drag show during the reception and “Beyoncè” was part of the act.

     

    Category anniversary, baby shower, banquet facility, banquet hall, bar mitzvah, bridal shower, brides, Catering, Central NJ, David Tutera, Famous, famous wedding planner, gay weddings, hotels, Jersey Shore Wedding, Meet the Staff, Monmouth County, My Fair Wedding, NJ, Radisson, Uncategorized, wedding venue, weddings | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | No Comments

  7. Meet the Staff IV: Heidi Hutch

    July 12, 2011 by jcoppock

    Introduction:
    Here at Hotels Unlimited we have a committed staff at each of our locations that is here to cater to our clients’ needs. Today, we continue with our ” Meet the Staff” series in which we will inform you of our resources that are available for your opportune moment.
    Today Hotels Unlimited interviewed Heidi Hutch, the Catering Sales Director of the Versailles Ballroom located inside the Ramada of Toms River. For the latest updates, be sure to check out the Versailles Ballroom Twitter and Facebook pages and the Ramada of Toms River Twitter and Facebook.
    Photo taken courtesy of Endless Wave Studios.

    HU: How long have you worked at Hotels Unlimited?

    HH: I have worked with Hotels Unlimited for 7 years.
    HU: What do you like most about the position?
    HH: I enjoy everything that comes with the catering field.  Most of all, I like dealing with all the different types of people I get to meet on a daily basis.  Being a wedding planner prior to working with Hotels Unlimited, weddings are my specialty, and I like to help the brides plan their special day and help ease their minds when it comes to executing a fabulous event.
    HU: What is the most common type of event that your Jersey Shore banquet facility holds?
    HH: Weddings, Weddings, Weddings!  We are a wedding factory. Our staff usually executes more than 120 weddings in the Versailles Ballroom per year, and we have as many as two to four weddings per weekend. We also do a lot of social events including birthday parties, anniversaries, Sweet 16, Bar – Bat Mitzvahs, and Baby – Bridal showers.
    HU: What do your clients like most about the facility?
    HH: The glitz, the glam, and the consistency. Once you walk into the ballroom, clients immediately notice the beautiful chandeliers and cocktail reception area showcasing our stone handcrafted fireplace.  Most of our clients love our location within the community, the attentiveness of Angel our Maitre ’D, and of course the reassurance of knowing that they are
    going to get a good product when coming here and a memorable experience to last them forever.
    HU: Does the bar make any specialty cocktails?
    HH: Of course! Specialty cocktails and signature drinks are a growing trend with banquet events.  We can match your signature drink to be a color, a flavor, you name it.  Our staff can jazz it up and make it fun for any guests.
    HU: What enhancers do your clients like the most?
    HH: Let me first start by saying, enhancers make any event! We have many different enhancers that you can personalize any package with. A lot of people use the Hollywood lighting
    feature, which is dramatic and brings a very different vibe to the party. A lot of people like to add dessert enhancers like our Viennese display, chocolate fountain and new Sweet Memories to go out with a bang.  Colored taffeta or organza chair bows and chair covers always add a special touch of elegance as well.
    HU: What is your favorite part of the event planning process?
    HH: My favorite part is not knowing what I am coming into everyday.  I meet millions of different kinds of personalities and families that let me into their lives and let me become a part of their special occasion. I like knowing that I was part of their big day and that I made them smile. I guarantee that my clients leave my office either laughing or
    smiling.
    HU: Any advice that you would recommend to any couples getting married that are looking around?
    HH: Get married here! (As she laughs) The Versailles Ballroom executes fabulous weddings. Our team exudes the utmost professionalism and could practically do everything with their eyes closed. If you are looking for a good product at a great price, trust in the Versailles Ballroom. If you are looking to buy a house and are still looking to have a great wedding, you can have your wedding cake and eat it too.
    HU: What trends do you see for future events?
    HH: When it comes to weddings, more brides are choosing to be more casual with a cocktail wedding reception and are choosing a theme. Our brides add their personal touches to our ballroom, by bringing their own personality into their own weddings and I love it.  It’s fun to see the wedding trends change through the years.  First it was all the rage with the chocolate fountain, and now it’s the candy buffets. I can’t wait to see what is next!
    HU: What is your most unusual event request?
    HH: Well there have been many, but one that sticks out in my head is a bride that did a candy buffet that took up the entire perimeter of the ballroom! It took two U-haul trucks to deliver and store all the candy that was needed and a day to set it all up.  This is what I love to do and I live for unusual requests!

    Category anniversary, baby shower, banquet facility, banquet hall, bridal shower, brides, Catering, Central NJ, events, hotels, Jersey Shore Wedding, Meet the Staff, NJ, Ocean County, Ramada, Toms River, travel, venue, wedding venue, weddings | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | No Comments

  8. Meet the Staff III: Alina Moscopol

    July 11, 2011 by jcoppock

    Introduction:

    Here at Hotels Unlimited we have a committed staff at each of our locations that is here to cater to our clients’ needs. Today, we continue with our ” Meet the Staff” series in which we will inform you of our resources that are available for your opportune moment.

     

    Today Hotels Unlimited interviewed Alina Moscopol, the Catering Sales Director of the Sterling Ballroom located inside the Doubletree of Tinton Falls, NJ. For more information, go to the Sterling Ballroom’s Twitter or Facebook pages and the Doubletree Hotel Twitter and Facebook Pages.

     

    Photo is credited to Lena Jang.

     

    HU: How long have you worked at Hotels Unlimited?

    AM: I have worked here 2 and a half years.

     

    HU: What is the most common type of event that your facility holds?

    AM: Weddings definitely, we also do birthday parties, christenings, anniversaries, reunions, and high school awards dinners. We also hold education events and corporate meetings.

     

    HU: What is your most memorable event that you have done?

    AM: One time the Sterling Ballroom hosted a fundraiser for people affected by Alopecia, (those who suffer from permanent hair loss.)  We had people and families from all over as well as locally from Ocean and Monmouth Counties. It was amazing to see these everyday people that you would have no idea had a problem come together for a worthy cause. It was very emotional.

     

    HU: What do your clients like most about your Monmouth County banquet facility?

    AM: Our clients love our chandeliers, dance floors and the mirrors. The layout of the banquet hall is unique since all the rooms are connected and allow people to move easily from place to place. It’s a simple but elegant layout. Because we host only one wedding at a time, our couples have 100% privacy with 3 rooms to utilize for their big day plus an indoor and outdoor ceremony area.

     

    HU: Does the bar make any specialty cocktails?

    AM: Upon request.

     

    HU: What enhancers do your clients use the most?

    AM: Everyone tends to use the chocolate fountain, the ice cream sundae bar, and the sushi display. Our non-food enhancers include chair covers, chair bows and Hollywood lighting.

     

    HU: What is your favorite part of the event planning process?

    AM: Being able to make the brides vision possible. They each have expectations and personalities, and it is fun to create a unique vision around choosing their menu items, decorations and enhancers which help personalize their event. I enjoy meeting their vision and contributing my input with my own experience. I am very friendly and close and personal with the brides.

     

    HU: Any advice that you would recommend to any couples getting married that are looking around?

    AM: Be specific with their expectations. Brides should be open to new ideas. Everyone is so focused on price that they forget the quality factor.

     

    HU: What is your most unusual event request?

    AM: One of our brides had requested an ice sculpture that was in the shape of her very fluffy dog. The ice sculpture even had included the dog’s collar.

    Category bar mitzvah, Catering, Central NJ, Doubletree Hotel, events, hotels, Meet the Staff, Monmouth County, NJ, Tinton Falls, Uncategorized, weddings | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | No Comments

  9. Meet the Staff II: Tara DiBianca

    July 8, 2011 by jcoppock

    Introduction:

    Here at Hotels Unlimited we have a committed staff at each of our locations that is here to cater to our clients’ needs. Today, we continue with our ”Meet the Staff” series in which we will inform you of our resources that are available for your opportune moment.


    Hotels Unlimited interviewed Tara DiBianca, the Catering Sales Director of the Windsor Ballroom located inside the Holiday Inn of East Windsor, NJ. For the latest updates, check out the Windsor Ballroom Twitter and Facebook pages and the Holiday Inn East Windsor Twitter and Facebook pages.

     


     

    HU: How long have you worked at Hotels Unlimited?

    TD: Year and a half.

    HU: What is the most common type of event that your facility holds?

    TD: Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs.

    HU: What is your most memorable event that you have done?

    TD: It is so hard to pick just one, since each event has its own individualistic flare and has its own persona. Each bride and each guest brings something unique to the table and we create a customized event to match their visions.

    HU: What do your clients like most about your Mercer County banquet facility?

    TD: They like the individualized attention, my creativity, my past experience in Las Vegas, and my passion. I always make sure that they are comfortable and in control.

    HU: Whoa, Las Vegas??

    TD: Yes, I lived in Las Vegas for ten years and had a professional background at The Drink and Eat Too and at Planet Hollywood. I had done events with 3000 guests, as well as celebrity clients from movie stars, to athletes, and headline entertainers.

    HU: Really?! Who!?

    TD: Come visit me and I will tell you. What happened in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.  (as she laughs).

    HU: Does the bar make any specialty cocktails?

    TD: Of course, we can make anything your little heart desires. We can do effervescent and exciting, we can do simple and sophisticated.. the possibilities are endless. This is your day, you get what you want.

    HU: What wedding enhancers do your clients use the most?

    TD: Hollywood lighting to enhance the ambiance of the room, chair covers with specialty bows, which give the room a clean crisp look, and chocolate fountains… need I say more?

    HU: What is your favorite part of the event planning process?

    TD: Taking the journey with each guest and being a part of their special day. I feel so honored when they choose me out of all the planners out there. We develop a rapport that goes beyond business values and transpires into becoming a part of the family. My favorite wedding moment is fluffing the bridal gown and hearing the swishing of the tulle.  It’s the final moment before the bride and groom enter the floor to take their spotlight dance as husband and wife. I cry every time.

    HU: Any advice that you would recommend to any couples getting married that are looking around?

    TD: My advice that I give to couples is to keep things as normal as possible. At least one day a week take a day away of NOT thinking about the wedding and have a date night to keep the romance going. This is a wonderful time in their life, and although things can get overwhelming the most important thing is to always have fun.

    HU: What is your most unusual event request?

    TD: Oh boy… does this blog need to be G-rated?

    Category bar mitzvah, brides, Catering, Central NJ, hotels, Meet the Staff, Mercer County, NJ, Uncategorized | Tags: ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, | No Comments

  10. Award Winning Hotel Banquet Facilities

    July 6, 2011 by jcoppock

    WeddingWireBridesChoiceAward2011

    Hotels Unlimited is proud to announce today that four of our NJ banquet facilities were recipients of the annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year through WeddingWire.com.

     

    We are honored to have The Windsor Ballroom of Holiday Inn East Windsor, The Sterling Ballroom of Doubletree Tinton Falls, The Versailles Ballroom of Ramada Toms River and The Crystal Ballroom of Radisson Freehold receive this award. Each of these facilities reflects the Hotels Unlimited commitment of growth through excellence and are continuing to please brides and happy couples across the state of New Jersey in Monmouth, Ocean and Mercer Counties.

     

    Whenever any happy couple is looking for any venue, be sure to look for the WeddingWire stamp of approval.

     

     

     

     

    Category Award, brides, Central NJ, events, hotels, Mercer County, Monmouth County, NJ, Ocean County, weddings, WeddingWire | Tags: ,,,,,,,, | No Comments

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