By AML Publisher
Photos by Spark Photography & David Campli Photography

“We wanted Aisle Style to be very approachable and chic-a cocktail party where ladies can mingle and enjoy themselves,” explained Beka Rendell of Innove Events. Photo courtesy of Spark Photography

AroundMainLine.com is thrilled to be sponsoring its first ever Main Line bridal event! Aisle Style, a sophisticated Sunday afternoon cocktail party and chic gathering of the region’s best bridal businesses, is the brainchild of Beka Rendell, of Innove Events. The event will take place on Sunday, March 14th from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Davids Golf Club in Wayne. Rendell, who holds a degree from F.I.T. and has established a very successful Center City events business, decided it was due time to bring a wedding event to the Main Line that offers a unique experience and atmosphere. “It’s a sophisticated event that is geared towards brides, but also other special events too. So, ladies planning a baby shower or child’s birthday party, bar mitzvah, anniversary party—any event can be inspired from this show and the incredible businesses that will be on hand. We wanted Aisle Style to be very approachable and chic—a cocktail party where ladies can mingle and enjoy themselves. This is much different than a traditional wedding trade show atmosphere with vendors and booths. It is very ‘loungey’ with ottomans set up to relax and an amazing focus on design. The people we are working with are pulling out all the stops for Aisle Style—it will be something to see,” promised Rendell.

Innove Events launched in January of 2005 after Rendell, 28, left her position working as an event planner for a clothing company in New York City and moved to Center City. Rendell draws her company’s creative visions from an extensive background in fashion marketing. “When I left New York, I knew that I wanted to get involved in event planning but more on the social side. We wanted this to be a fun company, appeal to our clients and speak to an audience that wants a sleek, fresh modern approach to their wedding, bat mitzvah, baby shower, you name it. The brides we work with want very Martha, very DIY, but of course it’s not DIY. That’s the feel that Innove offers to our clients,” explained Rendell.
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By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Amy Wren

The Big Deal Casino Night-Unmask the Possibilities is the Philadelphia Junior League’s fourth annual gala.

When you think of Philadelphia’s most esteemed service organizations, undoubtedly the Junior League comes to mind. For almost a century, the Junior League has been making a positive impact in the Greater Philadelphia area. Over 950 volunteers have contributed more than 75,000 service hours annually.

To celebrate this female organization’s commitment to promoting voluntarism, the League is gearing up for its fourth annual winter gala. This year’s theme is The Big Deal Casino Night—Unmask the Possibilities. The evening is black tie optional, and the hundreds of anticipated party-goers are encouraged to accessorize in keeping with the Mardi Gras theme.
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By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Respective Vendors
Featured Homepage Photo Courtesy of Tuyet Wong

Shipley Shops is a popular tradition that brings together premier retailers and artists from throughout the United States and attracts customers from within and well beyond the Shipley community. Pictured are stockings from Shops’ vendor Boxwood Linens.

It’s shop till you drop at the Main Line’s premier holiday shopping event, nine weeks before the hectic holiday season descends upon us. And locals don’t have to brave the crowd at nearby malls to find a gift for every person on their list! Shipley Shops, now in its 49th year, kicks off next Wednesday evening with a preview party and runs through Saturday October 24th. The annual popular fundraiser for the school offers Main Liners one fantastic variety of beautiful retail products with vendors from across the Delaware Valley-and across the country.

Shipley Shops features perennial favorites like Bella Casa (fine home accessories), Jacques Ferber’s (luxurious furs and outerwear), Jane Roth (vintage jewelry), Occhio Bags (one-of-a-kind handbags), and Tuyet Jewelry (handcrafted custom jewelry). Some new vendors include The Belted Cow (handcrafted belts designed by artists), Boxwood Linen (fine linen home accessories), KEP Designs (fun and feminine jewelry), The Pink Mink (select collection of personal accessories and home goods), and Sea Bags (custom totes crafted from recycled sails, recently featured in Martha Stewart Living).
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By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Bernadette Uzcategui & April Ziegler

The Boathouse in Wayne will be rockin’ October 22nd as AML celebrates our first birthday!

It’s our first birthday! One year ago on, Sept 30 2008, I launched Philly’s first emagazine. It has been one awesome experience. AML has grown so much in its inaugural year and I am proud to say we now have one of the top Facebook Fan Pages in the Delaware Valley. In addition, 1200 followers on Twitter are keeping up to date with AML daily!

Yet, AML is not about one person behind a business as I, myself, am the ePublisher…AML is about the people across the Delaware Valley who have created this great community, sisterhood, friendship, business connection and more through AML. I have seen AML work its magic in so many INCREDIBLE ways-connecting great, talented and inspirational people through our events, articles, Facebook, Twitter and more.
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By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Todd Zimmerman

The area’s top culinary talent will be on hand at the Wachovia Center for Appetite for Awareness on September 30th.

You’ve probably heard the term ‘gluten-free’ by now, or, most likely know someone who is not able to include gluten in their daily diet. Celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that involves intolerance for the protein found in wheat (known as gluten), affects 1 in 133 Americans. And through their annual event, an Ambler-based nonprofit is working to make Philadelphia one of the top cities in America dedicated to raising awareness and education about celiac disease.

Tonight, September 30th, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness will hold its annual Appetite for Awareness: A Gluten-Free Cooking Spree. Top chefs and doctors will be assembled into teams at the Wachovia Center in a challenge to create the best gluten-free dish. Guests will enjoy sampling gluten-free creations from over twenty-five of the area’s preeminent restaurants, gluten-free beer, wine, and products from over fifty of the nation’s finest gluten-free vendors.
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By AML Publisher
Photography courtesy of April Ziegler Photography

Philadelphia pet photographer, and AML staff member, April Ziegler will be one of the vendors at Fidos Festival 2009. Come by and meet April!

Hundreds of furry friends from near and far will meet, greet and compete on the grounds of the Salem County Fairgrounds in Woodstown, NJ for the 2009 Fidos Festival USA, Friday August 28th through Sunday August 30th. The event, in its second year, is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees as the exclusive summer dog festival held on the east coast. Dozens of vendors will be part of the appeal, some coming from as far as way as California. “It is a great time, packed with dogs and dog lovers-families and friends. Fidos Festival offers an awesome family atmosphere and also a great family vacation. Many of our guests who attended last year camped out on the grounds and enjoyed the entire three day event. There is really nothing else like it for dog lovers in this region of the country,” enthused Jackie Gordon, event specialist for Events Plus, the company behind the festival.

In keeping with this year’s “Tropical Pooch Paradise” theme, canine contests will include Limbo competitions, Beach Comber Costume contests, and Surfer Races, and more. Dog owners can shop for innovative dog products as well as enjoy a variety of foods for humans. Several dog rescues, celebrities, dock diving, agility course, lure racing, fly ball demonstrations, training demonstrations, and presentations by pet experts will round out the fun. Camping options are offered on site.

www.fidosfestivalusa.com

Attendees and their dog can just browse the grounds and take in the animal-friendly atmosphere or participate in a parade, Frisbee contest, beach comber costume event (complete with grass skirts) and more. There is even a contest for top owner and dog look-a-likes! With over thirty years experience in the industry, Events Plus was able to launch Fidos Festival with an impressive 3,000 attendees in 2008, its inaugural year.

Events Plus also secured Fidos Festival in a venue that could accommodate tens of thousands-60 plus acres which are part of the Salem County Fairgrounds. Since camping options are available on site and there is plenty of parking and support, thousands can comfortably enjoy an extended weekend experience. “We have so many great activities as part of the fun that you will definitely never be bored even if you attend all three days—from fashion shows, to experts who offer sessions on nutrition and pet care and more. There are also several rescue groups that are on hand to speak one-on-one with the festival goers. And, last year we were successful in having a handful of dogs adopted as well, which was a great feeling! Fidos Fest is really something else—I can hardly wait for this year’s show,” enthused Gordon

The most anticipated event of Fidos Fest 2009 will be Saturday’s wedding ceremony. The organizers are attempting to break a Guinness World Record—for the largest dog wedding ceremony ever. Those wishing to register their pooch can do so via the event website at: poochpartner.fidosfestivalusa.com

The highlight of the weekend, though, will undoubtedly be Saturday afternoon’s interesting ‘trip down the aisle’ for dozens of dog couples. Fidos Festival 2009 is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest dog wedding ceremony ever. And, there’s still time to register your four legged bride or groom. And, if your pet hasn’t met the right mate, upload a photo, check out the available pups, and propose. (As Gordon pointed out, dogs suffering ‘commitment issues’ may choose to play the field until they find their match at the festival.) The wedding will take place on Saturday August 29 at 2pm. A complimentary wedding treat and marriage certificate will be offered to all participants.

Fidos Festival 2009

What:

Fido’s Festival USA is proud to present “Tropical Pooch Paradise” and three days of dog-centered, dog-loving fun and activities for dogs and dog lovers. Friendly island themed dog contests, innovative dog products, health & training sessions and demonstrations, awesome entertainment, island craft pavilion, doggie play area with refreshing doggie pools, dock diving, lure racing, agility course, flyball demonstrations, police dog demonstrations, adoptions and rescues, food court, guest appearances, presentations by pet experts, on-site camping and much more! Advance tickets on-line $9 per person for one day, $20 for weekend pass. Tickets at the gate are $12 per person for one day, $25 for weekend pass. Dogs and children 12 and under free. Parking is free.

When:

4 PM – 9 PM Friday, August 28;
10 AM – 5 PM Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30

Website:

www.fidosfestivalusa.com

Where:

The Salem County Fairgrounds
735 Route 40
Woodstown, NJ 08098
(Exit 4 off of I 295)

Who:

David and Elvis, Greatest American Dog reality television show
Dr. Harvey Cohen, a pioneer in holistic and natural nutrition for animals
Andrew Darlow, award winning author and photographer
Fido and Fidette, our festival mascots
Karen Quigley and Elwood, 2007 World’s Ugliest Dog

For advance tickets or more information visit www.fidosfestivalusa.com.

By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Bernadette Uzcategui

Bock beers were historically brewed by German monasteries during the Lenten season to offer rich nutrients to offset a time of fasting.

Two of my good friends, the Beer Yard’s Matt Guyer and Andy Dickerson, owner of the suburban Belgium sensation Teresa’s Next Door in Wayne, emailed me a few weeks ago to invite me to their upcoming April 19th Bockfest. Andy and Matt are quite the dynamic duo, in more ways than one. They are the nicest guys I know, super knowledgeable and enthusiastic about beer and so much fun to hang out with! So a Monday afternoon invitation to Teresa’s (the restaurant is closed for lunch on Mondays) to learn about Bock beers in anticipation of their event was an offer I simply could not refuse. We chatted, tasted a few samples (ok, about sixteen) and talked about what Bock beers Guyer and Dickerson recommend for the Spring 2009 season.
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AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Kevin E. McPherson

All Aboard at The Oakmont!
AML is sponsoring Erie Brewing Company as they bring their award-winning Railbender Ale to the Oakmont Pub in Havertown on
Saturday March 7th

AroundMainLine.com is excited to be sponsoring four events for Philly Beer Week, three on the Main Line and one in Old City at The Irish Pol. We look forward to seeing all of you with your family and friends at each of these fine following venues…bottoms up for the best our region as to offer as we kick off PBW 2009!

Be sure to check out all our Beer Week events on Facebook.

AML Publisher

All Aboard at The Oakmont!
Saturday March 7th 7-9pm: The Oakmont National Pub
31 Eagle Road Havertown, www.oakmontnationalpub.com
If you know great craft beer, you know Erie Brewing Company’s RailBender Ale, a sensational Scottish Ale and Bronze Winner at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival in Denver. AroundMainLine.com and The Erie Brewing Company have partnered with owner Brendan Goggin and the friendly staff at Havertown’s Oakmont Pub for a sensational Saturday night kickoff to Philly Beer Week 2009. After our Railbender special, be sure to hang out for the pub’s Saturday night live band—and tell your friends to stop in at the Oakmont. Read the full story

By Laura Klein
AML Contributing Writer

Kate MacNamara of Kati Mac Floral Designs in West Chester set the mood with her elegant, beautiful arrangements.
www.katimacfloraldesigns.com

It was truly an affair to remember! Hundreds of Main Liners and city slickers ‘dressed to impress and donated to make a difference’ (as the invitation suggested) as Philadelphia’s first e-magazine, AroundMainLine.com, successfully hosted their first fundraiser and local event. Be Mine on the Main Line brought out over 300 guests to Blush Restaurant & Bar in Bryn Mawr on Friday, February 6th in an awesome display of support for the Pennsylvania SPCA.

“What can I say about Be Mine? It was a night that was most rewarding for everyone involved. And, a total team effort from top to bottom. As Philadelphia’s first e-magazine, AroundMainLine.com has worked very hard to develop great friendships with local businesses in a short period of time and, in this economy, we have figured out a way to tap into those resources, connect the dots, and bring a local community together unlike anyone else—online. Combined with the enthusiasm we have received since our September 30th launch and an amazing new partnership with the PSPCA, this was an event that wowed the region. We are quite proud,” said Sarah Lockard, AroundMainLine.com CEO and Publisher. Added Nick Chapman, PSPCA Special Events Planner:”The Pennsylvania SPCA thanks AroundMainLine.com for their efforts to help homeless animals in the state of Pennsylvania. Be Mine on the Main Line was an amazing success, raising over $2,000 to help rescue, rehabilitate and re-home animals in need. We at the Pennsylvania SPCA are honored to work with fantastic people like those at AroundMainLine.com.”

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AML Staff Writer
Photos by Kevin E. McPherson

Come in from the cold and warm up with a hot totty during the inaugural Beads N Bliss celebration!

Fighting the winter blues or a serious case of cabin fever in February? Media’s three biggest bars have joined together to deliver the perfect remedy as they launch the inaugural ‘Beads N Bliss’ bar crawl, Fat Tuesday February 24th. Dan Brodeur of Brodeur’s on State, in conjunction with Stephen Scutti with Stephen’s on State and Sligo bartender Jessica Brown, organized the event as a way to ignite some new nightlife into a business district known for its spring and summer outings. “We just thought this was a good time of year to put something together and bring a bunch of our customers back into town. With this economy, we want to work together to create a new level of excitement with an innovative idea to benefit all of us and that is where Beads N Bliss derived from,” said Dan Brodeur.

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