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Business & Tech

Backyards to Ballrooms: Weddings by MJ

Wedding Design by MJ—an event-planning business owned by Gloucester Township resident MJ Robinson—specializes in making couples' "big day" headache-free.

MJ Robinson's passion for event planning started 21 years ago, when she planned her oldest son's first birthday, and peaked with her own wedding in 2005. 

"I went all out and loved every moment. Many of the guests affirmed for me that I definitely had a talent for this—they commented even long after the reception that it was the nicest wedding they had ever attended. I knew then that I could continue to feed my passion for planning and designing as a vocation," said Robinson, owner of Wedding Design by MJ.

Originally based in Haddonfield, Robinson moved her family and her now 7-year-old business to Gloucester Township last year. 

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Robinson had planned more than 500 weddings as of 2010 (when she stopped counting). Events have ranged from simple backyard weddings to grand events with hundreds and hundreds of guests in formal ballrooms. 

Her business covers all the details, from the major decisions like flowers, event logistics, invitations and menu selections to minor details like candy buffets and custom linens. Robinson manages all the vendors—all the hands that make the event happen—to make sure a bride's special day is seamless. 

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This summer, Robinson helped plan a wedding that took place during the Philadelphia International Music Festival, an annual event for aspiring musicians. The ceremony was held in historic Thomas Hall at Bryn Mawr College. Guests were entertained by an orchestra conducted by Philadelphia Orchestra assistant conductor Cristian Macelaru.

Closer to home, Robinson has planned many events at Paris Caterers at The Palace, in Blackwood. Co-owner Keith Eshelman is a friend of 20-plus years, and also served as DJ at Robinson's 2005 wedding. She has also worked with nearly every venue in the area, including The Manison on Main Street in Voorhees, Adventure Aquarium, Camden Children's Garden and venues in Cape May.

"Although beach weddings are one of the trickier aspects of the job. Especially on a cold, windy day," Robinson said.

Besides managing Mother Nature, Robinson is adept at juggling any size bridal party—even managing a group of 30, including flower girls and ring bearers, for one wedding. One of the biggest challenges, says Robinson, is working with multiple locations for one event. Most weddings have different locations for ceremonies and receptions, and sometimes for photos and after parties. 

"Transportation is always a key component that requires over-planning. Heaven forbid we haven't accounted for rush-hour traffic jams, road closures and the like. I always expect the worst and hope for the best when I'm coordinating limos, party buses, trolleys and the like," Robinson said. "I had one couple who wanted to use Ride the Ducks or a ferry from Penn's Landing to the Camden waterfront. Adding a water component made me a bit nervous, I have to admit."

Robinson studied with the International Special Events Society and also earned a certificate in floral design from Longwood Gardens.

The best part of the job, according to Robinson, is making a bride's dreams come true on one of her most special days.

"When the doors open to the ceremony and I fluff the train on the bride's gown as she takes her first steps down the aisle—I get goosebumps every time," she said.

Wedding Design by MJ was chosen by The Knot, one of the premier wedding planning resources in the world, to design their South Jersey Market Party in 2008. Robinson's work has also been featured in The Knot New Jersey Magazine several times and was one of three companies in the Delaware Valley chosen to help design the Ritz Carlton-Philadelphia Bridal Show. 

Robinson has also done work for charities and non-profits—work she says makes her the happiest. She has done gratis work for The Melmark School, Autism NJ, Cairnwood Estate, Cooper Cancer Institute, The Arc of Philadelphia and the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative in Philadelphia. She also worked on a New Year's Eve event for high-rollers in Atlantic City—the turn-around time was just two weeks.

Happy clients are the biggest reward for Robinson. Her favorite reward, however, is a big hug from the bride.

"Once at the Ritz Carlton-Philadelphia, I was hugged by a bride, her groom and the mother of the bride simultaneously. It was pretty awesome," said Robinson.

To contact Wedding Design by MJ, call 856-296-2130.

(The one wedding's water transportation component went off without a hitch, according to Robinson, if you were wondering.)

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