Our friend Jonathan

A dear friend to many in this industry and fine human being by the name of Jonathan Panczuk passed away on July 6, 2007.

Jonathan and his partner Jesus are the founders of the innovative floral and event design company Raining Roses. Originally from Chicago, their vision is to bring their cutting-edge style forward, and to provide their 5 star, personal service to those fortunate enough to be in the presence of any of their creations.

Susan Pelteson, a dear friend to Jonathan and Jesus remained steadfast by their side. At the memorial, she told us that his last wish was for us to celebrate his life by having a "martini party." Just as we were headed form the church to the "party" thunder clapped; lightning struck and it began to pour rain. Those closest to Jonathan couldn't help but smile and proudly exclaimed, "That's Jonathan...and it's raining roses!!!"

Sadly, my relationship with Jonathan was limited as I got to know him only briefly before he became ill. My relationship grew with Jesus however, and I was so proud to see him evolve over the last several months. Handling himself as a strong, competent and ever growing confident man and business owner, I had the great pleasure to work on a very special wedding this past April. The blog-favorite couple, Joy and Sateesh have since checked in with me to see how he is doing and have sent along their respects to him as well.

Many have asked how we can best memorialize Jonathan, and what he may have wanted...

Years ago, Jonathan was in a position where he had to place his own mother in hospice. Because of that, he had remained sensitive to hospice needs. Since that time, he and Jesus became huge advocates for Hospice of the Comforter. Their support and sponsorship led them to design the yearly "Bohemian Ball" to directly aid this wonderful organization.

If you would like to directly honor Jonathan's memory please contact Hospice of the Comforter directly at:

Hospice of the Comforter

480 West Central Parkway

Altamonte Springs, Fl. 32714

www.hospiceofthecomforter.org


This year's Bohemian Ball will be even more poignant than ever while we keep Jonathan in our memories and Jesus and the entire Raining Roses family in our thoughts and prayers.

Bohemian Ball for
Hospice of the Comforter
August 18, 2007
The Ritz Carlton
6:30pm

***There will be a fabulous silent and live auction, dinner and a performance by Three Dog Night!
For more information, please call Susan Pelteson at: 407-862-7212. She would be delighted to send an invitation with tickets via postal mail.

More than ever...celebrate life!

Ahhh...The Breakers

Cinco de Mayo was celebrated by us and The Roberts/White family down in West Palm Beach. You don't need to be from Florida to know of this gorgeous, historic and incomparable landmark.
Corey Roberts and Sean White were afforded the most picturesque locale complimented by perfect weather and ambiance. Shameful as it may sound, driving up to the valet and heading into "work" didn't seem like work at all!

Mother of the bride, Christine Roberts enlisted our help throughout the engagement. Folks, I want to hire Christine!!! She has the most exquisite taste, style and poise that Corey trusted most decisions to her. (Smart girl!) Did you see those fabulous bags that she had embroidered for each bridesmaid?!? It didn't stop there, as we all joked that Christine is the "monogram queen!" Terri and I were even gifted gorgeous Lilly Pulitzer (monogrammed, of curse!) makeup bags...

When Corey stepped out of her luxury suite to head out for the ceremony and reception which were both held at The Breaker's West, people just stopped in their tracks to look at her and her lovely ladies. (Even with Sharon Stone staying just down the hall!!!) She truly was a vision in her Rivini gown and the ladies in Vera Wang. (Those had to be my favorite bridesmaid dresses of the year!)

Fearing that pictures could never do the Breakers justice, I stand corrected. Tom Munoz took the most amazing shots on the grounds,and the gorgeous floral decor created by the genuine and talented Debbie Brass with Nature's Bouquet. Working with these two professionals for the first time could not have gone any smoother, and I look forward to seeing them again for my South Florida weddings.

Good times to be had of course, (it was Cinco de Mayo after all!!) I recruited none other than Jeffrey Stoner to be on hand for the video documentary and DJ Carl to kick the party into high gear.

What a great time professionally and personally!
Ahhh...The Breakers!

Just Say No...

For goodness sake..."Just Say No!"

Technology of late has us, admittedly, totally in tune and up to date. It also has us completely ADDICTED! I have heard of and witnessed first hand the Blackberry, A.K.A.: the "Crackberry." And now, sadly enough, I am the proud (?!?!?) user of the BlackJack, A.K.A.: my "CrackJack!" I had to borrow this post from the highly esteemed (certainly by me!) photographer Liana Lehman. She called the Crackberry out for what it really is, and vowed to use hers only in an appropriate fashion.
I do respect her highly on many different levels, but admit it: breaking free of my beloved "CrackJack" will take nothing short of a 12 step program to cure me of my newest fascination with technology. Did I hear the I Phone just came out??!!??
I digress...

My good friend Michele tried and tried again to warn me of the highly addictive nature to this phone,and yet I rebelled.
And then I saw the light... A well deserved and anticipated "girls cruise" seemed in order in the midst of Florida's slower wedding season, and 9 of us embarked on a care free and fun filled 4 day cruise to the Caribbean. Great company, friendship and memories were our priority rather than amenities as we were confident we could make our own wherever we went; but shutting that phone off...that was PRICELESS! More difficult for some than others, I stand by Liana in posting these Blackberry Commandments!


Cheers to our treasured friendships and shameless addictions!!!

p.s.: we were all barely in port and in line for customs before we were all (me included!) checking in with our phones!!!!