Luck Comes in 3's...

Luck comes in 3's...that's what they say anyway-

Who am I to prove them wrong??

E Events has 3 very exciting announcements and we'll start with the first:

The West Coast is fully operational, up and running!

Anyone who knows me knows that I have made every single business move (since it's inception!) with my long time partner, but even longer (and better!), confidant and best girlfriend Nancy Klein. Our continual optimism was tested nearly 2 years ago when Nancy's family had been relocated to Sarasota. Like any good partnership, we have maintained our priorities and have re-allocated our business strategy.

Spearheading the "West Coast" operation, Nancy has forged new and great relationships with the prominent properties that the West Coast of Florida has to offer as well as establishing a formidable client and vendor team base.

I couldn't have asked for better "lemonade" as her move a couple of years ago just seemed like an abyss of lemons!

The website will soon reflect our West Coast operation, however, please feel free to call Nancy at 407-366-6640 extension 3 or 1-888-366-6640 extension 3 or contact her via email: eevents@tampabay.rr.com

Our new head shots are forthcoming as well, but as a reminder, Nancy is the sassy one on the right of our last team picture (taken by Mark Pennington)consisting of myself, Nancy and Terri.

Hmmm...there is a 4th member which may soon lead us to our next big announcement...!!!

Friday Chic Style Sheet: April 25, 2008

In keeping with the Earth Week vibe, I thought it especially appropriate to share a recent wedding we here like to call Organic Opulence...

Again, borrowing my it doesn't have to be "all or nothing" philosophy on the use of organic or green materials to reduce your carbon footprint, I feel our clients' desired style was ultimately achieved.

The clients had a very organic sense, their story even began this way as they met on a mission trip in Africa. The design story was told in that very way with the use of natural ferns, burlap, moss, stone, branches over the dance floor and raffia. The linen was even an organic twirl overlay and breathtaking! The decor was beautifully executed by Awny with Unique Option and Flourish Floral Productions.

A natural, sun-drenched wedding ceremony outside on the DaVinci Lawn at the Ritz Carlton transported us all to where we could only imagine was paradise for them.

I have included more fun images from the inspiring Curt Littlecott with Nu Visions in Photography for you to enjoy as well. I also could not forget the enormous talent of Beautiful Music and DJ Carl; thank you!

My message closing out this week and every week: Definitely do your best to go green, but STAY CHIC!

Update: Blogger is having difficulty with uploading photos currently. I'll keep trying and check back soon!

I'm Seeing GREEN!!!!

Okay, so we all now it's Earth Week and that yesterday was Earth Day...

I think the message if "going green" is quite an amazing movement, but it is EVERYWHERE right now! All of the television talk shows, magazines, blogs and the like-

Rather than inundate you with the same jargon you have been hearing all week (and hopefully all year as this no longer a trend, but a way of life) I thought I'd share some "real people" (okay--maybe just mine!) thoughts and visuals...

Like it or not, we as a society, have spoiled ourselves into a pretty posh way of living. In the end it seems as if this may not be as beneficial to Mother Earth as it probably could be. What's a "real" person to do?

May I take the brazen liberty to tell you to R-E-L-A-X?? I certainly want to do my part in reducing my carbon foot print (I did borrow that phrase from Tommy Murphy!) and really make a concerted effort to do so. I recycle, ride my bicycle to the supermarket and other errands when I can, look for organic materials and food, use soy candles and the like.

On the other hand, I'm a girl who likes real diamonds as opposed to simulated!!

Preparing for my most recent segment on The Daily Buzz for tips on a Green Wedding got me to really thinking...

Does it really have to be all or nothing??

I love the information that's out there. I love my fellow bloggers and industry leaders who are doing their part to get a positive, environmental message out. I promise I recycle and conserve and I am teaching my daughters to do the same. I have encouraged couples planning their wedding with "green" interest to go for it and have fostered some of their personal style with my creativity and a balance in eco-friendly and "traditional" design elements. (Natural woods, soy candles and back-yard greenery for a natural bridal bouquet such as the images from recent weddings above) I love to offer a hearty pat on the back for those who take even the smallest step to making a difference.

I also love my shoes!

Friday's Chic Style Sheet: April 18, 2008

WATER WALLS!!!

I have been drawn to these water walls for several months now, and actually implemented tham at a wedding this past November. At the tome, of course, it seemed apropos as this couple signature style was to include organic, outdoor elements.

Lately, it seems like such a "regular" thought" for me to incorporate in any design. The sound and mere look of water is so serene and soothing that it's main function serves as a "mood enhancer." One would think, correct?

Who knew?? This look can be insanely chic as well!!

For my outside ceremony, Awny with Unique Option brought along (amongst his vast inventory) the water walls that I had been admiring in his showroom (which I jokingly call a wedding planner's playpen!) for some time before that waiting for that perfect design opportunity.

Outside, the look made perfect sense while "framing" the couple in what was sprawling and, thus, design-challenging outdoor environment. Inside, with specialty lighting, they were re-purposed and completely transformed the room. Yup; an ordinary ballroom.

Additional images that I located with Water Wall Specialists reveal outstanding ways to make the water wall look your own for the very fete you are designing!

So...come on in! the water's fine...

Friday's Chic Style Sheet: April 11, 2008

Wedding Stationery, Jewelry and Favors...oh my!

I have been a huge fan of The White Aisle for some years now, and have referred many clients to this on line source.

This morning, Nancy (our Sarasota diva) asked for a reminder on the website address for a client she has out there and, admittedly, I had not been on their site for several months.

How enlightening! A new website re-vamp, gorgeous new additions to their already luxe line, a new move at the end of this month and a fun blog to follow and a link on their website which delivers a strong message to this wedding planner...

The Sokoloff's who brilliantly started this company not only have the primary characteristic for maintaining a thriving business which is PASSION for their work, but they give back.

The White Aisle website not only has a diverse inventory for you to peruse, but the "About Us" story touched me along with the links to the various organizations and charities that anyone can consider. Rebecca and Dade: you have inspired me!

Thank you! Thank you for your passion, your personal pursuit of excellence, your style and for giving back... Now, that's style!

I will be following your progress, continue to sing your praises and emulate your fine example-

Go Green-or- Go Home

Going "green" is such a welcomed trend, and one I feel I have been incorporating into weddings more and more in the past year.

Is this a trend or is it now a way of life?

"Going Green" has become somewhat of a social responsibility, but what about the rest of us *divas* who want to do the right thing, but still have a desire to maintain our sense of style and personality?

Yesterday morning was spent with the cameras and talent of The Daily Buzz who were gracious enough to ask for me to put together a "Green Weddings" segment. Always flattered, I did have one stipulation for mega-watt talent anchor-at-large, Kia Malone.

Please,oh, please let's not alienate those of us who can embrace the many opportunities for going green without having to do it "all or nothing!"

On board, she was eager to see what we had in store for her, and I cherished some of the positive reactions she had to what is now available-

What are you willing to sacrifice and what can you just not live without? Truth be told, I need to have my real diamonds and a smashing ensemble. On the other hand, I would be more than willing to consider an organic menu, no favors, (less waste) alternative floral decor and much more. Especially after what I saw what can be done...

Tommy Murphy and his stellar design crew at Greenery Productions played host to this remote (taped yesterday, and to air on April 21st) and helped us purvey the many stylish alternatives to design with class and conscience.

Enhancements like invitations made from completely recycled paper, real leaves and stones for escort cards were creatively fabricated by Amy Morelli with 2u Collection. Additional research of her own revealed that many of her paper sources were Operation Green themselves; how gratifying!

Our specific time on the 21st has yet to be determined, but you can email me for updates-

Until then, this is what a team effort looks like after an extensive (and environmentally friendly!) television shoot.

Culture Club

Recently I have been asked by prospective clients and preferred partners if I plan "cultural weddings." I L-O-V-E when this question is asked of me because my answer is a resounding "YES!"

Truth be told, this is what makes the world go round for me. Growing up in New York, I had so many wonderful experiences and exposure to such cultural and socio-economic diversity it would be criminal to keep that all to myself. I often think that this introduction into others' ethnology or lifestyle is the catalyst for much of my creative thinking.

I was raised Roman Catholic, however, each time I am witness to a Jewish ceremony accompanied by the breaking of the glass and the robust cheers of "Mazel Tav!" I am simply moved to unmistakable goose bumps. Likewise, watching a couple "jump the broom" makes me contemplate about their generations past and the strides they had overcome.

I once had a groom so moved by sheer joy at his reception that he asked me if he could break plates like the Greek's do! (Hey--money talks and he was willing to pay, so I broke a few myself!)

One of my most moving experiences though was witnessing the 2 ceremonies of Joy and Sateesh last April. Blending southern and northern Indian traditions was a priceless experience that I will forever be grateful for.

Moving...and inspiring; as all of these "cultural weddings" are and should be. Allow yourself to borrow a culture as well just as my "Greek for a day" groom. I love this notion and do my best to encourage it in each and every client. What inspires you?

I now have the great privilege and challenge of creating an exceptional and exceedingly creative wedding for a Chinese couple and family for this coming November.

That, my friends, is what makes our country the melting pot that it is and **yes** makes the world go round for me!

Bless Me, Blog Reader, For I Have Sinned...

Bless me blog-reader for I have sinned; it's been WAY too long since my last post!

The good news is that I was able to take a vacation and enjoy some rest, relaxation and serious quality time with my family.

I also feel more renewed and rejuvenated than ever, and I can't wait to start being creative and writing again--

There are so many things to catch up on so keep checking back!