The Smart Planner Feature

The Smart Planner, huh? I'd like to think that I am, however, the true credit goes to planner and blogger ingenue Liene Stevens of Blue orchid Designs and The Smart Planner.

Both blogs, specific to the wedding market, gear towards brides and wedding professionals alike. I have been reading both of Liene's blogs for some time now, and recently had the great pleasure to {all to quickly, I'm afraid!} meet Liene in Orlando where she was a speaker at Engage 08 with Rebecca Grinnals.

Thanks for the insightful questions Liene and, well, just thanks for asking!

Here is her post:

Friday, June 27, 2008

Meet the Planners :: Lisa Konecny
Name: Lisa Konecny (center in photo)Location: Orlando, Florida

Company Name: E Events

Number of Years in Business: 5

Website: e-eventsdesign.netBlog: e-eventsdesign.blogspot.com and http://www.escapeluxurydestinations.com/

How did you get started in wedding planning?Serendipity really. I was one of those overly enthusiastic-yet-unfulfilled- stay at home mommies. I planned and coordinated countless fundraisers and social events for everyone but myself. One day, my daughters’ ballet teacher squealed that she had just become engaged and I had always done such a nice job planning events for the school, and “would you mind?!?” Little did I know she was an Orlando Magic dancer with the guest list crowd to match. Four months later on the night of her wedding, 300 satisfied guests and a beaming bride . . . you could say I was in it to win it!

If you had to start over what one thing would you do differently? Not a darn thing. It truly is called “Baptism by Fire” for a reason, and for that reason, you could say I was reborn!

What's your favorite item in your emergency kit?Can it be two?? We keep a journal inside our emergency kit for our brides to put pen to paper what they are feeling in the hours and moments just before they walk down the aisle. And I could never stay in business without the “booby tape.” I feel like our industry has single-handedly kept Fashion tape in booming business.

What is the best piece of business advice you've ever received? When I was feeling daunted by the “greats” that started in this business (in my area and beyond) I could literally sit paralyzed with fear and excuses. Then I heard, “When you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” It made me realize then and remember to this day that if it doesn’t make me nauseous, it’s probably not worth it.

What two people (past or present) would you have as guests at a dinner party and why?Jackie O and Walt Disney. (I’m such a sucker!)

I have been forever obsessed with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis since I was a little girl. My grandparents were so impressed with her when she campaigned for JFK in NYC in Spanish (my family is from Puerto Rico). She was so intelligent, so poised, graceful, courageous, strong and private even when her life experiences threw her into the spotlight. She embodies so many qualities that I admire that I would revel in conversation with her.

Have you ever known the back story behind Walt Disney? What I admire about him is his humanness. He came from humble, meek beginnings, had a strong relationship with his brother Roy, he was unsuccessful at business (many times over!!) and was such an incredible visionary. He had the ultimate wit to embrace and pursue his creativity while leaving “business” to Roy. That could be you, me or your readers! I would need much longer than a dinner party with him! Here is a fairly direct quote from Walt Disney that I look at every day and encourage your readers to think about this week: “The way to get started is to quit talking and get started.” I know we all have fear; goodness knows I have fear! It’s those of us that have the courage to push through the fear that reaches our maximum potential.

What are your three favorite blogs besides thesmartplanner.com?WEDDEX, Style Me Pretty and Southern Wedding Style. That was sooo not fair! There are too many!!
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***Photos courtesy of Mark Pennington photography and Karey Michelle***

Friday's Chic Style Sheet: June 27, 2008

Pimp you pooch!

I am a self-confessed, goofy and ridiculous lover of dogs...

The proud owner of two "pound puppies" myself, I would have been so thrilled to have one of my dogs be a part of my wedding. Our 16-year old Sally, after all, was an engagement present to ourselves back in the day!

"Man's {Ha! Women too!} Best Friend is indeed just that and, when allowed, make such a special memory when incorporated into your wedding day.

Some have the personality to actually "perform" in the ceremony and serve as a ring bearer or flower girl.

No worries if "pooch" gets stage fright-they make the best eye candy!! These amazing images from Martha Stewart and Liz Banfield highlight how your pup can actually be your best accessory!

I encourage you to check with your venue to see if this can be an option for you. Here locally, we have The Portofino Bay Hotel which is dog friendly and you can see happy {and spoiled!} doggies out and about throughout the property. Love it!

Tomorrow, at the wedding of Laura and Matt, we will have extra doggie treats on hand for Goose! {Matt's Black Lab ring-bearer!} In this instance, Lake Nona Golf and Country Club were more than happy to accommodate Goose--

Don't forget favors or treats for your dog-lover friends. We can make even those look incredibly chic!

Celebrating With Friends!

Just a quick note today to highlight how our friends and business partners have been embracing our move and showing their support with our new move...

We received this lovely arrangement {the colors are so apropos!!} from our new friend and fab floral designer Jay Casiano with Flowers of Winter Park.

Just after receiving this gorgeous floral piece, photographer Damon Tucci and Studio Manager Rosy Usmani stopped by to take a peek at our progress and pass along their well-wishes. They were gracious enough to bring over a bottle of Moet and we toasted to...WEDDINGS!

Jessy had to play photographer in this picture, and I apologize for it being fuzzy, but it was taken with my Blackberry...or was it the champagne?!? :)

New York Ave...We're Making Progress!

...so the new office is in full swing! We are definitely feeling more at home now that the new, fabulous and unbelievable furniture has arrived thanks to the creative genius that is Awny Kashoggi and his incredible team at Unique Option.
Yesterday, I was instructed to merely unlock the door for his wonderful crew to come in and load in the furniture. I was then to report back to the office at a certain time to see "the reveal" of sorts and offer feedback. {Very home-makeover show!}

Feedback?!? As if!!

As I explained to Awny last week while he was describing all that he had planned to bring over to the office, "If I told you that you could show up with inflatable furniture I would be okay with that--would you believe me??? Because I would!"

Above you will see what I saw as I left the office when the furniture truck arrived...

After, you see my personal "supporting cast" including our newest coordinator Brittany, along with our energetic {and nearly cloned!} intern Jessy and the "favorite" {and you all know that she is...} Terri! Just as I had hit my threshold with all things feng shui, these sassy ladies kicked it into high gear to start getting our pad in order.

Phew! Now that was a full day at the office!

Some Parting Words...

No silly! Not from me...

Come to think of it, however...why not from you?!?

I absolutely delight in obliging my clients' plan for after parties and/or, even better yet, parting words-

This started last year while planning our show, "Down the Aisle," where we had each guest receive their car from valet with a special token and note from us expressing our gratitude to them for having spent precious time with us. {Along with a hot cup of coffee to go!}

In this case, it was a single bloom with a lovely, personal quote, but you can make it as classic {or OUTRAGEOUS!} as you want.

It's vital to consider the whole picture while planning a wedding and overall experience for your family and closest friends, and I urge you to think this through from the beginning to the very end.

Please keep in mind that this does not need to be a costly endeavor, rather, a personal touch from the heart and one of great sincerity and thoughtfulness.

THIS is what will leave your wedding mark and memory on everyone's heart-

**Enticing images courtesy of Snippet and Ink**

Hawaii meets The Portofino!

Admittedly long overdue, but remarkable nonetheless was a wedding we produced for the delightful Lauren Rauth and Matt Watai.

My meetings with Lauren were always so full of life as I suspect I have never had a more excited bride to be...

Equally as exuberant was her family! What was the cause for this excitement really all about?

1. Their baby girl was getting married? Check!



2. They adored and, best yet, respected son in law to-be, Matt? Check!



3. They fell in love with their venue? Check!



4. They just wanted a really, really great par-tay? OH YEAH!!!

We had so much fun working with the entire family which brought on the #1 job hazard I face from time to time...

It was truly bitter-sweet to see it end. Or shall I say "begin...??"

Lauren put so many personal touches into the wedding day that it was both admirable and well, personal. {Right down to the hand-crafted thank you card!}

We here will remember so many fun and memorable moments working with the Rauth-Watai family...

Lauren jumping out of her skin the moment I took her on a site visit to The Portofino, {who knew she had such an affinity for chandeliers?!?} to corralling the horse and carriage to deliver Lauren in what looked like may be an intense thunder storm, {FLAWLESS!} Lauren's brother's touching and beautiful song that he played guitar and sang during the ceremony, the {SURPRISE!} Hawaiian dancers' performance to honor Matt's heritage and right down to Terri, Nancy and I taking bets that Mr. Rauth was down right the best most proud Daddy there ever was!

Setting this gorgeous stage was Tommy Murphy and his incredibly talented team at Greenery Productions along with these story-telling images from Scott Watt . Thank you gentlemen!

Friday's Chic Style Sheet: June 13, 2008

Fabric!

With all of the marvelous customization that is now at our fingertips via couture invitations, personalized embellishments and even cake design, what better way to further define your specific style than with fabric...

Some ways to use fabric stylishly is to wrap a sturdy wooden box and have that serve as your cake stand or envelope box, create fabric back-drop for formals and casual portraiture for your family and friends. Create table linen for you family or sweetheart table or maybe just napkins to enhance and customize the look of your rental linens. Make large memory boards and tuck escort cards between the ribbon. Your only limit is your own imagination!

Fabric is so incredibly personal, versatile and best yet an be affordable when buying large quantities by the yard.

Have you used fabric to personalize your soiree? I'd love to see photos!

***Images courtesy of Hancocks of Paducah***

You too can be a Wedding Planner...for Carrie Bradshaw!

This is the most exciting post about a contest I have come across...

The fine ladies at Southern Wedding Style Magazine {fabulous read, by the way!} have partnered with Bag, Borrow and Steal {you remember them from the Sex and the City Movie, don't you?!} for a great prize-

I hope you enter, and good luck!

Here is the buzz directly from them:

"We've partnered with the AMAZING {Bag Borrow or Steal} (the Netflix of luxury accessories!) for this exciting contest. {Bag Borrow or Steal} is featured prominently in “Sex and the City the Movie”. Jennifer Hudson’s character, as Carrie Bradshaw’s assistant, feeds her handbag addiction by borrowing luxury bags from {Bag Borrow or Steal}. The grand prize for this contest: $250 for your very own luxury rental! Choose from over 4,000 styles of designer handbags, jewelry, and sunglasses. They cover the gamut of great designers, including Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Versace, Tory Burch, Juicy, and Coach. Borrow for a week or a month, or longer, and borrow for everyday or for your Big Day!
How to enter: Without giving anything away from the movie, leave a comment with your vision for Carrie Bradshaw's wedding. If you were designing her wedding, what would she wear, what would the flowers, favors, tables, bridesmaid's dresses, music, food, cocktails, etc be like? For bonus points, email us an inspiration board or pictures to go along with your design. If you send pics or a board, we will post them for all to see. Email them to [SATC at swsmag dot com]. Whether you've seen one episode or watched the entire six seasons 12 times through (I fall in the latter category), you can win this contest!
Deadline: July 4th.
Judges: Here's the exciting part-- the judges panel! Event guru, Sasha Souza, of {Sparkliatti}, Janie from {The Bride's Cafe}, Kathryn from {Snippet and Ink}, the ladies of {Elizabeth Anne Designs}, the {Bliss Event Group} girls, the {DC Nearlyweds}, and Maria from {Ritzy Bee} are all so excited to see your ideas! "

For Brittany and Jan

I have been completely overwhelmed and have admired the strength and poise that our Brittany has shown over the last few weeks.

Brittany's mother Jan grew increasingly ill over the last few weeks and Brittany has been by her side, so incredibly diligently, the entire time. For much of that time, she was even maintaining her client and office communication until we mutually acknowledged that her focus and priority had to remain with her mother.

When trying to rationalize (to myself mostly) why this would happen to this beautiful family, I recall having a conversation with Brittany expressing my gratitude that her mother was able to attend, celebrate and rejoice Brittany and Sam's February wedding. Jan looked beautiful, healthy and so happy; it's as if she knew...

Below is a post from Brittany about her mom, and I am re-posting it to honor and respect a woman who meant such a great deal in so many lives. And to Brittany, who means to much to mine...

Jan Jakubcin August 15, 1955-June 1, 2008
"My absence over the past few weeks has been largely due to my mom being sick. She passed away Sunday, June 1, and since then my role has been more funeral planner than wedding planner. Those of you who know me personally know that my mom means the world to me and was one of my very best friends. Thanks to everyone who has written and called to support me during this time, and thanks to my friends who supported me this week at the Memorial Service. I know that we truly honored her with our celebration of her life. At times it's hard not to be upset that my mom was only 52 years old. I keep remembering the "glass half-empty or glass half-full" analogy. We can question why someone so young has to leave us, or we can consider that she had 52 years full of life that we can be thankful for. I prefer the latter. My mom did and tried everything she wanted to, with no regrets. She cared so much about other people and was a bright light in the lives of many. She enjoyed our big family and loved with her whole heart. Those are things I can be thankful for. At the end of one era and the beginning of a new one, I'm both saddened that she is gone, and overjoyed that she is surely perfect and whole in the heaven I know she's in. Thank you for your friendship, thank you for your support, and Lord, thank you for my Mom."

Friday's Chic Style Sheet: June 6, 2008

Don't worry..."b. happy!" {Bags, that is!}

Outside of the wealth of information I received this past Tuesday at the Engage '08 symposium hosted by Rebbecca Grinnals, one of the many, many items received in our goody bag was--well...

Our Goody Bag!

We had books by Preston Bailey and Simon T. Bailey and lots of other loot placed in these highly styled, uber-chic bags by b. happybags.

Our bags coordinated the styling of the entire symposium and was even tagged with an initial embroidered luggage tag. {Yes! With each individuals first initial: nice touch!}

I think the bags are fabulous in their own right and figured it would be a natural fit to recommend to my clients for hospitality bags for out of town guests or for bridesmaids' gifts.

I was even happier to learn that as they describe it: "necessity is the mother of invention," and they designed these bags are meant to be reused in lieu of the countless paper and plastic bags we discard and never recycle.

In their words:

"Our goal in producing these bags is to appeal to the people that think you have to don your Birkenstocks to make a wise post consumer decision. Not only does it save a tree or a barrel of oil — it makes your shopping trip a hell of a lot easier. And — it’s much more fun to carry home your cantaloupes in a zebra print bag. We sincerely hope that our bags will help to eliminate the destructive overuse of disposable bags."

Home "Suite" Home!

It has been a whirlwind around here, and i find myself having to carve out special times in the day just to collect my thoughts!

Many of you may have received an announcement {sent by my new fabulous intern, Jessy!}about our new home..

Home "Suite" Home! We have relocated our office, but remain in Winter Park. We are just a block off of Park Avenue, right next to the Farmer's Market and sandwiched in between Hannibal's Square:

230 South New York Avenue

Suite 201

Winter Park, Fl. 32789

{I knew it was a "sign" when I landed up on NEW YORK AVENUE!}

We have been slowly moving int his week and preparing to make this a warm, inviting and chic space for any of you who would like to spend time with us.

Above are some preliminary pictures of the space; outside, inside (pre make-over!) and one with our new floors. I'll keep you posted as to our "design progress." I hope to see you there...

We'd love to have you!

Sex and the City!

Okay, so I really do TRY not to put too much fluff on this particular blog, so please forgive my adolescent rave about the release of this movie...

I took my E Events team last Friday evening (Yes; Premiere night!) after a wedding rehearsal and joined our industry girlfriends such as Michele Butler, Susan Southerland, Lisa New, Tami Corday and Jennifer Sharpe.

We were (and still are!) such avid viewers and fans of the show, have gabbed about it for years, and here the premiere was before us-

Goodness knows we all had a hectic and over-scheduled Friday, and we here were in the midst of a rather detailed and large wedding weekend for an amazing couple and their families, but there was NO WAY we were going to miss this!

Allow me to point out every cliche in the book that we absolutely did adhere to...

YES, we...

1. Pre-purchased out tickets WEEKS in advance


2. Forwarded, giggled and sometimes teared up at the trailers on the SITC website


3. Were dressed to impress


4. Had rockin' shoes!!!!!!!!!!


5. Lastly (and not all together shamefully) indulged and sneaked in some cocktails

Ladies, I had the BEST time not only watching this fabulous movie, but watching it with my friends-