Good, Clean (Wedding Industry) Fun!

Last night we gathered at a new venue in Lake Mary heralding the launch of the latest issue of Central Florida Bride magazine.
Rarely guests, this was a welcome opportunity for us wedding industry "folk" to just let our hair down...
Deemed the "Black and White Ball," we experienced beautiful decor from Raining Roses and BBJ Linen, delightful culinary fare from Puff n Stuff Catering, fabulous cocktails from Barfly, and a little "Soulja Boy" from Marc Burgess.
Speaking of Soulja Boy--

God Bless the sweet heart of Tracy Marini with Eventfully Yours! I requested (okay, a slight threat) that she join me on the dance floor for a little lesson. Come on, who couldn't use a little "superman" move at a party?!? Tracy was the first one up there eager to get her dance-on!! Excellent work Tracy!
We also got to have fun with many other friends that you see in the images above like Tommy Murphy, Bonnie Garfield, Susan Southerland and more! At one point we had squeezed Tracy, Susan, Michele Butler and myself in one tiny photo booth!

Camaraderie is so key in this industry and these fellow wedding planners and wedding professionals exemplify this exact point. I am grateful to them for their continued encouragement and friendship and to the many other wedding professionals that respect that as well. We're all in this together after all!

Special thanks to Tracy Marini for being the only "prepared planner" with the camera last night!

Rustic Glamour: Erin and Lee Campbell

You have seen the effervescent, whimsical photos from Erin and Lee's engagement session,and now it's time to get the smallest glimpse into their beautiful wedding.

The outdoor setting was remote and rustic, but the elegance and glamour that was shown through with design proved to be a delightful juxtaposition of elements...

The crisp, November air and clear skies made the perfect backdrop for their ceremony which was under a beautifully adorned branch arch created by the talented Tommy Murphy and his fabulous team. Reverend Miller, as always, offered the most touching ceremony that had us all at his and the couples' full attention and hanging on his every word and touches of wisdom.

Abby Liga was able to capture some of the most vivid and romantic images of Erin and Lee. Abby and I joked that when Erin wasn't grinning from ear to ear or giggling, she was kissing Lee and vice-versa!
**CLICK HERE FOR THEIR SLIDE SHOW!**
Have any avid blog readers noticed that handsome groomsman on the left? We've blogged about him as well most recently...

Brides, please take note:

What a perfect way to live out your wedding day!!! In the end, Erin and Lee had EVERYTHING to smile and kiss about. Their closest family and friends were all their in unending support and love for them on that day, and for their future--

And that last picture was a delightful first for us here: Gracious Erin emailed us on her honeymoon (In Italy!!) with her beautiful words of thanks and this lovely picture of the content newlyweds; We love it!

Love at first...CHOMP?!?

We are so eager to head down to Palm Beach this weekend to coordinate Emily and Adam's wedding!

Emily contacted me from a lovely referral from one of her great girlfriends (and former November client) Mrs. Erin Campbell. (Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it Erin)
The future Mrs and Mrs. Schiff met while in college at, you guessed it, The University of Florida.
{All together now, "Chomp, Chomp!"}

I have definitely met some Gator fans and proud alumni in this path of mine, but none quite tops Adam; wow!

Emily is originally from Orlando, Adam from Melbourne, but love had them at first "chomp" in Gainesville. No better place to have these wonderful engagement pictures done. We giggled here in the office as Emily explained that the lovely image of them in an embrace was her favorite and well, guess which one was Adam's??

Hint: Gators share space in the picture!! :)

Saturday will only make the endearing love that they have shared over the past 6 years official, and Terri and I are so honored to share the experience with them-

Our bags are packed!

Heather, Michael...and THE SECRET!

Okay, so you would have to be living under a rock if you have not heard of the phenominan known as "The Secret..."
As an admitted "Secret Believer," I have even given the book to our team here in the office and try my best to practice what I preach.
Heather and Michael McRaney could quite possibly be described as "Masters of The Secret," although I don't even think that would ever cross their minds. You see, Heather and Michael are such content, giving and gracious souls who truly live their lives practicing what they preach.
An intimate, low-key and charming back-yard wedding and reception was planned at their home with their families and closest friends. The wedding took place on October 6, 2007 which could have possibly been the wettest October I have experienced here. As I recall, the rehearsal was a complete wash while we improvised inside and where I was doing a big sell on "LOVING YOUR PLAN B!!" Ugh--
I was even having a hard time selling myself knowing that Saturday's forecast had a 60% chance of rain all day and an 80% chance at the exact hour their ceremony was to start.
Terri and I worked diligently throughout the day in awe at the holding pattern of the weather. Tommy with Greenery Productions was also watching with a careful eye to the looming clouds. Abby Liga was grateful for some favorable light, but shot in haste wondering how much time we had left...
No rain! What?!? A sprinkle with a passing breeze at around 5:00, but that was it!
How could the universe let it rain on this dear couple's parade? It was so evident to see what they meant to all of the people that came out to witness their marriage and watching Michael pack up the extra food at the end of the night so he could deliver it to the homeless that tend to gather near one of his bars, The Social it became so clear to me. This was the law of attraction.
The images show the utter bliss (and sheer relief from me, Terri and Abby!!!) in Heather and Michael's faces.

Great things happen to great people--

The Wedding of Corey and Sean

WARNING FOR THIS POST:

This post will require the following:
1) A box of tissues
2) A nice glass of wine
3) A snuggle partner

As you may recall from a previous post, ("Ahhhh, The Breaker's!") the wedding of Corey and Sean White was one filled with their beloved family members and closest friends. Corey and Sean make an extremely handsome couple, and as you have seen the images were spectacular. Nothing, however, puts the icing on the cake quite like a finely made documentary. I may have boasted before, but you will have to forgive my redundancy...

This montage by Jeffrey Stoner can make a mere stranger convinced as if they were actually a part of this entire wedding experience, and the "video cynic" to rethink their position! I can only imagine what a treasured memoir this will serve for the newlyweds and their families...

I am so thankful to have Jeffrey and my regular "teammates" by my side from time to time as we work to continually offer our best selves to our clients.

As I pour my wonderful glass of Sangiovese, I'll search the house for Marc AND for those tissues with the lotion in it!

****CLICK HERE**** for a small glimpse for one happy little Wedding Day...

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!

Behind Every (good?!?) Woman...

...are at least 2 more!!! Call them contemporaries, colleagues, friends, soul- sisters or confidants, I am humbled enough to know with certainty that I would not have the success I am fortunate enough to experience without these two ladies.
For those of you not yet fortunate enough to personally know the beautiful faces behind he voices you may encounter, behold Nancy (right) and Terri. (left) Often mistaken for each other, I tend to be the odd-gal out. :) Make no mistake between them; they are both gracious, poised articulate and fierce, but definitely have their individual, strong contributions.
Their efforts are selfless beyond compare, and always have our clients (or even my!) priorities at the forefront. I couldn't have asked for better integrity, professionalism, friendship and even shoes (Yes, we wear close to the same sizes where "borrowing" is sometimes inevitable!)to share with on a daily bases.

Mark Pennington managed to capture this image of us last week at a wedding where we could all agree was a "keeper!" As near and dear as I do hold Terri to my heart, do NOT let her height fool you!! Besides the 3 inch heels (an E events requirement!) she is also standing on a whole stair step next to me...JEEZ!!
More sassy E Events pictures from the talented Mark and Joi (who managed to make us look decent after a day and evening of rain) forthcoming...

Cheers!

The American Dream

Are you living the American dream? Often times, I definitely feel like I am; having a strong, thriving marriage, beautiful, healthy children and being able to have a career that I find so rewarding and challenging.
On May 27, 2007, I was able to experience the marriage of high school sweethearts Nicole Bolt and Mark Ruiz. Nicole and Mark are so authentic and gracious that they are even further enhanced by their loving families!
Nicole and Mark's relationship may have started in high school, but it has also lasted Olympic trials (Diving) for both, 2 Olympics for Mark, college and the rest that their young lives had to offer. Through it all, they lasted and grew stronger.
And now? A happily married couple with one heck of a wedding (and after party!) behind them asked how they can help all of their vendors who helped made their dreams come true??
Lindsey Luxa,Light of Day, DJ Carl, Lee Forrest Designs, The Ritz Carlton and I ALL agree that they helped US...
Because of Nicole and Mark, I have been reminded of my personal American dream!

Modern Day Wedd-iquette on I Village Live

How many invitations should your future in laws be able to send out? If you are asked to be a bridesmaid for a friend, do you have to reciprocate?
Admittedly, I had to take course work through the Association of Bridal Consultants just on etiquette, but these issues are something new!
As a wedding professional who appeals to the the "modern bride," my goal is to always have or have access to these answers.
Once again, the producers at NBC's I Village Live asked me to join them on the show to assist with debunking some of these questions-
We had a fabulous time sitting down to chat and really getting to the core of several of these etiquette tips for brides and grooms.
To view this segment, please click **here**
Enjoy, and please always feel free to reach out and ask any questions that may have you "stuck..."

Cheers!

I Village Live and E events go "Eco-Chic!"

I was so delighted when asked to present a segment on Eco-friendly weddings right on the heels of Earth Day for NBC's "I Village Live" talk show.
I always have a sense of pride when I can highlight ways in which our industry can step up to the plate while creating and driving trends in a socially responsible way.
Understanding the aesthetic I was after, Tommy Murphy with Greenery Productions designed some fabulous organic centerpieces, and Damon Tucci provided the shows' website with a couple of his amazing images.
The goal was to convey a sense of balance within our lives. Going green does not necessarily mean all-or-nothing. Doing your part, whether it be one "green" element that goes into your wedding, or every element can only help the planet...and your soul!
I am so grateful for this particular experience: the opportunity, the research...the enlightenment-
Going "Green" is very chic indeed...

You can view this segment **here**

Cheers!

Behind the Scenes at "Down the Aisle."

Planning and presenting "Down the Aisle" was a thrilling experience!! After formal introductions, I had the extreme pleasure of opening our runway show with this cutting edge, behind the scenes interpretation as produced by Jeffrey Stoner.

Click here to see the behind the scenes through Jeffrey Stoner's eyes...

http://stonervideo.com/downtheaisle/

Thank you to my team and to all who attended!!

The best is yet to come...Jeffrey will have a newly produced video from the evening itself in the evening's glory complete with the highly styled vignettes, Austin Scarlett and more.

Stay tuned...

As many of you know, I have never been one to shy away from a challenge or refrained myself from originating a concept.
A recent turn of events has been no exception...
With meticulous and regardful development, we have teamed up with the esteemed Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes to produce and orchestrate a bridal fashion show unlike any other seen in Central Florida. "Down the Aisle" (Discovering your style) will proudly be presented by invitation on Wednesday, April 25, 2007.
A "Down the Aisle" guest can prepare themselves and expect to feel and see a fashion forward and visually impactful experience at The Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes' newest addition, the Tuscany Ballroom.
A celebrity speaker or two, freshly designed (never seen before) couture gowns, breakthrough food and beverage and artfully designed, inspired vignettes by this area's leading floral production companies are all on tap for your self indulgence. Accomplished video "behind the scenes" clips will document the bustle required to pull off any noteworthy soiree off along with live feeds highlighting the soaring energy that will likely fill the room that evening.
As I continually challenge myself to think and stretch creatively, might I remind you to nurture your own creativity and style as you embark "Down the Aisle?"
Savor the journey!

The Knot's Real Weddings

We couldn't have been more thrilled to learn that a wedding we did at The Winter Park Raquel Club will be published this May in The Knot's Fall/Winter 2006 as a "Real Wedding."
Laurie and Zac Cheek were such a delight to work with, allowing me to translate their love story and style into this fantastic day.
College sweethearts, their story is told from her deep love of purple to Zac's time spent in Japan. Those 2 elements were all I needed to create the palette and backdrop for this smashing wedding.
Some highlights for me were convincing Laurie to dye her shoes lavender just days before the wedding, surprising Zac with a Boston Whaler speedboat processional entrance, (very dramatic, especially since he learned about this moments before we had him get on the boat!) that adorable zen garden ring pillow especially designed for them and that gorgeous Romona Keveza gown that seemed to be made only for her.
Various shades of purple were utilized in the overall design from linens to flowers, yet the overall "Asian-Chic" style prevailed.
And...you gotta love the picture of my high-heeled luggage tag. Every wedding planner should have one!