Wedding Day Moments: The Daddy Reveal

There are fewer precious moments on a wedding day than the "Daddy reveal." I highly encourage that you make room on your wedding day timeline to make this happen... Chills and tears every time! xoxo

*Image Courtesy of Abby Liga|Liga Photography*

Bridesmaids Bouquet Variety

Have your bridesmaids personality and style come through by utilizing different blooms for their bouquets like my darling bride Kristin did for her lovelies. {With the help of Botanica International Design Studio!} I loved this look! *Image Courtesy of Abby Liga of Liga Photography*

Wedding Style: Tranquility & Romance

Feeling inspired all over again from this wedding we did in collaboration with Lee Forrest that oozed romance and tranquility...This soft, ethereal collage was so beautifully immortalized by Abby Liga of Liga Photography. Dont you just want to curl up with your love right now??

Real Weddings: "The Mom Edition"

As you look at these images captured at *exactly* that right moment, what can you imagine was going through the bride's mind? The mom's mind? Their hearts? Undoubtedly, tremendous love and pride... I adore the emotion in each of these images! xoxo *Images Courtesy of Abby Liga and Sandra Johnson*

A Vintage Wedding With Elegant Details- Leigh & A.J

Working with Leigh was a dream situation, designing her wedding was inspiring and watching the wedding day and evening unfold before my very eyes ...Captivating!

Creamy, fluffy floral elegantly positioned against glimmering and flickering candlelight everywhere, a neutral linen palette with lace details and calligraphed mirrors as table numbers served as the perfect combination for romance and celebration.

Cheers to Leigh and A.J.!




*Image Courtesy of Abby Liga*
*Video Courtesy of Jeffrey Stoner Video*

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words ...Wedding Moments in Time

There isn't a wedding planner out there that enjoys the task of telling her bride it's time for "Plan B" due to inclement weather.

This sweet bride, Melissa, was no different. Her wedding ceremony at The Waldorf Astoria was planned to the last detail, and she was enchanted with her outdoor locale on their signature island. Until ...

This made it all better! A beautiful ceremony she ultimately had. ALWAYS have a "Plan B" that you love.

And, of course, pink champagne! {A girl's wedding-day best friend!}

*Image Courtesy of Abby Liga*

Setting the Scene- Wedding Reception Details

Don't you just want to jump in this collage of images and snuggle up with your love?

Abby Liga captured so many details of emotion on this glorious wedding day, but also and, equally as important, the details of room.

The candlelight, the mirror table numbers, cake and even the lipstick on the coffee cup--all tell a story. A lovely wedding story.

Noteworthy Wedding Vendors...Amy Morelli!

My extraordinary job as a wedding planner has afforded me so many rewards, but none more important than the relationships that evolve between my clients and my vendors. {Or, "friendors" as my wedding friends would say!}

With more and more of our beautiful couples planning their wedding from out of area or state, sometimes a face-to-face meeting is not always possible. And, even when they are, of course, the professional basics are {and should be!} covered.

Don't you want to know more?? Yeah, me too ... !

AMY MORELLI- Onwner, The 2u Collection


• Itching to work with: I am itching to work with Jeffrey Stoner on something. I’ve know and respected his works for years, but because I am not a “day of” vendor, we have really never “technically worked together. I’ve been trying to cook up a project forever so we can work together, but video and stationery don’t seem to pair well. But never fear, I now how something in the "hoper", that I am hoping will work out so that we can finally fulfill this itch!
• Fashion Obsessions: A different pair of sunglasses for everyday.. Believe it or not for some strange reason I love sunglasses as much as I love paper!
• Beauty must-haves: an amazing hair stylist.. Mine is fab!! and I am lucky she can always keep me happy.. I get bored easily and really want to change my hair monthly.. She has yet to disappoint
• Office/Work must haves: Colored Felt Tip Fine Point Pens…Love them, Makes boring admin tasks vibrant and bright! I love me some good color coding!
• Speed dialing: Abby Liga, photographer and bestie.. And my mom..
• Can’t get enough of: cheese.. I LOVE cheese and would eat it at every meal if I could.
• Jonesing to: Close this Big Secret Project I mentioned below. I am confident, but nothing is better than having a signature on the line, so I can move forward into conception and design stage!! which of course is my favorite part!
• Current work project: a Big Secret Project in the Works-- and Beautiful Silk Pewter Hardbound book invites with letterpress and crystals!! Love Love Love letterpress!
• Current personal project: putting my library of 400 DVDs on hard drives so they are electronic and I can dive into Apple TV
• Necessary extravagance: I said it before, I’ll say it again. My IPHONE, and anything Mac.. They all make my job easier, so sadly, I would pay any price. (LOL which is I’m sure what apple counts on!)
• If I weren’t {a designer and business woman extraordinaire} I would: Lead camping/adventure expeditions. There is a hippie deep inside of me. I would miss all my girly things, but deep inside there is a bit of a country outdoorsy girl! Also if it didn’t break my heart so much I would open an animal rescue shelter. Someone needs to speak for them..
• In my bag: I’ve decided this year that less is more, so believe it or not I only have my wallet, phone, some lip gloss and a mini kleenex in my purse.. And of course as always bits of paper scraps that I collect because I’m obsessed with paper.
• Recent discovery: PAPER RINGS.. check out today’s blog post at the2ucollection.blogspot.com you’ll see why I’m in love.. Amazing Feats with Paper fascinate me
• Craving: lately I have been craving guac.. Which I learned how to make from you!!

*Fun, fearless and frivolous flashbacks*

This past March, when I hear the news of your recent wedding to Mr. Stoner.. It was hilarious, because it was a secret, we were at an event, you whispered the news in my ear. I was surprised and shocked (in a good way) to say the least, and wanted to hear all about it, but then you said.. SHHHH.. it’s still a secret, don’t tell anyone. Then at that time, some fellow vendors walked up to see what we were so hush hush about and I could say nothing.. I was busting at the seams to the point that I jumped in the car, called Abby Liga to discuss (she already knew, so was one of the only ones I COULD discuss the secret with!!)

The all nighters I was pulling to make the Stults wedding stationery! I normally don’t have deadline problems, but since the bride came to me with elaborate requests 20 days.. YES 20 days before her wedding.. It was a challenge. You were fabulous dropping by the studio to pick up and deliver things, as I was seriously working non-stop for 20 days and nights to pull it off!! Your support is always appreciated and usually helps gets me through, both personally and professionally!
Shopping at Sams Club and the trophy store with you and Miss Liga for the Kickball party.. Was an adventure and as always-- laughter and silliness was everywhere!!

Wedding Moments- Always "Daddy's Little Girl"

As a father of four beautiful and successful daughters, {now independent women, wives and mothers}it was difficult for me to grasp the emotion and pride that was going through Mr. deArmas' head and heart as he danced with the youngest daughter on the day she married her love, A.J.

Perhaps only he knows, but the admiration and affection was palatable. This was such an extraordinary wedding moment that I, and certainly they will carry forever.

*Image courtesy of Abby Liga*

Wedding Video Highlights: Danielle Stults-Caruso and Brian Caruso

Good times -- Good L O V E!

Danielle and Brian Caruso's wedding was chock full of love all the way around at this endearingly beautiful wedding at St. Margaret Mary and The Country Club of Orlando.

As always, Jeffrey Stoner's work takes my breath away ...

Danielle & Brian's Wedding Highlights from Jeffrey Stoner Video on Vimeo.

"A picture is worth a thousand words..." Wedding Moments in Time

According to Wikipedia, The adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" refers to the idea that complex stories can be described with just a single still image, or that an image may be more influential than a substantial amount of text.

Welcome to our new weekly series featuring memorable wedding snippets that I have been fortunate enough to witness for myself for amazing couples, individuals and families.

Love is divine, and I hope you can look at these images week in and week out and count your own blessings just as I do...

Our first image is compliments of Abby Liga from the wedding of Megan Machaby and Hunter Donnelly. I loved this tender moment when Megan's mother held her face in her hands letting her know of her immense pride and infinite love.

E Events {new!} Team Video Debut by Jeffrey Stoner!

Last night at our kickball party, {that was as good a place as any!} I had the pleasure to debut our newest promotional video produced by the unparalleled, Jeffrey Stoner.

Abby Liga creatively masterminded a day where she got all 3 "E-Ladies" into a studio {no simple feat} to capture our 2010 headshots, team pictures and spirit. It was fully and silly day where we were able to bring racks of clothes, accessories, balloons, music and...SHOES! Intently and, most importantly, patiently-- Jeffrey was subtly in the wings capturing some fun footage for this quick 60 second piece.

It received such a wonderful response last night at the party which is a huge testament to their talent...

I couldn't be more thrilled or impressed with the result and remain grateful to both Abby and Jeffrey for their love and support.

COMING WEDNESDAY...

For those of you who will be joining us this Wednesday for our annual soiree, "Kick Back, Relax...and Keepin' It Real," we will debut our latest promotional video masterfully produced by Jeffrey Stoner.

We will also have a very special announcement in which we hope to involve our entire Special Events community for a very worth while venture.

See you there!!!

UNBRIDLED: My favorite wedding friends like...Abby Liga!

I often refer to Abby Liga as my "oldest" daughter. Though confident, competent and creative in her own right, I've always felt this need to keep her close by, and under my wing of sorts. I'll even admit that I secretly love when she comes around with a call, text or instant message wanting to talk shop. I adore and admire her energy and passion, and have enjoyed the journey of her success over the last several years.

Abby Liga Photography is fresh, modern and innovative. An eseteemed graduate from The Savannah College of Art and Design, Abby continues to raise the bar in the inudstry and mostly for herself. I've never known an instance where she's not trying to do something completely different than she's done before.

As you get to know Abby, I know you will grow to love her as I do! I write this blog entry, sipping coffee and almost confident that I am about to receive my morning "instant message" from the gal I call, "Abba-licious!"

Oh, and I've seen what's really in her bag--w-o-w...!!



•Itching to work with: I am itching to work with the team at the new Waldorf Astoria here in Orlando. I have yet to visit the property, but I hear that it is nothing short of fabulous!



•Fashion Obsessions: I am totally obsessed with knee-length boots and scarves for Fall! I'm seriously thinking of moving up North just for the fashion opportunities.
I think I've got boots in every shade and I am currently building up my scarf collection as we speak. My favorite scarf is a hand-made scarf by the artist GoGo Ferguson. When I was in college, I assisted on a
Travel + Leisure photo shoot for a few days and one of the places we visited was Cumberland Island, GA. (Where JFK Jr. married Caroline Bissett). There I found my delicious find in her little shop on the island. I've worn that scarf so many times and it hasn't gone out of style yet!


•Beauty must-haves: I absolutely cannot leave my house without the following: light foundation, bronzer, eyebrow pencil, lip conditioner, and mascara... basically I can't leave the house without makeup at all. :) Also, anything Aveda or Aveeno. And when I want to pamper myself, I'll go to my friend Natalie Malony's with Knockout Artistry to make me look Fiiiiine!

•Office/Work must haves: Good snacks are a must. Great tunes on Pandora.com, and a pen and notepad to make my lists. I've been working very hard on my organizational skills. I cannot tell you how good it feels to physically "Cross" something off of it!

•Speed dialing: The only thing I have on Speed-Dial is my voicemail....oh and Seito Sushi, and The Thai House....

•Can’t get enough of: My new camera! I LOVE IT!!! It does wonders and I can't tell you the amazing job it does in low-light. It gives me freedom to be fully creative with my weddings and other portrait sessions. Also, Gossip Girl....it's filled the void from when Sex and the City went off air. It's not the same, but it does the trick.

•Jonesing to: Attend Fashion Week in NYC! Hold my little one year old Niece Alyssa and to see her walk! To buy an iphone.

•Current work project: RIght now I am working closely with Amy Morelli with The 2U Collection, on developing a brand for the new portrait side of the biz and the unveiling is almost here! The focus: a unique, eclectic concept in portraiture focusing on babies, children, families, and high school seniors. I'm so proud of it and cannot wait for all to see!

•Current personal project: Finding a man. LOL! Just kidding! Ok, no for real, I'm really trying to focus on keeping a healthy balance between work and my personal life. I have recently taken up Power Yoga at my local studio and I absolutely enjoy every minute of it! It really helps me clear my mind and focus on me. I feel if I work, work, work and don't allow time for me, then I get easily bogged down and lose focus.

•Necessary extravagance: Manicures and pedicures are a definite! Also, I love to eat out and try new wines.

•If I weren’t a photographer, I would: Most likely be working in NYC at a magazine of some sort. I love photography and design and I feel that I would fit in naturally in that scene.

•In my bag: Random! Measuring tape....(to measure my clients walls of their home), perfume, hand sanitizer, granola bar, tons of loose business cards, cell phone, lots and lots of lip gloss that all pretty much look the same.

•Recent discovery: I am totally obsessed with the work of California photographer, Elizabeth Messina. I discovered her work about a year ago and I love, love, love her style! I also love that she also focuses on her relationships with her clients. You can tell she truly cares for the people in her life: clients, friends, and family. She sees the beauty in the simplest of things. From a pair of hands holding a bouquet to a chair, a simple fork, etc. Her work is extremely natural and I admire her style.

•Craving: Chocolate always. All kinds, bring it on! A chilled glass of chardonnay and a good conversation with good friends and family.

*Fun, fearless and frivolous flashbacks*

Fact 1: I remember first meeting Lisa at a local networking event back in 2005. I was photographing the event and Lisa was attending. I remember saying to myself, "I must get to know who this fabulous lady is!" Sure enough, I got her card and we've been working together ever since! Networking really does pay off.

Fact 2: It's usually a guarantee that Lisa and I pretty much have the same wardrobe. I can't tell you how many times I've shown up for a meeting together, and we're both like, "I bought that too!"

Fact 3: My favorite memory is when Lisa and I decided to share an office space together. I had just come back from a photographer's convention and I had decided it was time for me to get a space.
My sister, who went with me, was like, "Why don't you ask Lisa?" Later that week, I went to Lisa's house to photograph her two gorgeous girls and just as I was about to ask Lisa how she felt about sharing a space together, when she asked ME if I was interested in sharing a space. Cosmic!! So, to this day, that was a great memory and also the day that we found the space. That was exciting too! Now it's a little home away from home.

Wedding Window: Preview to Jenn and David's Wedding

We are Sarasota-bound this weekend!

My longest and tried-and-true associate, Nancy Klein is spear-heading this weekend's fun wedding weekend, and has been working very closely with Jenn and David for some time now.

We share in their excitement and look forward to what will be an exceptional and memorable wedding weekend.
Equally as exciting will be working with Abby Liga on the OTHER side of the camera! She'd better follow Nancy's timeline with complete accuracy; this time as a bridesmaid...

Looking forward!

The Grand Bohemian: Romance, Glamour and Whimsy...

Many locals and worldly travelers alike are aware of Orlando's landmark luxury hotel, The Grand Bohemian. Well known for its sleek and contemporary design, guests can also expect to experience a "dazzling blend of art, music and memorable hospitality."
Downtown Orlando and the Grand Bohemian made for the perfect scene and back-drop for Megan Machaby and Hunter Donnelly...
This handsome couple met in college {Florida State University} several years ago under what I consider to be the most fun and delightful of circumstances; the circus! FSU yields a prestigious circus "school" and Megan and Hunter learned and performed as trapeze artists together.
Inspiration was easy and literally handed to me given their extraordinary history together, and I had an incredible time with creativity and ideas while recruiting a phenomenal team to pull it all of for this beautiful couple. We designed my favorite after-glow of all time with a menu of cotton candy, pretzels, hit dogs, peanuts...get it?? Circus food!
Images and the slide show will tell the story far better than I, and I shall leave you to just that.
I would be remiss, however, if I did not acknowledge the incredible group of wedding professionals whose contributions offered layers of beauty and overall success.

Venue: The Grand Bohemian Hotel {Simon: You dominate!}
Officiate: Reverend Randal Miller {The most personal ceremony you can ask for}
Floral& Room Design: Tommy Murphy/Greenery Productions {Brilliant!}
Photography: Abby Liga, {AKA: Rock Star!}
Video: Seth Cohen, Visual Effects by Seth
DJ: Brian Scott
Cake: Anna Cakes
Linen: Wildflower Linen
Event/Lounge Furniture: Unique Option

Glitz. Glamour. Reveal E Events and Liga Photography Style!

W-O-W!!! I have already gotten such tremendous feedback regarding our grand opening soiree last night-
We have all heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words..." My personal dictionary is now overflowing and I shall not even attempt to compete with the phenomenal slide show images from Liga Photography except to say:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your support, encouragement and love. Our guests included current clients, previous clients, {Hopefully NEW clients!!} professional partners, personal friends and Winter Park neighbors. I feel so incredibly blessed and humble.
My personal and sincerest thanks goes to Jeffrey Stoner, DJ Carl, Jay and Aaron with Flowers of Winter Park, Awny Kashoggi with Unique Option, Kevin with Moore Fine Foods Rashida with BBJ LInen, Amy Morelli with 2u Collection,Alicia Zutter of Alicia Zutter Couture {fabulous designer!!} Tommy Hart with American Audio Visual, my TEAM {Jessy, Brittany and Nancy; what would/could I do without you??} and all of you-

Roll -em!

Glitz. Glamour. Reveal.

With great enthusiasm, we have been busily planning our long-awaited studio open house!
Perfectionists that we are, Abby Liga and I couldn't possibly have invited all of our friends, clients and partners without crossing all of our "t's" and dotting our "i's..."
The office is looking great and, best yet, the weather will be conducive to a swell fete in our courtyard filled with great energy.
We can't wait to see you!

Sneak Peek Snapshots!

So....FINALLY! We E-Ladies sucked it up and had new "head shots" done. This is a painful and arduous process for me, but thanks to Abby Liga with Liga Photography, all went well. She even went out to Sarasota to photograph Nancy {and her boys: How sweet!} and then got a hold of me, Brittany and Jessy.

After reviewing the hundreds of images, I just threw my hands up and asked Abby to select for us. Personally preferring the candids for myself, I think Abby did a superb job. She and Natalie with Knockout Artistry really helped us feel at ease. {That champagne helped a little too!} We hung out in our very own neighborhood, just outside the office in Winter Park.

This is all we have right now, but you can check the website soon for our re-vamped logo and "About Us" page for the final selection!

Can you tell which one is my favorite??? Why, just check the header to this very blog!!

Real Weddings: Christie and Harvey Heller

How do you not only marry a couple that lives in 2 separate states, but truly come from 2 very different styles??

Clearly these lovebirds have enough in common to be madly in love nut, the challenge?? One of them {Christie} hails from Boulder, Colorado and the other {Harvey Heller} hails from Orlando.

As I brainstormed my approach to designing this wedding, I was perpetually challenged by respecting both and "marrying" not only these 2 people, but their lifestyles as well.

Christie and Harvey were such a delight, mainly in part because of their implicit trust and in me. Christie was still living in Boulder and her visits were few and quick.

They were already established with their venue, Maison and Jardin prior to enlisting my help and were set with space, food and beverage. They even got married in Big Sur the weekend before which made my main objective planning a superb party!

While elegant and stately, Maison was hardly rustic {Boulder} or the intrinsic "Orlando vibe."

hmmmmm...

Recruiting Tommy Murphy with Greenery Productions put our best foot forward and were overjoyed with putting ideas and proposals together to get our couple inspired and eager to see their results. We felt particularly challenged by an "addition" to the venue that revealed the mechanics to a tent frame. The creative ceiling treatment prepared by Tommy's designers was spectacular! Natural wood lattice accompanied by camphor vine and hanging amaranthus and greenery transported us to and enchanted forest.

Striking linen from Wildflower Linen offered such a sophisticated flair-

The design was further complimented with design ideas and furniture groupings from Awny Kashoggi with Unique Option. The entire outdoor space was dedicated to a social hour where guests sipped on 2 signature champagne cocktails and enjoyed music and the ever popular photo booth by Plumb Fun.

As guests were invited inside, they experienced a"woodlands" scent easily created by using a sensory teaser by Scent Events.

Christie and Harvey were so thrilled they invited the entire vendor team to share in the culinary delights prepared by Maison for all of their guests. Fabulous!

...and because "pictures say a 1,000 words," I was fortunate enough to have photographer and fellow girlfriend, Abby Liga on hand for these wonderful shots-