UNBRIDLED: My favorite wedding friends like...Dale Dees!

Dale Dees is not only my longest-running "wedding friendship," he's likely my longest friendship since moving to Orlando 9 years ago. I was roughly 17 months pregnant {okay, not really--but it felt like it!} and in desperate need of a hair stylist. I was also about to take some professional family photos, and needed to look, well, not so pregnant!

Dale’s work appears frequently in print and on television, where his hair and makeup designs have graced the covers of Itinerant Lifestyle, Industry, CREATE, PIZAZZ, BEAUTY WORLD, Winter Park Lifestyle and Orlando Leisure magazine. His styles have appeared nationally on “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?” and “The Daily Buzz” and "The Today Show" where he demonstrated a complete live on-camera makeover. He has also placed an impressive 1st place in the World Hair Olympics and now serves as Team USA's lead trainer.

Fresh out of cosmetology school, we've been the best of friends and professional partners ever since. We promised each other long ago: "wherever I go WE go..." I'm so pleased and proud to say that we've both upheld our respective end of the bargain. Oh, and I secretly love that he calls me his "boo..."

•Itching to work with: Beyonce
•Fashion Obsessions: Jeans.....I have one entire closet dedicated to my jean collection lol
•Beauty must-haves: a ceramic flat iron my pics.. chi and FHI heat in this Florida weather EVERYONE could benefit. fine -course...curly-straight
•Office/Work must haves: lol the first thing that came to mind was Hand Sanitizer. Then of course rice paper(powdered or non) for blotting excess midday oils lol sounds crazy but you will look refreshed all day and its quicker then reapplying make-up.
•Speed dialing: Best friend Heidi, Houlihans, and of course my boo
•Can’t get enough of: Music and Spirituality
•Jonesing to: arriving in Paris Oct. 16 it's all I think about!
•Current work project: Designing the next hair designs for the US world championship team
•Current personal project:deleting hundreds of read and unread emails. LOL! I know, it’s pretty bad…
•Necessary extravagance: laser hair removal! no pain no gain
•If I weren’t a hair stylist I would: be a professional singer
•In my bag: well...I never go anywhere without my lip balm and shears
•Recent discovery: Digital Titanium plated flatirons WOW sooooo amazing
•Craving: getting my hands on an A list celeb for ANY award show. oh, and chicken nachos from Houlihans lol

*Fun, fearless and frivolous flashbacks*

I'll never forget...

1) You sitting in my chair with your short pixie hair cut saying you needed to do something to make extra spending money ie "shopping"
money. Then coming back with a job at Disney as a guide at Pirates


2) Not long after being employed by Disney Lisa saying she wanted to become an event planner. The next thing I knew she was being featured in her first national magazine, and her first national television debut


3) You came to the old salon in Altamonte and the girls were asleep so you left them in the car supervised and well attended to. Well some lady said something smart about it and I thought you were gonna’ eat her alive!! And I certainly would have helped you!! Lol. Love u.

Wedding Window: Preview to Kate and Jared's Wedding

This week has been a flurry of activity with all things Kate Gissy and Jared Saft...

I have been so fortunate to work with Kate for the past year with the intricate details of what will be a most glorious, visually stunning and fun-filled wedding day at the exquisite Portofino Bay Hotel.

It is such a feeling of calm and peace when I wake up on a Saturday morning to check on my bride and I am welcomed with a bubbly "Good Morning!" on the other end of the line.

She and I feel so confident that with the benefit of such a confident and capable team of wedding professionals and the leadership of Bonnie Garfield with The Portofino; we humbly acknowledge we are on "auto-pilot!"

Here, you see this fantastic couple during their engagement shoot with Damon Tucci.

Just wait...their wedding images will be equally as gorgeous!

Wedding & Event Planner = *Mompreneurs??*

I had the loveliest surprise this past Sunday, Mother's Day, from my beautiful, talented and smart daughters Sara and Carolina.

Mother's Day is infinitely more special than any other day of the year for us mothers the very moment we open our eyes that morning for some reason...

As I was greeted by my bubbling beauties, I was presented the annual homemade cards and crafts, {my favorite!} and the newest copy {and my very first glimpse} of an article written and dedicated to *Mompreneurs,* "mommies who mean business" expertly and carefully written by Amy K.D. Tobik for "Moms Like Me" magazine.

In the article she interviewed 5 mommies who have all started, sustained and thrive in their own, respective businesses. I was in the great company of a boutique owner, beauty salon owner, restaurant owner, and dentist.

If you know anything about me, then you know my favorite subjects: Sara and Carolina! Being interviewed about my *second* passion which is my business, I couldn't find a better way to express my priorities, sensibilities hopes and aspirations.

The most vital and important lesson we can teach to our daughters-our children- is to lead by a fine and exemplary example. I have learned these so well from my very own mother and hope to pass it along to my young ladies with as much grace as she did.

I'd be so delighted to hear from fellow *Mompreneurs," and invite you to contact me. Balance, I realize, can be trying as well as life's ups, downs, twists and turns. I assure you I have experienced and continue to experience these regularly, but find strength in 2 precious faces, their eyes, their smiles and their hearts.


"Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be."
~Clementine Paddleford

Wedding Window: Preview to Kim and Nick's Wedding

As I settle in from Kim and Nick's wedding rehearsal this evening, I find myself reflecting on the year that I have been fortunate to have with Kim and her mother, Tricia, in the design and planning of Kim and Nick's wedding.

The wedding will be held tomorrow in Lake Mary with romantic, flowing ambiance with a flair for "party!" {Perfect combination!}

I settle in tonight confident in my "A-team" on deck for tomorrow's festivities. Their information will be forthcoming- pending our fabulous wedding images, but for now, let's focus on the couple shall we??

These captivating images from their engagement session from Garrett Nudd depict this beautiful and fun-loving couple...

Stay tuned for their wedding re-cap!

Wedding Music *hearts* the U.S.A.

For this week's music mix compiled by Celebrity DJ guest contributor DJ Carl, {Williams} I requested something in honor of the historic Inauguration experienced by us all this past Tuesday. Regardless of your vote, we must all support the future, our leaders and our troops--

I would also like to dedicate this to my military couples for which I have shared the honor with you in creating a military worthy and appropriate wedding. My team is grateful to you for your dedication, commitment, soul and heart to our country and your families.
Carl shares my sentiment...

"This mix celebrates the historic inauguration of Barack Obama. The inspirational songs were chosen from the 70s to today that depicts the revitalized atmosphere that was celebrated by millions of Americans in Washington, D.C. and now around the world. I hope that many of the songs will maintain the sense of pride in you that I have to be an American citizen."

This music mix, I am confident, will renew your spirit and inspire you for great music in the overall experience you wish to design for yourself.

You can listen to Carl's Inauguration Mix for America click *here.* It includes:

(1) America the Beautiful by Ray Charles
(2) At Last by Beyonce
(3) It's a New Day by will.i.am
(4) Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
(5) Pride (In the Name of Love) by U2
(6) Signed, Sealed & Delivered I'm Yours by Stevie Wonder
(7) R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. by John Cougar Mellencamp

...to all who bravely serve our country, however, especially to those I have the privilege to know {and have worked for} personally:

*Michael Ferrara
*Matt Gillette
*Neroliza Quiles-Milas
*Michael Milas

Thank you--




***Photo Credit: John Unrue, Sandra Johnson and Laura Grubl-Gillette

Real Weddings: Kirby and Jesse--The Movie Trailer!

Blogging on a Sunday? You know this has to be good...! What a way for me to wrap up our 2008 wedding year; everything was seemingly perfect-
Yesterday, Kirby Watzka and Jesse Filar were married under the beautiful Wedding Gazebo at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Their beautiful, sunset cocktail hour took place on the Davinci Terrace prior to moving the dinner and dancing inside to The Plaza Ballroom.
Photographic imagery is forthcoming, however, I really wanted to share a moving and invigorating movie trailer that was produced by my great friend and colleague, Jeffrey Stoner. {Have you slept yet Jeffrey?!?}
Reliving a wedding day in this format is incredible and facilitates the natural excitement still palpable from the day prior! What this can offer a couple, their families and friends in the interim of waiting for wedding albums and final documentaries is priceless. All of this can be viewed on line via a special link posted by Jeffrey.
Personally, I have watched it a few times, I've heard from Kirby's mother Penny, and she has watched it several times today as well. I only hope Kirby and Jesse have access to a computer on one of their layovers today while flying out to their honeymoon!
If the trailer is just a "taste" of the final edit as Jeffrey suggests...then I consider the wedding was a tremendous sucess-

Real Weddings: Lisa Mallaiah and Mitch Scott: THE SLIDESHOW

Images are fantastic and telling, however, the slide shows that are now being produced by favorite photographers are quite another.
Here, we get to savor more images in an upbeat or romantic tone as set to music.
My friends and colleagues, Garrett and Joy Nudd were kind enough to share Lisa and Mitch's slide show for all of us to enjoy-
For me, it retells a day of tremendous love, high style and fun libations.
For you, my hope is very much the same...

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!

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--