LAST DAY!!!

It's the last day for Cans for Comments! We have been working with Limelight Photography to gather as many cans as possible. All you have to do is comment either on this post or any post on our blog. You can also post a comment on Limelight's blog, they are counting too! Each comment equals one can! We will still be counting comments through midnight tonight, so comment and give back!!

Read more about the Cans for Comments program in these previous posts:

"Cans for Comments Update - COME ON PEOPLE, COMMENT & GIVE BACK!" - March 24, 2009

"Cans for Comments!!! Comment and give back!!!" - March 9, 2009

Thank you and God bless!!

Vendor Feature: Event Design Rentals

I had a great time having coffee with Amber and DJ with Event Design Rentals. They educated me all about the great rentals and services that they offer. You may remember that they did the draping, uplighting, and vinyl-wrapped dance floor for Kristin and Jason's wedding.

They offer a number of rentals and services, including:

Chiavari chairs

Uplighting

Gobos

Pipe & drape

Vinyl-wrapped dance floor

Ceremony rentals (arches, shephards hooks, etc.)

Reception table rentals (chargers, easels, etc.)

...And much more.

For more information, contact Amber or DJ at Event Design Rentals, check out their website - http://www.eventdesignrentals.com/.

Congratulations Kristin & Jason!!!

Earlier this month I was so blessed to coordinate Kristin and Jason's wedding! This couple is so sweet and so much fun! And Kristin is absolutely beautiful, reminiscent of an old Hollywood beauty, like Grace Kelly. I have to thank the photographer, Carrie from A Fly on the Wall, that sent me these wonderful pictures!!! Great job Carrie!!


Read more about Kristin and Jason in these previous posts:

Getting Some Love from the Lovebirds - March 10, 2009
Kristin & Jason's Romantic, Modern Beach Wedding - March 9, 2009
A Tropical Rehearsal Dinner Overlooking the Beach for Kristin & Jason - March 9, 2009
Gearing up for Kristin & Jason's Wedding - March 5, 2009

This shot was taken after 14 hours of running around like a chicken with my head cut off!
Let me explain!! The photographer had to test the lighting on the beach before we did the sparklers, so she started taking pictures of me! She told me she would delete them!
I guess I was "working" the camera!!! =)

All images courtesy of http://www.aflyphoto.com/.

Simone Carvalli Trunk Show this Weekend!!

I am very excited, this weekend I'm heading to The Dressing Room to help with the Simone Carvalli Trunk Show. The Dressing Room is introducing the entire collection of Simone Carvalli wedding gowns, on Friday, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th from 11:00am - 7:00pm. This exquisite dress collection can be seen in numerous publications such as Brides, InStyle Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot magazines. The Simone Carvalli collection is nationally known for elegance, quality and fit. These gowns feature sophistication, romance, and glamour with a contemporary flair, many with exquisite hand beaded work, accents of crystals, pearls and stones.

The new collection will be previewed all day Friday and Saturday, starting at 11:00am on both days, appointments are preferred. I'll be there all day Saturday helping brides find their dream dress! The Dressing Room is focused on edited styles, exceptional service and personal attention, all in a beautiful setting. Located in the heart of St. Petersburg, on Central Avenue, Judy has designed her boutique so that brides and their bridal parties will experience shopping on a whole new level.

Bridal fashion trends have moved away from each member looking identical and The Dressing Room based its philosophy on this. The customization options available are endless and allow brides to be considerate of her bridesmaids and ensure a beautiful coordinated look. The Dressing Room has something for every woman’s age, body type and special event. Styles include dresses that are sexy and strapless, some with classic polish, others featuring fabrics that are modern satin, flirty chiffon, deep V necklines, elegant subdued fabrics, rich jewel tones, gorgeous pastels and smart neutrals. Size charts are provided for each designer and all of the dresses are made in standard sizes from 0 – 32.

Call Judy today and make your appointment! And be sure to stop by to see me! =)

The Dressing Room
2430 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-323-ROOM (7667)
http://www.thedroom.com/

And for more information about Simone Carvalli, check out http://www.simonecarvalli.com/.

Cans for Comments Update - COME ON PEOPLE COMMENT AND GIVE BACK!!!!

Our current count is 18 cans and we only have 7 days to go! This is for a great cause!!!!!

PLEASE COMMENT AND GIVE BACK!!!

In the current state that people have so little, Unique Event Design has decided to give back to the community! We are implementing "Cans for Comments" on our blog. For every comment that we receive not only on this post, but on the entire blog, we will donate one can to Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa Bay. Even though we are a little late this month, it's better to start now, than later! We are going to keep a running tally for the month of March, which means we are already at two (thanks Christi)! This tally will continue to increase until midnight Eastern standard time on Tuesday, March 31. We will gather all of the cans and bring the month's worth to Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa Bay. We chose this particular charity as the receiver of this gift because of a personal connection that I have to them. When I was a senior in high school, we gathered food for Metropolitan Ministries of Tampa Bay. Our school gathered the most food in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties! "Metropolitan Ministries' mission is to care for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in our community through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity and instill self sufficiency...as an expression of the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ."

We hope you join in with our spirit of giving and join in on the fun! So...comment, comment, comment!!! Remember, you are helping those less fortunate and giving back to our community!

Vendor Feature: Unique Portraiture

I had a "unique" pleasure of meeting with Christi Curtis of Unique Portraiture a few weeks ago. Christi is not only an unbelievable photographer that can capture amazing shots filled with emotion, but also a dear friend. She shot my own wedding and engagement pictures with her other gig, Limelight Photography, and shortly after, we became friends.

Our favorite engagement and wedding shots:

What makes her company "unique" is what she photographs...life in it's natural surrounding. Not only does Christi photograph engagement sessions and weddings, but the photography fun does not have to stop after the wedding. What about the birth of your first child? That second birthday? Your family reunion? These milestones must be documented! Christi can capture every detail, every smile, every twinkle of an eye. To capture these memories is truly priceless!

From Christi:

"I strive to capture personality and emotion in every image. Just like my subjects every photography session is different and unique. I specialize in natural lighting and backgrounds, using mostly nature as a backdrop, or simple colors such as black or white, or something as timeless as a grandmother's quilt or a baby blanket. I think less is more in a photograph, taking a more casual approach with little to no props so that I am sure to capture the essence of the child, adult, or relationship with no distraction."

I, of course, have to point out her favorite model, her BEAUTIFUL baby girl, Layla. Look at those eyes!!!

To learn more about Christi and her work, check out her website - http://www.uniqueportraiture.com/.

All images courtesy of http://www.uniqueportraiture.com/ and http://www.stepintothelimelight.com/.

Tips on Saving Green

Everyone wants to save money, especially these days, so we've compiled a few tips to save you some big cash for your big day!

AVOID THE HOLIDAYS OR EMBRACE THEM
When selecting the day of your event, try to stay away from holidays. Travel expenses will be higher and one of the large expenses associated with an event, flowers, will be more raised around the big holidays like Valentines Day, Christmas, and Mother's Day. Although if you do choose a Christmas wedding, you could save loads in decor because the venue may already be decorated with the key colors like red, white, and gold, therefore saving you a bundle in that arena!

DAY OF THE WEEK
Another thing to consider is the day of the week. Choosing a day other than Saturday, believe it or not, you can even save you up to 50%! If you choose a weeknight, the start time of your event should not be any earlier than 6:00pm, to allow for those leaving work, and if you opt for a Sunday, try for 11:00am or later, so that your guests can attend religious services in the morning and still make your event.
MENU
A five course dinner with appetizers and dessert is top dollar, but you can save some loot by just having a cocktail party with great specialty drinks and passed hors d'oeuvres or a dessert reception with multiple dessert stations and after dinner drinks. If your event is during the day, you can choose to have a brunch reception, complete with an omlette station and crepes, or a light lunch with sandwiches and a few sides.

ALTER YOUR BAR OPTIONS
I know that you will contemplate a cash bar to save money, but if can avoid it, please do! It may be interpreted as tacky by your guests. Don't fret, there are numerous options to save money on your bar. Instead of a complete open bar, try just doing beer and wine. Choose a few beer options and a white, red, and blush, your guests are sure to find something they'll be happy with. If you'd like to add another option, try offering one or multiple signature drinks. It will give your guests more options and will still keep the bar tab down. Going back to the time of day, a day time event will also save on alcohol, as your guests will tend not to drink as much during the day.
CREATIVE MUSIC
If a band and a DJ is out of your budget, these days couples are choosing "Ipod" to be their DJ. They program the songs that they want, in the order that they want them played and the small device does its thing. If you do choose this route, be sure to appoint a savvy person to keep an eye on it, in case of any technical difficulties. If your dream is a band, but don't have the cash for it, try having your reception at a venue that already features live music. You won't get the personal attention that you were seeking if you would've hired your own band, but if you throw some money their way, you'll get some key music played and some recognition.

BARGAIN BRIDE
It's easy to see that the bridal emsemble can cost a pretty penny, between the dress, alterations, accessories, etc. Do you have a friend or family member that was recently married and would be willing to let you borrow or "hand you down" their dress, veil, or tiara? This is a great money saver! If that isn't an option, try hitting your local thrift or consignment shops for a great deal. You can be pretty sure your items were only worn once, and the shops only take items of good quality.

BARROW-A-JEWEL
Do you want to wear beautiful wedding jewelry, but not ready to pony up the bank? There is an interesting option that was previously only offered to A-list celebrities. Jewelers are now offering the same service to brides for their wedding. You can borrow jewels for your big day at a small, if any, rate. The pieces are delivered by a security guard and the guard stays with them (you) throughout the event and get them from you at the conclusion of the night. Don't worry, he doesn't look like a police officer, just a nice man in a suit. A great option for a red carpet look at a low price!

FAKE CAKE
If you want that georgous five tier cake, but want to save some dough. Have the bottom and top tiers made of real cake and the three middle tiers made of decorated styrofoam. In the kitchen, have a few sheet cakes ready to be cut and served to your guests. Just have the waiters take the cake to the back after you and your honey share your first bite, and no one, but you, will know the difference. We point out the top and bottom tiers being real cake because you normally cut into the bottom and freeze the top to be shared on your first anniversary.

MULTI-TASKING FLOWERS
Be sure to clue your florist in to your efforts to save money, they are usually willing to work with whatever budget you can dream up, and they can recommend cost-conscious floral options. A creative way to save the bank is to use your ceremony flowers and bouquets to decorate your reception room, everything from centerpieces, to accents, to cake flowers. You paid for them, why should the enjoyment end after you say, "I do?" Everthing can be moved during the cocktail hour and the guests will never know! Be sure that you delgate someone to do this, either the florist or a trusted person.

HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER
Wedding Planners have the knowledge, the connections, and "know how" to get you the best deal! They know all the best vendors in the area, secret discounts that they offer, and where to get that perfect black and white checkered dance floor for your 50's themed event! Also, their experience prevents costly mistakes that may occur if hadn't hired a planner.

With these tips and many more that we have "up our sleeve," we can help you to have not only a fabulous event, but also come under budget! Call us today, 813-426-5280, or e-mail us at, staci@uniqueeventdesign.com, to book an appointment to discuss all of the great details of your event and ways we can save you some green!

All images courtesy of http://www.blushingbridezilla.com/, http://www.ivillage.om/, http://www.theknot.com/, http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/, & http://www.wedding101mag.com/,.

Have a Seat

There are many traditions that 2009 brides are shaking up! One of which is the ceremony seating layout. Who said that you have to have the typical straight lines of chairs? Add a personal touch to your ceremony by surprising your guests with a unique setup or an unexpected type of seating.

If you are a fan of the straight geometric look, but want something a little different, try putting the guest seating on either side of the bride and groom. This layout eliminates the dreaded long aisle and is a great option for those shy brides.

A circular layout is also a great option and gives everyone a good view. You can leave an aisle down the middle and enter the circle through one end and exit through the other. This setup is great for those families that have a large number of VIP's, so they can all sit right up front. It's like a circle of love!

If your ceremony is taking place in a smaller area and you do not have the space to do a circular layout, another option is a semi-circular setup. The good site lines are still retained, but the footprint is much smaller.

One of the more modern interpretations of the circular setup is a nautilus shell layout. The line of seats start outward and slowly moves closer inward. The aisle is then created within the flow of seats. The bride walks between the rows of seating to meet her husband to be. This layout works best for smaller weddings.

The above picture also addresses a unique option for ceremony seating - ottomans and lounge furniture! It's a great modern, clean look and the pictures are not cluttered with chairbacks. You can even have larger pieces that seat multiple guests. "Loveseats," perhaps?

No matter how your guests are seated, just know that they are there to share the love between you and your groom. Let their warm eyes and smiles surround you, as you commit yourselves to each other for all eternity.

We can design a personalized setup for your ceremony, just contact us 813-426-5280 or staci@uniqueeventdesign.com.

All images courtesy of http://www.hwevents.com/, http://www.cruisetoronto.com/, http://www.monolobrides.com/, http://www.thebcollective.com/, http://www.stepintothelimelight.com/, http://www.geoffwhite.com/, http://www.destinationweddings.com/,

SEARCH Foundation

Unique Event Design has joined an amazing organization, the SEARCH Foundation! The SEARCH Foundation supports event professionals confronted with a catastrophic occurrence and fosters, develops and promotes educational initiatives for the advancement of the industry.

The SEARCH Foundation was created in 1997. The Foundation supports persons in the special event industry who are confronted with a catastrophic occurrence - through fundraising, volunteer services, or donations made through industry wide alliances in collaboration with charitable organizations. Since 1997, SEARCH has one one single minded purpose: Find a way to help special event industry members who are confronted with catastrophic circumstances. The first step toward that goal has been to raise sufficient funds to create a sustainable financial core, capable of generating contributions for distribution through interest bearing investments.

We joined this organization to volunteer services, our time and services in the event of an emergency, and serve on the events committee. In addition to time and services, the SEARCH Foundation has many great ways to donate, such as a gold heart pin, notecards, and even a book of event photographs. People can also just donate outright with a one time payment or sign up for recurring donations. All proceeds go the SEARCH Foundation.

Check out their website, http://www.searchfoundation.org/, & learn more about the SEARCH Foundation and to check out the items for sale.

A Little St. Patty's Day Inspiration

In honor of St. Patrick's Day and our personal favorite color...green! I've decided to create a great inspiration board for a monocromatic green, Irish wedding!

For help with this color scheme or any other one that you may dream up, please contact us at 813-426-5280 or staci@uniqueeventdesign.com

All images courtesy of www.dizzy-dee.com, www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com, http://imgtimeinc.net, http://www.floristblogs.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.teamsugar.com/, http://www.theknot.com/, http://www.theirishpath.com/, http://www.cathysconcepts.com/, http://www.weddingstyle.ca/, http://www.weddingbycolor.com/, http://www.thecountriesofireland.com/, http://www.jcrew.com/, http://www.aisledash.com/, & http://www.imaginewedding.com/

Engagement Party Themes

The Engagement Party is not usually a party thrown by a bride & groom to be, but these days traditions are out the door! Couples are using the engagement party as an opportunity for their families to get to know each other better and in some cases, meet for the first time. A fun theme and an informal, casual environment will make this a great opportunity for everyone to relax and the celebrate the happy couple and the upcoming wedding!

First Love
How about recreating your first date? See if that local restaurant you went to has a private room so that all of your guests can enjoy the great food you two shared on that first night. Maybe recreate the atmosphere of the ice cream parlor where you two shared a sundae. Get a few kinds of ice cream and toppings and create an ice cream bar for your guests and be sure to inform your guests of the significance.

All in the Family
You can celebrate the joining of your two families by celebrating both families. Have each guest bring the oldest picture of the bride and groom to be and have an area to display them all at the party. You could also display the wedding pictures of other family members to prepare everyone for the joy of the expanding family.

Old Hollywood
A great theme to celebrate love is to pay tribute to the Hollywood couples of the past. Invitations with pictures of lovebirds such as Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn or Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart will definitely set the tone for this soiree. Of course, martinis are a must!

A Tropical Luau
Tiki torches, tropical flowers, and a bonfire can be a great way to celebrate the impending nuptials. In a fun, tropical-themed invitation, request that the guests wear grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts. As each guest arrives, place a lei on their neck. Fun foods such as a roasted pig and pineapple really pull everything together. Of course, everyone should toast the happy couple with a pina colada!

Global Love
Another fun theme to celebrate love is to celebrate it with the atmosphere of romantic locations like Paris or Venice. Passports or postcards will make great invitations. An Eiffel Tower setup and lots of french pasties or Italian music with yummy tiramisu will create a global, romantic effect.

No matter how you celebrate, remember that this is your first celebration on your way down the aisle. Surround yourselves with the people that you love the most and make it fun!

For help planning your own pre and post-wedding events, contact us at 813-426-5280 or e-mail us at staci@uniqueeventdesign.com.

All pictures courtesy of http://www.dragonflystudiosevents.com/, http://www.askmen.com/, http://www.movies.yahoo.com/, and http://www.joako160490.hi5.com/.