2009, What a Year!!

As we count down the last few hours left of 2009, I can't help but reflect on what an amazing year 2009 has been for us!! We have had a great joy of working with so many wonderful clients. Each and every event was so fun and so UNIQUE!! You have given us the opportunity to do what we best and we thank God everyday for this blessing.

Here is a recap of some of our favorite highlights of 2009.

We're so excited to see what 2010 has in store for us!

Images courtesy of Abe's Photography, Limelight Photography, CMS Photography, Medley of Memories Photography, A Fly on the Wall Photography, & Ashlynn Dumelle Photography.

Fabulous Find - "The Truth about iPod Weddings"

I came across this great article on the American Disc Jockey Association website and I had to share!

"The Truth about iPod Weddings - What you need to know BEFORE you choose an ipod for your event.


As is often the case in society, some things or ideas become trendy with little thought to practical implementation. A few years ago, it was the idea of a "sponsored wedding" that somehow everyone would want to donate their services to you in the hopes of getting business from others. Sounds like a good idea, but never really took off because all the vendors realized that a sponsored wedding only generated more requests for sponsored weddings, not more business for them. So people that overspent on some items counting on the reception being paid for by others soon were in trouble as their budget was gone and they were still missing major parts of their event program.

Today, the trendy topic is DIY receptions by using an ipod and a rented sound system instead of a professional wedding entertainer, the DJ. This idea is fraught with peril, because a great event is more than simply gear and music. It is the talent that a qualified professional brings to the event that matters most. It is what allows for a smooth flow to the event, with no embarrassing surprises. A Professional DJ from the ADJA provides you with confidence that your event will flow smoothly and will be an event that you, your family and guests will never forget, instead of one they would like to.

In order to show you, the consumer the effects of using an ipod, we decided to let video tell the story. What you are about to see is real. It is video from an actual wedding where they chose to use an ipod. The video is untouched other than to insert some dialogue slides from time to time. We hope that by it you will clearly see what happens when you gamble your event success on an ipod. There are both Quicktime & Windows formats."

The video can be found at -
http://www.adja.org/general/ipodwedding.asp

I truly hope this article and video relays the importance of hiring a professional DJ for your event. You are paying for their personality, expertise, professional equipment...the list goes on and on. This is your wedding day, you have ONE chance to get it right!

Be UNIQUE!!

Staci M.

Article and video courtesy of the American Disc Jockey Association - http://www.adja.org/.

Back to the Grind!!

We are back and refreshed after a wonderful few days off! We celebrated the holidays with family and friends, and even found time to organize the office! We are back to the grind, busy closing out 2009 and working on a number of upcoming weddings and events! We are even booking into 2011!

We'll be around through New Year's, so feel free to call or e-mail us. We are actually gearing up for our first wedding of 2010 this weekend!

There are LOTS of great blogs to come, so stay tuned!

Make 2010 UNIQUE!!

Image courtesy of http://www.athina.co.uk/.

Merry Christmas!

Unique Event Design will be on vacation from Thursday, December 24th - Monday, December 28th. We will be back in the office, answering any e-mails and phone calls, in the order they were received, on Tuesday, December 29th. We wish you and your's a relaxing and blessed holiday!

Image courtesy of http://www.christmas-light-source.com/.

Playing "Catch Up"

WOW!! We really need to play "Blog Catch Up!" We have so many great things to share with you! It's been a total whirlwind the last few weeks (months, even)!!

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride, while we fill you in!! :)

We'll start with the winner of our "UNIQUE Date Night" Contest, that we did in honor of our one year anniversary!

Nicole R. from Orlando, FL was our winner! Here is her entry:

"My fiance and I love to keep things simple and cheap as we are saving for our wedding, and we are very committed to having a date night at least once a week! We frequently visit Barnes & Noble for a cheap date night. We are able to look at new books and magazines without committing to buying them. He likes to look at travel and money magazines, while I like to look at the latest gossip and get ideas in bridal magazines! We also purchase a Starbucks coffee drink to share. Just being together, regardless of how much money is spent is what matters the most to us!"

Her idea was not only creative, but economical! Her focus on the time she is spending with her fiance, rather than the amount of money spent, is so heartwarming to hear. Unique Event Design is going to treat Nicole and her fiance to their next date night out, with a Barnes n' Noble giftcard! Hopefully with this, Nicole and her fiance can enjoy two cups of coffee, and bring a book home with them.

Congrats Nicole!

Vendor Feature: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

Unique Event Design was graciously invited to do a Hard Hat Tour at the new Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. This is one AMAZING hotel! The luxuries, amenities, and especially the view, are out of this world! The lobby features a grand staircase to the second level where all of the action will take place. The event spaces and a fine dining restaurant are all on the second level. There is 12,000 square feet of indoor event space, including the 4,000 square foot ballroom. The color scheme of the event spaces is neutral, with tones of brown, beige, and green. The lighting, which consists of chandeliers and sconces, is simple, yet elegant. A modern lobby bar is also on the second level, perfect for an after party or even a pre-party before your event! One of the true jewels of the resort is the pool area, located on the 8th floor, which will feature 20 private air-conditioned cabanas, seating, and a Bar & Grill. Each of the 250 spacious suites have full kitchens, and some even have oversized balconies. You are surrounded by water, with views overlooking either the Gulf of Mexico, the Intercoastal Waterway, or both! In addition to the indoor event space, there is also 20,000 square feet of private outdoor event space. The most impressive of these areas, is the 4,400 square foot Roof Top Terrace, which captures views of both bodies of water, and allows your guests to party under the stars. The resort also features a 24-Hour StayFit gym and a full service spa.















We were truly blown away, and you will be too! The Hyatt is set to open in January 2010, pending any construction delays. If you are looking for a modern, elegant, luxurious space for your event, you should DEFINITELY check out the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa!

A special "thank you" to Jennifer Payne, the Catering Sales Manager, who was kind enough to invite us to a "sneak peek!"

For more information:
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
301 South Gulfview Blvd
Clearwater, Florida 33767
Tel: 727 373 1234
Fax: 727 441 3672

Fabulous Finds: Couture Cupcake Wrappers

There are accessories for every aspect of your wedding, even your dessert table! Bella Cupcake Couture creates posh, elegant, and stylish cupcake wrappers. The array of designs that they offer are reminiscent of those found on textiles. The designs are printed with soy inks onto recycled paper, so you know you are being good to our planet too. They even offer clear boxes to create cupcake favors. The directions for the wrappers are super easy, they just attach to the already prepared cupcakes and, voila! Couture Cupcakes!

All images courtesy of http://bellacupcakecouture.com/.

To learn more, check out Bella Cupcake Couture!