Unique Event Design, LLC

KISS & TELL: Jennifer & Mike

2012-01-18T23:20:00.003-05:00

"Staci and the crew at Unique Event Design are amazing! I have no idea how I would have managed my wedding without them!" - Mr. & Mrs. Marker

Image courtesy of Basia Mille Photography.

Jennifer & Mike were such a fun couple to work with. Their wedding was all about the party and not about tradition!

UNIQUE Honor!

2012-01-18T09:17:00.003-05:00

We are proud to announce that we have won the Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Award for 2012. This is our third year winning this honor!

This prestigious award is determined by reviews from your past clients and recognizes the top 5 percent of local Wedding Professionals from the WeddingWire Network.

Image courtesy of Wedding Wire.

UNIQUE News!

2011-12-13T17:34:00.005-05:00

We have some very UNIQUE news to share with you! It looks like we may a wedding on the calendar for 2037! Staci and her husband are expecting their first child!

In preparation for this big change, we've opted to close the studio so that Staci can work from home and keep an eye on the little one.

We are still taking a good number of weddings for 2012 and we are looking forward to the newest challenge ahead - juggling parenthood and event planning!

Thank you for your support and God bless!

UNIQUE Wedding: Lisa & Ben

2011-12-10T03:13:00.008-05:00

Check out Lisa & Ben's highlights video!

Video courtesy of VH Video.

UNIQUE Feature: Kate & Mike at St. John Vianney Catholic Church & the St. Pete Beach Community Center

2011-12-09T11:20:00.013-05:00

Kate and Mike were a recommendation from previous client, Kristin and Jason. This is such a sweet couple that hired us months before their wedding and upon coming to the studio for their final meeting, we were so excited to find out that they were expecting their first child! I adored their color scheme of lime and a corally orange! It was so refreshing against the water backdrop. Since this couple are serious dog-lovers, the table numbers had photos of their dogs and the escort cards with dog treats asking the guests to "SIT" at their table. The dance floor was accented with an array of Chinese lanterns and added the perfect pop of color against the white ceiling. The couple opted to do a trivia game, where they raised either the Bride's shoe or the Groom's shoe in response to questions asked by the DJ. The guests were on the floor! An especially great moment was when the Bride posed with two of our previous brides, Melinda & Kristin!

Kate & Mike, thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your wedding!

Wedding Coordination: UNIQUE Event Design...of course

Bartending, Catering, & Linens: Orange Blossom Catering

Cake: A Better Cheesecake

Decor & Florist: FH Weddings

Hair & Makeup: J-Con

Stationery: Seaside Invitations

Hotel Accommodations: Barefoot Beach Resort

Ceremony Venue & Officiant: St. John Vianney Catholic Church

DJ: Sword Sounds

Photography: A Fly on the Wall Photography

Rentals: Rent-All City

Tuxedo Rental: MW Tux

Cocktail Hour & Reception Venue: St. Pete Community Center

UNIQUE Feature: Missy & Mike's Centerpieces

2011-12-08T05:49:00.003-05:00

Missy & Mike's centerpieces have been featured on the Bridal Guide blog, as part of a story about non-floral centerpieces. We are so excited to inspire brides to think outside the box when it comes to their table decor!

Image courtesy of Bridal Guide & Vadim Photo.

KISS & TELL: Priscilla & John

2011-12-07T13:19:00.002-05:00

Life Long Studios

"Staci, of Unique Event Design in one word is amazing! I worked with Staci from start to finish and she made all of our dreams come true. She is very detailed and the best in the business. We had no idea what treat we were in for during our ceremony and reception after we had to make sudden changes due to rain. STACI had it all figured out and executed it BRILLIANTLY. Hands down, Staci is gifted and a blessing. She will forever be a household name with the Wilson and Conyers families."

Priscilla & John:
Thank you so much for the honor of being a part of your wedding. It was such a joy to get to know you two during the planning process and we wish you all the best for a long and happy life together!

UNIQUE Opportunity!

2011-09-26T21:34:00.000-04:00

Do you have event or design related questions or need some UNIQUE ideas? We will be available LIVE on Twitter on Tuesday, 10/4, 1:00 - 3:00pm, #uniquelive. We will be tweeting answers to your questions and your design debacles! Be sure to follow us - @Staci_UED.

Image courtesy of Twitter.

UNIQUE Feature: Monica & Jorge on Weddings Illustrated

2011-09-24T07:54:00.000-04:00

Monica & Jorge's Reception lounge area has been featured on Weddings Illustrated! Check it out here!

Image courtesy of Weddings Illustrated and Pezz Photo.

UNIQUE Wedding: Jennifer & Mike at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach

2011-09-23T08:17:00.010-04:00

Jennifer and Mike are a blast! In our initial meeting, we discussed that they did not want a typical wedding, but rather a fun party! They were not interested in a whole bunch of wedding cliches. They wanted something whimsical and silly. The couple have an inside joke about mustaches, so they we present on the Bride's bouquet and the escort cards. Fruit even made an appearance through blueberries with the flowers and lemons on the cake & sweetheart tables! The cakes were the highlight of the party! The wedding cake was not traditional at all and groom's cake was a tribute to the Groom's love of Dukes of Hazzard!

I think the Bride & Groom most definitely achieved their goal of creating a fun party to celebrate their union!

Wedding Planning & Design: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!
Lighting & DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates
Venue, Bartending, Catering, & Hotel Accomodations: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort
Cakes: It's Icing on the Cake
Decor & Flowers: MMD Events
Rentals: Signature Events by Design
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Group
Linens: Connie Duglin
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Photography: Basia Mille Photography
Tuxedo Rental: MW Tux

UNIQUE Feature: Beth & Jake on Valley & Co.!

2011-09-22T06:29:00.004-04:00

Beth & Jake's wedding has been featured on Valley & Co.! Check it out here!

All images courtesy of Wes Weber Photography.

UNIQUEly Honored to be Tampa Bay's Favorite Event Planner!!

2011-09-20T19:33:00.005-04:00

We are so very honored to be awarded "Favorite Event Planner," courtesy of the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Best in the Biz: Readers' Choice Award! A very special thank you to everyone that nominated us and voted! The is such an amazing honor!

There are so many fabulous planners that made the list and we are so humbled to be in such spectacular company! Congrats to everyone!

Image courtesy of Tampa Bay Business Journal and Life Long Studios.

UNIQUEly Breathtaking!

2011-09-16T03:14:00.004-04:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this wedding! Check it out on the Simply Bloom Photography Blog!

Photos courtesy of Simply Bloom Photography.

UNIQUE Feature: Nicole & John

2011-09-11T01:00:00.004-04:00

Nicole & John's wedding has been featured on Rachael Nicole Photography's blog! Check it out, here!

Images courtesy of Rachael Nicole Photography.

UNIQUE Wedding: Ally & Ryan at the Lange Farm, Dade City

2011-09-10T13:05:00.002-04:00

Ally and Ryan were such a joy to work with! We were hired by the Mother of the Bride, Ellie, to take some stress off of the couple as they prepared for the birth of their first child, Liam, just a few months before the wedding! It was so much fun working with the bride and her mother. I think we spent more time laughing than actually planning! The groom and groomsmen all wore yellow socks under their dapper tuxedos. To make their ceremony site more feminine, the Lange Farm hung chandeliers from the large oak tree. The sand ceremony incorporate three containers of sand, adding one for little Liam. The escort cards hung from ribbons and blew in the wind on the cool Winter day. The candy table was gorgeous! At the end of the night, we took a black frame from the decor and had the newlyweds pose with it.

And of course, we didn't want the bride & groom to have all the fun...

Ally & Ryan, thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your day! It was such a blast! We wish you and your family all the best!

Wedding Planning & Design: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!
Lighting & DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates
Bartending: Catering by Lundy's
Catering & Cake: Olympia Catering
Entertainment: Shutterbooth
Candy Table: Chic Sweets
Florist: For Better, For Less
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Group
Hotel Accommodations: Hampton Inn, Dade City
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Photographer: Lifelong Studios
Transportation: Olympus Limo
Tuxedo Rental: MW Tux
Venue & Linens: Lange Farm

Kiss & Tell: Robin & Byron at the Sheraton Sand Key

2011-09-08T21:03:00.001-04:00

We received these breathtaking words from Robin & Byron!

"Ok where do I begin........Staci is AMAZINGLY AWESOME!!!! I knew from the beginning that I would not be able to plan a wedding on my own. After making a bunch of phone calls and gathering information, I decided to meet with Staci at where else...Starbucks. My mom, fiance and I were all there for the meeting. Staci took the time to learn about how we meet and our "vision" for the wedding, including, colors, music, theme, location, etc. She did not miss a detail! After our meeting, we immediately booked her. I cannot put into words how helpful, creative, and thorough Staci is! She helped me with every aspect of the wedding! Staci was at our florist meetings and at the multiple walk-thru's at the ceremony/reception site. Her energy is addictive!!! She was able to help me with my vision of the wedding in order to make everything come together. The day of the wedding, Staci was there bright and early to get things going. She took care of all my wedding items, linens, caterers, and coordinating all the vendors. The wedding day went PERFECTLY and I own it all to Staci! She is a GREAT wedding coordinator, very detail oriented, and doesn't miss a beat! She has such great ideas and was so much fun to work with! I cannot say enough great things about Staci! I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend her to assist with your wedding....you will not be disappointed!!!!"

Image courtesy of Limelight Photography.

UNIQUE Anniversaries!

2011-09-07T05:27:00.008-04:00

We have some fabulous UNIQUE Anniversaries this month!

Happy One Year Anniversary to Threasa & Justin!

Image courtesy of Tina Bass Photography.

Happy One Year Anniversary, Kaara & Chris!

Image courtesy of Robert McClory Photography.

Happy Two Year Anniversary Stephanie & Jason!

Image courtesy of CMS Photography.

We wish you all the best for many more years of happiness!

UNIQUE Advice: Rehearsal Dinner

2011-08-19T16:40:00.003-04:00

This blog is courtesy of our guest blogger, Amy Perrone, our Summer intern.

It’s almost time for the big day! You and your fiancé have spent so much time on all the details of planning your wedding, and all of that planning is about to be history. The only thing left to do is decide the details of the Rehearsal Dinner. When it comes to planning the Rehearsal Dinner, many couples are left with question marks above their heads, not being able to decide on who to invite, who hosts, where to have it, etc.

Never fear! Here's some tips to help you along:

Traditionally, the Parents of the Groom are responsible for the Rehearsal Dinner. They may want to plan it all themselves or they may choose to have the Bride & Groom involved in the planning.

To select your venue and menu, make it personal! Ask yourself, "Is there a certain restaurant that you and your fiance love to go to?" "Is there a type of food that you and your fiance love?" Or even, "What did you eat or where did you go on your first date?"

Choosing who to invite can be a challenge. The Dinner can be kept very intimate, by only inviting the Parents of the Bride and Groom, or it can be a full-on shindig with the whole wedding party and family and friends.

A courtesy to your out-of-town guests, is to invite them to the Rehearsal Dinner. Chances are, they're hungry and worn out from traveling. They probably don't have plans for dinner.

When it comes to the formality and decor of the Rehearsal Dinner. Remember, it is a pre-cursor to the wedding. Don't try to outdo or copy the wedding.

The Rehearsal Dinner is a great place for both families to get to know each other. When the wedding arrives they will be great friends!

The Rehearsal Dinner presents a great opportunity for the Bride & Groom to thank their families, friends, and wedding party. It's also the perfect time for you to give them their gifts.

Cheers and good luck!

Images courtesy of http://bostonweddingblog.blogspot.com

UNIQUE Wedding: Monica & Jorge at Sacred Heart Catholic Church & Tampa Yacht Club

2011-08-19T06:43:00.001-04:00

I LOVE this couple! Monica & Jorge were such a complete joy to work with! Through the planning process, we not only built a great client / planner relationship, but also a friendship! They wanted to have a wedding that not only included their own cultural traditions, but also was eco-friendly. They weren't interested in your typical green and brown, daytime eco-wedding. They wanted something that was colorful and spectacular! Each of the Bridesmaids wore their own little black dress and carried colored bouquets that matched the wraps that the Bride purchased for them in Colombia. The dining room centerpieces consisted of collections of vintage plates & vases and an array of vegetables & flowers. When the guests moved outside to the tent for dancing, we gathered all of the florals and produce, and created "Monica & Jorge's Famer's Market!" The guests were given recycled bags to take what they wanted on their way out.

Monica & Jorge, I'm so excited to see what life has in store for your two! Be sure to keep us posted!

Wedding Planner & Designer: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!
Cake: It's Icing on the Cake
Decor, Lighting, & Florist: MMD Events
Entertainment: Shutterbooth
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Group
Hotel Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Tampa, Howard Johnson, & Marriott Embassy Suites
Linens: Connie Duglin & Cloth Connection
MC: Family Friends
Live Music & DJ: Delite Entertainment
Officiant: Uncle of the Bride
Photographer: Pezz Photo
Rehearsal Dinner: Viscaya
Rentals: Coast to Coast Event Rentals
Transportation: Jolley Trolley
Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Cocktail Hour & Reception Venue: Tampa Yacht & Country Club
Videographer: Gadi Productions

UNIQUE Feature: Aly & Eric's Details

2011-08-19T06:02:00.001-04:00

Aly & Eric's "fruity" details have been featured on Get Married!

Great job FH Weddings!

Images courtesy of Kimberly Photography & Get Married.

UNIQUE Wedding: Amanda & Jimmy at The Belleair Country Club

2011-08-15T10:07:00.023-04:00

Amanda and Jimmy are a sweet couple from the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Everytime they looked at each other, you could so easily see the love between them! Their wedding was soft and simple with shades of white and ivory, with black accents. The bride carried a gorgeous bouquet with long strands of blue ribbon (her 'something blue'). Their were mounds of rose petals and candles everywhere! It was truly a romantic setting for a romantic couple!

Amands & Jimmy - We wish you all the best!

Wedding Coordination: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!
Cake & Cupcakes: Granny Bubba Bakery
Florist: Roses Are Red
Hotel Accommodations: Hilton Clearwater Beach
Music (Ceremony & Cocktail Hour): Alafia String Quartet
DJ: Digital Thunder Mobile DJ
Officiant: A Florida Wedding Ceremony
Photographer: Rachael Nicole Photography
Rentals: Rent-All City
Tuxedo Rental: Meredith's Formalwear
Venue: Belleair Country Club

UNIQUE Feature: Threasa & Justin

2011-08-10T08:17:00.002-04:00

We are so excited! Threasa & Justin's wedding is being featured on Brenda's Wedding Blog!

Image courtesy Brenda's Wedding Blog

Congrats Threasa & Justin!

UNIQUE Anniversary: Jennifer & Nick

2011-08-08T08:55:00.002-04:00

Happy Two Year Anniversary, Jennifer & Nick!

Limelight Photography

We wish you many more blessings and a life of joy, happiness, & love!

UNIQUE Experience!

2011-08-07T20:27:00.004-04:00

This blog was inspired by one of my recent escapades! I was in Orlando for the Inspire Smart Success Workshop, hosted by the ever fabulous Stacie Francombe (more to come about that)! The event was held at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Those who know me, know that I did not stay there...too pricey for my blood! :)

We received the most fab giftbags with all kinds of goodies, including a gift certificate to the Waldorf Astoria Spa. I just chucked the card into my bag, with the thought that I would one day check it out. A pipedream. The next morning, I was getting dressed and I happened to look down at my sad toes that had barely been touched since May. I then checked my calendar and found that yes, there was an hour opening today! I immediately went digging in the giftbag to find that card! Finally, I had the gem in my hand! I called, and yes, there was an opening at the exact time that I was seeking. I then got dressed like a mad woman to make it to the spa early! There was NO WAY I was going to be late to this appointment!

I texted Hubby and shouted it on Facebook. Yes, the country girl from Louisiana was headed to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel for a spa treatment! I entered the hotel with a sense of entitlement. I was not a visitor. I had business to attend to. I opened the door to the Spa and was greeted by name! They knew I was the 11:30am appt. The receptionist asked if I wanted to change into a robe. A robe? Really? I declined, thinking that's a bit much for little 'ole me! I was then escorted into the Tea Lounge. Yes, you read right. There was a lounge...with tea...before your pedicure. I was NOT used to this. I normally just hit the nail shop on the corner, where you wait to even be acknowledged. No fluff and definitely, no tea!

The Tea Lounge was a magical land were the lights were dim, zen music was playing, and there was a selection of teas and trail mixes. I most definitely wanted to enjoy the full experience, so I prepared a cup of tea and munched on a few scoops of trail mix. The seating in the lounge area was plush and neutral-colored. I sipped my tea and looked around thinking, "wow, I could stay here forever!"

The nail technician entered the room and introduced herself with a soft handshake. "Hello, my name is Vanessa and I will be taking care of you today." So nice! She then proceeded to grab my tea and snack, and carried it for me even though I had two capable hands. We entered the nail area and she asked me to pick out a color. She did not leave me, she asked me what my favorite color is and then began recommending some options. We decided on a duo color (mixing two colors) to achieve a pretty shade. It was Vanessa who recommended this, knowing that she had just doubled her work, she knew that it would satisfy me. The pedicure was great. I've had many in my life, so I knew the drill. She asked me a few questions about my stay and what I was doing in town, but for the most part she did not talk. She knew that this is a relaxing time and did not want to bug me with alot of chatter.

I watched Vanessa as she took care of each toe. I was amazed how intently she was focused. Nothing was rushed, nothing was overlooked. When she began to put the polish on, she painted only one toe, and then asked me if I liked it. She was fully willing to take it off and try something else if I was not pleased. I was most definitely pleased! I commended her on her recommendation. When the pedicure was complete, she informed me that I was not to wear shoes for about an hour. There goes lunch, I thought. She escorted me back to the wonderous Tea Lounge so that I could dry. Now, to compare...I was used to being thrusted under the ultraviolet light, after paying of course, and not spoken to again. I grabbed another cup of tea and began to write this post.

Now, the goal is not to tell you about my fab pedi (it was) or how fantastic the Waldorf Astoria is (it is), but to illustrate the difference between a PURCHASE and an EXPERIENCE. My toes look great and they could've looked great going anywhere, but only by spending more (almost double) do I have this story. Yes, I did have a gift certificate, but I would've happily paid for the experience of the Waldorf pedicure! Yes, we are in the midst of a recession and money is tight for everyone, but there are times that we do splurge. We get that $5 Starbucks coffee instead of the $0.99 gas station coffee, or we buy that one expensive pair of shoes while the wardrobe was purchased on sale, because...heck, we're worth it!

When it comes to your wedding day, aren't you worth it? Why settle for the grocery store wedding cake or the do-it-yourself makeup. Are you approaching your wedding as a collection of purchases or is it an EXPERIENCE? Don't you want to walk away with stories and memories of drinking champagne at a dress fitting and having a complete table mock-up presented for your approval? You are a queen and you should be treated as such! If you are not, then you are not working with the right vendors. You need to look at more than just the price, but the experience that is presented to you when interviewing and working with your vendors.

Sure, you can find a cheaper DJ, florist, planner, but will they truly listen? Will they take the time to get to know you as a person, and not just a client? Will they approach your event, as just another weekend of weddings, or will they personalize their services to your needs? These are the things you need to be looking for. Planning a wedding is fun and you should enjoy your planning experience. You need to align yourself with the vendors that speak personally to you. Don't just look at price, but value. It's not about what you're paying, but rather what you are getting for amount that you pay. Would I have paid the expensive price for my normal pedi experience? Nope. But, I got so much more out of the experience I did have, that I don't mind the higher price. Can I pay top dollar for all of my pedicures? No way. Contrary to popular belief, wedding planners are not rolling in dough, but would I splurge and treat myself every now and then? Yes, because I'M worth it. YOU also are worth it! You deserve THE BEST for your wedding and you should not settle until you find it. There's no do-overs for your wedding day, no second chances. You need to splurge on your experience.

Now, it's time for me to show my fab toes all over town! :)

A very special thank you to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Vanessa, the super sweet nail technician!

UNIQUE Approach!

2011-08-06T18:17:00.009-04:00

I hear this all the time, "I don't need a designer / planner / coordinator, because I have one at the venue." Before you take this same approach, I suggest you read this... (courtesy of Lauren Grove at Every Last Detail)

"Wedding Coordinator VS Venue Coordinator

I’ve heard it several times- “Oh the venue coordinator will handle everything, I don’t need a wedding planner/coordinator.” What most brides don’t know is that the venue coordinator is just there for the VENUE, not you. (Nothing against venue coordinators- I love them and they’ve helped me out a lot!) And so, since I’m kind of the person who says things about planning weddings that not many other bloggers will….

- A venue coordinator is looking out for the best interest of the venue. A wedding coordinator looks out for the best interest of YOU, the bride. The venue coordinator deals with everything having to do with the venue- food, setup, etc. A wedding coordinator will deal with aspects of the venue, such as setup, and will make sure everything is to your specifications.

- If your ceremony is at a location other than the venue, your wedding coordinator will be there with you. A venue coordinator will not be at that offsite ceremony. If the ceremony is at the venue, the venue coordinator will be there to help with the coordination of the ceremony.

- A wedding coordinator stays by your side throughout the day and night. They are there to tell you when things will be occurring throughout the night, such as the cake cutting, bouquet toss, toasts, etc. I personally stay until the very end of the wedding, until all of the guests are gone. A venue coordinator stays until the meal is served, and the majority of the time, leaves after. Some may stay until the cake is cut and served. He or she will not be by your side throughout the day or night. Although the venue coordinator will do their best to keep you happy, he or she likely will not be involved if the best man hates your cousin and they are sitting near each other or if your bustle breaks.

- A wedding coordinator contacts your venues before your wedding to make sure everyone is confirmed and knows what time they will be arriving. A venue coordinator may only contact vendors that have to do with setup of the reception, not others, like your photographer or hair/makeup.

- Venues are known to have a high turnover rate among the coordinator/sales positions. The person that you book your wedding with may or may not still be there when it comes time for your wedding a year, year and a half later. Your wedding coordinator is hired by YOU, hand selected by YOU, and won’t be going anywhere (unless, God forbid, something horrible happens!).

These are just a few things to inspire some thinking- food for thought. This is in no way meant to be bad towards venue coordinators. As I said before, I LOVE venue coordinators- it’s always awesome to work with them! I just want my readers to be aware of the differences between the two."

I couldn't have said it better myself! Great job, Lauren!!

Article courtesy of Every Last Detail. Photo courtesy of Tina Bass Photography.

UNIQUE FEATURE!!!

2011-08-01T19:57:00.005-04:00

We are so very honored to be featured in The Knot Florida - Fall / Winter 2011!

Not only are we listed as '2011 Best Of,' but Gina & Maurice's wedding is also featured! How exciting!

Thank you to Gina, Maurice, and all of the vendors that made this wedding a success!

UNIQUE Wedding: Jennifer & Dustin at St. Raphael & The Westshore Yacht Club

2011-07-31T21:50:00.001-04:00

Jennifer & Dustin are a super fun couple! They were so relaxed and enjoyed every minute of their wedding! A dream client for any wedding planner! Their red, black, and white color scheme was sophisticated and brought the holidays into their design. The Cocktail Hour and Reception took place outside, beneath a canopy of cafe lights! The cake was beautiful, but the real WOW came when the cake was cut and the cake table was turned into a dessert station with dessert shooters and slices of cake. The guests went crazy!!

Jennifer & Dustin, wishes for a long and happy life together!

Wedding Coordination: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!
Lighting: Tampa Lights
Cake: Alessi's Bakery
Photobooth: Shutterbooth
Florist: Apple Blossoms
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Group
Hotel Accomodations: Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center & Wyndham Tampa Westshore
Linens & Rentals: US Tent Rental
Music: The Go Daddies
Ceremony Venue: St. Raphael Catholic Church
Photography: A Fly on the Wall
Rentals: A Coastal Rental
Transportation: Paradise Worldwide Transportation
Cocktail & Reception Venue: The Bay Club at the Westshore Yacht Club

Photos courtesy of A Fly on the Wall Photography.

Kiss & Tell: Monica & Jorge

2011-07-31T10:19:00.004-04:00

Pezz Photo

"Staci and her team were so helpful every step of the way! She was always available by email or phone, and when we were in town, she made a huge effort to spend quality time with us! It was of the essence!

The day of our wedding, I never worried about a thing. She and her team seamlessly moved us from stage to stage of the whole celebration; they were always calm, prepared, put-together and SMILING. This was crucial! I not only felt in capable hands, but in loving ones as well."

Monica & Jorge, thank you so much for your kind words. You were truly a joy to work with! We can't wait to hear what life has in store for you, and we wish you all the best!

UNIQUE Feature: Beth & Jake

2011-07-30T18:53:00.006-04:00

Beth & Jake's elegantly sophisticated wedding has been featured on Wes Weber Photography's blog! Check it out here!

Wes Weber Photography

Stay tuned for more details of Beth & Jake's wedding!

UNIQUEly Featured: Tom Stango, Ballroom Dance Instructor

2011-07-18T09:03:00.004-04:00

We are so honored that Tom Stango, Ballroom Dance Instructor has featured UNIQUE Event Design, as a recommended "partner!"

We adore Tom! He is an extremely talented dance instructor and is super-fun too! If you are looking to choreograph your first dance or just brush up on some dance basics, Tom can most definitely help you!

Tom Stango.

Check him out today!! Tom Stango

UNIQUE Feature: Deanna & Dax

2011-07-14T20:29:00.003-04:00

Deanna & Dax's wedding is featured on Style Me Pretty! Take a look, here!

Style Me Pretty

More fabulous photos of Deanna & Dax's wedding are on their way!

UNIQUE Anniversary!

2011-07-04T22:57:00.004-04:00

Happy One Year Anniversary, Rachel & Chris!

Image courtesy of Limelight Photography.

A UNIQUE Endorsement!

2011-07-04T16:32:00.008-04:00

Image courtesy of A Piece of Cake.

We received a UNIQUE Endorsement from our friends at A Piece of Cake!

"Her company name says it all! If you are looking for something unique, NOT the same old same old and want a fresh spin on things I encourage you to give Staci a call. She puts her heart in to everything she touches"

We adore A Piece of Cake! Their UNIQUE creativity and absolutely spectacular cake flavors, make them a joy to work with!

Image courtesy of Kimberly Photography.

Image courtesy of Limelight Photography.

Image courtesy of Dawn Haas Photography.

Image courtesy of Life Long Studios.

Another UNIQUE Bundle of Joy!

2011-07-03T15:55:00.006-04:00

Kate & Mike were married in February and just welcomed their first son, John Thomas Ross!

Congratulations Kate & Mike! He's gorgeous!

UNIQUE Wedding: Rosemarie & J.P. at Northeast Park Baptist Church & The St. Pete Museum of Fine Arts

2011-06-15T05:57:00.003-04:00

Rosemarie & J.P. were introduced to us from a previous client and it was an instant connection! Both Rosemarie and J.P. are very sweet people and come from amazing families! They opted to do a first look in the sculpture garden, with her parents present. J.P.'s father is deceased so they visited his grave before the ceremony to pay their respects on the important day. Rosemarie said "yes" at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel Christmas tree, so they also visited this location that was so important in their lives. Following the Ceremony, the couple strolled through the museum taking in the variety of art. The groom is photography hobbyist, so the bride surprised him with a 3D camera cake that has my jaw on the floor!

Rosemarie & J.P., you have many long and happy years ahead of you! We wish you all the best!

Wedding Coordination: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!

Bar: Catering by Lundy's

Groom's Cake: It's Icing on the Cake

Catering, Cake, Rentals & Linens: Olympia Catering & Events

Decor: MMD Events

Florist: Northside Florist

Hair & Make-Up: Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Group

DJ & Lighting: DJ Felix

Photography: Corey Conroy Photography

Tuxedo Rental: Men's Wearhouse

Valet: Courtesy Valet

Ceremony Venue: Northeast Park Baptist Church

Reception Venue: St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts

Videographer: Clear Vision Pictures

UNIQUE Wedding: Amber & Bryan at a Treasure Island Private Residence

2011-06-14T06:58:00.001-04:00

Amber & Bryan are a fun couple that live in North Carolina. Amber and her family are from the bay area, and they decided to get married in her uncle's backyard on TreasureIsland, on the Intercoastal Waterway. They were not interested in the typical beachy color scheme, but rather a UNIQUE combination of tangerine, eggplant, and lime. The best photo op of the day was the bride's uncle's cherry red Corvette, which the newlyweds drove to the Gulf side of the island to get some shots in the sand. This was definitely NOT a stuffy wedding! The guests enjoyed the cocktail-style reception and smore station.

Amber & Bryan, we wish you all the best for a long and happy life together!

Event Design & Planning: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!
Lighting & DJ: A Premiere Entertainment
Bar & Catering: Delectables Catering
Cake: Publix
Florist: Events in Bloom
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Group
Hotel Accommodations: Bilmar Beach Resort
Linens: Connie Duglin
Photography: Life Long Studios
Rehearsal Dinner: Isla del Sol Yacht & Country Club
Stationery: Paper Presence
Tent & Rentals: Coast to Coast Event Rentals
Transportation: Escalade Limo Company
Tuxedo Rental: Mens Warehouse
Venue: Private Residence

UNIQUE Feature: Amanda & Anthony (Hollis Garden Featured on Every Last Detail)

2011-06-13T06:17:00.002-04:00

Amanda & Anthony's modern, garden wedding has been featured on Every Last Detail. Check it out here!

Image courtesy of Every Last Detail and Tina Bass Photography.

UNQUE Feature: Robin & Byron's Candy Bar

2011-06-12T08:46:00.000-04:00

Robin & Byron's Gator-themed candy bar has been featured on the Chic Sweets blog! Check it out here!

Images courtesy of Limelight Photography.

UNIQUE Feature: Ally & Ryan's Candy Bar!

2011-06-11T08:35:00.002-04:00

Ally & Ryan's sophistated candy bar has been featured on the Chic Sweets Blog! Check it out here!

Images courtesy of Life Long Studios.

Gorgeous Gardenias!

2011-06-08T07:57:00.007-04:00

We here at UNIQUE Event Design, are big fans of gardenias! They are soft, elegant, and smell ah-mazing!

Some fun info that we were able to gather about the the gorgeous gardenia -

"The Gardenia was founded in the native area of South Africa. This flower does well in high 60’s low 70’s degree weather, it blossoms from mid-spring to mid-summer and has a sweet smelling scent. For wedding decor the gardenia is great to use as a fashion fopa. It can be used in a tall elaborate centerpiece or as simple floating flower accented with candles to add elegance. If you’re thinking about using the gardenia as or in the bouquet you might want to think twice because this type of flower can bruise and brown very easily. Something else that we learned was that if you spray a gardenia with straight lemon juice to prevent browning."
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/dried/msg0320163332050.html

http://www.fiftyflowers.com/

Gardenias add a feminine touch to a centerpiece.

http://www.cococozy.com/

The dark green of the gardenia leaf breaks up the white and adds a sophisticated touch to any bouquet.

http://www.bridalbuds.com/

http://www.karentran.com/

A gardenia in your hair can add a timeless touch!

http://www.manolobrides.com/

http://www.sugarpluminvitations.blogspot.com/

A really, fun and UNIQUE fact, is that Carrie Bradshaw had gardenias in her bouquet in the Sex in the City movie!

http://www.thebridecafe.typepad.com/

Have you opted to include gardenias in your wedding? Are there other fragrant flowers that have landed on your "must have" flower list?

UNIQUE Wedding: Kyra & Mitchell at the Doubletree North Redington Beach

2011-06-01T20:29:00.002-04:00

Kyra and Mitchell were super fun to work with! Kyra is a shy one and it took a while to pull the concept from her, but once we learned that she LOVES Tim Burton movies, their Halloween wedding concept was born! Black bacara roses, feathers, eggplant orchids, broken mirrors, and branches were combined to create a mystical hanging centerpiece. No typical white wedding gown for this bride! Kyra dawned a red dress and the groom wore all black!

Kyra & Mitchell, many wishes for a long and happy life together!

Event Design, Planning, & Decor: UNIQUE Event Design...of course
Catering, Hotel Accommodations, Linens, Rentals, Rehearsal Breakfast, & Venue: Doubletree Beach Resort
Cake & Cupcakes: A Piece of Cake
Personal Flowers: FH Weddings
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Group
Music: Grant Hemond & Associates
Officiant: A Family Friend
Photographer: Life Long Studios

June Anniversaries!

2011-06-01T05:15:00.000-04:00

We want to wish a Happy Anniversary to these HOT Summer couples!

Missy & Mike are celebrating one year!

Vadim Photo

One year has flown by for Amanda & Anthony!

Tina Bass Photography

After renewing their vows, Amanda & Chip are celebrating two years!

Abe's Photography

Happy Anniversary

2011-05-30T20:04:00.007-04:00

Before May slips away, we want to wish Gina & Maurice a UNIQUEly Happy One Year Anniversary!

Image courtesy of Theresa Marie Photography.

UNIQUE Wedding: Stacey & Mike at the Intercontinental Hotel

2011-05-20T08:07:00.006-04:00

I L-O-V-E this couple! They are the sweetest, most geniune people that I have ever met! Not to mention, funny! We had a blast planning their modern, clean, sophisticated wedding at the Intercontinental Hotel. The combination of square and round with the navy blue, silver, and bright yellow color scheme created a feast for the eyes! The wedding ceremony incorporated a tasting ceremony where the couple tasted four flavors - honey, lemon juice, vinegar, and hot sauce, to represent the different parts of marriage - sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy!

Stacey & Mike, we truly enjoyed working with you and we wish you the best!

Event Design & Planning: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!
Lighting & Rentals: MMD Events
Bartending, Catering, Hotel Accommodations, Linens, & Venue: Intercontinental Hotel
Cake: Cakes by Nomeda
Florist: nBlooms
Hair: Cece Bythewood
Makeup: Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Group
Music: Click Marketing Group, DJ Felix
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Photography: Phillip Lloyd Photography
Rehearsal Dinner: Brio Tuscan Grill
Stationery: Paper Presence
Tuxedo Rental: Sacino's

Images courtesy of Phillip Lyold Photography.

UNIQUE Wedding: Nicole & Jeff at the Hilton Longboat Key

2011-05-19T12:09:00.007-04:00

Nicole and Jeff were married on the sands of Longboat Key. Nicole wanted to abandon the typical Florida beach wedding and opted to create a modern, clean, stylish wedding that incorporated their personalities. Their families are both in the car industry and this was reflected in their wedding through the tagged car key escort cards and the classic vehicle table names.

Nicole & Jeff, many wishes for a long and happy life together! God bless!

Wedding Coordination: UNIQUE Event Design...of course, Lighting / Flowers: conceptBAIT, Bartending / Catering / Hotel Accommodations / Linens / Venue: Hilton Longboat Key, Cake: Publix, Hair /Makeup: Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Group, Music: My Friend Scott (Band), Officiant: Holy Spirit Ecumential Church, Photography: Audrey Snow Photography, Rentals / Tent: Coast to Coast Event Rentals.

Images courtesy of Audrey Snow Photography.

KISS & TELL: Nicole & John

2011-05-12T07:53:00.000-04:00

A Kiss & Tell from Nicole & John!

"Hey there!
Just wanted to say hi and THANK YOU! The wedding was amazing and we got so many compliments...I'm so happy with how everything turned out, all thanks to you and the Unique Event Design team! I've already told several people about you and you definitely changed my dad's mind about wedding planners...in a good way of course!
The best decision was hiring you, thank you :)
-Nicole Haunson"

Nicole and John, it was so much fun working with you and your families! We wish you all the best for a long and happy life together! God bless!

Stay tuned for lots of photos of their classic, romantic wedding!

Image courtesy of Rachel Nicole Photography.

Bust a Wrap!

2011-05-07T05:53:00.009-04:00

A bouquet shouldn't only look great from the top, but the side too! The handle is an area that is ignored far too much! For Robin & Byron's wedding, we had the florist create a ballet-style bouqet wrap using purple and teal ribbon.

Check out the many different ways that a bouquet can be accented!

The buttons are so cute on this one!

Digging all of texture from braiding the ribbon!

Hello?!?! Can you say B-L-I-N-G?

Now, get out there and add your own style to your bouquet wrap!

Images courtesy of http://www.stepintothelimelight.com/, http://www.botanicafloraldesigns.com/, http://www.botanicalbrouhaha.blogspot.com/, http://www.flikr.com/, http://www.handmadespark.com/, & http://www.weddingideas.onsugar.com/.

HOT Summer Couple!

2011-05-06T11:25:00.007-04:00

Sarah & Mike are so much fun! I'm super excited for their Summer wedding! We are throwing around so many fun details! I'm ecstatic to see it all come together!

Here's some great photos of their super fun engagement session in Rosen Park in St. Pete.

Stay tuned to hear and see all of the fabulousness that is THEIR wedding!

Images courtesy of Chi Photography.

Do You Want To Be Mooned On Your Wedding Day?

2011-05-06T09:25:00.008-04:00

For Lisa & Nick's wedding, the full moon was out in full force, so of course, the photographer had to use it for a fabulous photo op!

Here's other ways that photographers use a full moon to add romance and intrique to a Bride & Groom's wedding photo!

Images courtesy of http://www.aleciahoytblog.com/, http://www.alohaislandweddings/, http://www.stepintothelimelight.com/, http://www.dominiqueattaway.blogspot.com/, http://www.linandjirsablog.com/, and http://www.photo.net/

Why So Blue?

2011-05-05T23:28:00.003-04:00

When it comes to Something Blue, Brides are coming up with UNIQUE ideas.

In 2006, Christian Louboutin became the "talk of the town" after he produced bridal shoes with Tiffany blue soles. Mr. Louboutin created the, now infamous, red-soled shoes collection. The Tiffany blue soles were a one time collection that is no longer available, and now these coveted shoes have become elusive, even mythical, as Brides search for them high and low.

Now there are a number of resources where you can get your hands on some blue-soled bridal shoes!

What is your Something Blue?

Images courtesy of http://www.bridalboudoiraffair.blogspot.com/, http://www.bridenet.com/, http://www.fairyshoeprincess.com/, http://www.featherinashoe.blogspot.com/, & http://www.wedding.idmanga.com/.

Test Tubes, Baby!!

2011-05-04T10:59:00.008-04:00

Who would've thought that a scientific supply would be so glamorous!

They can also be used as favors!

And...escort cards!!

Images courtesy of www.blog.emilieduncan.net, www.blog.weddingwire.com, www.curbly.com, www.eventangel.blogspot.com, www.glassvase1.com, www.kuriositas.com, www.mycoolwedding.co.com, www.procrastinationisplanning.blogspot.com, www.strutbridal.typepad.com, & www.weddingdressesoutlet.org.

UNIQUE Feature: Kate & Mike

2011-04-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Kate & Mike's wedding has been featured on A Fly on the Wall Photography's blog! Check it out here!

Stay tuned to see many, many more photos of their bright, fun-filled wedding!

Image courtesy of A Fly on the Wall Photography.

UNIQUE Wedding: Nicole & Nick

2011-04-25T20:44:00.005-04:00

Nicole and Nick are a laid back couple that wanted a party for their wedding. The color scheme was pulled from a peacock feather. The significance of this was that peacocks would roam around Nicole's parents' house, when she was young. There was no stiffness or formality with this wedding! Their invitations had a retro feel, with bold colored and patterns. The grandmother of the bride created all of the florals with a loose and textured style. The bridesmaids wore bright blue dresses, reminiscent of a peacock. The ceremony took place on the beach and was a mostly standing ceremony. A bamboo arbor with a floral accent framed off the couple. The reception was filled with draped areas and multi-colored uplighting. The guests were created with bottle opener favors, in honor of bride & groom's love of beer! To continue this theme, the centerpieces were multi-colored floral arrangements in beer mugs, also created by the grandmother of the groom. The linens and chaircovers were spandex to add to the clean look. The cake was simple and kept white to stand out among the colorful room, and sat atop a gold linen.

Nicole & Nick - It was very fun to work with you! Your wedding was fun-filled and fabulous! Good luck for a long and happy life together!

Wedding Coordination: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!
Cake: Publix
Catering: Green Iquana
Decor, A/V, Linens, & Rentals: conceptBAIT
Hotel Accommodations & Ceremony Venue: Sunset Vistas
Ceremony Music: A Summer Breeze Entertainment
DJ: Benski B Productions
Photography: Left Turn Photo
Rentals: Gulf Beach Weddings
Transportation: Escalade Limo Company
Reception Venue & Bar: Gulfport Casino Ballroom

Images courtesy of Left Turn Photo.

KISS & TELL: Kate & Mike

2011-04-25T10:12:00.010-04:00

Wow! So much love we've been receiving!! Kate & Mike were an amazing couple to work with!

"Staci,

I wanted to take a couple of minutes, now that things have calmed down, to thank you for all that you did to make our wedding the most amazing day of our lives so far. I have mentioned to so many people that I was so grateful for all of your help. Whenever anyone mentioned how relaxed I seemed, I would reply, 'because Staci has it all under control.' I could not believe how well the entire reception came together with no stress on my part. My family was so impressed with your ability to have Kleenex for kiddos running noses and shout wipes for spills. I cannot thank you enough and I will be sure to recommend your services to anyone I know getting married in the future.

Kate"

Kate & Mike, we wish you and your family joy and love to last a lifetime! God bless!

Image courtesy of A Fly on the Wall Photography.

UNIQUE Feature: Robin & Byron

2011-04-23T08:12:00.003-04:00

Robin & Byron's wedding has been featured on the Limelight Photography blog. Check it out!

We're looking forward to bringing you lots of fun detail photos of this fabulous wedding!

Image courtesy of Limelight Photography.

Kiss & Tell: Lisa & Nick

2011-04-21T15:49:00.004-04:00

A special thank you to Lisa & Nick, who provided us with these sweet words -

"One of the best things I did in planning the wedding was work with Staci Mandikas, owner of Unique Event Design, LLC. I thought I had most everything done on my list, but I was so wrong. When my husband and I met Staci we realized she was going to help us raise our wedding experience to the highest level. She's very detail-oriented, and makes you feel like you're the only wedding she's working on. On top of that she's creative, and a blast to brainstorm with. If you haven't started thinking about your table card holders, never fear, she comes up with the best ideas. When it came down to the day of, Staci and her assistant were a dream. They fit in with friends, family and other vendors so well, and were everything to us: time-keepers, nerves-calmers, vendor-partners...maestros of the event. I don't know what we would have done without Staci. Fun story! When our wedding party came up with a last minute idea to decorate our bed & breakfast room with rose petals and candles; all they did was utter the words in front of Staci, and "consider it done" was her calm response. They let the frantic worry of planning out their last minute idea, and when we came back to the room; it was magically romantic. If you're looking for someone to go above and beyond your expectations, and an expert to make your day everything it could possibly be; call Staci."

Lisa & Nick, thank you for allowing us to be a part of the happiest day of your lives! It was a true joy to help make your wedding day a perfect reflection of you two!

Image courtesy of Limelight Photography.

Kiss & Tell: Holly & Matt

2011-04-21T15:43:00.006-04:00

Holly and Matt were so much fun to work with! Their garden wedding was filled with simple elegance and their personalities.

"Staci was AWESOME to work with. There are so many things that go into making a wedding and reception a success... most of which we wouldn't have thought of if it hadn't been for Staci! She was able to take what we knew we wanted and didn't want and help us to create a picture perfect wedding! Thank you Staci!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Holly & Matt, we hope your wedding day was filled with love, joy, and fun! We wish you a long and happy life together!

Image courtesy of Lifelong Studios.

KISS & TELL: Lisa & Nick

2011-04-05T13:37:00.004-04:00

A special thank you to Lisa's mom, Darlene, for her kind words -

"Staci was absolutely amazing. Our daughter's wedding could have been a logistical nightmare, yet Staci's expertise shined through. I did not have to worry about 1 thing because i knew Staci would handle it. Our wedding was held in the garden of a bed and breakfast which required major logistical maneuvering of all of the guests as well as coordinating all of the vendors. It was absolutely perfect!!! Our guests are still in awe! Staci provided vendors which were without a doubt the best in the industry. Many of our guests commented how they wished that they knew Staci because of the fabulous event she did. Kudos to Staci and her staff for a magnificent job from the bottom of my heart!"

Lisa, Nick, and of course, Darlene - We wish you and your family all the best for a long, healthy, and happy life! And loads of love!

Image courtesy of Limelight Photography.

UNIQUE Feature: Lisa & Nick

2011-04-04T22:52:00.006-04:00

Lisa & Nick's wedding has been featured on the Limelight Photography Blog. Check it out here!

Stay tuned! There are many, many more beautiful photos to come!

Images courtesy of Limelight Photography.

Kiss & Tell: Ally & Ryan

2011-04-04T18:19:00.005-04:00

We were so very blown away by these kind words from Ally & Ryan!

"I have to admit I was a little leary about hiring a wedding planner. Not only did I not want to spend the money but I honestly thought I could do it all on my own. Thank God my mom made the decision for me and hired Unique Event Design!!!!! Staci and her staff were absolutely amazing! Not only did she make the Rehearsal Dinner a huge success and made sure it was exactly what I had envisioned, but she made my wedding day a dream come true. I had what every little girl dreams of and wouldn’t have been able to pull it all off without the help of Staci. During the whole wedding planning process she really made me feel like I was the center of her world. She never let on that she had other clients and tons of other things to do. She took her time and made sure she knew what my dream was and how I wanted everything to be. From the smallest detail to the I Do's and beyond, Staci brought my dream to life. My husband, who was against hiring a wedding planner, could do nothing but rave about Staci to everyone. Everytime we talk about the wedding, he says, "Thank God Staci was there." We actually tease each other now about how dreadful our wedding would have been without Staci. Staci referred us to many of our vendors, all of whom we loved! I feel like all I did was pick the venue, pick the dress, and tell Staci my dream…. She made it all happen. I could not thank Unique Event Design enough…. I love them all and not only did they become my wedding planning entourage but they became my friends."

Ally & Ryan, thank you so much for sharing these amazing words that brough tears to our eyes! We wish you and your family, a long and happy life together!

Image courtesy of Life Long Studios.

UNIQUE Endorsement!

2011-03-31T04:57:00.004-04:00

How exciting that we received the following endorsement from A Premier Entertainment!

"Staci and the crew at Unique Event Design truly live up to their name. Whether you want a high-scale affair or a low-key reception, they don't skip out on the details that make the party uniquely yours. As a DJ, we love a coordinator we can easily contact, keeps us in the loop (since we are the MCs), and works with us on floor plans. UED exceeds all these expectations... if they treated us THIS good, I can't even imagine how well they treated our couples!"

Thank you so much for the kind words! It's so humbling!

We've had the opportunity to work with A Premier Entertainment on a few different events and everytime, they deliver! Most recently, they blew us away with the array of music and outstanding lighting effects for Holly & Matt's garden wedding! Check them out today!

Images courtesy of BG Pictures & Arnoldo Offerman.

Shutterbooth Preferred Vendor!

2011-03-26T22:54:00.005-04:00

We are so excited to be a Preferred Vendor of Shutterbooth!

"Shutterbooth is not your typical photo booth - exclusively designed for your exceptional event!
ShutterBooths are designed to blend in and compliment your event while adding another level of entertainment for your guests. Proudly creating long lasting and fun experiences for more than 2000 clients nationwide! We have the experience, knowledge and systems to ensure you receive the perfect experience. We understand we are a reflection of you - with that in mind, everything we do has you in mind. ShutterBooth's service and family owned locations are here and working hard for you!"

If you are looking to have a photobooth at your wedding, ShutterBooth is the company to call!

Image courtesy of Shutterbooth.

UNIQUE Wedding: Erin & Sean

2011-03-24T00:03:00.005-04:00

Purple was THE color for Erin & Sean! They were seeking a wedding the was filled with this bold color and garden accents. The bride wore a simple flowey gown with ruffled shoes. Erin is such a beautiful girl with dark hair that was curled for the wedding. She looked so graceful! Her bouquet was a combination of an array of purple flowers and touches of green. Her bouquet also featured peacock feathers. Each of the bridesmaids wore purple gowns with purple and green bouquets. All of the flowers were textured and fit in well with "the garden look." The ceremony had two sets of branches on either side of the gazebo and had floral touches. The aisle was filled with a carpet of purple and green rose petals. The ceremony was laid back, yet meaningful with a bridesmaid singing the song from the movie, "The Wedding Singer" - "I wanna grow old with you." Instead of the typical unity candle or unity sand, we suggested a water ceremony. With purple being such an important part of the wedding. The bride & groom poured red and blue water into a bottle. Obviously, the red and blue made purple! For cocktail hour, there were purple linens and white garden chairs. Each table featured a small copper water can filled with flowers. The patio also had the sheer white drapes, tied with purple sashes. White cushions were on the benches and we had through pillows scattered about. The escort cards were sticking into slots cut out of large branches. I adore this idea for a garden wedding! Inside the club, we continued the same theme of purple linens with white garden chairs. The centerpieces consisted of larger watering cans and tins filled with purple & green flowers, and even purple/green lettuce! Each napkin featured a purple tissue flower. Instead of a wedding cake, Erin & Sean chose to do a dessert buffet complete, with pudding cups, cannolies, and yes, a cupcake tower. The bride & groom entered the reception with the bride wearing her NY Giants jersey. Dancing took place back on the patio and the ceiling was filled with twinkling cafe lights. The guests enjoyed taking photos at the photo backdrop. A life size cut-out of Taylor Lautner, from Twilight, posed with every guest! Towards the end of the night, the groomsmen surprised the guests by changing into their t-shirts with their nicknames on the back. The groom's read, "Erin's Slave!" :) Erin & Sean, it was such a joy to work with you on your wedding! We can tell you two have a long and happy life ahead of you!

Wedding Coordination: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!

Bartending: Spunky Spirits

Cupcakes: A Piece of Cake

Catering & Linens: Amici's Catering

Photo Backdrop & Photography: Dawn Haas Photography

Florist: Northside Florist

Hair: Amanda Delmonco

Hotel Accommodations: Sheraton Riverwalk

Ceremony Music: Alafia String Quartet

DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates

Officiant: Generations Trinity

Rentals: Rent All Tampa

Limo: Advantage Limo

Water Taxi: Captain Larry

Tuxedo Rental: Cherri Bloom Bridal

Venue: Davis Island Garden Club

Images courtesy of Dawn Haas Photography.

UNIQUE Endorsement!

2011-03-23T22:03:00.003-04:00

We were thrilled to receive the following endorsement from Loryn at the Westshore Yacht Club:

"Staci was fantastic to work with! Her execution of the Bride's vision was perfectly put together and was one of our most beautiful weddings at the Westshore Yacht Club. I hope to work with Staci and the Unique Event Design staff in the future."

It was so great to coordinate Jen & Dustin's wedding at the Yacht Club, and we look forward to more outstanding events there!

Images courtesy of The Westshore Yacht Club and A Fly on the Wall Photography.

UNIQUE Feature: Ally & Ryan

2011-03-23T07:44:00.002-04:00

Ally & Ryan's wedding has been featured on the Life Long Studios Blog! Check it out here!

Stay tuned, many more beautiful photos to come!

Image courtesy of Life Long Studios.

UNIQUE Trunk Show!

2011-03-17T07:37:00.004-04:00

One of our neighbors, Anglo Couture, is hosting a trunk show, Friday, March 18 - Sunday, March 20. Brides will have the opportunity to work directly with the designer to find or even create their own wedding gown, accessories, bridesmaid or flower girl dresses. If that's not enough of a reason for you to check it out, you will also be able to take advantage of 15% off your entire purchase! This discount is only available during the trunk show.

Anglo Couture

689 Central Ave., Ste. 105

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Space is limited, so you should schedule an appointment:

727.526.5800 OR

info@anglocoutureline.com

Be sure to tell them that we sent you!

Images courtesy of Anglo Couture & Carrie Wildes Photography.

We Wed, hosted by Weddings by Socialites

2011-03-16T22:52:00.005-04:00

In addition to meeting new vendors and flipping through bridal magazines, a part of the job of a wedding planner is attending educational seminars and conferences. Weddings by Socialites hosted We Wed IV. We were so excited to learn and of course to see our friend, Kelly McWilliams! It was hosted at the Marina Village Resort in Cape Coral. There were so many great speakers explaining their position in the wedding industry - DJ, Photographer, Florist, Planner, etc. The theory is, that if we make an effort to thoroughly learn about each other's jobs, we can work better together. In between the different speakers, there was time to discuss our thoughts on the material and find common ground with other industry professionals. One of the biggest focuses of the event, was the use of Twitter in business. We definitely walked about reminded, inspired, and motivated!

The entire experience was eye-opening and information! Thank you Kelly!

Images courtesy of Maria Glassford Photography.

UNIQUE Wedding: Threasa & Justin

2011-03-16T11:24:00.003-04:00

Threasa & Justin are a fun-loving couple that wanted a Fall themed wedding. Threasa is a fan of gerber daisies so they were present all over the wedding, and they added such a lively feel! In honor of Justin's love for the University of Tennessee, Threasa chose to wear garter that proudly represented his favorite team! The girls wore mocha and pumpkin dresses and carried multi-colored bouquets. The feel of the wedding was warm and homey, yet elegant. Threasa & Justin's ceremony took place in Hollis Gardens, overlooking Lake Mirror. Upon entering the Magnolia Building, the guests were greeted by a table of escort cards and wine cork holders. Threasa & Justin are real wine lovers! The bride and groom opted to have a crystal wish tree. The guests wrote their well wishes on cards and hung them on the tree. The guest tables featured warm tones, mahogany chavari chairs, and rustic arrangements. Each guest was treated to a leaf wine bottle cork. The groom cut the table numbers from wood. They were spectacular! The sweetheart table was positioned in front of the fireplace. There was a "D" made of sticks mounted on the wall, for the couple's last name. We added touches of Fall through the Magnolia Building - candles, berries, branches, etc. The cake was on the stage and sat atop a bed of branches. We filled in the void space with bunches of branches with hanging votives. For the first dance, the bride & groom began a typical slow dance then went into an "Evolution of Dance!" They REALLY got into it! This was probably the best performance we've ever seen. The photos say enough! What a wonderful wedding!

Threasa & Justin, we will you all the best for a long and happy life together!

Wedding Coordination: UNIQUE Event Design...of course!

Bartending: Spunky Spirits

Cake: El Panque y La Rosca Bakery

Catering: Affordable Catering

Florist: Tyler Floral Shoppe

Hotel Accommodations: Hyatt Place Lakeland

Linens: Connie Duglin

Makeup: Mirabella's Signature Salon & Spa

DJ: Marc Burgess Productions

Officiant: Eileen Holzschuh

Photography: Tina Bass Photography

Rentals: First Class Rentals of Tampa Bay

Transportation: Eddie Godfrey Limo

Tuxedo Rental: Nathan's Mens Store

Venue: Hollis Gardens & The Magnolia Building

Images courtesy of Tina Bass Photography.

UNIQUE Feature: Jennifer & Dustin

2011-03-15T15:19:00.003-04:00

Jennifer & Dustin's wedding has been featured on A Fly on the Wall Photography's blog. Check it out here!

More details of Jennifer & Dustin's wedding are still to come. Stay tuned!

Image courtesy of A Fly on the Wall Photography.

Kiss & Tell: Stacey & Mike

2011-03-15T13:14:00.002-04:00

So humbled to receive this card from an October bride & groom! This couple was sooooo much fun to work with! And the fact that they live in Louisiana most definitely added to the fun!

"Staci,

Hopefully this finds you well. Mike and I have been meaning to get out our thank you cards for a while now - the first and biggest thanks goes to you. Our wedding was very well planned. Throughout the day and afterwards, we kept getting comments on how well everything flowed together and that a clear theme that matched our personalities was present. Thanks to you for keeping us on track and keeping me from going crazy up until the big day. You were a pleasure to work with and gave nothing but 110% all of the time. We'll have to keep up with each other. Between Baton Rouge and Tampa we should have plenty of opportunity! All the best to you, the hubby, and UNIQUE Event Design.

With MUCH Appreciation,
Stacey & Mike Wilson"

Stacey & Mike - It was a real joy (and laugh) to work with you two! We wish you a long and happy life filled with love (and laughs too!)

Image courtesy of Phillip Lloyd Photography.

UNIQUE Moment!

2011-03-01T14:21:00.002-05:00

Such a beautiful moment was featured on Pezz Photo's blog, between our January bride, Monica, and her father. Check it out! Great job Pezz Photo!

Image courtesy of Pezz Photo.

Featured on Brenda's Wedding Blog!

2011-03-01T14:15:00.003-05:00

We are so excited that Kaara & Chris' Wedding has been featured on Brenda's Wedding Blog!

Image courtesy of Brenda's Wedding Blog.

UNIQUE March Anniversaries!

2011-03-01T13:27:00.003-05:00

Ahhh...gotta LOVE wedding season! Loads of UNIQUE Anniversaries!

Happy Two Year Anniversary, Kristin & Jason!

A Fly on the Wall Photography

Happy One Year Anniversary, Aly & Eric!

Kimberly Photography

Happy 11 Year Anniversary, Julie & Flo!

Shakespeare Photography

Happy One Year Anniversary, Rachel & Gordon!

Jeff Mason Photography

Happy One Year Anniversary, Heather & Mike!

Limelight Photography

We wish all of you many more years of happiness & bliss!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T09:29:00.003-05:00

Here's a hole mess of some of our favorite "kiss" shots from our fabulous clients, to get you in the lovey-dovey mood!

Medley of Memories Photography

Jeff Mason Photography

Robert McClory Photography

Tina Bass Photography

Limelight Photography

Shakespeare Photography

Mollie Grady Photography

Ashlynn Dumelle Photography

A Fly on the Wall Photography

Limelight Photography

Limelight Photography

Shakespeare Photography

Limelight Photography

Vadim Photo

Love Inspired Photography

Happy Valentine's Day from UNIQUE Event Design!

UNIQUE Feature: Jennifer & Dustin

2011-02-14T06:10:00.004-05:00

Jennifer & Dustin's holiday wedding was featured on A Fly on the Wall Photography's Blog!

Check it out here!

Image courtesy of A Fly on the Wall Photography.

Your UNIQUE Ideas? Our UNIQUE Vision!

2011-02-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

Our clients walk into our studio with random ideas. They're all over the place and filled with ideas that have not been developed. They also carry binders filled with loads of photos. Pages and pages printed from websites, blogs, etc. Some clients have something depicting exactly what they want, and others still don't know. "I like this picture, but I don't know why!" We hear this alot! This is wear WE shine!

Our "art" is being able to understand and develop their vision. We interpret their ideas in a way that explodes them and takes them to a level that they could have never dreamed of. We take those ideas and photos, pick them apart, and find the emotion that you want to relay to your guests. We surprise and delight our clients with our vision, created for them. Us, our art, and our creative business is expressed in the essence of what we create for our clients.

Ari and Allan wanted a Mediterranean inspired event, with the color scheme of a peacock feather, and filled with drama & romance.

A soft garden wedding with modern touches and a light color scheme was perfect for Amanda & Anthony.

Kaara and Chris wanted the traditional look of black & white damask with apple green accents and modern touches.

"Lunch on the Lawn" was the theme for Aly & Eric's wedding. A daytime wedding with a color scheme of white, lime, and tangerine with fresh, citrus touches.

Julie & Flo wanted their 10 year vow renewal to be romantic and filled with drama and bling.

Images courtesy of Shakespeare Photography, Tina Bass Photography, Robert McClory Photography, & Kimberly Photography.

UNIQUE Studio Update!

2011-02-12T10:32:00.006-05:00

A long overdue UNIQUE Studio update!

We have the space divided into two areas. One, is a relaxed lounge area to meet with clients.

The other is a working space.

No, the ladder is NOT a permanent fixture! We needed it to hang our light.

More updates to come! Stay tuned!