Limelight Photography
We wish you many more blessings and a life of joy, happiness, & love!
Monday, August 8, 2011
UNIQUE Anniversary: Jennifer & Nick
Happy Two Year Anniversary, Jennifer & Nick!
Limelight Photography
We wish you many more blessings and a life of joy, happiness, & love!
Limelight Photography
We wish you many more blessings and a life of joy, happiness, & love!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
UNIQUE Experience!
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!
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!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
UNIQUE Approach!
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
- 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.
"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 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.
Monday, August 1, 2011
UNIQUE FEATURE!!!
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!
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!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
UNIQUE Wedding: Jennifer & Dustin at St. Raphael & The Westshore Yacht Club
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.
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
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."
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!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
UNIQUE Feature: Beth & Jake
Beth & Jake's elegantly sophisticated wedding has been featured on Wes Weber Photography's blog! Check it out here!
Stay tuned for more details of Beth & Jake's wedding!
Monday, July 18, 2011
UNIQUEly Featured: Tom Stango, Ballroom Dance Instructor
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
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
Thursday, July 14, 2011
UNIQUE Feature: Deanna & Dax
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!
Style Me Pretty
More fabulous photos of Deanna & Dax's wedding are on their way!
Monday, July 4, 2011
A UNIQUE Endorsement!
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.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Another UNIQUE Bundle of Joy!
Kate & Mike were married in February and just welcomed their first son, John Thomas Ross!
Congratulations Kate & Mike! He's gorgeous!
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