Panache Weddings & Events

Windsor Wedding

2010-11-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

Details details!!! We had the privilege of designing and coordinating a wedding at Windsor in May 2010. Here are a few details shots from that lovely day. Thanks to Vitalic for the beautiful photos.

Grace and Bryan

2010-11-22T11:00:00.022-05:00

This wedding went perfectly - the weather, the bride and groom, the guests, the timing, and the vendors. You could not have had a more enjoyable day - and I think they all did :)

march 2010

www.atappenphoto.com

Angel and Frank

2010-11-21T18:44:00.000-05:00

We hold a special place in our hearts for Angel and Frank. It's not just because they are really lovely people and they are really in love with each other, but they had such a great attitude about the fact that half of the yearly rainfall percentage fell on their wedding day. I swore we were in the midst of an unseasonable hurricane, but alas, once the I do's were spoken and the crew was on their way to the reception, the skies cleared and the stars came out. It was a great party!!!!

march 2010

Thank you Misty from

www.amistymoment.com

AHHHHH! So much to blog, so little time....

2010-11-21T18:19:00.001-05:00

We've been MIA and have no real good reason. Just the same ole so much to do, so little time....

So we will get on with the pics from the last few great weddings...

Jade <3 Josh

Photos by Atappenphoto.com.

So You Think You Can Plan?

2010-02-05T18:08:00.001-05:00

Because we have been asked about this a bajillion times, and I don't think I could sum this up better, I'm reposting an article by Amy Nichols here. Hope it helps, hope it answers questions, hope it invokes a lot of THOUGHT before you decide to take the leap and hang your shingle :)

And just so you know...I love my job, I love that I can sit in my pj's a lot of the time, I love meeting new people (and usually always happy and excited), BUT it's a lot of work and self discipline...and a lot of other hard things (like bookkeeping and budgeting and balancing...), all of which I have not mastered yet, but I'm getting there!

Style Me Pretty's Backstage Blog

Happy Planning,

The Wedding Library

2010-01-18T13:05:00.000-05:00

The event at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach was over the top, oh my god fabulous, and that is only the beginning. I was a little in awe of seeing, speaking and just being in the presence of Darcy Miller, Abby Larsen, Randy Fenoli, Badgley Mischka, Sylvia Weinstock, Mara Urshel, etc. etc.

Brides really made out well at this event as Kleinfeld agreed to give away a dress worth $5,000.00 (at the urging of Randy Fenoli) and the swag bag at the end of the day did not disappoint either. There was also a Honeymoon giveaway at the Breakers...

The VIP lunch was sold out by the time I purchased tickets (procrastination?), and that was a bummer because guest speaker was Abby Larsen of Style Me Pretty. Call me blogger stalker but I managed to hunt her down and snap a photo with her! She really is so very sweet... one wonders what might go through her head when people come up to her and tell her how great her blog is ALL DAY LONG?

Hands down the highlight of the day was the Kleinfeld Fashion Show.....A M A Z I N G. Here are a few seriously terrible shots of that show... I really couldn't help it - the models were gorgeous and I don't mean the brides. It's hard to ogle and take photos AT THE SAME TIME.

Yes, there were donuts...

and amazing decor...

and I wasn't lying - I really did meet Sylvia Weinstock!

I TOLD you she was there...

See what I mean?

This dress belongs in a Sex and the City movie.

Loveeee the headpiece.

hmmmm....

ok, terrible picture of me..but how cute is Abby Larsen?

and Randy Fenoli!

Seriously, when is the next one?

2010 Hot COLOR Trends!

2010-01-11T10:52:00.000-05:00

If you have not heard of or checked out My Personal Artist for your wedding save the dates, invites, etc. YOU SHOULD.

The inspiration for their work in 2010 is beautiful and right on in my opinion. Check out their new spring and summer wedding color ideas!

My favorite color right now is yellow - just LOVING it in all shades and with so many accent colors to choose from.

What are your 2010 wedding colors?

Nelle Handbags! A great find for brides and guests :)

2009-12-09T15:06:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa,
I absolutely have to have this adorable clutch from NELLE handbags.

thankyouverymuch.

Glen & Stephanie

2009-12-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

Stephanie and Glen got married under the beautiful full moon and starry sky on October 31, 2009. The bride wore a dress by Ravini, and her bridesmaids all wore an off the rack Milly dress that provided all the color and flair needed for this simple white wedding! Florals in white hydrangea, orchids, and peonies were done by Hutchinson's Floral Artistry. Check out these amazing photos provided by the very talented duo Nicki and Chrissy of Vitalic Photography.

Elite Connections

2009-12-03T16:26:00.002-05:00

Finally getting around to posting an event we planned at the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa on September 23, 2009. It was a big success!!! We are already talking about the next one and how we can make it even BETTER! So here are a few pics from the event. Photography by Angela Tappen :)

Marcy Blum{isms}

2009-08-30T10:37:00.007-04:00

I have been following Marcy Blum's *hilarious* new blog for a while now and am just catching up on the last month of blog posts. I particularly enjoyed this one about rehearsal dinners. I have a lot of the same thoughts on this topic and in a nutshell, here are her points:

1. I really do think that if you invite guests from far away to your wedding, you do need to invite them to some sort of night before festivities.

2.Assign someone to M.C. the dinner...Now, of course it helps if the M.C. is witty and charming (and Marcy always thinks it’s a good job for someone who is feeling a little left out.

3. ...they are even more fun if you create a theme or even just a dress code for them that is lighthearted.

4. Pay attention to the seating- whether you want to mix it up so that people are forced to make new friends.

5. Lastly, if the pre-wedding dinner guest list is small, you might decide to treat yourselves and your guests to some extravagances you might not consider for a large wedding

you can read the entire article here Wedhead waxes about rehearsal dinners..., and follow Marcy's blog here!

*On a side note, I had the opportunity to see Marcy Blum speak at Engage 08! Wedding Symposium and she is super down to Earth and a wealth of information and knowledge about weddings. She is speaking at the next Engage Symposium at the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel in October and if you are a wedding professional, you should check that out here. It is quite an investment, but well worth it!

Sorry to See the Summer Go...

2009-08-28T14:54:00.005-04:00

I heart you yellow. Here is a great summer wedding featured on Style Me Pretty's blog and shot by photographer Millie Holloman.

so sad to see you go summer, till next year...

Anatomy of an Invitation by Martha (Stewart that is!)

2009-08-03T11:01:00.011-04:00

We have brides ask us all the time to help them with the wording of their invites and of course WE DO! However, this article published in 2008 by Martha Stewart Magazine really goes over the basics and the what ifs of invitation wording. With so many family tree branches and directions, it's difficult to stick to a "classic" or traditional approach, and these days - you really don't have to!

Brides are often intimidated by the etiquette of invitation wording; in fact, the rules are fairly straightforward, and these days they are often made to be broken.

In most cases, there's more than one option, although your choice of language as well as typeface, layout, and color palette provide subtle clues about what your wedding will be like -- and who you are as a couple.

Host Lines
Historically, the bride's parents had top billing, and they still should for formal affairs, but naming both sets of parents as hosts is a gracious option no matter who foots the bill. Some couples issue their own invitations, or do so together with their parents. Some examples follow.

Bride's Parents Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bradshaw

Divorced Parents Hosting, Mother Has Remarried
Mr. and Mrs. John Carruthers
Mr. Richard Bradshaw ... at the marriage of their daughter Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw
(note that mother's name appears first; father's name appears first only if mother will not be contributing to the costs of the wedding)

Divorced Parents Hosting, Father Has Remarried but Mother Has Not
Mrs. Catherine Bradshaw
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bradshaw ... at the marriage of their daughter Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw

Divorced Parents Hosting, Both Parents Have Remarried
Mr. and Mrs. John Carruthers
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bradshaw

Bride's Divorced Mother Is Hosting
Mrs. Catherine Bradshaw

Bride's Divorced Parents, Not Remarried, Hosting
Mrs. Catherine Bradshaw
Mr. Richard Bradshaw request the honour...

Bride's Mother and Stepfather Hosting (Father Has No Part in Bride's Life)
Mr. and Mrs. John Carruthers request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw

Bride's Mother and Stepfather Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. John Carruthers request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of her daughter [or, Mrs. Carruthers's daughter] Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw

Both Bride's and Groom's Parents Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bradshaw and Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Clarke (follow similar naming conventions as above if the groom's parents have divorced and/or remarried)

Bride's Parents Hosting, Honoring Groom's Parents
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bradshaw request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw to Angus Piers Clarke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Clarke (follow similar naming conventions as above if the groom's parents have divorced and/or remarried; see below for naming convention if one of his parents is deceased)

Bride and Groom Hosting
Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw and Angus Piers Clarke or, more formally Miss Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw and Mr. Angus Piers Clarke

Bride's Living Parent Is Hosting
Mr. [Mrs.] Richard Bradshaw

Honoring Deceased Parents -- Bride
The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw, daughter of Richard Bradshaw and the late Catherine Bradshaw, to Angus Piers Clarke. Or: The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw, daughter of Richard and the late Catherine Bradshaw. Or: The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw, daughter of Catherine Bradshaw and her late husband, Richard. Or: The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw, daughter of the late Mr. Richard Bradshaw and his wife, Catherine.

If Both Parents Are Deceased
The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bradshaw. Or: The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage of Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw, daughter of the late Richard and Catherine Bradshaw.

All Parties Hosting
Together with their parents, Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw and Angus Piers Clarke

Father Is a Doctor
Doctor and Mrs. Richard Bradshaw

Mother Is a Doctor
Doctor Catherine Bradshaw and Mr. Richard Bradshaw

Both Parents Are Doctors
The Doctors Bradshaw, or Doctor Richard Bradshaw and Doctor Catherine Bradshaw (doctor may be abbreviated for space).

Groom's Parents Are Hosting
Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Clarke request the honour of your presence at the marriage of Miss Elizabeth Anne Bradshaw to their son Angus Piers Clarke.

Bride's Parents Are Hosting (Mother Uses Maiden Name)
Mr. Richard Bradshaw and Ms. Catherine Keys (note that their names are on a single line)

Request Lines
Honour of your presence: Honour spelled British-style with a U indicates a ceremony in a house of worship.

The pleasure of your company: indicates the ceremony is taking place outside a place of worship.

When both sets of the couple's parents are hosting, this line would specify "at the marriage of their children."

Bride and Groom Lines
The name of the bride always precedes the groom's name. Formal invitations issued by the bride's parents refer to her by her first and middle names, the groom by his full name and title; if the couple is hosting by themselves, their titles are optional.

Date and Time Lines
For formal events, everything is written out in full (no numerals). The year is optional (the assumption being your wedding is on the nearest such date). Time of day is spelled out using "o'clock" or "half after ___ o'clock." The use of a.m. or p.m. is optional. For casual weddings, numerals are fine.

Location Lines
The street address is not usually needed unless omitting it would lead to confusion or your wedding is taking place at the host's home. The city and state are written out in full.

Reception Lines
Very formal invitations include this information on a separate card. Otherwise, it can be printed on the invitation if there is room; if the ceremony and reception will take place at the same location, you may print "and afterward at the reception" or "reception immediately following." When the reception is elsewhere, the location goes on a different line. Include the time if not immediately following the ceremony.

RSVP Lines
Many couples choose to include a separate response card for guests to fill out and return in the mail. Traditionally, the request appears in the lower left-hand corner of the invitation with an address, implying guests should send a reply on their personal stationery.

If you are still having trouble - ask your invitation specialist, printer, or wedding planner :)

here are a few of my fav invitations:

Loving the pale yellow this season, this one by Minted

Super elegant invites by Monique Luhuillier found at Jean M invites

Fun and Funky invites created by Erin Blankley's Corndog Industries

Jeremy and Melissa

2009-06-01T17:55:00.012-04:00

I apologize. It has been forever since I've posted and we have soooo much updating to do and soooo much to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. Liz and I have met more wonderful vendors who we hope to spotlight on our blog very soon. For now though, we are highlighting our most recent wedding - Melissa and Jeremy. Just the most relaxed bride and groom from Tennessee, and a real pleasure to work with from the start. They had their very intimate SURPRISE wedding on the beach in front of the fabulous Driftwood Resort in Vero Beach. After an entire week of rain the skies parted and shined down on Melissa and Jeremy as their absolutely stunned family looked on.

The dinner reception was overlooking the beautiful Atlantic ocean and was elegant, rustic, and warm. We created a color palette of burgundy, ocean blue and ivory, and Monti from Monti's Flower Market created the beautiful floating orchid centerpieces, a small bouquet of Melissa's favorite flower, and Jeremy's requested Hawaiian Lei. we hooked Melissa up with Cindy Goetz, make up artist, and Bob at Calvetti and Co., for her desired beach wedding look. Misty Lundeen photographed the event (and we LOVE her)- I think it all worked out so perfectly....

Beautiful Bride - 10 tips on looking your best!

2009-05-03T09:31:00.015-04:00

Your look on the day of your wedding will be memorialized in your wedding photos forever. Therefore, it is so important to plan your "bridal look" well in advance of the big day. And it is so important that you stay true to yourself and not create a look that people don't identify you with. If you are a person that does not wear a lot of make-up on a daily basis then you don't need to look like a rodeo clown on your wedding day. In fact, even if you do wear a lot of make-up, consider toning it down a bit and consult with a make-up artist to create a clean,classic look that will transcend decades and I guarantee that you will love the result. Consider these tips when you are planning your wedding day make-up:

1. Consult with a professional make-up artist. Find someone reputable and make sure you see their work and it is cohesive with what you are envisioning for your bridal look.

2. Make several appointments with your esthetician the months leading up to your big day to prepare your skin. A good three months prior should do the trick unless you have more serious skin issues such as acne, rosacea, etc.

3. Use makeup that will withstand the day and eliminate several trips to the restroom to freshen up - you don't want to spend the day worrying about your make-up! The day goes by fast as it is, no need to worry about such things.

Mascara - Use waterproof mascara!

Lipstick - work with your make-up artist to find a shade that is neutral and still packs a little punch of color. Don't forget to use lipstick liner so that your lipstick doesn't feather and it will help it last longer.

Eyes- you have several options for eyes. Some brides like a dramatic look - and eyes really can be played up nicely for this effect. Or you can go with a more natural, fresh, and youthful look. Check out these two very different and very beautiful styles...

Dramatic eyes as seen here from Josie Miller.

A more natural wedding day look as seen here by South Beach Mobile Make-Up Studio.

Foundation and Powder - I am in love with some of the more natural and organic products available today that will not clog pores or harm your skin (after all you've spent months getting facials to purify your skin of the toxins in some today's beauty products!). Here are a few that fit the beauty bill and are actually good for your skin!

Origins Liquid Foundation with SPF 15 - from Organic Wear Make-Up

Physicians Formula - Mineral Wear Talc Free Bronzing Veil. This ultra lightweight powder is the finishing touch to your makeup and absorbs shine. The handy dandy brush distributes the powder and makes life sooo much easier! We love it!

4. Get your brows done! - This can be done several days before the wedding so that any puffiness or redness is long gone before the wedding day. Make sure you go to a pro who knows how to correctly sculpt your brows, this may even be the esthetician you've been seeing!

5. Have a spa day - and treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure! Try and avoid bright bold colors an try and use more natural hues or a french manicure. This is a fun thing to do the day before the wedding with all your bridesmaids!

6. Use a good moisturizer and make sure your skin has that perfect glow and radiance. Some wonderful products to start using long before the wedding day to ensure beautiful skin are:

Miessence certified organics intensive body cream.

Organic Pomegranate Nourishing Body Cream by 100% Pure

7. Find a hair style that fits you and your veil. The veil plays a big part in how your hair will be styled on your wedding day. Take into consideration if you will be wearing your veil all day long or just for the ceremony. Some other options if you are going sans veil are fun and beautiful things such...

flowers

jeweled combs

Headbands

8. Beauty is not just for brides! The groom and the men involved in the wedding may enjoy the pampering of a massage, a facial and even a pedicure! Share in the enjoyment of the days leading up the wedding by having a couples spa day!

9. Drink LOTS of water!!! Make sure your getting your eight glasses a day and this will help with the radiance of your skin and you will feel full so the need to snack on junk food will diminish considerably!

10. EXERCISE! This will help with your stress level and clear your head as well as benefiting your body. try and get into a routine of 30 minutes of exercise a day or join a local gym and invest in a couple of personal training sessions to maximize your workouts to your specific needs.

All of these things as attainable and if done in the timely manner that they should (start six months before the wedding at least), you should be in great shape for the wedding and your photos will be just as amazing as you have dreamed. Good luck and if you have any great before and after photos to share with us, we would love to see them!

Escort Cards and Displays Gone Wild!

2009-04-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Almost every wedding we do the bride has chosen to have assigned table numbers, and what a blessing it is. One of my favorite things is setting up the display for the escort cards. This element of the wedding is an opportunity to tie in a theme, color scheme, or pay homage to a heritage, tradition or just a common interest or hobby. In Florida, the beach is a very common theme and it's beauty is second to none. Here are a few very simple, elegant, and some fun ways to display escort cards with a beachy, airy, and clean feel to them.

Let's not forget about the actual table numbers! Gone are the days of pre-printed numbers!

And my personal FAV...

Have fun ladies!

Check out this FUN Save the Date!

2009-04-06T11:52:00.003-04:00

Fun
These save-the-date cards convey their message in lighthearted ways. Clockwise from top left: A calendar from a stationer starts at the wedding month and is tied with red waxed twine to a precut custom-stamped card; the wedding date is circled in red. Slip into a photo booth and come out with adorable images for your cards; have the photo strip reproduced at a copy shop onto card stock, and then fold and cut into a narrow card containing basic information. To make a save-the-date magnet, design your message on a computer, and print onto 8 1/2-by-11-inch magnetic sheets (available from office- supply stores) using an ink-jet printer; cut out. A schoolgirl may have dreamed of her wedding day as she practiced writing a married name on lined notebook paper; re-create those doodles, then photocopy onto vellum and cut to size; include a white paper background to make the words stand out. Make reminder stickers for guests to affix to calendars: Buy sheets of adhesive paper; print stickers on a computer, cut to size, and attach them to the save-the-date cards using store-bought adhesive dots.

I Heart Martha :) www.marthastewartweddings.com

Vero Beach Bridal Show 2009

2009-03-16T08:49:00.008-04:00

I'm so sorry it has been so long that we have not posted! Liz and I have been really busy meeting new brides and some great new vendors! We were also getting ready for the Treasure Coast's 4th Annual Bridal Show that took place yesterday at the Vero Beach Heritage Center and we had a really good time. Here are a few pictures of our booth taken by the always so talented Misty Lundeen (who had a booth next to ours!).

Thanks for the photos Misty and everyone who came out to see us!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T16:36:00.013-05:00

Hope everyone enjoys this day of LOVE! Here's a little red and pink inspiration from our favorite photographers...

A Misty Moment Photography:

Martina's Photography:

Angela Tappen Photography:

Verola Photography!

2009-02-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

So if you haven't caught on yet, I have a thing for photography. I believe that it is the most important component of your wedding day. Some brides get all caught up with the flowers, or the food, or even the cake, but I emphasize the photography. You've heard it before but it bears repeating, long after the last glass of champagne is tossed, the flowers wilt, and the food is gone, the photos will remain.

I recently met with Vic and Marina Verola of Verola Photography . This duo has a long standing reputation in Vero Beach for their quality photography and videography. Meeting with them was like meeting with old friends. Their studio is gorgeous and the collection of wedding albums they have shot is enormous. Needless to say I was very impressed. I was impressed by their professional but warm demeanor, I was impressed by the high tech equipment they use (be sure to know they will NEVER lose any of your photos!!), and I was certainly impressed by the quality of their photography.

I am posting just a few of the fabulous photos given to me by Verola Photography for your viewing enjoyment.

This Week's Favorite Finds!

2009-02-07T12:00:00.011-05:00

Just wanted to share some really unique finds from around the web this week!

Super cute silver hair clip - perfect for your special day! This one by Lulusplendor.

This is a great alternative to the ring bearer pillow! I love it because it's actually useful afterwards :) A ring bearer dish by raedunn

I LOVE this little save the date card from Float Paperie

These are the cutest fully customizable tote bags for the bride. Use them to carry all your "stuff" before, during, and after the wedding. They are from TullaBelles , Tulla "I do" section and come in many varieties of color/patterns.

ok, last but not least in any way, I had to find something yummy to tempt you with...get this white peach and and honey ice cream! Saw this on the Food Porn Daily Blog and originated from Straight from the Farm.

Do you not just love the way they are served out of mason jars and garnished with a perfect slice of peach?? Heaven...here is the recipe for your recreation:

White Peach & Honey Ice Cream
Adapted from Allrecipes.com

Don’t be put off by this recipe using raw eggs (unless you’re pregnant or nursing). I promise you don’t taste the raw egg. Just be sure to get the freshest eggs you can.

2 large eggs, beaten
½ C. (scant) sugar
½ C. honey
3 large (or 4 small) really ripe fresh white peaches
1 C. heavy cream
1 C. half & half creamer
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
Pinch of salt
2 T. vanilla vodka (optional)

Pit and peel the peaches. Chop into small cubes and then mash or puree until juice is released but chunks of peach remain. Stir honey into the peaches and set aside.

Combine the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the heavy cream, half & half, vanilla bean, and salt. Stir until combined. Add the peach mixture to the egg mixture. Cover and chill for at least an hour or even overnight to let the flavors of the peaches and cream marry. (It is possible to still get a nice ice cream if you need to churn it right away, but the flavor won’t be as intense.)

Place chilled mixture in your ice cream maker and follow manufacture’s directions. A minute or two before the ice cream is done, add the vanilla vodka if desired (the addition of alcohol to homemade ice cream helps the ice cream retained a smoother, less icy consistency when stored in the freezer).

Serve with slices of fresh peach and whipped cream for a real indulgence!

Angela Tappen Photography!

2009-02-05T13:32:00.016-05:00

I really have to apologize to Angela, it really should not have taken me this long to get these photos up! The good news is, we have been inundated with brides lately and because of that we haven't had time for much else!

Anyway, here are some of my favorite photos taken by the talented Angela Tappen of Angela Tappen Photography based out of Vero Beach and available for travel. Also, please visit her site if you are interested in family, children and maternity photography as well!

Real Wedding: Chris & Kerri

2009-01-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has taken me this long to post this wedding on here! We have had the photos up on the website for a little while.

Anyway, this wedding took place at the Grand Harbor Golf Club in Vero Beach, FL and was a dreamy daytime affair. The colors Kerri chose for the wedding were soft pink and sage and just really felt airy, fresh, and clean. Here are some of our favorite photos of this couple on their special day thanks to Misty Lundeen of A Misty Moment Photogrpahy

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What a GREAT Bridal Show!

2009-01-26T11:00:00.001-05:00

We attended the Melbourne Bridal Show put on by A Sophisticated Bridal Showcase and Sophisticated Gents last weekend and have been sooo incredibly busy since then meeting with new brides!! Here are a few pics from our tablescape we created for the "Champagne Dreams" themed event.

Engage!09 Grand Caymen Style!

2009-01-15T09:07:00.007-05:00

I had the opportunity to attend the first symposium that Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce from Engaging Concepts put on last June, and I tell you it is a must if you can afford the cost and the time off to go.

They have put together the best minds in the wedding business industry and housed them all under one roof for YOU. It is an intimate setting (and this one is at the Ritz Carlton - Grand Caymen Island) so it is a vacation too! You will have the opportunity to ask the leading professionals in the business like Preston Bailey, Sylvia Weinstock, Marcy Bloom, and soooo many more those burning questions about business, design, inspiration, and all things wedding! Here's the low down on the symposium Engage!09

AND wait there's more....This time they will be selecting ONE PERSON for a scholarship opportunity! To get the info on this fabulous opportunity click here.

Sadly, I will not be able to attend this time. Here's to hoping that Rebecca can keep this wonderful event on the calendar for many years!

Favors, Flowers, and Centerpieces!

2009-01-10T09:12:00.010-05:00

All three in one shot! I just love this idea and saw it displayed so elegantly and simply in the Winter 2009 edition of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. I heart Martha.

Anyway, this idea is so resourceful and I just love it. It has soooo many possibilities. You can have little potted plants stacked in tiers for centerpieces and also serve as wedding guest favors! If you want to be even more eco-friendly, you can use little trees to be planted later. A wonderful reminder of your special day and all of those who participated.

Did you ever wonder what was going to happen to all those beautiful centerpieces that you spent thousands of dollars on? So many times they end up in the trash. At best some of your guests or bridal party take home the flowers.

So here are a few ideas and a real easy DIY project to get you motivated to try this different approach to favors, flowers and centerpieces!

Super Eco-Friendly!

Flower Boxes!

and the DIY project: Mini Bouquets!

Tools and Materials
You will need glass cylinders, 5 inches tall and 5 inches in diameter; 1 1/2-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon; scissors; double-sided tape; plastic flower tubes; sturdy decorative paper; flowers; and our cone template.

Mini Bouquet How-To
1. Cut ribbon to fit around base of each glass cylinder, and tape in place.

2. Make paper cones: Using a template, trace and cut out as many as you need. Curl into cones, and tape.

3. For bouquets, remove lower leaves from the flowers, and trim stems. Fill plastic floral tubes with water; insert flowers. Slip tubes into paper cones, and place a pair of bouquets in each glass cylinder.

Don't forget to have fun with this and get your bridal party in on the assembly action!

Going Green & Staying Chic

2009-01-09T11:05:00.008-05:00

I think every bride & groom wants a wedding that reflects who they are & what they're passionate about (besides each other that is!). These days it seems more & more couples are planning eco-friendly weddings. Check out some of these great links that can guide you in the right direction. If you've been thinking about it, keep in mind, being enviornmentally concious doesnt mean you have to sacrifice your wallet or your style!

Viva Terra has awesome products for eco-friendly centerpieces

Here is a site that has some really great ideas and links to other resources Great Green Weddings

Here is a GREAT article from grist.com all about how to have a green wedding.

Great resource for online wedding vendors that are eco-friendly!! Cique

Sophisticated Bridal Showcase!

2009-01-03T11:00:00.004-05:00

If you are in the Melbourne Florida area on Sunday, January 18, 2009 please come out and see us at the Sophisticated Bridal Showcase where Panache Weddings & Events will have a booth!

This is by far one of the best attended and well organized bridal showcases that we have ever seen, and we are looking forward to meeting all the new brides! If you would like to pre-register (and if your a bride, you should because you can win lots of great stuff like an ipod Nano!), click here.

Put it on your calendar and we'll see you there!

Ring in the New Year with All New Trends!

2009-01-01T11:00:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! As we have now reflected on the past year (good, bad, and ugly), I am looking ahead to the possibilities of change and to new and exciting endeavors! To start off on the right foot, let's look at some of what we in the wedding world can look forward to in 2009...

The biggest wedding trends in 2009 are bold, bright color palettes, exotic themes and a classic romance feel. I have been hearing and seeing this trend over the past few weeks and like what I see. Vintage style wedding gowns, food tasting stations instead of the adored buffet line, and Caribbean locations will reign in 2009.

Check out this article for the lowdown on all of these new trends.

Here are a few of the new and upcoming designs that turned my head.

Turquoise is a big color and really fits in with the tropical/exotic locations.

Yellow accents are a great spring color and super trendy for 2009.

Pair yellow with navy blue and you have sort of a nautical feel great for the warm weather preppy bride. Here are some elements of a navy and yellow themed wedding from the Tastefully Entertaining board.

And last but not least the super romantic color - PINK! All shades of pink will pop up this year. Here are a few that I find super elegant.

Invites from My Personal Artist

Italian Favor boxes from theknot.com

A pink bridal bouquet from thebridalcorner.com

The Little Black Dress, New Year's Style!

2008-12-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

The little black dress is a must for most occasions and New Year's Eve is no exception. On New Years though, we can get away with a little more bling than usual, right? Here are some of my favorite little black dresses for New Years.

This one is by Eliza J, and is a ruffle wrap dress (I love it with the belt!)

Here is one with quite the bling effect. Super fun and will definitely make a statement. It is made by Scala and you can find it here.

I am really loving Betsy Johnson right now so bare with me. I want this dress! It is so cute.

All are good dresses to wear to a wedding this time of year, just be careful not to outshine the bride :)

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?

2008-12-19T10:45:00.000-05:00

This is a question that I hear more often than not. I came across this great article that really hits the nail on the head as far as the why factor is concerned. I couldn't have said it any different, so check it out here.

Now that being said, I couldn't agree more with the article, BUT there is also the issue of finding the RIGHT wedding planner. A wedding planner WILL free up your time, negotiate the best prices, let you relax and enjoy your special day, but you must have a great working relationship with your planner. I would say that most of the brides Liz and I have worked with in the past have become somewhat close to us - maybe even friends... We get cards and updates, e-mails and photos of new babies, etc. Bottom line is they need to TRUST us, and feel comfortable with us taking care of the details and carry out the vision that they have created for their day.

So, when selecting a planner, and you really should if you can somehow manage it into your budget, make sure you select the right planner, and not just the one that may be the least expensive, or have the most experience, or "seems like" the logical choice because your best friend hired them. They have to really "get you" and what you want for your day.

99% of the time if you hire a planner with great referrals from friends and family, most likely they will be great with you too. But if you are stressing out before your wedding because your not sure the wedding planner has the details under control or isn't executing your ideas correctly, re-evaluate why you hired them and communicate with your planner, or even change planners. A hassle? yes. Will you lose your deposit? probably, Is it worth it - definitely.

You only get to do this once...Why hire a planner? Because you NEED one, and they are their to HELP you.

Hot Shoes comin' through!!!

2008-12-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

I love shoes. There, I said it. Here are a couple pair I found that I hope some day will find their way into my closet. A girl can dream...

I never thought I would like a Jessica Simpson shoe, but here I am adoring this pair. These are from Nordstrom.

This gold shoe makes me want to dance I love it so much. It's by Stuart Weitzman, and again you can find it at Nordstrom.

And then there is this gem. A Betsy Johnson, totally fun, wish I had somewhere to go out and party kinda shoe. I love it and am still available for a Christmas party if you so choose to invite me!

So there you have it. A random post about an inanimate object that makes me so happy. I hope you liked them half as much as I did!

Helpful Addiction - Magazine Junkie Finds Great Holiday Decor!

2008-12-15T11:00:00.001-05:00

I have outdone myself! What started out as an interest in magazines (bridal mostly), has become overwhelming in the sheer volume of magazines I receive. It seems that many of them are catalogs of sorts from various online vendors that I have ordered from, so not really a magazine, but I still peruse through them from time to time and feel the need to hoard them as if the products will disappear if I recycle the little gem. Hoarding or my need to hang on to every piece of paper I receive is another issue entirely, but is probably the root of why I am so overwhelmed by magazines lately.

Anyhow, recently I started subscribing (again, after a short lapse in letting my subscription run out) to Coastal Living magazine.

I bring this up because of my close proximity to the ocean and the sheer volume of beach wedding us Floridian planners have the opportunity to assist with. This holiday season, I have found great inspiration in the Coastal Magazine December issue. Planning a wedding is a great feat, but a holiday wedding is a completely different ballgame and inspiration for a Floridian beach holiday wedding is a challenge. So I am grateful to my freakishly large collection of magazines come these great challenges, and most recently to Coastal Living magazine as their stylish, chic, and not kitchy or tacky warm weather holiday decor is just what I was looking for. Here are some photos from the December issue. Hope you find them as inspirational as I did!

Let there be PIE!

2008-12-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

So with Thanksgiving over, I have made it my personal mission to not give up the pie. As tradition goes, the wedding cake is age old, and so is pie for that matter. But PIE for cake? or PIE instead of cake? Yes! and there are oh so many varieties to choose from. How about mini pies? or mini cheesecakes? I love this idea and found that other people love it too! Here is an assortment of luscious yummy pies and tasty treats to tempt you! This first one is my FAV - pumpkin pie, this one made by Cannelle et Vanille.

Oh oh! Don't forget such delights as the mini cheesecake...found here from Cake on the Brain

and finally the most perfect wedding favor in my honest opinion is one you can eat. Try these for example...My Sweet & Saucy's delicious and gorgeous cupcakes!

The Budget Bride - 5 Money Saving Tips!

2008-12-05T11:00:00.002-05:00

Just like so many of us these days, brides are on a serious BUDGET! And sticking to the budget is definitely a chore. As I meet with more and more brides there is one theme that is always the same. Brides are on a budget and they just don't wanna sacrifice ANY part of the wedding that they have dreamed of. So, here is a little advice on how to cut costs without cutting out the style.

#1 - Almost half of your budget is going to be in reception expenses. This largely includes food. To cut your costs, the first thing to do is cut the guest list. Sit down with your fiance,your Mom, or planner and go through the list one by one. Aunt Mary stays, but Moms co-worker is out. Also, cut out the "and guest" language on the invites. Sorry singles, your flame of the week is not invited!

#2 - The designer gown. We ALL want the latest Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, or Reem Acra gown. This CAN be possible. Try checking out sites like Once Wed, where you can find a used DESIGNER gown (worn once of course!) for a fraction of what it would retail for.I found a once worn Vera Wang for $1,650.00 that had an original retail price of $5,000.00. Seriously people, check it out! The photo below is a Vera Wang dress going for $950.00!

#3 - Centerpieces - The BEST way to cut back on your floral budget for your centerpieces is to use as many candles as possible. Not only is it an elegant way to dress up your table, but it provides the most flattering light for your guests and looks amazing in photos! Pair candles of different sizes with small floral arrangements, and you have a match made in centerpiece heaven. Check out Save on Crafts for great prices on glassware, candles and other decor.

#4 - Your save the dates, invites, programs, place cards, and menus. Can we say DIY? That is the most practical way to do it - yourself! If you have a fancy computer program like photoshop - USE IT! These paper goodies could turn out better than you had hoped. Use your favorite engagement photo and keep it simple, chic and stylish. Make sure to solicit the help of your Maid of Honor and wedding party to help you assemble the goods. Here's a sample of a DIY Save the Date that is oh so cute created by the Budget Savvy Bride.

#5 - Don't slash your photography budget! Instead, interview with A LOT of photographers and find the one that is right for you and has the best packages for the price. A budget bride should always look for an engagement photo session that is included in the package price as well as coverage from the ceremony through the reception. Be careful though, because pre-wedding photos (getting ready shots) can be extra and you'll have to decide whether that is worth it. Finally - purchase the photo CD or better yet, the package that includes it. This may be a little pricey if not included, but worth every penny! You can then order whatever photos you want from any online printer! If your a local Vero Beachian, I suggest Angela Tappen Photography. Not because she is budget at all, but because she offers packages that are nearly "all inclusive" for realistic prices and her work is AMAZING!

Happy Planning!

P.S. Another Giveaway!

2008-12-04T10:40:00.004-05:00

This is a giveaway for 40 personalized cards and envelopes from Parklife Press. Check it out and enter here. Perfect for your bridal thank you cards. Good Luck!

Holiday Cheer, Here's to the Bubbly!

2008-12-01T11:00:00.005-05:00

We all love a great party. But if you ask me a great party always starts with a great drink! I just love this festive presentation and play on one of the best celebratory drinks ever - champagne. So its called the Cranberry Tree and it's made like this:

Ingredients
1/2 cup chilled champagne
1/2 cup cranberry juice
Fresh cranberries threaded on a skewer
Directions
1. In a champagne glass combine chilled champagne and cranberry juice. Garnish with cranberry skewer. Makes 1 serving.

You can find this drink and many more fabulous festive elixers here on the Better Homes and Gardens website. Cheers to the holiday season!

Attention all Brides!!! Surprise Giveaway!

2008-11-19T10:55:00.007-05:00

I just ran across a post from the blog Hostess with the Mostess, and those girls have teamed up with Betsy White Stationary Boutique to bring one lucky winner a $100.00 shopping spree! Their wedding invitation designs are very chic and modern and just plain GORGEOUS, so please take advantage and sign up for the drawing, you could receive an early Christmas gift!

Hurry....go....SIGN UP!

Holiday Parties!

2008-11-13T12:06:00.007-05:00

Hosting a holiday party is fun and exciting, but can also be a stressful task! Here is a great article by Audra Dobson that I came across on several steps to follow for throwing a great holiday party.

Step #1: Gather Basic Information
The first step in planning a party is gathering basic information. This information includes the number of guests, where the party will be, if you will be serving dinner or snacks, and if anyone will be helping you. As you are planning, it is also important to be thinking about whom (family, club, coworkers, etc.) and what (Christmas, New Year's, birthday, reunion, etc.) this party is for. All of this information will ensure that you will not leave out any important details!
Another piece of basic information that you must decide on, is how large your budget will be for this event. This will help make certain decisions for you. If you have a large budget, than you know you can afford to have the food catered or buy some door prizes. If your budget is quite small, than have guests bring a dish to pass. A smaller budget may require you to be a little more creative, but you can still host an excellent party.

Step #2: Pick a Theme
If you are planning a holiday party, this step will be very simple, but you can still be creative! Your theme may just be the decorative colors you want to use or it could be a themed Christmas party (office Christmas party, teacher Christmas party, etc.). Do not worry about any of the decorating details just yet. You will have plenty of time for that, but you need to have a base to start from. A theme will make the party complete and help tie everything together from the food to the decorations to the entertainment.

Step #3: Decide on Food
After you have picked out your theme, it is now time to move on to the food. Your final decision for the food will rely heavily on the budget you have set aside. Can you afford a dinner or should you just serve appetizers? Will you make the food or get it catered?
When you decide on these two things, you can start writing down the menu to be served. There are two important aspects of the menu that you must remember as you plan. First, make sure that the food items on your menu fit together. For example, you probably should not serve cheese pizza with fancy desserts and side dishes. The other thing to remember is to serve a variety of dishes encompassing all of the food groups. Attempt to include fruit and vegetables so that any vegetarian who comes to your party will not go hungry.

Step #4: Decide on Décor
The decorations you decide on will revolve around the theme that you chose. As you can see, it is important to choose your theme first because it will affect the rest of your planning. According to your theme, your décor will be simple or extravagant. Your budget will also determine how much effort you put into your decorations. If you only chose a few colors for your theme, the extent of your work may just consist of purchasing the colored plates, napkins, etc.
To the other extreme, if you chose an actual theme, you can be more creative in your decorating, as well as have more fun! For themes, I insist that you pay attention to every detail. Let's say that you have been nominated to plan a party for the people who work in your office. Instead of simply decorating for Christmas, you could decorate using office equipment and supplies. Start by hanging pens and pencils from your Christmas tree, and put eating utensils in a pen cup. Details like these are simple, but will be quickly noticed by your guests.

Step #5: Decide on Entertainment (if any)
This step is optional according to the type of party you are having and the type of people you are inviting. Some groups of people are perfectly content chatting throughout the evening while others need a little more guidance in finding things to do. Also, be respectful of people you know who dislike games and do not enjoy being put on the spot. You definitely want to avoid embarrassing anyone or making them feel out of place.
The entertainment you choose does not have to be extravagant. You could have several board games available to play or have a gift exchange. If you have a large amount of people coming, you could even have karaoke or a comedian come. Anything you choose will add something more to your evening which your guests will always remember.
Step #6: Invite Guests

The final step in planning the perfect party is inviting your guests. I suggest doing this after you plan the basic details unless you have a short time before the party. You should wait to invite guests so you make sure to include all important details on the invitation before they are sent out. Make your invitations according to the theme of your party and make notes if they should bring a small gift, etc. If the guests know ahead of time, you could even have them bring a dish to pass or their own drinks.

One extremely important detail that will help you plan is to put a phone number or email where they can RSVP. If the guests obey this, you will be able to prepare the proper amount of food and make sure you have enough seating for everyone. You will also know exactly what types of people are coming and if they are bringing a significant other. This information will make sure you are not guessing as you prepare. If someone does not RSVP even though you asked, still expect them to come. It is better to have a little extra food if they do not come, than not enough food if they do come.

Hope this article alleviates all of your hosting jitters! Just remember, have fun with the details, be creative and enjoy the process, your guests will appreciate all your efforts!

Gorgeous, Chic Halloween Weddings!

2008-10-29T12:27:00.017-04:00

I just love Halloween. Hands down it's my favorite holiday. I guess because my birthday is in October and when I was younger I always had a Halloween themed birthday party. I love all things Halloween, the spooky scary movies, the pumpkins, the fall leaves, and the apple cider. Recently I came across a few great ideas for your upcoming wedding and have featured a Halloween/Fall themed real wedding that is just gorgeous. This wedding is from Martha Stewart and features Anna and Mason from Pasadena, California. I just love the black details - the tables and chairs, the bridesmaid dresses, the flowers! I added a pretty orange drink with a black licorice swizzle stick, recipe below from The Food Network.

Enjoy!

The following are the wedding sources for Anna and Mason's wedding in Pasadena, California:

Catering: Jayne Slagle Catering, 931-598-5566

Stationery: Crane's

Bride's gown and bridesmaids' dresses: Vera Wang

Groom's Tuxedo: Brooks Brothers

Groomsmen's Suits: Calvin Klein

Cake: Fantasy Frosting, 562-941-6266

Flowers: Mark's Garden, 818-906-1718

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Emeril's New York City Cosmopolitan:
Ingredients
4 ounces citron-flavored vodka
2 ounces cranberry juice
1/2 ounce orange liqueur
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 thin twists lime, for garnish
Directions
Combine the vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake to combine and chill. Pour into 2 glasses filled with ice, and garnish each with 1 twist of lime. Serve immediately.
Use a piece of chocolate or black licorice as a swizzle stick or straw!

Vendors We LOVE!

2008-10-24T12:00:00.002-04:00

I just had the pleasure of meeting with Martina Tannery of Martina's Photography and I cannot wait to work with her. Please check out her website and her work, it is incredible! Here are a few pics from some of the many weddings she has done over the last few years! We on the Treasure Coast are so lucky to have the ocean so close to us to use for these special moments. Martina said it best "God just creates this beautiful light and cloud arrangements for you!"

Enjoy!

Something Blue!

2008-10-22T11:33:00.032-04:00

Let me just start off by saying that I heart Etsy. I know I know, we've all heard how fabulous it is, but I am just catching on.... Ok, so if I had a dime for every time a bride said "I need my something blue" I would be off on some fabulous beach tanning myself....

So while I was perusing the many great finds on etsy, a few "blue" items caught my eye and I wanted to go back in time and get married all over again just so that I could use these fabulous items.

Ok, I added the cake pic cause we all know how I love cake :)

You can find the above at:
Blue Paisley Cake done by I Dream of Cake in San Franciso (which is on my list of cities to visit BTW)
Oh So French and Blue Garter Vintage Lace and Chiffon by Petrene Design
Powder Blue Chandelier Earrings by Noaki
Little Blue Small Silver Hair Comb by Chicallure

Ahhh the pure joy of a great find...

Sparkle Barbie Shoes...

2008-10-17T17:19:00.016-04:00

I don't know what it is about things that sparkle. I have always been attracted to anything that shined, and when I was younger that reflected in my design choices in clothing for me and my dolls (Barbie was my fav!). It's definitely a girl thing as are shoes, so this pair of Stuart Weitzman silver sequin shoes have gotten me all in a tizzy! I just LOVE them. I think that every girl should own a pair and what better time to wear them than your wedding day. Ahhhh shoes, you can never have too many :)

Wedding Traditions - Wealth and Prosperity!

2008-10-03T16:19:00.007-04:00

For centuries and in many cultures there are numerous traditions followed for wedding ceremonies. One of the traditions that is centuries old is the silver sixpence brides wear in their shoe to bless their marriage with wealth and prosperity. Not a bad idea! Who wouldn't want that right? Well I don't know about you, but I don't frequently use silver sixpence and recently I was in need of one for wouldn't you know it, a bride! So I came across many of websites that sold the silver currency, but one caught my eye. I like that Ferbers out of Mississsippi sells the shiny coin, but also that they sell a sixpence pendant! This, to me is a better keepsake than just the coin as you can wear it long after the ceremony and is a reminder of your beautiful day. They also give you a great history lesson on the sixpence. So I am ordering one, and I will let you all know how it goes, but I suspect that it will be fabulous and because the shipping is free on all US orders, and they have a 100% guarantee 14 day no questions asked refund policy, I have no worries :)

So happy shopping and you too will be blessed with wealth and prosperity!

I have totally fallen in love - Again!

2008-09-05T11:42:00.012-04:00

But this time it is with a photographer. Her name is Misty Lundeen, of A Misty Moment Photography and she has graciously donated her services to our little company for a bridal photo shoot. We will be using these photos on our new website - coming soon! Here is a sneak peak of how the shoot went and some of Misty's work. I can only show some of the details as the bride is getting married on September 20th and we don't want her husband to be seeing too much :)

The Floral arrangements were done by Monti's Flower Market, and if you want their info, you can check out our vendors page on our website Panache Weddings & Events. Monti also does some amazing floral arrangements and we were delighted to work with her as well.

So check back for some more great photos of the bride and our new site launch on October 1st!

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda...Wedding Day Mistakes

2008-09-02T10:52:00.009-04:00

So my partner Liz found this great article on MSN this morning about all the things brides would have done differently while planning their wedding.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=9707767&GT1=32023

I have to say - I just about agree with every one of them, especially the DIY invitations. Certainly DIY projects for your wedding can be the most cost efficient and special as you put all that hard work into them, but you do not realize how much TIME these projects will consume. I suggest to every bride, if you don't have at least 10-12 hours a week to plan your wedding not to mention the extra hours needed for your DIY projects, solicit the help of your bridal party or wedding planner - you will save your sanity.