Real Wedding: Shanley & Rebekka

Shanley and Rebekka were a fabulous couple to work with. Rebekka was one of the most organized brides I've worked with. Working in the technology field, she stored all her information on her computer (which she carried everywhere) and in order to have access to her wedding information I had to learn a new computer program (patiently taught by Rebekka herself). :)

On March 7, 2010, at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, Shanley and Rebekka "submitted" themselves to each other in front of 140 friends and family members. Their personally written vows bought many to tears. You could feel the love, care and concern they share for each other. They will forever have a special place in my heart!

Shanley & Rebekka's wedding orchestra included:

Planning & Orchestration- Orchestrated Occasions

Floral Designer- Tropical Elegance

Caterer-Helene Nelson

Photographer- Morewar Photos

Linens- Over the Top

Cake-Cakes By Ena

Videographer- Dexter Matthis

Reception Music- Kaygon

Happy planning...

Woman2Woman Breast Cancer Foundation's Pink Diamond Ball & Silent Auction

On Saturday, April 10, 2010 Orchestrated Occasions had the privilege of assisting Woman2Woman Breast Cancer Foundation with their signature event of the year-The Pink Diamond Ball & Silent Auction. The event was a Celebration of Life for breast cancer survivors and their families.

Woman2Woman Breast Cancer Foundation was founded by Jacqueline Gray (a breast cancer survivor) in 2007. Their mission is to support women by promoting regular examinations, early detection, and aggressive treatment for those suffering from breast cancer. Woman2Woman and their affiliates strive to provide, breast health awareness through health fairs, classes and workshops. No woman should have to face the consequences of breast cancer as a result of the inability to pay for treatment and medicines. For more information or to become a volunteer call 954-730-7338 or visit Woman2Woman.

Pink Diamond Ball & Silent Auction vendors included:

Venue: Renaissance Plantation Hotel
Event Specialists: Orchestrated Occasions and Things To Do
Mistress of Ceremonies: Tamara Gant
Centerpieces: Things To Do
Linens: Top Notch Linens
Entertainment: 45 Live
Songstress: Anastia
Silent Auction Entertainment: Dillard Jazz Band
Dance Tribute: On Your Toes Dance Academy
Lighting: Party Time DJs
Photographer: Scott Photography
Videographer: IMA Studios Film & Video Production
Favors: Sherri Price

Heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event a success!


Happy planning...

Yacht Weddings...Sail Away

Most couples "tie the knot" on land, but some brides and grooms are opting to say "I do" on water.

I recently spoke to Melanie C. and this is what she said about her yacht wedding on Sun Dream Yacht Charters: "The staff was attentive and no one went unnoticed. Everyone had a great time and raved about the food! The Captain performed my ceremony and he was wonderful. When I think what I would have paid at a hotel for the same thing, it was a steal!"

Hosting your wedding on a luxury yacht can be an intimate, fun, exciting and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Happy planning...

2010 COLOR OF THE YEAR

Pantone, the world’s color authority, predicts the color for 2010 is TURQUOISE.

According to Pantone, turquoise is universally flattering, appeals to men and women, pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum, adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Be Inspired

Photo credit: Donovan Moore, Wedding Paper Divas, Project Wedding, The Knot, and Sugar Chef

Happy Planning

A Letter to Our Guests (Guest Etiquette defined)

Dear Wedding Guest,

Our Wedding Day will be one of the most important days of our lives. We have been planning our wedding for about a year and we are excited that it is quickly approaching. With the assistance of our wedding planner we have chosen a gorgeous venue, phenomenal vendors, a delicious meal and beautiful decor. We are expecting a stress-free, fun and fabulous occasion. You have been carefully selected to be in attendance as we join together in holy matrimony.

Since WE are hosting ($85 per guest + tax, + service charge, + gratuity) this event, there are some reminders we wanted you to keep in mind:

Please do not call asking if you can bring a guest (including children). If their name isn't included on the inner envelope of the invitation they are not invited.

Please arrive to our ceremony on time. You are not a member of the bridal party, we don't want to see you walking down the aisle after the processional.

You are invited to the ceremony & reception. Please do not skip the ceremony, only to attend the reception because the food and drinks are free.

Return your RSVP card even if you are unable to attend. We have applied a stamp to the RSVP envelope, all you have to do is make your selection and place it in the mail.

If we do not receive your RSVP response (by the reply date) your name will not appear on the guest list.

If you RSVP yes, but later find you cannot attend, please notify us immediately.

You are attending a wedding- please dress accordingly.

Yes, there will be an open bar. However, that doesn't mean you are free to get drunk.

Please do not collect more than one wedding favor. We purchased one per guest. Don't be greedy!

During the reception get up, dance, mingle and enjoy yourself. We're spending a ton of money on our celebration. So-CELEBRATE!

Again, we are looking forward to a fabulous occasion and we hope to see you in attendance. Visit our wedding website for more information www.futurebrideandgroom.com

With love,


Future Bride & Groom
__________________________________________________________


Happy planning...

Kellie Williams Ties the Knot

Kellie Williams (Laura Winslow) of "Family Matters" is a married woman. She tied the knot to Hannibal Jackson last month.

Photo credits: Lip Stick Alley and Forever

Happy Planning...

10 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs

In this critical economy, many couples are going the extra mile to keep their wedding costs down. There are many ways to cut costs without sacrificing style and elegance.

Try these tips:

1. Trim the guest list. More guests equals more everything (food & beverage, stamps, invitations, programs, chair treatments, linens, favors, centerpieces, serving staff, rentals). More everything equals more money!
2. Borrow something. Use your parent's toasting glasses, your sister's veil or your best friend's unengraved cake cutting set. Just make sure to return them.
3. Scale down the centerpieces. The taller the centerpiece the higher the cost. If your venue permits candles incorporate them into the centerpiece design. Also, remember to use flowers that are in season.
   
4. Say yes to the dress and grant a wish. Thousands of brides have found the gown of the dreams at an incredible low price by attending the Brides Against Breast Cancer National Tour. Most of the gowns range from $99 to $799 (including new name brand designer gowns).
5. Forget the favors. Who will notice? Favors are an unnecessary expense. They're either eaten immediately or tossed later.
6. Skip the full bar. Instead offer signature (specialty) drinks or a wine bar.
   
7. Cut the cake. Purchase a smaller version of your dream cake for the cake cutting ceremony/pictures, and purchase a backup sheet cake for additional servings. Also, buttercream is less expensive than fondant and it tastes better!
   
8. Simplify your menu. Beef and seafood entrees can quickly increase your catering bill. Instead of forgoing altogether, opt to serve them during cocktail hour. Instead of serving filet mignon as an entree, serve mini beef wellingtons or beef satay as hors d'oeuvres. Instead of lobster serve shrimp shooters, ceviche or crab cakes during cocktail hour.
   
9. Have the ceremony and reception at the same location. This will save you money on site rental fees and transportation fees. Your guests will also appreciate this.
10. Hire a professional wedding consultant. Wedding consultants can save you money by referring you to suitable vendors who can supply the service/product within your price range, negotiate the best price, and help you manage and stick to your budget.
    

Happy planning...