Archive for the ‘Real Weddings’Category

DJ #Fail

 

Unfortunately, I find myself revisiting topic of hiring professionals. In what is indisputably the craziest wedding DJ disaster (aka DJ #Fail) I have ever experienced, I must tell you about “DJ C”.

(Names and places are not important, the point of the post is: this really happened!)

“DJ C” started out with a fair amount of promise. I learned that he was hired by the Father of the Bride on a recommendation. On the wedding day, “DJ C” arrived on time, nicely dressed, with decent equipment. So far, so good.

Unbeknownst to us, the dj/mc started drinking before the guests even entered the dinner reception. He must have gotten a beer (or two) from the cash bar at the cocktail reception. By the time we were ready to introduce the wedding party into the reception, we began to sense that the “DJ C” was a little ‘off’. Only a short while later the bartender came to us and mentioned that the dj/mc had already purchased four drinks. We had no choice – “DJ C” was cut-off immediately – and we were only an hour or so into the reception! Drunk DJ

*I must stop momentarily to point out that I do not condone vendors drinking, nor do the establishments I work with. However, when we are dealing with a vendor we have never met before, we are typically not aware of their relationship with the client (friend, co-worker, etc.) – so we keep a watchful eye on them.

“DJ C” continued to act oddly, and in my opinion obnoxiously; the music was a bit too loud and I was incredibly annoyed that he kept repeating his own name (“I’m DJ C…!“), but we focused on managing the flow of the reception and keeping everything on track. We made it through parent dances and cake cutting, then said our farewells for the evening. All the formalities were complete, and the guests were dancing up a storm – exit the coordinators.

The next day:

Apparently, a few wedding guests* were buying and slipping the DJ/mc drinks and he got more intoxicated. Mother of the Bride told us how “DJ C” with microphone in hand, announced a special message to the groom: “Congratulations on marrying a nice piece of ass!” Further… three wedding guests* were actually friends of the DJ (aka crashers) – they flew under the radar due to open seating, and everyone just assumed they were invited by the other family. Last but not least, he kept trying to end the reception early.

So… to recap: DJ/mc came by way of a recommendation (not from a preferred vendor list offered by venue or coordinators), drank continuously during his shift (a no-no), brought his posse (who does that?), acted unprofessionally and made inappropriate comments, and tried to shortchange his clients by ending their evening early.

How much for a DJ?

This story gives me an opportunity to share a very informative article with you:

In the article “How Much Should Your Wedding DJ Cost?“, author Stacy Tamaki shares timeless tips on selecting a quality DJ/mc.
She also lists a number of mis-steps, including  a few I have witnessed over the years,  such as:  incorrectly pronouncing the bride or groom’s name during the introductions, dressing or acting inappropriately, hitting on guests, drinking on the job, using inappropriate language or using inappropriate humor.

Continue reading weditorial for universal tips on hiring qualified professionals and planning a sensational, emotional and unforgettable wedding!

Casa Feliz | Real Wedding: Paige and Greg

Photos from Paige & Greg’s wedding at Casa Feliz

Photos courtesy of studio blu

One of the things that excites me most is working with couples who have a unique vision of their wedding day. There are wonderful couples who come to me needing ideas and creative input, and there are others who need me to help them ‘make it happen’. Seattle-based bride Paige was one of the latter. She found me after selecting Casa Feliz as her venue, and told me excitedly about her ideas for the peacock motif.

It’s impossible to discuss this wedding without mentioning the amazing floral created by Lana at Fairbanks Florist. Considering that this wedding was fairly intimate, and the couple was budget conscious, Lana’s floral creations really stood out: They were colorful, original and striking!

Casa Feliz wedding with peacock theme

Lana with Fairbanks Florist created Paige’s custom bridal bouquet – a Peacock Feather fan – with fresh flowers using Phaphiopedilum (Lady Slipper) Orchids along with fiddle ferns, blue delphinium, green kermit buttons with a braided ribbon stem wrap with pearl head pins.

Fairbanks Florist | photo Val Becker

Fairbanks Florist | photo Val Becker

Look at the detail on the Groom’s Boutonniere!  Phaphiopedilum Orchid, Fiddle Fern and peacock Feather.

Peacock Wedding Cake Collage

Anna Cakes | Fairbanks Florist | studio blu | Val Becker

The custom cake top was amazing!  Shown in detail on the right as well as atop the cake, it was created with peacock feathers, phaphiopedilum orchids, blue delphinium, fiddle fern, green kermit buttons, and cimbidium orchids.

Thank you to studio blu for great images and the very complimentary words! It’s so wonderful to hear such positive feedback about the value of our services!

Since Paige was planning her wedding from Seattle, she hired a wedding coordinator to help her with her day. I always recommend this! Paige was lucky enough to hire Elisa from A Flair For Affairs. I cannot stress enough how hiring a coordinator will make your day better, and in turn make your pictures better! – studio blu

01

03 2012

Unique Weddings in Florida: Casa Feliz, Winter Park

Casa Feliz is one of the most incredibly lovely and unique venues in Central Florida. Located in historic Winter Park at the north end of Park Avenue, set as if it were a jewel in a crown.

Casa Feliz | photo: Art Faulkner Casa Feliz, or “Happy House” in Spanish, is the signature residential work of noted architect James Gamble Rogers II. Built in 1933 for inventor and manufacturer Robert Bruce Barbour, Casa Feliz was recognized for its importance as an outstanding example of Spanish Eclectic style architecture and as the preeminent residential design executed by Rogers. Casa Feliz was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 31, 2008. (more details here)

I have been fortunate to work at Casa Feliz on many occasions:  Weddings, destination weddings, rehearsal dinners, meetings – you name it! – and it’s always a joy to be there!  Everyone who visits Casa Feliz is touched by the charm of the warm wood and cozy interior spaces boasting french doors that open to bright and colorful courtyards.  It’s perfect for events with a guestlist of about 100 or less. The space is extremely flexible but somewhat nontraditional since it is comprised of several connecting rooms.

Casa Feliz couple

Casa Feliz with lighting by Junction 88

Sparkler exit at Casa Feliz | studio blu

One of the standout benefits to having a wedding or special event at Casa Feliz is the variety of photo ops!  Indoors, outdoors, architectural details – such as a curved staircase, balconies, archways, french doors, courtyards, windows – and lots of interesting textures and finishes (brick, wood, tile, etc).   It’s a photographer’s dream!

At this writing, Arthur’s Catering is the exclusive caterer.  Arthur’s is amazing and I’ve worked with them on numerous occasions; twice events which I had planned and they catered were nominated for awards!  Over the years I have developed a very good relationship with their team and I especially enjoy any opportunity to work with Melissa at Casa Feliz because she is so wonderfully detail oriented.

As a destination, Winter Park has a lot to offer visitors and out-of-town guests: first class dining, boutique shopping, sidewalk cafes, museums, boat tours, and tree lined streets that are perfect for walking, jogging and biking.  Known as the City of Culture and Heritage, Winter Park is a mecca for those interested in world-class art and rich cultural experiences. (more details here) Casa Feliz 656 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL

Casa Feliz_A Flair for Affairs

A Flair for Affairs highly recommends Casa Feliz.  If you are interested in planning a wedding at Casa Feliz, or anywhere in Winter Park, please call us!  We are one of their ‘preferred professionals’, and we’re eager to assist you with all the arrangements and make your planning experience both enjoyable and worry free.  We also provide coordination services for the wedding rehearsal and wedding day.

A Flair for Affairs :: 407-896-1476

 

 

25

02 2012

Lake Nona Country Club | Real Wedding Photos – Part 2

Photos from Emily & Brad’s wedding reception at Lake Nona Country Club – November 2011.

Photos courtesy of Marc Harmon

Lake Nona Reception by A Flair for Affairs; marc harmon photography

The ballroom at Lake Nona Country Club never looked lovelier! Floral, lighting, linens and decor came together seamlessly to create a dramatically elegant reception in shades of plum and rich purple. (I was so glad that Marc Harmon captured Emily’s reaction to the gorgeous ballroom during a private reveal!)

Lake Nona Reception Details - purple and plum wedding A trio of centerpieces created by Lee Forrest featured orchids, roses and hydrangea, accented with votive candles and black feather plumes; hanging crystals provided extra sparkle.

TIP: Favors at each place setting served a dual purpose: Favors were tagged with a guest name as well as their dinner selection. Combining favors and placecards is also a terrific way to reduce tabletop clutter.

Purple and plum wedding by A Flair for Affairs

TIP: A regular dinner plate can serve as an excellent alternative to renting chargers.

Lighting provided by Soundwave Entertainment enhanced the overall ambiance of the ballroom, while dance lights and a custom gobo created a party mood in the lounge area.

Fun wedding reception

A sparkler exit capped off a perfectly wonderful evening for this fun-loving couple!

Exit with Wedding Sparklers

Featured Wedding Professionals:
Planning and Coordination: A Flair for Affairs®
Photography and Photobooth: Marc Harmon
Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Lake Nona Country Club – Orlando FL
Entertainment and Lighting: SOUNDWAVE ENTERTAINMENT® | djsoundwave.net
Floral: Lee Forrest
Chairs: A Chair Affair

See Lake Nona County Club | Real Wedding Photos – Part 1

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