Latest Announcements from Wish Upon a Wedding

Save the Date for the Blissful Wishes Ball!

Make a difference by donating a product or service for our auctions!

Q & A with Wedding Planners as seen in Orlando Wedding Magazine

Orlando Wedding 2010

The debut issue of Orlando Wedding magazine is absolutely enchanting! I would even go so far as to declare it a ‘must read’ for engaged couples in Central Florida!

Among many terrific articles and features was “Q & A with Wedding Planners” by Megan VanWaus.  Not only was I delighted to be quoted in Megan’s piece, I was elated to be featured alongside fellow Association of Bridal Consultants members Kerline Docteur (Joie de Vie Weddings and Events) and Heather Snively (Weddings Unique). I’m proud to share a common bond with these ladies:  Heather and I are both Senior ABC members, and Kerline and I regularly work together on  ABC meetings and projects geared toward educating local association members and wedding professionals.

Good things come in threes they say, and in this case I certainly agree!

Cara and Jared’s wedding at Mission Inn Resort as featured in Orlando Wedding magazine.

Congratulations to Cara & Jared, our newlyweds whose wedding is featured in the premiere issue of Orlando Wedding magazine!

They were wed in January at Mission Inn Resort – which was the perfect backdrop for their romantic and elegant wedding.  Cara’s vision centered on old world elegance that was glamorous and graceful.  From candles to crystals, and cigars to candy bars – this wedding was an enchanting affair! They even had a sparkler exit! One of my favorite things about this wedding was how they incorporated so many family photos into the reception decor; that was a special touch that really enhanced the nostalgic feel of the evening.

Of course there was also a fabulous vendor team working behind the scenes to make ensure that the day progressed smoothly and that everyone enjoyed a stellar evening. Thanks and applause go to:

Mission Inn Resort & Club – Ceremony & Reception Venue
A Flair for Affairs – Planning and Coordination
Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations - Floral and Decor
Brian Adams – Photography
Cakes by Design – Wedding Cake
Entertainment Concepts – DJ, A/V, Lighting

(c)A Flair for Affairs

Stylish decor, signature cocktails and delectable desserts were all key to this VIP Launch Event

Orlando Board of Directors (shown L to R): Gwendolyn Smith, Kerline Docteur, Kelly McWilliams, Elisa Delgardio, Jennifer Sandler. Not shown: Michelle Bergstein-Fontanez, Tamuel Cowart, Rev. Glynn Ferguson

Over 160 people attended the celebratory launch of the Orlando Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding. Over a dozen sponsors generously donated their services to create an unforgettable event designed to bring awareness to this new charitable organization dedicated to granting weddings and/or civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States to couples who are facing terminal illness. The cocktail reception decor was branded to reflect Wish Upon a Wedding’s signature colors while the venue (Tavern on the Lake) provided the ideal environment for networking.

Read the BizBash! Article: Orlando Launch

Photos courtesy of Elegant Imagery and Ashley Brockinton

We’re counting down! Only 19 days until the Wish Upon A Wedding Launch Event which is aptly titled as “Give It Up For Love!”

This premier event is being held on Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 6pm. Central Florida’s finest wedding and event professionals will be in attendance as well Orlando’s business elite!  You’re welcome to join us too – the more the merrier!  We want to get the word out about this fabulous organization and share information about how everyone can get involved to locally!  Wish Upon A Wedding anticipates granting dozens of wishes per year with the possibility of that number reaching into the hundreds.  Currently there are 18 Chapters across the US and the organization’s goal is to offer Wedding Wishes in every major city across the country.

This VIP event is taking place at Tavern on the Lake – located at 6996 Piazza Grande Avenue – Orlando FL, 32835 (Metrowest area)

For all the latest information, visit the Wish Upon A Wedding – Orlando Facebook page!

**Sponsorship opportunities are available

Save the Date!

Browse through hundreds of exquisite name brand and designer wedding gowns donated by manufacturers, retailers, salons and individuals – some valued at up to $8,000!  With prices starting at just $99 you’re sure to find an incredible deal!!

In addition to gowns, you will also find deeply discounted bridal jewelry, head pieces, veils and accessories!

VIP Night: Friday, March 12th 6-9pm Get VIP tickets & have first access to gowns!!

General Sale, Free Admission: Saturday March 13th 10-6pm and Sunday March 14th 10-2pm

Organized by: Association of Bridal Consultants | Location: University Club – 150 E. Central Blvd, Orlando

Pre-register today!
www.BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org

In early December I was approached by colleague Debbe King (Project Manager Special Events, LYNX) regarding a very special project: She needed to plan a wedding for a couple who had requested to have their wedding on a LYNX bus. With the date rapidly approaching, I worked quickly and contacted a few other colleagues who graciously offered their services to help make the couple’s wedding wishes come true.

Love Bus

LYNX’ “Love Bus’’ became a wedding chapel for Tonja Willis and Tyrone Smaw, who chose the place they met to be the place they were married.

Love Bus Wedding

Tonja & Tyrone’s Wedding Story…

The ceremony took place on brisk and sunny December afternoon inside the “Love Bus’’ painted for LYNX by local artist Donna Dowless.  Minister Michel Alvin McWhorter performed the wedding with 20 guests seated in the bus parked in front of LYNX Central Station in downtown Orlando.

The interior of the bus was decorated by A Flair for Affairs and Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations to give it that ‘ceremony’ feel. “This was even better than I expected,’’ Willis said, after stepping out of the bus to a round of applause from passengers and wedding vendors at the downtown bus terminal. “I thought it would be a little different to get married in a bus, and it turned out really nice.’’

The couple met while riding LYNX for transportation to work. “I’m usually very shy, but as soon as I saw Tonja, I felt like I had to take a chance on getting to know her,’’ Smaw said. “We ended up talking the whole time ‘til I got off the bus. After I called her, we started using the bus to go on dates because neither one of us had a car, so it’s kind of like it was meant for us to get married here.’’

LYNX has never hosted a wedding on one of its buses. Chief Executive Officer Linda S. Watson agreed to do it on a one-time basis because “it had the right feel for the holiday season.’’ “The timing and situation made it a nice event for us to participate in,’’ she said. “We are happy to help Tyrone and Tonja get their married life started the way they hoped for and wish them great success in the years ahead.’’

Tonja's dress fitting at Modern Bridal

Elisa Delgardio helped the couple by arranging flowers, photography, videography, a wedding cake and even the bride’s wedding gown. ”This wedding would not have been possible without the support an incredible vendor team! Everyone I contacted jumped on board immediately and graciously donated their services. I think I was as overwhelmed and excited as the bride!”

Photo left: “LaVoria slipped Tonja into a white satin gown that was literally a perfect fit – like it was made for her! – and Tonja was overcome with tears of joy… It was really lovely.” -Elisa Delgardio

The wedding cake and custom candles

A Flair for Affairs would like to acknowledge the generosity of the following companies:

Each month, I have the privilege and the pleasure of working with Kerline Docteur PBC to coordinate networking luncheons for Central Florida members of the Association of Bridal Consultants. The purpose of the luncheons is tri-fold:

First, monthly meetings bring ABC members and potential members (guests) together to build relationships.  Vendor relationships are essential to delivering the best products and services to our clients and facilitiating ”team dynamics”.   

Second, the meetings provide a forum to educate our members.  We bring in speakers and create special programs to keep our members on the cutting edge of wedding and event design, as well as business and marketing trends.  

Third, it’s important to build the presence of ABC within our community.  ABC is an international association with a history that spans over 26 years.  With over 4,000 members located in all 50 states and in 27 countries, ABC’s  goals have always been to raise professional standards in the wedding industry and to make brides happy.  By developing an active Local Networking Group (LNG) we bring attention to the benefits of  ABC membership and showcase the professionalism of our members.    

This year (2009) shines brilliantly as one of our finest and most rewarding to date!  We have planned and coordinated nine luncheon events at venues throughout Central Florida.  In June, we held our third annual “Showers of Happiness” event to benefit Habitat for Humanity. 

(c) Elegant Imagery

In July, we hosted a spectacular educational event entitled “Indian Weddings 101: Defining the Indian Wedding Experience“. For this particular event, we had engaged local Indian Wedding experts to explain the elements and cultural traditions of Hindu, Sikh and Muslim weddings. (Click on these images to see more fabulous pictures of this event, posted on the ABC Florida  website.)

(c) Elegant Imagery

Shown left:  Akshar Patel, Kerline Docteur, Elisa Delgardio and Remmal Karamsadkar

 As in years past, October marked the end of our meeting calendar and we were determined to create a memorable event! We tapped some of our best resources (members!) to provide catering, decor, entertainment and ‘enhancements’ for our event. We also had the generous support of a few friends (future members…?) and when all the elements came together the outcome was sensational!

Heather Canada, ABC of First Coast Weddings presented a very insightful educational session entitled Business Administration for Creative Types in which she shared some excellent time management and organizational techniques. After Heather’s presentation, attendees enjoyed a delicious three course luncheon prepared by the catering team at the Rosen Centre Hotel. Then we revealed a special treat: a live performance arranged by ABC member Lisa Kovach (Key Artist Group)!

We are so grateful to the long list of fabulous professionals who made our closing meeting of 2009 such an incredible success! Kudos to: Michelle Williams – Rosen Centre Hotel, Cheryl Andrews – Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations, Lisa Kovach – Key Artist Group, Rose Robinson – Invitation Lounge, Nermala – Unique Linens, Quest Drape, Allan Jay Images, Bruce – Treasured Moments Videography, M.J. Farb – Junction 88, Pure Magic Ice Cream, and Heather Canada of First Coast Weddings.

We are happy to share this video link with you; it will take a few minutes to load since the video is approximately 8 minutes long, but I’m sure you will enjoy it!

Rosen Centre Hotel hosts ABC’s October Local Networking Luncheon from Bruce Reynolds Treasured Moments on Vimeo. (From the above video on Vimeo,  ABC October Meeting, this is the full version of  ‘The Kiss’  from Art in Motion managed by Lisa Kovach of Key Artist Group.)

For more information on the Association of Bridal Consultants, please visit: www.BridalAssn.com  For information on local meetings and upcoming events, please visit: www.ABC-Florida.com

Today I have an exciting announcement!

I’m thrilled to share the news that A Flair for Affairs has been added to Style Me Pretty’s “Little Black Book of The Best Wedding Vendors”!

Style Me Pretty relies on recommendations from industry insiders, trusted LBB vendors and Style Me Pretty readers to identify outstanding service providers. Each invitation to participate is followed up with a personal interview to assure that vendors meet SMP’s high standards! Clearly this is a huge honor and I’m elated to be included among the country’s top wedding vendors!

The exclusive nature of the directory allows for only a few vendors to be showcased in each region. For example, there are only three event planners featured in Central Florida and I’m absolutely delighted to be the only wedding and event planner based in Orlando!

{ screenshot of our listing }

You may also be interested to know that in addition to the legendary Style Me Pretty blog, there is The Little Black Book Blog. In SMP’s own words, it’s described as “our official vendor blog…dedicated to showcasing the work of the vendors we love. It’s eye candy like you wouldn’t believe!”

I urge you to check it out on a regular basis because it’s incredibly inspiring!

PS: Is A Flair for Affairs in your little black book?

Hilton Orlando

Alizma

Alizma

.
Quite an exciting weekend! I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening Showcase for the Hilton Orlando! 

The inauguration of this sensational new property was a first class affair! It was such an honor to attend this special event and tour the property which boasts state of the art design, luxurious details and unique features tailored to appeal to business and recreational travelers alike. The 1400 room Hilton is the first hotel to be connected to the Orange County Convention Center via a sky-pedestrian bridge, so it’s guaranteed to attract a fair share of Orlando’s convention market. It’s stylish and inviting design is also sure to appeal to those planning social events and I foresee this venue becoming a very desirable location for nuptials and social celebrations!

Seafood Bar

The Hilton Team deserves the highest compliments for an evening that was beautifully orchestrated and by all accounts flawlessly executed! Executive Chef Thierry Meissonnier and his culinary team deserve the highest praise for the delicious, world class cuisine served throughout the evening – the seafood display in particular was breathtaking!

There were so many wonderful elements to the evening that I could go on and on, but time will not allow for that so here is a brief description of some of the highlights:

The Orlando ballroom was set for over 700 guests and featured floral and decor by Greenery Productions and linens by BBJ. Additional decor was provided by Room Service Furniture Rentals and Occasions by Shangrila (and I’m sure there are others that I may not be aware of).

Seafood Bar

Action Station

Upon entering the ballroom, guests enjoyed appetizers (lamb, duck, etc.) served from action stations and two tremendous seafood bars. This was the first time I’ve experienced this type of presentation for an appetizer course – it was as enjoyable as it was impressive!

Entertainment included Alizma -that fabulously talented violin trio you may have recently seen on America’s Got Talent 2009, and the hot Orlando band Skylyne 407 .

VIP’s in attendance included Mayor Richard Crotty.

Following dinner and keynote speakers who acknowledged the efforts of so many who were instrumental in bringing the Hilton Orlando to life, guests were led to the Southwest Lawn to view a spectacular fireworks display.

Two “After Parties” – one within a tent one the Southwest Lawn and the other in the Orange Ballroom – were in full swing from 9pm to midnight! Guests danced and enjoyed coffee, cocktails and desserts to their hearts content!

It was truly a GRAND opening!

For additional information hosting an event at the Hilton Orlando, please contact the Sales and Catering Office via the main hotel line: +1-407-313-4300
Address: 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando, Florida, USA 32819

© 2009 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

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