Dash For The Dress at Solutions

Are you ready...I can hardly contain myself. I just had to get this out now and I will do it again soon because this is just too good to be true. The event is something that Solutions is having on June 27th, 2009 from 8am-Noon. It is the 1st Annual 'Dash for the Dress'. It is a huge Charity Bridal Sample Sale. Designer Dresses will be anywhere from $99-$699 (valued up to $5000)! Can you believe it?!?

They will also have some bridesmaids and mother of the bride dresses on sale as well. It will be cash only and they are encouraging brides to get here early because dressing rooms will be limited. But, that is not even all of the exciting parts...A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation! (This event is kind of a play off of the famous "Running of the Brides" in Boston.) We would love for you to start spreading the word of this awesome event with any of your friends too. If you or your friends need more information, they can call the ladies at Solutions 352.367.0070.

Good luck and let us know if you get a dress through this event. I want to hear stories.

Last weekend was a blast!!!!!!!!!!

OH, MY!!! Last weekend was one of the busiest weekends A`vie has ever had. We have four events. Stretching from Ocala to Gainesville had two weddings then all the way out to Earleton. Some of them even being outside with all the wonderful and needed rain. We are so thrilled to have been involved in each and everyone of them.

As this week unfolds you will see some of the blogs for those events but it is my hope to share with you also some of the others we have done prior to the weekend of May 16 & 17. So hold on 'TIGHT' as you get ready to jump into our world and see how things come together.

~Angela

Same Two Step With a little twist.

If you're like us, you are always looking for new ways to spin an old tradition; not that traditions aren't great let's face it they are traditions for a reason, but spicing things up never hurt anybody. After flipping through a recent issue of The Knot magazine, I stumbled across an article that I simply had to share. Check out some subtle ways to add a little flair to your ceremony:

This one's for the girls:

Bridesmaid dresses have come a long way from the frumpy, odd colored number they used to be (who can forget Katherine Heigel's fashion show in 27 dresses!) More and more brides are starting to relinquish their control over what their ladies are wearing. It's even gone so far as the latest trend being to simply mandate a color and let them go from there. Well if you're not willing to turn the control dial down that far and still want a little edge, how about lettting your girls wear their favorite color shoes? Uniform dresses with a splash of originality could be just the pizaze you are looking for. Just make sure they know not to pick a color that might clash with your decor.


Accessories, Accessories, Accessories:

If you're not wanting to spend a small fortune on flowers that (even of properly preserved) will not last try a couple of alternatives .


The Clutch- A dainty clutch that accents your bridesmaid dresses is sure to make a statement (plus it could double as a great gift )

A decorative fan would be great for an Asian or summer themed wedding

Beaded and Buttoned bouquets are starting to make their way into brides hands more and more. This can also be a great way to insert some unique color combinations .

Parasols are and can be used for more than unique photo ops.
They are also able to be personalized with monograms and wedding colors and will add a elegant touch to your bridesmaid look.


Thank heaven for little girls:

Who says that your flower girl has to carry a white satin covered basket? The evolution of wedding did not skip the flower girl. A great way to transform this tradition is to have your girl carry a flower ball that hangs from a pretty ribbon. This can also help with little girls who tend to get freaked out over walking in front of 100+ strangers. The other option for the more outgoing young one would be to give her a bell and have her say " the bride is coming .the bride is coming". This is a sure fire way to get smiles out of your guests.

And there you have it just a couple of ways to make your wedding ceremony stick out among the rest!

~Jessica K.

Happy Memorial Day

We would like to honor those who have died for our country. Thank you to those who have had family members stand and fight on our behalf. We are forever greatful. As I was remembering what Memorial Day was all about I found this poem that was written in 1915. I had to share.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Thank you to those who have served, currently serving and going to serve in the future.

~Angela

Alex and Kristen's Wedding

On the morning of May 16th, Kristen Carver wed Alex Pellow at the Baughman
Center on the University of Florida Campus. Their reception was a vision
of cherry and mint complemented with beautiful floral centerpiece
creations by The Plant Shoppe Florist.



Each table alternated between a
tall elaborate vase of flowers and simplistic flower displays in
contemporary bubble bowls.



The lavish cake, by Ms. Debbie's Sugar Art,
featured elegant white fondant draped along the four tier cake like silk
and was separated by coordinating flowers from the centerpieces.



Chef Brothers Catering provided the buffet which included delicious glazed
chicken and a carving station. Innovative Entertainment kept everyone
dancing all night with their wide musical selection. Katie Leonard
Photography was there to capture all the special moments that took place
that day. Here at Avie, we would like to thank all of the vendors that helped
make Kristen and Alex's dream wedding day a reality! Congrats to the happy couple and best wishes in your new life together!!

~Lauren Winston

Bridal Blogging

We already know you love to read our blog, so for you brides-to-be out there, why not start one of your own? Starting a blog a few months before the big day can keep family members and friends in the loop with important details as well as fun facts! Taking the time to write down what you have and have not completed will also be a great way to keep yourself organized.

Don’t think you have enough time? There is no reason blog entries need to be long. Just a short and sweet update every few days is more than enough. Letting your close ones know you have found the perfect dress or decided on a venue will make them feel as though they are involved in the process without having to call each and every one of them. Being prepared and counting down to your special day will make it even more unforgettable!

~Juliana Bruns

Pretty in Paper

The economy is bad, but you’re wedding decorations don’t have to be. Use paper to spruce up your special day décor. Postcards and presents are two simple ideas into transforming your centerpieces from plain to plush. For personal postcards, you simply print pictures of you and your beau’s favorite places. For paper-made presents, simply wrap boxes, in varying sizes, in your wedding colors. You can also use origami animals or flowers to add a little something extra, or Chinese lanterns to enhance the astounding, but affordable, atmosphere. Stunning centerpieces DO grow on trees!

~Lindsay

More dress for your buck

Many brides are not willing to lower their budget for their wedding gown and in this current economy, everyone is trying to stretch their dollar. One way to minimize the cost of a wedding gown and still be able to purchase your dream dress is by inquiring if you can purchase the sample dresses. By purchasing these slightly used dresses at a discounted price, you will be able to splurge on another aspect of your wedding!

~Lauren Winston

Strawberry Lemon Punch Recipe

Another yummy recipe for a punch that could be served at your wedding, bridal shower, really anywhere! Easy to make, tastes delicious, and looks beautiful! Take a look:

(makes about 1 gallon)

4 (10-ounce) packages frozen sliced strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime-flavored carbonated beverage, chilled
Garnish: fresh strawberries, lemon slices

In a 1-gallon pitcher, combine strawberry-puree, lemonade concentrate, and lemon juice. To serve, add lemon-lime flavored beverage and stir gently. Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices, if desired. **Tip from Ann Marie: you can also add champagne or a fruity liqueur for an alcoholic option!

Enchanted Illumination

The centerpieces at a wedding reception are very important details that should be given careful consideration during the planning process. While gathered around the tables while eating and mingling, guests will appreciate eye-catching centerpieces that add both beauty and splashes of color. Beyond beautiful centerpieces, entire tablescapes can be brought to life with use of the subtle but shimmering lighting of candles. According the Phyllis Hoffman, author of the book Gracious Tables, “You can create a sense of coziness while offering additional illumination with a pretty arrangement of candles.”

The best thing about candles is that they are very versatile. No matter the time of year, color scheme of the wedding, or other table decorations, candles are the perfect complement to any tablescape. Better yet, they can be easily nestled into other accents such as shells, cored apples, and martini glasses, or floated in a gorgeous crystal glass or bowl. The possibilities are endless when it comes to candles. So get creative, and add some enchanting illumination to your wedding!

~Jasmine Garcia

Fuzzy Navel Mimosa Recipe

Every bride needs a way to relax and calm her nerves on her big day. For some, mimosas do the trick (and taste great too!). I thought I would share a yummy recipe that I found for the perfect Fuzzy Navel Mimosas. Take a look:

(makes 1 drink)

1 ounce fresh orange juice
1 ounce peach nectar
1/2 ounce peach schnapps
1/4 ounce orange-flavored liqueur
4 ounces chilled champagne
Garnish: orange spiral

In a chilled champagne flute, combine orange juice, peach nectar, peach schnapps, and orange liqueur. Add champagne. Garnish with orange spiral, if desired. Enjoy!!

Bridal hair: Traditional vs. Modern

A fabulous hair-do can be the finishing accessory for any bride on her big day. Although it is traditional to wear a veil, you may see more and more modern-day brides giving that up for a creative headpiece. Ranging from tiara’s to flowers, the perfect accessory does not have to be large or expensive. A few original ideas can include baby’s breath, feathers, ribbons, or just about anything else you can imagine! If you still want to stick with the traditional look, many of these items can be incorporated into veils as well, depending on your style and taste. A unique ornament in your hair can just be one more way to stand out on your special day!





~Juliana