Something fun with A`vie

Sometimes we get to have a little bit of fun before the event starts. By fun is we get to find some extra decor and we can add it around the reception or the ceremony even stop and pose for a picture together.

Juliana and Angela at the Thomas Center

Benay and Juliana at Thomas Center

We came a cross a few things that we could use from the ceremony inside the reception hall before we opened the doors therefore we reused it. So here I am hanging them from the lights.

We will do what it takes to make your wedding everything you want it to be.

~Angela

Opera House Meet and Greet Event on Thursday night...

We are putting together a Meet and Greet event for Vendors on Thursday, June 25th at The Opera House in High Springs, FL. Come experience the Opera House venue for your next wedding, reception, party, meetings, or bridal luncheon. We would love to see you all there.

Networking will be happening (bring your cards for the networking table)
Appetizers from Opera House
Free Champagne
Cash Bar
Entertainment
Door Prizes
Gift Bags for all those who come with some baked goodies

But wait I am not done...we will be featuring the Cast from 'The Wedding from Hell'. In a great performance and they are coming to do it again for us. You are going to love seeing it.

Plan on being at the Opera House on Thursday night from 7:00-10:00pm. RSVP to us so we can get you signed up.

~Angela

Courtney and Bill's Wedding at TPC in Ponte Vedra

Their wedding exuberated modern elegance in every detail chosen for their special day while still letting their own personalities shine through. The substitution of a groom’s cake with rhubarb pie, donations in memory of Courtney’s sister in lieu of favors for the guests, and riding away at the end of the night in a golf cart all portrayed their own unique style. Standing alone as the best moment of the day was during the sand ceremony when Courtney poured her sand faster than Bill’s and exclaimed “I beat you”. By staying faithful to their personas, this couple made this chic day their own. Here are some of my favorite photos that I would like to share...

~Lauren

Keri and Cole's Wedding was beautiful and simple but a WIN for all

Keri and Cole were married June 14th at the Baughman Center. Family and friends celebrated during the reception at Plantation Hall at Haile following the ceremony. Here is Angela helping the beautiful bride, Keri, get ready!

The Plant Shoppe brightened up the room with these stunning blue hydrangeas and roses!

Keri and Cole added their own style by placing this picture of them on their guestbook table. In the middle is a picture of Keri and Cole, and above and below is each of their parents on their wedding day!

Wayne’s World provided the musical entertainment and the photographer Caroline Johnson and videographer Mike, from Videotronics, were there to capture every moment! Catering by Anne provided delicious southern-style food, and Ms. Debbie’s Sugar Art made this beautiful cake!

We had so much fun! Thanks Keri and Cole for letting us be a part of your special day!

Benay, Angela, Lindsay & Denise

~Lindsay

Opera House Meet and Greet Event on Thursday night...

We are putting together a Meet and Greet event for Vendors on Thursday, June 25th at The Opera House in High Springs, FL. Come experience the Opera House venue for your next wedding, reception, party, meetings, or bridal luncheon. We would love to see you all there.

Networking will be happening (bring your cards for the networking table)
Appetizers from Opera House
Free Champagne
Cash Bar
Entertainment
Door Prizes
Gift Bags for all those who come with some baked goodies

But wait I am not done...we will be featuring the Cast from 'The Wedding from Hell'. In a great performance and they are coming to do it again for us. You are going to love seeing it.

Plan on being at the Opera House on Thursday night from 7:00-10:00pm. RSVP to us so we can get you signed up.
~Angela

Flower Girl 101: How to get kids down the aisle

Most of you know that having young children in your wedding, although adorable, usually doesn't go quite as you envisioned. The average 3 year old doesn't exactly do what you want her or him to do- especially if the parents aren't there to whip them into shape. The following tips cannot guarantee a perfect performance, but they certainly can't hurt:

1. Practice. Whether at the rehearsal or some other time, let the child walk up and down the aisle several times. Try to practice a few times when the room is empty and a few times when there are people there. This helps them slowly get used to the spotlight being on them.

2. Incentive. Pretend this is Christmas morning and promise that child whatever it takes to get them down the aisle. Having mommy or daddy standing at the end with piece of candy or new toy generally does the trick.

3. Plan B. Just in case you are still facing a screaming child, be willing to accept the fact that it may not happen at all. Whether you have a flower girl or not, you are still getting married to the love of your life. Try having a bridesmaid walk with the child, holding his or her hand. If that still doesn't work, let it go- this is your day!



~Ann Marie

The Opera House in High Springs Meet and Greet Event Coming...

We are putting together a Meet and Greet event for Vendors on Thursday, June 25th at The Opera House in High Springs, FL. Come experience the Opera House venue for your next wedding, reception, party, meetings, or bridal luncheon. We would love to see you all there.

Networking will be happening (bring your cards for the networking table)

Appetizers from Opera House

Free Champagne

Cash Bar

Entertainment

Door Prizes

Gift Bags for all those who come with some baked goodies

But wait I am not done...we will be featuring the Cast from 'The Wedding from Hell'. In a great performance and they are coming to do it again for us. You are going to love seeing it.

Plan on being at the Opera House on Thursday night from 7:00-10:00pm. RSVP to us so we can get you signed up.
~Angela

Jasmine's Wrap-up

It amazes me how quickly six weeks can go by when you are having as much fun and learning as much as I have been while working at A’vie Weddings and Events. I came into my volunteering position this summer eager to acquire as much knowledge as possible about event planning and implementation. I was excited that I would be lending a helping hand with weddings in particular as they are a very unique and personal type of event. Due to time constraints, I was only able to assist directly with three weddings, but that was plenty to give me a taste of the hard work and dedication that goes into making these events come to life.

The very first weekend of the semester, I already had my first event to look forward to, which was the Deller-Karahalios wedding. It took place at the parents of the groom’s home in Earleton, FL. Because it was an outdoor wedding in the month of May in Florida, we were hoping that the weather would cooperate, but it did not. Rainy conditions were experienced, but thankfully, it was before and after the ceremony. On a more positive note, the reception décor was beautiful, and the buffet food and cake provided by Celebrations Catering and Ms. Debbie’s Sugar Art were delicious. This wedding took a great deal of effort and perseverance to put together, but the turnout was phenomenal and I enjoyed beginning with a bang.

Two weeks later, I worked a Jewish-style wedding of the Keathley-Rubin families. The ceremony took place in the Turtle Court of the Thomas Center, which provided a gorgeous backdrop for photography. It was at this wedding that I had the pleasure of witnessing the fantastic DJs of Jay’s Entertainment in action, all of whom had lively and fun personalities. They did an excellent job of keeping everyone on the dance floor well into the evening. However, there was a lot of construction on the exterior of the building, making it a less aesthetically pleasing venue for the guests as they first arrived. This was a wedding bursting with traditions, including the fabulous “something blue” shoes that the bride wore.

The final event that I had the pleasure of working was the Cauthen-Hall wedding at the University Auditorium on UF campus and the reception at the UF Hilton. This was the first wedding in which there was a transition from one location to another between ceremony and reception, which I think went very smoothly but would not choose to do over a single location. Stunning shades of berry accented every part of this event beautifully, and Jay’s Entertainment was present once again with as much energy and enthusiasm as they had at the previous wedding. This was the most relaxed of the three events I worked and I was happy to end on a very high note.

It is difficult to sum up all that I have learned, but I will provide a few of my personal suggestions: opt not to have a wedding outdoors; have Ms. Debbie’s Sugar Art bake the wedding cake; have Darrin from Jay’s Entertainment as the DJ; do not invite more guests than can fit comfortably at the venue; try not to transition between ceremony and reception; and most of all, have fun! All in all, I feel honored to have been able to gain further experience in my field of study with A’vie.

~Jasmine Garcia

Stevie and Cristina's Rehearsal Dinner

The Marks' rehearsal dinner, held on June 12th at their home in Gainesville, was a festive affair with orange and blue Gator décor from floor to ceiling.

Large tents from Party Time Rentals held the UF inspired tables to seat the 110 guests- definitely the largest rehearsal dinner I've ever done! The wedding itself had over 300 guests! Although it was quite warm outside, we didn't have a drop of rain and didn't see one mosquito! That's all we could ask for this outdoor party!

Mi Apa catered delicious food that was presented with floral decorations carved out of peppers. Not only was the food aesthetically pleasing, but delicious too! The menu consisted of pork (cooked by Cristina's family), black beans, white rice, sweet plantains, stuffed potato balls, and even some Chick-fil-a chicken nuggets for the kids. Since Cristina's family is Cuban, everyone loved the authentic hispanic food.

The dessert table featured several kinds of homemade baked goods along with a cake from Publix sporting a bride and groom gator on top. Cakes by Jenny provided delicious mini-cupcakes with orange and blue icing. Mi Apa also catered some cuban pastries- filled with coconut and guava. Yum!

In addition to being almost as elaborate as a wedding reception, this rehearsal dinner was vibrant, fun, and classy. I had so much fun getting to know the Marks family and I wish the best of luck to Stevie and Cristina in their new journey together!

~Ann Marie and Lauren

Becky's Lucky Charm

Last weekend, we had an interesting run-in while our bride Becky was being escorted from the Hilton to her ceremony site at the UF auditorium. While walking out the door in her beautiful white gown to meet her future husband, she ran into none other than the star alumnus of the Gator basketball team, Joakim Noah. He was in town for the weekend and happened to be staying at the Hilton- where Becky and Dale were getting ready and later having their reception. Becky commented “Wow, you’re really tall!” After posing for a picture together, Becky headed on to meet Dale. I’m sure in the back of her mind she was thinking that it had to be a good sign to see Joakim Noah, the lucky charm, on her wedding day.



More to come for this wedding soon! Hope you enjoy this “sneak peek”!

~Lauren Winston

WHAT A GREAT EVENT!!!!

Thank you so much to everyone who came out to TJM Studios last night. We had the best time. The food by 'Embers' was out of this world. They had seafood, more seafood and wait duck and so much more food we left food there. Thank you so much. Then the decor was rocking with Unforgettable Events touches of linens and floral. Then let's talk about the music by Storybook Events by Kevin Quinn...so much fun. Thank you again for making it all happen....I just loved it and I know so did everyone else. Until next time.

~Angela

A'vie at Solutions Bridal

This Saturday, June 20th, I will be at Solutions Bridal from 10am until around 1:30pm. I am so excited to be able to talk with brides who are picking out their dresses! This is such an exciting time for them and I can't wait to be there and discuss with them how A'vie can possibly help them plan their wedding. This is something that Angela and I will be doing throughout the summer- almost every Saturday. On Saturday June 27th, Angela will be there during the highly-anticipated "Dash for the Dress" event. We hope to see you all there!

~Ann Marie

Jen and Kyle's Wedding

Jennifer and Kyle were married on Saturday May 9th at the Baughman Center, followed by a wonderful reception at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Jen and I (and Caitlen) spent a lot of time together on her wedding day- driving to Salon @ 716 for hair styling, walking around the mall, eating chick-fil-a while she got her makeup done at Merle Norman, then back to her house to get her dressed. While there, we finished up some last minute details. I assembled the toss bouquet while Jen painted her toenails and enjoyed a beer or two.





Their ceremony, officiated by a good friend Jay Hula, was short and sweet- exactly how they wanted it! Jen and Kyle decided not to have a wedding party, which in the end actually made their ceremony pictures that much more gorgeous since the stage wasn't crowded with so many people. Everyone was able to focus on the most important people there- Jen and Kyle. Their friend Doug Matthews played the piano beautifully and really brought a special dynamic to their ceremony.





After the ceremony, and some quick family pictures, guests headed over to the Museum for the reception. I am always so thrilled to work with Celebrations Catering because they make my job so easy! They take care of everything and I love them for that! The reception decor consisted of bright turquoise blue linens by Celebrations and fabulous orange gerbera daisy centerpieces by The Plant Shoppe. Publix delivered the bride's cake, which was topped off with Princess Leia and Han Solo figurines! The groom's cake was shaped like a Gator and was also from Publix.



Musical entertainment was provided by Bill Fritz, a good friend of Jen and Kyle's. Everyone had such a great time and Photographer Mark Basse was there to capture every moment! Mark is also a good friend of Jen's from Jacksonville. This couple really got lucky to have so many friends in the wedding industry! I know they appreciated that personal touch and generosity.

One of the many unique features of this wedding was the bouquet toss. Since many of Jen and Kyle's friends are already married, they decided to have both girls and guys compete for the bouquet- which had several scratch-off lottery tickets tucked within the flowers. Hopefully someone was a big winner!



I also have to give a big "thank-you" to my assistants who helped me with this wedding- Caitlen and Denise. I couldn't have done it without you girls! Thanks a bunch!

I can't express how much fun I had working with Jen to plan this wedding! She is an awesome person and she and Kyle have this silly, but mature, love for each other that is hard to find! I wish them the best of luck in everything that comes their way! Thanks for letting me be part of your special day!



~Ann Marie Denning

TJM Studios Networking Event

We are only days from the event. I hope you all have RSVP by now to come to the TJM Studios if not you are missing out. Just to recap the event it is THIS THURSDAY from 6:30-9:30pm at TJM Studios.

We will see you there.
~Angela

Great favor website you must check out

If you can't find favors you aren't looking in the right places. So take a look at www.inkypink.com. Something quick but you can get lost on this web site.

~Angela

Web site to check out for just about anything

When you are hitting that brick wall and you can't figure out where else to look check out this website. You won't be disappointed. You might have to time yourself so you don't get lost on it for hours at a time. You can go crazy on it. So remember I warned you that you need to set a timer. I was serious. The web site is: www.save-on-crafts.com.

~Angela

TJM Studio Event

We are planning a Networking event at TJM Studios on Thursday, June 18th from 6:30-9:30pm at TJM Studios with some other awesome vendors. We have been working Unique Designs who has done an outstanding invitation that our guests will be receiving as an invitation to the event. I tried to put it on the blog but it just won't go. So I guess you will all have to come to see our theme. It is going to be so much fun. We are doing a New York, New York with everyone wearing black and white. In addition, we are going to be blessed to have Embers catering our event. Embers is BRAND new catering company in a way and we will be the first event that they will have catered in their new name. They have been in the community for years under another management company called MT Chophouse. Come check out their new look and new management. You are going to love Ryan and Britton. Without having to go any further all I to say is that we have Unforgettable Events taking our NEW YORK, NEW YORK theme to the fullest. So if you have seen them in action before wait to you see what they do at this event. To make the event come together with music we have Storybook Events with Kevin Quinn. So if this isn't enough to make you want come then you must not be breathing. (just kidding) But in all seriousness we would love for you all to come. So please let me know if you would like to come so I can send you more specifics if you wish.
See you all there.
~Angela

Free Centerpieces, decorations, attendant gifts and favors!

PartyLite Weddings & Occasions...

Welcome to a whole new world in wedding decorating and gift giving! PartyLite, the candle company, makes it easier than ever before to outfit your wedding or special occasion. For years brides have insisted on PartyLite candles at their weddings and receptions because of the extended burn time and lack of soot. Additionally, Angie Harrington has been personally providing brides with FREE PartyLite candles and products that they receive from having live shows, book shows or our new spa shows for over 7 years. It was truly a natural progression that we should now have our own wedding and occasion program! Here are the benefits: -Centerpieces and groupings are pre-matched and include candles -ALL PartyLite catalogs are available for brides who have a specific look in mind and want to design their own centerpieces and decorations. -PartyLite candles come in a large assortment of colors to match the special day. -In addition to earning all of their centerpieces, wedding and reception candles and decorations for free, they can also earn their attendant gifts AND guest favors! -Even brides who wish to simply purchase the items they want will STILL qualify for free and ½ price items as well!

We offer:
BRIDAL SHOWERS
GIFT REGISTRIES
EARNING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (everyone takes outside orders to help the bride earn her products, ie., bridesmaids, parents, friends, family, etc.)
RELAXING BRIDAL SPA PARTIES (GREAT just before the big day!)
SPA PARTY BRIDAL SHOWERS AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES

And, of course, everything comes with personal assistance from Angie Harrington as your personal consultant. You can reach her at 352-371-7523.

The greatest thing about the program is that it appeals to everyone, whether YOU need the free product because YOU are on a budget, or whether YOU simply want top of the line products and long-burning, soot-free candles!

Additionally – She is offering a monthly drawing at your office for all A`vie brides who have filled out a card! They could win candles, gift certificates or extra product on their PartyLite wedding order. Come check out the adorable basket she left for all to see. If you have some time go and check out her web site at: www.partylite.biz/AHarrington

View our 2009 catalog now!
www.partylite.biz/sites/AHarrington/productcatalog?page=cataloglisting

~Angela

Keeka Productions Video Special this week...

A`vie clients who are looking for a videographer...go and check out Keeka Productions a videographer out of Ocala who travels anywhere in Florida. We have been very happy working with Erika from Keeka. She is one of the quickest videographers we have. She can get your final DVD to you in sometimes a month or so.

She is running a special for this week ONLY, June 8-14th. You can purchase their White Gold Wedding Videography Package which is an all day package with unlimited hours the day-of, fully edited, and includes several copies of the DVD. Normally this package runs $899 but she is doing it for $700 if you book this week. That is a savings of $200. This price does have two hours of travel built into it if you need her to travel at no extra cost. So don't waste time save money and book her this week!!!!!!!!!!!!

~Angela

TJM Studios Photography Networking Event

We are planning a Networking event at TJM Studios on Thursday, June 18th from 6:30-9:30pm at TJM Studios with some other awesome vendors. We have been working Unique Designs who has done an outstanding invitation that our guests will be receiving as an invitation to the event. I tried to put it on the blog but it just won't go. So I guess you will all have to come to see our theme. It is going to be so much fun. We are doing a New York, New York with everyone wearing black and white.

In addition, we are going to be blessed to have Embers catering our event. Embers is BRAND new catering company in a way and we will be the first event that they will have catered in their new name. They have been in the community for years under another management company called MT Chophouse. Come check out their new look and new management. You are going to love Ryan and Britton.

Without having to go any further all I to say is that we have Unforgettable Events taking our NEW YORK, NEW YORK theme to the fullest. So if you have seen them in action before wait to you see what they do at this event.

To make the event come together with music we have Storybook Events with Kevin Quinn. So if this isn't enough to make you want come then you must not be breathing. (just kidding) But in all seriousness we would love for you all to come. So please let me know if you would like to come so I can send you more specifics if you wish.

See you all there.
~Angela

Feeling Butterflies

Megan Teague and Bryan Tucker were married this past weekend, Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at the Florida Museum of Natural History. The ceremony and reception took place in front of a ceiling-high animal fossil of the Mammoth in the foyer of the museum. Everyone felt butterflies watching the happy couple, then actually saw the butterflies after the ceremony in the Butterfly exhibit! Guests were invited to a live butterfly release in the museum’s own butterfly rainforest, where exotic butterflies are released in addition to the 55 different species of butterflies already inside. Here at A’vie, we’d like to thank the museum staff and all of the vendors who helped make this special day exceptional for “Almost Dr.” and Mrs. Bryan Tucker!

~Lindsay

More images from Kristen and Alex's Wedding!

We recently received some of the professional pictures from Kristen Carver and Alex Pellow’s Wedding. They were taken by Katie Leonard and are amazing! Photography is quickly becoming one of the most important aspects when planning a wedding- mostly because it will be the only thing that lasts for years after the big day is over! All of the pictures taken at your wedding can also be a great way to decorate a new house or use for announcements! Here are a few beautiful images from Kristen and Alex’s day:



Kristen's beautiful dress and shoes



Getting ready with a little help from the Matron and Maid of Honor!



Sharing a private moment right after the ceremony ended.



The newlyweds looking at their rings. It was inspiring and refreshing how excited these two were to marry each other!



Snapshot of the rings- I love the way that Katie placed them inside the rose! So creative!

I hope you enjoy looking at wedding pictures as much as I do! Another huge thank you to Katie Leonard Photography!

Enjoy!

~Juliana Bruns

New videographer we just got to work with Keeka Production

It is a little bit hard for us as planners to work with new vendors. Some of the reasons:

• We like to have control.
• We don't know if they will really do what they say they will even if their contract says they will.
• Will they show up on time.
• Will they produce more than what is expected or less.
• If they are a videographer or photographer how long is their TRUE turn around time.

So if we don't already question ourselves to make sure we get everything we want for our clients to work. With new vendors we are excited on one hand and concerned on the other hand. Plus we want them to know how we work along with learning how they work.

So with all of that being said we had the privilege of working with Keeka Productions a Videographer from Ocala to do Andrea and Patrick's Wedding back in March. We just got the video from it ...drum roll because the FINAL copy came within TWO WEEKS. That is right TWO WEEKS from the actual wedding.

We are excited that we found her. Please go check her out and see what you think. Her prices are really good too.