August Inspiration

We always need something to inspire us to continue to search for the right colors to be pulled together. Whether it is monotone or colors from all around the color wheel. It doesn't matter as long as you own it and have fun.

~Lindsay

Save the Dates!

One of the first major tasks after an engagement is to pick the date of your wedding. It cannot be too soon since you will need to allow ample time for planning, therefore many weddings are set for anywhere from 9 months to two years later. It is customary to send out invitations approximately two months before the wedding but for some this can be too short of notice, especially in the case of destination weddings or those scheduled over holiday weekends. Well my future bride-to-be’s, that is where save the dates come in! These handy little pre-invitations, that have only been introduced in the past decade, are becoming more and more popular in the wedding world as a way to let future guests know about your engagement as well as what weekend they should mark off their calendars. They started out simple, just a card with the date, but couple’s are becoming even more creative with so many innovative ideas! Looking through past samples I have seen magnets, picture slideshows, videos, individual treats, buttons, stickers, cards printed on wood or plastic, theme-related props, and just about anything else you could imagine! Some important things to remember with these save the dates is that they should go out no more than a year before your date, and of course everyone who receives one should be followed by an invitation!
Check out these great ideas that have been used by couples!!

Having a military wedding? Why not inscribe on a dog tag your date for all guests to see! Source

This save the date would be a cute reminder for guests to hang on the calendar! Source

A fun and flirty Photo Booth strip to show this couple's personality! Source

This will be your first chance to express your wedding style so have a little fun and be creative!

-Juliana

Summertime and the living is easy…….

You don’t have to feel the 98 degree weather to notice that summer is here in all its glory. Whether you’re taking the kids to camp or you never leave your house so that you can keep up with your summer classes, by this time of the season we are all in need of a little pampering. Our resident Mary Kay extraordinaire is offering an amazing deal that is sure to get you back into the lazy summer day frame of mind. She is offering anyone who is a hostess a free Mary Kay brush set ($48 value) simply for having 4 or more guests with $200+ in sales(not to mention it’s a great excuse to have some of your closest girl friends over). How does a Cool Pineapple Pampering Party sound? Including satin hands with either the peach smoothie exfoliating scrub or the new limited edition tropical pineapple sugar scrub. We'll explore color with tropical hues on eyes, lips & cheeks, you may not be on a topical Island but by the time your done will definitely feel that way.
And because we are always looking out for our brides ……..
Technology has given us a GIFT ladies!! Mary Kay is giving you the opportunity to practically see what you might look like on your wedding day. Simply find the model that most resembles your characteristics and go to work! Browse through the many makeup styles and see which look would best suite your wedding day look! Happy Hunting!!

Another Mary Kay exclusive is the Pamper the Bride party is GREAT way to not only give the wonderful supportive women in your life a great time of beauty and fun, but is a unique for your family and friends to give things they KNOW you will love. They can fill your basket of wishes while taking home a couple of wishes of their own. Check out the link below for more details!
http://www.marykay.com/lynnjernigan/whatsnew/itsyourparty/moreparties/default.aspx

Welcome Baskets ….Out of Town Guest bags??

A welcome bag or basket for that matter is one of the first impressions that your out of town guest are going to have of your wedding. Why not wow them with something they were not expecting, after all they have traveled a long way in your honor. When you have guests traveling to your wedding - whether it's a destination wedding or not you may want to leave a bag filled with a few treats as well as information on the weekend's activities: rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, scheduled activities, local restaurants, etc. If you're having a destination wedding, creating a bag with some local treats and items that guests can use while they're there would be a great way to introduce them to a place that is new to everyone. A beach wedding: Flip-flops, sunscreen, towel. European wedding: Foreign language dictionary, local sightseeing guide with popular tourist attractions. If you're getting married in your hometown you can include some local treats - popular food known to the area. A map leading to places that you and your soon to husband find significant to your relationship would be a great personal touch. Remember food and sports memorabilia always goes over well.Talk to the hotel where everyone is staying about dropping off the guest room gifts a day or so before your guests begin arriving so that they can receive an their bag or basket when they check in or ask the hotel to have the bags placed in each guests room prior to their arrival, or delivered soon after.
This is a treat that is sure to be remembered by your guests for a while to come!

~Jessica K

JLS Photography

Getting married is one of those things you dream of from the first moment you lay eyes on a wedding dress. I know from personal experience that the time leading up to your big day is going to fly bye. And yes you will always remember how you felt that day and what song you first danced to as husband and wife, but when you sitting around on your 20th wedding anniversary the one thing that you will have is you wedding pictures! With that being said I would like to Introduce Jaime from JLS photography! She is going to be shooting my wedding in August and I cannot express what a joy she has been. Not only she super funny and down to earth, she always wants feedback and welcomes any and all suggestions I might have. It took little time to warm up to her during our engagement session at Gator Stadium, and braved she even agreed to brave the 98 degree heat index while continuing the shoot in downtown Alachua. Perhaps the best thing about her is the fact that she happily responds to my “weekly question” emails that are filled with random things from lighting to tons of examples of what pictures I want on my big day (at this point I bet our folder is at capacity!). Thank you Jaime for all that you do and I cannot wait to have you there on our wedding day!

Check out her website for more.

~Jessica K.

Oh, how I love our clients

On a very serious note. I am being very serious. I really do love what I do. I believe that each and everyone of our clients would 100% agree with you. When it comes down to your day. I will do what it takes to make everything come together the way you want and envisioned it to be. Therefore, when it rained on Chris and Delia's wedding my heart just broke for them. I knew I couldn't control it but I knew that we had to double time it in all cases and protect, protect and protect!!!!

Even mopping the dance floor so Chris and Delia can have their first dance.


So if we weren't covering things up from a leaking tent for the caterers and pull things that were outside and covering up the dance floor that was outside out from the tent. We never ran so much, moved so quickly and teamed up.

Look at Leah from Celebration's go. The rain was back 'ON' and there we all ran into action again.

I have lots more to blog about this wedding from fantastic beforehand pictures to stunning afterwards. I had the pleasure of working with Rob Witzel Photography. He and his wife, Marian had a lot to put up with due to the rain and protecting their equipment along with preparing for what we could and couldn't do for pictures. Now we are all saying, 'The joys of the industry we work in'.

Angela is at Vacation Bible School...

So if you are wondering where I am. I can't always get enough of my wonderful clients I even have to go for the younger ones. (Just kidding.) This week she is the Vacation Bible School Director at The Family Church. So if I am a little delayed please understand. As a mom of four I love to be very involved in all that they do. Therefore, when having big productions I love to be the leader hence I am directing Vacation Bible School.

If you know of people who have kids and would like to have them come please have them come. It is at The Family Church 2022 SW 122nd Street, Gainesville from 9am-12pm, Monday - Friday. Here is a little preview of what we are doing.

Hop on board LifeWay's Boomerang Express as VBS 2009 takes a train ride across the Land Down Under! As kids wind their way through Australia, they'll discover the vastness of God's love, and they'll learn that no matter where they go or what they do in life—it all comes back to Jesus.

Boomerang Express Scripture
"God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him." 1 John 4:9

Boomerang Express Motto:
Follow!
Worship!
Live through Him!

Hope to see some of you there.
~Angela

Be Inspired during the month of July

For the month of July is typically a hot time of year. Weddings aren't very popular because of the heat although some dare to weather it out. So if you so dare we hope that this Inspiration board will inspire you.

~Lindsay

Already booking weddings for 2011

2011 CAN YOU BELIEVE IT????

IT WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT

Yes, I just booked my first wedding for 2011. Thanks Justin and Megan for hiring A`vie and being our first 2011 Wedding client. We are going to get things done so fast. I can't wait to get our vendors booked and things rolling for your St. Augustine Wedding.
Blessings, Angela

Aaron and Jennifer's Engagement Session

Aaron and Jennifer braved the hot Florida sun in late June to put out some amazing engagement photographs. Bryant’s Photography shot beautiful photos of the couple at the University of Florida stadium and at Lake Alice. As you can tell from the photographs Aaron and Jennifer are beaming, and are ready for their October 3rd, 2009 wedding at BayLaurel in Micanopy, Fl. As a personal friend of the couple I can’t wait for the wedding… It’s going to be spectacular! : )

-Jessica Kilgore

Dress Shopping at Solutions

I had forgotten how much fun going with a bride AND groom dress shopping can be. Last night one of my near and dear clients had an appointment at Solutions Bridal here in Gainesville. We went in knowing whatever we could find that we would have to adjust, cut off, pull from one type of dress to another and another.

The ladies at Solutions just took care of us from the very beginning of me contacting them about this request to last nights appointment. Tali and Brittney were on top of things from getting back ground information before we came to making sure the bride did her homework to our great welcoming into the store, asking more questions and getting a more clear picture of what she wanted. So after trying them on and having some fun we finally found 'THE DRESS'. What a celebration that took place that ended with the BIG finale of CHAMPAGNE!!! You heard right. After looking through dresses and trying them on the bride found one. And the ladies of Solutions Bridal broke out the Champagne. What a nice touch and made our clients right at home.

Thank you Brittany for taking care of us.

~Angela

Photography 35 Promotions

Although the holidays are months away, there are already presents! Photography 35 is offering their best deals of the season, including cards, gifts and more. During the week of July 27th to August 1st, you can go to the Photography 35 studio for NO session fee!
Photography 35 also offers the following programs:
Kids Klub: for children, pictures once a year of ages one through five
Watch Me Grow: for newborn babies, pictures of 3, 6 and 9 months
Polka dot: for toddlers, children can be in pictures with their friends
Family moments: for families, six-sessions over a three year period
Don’t miss a picture perfect opportunity!

Mini and Mouthwatering Desserts

There’s nothing like going to an event and staring at the variety of desserts. You are dying to eat some of everything because it all looks so wonderful, but you know you can’t try it all and can’t settle on one option. Getmarried.com suggests that you provide bite-sized desserts, mini and must-have sweets, like mini s’mores on a stick, dessert shots, cupcake bites, or the min ice cream cones below, they look delicious! Not to mention, finger food makes for easy eating, and when you are all dressed up that is definitely something guests are looking for. Now everyone can enjoy a little bit of everything without feeling too full or too guilty.
~Lindsay

A`vie Photo Shoot

So after being rained out the first time we finally did it. The magical night was Thursday. It was humid and hot but worth it all. We had Rob and Marian Witzel from Rob Witzel Photography come out and take some new pictures of the A`vie Staff. You know you can never have enough. We even held up traffic. Rob and Marian had us in the middle of the street. Wait until you see. As soon he post them we will blog more.
~Angela

Cheers!

Just because the economy is bad doesn’t mean your wedding bar bill has to be. We can help provide you with easy tips to make your bar budget a bargain!
- Be sure to ask your venue if you can purchase your own alcohol, rather than purchasing it through them.
- Don’t serve alcohol during your reception and close the bar during dinner. You could also close the bar an hour before your reception is over to ensure your guests leave safely.
- You don’t have to offer your guests every available alcohol – stick to the staples. Or, serve wine and beer and a signature drink of your choice.
There’s three easy tips to making alcohol attainable!

~Lindsay

Celebrating Our Seasons Event in May 2009

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” -- Ecclesiastes 3:1
Celebrating Our Seasons was a seminar for women of all ages and all faiths. It primarily focused of the smooth transition through each phase of life through preparation and faith. The seminar included performances by Christian musician Christy Nockels, keystone speaker Pam Tebow, and a variety of breakout sessions that covered topics from parenting to personal wellness.
The revenue collected from the seminar fee and the silent auction benefited the Interfaith Hospitality Network. IHN is a charity that works to provide housing, food and transportation to homeless families. It also helps these families find jobs, medical care, childcare, schooling and affordable housing.
The presence of Pam Tebow did create a great deal of attention to the seminar. Her experience as a mother and a “home school pioneer” truly prepared her to talk to women about being “A Mom for All Seasons.” Her spiritual insight re-inspired women to welcome the God into their parenting and personal life. Many women expressed their admiration of her teachings and success as a parent. Many also look forward to her up incoming book of parenting.
~Denise

White Winter Décor Inspiration Board

Colors: White and Silver
Theme: Glittering Snow
This idea board was created for a bride who wanted a winter theme without being “Christmas-y.” I wanted to give her the feel of fresh fallen snow in the morning sun. The use of tree branches as centerpieces seemed to appropriately capture the bareness of winter. I did, however, encounter the possibility of creating an overly rigid focus. I softened the branches by combining the glittering effect of reflective disks and dangling crystals. This added to the idea of melting snow at sunrise. To finalize the winter motif, I would like to add small birds nestling together in the branches. This incorporates the hope and warmth that the coming spring will provide.
On the table I wanted to sprinkle fake snow bits and add candles of different widths and heights for lightings. I the board you will see a candle that has been rolled in glitter. I thought it really brought the theme together. I loved the idea of throwing in a snow globe with a picture slot as a table number!
As for favors, I feel that the bride and groom can find just about anything in white or wrapped in silver paper for their guests. As an added detail, one could even use snow flake stickers to truly tie in the theme.

~Denise

Give them Something they are Sure to Wear again…….

Finding the perfect bridesmaid gifts can be a journey in and of itself! How do you thank your girls for their tireless devotion to all things bridal?? Not to mention the all the cash they dish out between dresses, your shower, bachelorette party, plus the gifts they give. I know that giving your girls jewelery that matches their dresses can be so tempting but why not give them something that they will actually wear again all at the same time!

Erin Gallagher has a great line of, get this , design your own jewelry products. Not only can you give a gift that your bridesmaid will surly L-O-V-E, you can personalize them by giving them colors and styles to match their personalities.

Right now her site is hosting their Semi-Annual Bridal sale!

Log onto http://www.eringallagher.com/ and type in BridalBling before checkout and receive 25% off!!

Happy Shopping!

A picture perfect day:

Romantic is definitely the right word to describe Dustin and Kaylen’s May wedding. From the soft peonies to the beautiful custom arch that stood above them every detail seemed as if you picked it straight out of your favorite picture book. From the second I met Kaylen you could tell she was every bit the sweet southern girl that Dustin made her out to be. Despite the 80% chance of rain that cast a shadow over the all the pre-wedding set up activities the staff at Golden Ocala and Unforgettable events never faulted in coming up with a backup plan. To all of our delight (especially Kaylen), the rain held out just long enough for the happy couple to tie the knot in front of family and friends surrounded by the beautiful scenery that is Golden Ocala. Sheltered by the elegance of the banquet hall and outer veranda (which hosted the much appreciated cocktail hour) the guests partied the night away in style. If their wedding day has any indication on the rest of their lives, this couple is sure to live happily ever after!
~Jessica K.

We even look great after a 14 hour day....

Juliana, Benay, Angela, Jasmine, Jessica PJ


So after working 14 hours at an event we even take time to laugh and recap the wedding to see how things could have been done a little bit differently. One thing that we at A`vie do before an event is to have a briefing meeting to help all staff know exactly the details of the wedding. Then after an event we do a debriefing to recap it and make sure we talk about some things we could adjust for the next event. It is terrific for all of us and our future clients.

~Angela

2009 Courage Walk Supporting Dwight's Fight Against ALS

Every now and then there comes along a really great event that is supporting a great cause. The 2009 Courage Walk supporting Dwight’s Fight Against ALS is among them! This family-friendly 5K walk presented on behalf of the Gainesville Community Foundation will be held on Saturday September 12th, 9AM-1PM at Haile Plantation Village Center and you do not want to miss out!
Getting involved is so easy! Both individuals and teams can come together in order to raise money for gift tote bags given to ALS patients and their families upon diagnosis.
You may ask what is ALS? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ASL) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As this disease progresses symptoms include weak muscles leading to paralysis and inability to breathe.
With your willingness and participation in this walk we can offer patients and families much needed support and supplies.
Please visit www.dwightsfight.org for more information and registration forms! All donations and support is much appreciated!

Erik and Rebecca's Stunning Wedding Pictures

Words can't express the emotions I have for the great job Krystal did from K-Gallery. She worked so hot in this extremely hot day. Thank you Krystal for an amazing job and for taking great care of Erik and Rebecca. The pictures are looking 'Darn Amazing'.

~Angela

Becky & Dale Tie the Knot

On June 13, 2009 Becky Cauthen and Dale Hall were married in a beautiful ceremony at University Auditorium located on the University of Florida Campus. If you have never been to University Auditorium you should know that it is a gorgeous, grand, Cathedral-like setting and the absolute perfect atmosphere for a wedding. Here are a few gorgeous shots taken there, all pictures taken by Powers Photography.

The following are some other great pictures that were captured while Becky was getting ready as well as some taken of the couple before the ceremony! I just love the background window!!

After the ceremony and between the raindrops Becky, Dale, and the wedding party in tow were able to stop by the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to take some great pictures that show their love for the Gators!

The reception, held at the UF Hilton, was decked out in pinks, purples, and blues and showcased Becky’s favorite, ribbons!! Each of the 24 tables was dressed with white linens and interlacing ribbons handcrafted by the Bride! In the center were tall vases filled with water and topped with stunning floral arrangements provided by Petal Pusher in Ocala. The dance floor was found underneath hundreds of ribbons hanging from the ceiling creating a fun setting for the guests to dance the night away with music provided by Mike Collins and Darrin Legree. The cake was made from four square tiers that were wrapped in, you guessed it, more ribbon!
Although it was a large wedding it was the small details that made it unique such as the candy bar that coordinated with their colors, the Photo Booth where guests could strike a pose, and the personalized pictures used as table numbers!

We at A’vie had a blast spending the day with Becky and Dale and we wish them the best for their new future together!
-Juliana

A Great Bestman Video....

Sometimes you just need a great laugh...at least in our world we do see a lot of things. Somethings just never surprise us. So click on the link below to get a great kick out of a bestman's toast to a dear friend of his.

http://boortz.com/more/video/best_man.html
~Angela

Tuxedo's 101

When considering a tuxedo, one should be anything but a fad. Fads should not be allowed to delve into the wonders of the tux but the tux should be left to the professionals like Pierce Brosnan, George Clooney or Clark Gable. Never too flashy or ostentatious but simple and timelessly elegant.
Although the black tux oozes elegance, one may try the midnight blue tuxedo instead because it appears blacker than black to the eye and in photographs. But be careful, do not confuse the midnight blue with the navy because they are two very different things.
Another example of a classic piece of the tux is the waist coat. To many it may be too formal but, in my opinion, it is the topping on an already delicious cake.
Men need to realize that they are not going to their high school prom where they can wear obnoxiously bright colors and feel like they are making a “statement.” A wedding tuxedo is not a novelty but a statement that defines the rest of your life.
So gentlemen, I am asking nicely that you hold up the high standards that Brosnan, Clooney, or Gable set out and make your woman proud when she is coming down the aisle to see such a put together and timeless man.
~Jessica Palmer-Jeffery

Erik and Rebecca's Wedding

After a conservative ceremony and an elegant list of music at the reception, no one could see what was coming next. After the bride threw the toss bouquet, it was finally time for the garter to come off. It was not yet the wedding night but the groom got on all fours and was headed to the bride. Then, Super Mario music began to play and the groom looked thoroughly confused. He walked over to the DJ and … came out with a super Mario hat on! Once again, he got on all fours and climbed under the layers and layers of the bride’s gown. With a little bit of stumbling, he comes out holding what could only be a grandmother’s underpants! He shook his head ‘no’ and threw them back and climbed in again. After a little while under there, he pulls out a pair of handcuffs! The bride turned bright red and hid her face only for the groom to go back under. The next time he comes out, he gets caught by a mousetrap! The groom looks somewhat scared but goes in for the final time and comes out with the beloved Super Mario garter.
With such a great idea, plenty of grooms should think about surprising their bride with some items they never thought they were hiding under their dress!
~Jessica PJ

Happy July 4th Day!!!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!!!!!!

We at A`vie would like to wish everyone a Happy Independence Day. May you and your family have a day filled with memories and fun. Spend time with each other.

Bless you all from us at A`vie.

What do you do when you get a call?

Well after I finished up a wedding this past weekend and I was excited that it was still early in our world, 9pm and I was heading home. As I was calling home and getting my thoughts in mind of what I needed to do there my cell phone rang. It was one of the Groomsmen from the wedding. I thought that was very strange to call me now. You haven't called me all weekend but you call me now.

The reason for his call was he and four of the groomsmen where traveling together towards I-75 and they ran out of gas. Sure enough. I just couldn't believe it. I had to laugh and think this is just a 'Woman thing' but not any more.

So even if you think you are clear for the evening things can quickly change. So off I went to the Advanced Auto Store in Alachua and purchased a gas can and then off to the nearest gas station. So as I called to tell them I was heading back to find them if they could please let me know where they were at. Sure if they only knew because all they could see is street light and a building across the street but no name. After searching for them up and down a stretch of highway of 6 miles I found them. Only taking me 15 minutes...

We got their tank filled up and off they went running to the nearest gas station. So who says your night can't end with a little more fun than you expected. So guys remember to look at your gauge when the bell says you are almost out. Thanks for some laugher at the end of the night (Denver, Joshua, Fay, Louis, and Bryce).

~Angela

Check out Unique Designs....

Unique Designs has launched their new website. Unique designs is a custom invitation studio and their invitations are innovative, modern, and without a doubt, one-of-a-kind. You should definitely check out the website to see for yourselves, just go to http://www.daretobeunique.com/. Browse through their portfolios of invitations for weddings and other events and I assure you, you'll be impressed!

~A`vie Ladies....Unique you Rock it!!!