Bridal Fantasy Show

If you are in the mood to hit a bridal show we have one for you. We are going to be a part of the Bridal Fantasy Bridal Show in St. Augustine on Sunday, August 30th from 1:00-5:00pm. We would so love for you to come. They are expecting close to 120 vendors. If you view the link attached you will see who all will be there.

It's Not Just Another Show ... It's The Ultimate Bridal Experience!

OVER ONE-HUNDRED of the top wedding professionals from Northeast Florida will be on hand at the Renaissance Resort for the Fall Bridal Fantasy. Here are some of the highlights to expect.

• Paul Deland from D'land Entertainment will be the Master of Ceremonies
• Partners such as PRI Productions will ensure this to be a one-of-a-kind event
• Area's finest wedding professionals, featuring services such as catering, cakes, florists, gift registries, reception entertainment, invitations, travel and honeymoon services, wedding photography, wedding consultants and planners, videographers, overnight accommodations, plus much, much, more!
• Home to the Bridal Fantasy events in the greater Jacksonville area is the Renaissance Resort inside the World Golf Village complex; a beautiful 28,000 square foot facility that reflects the quality and esteem of a first-class world-resort.
• Multiple exotic honeymoons including an all-inclusive from Sol-Melia Hotels and Paradisus Resorts will be given away
• Continuous fashion will be exhibited at the bridal salon booths all day plus several runway fashion events will be featured on stage in a professionally choreographed display, showcasing local fashion, and simulcast on two large screens. Don't miss these spectacular scheduled events!
• Guys, come play the casino tables in our newly expanded casino lounge where you can win your brides thousands of dollars in door prizes while watching post-season football on our wide screen TV. When you win ... you also pick the winning door prize so you'll always get the gift you want!Get there early for the pre-show party!
• Doors open at 1:00PM.

Show specific details:
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The 2009 Fall Bridal Fantasy inside World Golf Village
500 South Legacy Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32092
(904) 940-8637
Admission is $10.00 at the door
$6.99 if paid in advance with online registration

Fun, food, fashion, special guest appearances, live entertainment, tens of thousands in cash prizes and giveaways, and plenty of the area's top professionals from which to choose!

It's Not Just Another Show ... It's The Ultimate Bridal Experience!

Hope to see you at the show.

~Angela

Chair Covers can and will make a difference at your event

Have you every thought about having Chair Covers at your next event. Well you should.

10 things you should know about ordering Chair Covers

1. Chair covers will impact the room more then any other décor item you can think to bring in for your event.

2. There are different size chairs out there. Make sure that you know the measurement of your chairs (widest part of the seat from left to right & overall height of the chair)

3. There are different size tables; know the sizes of your tables.

4. Do not be afraid of color

5. Pick linens / chair covers that reflect your personality

6. Plan your event like you are decorating a living room... this just happens to be a large living space. Remember that the reception is nothing more then a dinner party.

7. Fabulous Events will take the stress out of your planning at least with your linen and chair cover needs.

8. Communicate with your florist on what linens / chair covers you have selected to use.

9. Have fun with your planning.

10. Don't wait to the last minute to order, especially if you have specific needs. Keep in mind that we would not need your final counts and payment until 3 weeks before the event..

~Angela

Caroline X2

Two Weddings

Two Grooms

Two (separate) Brides named Caroline

One from Chicago
One from Gainesville

Same name, same wedding date, different weddings but both special to each one individually.


Yes, A`vie has two weddings on the same day with both brides named Caroline! We are thrilled for both of our Caroline's! One will be married at Holy Trinity Episcopal with a reception at The Thomas Center, and the other Caroline will be married at First Baptist Church and a reception to follow. Angela and Amy will be seeing double Caroline!

Enjoy your beautiful day ladies!

Meet Darla...

If you haven't taken the time to read up on our website then you haven't seen Darla's picture. Although Darla has been with A`vie since March of '08 we haven't been able to keep her in one place to get her picture taken. She is a very busy woman which is something that drew me to her.

As most of you know me I have my hand in just about everything. I love to be involved and Darla is very much the same way. For she is always doing something from planning some one's wedding to us, to full time student, translating a book into Spanish and even out in the field training horses. You name it she will, can and probably has done it.

Take a moment and read about Darla and how she has the experience it takes to be apart of the A`vie Team.

Darla Huntley began her work with A’vie Weddings and Events in March of 2008. As an Associate Coordinator, Darla has worked on a variety of events in a variety of locations including Golden Ocala, Plantation Hall at Haile, The Thomas Center in Gainesville, The Butterfly Museum at UF and Bay Laurel in Micanopy. Events are always a delight because each and every one is unique just as each couple is unique, and Darla’s commitment to make each couple’s special day just as they dreamed it means she will do whatever it takes to make it so.

Darla brings to the A’vie family a variety of hands on experience which includes 14 years in the restaurant/customer service industry and assisting with floral design. Her work in the events industry began at a prime steakhouse in Fayetteville, Georgia where she decided to add a few special touches to events held in their extremely under-booked banquet area. What started out with one or two banquets per week that were plain and far from exceptional quickly turned into a full-blown events planning job in a facility that was almost always booked solid. Her planning and coordination experience includes weddings, rehearsal dinners, business and pharmaceutical meetings, birthday and holiday parties.

Darla and her husband were married in 2007 in Gainesville at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. She recently went back to college at UF in pursuit of her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and plans to put this to use as a translator. Darla also owns seven horses and competes in barrel racing.

Carlson's 50th Anniversary

We had the privilege of coordinating The Carlson 50th Anniversary party on August 8. It was a very special and unique event for many reasons. For starters, our client (daughter of the couple) lives in North Carolina and we did not get to meet her until one day before the event! A’vie was able to recommend vendors and her final choices included Plantation Hall at Haile for the venue, Celebrations Catering, The Plant Shoppe, Ms. Debbie’s Sugar Art, Eric Redmond as the pianist, Paul from Footstone Photography, and Professional Valet Parking Systems. As guests arrived cocktails and appetizers were served while the wedding video played on the projector screen. Yes, there was video footage of the wedding from 50 years ago! During dinner a slideshow with music played for guests- it was a huge hit! Then came the surprise…Father Tim was there to renew their wedding vows! A bouquet was brought to Mrs. Carlson and she joined her husband in front of all 85 guests to recite the vows they said 50 years ago. Then the couple danced to “Wind Beneath My Wings” which was beautifully performed by Eric. To follow suit of a wedding, the couple ceremoniously cut the beautiful three tiered cake. To honor this special couple and their huge accomplishment, the microphone was passed around to almost a dozen guests to give a toast! The beautiful flower arrangements were given by our client as gifts to several guests and vendors as well! It was a pleasure to be a part of this fantastic celebration of love and family. From all of us at A’vie: Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Carlson!
~Noelle

P.S. Pictures to come from Footstone Photography

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, etcIf 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

Introducing Noelle to A`vie

Noelle has been such as blessing to A`vie and myself. A dear officiant, Donny Dillion introduced me to Noelle several months ago. She just did her first event this past Saturday night and is working on a few more in the upcoming months.

Meet Noelle...

Noelle Raimondo is the latest addition to A’vie Weddings and Events. Although she joined our team in May 2009, she has a variety of event experience behind her dating back to 2003. Her curiosity about event planning stemmed from planning her prom as senior class president. While working closely with a hotel event planner she witnessed a fabulous event for 600 people become a huge success. She also attended her first large wedding that year, which became the subject of her AP composition thesis paper: The Commercialization of Weddings. She then moved from Buffalo, NY to attend the University of Florida.
While gaining a plethora of knowledge through her Event Management classes, she also became involved with the Health and Human Performance College. As President of Rho Phi Lambda, a departmental honor society, she organized events, meetings and community activities for members. As the Events Intern with the HHP Communications Department, she planned a variety of charity and alumni events including basketball and volleyball tournaments, trivia nights, bingo nights, career fairs, and an alumni barbeque. In 2007 she graduated with her Event Management degree and began working weddings as a volunteer with local wedding planners and on her own. She has taken a nationally accredited Wedding Certification Course and is apprenticing with local vendors to earn her certification.
Her Italian heritage and large family has helped her understand the importance of sharing special moments with the ones you love and that even get-togethers can be an event that needs planning! She is blessed to have a loving Christian family and a fantastic church family at UCCC. She has a wide range of hobbies and loves taking classes to learn new ones like playing guitar and learning Spanish. As a sports fanatic, Noelle loves playing volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, golf…pretty much everything! She also enjoys watching sports and traveling to watch her favorite teams. She enjoys volunteering in the community, and her most recent service project was a mission trip to Honduras.
Noelle enjoys taking her clients’ vision and watching it become a reality! Seeing the smiles on the faces of brides or attendants of a charity event is her favorite part of the job. She’ll do whatever it takes to make your event a huge success, whether it is finding the perfect vendors to fit your needs or offering unique ideas to suit your budget. She understands that your event is unique from any other, and that you want it to be perfect. Her expertise, experience and organization will give you peace of mind throughout the planning process and the day of your event.
~Angela

Pictures from the Bridal Show in January 2009

I typically hear from brides and groom's after a bridal show that it was overwhelming and they weren't prepared for all that they needed to encounter. I know that our brides and grooms we start telling them to go in with a game plan. Make a list of what vendors they are still looking for. Prior to attending the bridal show they go on to their web site and check their work out. After that they now compile a short list of who they need to check out. I ask that they engage good conversation with the vendors but to keep it short because of the time that they have in general.
So now that you have processed all of this then I want to share some pictures the Florida Bridal Expo in January at the University of Florida Hilton looked like. We know that as shows come and go we want you to be prepared. I hope these pictures will help you prepare as we head into the bridal shows in September.

Below are some amazing shots taken in a crowded ballroom Florida Bridal Expo in January 2009 at Hilton UF. Check out Djamel's pictures. Djamel is the owner of Elle Photography based out of Ocala, FL. He travels where ever his clients take him.


People are packed around to get some yummy food from Sweetwater Branch Inn


Newly engaged brides ready for the day

Brides checking out Party Time Rentals new creative ideas

Bride's and Groom's waiting and ready for the Fashion Show and give away's to begin

Let the show begin...

September 2008's Wedding Day winner...Keri Stewart

I was able to bring Keri up on stage for her to share her story about winning the

'Wedding Day' Package Give Away valued at $17,500

Solution's Bridal

Newell and 'the Girls'

Another point we would encourage you to bring with you is "predone address" labels so when filling out forms you can just put one of those on it and be done. Make sure it includes the following items:

• bride's name
• groom's name
• date of wedding
• address of the bride
• phone number of the bride and groom
• email of the bride and groom
• city where the ceremony and reception are taking place

See you at the shows!!!

~Angela

2009 Courage Walk Supporting Dwight's Fight Against ALS

2009 Courage Walk Supporting Dwight’s Fight

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, families and teams can come together in order to raise money for Courage Walk Dwight’s Fight Against ALS and/or a gift tote bag that will be given to ALS patients and their families upon diagnosis in the Gainesville area. To be a part of this Walk A Thon you can go http://www.dwightsfight.org/ and download the form.
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! If this doesn’t answer all of your questions please contact Angela directly at the office (352-338-7577) or an email (angela@avie.biz).

ViVA Event with Hospice

As you know we are doing more and more Corporate and Non Profit Events. I get so excited when they choose to use our services. One that is very dear to my heart that I have been wanting to get involved with is Hospice. They took care of my grandmother before she past away. We had the best male nurse ever. Although my grandfather wasn't too sure but this nurse proved himself to be so caring and empathic. To do it all over again we wouldn't change a thing. We loved all of the attention and care that Hospice gave us.

We are super excited to announce that we are going to help plan 2010 ViVA's Event. We are just getting ready to put the details and the theme together on the 11th of September. I can't wait to share all the details.
~Angela

Courtney and Brandon's little girl

It is always nice to stay in touch with our clients after they are married. I ran into one of my past clients in the mall over the weekend and was able to see their little girl with the cutest black and white bow. (So Courtney's touch) Although she looked so much like her father although an adorable girl with the cutest little cheeks. Great to see you three.
Love on that little girl!!!
~Angela

Pure: Photography by Lindsey Tropf is RELAUNCHING!!!

Photography by Lindsey Tropf has completely redone her business branding: colors, logo, website, business cards, blog, and more. To celebrate and share her own excitement, she is having a week of GiveAways with unique wedding items from both local vendors and some personal Etsy favorites.

A different GiveAway will be held each day, with the winner(s) announced the next day. To enter, all you need to do is comment (with a valid email so you can be notified). The winner will be selected with a random number generator. The prizes get larger and more expensive, so be sure to keep coming back until the end!

Lindsey Tropf is located in Gainesville, FL but is available in Florida, Georgia, or for travel. She shoots almost entirely weddings with an approach that focuses on the unique personalities and dynamics of each clients’ relationship. She limits her wedding commissions to no more than 20 per year for a personalized, boutique service for her clients.

Don't forget to check out her blog too!

~Angela

Brides against Breast Cancer

Hey to all! I just wanted to let everyone know about a program that will take your bridal gown or your bridesmaid dresses and use them to raise money for the fight against breast cancer. I realize that many of us have gowns that we won't wear again and they are taking up precious space in the closet. Take a look at the website and see what you think. It is a worthy cause and a great way to recycle the dresses you'll never wear again. Apparently they also do tours for people to shop and buy the gowns, so if you know anyone looking to save money as well as donate to a worthy cause, then pass this on! Love to all!
http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/
~Angela

A Fan-Tastic Idea!

A summer wedding in Florida is a dream for some couple’s, with the beautiful beaches and breezy palm trees, but the reality is that most outdoor events are just downright hot. Well instead of letting this obstacle get in the way of your vision, let it be inspired! A popular wedding website GetMarried.com is now offering an item that can double as favors and a way to keep your guests comfortable in the hot heat. With prices as low as $1.00 you can receive an elegant Asian white paper fan. The best part is that these fans are simple and can easily be adjusted to incorporate your theme. A few suggestions that GetMarried.com recommends are using a stamp or calligraphy for personalization, weaving colored paper through the spokes for place cards, or attaching ribbon, the possibilities are endless! And don’t forget about all the great pictures you could get with this fun little accessory :)

~Juliana

Congratulations to John and Sarah

We want to send out a Congratulations to John and Sarah on the birth of their son, Chayce Gavin. He came in weighing 8.02 lbs on the 26th of July at 9:40pm.

Isn't he the cutest thing?

Sarah take care of that little one. Now John you better make sure that Sarah doesn't over do it.

~Angela

Introducing Amy to A`vie...

It is with great pleasure that I am able to share with you our newest employee...Amy Keene.

Picture by Rob Witzel Photography
Here is Amy's Bio to tell you more about here.
Amy Keene has been working with A`vie Weddings and Events since it’s opening in 2004. Amy began as an Associate Coordinator in addition to Angela’s personal assistant. Although she moved away for a little while, she has always felt like “A`vie family” and has been contracted for various events. Amy’s heart for events and planning started before working with weddings as she learned how to lead in ministry teams and community events. She was a Creative Arts team leader for three years in addition to working with Angela in the children’s ministry.

She began working in the wedding industry with a catering and events company where she first learned how all the details of an event come together. Her greatest joy of working with a couple on their wedding day is to see the happiness on their faces in the lifelong choice they make as all the details of their day come together to make it so special. Amy has experience working with large and small weddings and events of all kinds. Her past events include ‘Celebrating our Seasons’ with Interfaith Hospitality Network, local weddings, Bridal Expos, directing ministry programs including writing plays and directing special programs, and is currently on the committee for Dwight’s Fight Foundation.
Amy and her husband were married in Gainesville and enjoy living in a supportive community with great people and friends around. They enjoy spending time with family and friends and taking hikes with their dog Annie. As High School sweethearts, they grew up in town and later moved away for college. After realizing God’s plan for their life, they were married at Kanapaha Gardens among family and friends in a beautiful outside garden setting. It was while Amy was planning her own wedding, along with her coordinator, when she realized what special time is it to help others to enjoy the planning process for their wedding as it is such a joyous time to remember without having the stress and knowing what a fabulous day it will be. Amy works with A`vie as an Associate Coordinator and the Plantation Hall at Haile Manager. She is looking forward to working with you to help make your special day memorable.

So please welcome Amy to the A`vie staff.

~Angela

2009 Courage Walk Supporting Dwight's Fight Against ALS

2009 Courage Walk Supporting Dwight’s Fight

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, families and teams can come together in order to raise money for Courage Walk Dwight’s Fight Against ALS and/or a gift tote bag that will be given to ALS patients and their families upon diagnosis in the Gainesville area. To be a part of this Walk A Thon you can go http://www.dwightsfight.org/ and download the form.
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! If this doesn’t answer all of your questions please contact Angela directly at the office (352-338-7577) or an email (angela@avie.biz).