The King and Prince Resort on the incredible island of St. Simon has just announced a brand new contest.  What great timing as we near Valentine's Day celebrations. It's a well known fact that we are all hurriedly trying to figure out the perfect gift idea for our loved ones.

Having visited this property myself in the past, and longing to return to it often, I place this neighboring State of Georgia and this Historic ocean front, full service hotel, high in my list of priorities to visit. I recommend it to you with the utmost confidence.


This beautiful and ooh so relaxing place; one which by the way is a perfect setting for a picture perfect wedding, or a fabulous never to be forgotten honeymoon vacation, is a reasonable distance for those of us who like to drive from Florida and take in the scenery. I have done this trip and believe me, it is certainly worth it. The entrance unto the island itself automatically transports you to another time. For me it was sort of a "take me back to a Gone with the Wind era." So much to see in this part of the Peach State.

To participate in their 2012 February contest, just visit their Facebook wall at: https://www.facebook.com/TheKingandPrince 
Once you are on their Wall, you must tell them why St. Simons Island in Coastal Georgia is your favorite spot for a romantic getaway. You will be in the running to win two nights in an Ocean Front room at this magnificent resort. This contest includes special treats such as breakfast for two, and a welcome beverage of your choice at The Kings Tavern.

Newsflash.. We hear they have a Limoncello drink to die for!

The contest winners will be announced on February 24th.

Good Luck!
Isabel Albuerne

The Event Lady

We fell in love with a product today. Just love accessories for weddings you can make all your own, especially when made right here in the USA! So we thought... why not share? 
 
Lani Designs is a creative glassware company featuring more than 40 designs and five types of stem ware. All of the glassware is scratch proof, fade proof color and dishwasher safe. If you have something in mind, but don’t see that particular design on their website... (besides their general collection they also cater to the wedding consumer) sooo, just contact them and you can work with Lani Design’s creative team, to make your own one-of-a-kind bridal masterpiece!

Match your wedding theme colors, or do something completely creative!
Their toasting champagne glasses make great bridesmaids gifts!
Personalize each one to match your bridesmaid's personality and her favorite things.

Below, a Picture of one of their On-Line Catalog His and Hers Bridal Flute Designs

Remember these Features:

•Scratch resistant

•Fade proof color

•Top rack dishwasher safe (occasionally is recommended)

•10.5 oz. champagne flute

•9.5" tall, 2.5" diameter

•Hand painted in the USA

So here's to a great day of bridal shopping!
Isabel Albuerne
The Event Lady

Southwest Florida is truly Paradise!

Ask any resident and they will confirm. Ask any bride and they will probably concur it is a dream place to have a wedding indeed!

We have so many assets....yes, I know, I am not objective, but hey, i'ts my blog and I am a proud resident, so here goes... We have sunsets, natural beauty, great people, fantastic weather, art, great dining, amazing resorts, and let's not forget magnificent islands like Sanibel and Captiva of course. Wow! I think I've just about used up all the adjectives I know.  

Newsflash for Today!
Sanibel, one my favorite islands is having a Grand opening, one which I would like  to share with you. This will be a new place for fine cuisine, a place to gather and celebrate special events like engagement dinners, rehearsal dinners, intimate wedding dinners. You get the picture right?

Sanibel Island’s newest dining establishment is named Il Cielo. Meaning “the sky” in Italian, (pronounced “eel chee-ello”) and it will be a definite Italian dining experience and they will open to the public for dinner on Monday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m.

Note: Since I am of Hispanic origin, it means the sky to Latinos as well, just thought I would mention that tidbit. Most Spanish people love Italian food, I know I do!



Please Note: Photography was provided by PR Agency

Celebrity Chef Loretta Paganini, host of “Simply Gourmet” on the Discovery Channel and proprietor of the International Culinary Arts & Sciences Institute, and Milan’s Chef Marco Corricelli are the gourmet masterminds behind Il Cielo’s Italian offerings.

I invite you to Read their Official Press Release on our NEW Community Pages by Clicking right here!

You may also call them directly for Reservations
or Catering Information at: 239-472-5555

"Buono Appetito"
And See You at Ill Cielo!
Isabel Albuerne aka The Event Lady

Love is sometimes better the second time around… as is the case with Chicago Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler and reality television star, Kristin Cavallari.  They have re-engaged. Congrats to the lucky couple in love! 

Since recently announcing their re-engagement, Cavallari is once again sporting a sparkling 5.2 carat engagement ring that Cutler initially presented to her earlier this year. It's an eye opener for sure!

To all my Florida brides, no need to despair... you too can wear a ring like this one, thanks to Vera Wang, the "Queen of All Bridal." Wedding couples from all walks of life can choose to sport a look like Cavallari on their ring finger.

The Love Collection collection boasts engagement rings starting from under $2,000 all the way to almost $16,000, and weddings bands ranging from $650 and up.

There is a beautiful array of designs to choose from, and the ample selection of jewelry designs, with very affordable prices can be found exclusively at Zales.

Please Note: The above are bling holiday wishes and gift ideas for all my Florida Grooms to Entertain.

Happy Engagement Ring Shopping!

The Event Lady 

Not too long ago, we had posted about a company called PlaceTile and their erasable ceramic menu cards and placecards. Well, they've done it again! 

They just sent us a Press Release on their new product, "Erasable Ceramic Bottle Stoppers." These useful little corks with beautiful ceramic tops can be used to re-seal your bottles of wine or oil. Their special feature is that they can be personalized or labeled for any social occasion; a great item for wedding favors, or quinceañera keepsakes. They are also handy at identifying your different selections of wines, and your specialty or imported olive oils and dressings, at a formal dinner party when you celebrate at home.

What we like most, is the fact that we can use them over and over, since they are totally erasable. These bottle stoppers retail for $13 for a set of three.
For More Information Visit them at: www.placetile.com

Happy Wine Corking!

The Event Lady

The Event Lady is always looking for ways to offer recyclable and "Green" products that can be incorporated into the planning of bride's wedding reception, and a quinceañera's celebration. Here in Florida, "we are especially particular about preserving the natural surroundings around us."

Lauren Karnitz, has presented us with a collection that follows this line of thinking. Recycled flowers for your wedding cake, and oh! so much more! This international artist has released a truly unique and different collection of pretty and colorful recycled flowers. Originally designed as single stems or arrangements, the flowers have been adopted by brides and quince girls across the country as cake toppers, cake décor, guest gifts or favors, and even corsages and boutonnieres.

Karnitz creates these floral designs using household recyclables such as milk jugs, candy wrappers, shampoo bottles, and straws. Each flower is crafted into stunning varieties such as roses, magnolias, peonies, sunflowers, lilies and hybrids, and as she states, "have a spirit all their own.”
The cake picture below offers a glimpse of her work.

You can see more of her unique vision for art by visiting her website at: www.laurenkarnitz.com

Happy Recycled Bridal Flower Shopping!

Isabel Albuerne aka The Event Lady 

Cupcakes have been the rage for weddings for a while now; Quinceañeras jumped on this trend soon after, since it offers a fun and creative way to enjoy these individual desserts. Ordering cupcakes continues to be a strong option for any special event, adding colors, flavors, and decorating theme choices to your reception style.

The Cupcake Tower Company has a neat display tower that showcases these adorable sweets. On the picture collage you can see how the cupcakes and the new rave, "Cake Pops" (Will talk about those another time...), are mixed for a delish variety.

This versatile tower stand can hold anywhere from 25- 138 standard size cupcakes; and it is perfect for a Quince, Wedding or Bridal shower celebration! In addition to being useful, it offers a colorful elastic ribbon that covers the edges, giving you another way to enhance your event's color scheme. The tower can be decorated with real flowers or silk flowers, any small details you add yourself, can make it a unique show piece! You can choose from either round or square shape towers, and the top tier is perfect for holding a small cake, (a tradition for the bride and groom to keep, freeze and consume on their 1st year anniversary), it can also be used as a pedestal that will hold a pretty cake top.

If you are a baking lady... there's some tasty cupcake recipes at www.allrecipes.com, if not... then look up your local professional cupcake company to provide you with a myriad of stress-free creations.
 
To Read more about this Product Please Visit them at:www.thecupcaketower.com

Happy Sweet Desserts!
Isabel Albuerne aka The Event Lady

Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, South Florida’s ultra-luxury beachfront retreat, along with Madison Parker events and Harry Winston, invite South Florida locals, visitors and resort guests to join the area’s most desired wedding professionals on September 25th.

Guests will experience and discover everything needed to plan and execute a dream wedding, including haute couture gowns, breathtaking floral arrangements, elegant center pieces, lavish wedding decor, and samples of award winning cuisine by Acqualina’s Executive Chef, Christopher Blum. Bridal show attendees will nibble on scrumptious wedding cake samples, listen to live entertainment, register to win spectacular prizes and have the opportunity to consult with the industry’s finest professionals. Complimentary mimosas and bellinis will be served.

(Press Info and Images Supplied by PR Agency)

Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach located at 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, will also unveil its newly acquired event space - the Beachfront Event Lawn which boasts 7,800 square feet of spaciousness. The Event Lawn is perfect for hosting dinners, special occasions and especially weddings. The space will be set for a wedding so guests can visualize how an ocean front wedding can be presented.


Show Participants include:

·   Adagion Studios - Photography

·   Al Davis - Floral

·   Ana Paz - Cake

·   Elegant Temptations - Cake

·   Five Star Events - Floral/Event Design

·   Florida Bride Magazine - Bridal Magazine

·   Godiva - Chocolatier

·   Harry Winston - Jewelry

·   Hilda - Makeup

·   Jonathan Photography - Photography

·   Kerry’s Papery - Invitations

·   Lillian Designs – Invitations

·   Ovation Travel  - Travel Agency

·   Ribbon and Roses - Charity Organizations

·   Silvia Tcherassi – Bridal Dress Designer

·   Skin Sensuous - Skin Care

·   Susan Jaffe Sobe Spine - Event Design

·   Thierry’s Catering – Catering

·   Uplyte - Lighting

·   Utopia - Video Productions

·   Valerie Bihet with Vibe Agency - Event Design

                                                             
Tickets are $15 per person in advance or $20 at the door. Valet parking is complimentary for Bridal Show guests.

For advance reservations, please contact Rachelle Alexander at Madison Parker Events - T: 786-394-3645

For out of state guests interested in attending the show, Acqualina will offer 50% off room rates. Click Here and Enter WedACQ2011 as the attendee code when placing the booking.

Happy Bridal Show Weekend!

The Event Lady

Here is a love song to inspire Floridian brides and grooms, it is titled "The Woman You Wanna Be", via this link you can take a peek on itunes. This song is performed by a Miami raised young lady with big dreams and a passion for music, her name is Jackie Arredondo. We loved the words when we heard it, and since we are always looking for wedding songs, thought it would be great to share.

Jackie has many other CDs in her collection, so please make sure you check them out. Another pretty Love balad is "Un Amor Tan Grande" translated in English (A Love so Big.) We have always believed that supporting local talent and businesses is up to us! So today we blog about this bi-lingual treasure, who can perform and delight you in both languages, English and Spanish.

FYI - A bit of her Bio:
Jackie Arredondo was raised in Florida and from a very young age, she started singing with different local bands. As a student of Music at Miami University, her teachers discovered her talent to teach others. This is when Jackie’s career took a turn, and her dreams of becoming a recording artist were placed on hold to pursue a new career as a vocal coach. However, Jackie never stopped dreaming about Nashville, the Grand Ol Opry and Country music, the music that has been her passion since the age of 5. The music of Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban has been an integral part of her life, and she counts their CDs among her most valuable possessions.

Today, after persistency, consistency and much hard work, she is blessed to have her own treasured collection of music, her own songs to share all over the world via itunes or on her websites below.

You Can Visit her at:  http://www.jackiearredondo.com
and in Spanish at: http://www.jackiearredondo.com/espanol/

Happy Wedding Music Selection!

The Event Lady

Well my bridal readers, it has been a year of royal and celebrity weddings indeed, and we still have a few months to go, so who knows if any more surprises are in store!

It is hard to top these extravagant and expensive events! But just so we can feel like Princesses and Movie Stars Brides ourselves, here's a unique fragrance that will cast the spell!

"Love" is a Limited Edition Fragrance by Kim Kardashian.

(Image and Press Info Supplied by Marketing Agency )

Housed in a deluxe platinum finish vessel embellished with 450 hand laid clear cut stones, each limited edition bottle is numbered and signed by Kim. The gorgeous bottle is presented in a noir velvet finish case, inspired by a ring box. Only 1,000 bottles were produced—one for Kim to wear on her wedding day, 200 for her bridal shower and 799 to share the love with her fans.

The soft, feminine scent opens with top notes of sparkling red currant, pink freesia and star jasmine. A heart of French mimosa, rare Egyptian tuberose, and rose absolute orpur eases into a rich background of sensual musk, creamy sandalwood, and orris butter.

“I used to think falling in love was the most incredible feeling,” says Kim Kardashian. “But now I see there’s nothing more special than the enduring beauty of building a life with your other half and watching your love grow, each and every day.”

WHAT IT COSTS: $100

WHERE TO GO: www.kardashianfragrance.com

Happy Wedding Day Fragrance Selection!

The Event Lady 

The Annual Conference of the National Association of Wedding Professionals (NAWP) will take place on September 25-27, 2011, at The Naples Beach Hotel in SW Florida.

The venue selected for this bridal industry event is perfect, since it is one of the most acclaimed wedding destinations of the area. 

Below The Event Lady shares a presentation with beautiful wedding Images, Courtesy of The Naples Beach Hotel. 

If you are a bride-to-be, and like what you see above ... contact this resort directly at their catering department at: (239) 659-4309

If you are a wedding or quince professional, do not miss this great conference, plus the chance to meet all the honored guest speakers that can help improve your wedding business. We are Proud Members The National Association of Wedding Professionals.

Find out who the Wedding Guest Speakers will be!

Visit our NAWP Page Today! 

Happy Event Planning!

The Event Lady 

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida is having a fundraising event today July 15th, 2011, at Shula's Steak House located in the Hilton Naples.

This special event is called "Celebrity Bartender Night", and the popular Naples personality and celebrity bartender at this function will be well know businessman Tony Marino of the Marino Group.

Many of us know Tony as long time owner of his division "Regency Transportation", a reputable limousine company offering wedding and special event transportation and parking services to SW Florida brides.

Tony will be donating his time to help raise funds used to make wishes come true for children facing life-threatening medical conditions. The admission to the event is free, but a 100 % of the bartender's gratuities will be donated to benefit the foundation.

For More Information:  Call Lesley Colantonio at 239-9474

Visit: http://sfla.wish.org/

Kudos to Mr. Marino for his generous help. We hope lots of money is raised for this worthy cause!

Cheers!
The Event Lady

The Inspire Smart Success Conference is in Florida this week!

This wedding trade event is hosted by Stacie Ivers Francombe, a bridal media specialist, successful business woman and television producer.

Stacie was the developer and executive producer of  "Get Married" a large and well known bridal resource on television, on-line, and in print, which  launched in 2006.

In 2011, this wedding expert decided that helping small wedding businesses grow around the country was her passion!  Stacie then launched her mentoring program "ISS" Inspire Smart Success, which is happening in Orlando this very weekend at the Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek.

If you are in the wedding or the quince industry, (I always say "A Quince event is a Cousin to the Bridal Industry") then it may definitely be an advantage to check out this professional trade event.

If you are not in Florida don't worry; she travels all around the country, so make sure you research when she's coming to a town near you!

This wedding seminar, may just be the learning tool you can use to improve your bridal business by learning new marketing and branding skills.

The Dates are this Weekend:
July 18th: Welcome Party 7:00pm-9:00pm
July 19th: ISS Experience 8:30am-5:00pm

To get additional information, details and pricing visit:
http://inspiresmartsuccess02.eventbrite.com/

The Event Lady also extends an invitation to check out Stacie's blog at:
http://inspiresmartsuccess.com/blog/

it's Never too late to see if there are any seats still available!

Happy Wedding Industry Seminar Weekend Everyone!

The Event Lady of Florida Weddings and Special Events.

Love and marriage... do any of you remember the jingle from the sit-com?  They "Go together like a Horse and Carrriage." What a recipe for happiness! Do we have all the ingredients?

As a Florida wedding notary, it is sad for me to see how many couples just do not stay at it long enough! Granted, we human beings, are very complex, no two of us are alike. But in one respect we can all agree, "Love is a wonderful feeling", especially when we compare it to those fairy tale stories and romantic movies, which some of us women love. Who does not crave all this emotion? We fall in love and Get Married...instant happiness right? Far from truth, a myth, a fantasy!

The problem is that in real life marriages, after the initial excitement of planning the wedding reception and spending all that money, it's all about sharing the toils of daily life. There are good times and there are bad ones!  Sometimes love ceases to look like that romantic movie we saw...the monotonous chores, not enough cash, the children take all your time, or the years pass, and the couple is now exhausted. During these different stages, the pressure of the problems tend to sweep away illusions and sometimes everything seems to fade. It is during these times, you would think it's time to work at the marriage a bit harder! That is when many give up!

The issue here lies, in that in each one of us is so very different. We do not all have the same spiritual strength. There are couples who survive these episodes, but sadly, some do not. Often, in many marriage relationships there is one hopeless dreamer, and then the other is the realistic one in life, or shall we say "The Rock." Conflict begins, when one in the partner needs or wants more than the other partner can give them at the time. What a dilemma!

There is no complete and perfect recipe for marriage, each couple has to experience and express their own feelings. Many let too much pride, or lack of granting a pardon get in the way. Other times, everything fails because Real love was not there to begin with.  Remember my friends, there is a wise old saying that is good to recall, "what is truly yours, can never be taken away."

In conclusion, communication, tolerance, persistence, consistency and honesty are some of the key ingredients for this perfect wedding recipe, the rest of the formula is an enigma!

We do not have the complete equation, because if we did, divorce lawyers would be out of business! The important factor is recognizing that married life is difficult, YES! ... but also knowing that it's worth fighting for, especially if there is family at stake. That thought alone, "young lovers of today" is one of the greatest key to your happiness in the future!

Much Luck and Love in Your Marriage Adventure!

Isabel Albuerne

The Event Lady

What a useful concept! Erasable ceramic Placecards or Menus for your special events. The Event Lady takes pleasure in sharing a great personalized reception item called PlaceTiles.

These ceramic tiles were the brainchild of Kristin Bowen in 1998, when in the planning of her own wedding; she decided to add a finishing touch to her guest tables at her bridal reception. Today the extensive line offers napking rings, buffet cards, wine tags, gift tags, and so much more!

This placecard design is a useful, erasable small ceramic tablet where you can write your guests' names, another form of usage is to describe each dish being served at your wedding brunch or buffet line. They come in a variety of styles to fit any reception's theme, such as the Medallion, Fleur-de-Lis, Vine, Shell and more. They certainly add a lovely detail to any elegant party.

Placetiles also offers a ceramic tablet design, which you can use to write down your Menu for a bridal shower, wedding luncheon or reception formal  dinner. In addition, these items actually serve a dual purpose, and can be kept as a beautiful memento of the bridal couple's special day, and great for a princess quinceañera celebration as well.

No more cheap paper placecards or plastic tags! PlaceTiles can now give the VIP treatment to all your guests. 

They retail for $35 for a set of 6, and can be purchased online at Placetile.com, or you may also contact them via telephone at: 678-467-4776

Available at Many Retailers- Some Florida stores mentioned below:

A Horse of a Different Color 239-261-1252 Naples FL
Aileen Interiors 305-935-5601 Miami FL
Ballard Designs, Jacksonville, FL
Ballard Designs, Tampa FL
Baskets Instead 863-687-9465 Lakeland
Cactus Flower 954-561-4161 Ft. Lauderdale FL
Camelia Rose 813-659-8287 Plant City
Chloe Lane 407-644-3007 Winter Park FL
Cynthia's, 561-392-3222, Boca Raton, FL
DownEast 407-645-5100 Winter Park FL
Dufrane Jewelers 239-495-9005 Bonita Springs FL
Gift Chixx 305-742-7003 Miami
Island Cabana 941-896-4946 Anna Maria Island
It's In The Kitchen 954-389-7220 Weston FL
Lifestyles of Lynne 561-347-2933 Boca Raton FL
Monogram Lane 407-766-3777 Orlando FL
N.S. Merrill & Co. 561-776-5898 Palm Beach Gardens
nColor Salon 239-597-7005 Naples
Occasions, LLC 813-286-9592 4004 Neptune St., #101 Tampa FL
Quigley Maguire Collections 561-450-7471 Delray Beach
Rebecca's of Meritt Island 321-452-5577 Meritt Island FL
Stationery Loft 863-248-4438 Lakeland FL
T is For Table 561-799-9733 Palm Beach Gardens FL
The Golden Pear 850-916-7227 Gulf Breeze FL
The Pear Tree 321-632-5432 Cocoa FL
The Pink Chalet 407-363-7465 Orlando FL
The Royal Tea Room 813-837-3000
The Turtle's Nest 727-376-1040 Trinity FL
What's In Outside 722-220-2310 Palm City FL
Wynn's Market 239-262-1353 Naples FL
Your Island Home 239-642-7366 Marco Island

Also Available at On-Line Retailers:

www.BallardDesigns.com
www.Beau-Coup.com
www.BetterGivingbyKipling.com
www.CambriaCove.com
www.ChateauSonoma.com
www.ChefsResource.com
www.ChicBlvd.com
www.CookingEnthusiast.com
www.Delight.com
www.Distinctive-Decor.com
www.HomeInfatuation.com
www.MaisondeKristine.com
www.PlumParty.com
www.TournesOlGifts.com
www.Winevine-Imports.com

Happy PlaceTile Shopping!

The Event Lady at Florida Weddings and Special Events

The Star Choice Awards, produced by Naples Daily News, once again honored Naples Original Video Productions (NOVP) as Best Video Company in 2011.


Naples Original Video Productions (formerly VCR-Productions) has been the premier service provider for wedding, residential, and commercial video needs within the Naples’ area since 1985. John and Michelle Mansika, a husband and wife team are proud and passionate about their wedding video business, and in addition offer coverage for the most elite social events in the SW Florida area. Their video production company is a leader in technological advances, and produces HD, SD, and Data formats.


Michelle and John Mansika of NOPV

Winning Star Choice Award every year since 2004 (NOVP has never lost), is an honor that this company has been bestowed upon, and a definite proof of their ability to produce quality film that will capture the most important dates to remember, such as a couple's bridal day. They keep up with the top leaders in the industry, while never letting go of the utmost important business trait of all... excellence in customer service.

“We recorded on VHS in the early days!  Then we upgraded to Super-VHS, then to digital, and now to the incredible HD-Video,” reports John Mansika, “We keep ahead as technology advances,” adds Michelle, “but it’s our focus on caring about our clients that really wins us the award every year.”

Congratulations from The Event Lady to a hard working couple!