Cara Collier and Chris Helmrich Key West, December 2008

Check out the link to their slide show here...

http://www.shanrenee.com/ChrisCara/

This past Saturday, December 6, I had the pleasure of working with the nicest couple ever! Cara and I met through the Internet! She is from Florida but living in Texas with the majority of the guests flying in from all over the country. Our business relationship began with an email, then some occasional phone calls and then back to emails!!! She mentioned once or twice that the theme of the wedding was airplanes (in case you are wondering .....the groom is a pilot). I had my doubts until I actually saw the favors! She had already hired all of her vendors and needed me to help her out with all the last minute details.

I began my drive down to Florida's paradise early in the morning after dropping my kids off at school. My hubby and I enjoyed a delicious breakfast at our favorite diner in Key Largo and then proceeded with the long drive (my hubby deserves a medal.. I was on my lap top the whole time and would occasionally say a word or two!!!). Once I arrived, we checked in at the Casa Marina. Our room was beautiful and although it wasn't a full ocean view, we were able to catch a glimpse of the serene and calm ocean.

After settling in, I went to personally meet with my bride. She was a doll!!!! We chatted for a few minutes and then met at the hotel lobby to begin the rehearsal. All of her attendants were very efficient and courteous and were very accommodating. The rehearsal went well and everyone then gathered up to attend the rehearsal dinner.

The next day (Wedding day) we woke up to a very cloudy and wet morning. I checked in with Cara to make sure everything was going well. She was hopeful with the weather as I secretly prayed for the sun to come out... (and it did... yipppeeee!!!). The preparations went well and all the vendors complied with their duties. The room was completely set up in time for me to go and freshen up! As the guests arrived for their sunset ceremony, they were greeted with flip flops and a ceremony program. They were also greeted by the beat of steel drums.

As the procession began, everyone was thrilled to see the beautiful bride walking down the aisle with her two dads (real dad and step father). The ceremony was short and sweet but most of all.. it was perfect! After the ceremony the guests were escorted to the outdoor cocktail as the bridal party was whisked away for pictures.

The bride and groom then joined the bridal party for their formal introductions. Their joy was overwhelming as they danced with each other for the first time as husband and wife. The toasts given by Casey Helmrich (Chris's brother and BM) as well as Carol Hale (Cara's friend and MOH) were heartfelt. The food was delicious and was a mixture of Caribbean, traditional and Key West!!! The guests enjoyed the music played by family friends and overall had a fabulous time spending time with each other and sharing Chris and Cara's love!

Congratulations Cara and Chris....I look forward to a long lasting friendship!

Please excuse my poor quality pictures (ha ha ha ha ), I look forward to receiving professional ones soon which will be posted on my website.

Lilyvania and Thomas Wedding

On November 1, 2008 the very beautiful Lilyvania Gomez married her dream guy, Thomas Mikultski. The lovely couple met on Eharmony and knew that this realtionship was going to be a serious one the moment they officially met!

The religious ceremony took place at Gesu catholic church in downtown, Miami and their reception at the Sofitel Hotel. Their reception reflected a glamorous vintage style era decorated in black and white with hot pink uplights surrounding the ballroom.

The black linen napkins were adorned with pearl necklaces and a mint box as a favor. When the dancing began we distributed black top hats for the men and oversized pearl necklaces for the women along with feather boas. The couple danced until their feet hurt and extended the party until 2am. Everyone had a great time and felt the love these newlyweds had to offer!

Winsome Chin's spectacular birthday celebration...

When you reach a special milestone in your life you often want to celebrate with style along with close family and friends... that is exactly what Winsome Chin did!

At the age of *0 (the number remains a mystery but I can guarantee even if I told you, you would NEVER beleive me) and looking absolutely fabulous, Winsome decided she wanted to celebrate and in a grand way. The spectacular birthday celebration took place on Saturday, November 29 at the Hyatt Bonaventure in Weston. The Diva (as often referred to throughout the night) greeted her guests in a beautiful sequenced short gray dress. He heals were rocking and her legs seemed endless. Once the guests were seated the formalities began by introducing her only daughter with her 4 grandchildren and baby great grandchild, in came the magnificent Winsome in her very stylish couture red dress. The authentic Jamaican band that was flown in the night before, welcomed her to the beat of Lady in Red!!!!




Winsome had a wonderful time celebrating her birthday and never once sat down to rest her feet (keep in mind she was wearing 3" heels!!!). Have a wonderful *0 birthday Winsome and may God bless you with many, many more!!!!

Many thanks to the fabulous vendors that allowed this event to run smoothly....

Cory Green @ the Hyatt and his fabulous banquet staff

Rosie Cunill (cake) Elegant Temptations

Esmeralda Londono (lights and draping)

Gil Sosa (florist)

Ruffhouse (musical entertainment)

FINALLY!!!!!!!!! My secret is out....

I am uberly excited about my new addition... to my website that is!

Check out the new video recap just recently added to my website. It's like seeing the wedding of your dreams right before your very eyes. Please share with your friends and family to enjoy. Thank you for your support and just imagine....... your wedding could be featured next.

http://www.bakesncakes.com/weddings.html

Happy Holidays and Many blessings to all.

AKV

Exciting news.............

Something BIG and EXCITING is coming to my website.. hopefully by the end of this week!!!!!!!!! Stay tuned for the updates... this project has been in the making for over a year and it is FINALLY complete and will leave you in AWE!

Thanks for your love and support!

AKV

Al Lamberti Victory Party

So as we all know.... November the 4th will be remembered as a crazy day in the history of the USA. That doesn't mean that parties will not go on....

I had the priveledge of working with Ms. Danielle Wills in assisting her and some volunteers at McDivots Restaurant in Margate where Al Lamberti's victory party was held. This was my first time assisting with a victory party and the experience was awesome!

Upon my arrival I was found with over 1000 balloons that needed to get filled and a pretty blank canvas ro decorate. There was a stage, some round tables, buffet station and that is it.. I quickly got to work and with the help of very efficient volunteers, we were able to transform the room into an exciting place where everyone's focus was on one thing.. winning the elections!

All the local television stations were on board and exclusive photography coverage was provided by the magnificent Broward resident, Amy Hill (http://www.amyhill.net/). Amy did an amazing job taking pictures of people's reaction and excitement. She also took a few pictures of my great friend and mentor, Michael Calderin. Michael Calderin has a very close relationship with Al and was his number one supporter!

Throughout the night I met fabulous people and I felt very honored to have been a part of history!

Congratulations Sheriff... "our sheriff", Al Lamberti

Baby Shower / Baby Girl favors

Ok... so in placing an order for a client I made a HUGE mistake on the quantity and received over 200 of these adorable little baby girl frames. I would prefer to get rid of them rather quickly and will donate all proceeds to the Make a Wish Foundation, South Florida division.

They sell for only$3.00 each!

Guests can use later to frame wallet-sized photos of the new arrival! Frame measures 2" x 2.5" and is made of resin.

If you wish to see them in person, please feel free to stop by the office! Otherwise please send me an email (alice@affairs-remembered.com) stating the quantity desired and mail your checks (payable to Make a Wish Foundation) to

Affairs Remembered 7220 Bird Road Ste 200, Miami, Florida 33155.

Like always....thanks for your support!!!!!

Bridal accessories BIG SALE!!! 100% of all proceeds benefit the Make a Wish foundation

Affairs Remembered is having a HUGE bridal accessories sale. We carry dye able shoes, evening handbags, tiaras, brooches and couture veils. All proceeds will benefit the Make a Wish foundation, South Florida chapter. I have added some pictures below for you to see! Please stop by to see our inventory, we have selected shoe sizes and with their unbeatable price….they are going FAST!!!

This sale will continue through December 15, 2008.

7220 Bird Road, Suite 200 (Above Avant Gardens) 305.432.4455 or my cell 305.401.7001

Thanks for your support and PLEASE spread the WORD!!!!

Make a Wish Foundation Toy Drive

I can't believe we are already in mid October... where has 2008 gone??

The time is getting near where Affairs Remembered will host it's 2nd annual Toy Drive for the Make a Wish Foundation of South Florida. Once again we will be collecting toys and disposable cameras to give to the less fortunate children and their families. Please stay tuned for further information and once again we appreciate your support!

Alice K. Villar

Pin Me Up Photography

Ok, so some of you may have already heard my utmost content with this company... The story goes like this.... Marilyn Sanchez is a former student of mine from the Wedding Planning course taught at Miami Dade Community College. She is an excellent event planner that decided that she needed to add a "kick" to her career. After taking photography classes, she realized what her true passion is.... PHOTOGRAPHY! I built up the courage and took her up on the offer of having my pictures taken. The only reason I hesitated was because I am overweight and although I feel pretty, weight will always be a factor....

During the shoot, Marilyn made sure to make feel as comfortable as possible. She brought along great music and although it was early in the morning and there was absolutely no champagne involved (lol..lol..lol..) the energy in the room was overflowing!!!! She reminded me of how beautiful I am and I can honestly say that her comments allowed my confidence level to rise up to the sky. Marilyn was very patient and accommodating throughout the shoot. Her style is to bring out your natural beauty and to make you feel sexy no matter what the size....

So here is just one of the many AMAZING shots she took.....

Marilyn Sanchez website is www.pinmeupphotography.com her email is info@pinmeupphotography.com and her number is 305. 878.0221

Tell her Alice from Affairs Remembered sent you!

Good luck being a DIVA for a day.. or two!!

New Designs from Bonnie Style Press!!!

Bonnie's style press is a stationary company that designs whimsical and fun invites for all occasions. Come to our office to check out their latest designs.... or just click on to our website at http://www.affairs-remembered.com/ for more...

Baby Showers....

Bat / Bar Mitzvah, Bridal Showers

New home announcements...

Bachelorettes, Girls night out...

Thank you notes

Their holiday collection is totally spectacular and definitely my FAVORITE!!!!

Make sure to place your order before the holiday rush is here!!!!

Thanks for stopping by.... We have lots of goodies in our office. Be sure to stop by or call if you have any questions!

Walk for a cause!!

On Sunday, October 12, I will be taking part in a walk that will take place in Coral Gables for down syndrome. Affairs Remembered will be representing TEAM NIKO. Please join us!!!!!

Take a look at the flyer and donate a little bit of your time to this cause!

http://www.dsaom.org/docs/MiracleWalk2008_Flyer.pdf

Thanks for your support!

Team NIKO and Affairs Remembered!

Massage Therapist

My wonderful and dear friend Maribel Yartu has just recently passed her state exam for Massage Therapist. She is an excellent therapist and starting to build up her clientele. Please contact her at 305.989.1557 . She has great introductory prices!!! Also check out her myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/exhale48. Please let her know you received her information from Alice @ Affairs Remembered.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!!

Event Planning Class Miami Dade West Campus

After a long break from teaching, I am back in the game! Today I begin teaching the Event Planning Class which will take place at Miami Dade West Campus (Doral). The classes will be held every Tuesday from 6:30-9:30pm. If you wish to enroll, please contact Yvette Crichlow at 305.237.8914.

Wish me luck!!!

Pictures of me!!

Last week I truly felt like a DIVA!!! I had the pleasure and honor of working closely with Martha Ramirez from UDS Photo. When I approached her for my pictures, I advised I had never really taken any pictures of "just me" before. I really had no idea what to do, where and how to stand etc.. Martha made me feel great and was a pro at calming me down! Her professionalism and friendliness allowed me to pose naturally in order for her to capture my best shots!

For me, communication is the key to everything and I feel that allowing my clients to see the "real" me is crucial. I consider myself a very professional being but at the same time I make it a point to enjoy life, my family and what I do...

I have received many compliments on the pictures posted above. Many people say that it resemble the "true Alice". I agree, for those that know me, they know I LOVE to laugh and loud may I add.. Life brings your great challenges and our job is to face them and be strong!

Thanks for stopping by!!!!!!!!