Wedding Dress FOR SALE!!

The Tara Keely Collection represents the bridal industry's hottest styles and enchanting fashions. These gowns are ultra chic with delicate crystal accents, offering eye-catching
use of color and luxurious silk fabrics. The Collection also combines an alluring array of
silhouettes from sleek A-lines to elegant sheaths. The Collection inspires glamour and sophistication for the Tara Keely Bride. The Tara Keely Collection is a division of JLM Couture Inc. Blush Silk Satin modified A-line gown. Sleeveless draped V-neckline, crystal brooch detail, double thin straps, front and back draped dropped waist bodice. Covered buttons at back bodice, inverted pleat at back skirt, chapel train. Material: Silk Satin Size/Color: 12 / Blush
Condition: Brand New and Unaltered – still @ store waiting for pick up!

Gown Measurements: Bust 37.5" Waist 29.5"
Hips 39.5"
Original Price: $2,550.00
Asking Price: $2,200.00 o.b.o.
Email: WEDDINGDRESS@ME.COM
WEB: www.sarayandjuan.com

So... you want to be a photographer????

As some of you may know... I absolutely LOVE the camera. I love taking pictures and having fun while I am at it. Yesterday the very talented and good friend, Martha Ramirez (http://www.udsphoto.com/) had her monthly photography seminar and asked me if I wanted to model for the students. I probably said yes before she even asked me....

The students only had 5 minutes to take as many pictures as possible. They had to be creative (I must admit I know my better angles so I helped them out) using different poses, chairs and backdrops. Here are some of my favorite shots they took!

If you are interested about learning more about this seminar please contact Martha Ramirez or Oly Trigo at 305.668.7171. Their magnificent and cozy studio is located at 6321 Bird Road and their breathtaking website is www.udsphoto.com. Please tell them I sent you and always remember to have fun and most importantly LAUGH!!!!

Mansion in Fort Lauderdale

This morning I received and invitation to a networking event at a new location and I thought it would be a great idea to share with you all! I frequently receive calls from out of town brides wanting to have their wedding at a private home with an ocean view. This (from past experience) has been a major challenge. Either some locations have a lot of restrictions or noise ordinances or just want way toooooo much money for the rental.

You may want to check out this absolutely beautiful mansion located in Fort Lauderdale (about 30-45 minutes from South Beach). It has a great intercoastal view and luxurious space for an event. www.flmagicalmansion.com. Dreams can come true and maybe having your event at this mansion will help!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Professional pics from Key West December 2008 Wedding!!

Shan Renee from Addison, Texas, did a fabulous job capturing Cara and Chris's exciting day. She was also nice enough to provide me with absolutely stunning pictures for my BLOG and website. You may also see some of her work in a very well known magazine.. but.... that is yet to come! Enjoy some fun shots here and look on my site for additional "Captured" moments!

How adorable is this text???

After all (it rained in the morning) it was such a glorious day!!

This was one of favorite things... the guests threw paper airplanes at the couple while dancing their first dance!!!!!!

Wedding Planner gets quoted on the Palm Beach Post!

This wacky and crazy economy has everyone on their tippie toes, however I find that events and wedding are still going on! Most of my clients are still having the wedding of their dreams but at a smaller scale. They have modified their guest count, rearranged their menus and settled for a low key decor package in order to still enjoy their special day. I am also finding that the planning has been cut down to a couple of months instead of years! I often get phone calls that sound like this "Ohh by the way I am getting married next month"!

The Palm Beach post recently wrote an small article and quoted me.. Check it out!


http://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/content/business/epaper/2009/03/24/a6b_weddingbiz_0325.html

Richelle and William Pena

I had to wait a little bit (a year and 3 months) to receive these absolutely gorgeous pictures from In Focus studios but they were well worth the wait!

Richelle and William became husband and wife on December 15, 2007 at the beautiful St. Patrick's Cathedral in Miami Beach followed by a dream come true reception at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

During the wedding planning process, this couple moved from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco. I mostly planned everything with Tessy (MOB) and constant email with Richelle. This family was absolutely great to work with and made sure their daughter got the wedding of her dreams.

Please be sure to view more pictures of this fabulous wedding on my gallery page!
Enjoy!

Winter Delight at the Mandarin Oriental Miami

On January 17, 2009, the Mandarin Oriental Miami was transformed into an absolutely beautiful winter delight wedding location! The Schultz and Perkins family united underneath a beautiful chuppah covered in orchid garlands and hanging crystals, while the aisle was adorned with stunning white clustered callas. It was a dazzling night with a spectacular city view!

While the ceremony was taking place under the stars, the final details were being added to the main ballroom. The floral centerpieces were an overjoyed delight of phelanopsis orchids, a variety of roses, hydrangeas and cymbidium orchids to name a few. Each place setting included a detailed menu of the very carefully selected meal and cymbidium orchid to compliment the tablescape.

The florals for this event was carefully orchestrated by the very talented Gil Sosa. My expertise was used in coordinating the elements that made this event turn out fabulous along with the collaboration of Jackie Ohh Events and her staff.

To view this event please go to PAGE 3 on my galleries. May your eyes enjoy their journey!!!

Wedding Planner receives recognition!

Alice K. Villar has been recognized by the Wedding Planning Institute for being a contributing editor, for being an expert in the industry and for teaching the class. Alice originated the class in South Florida and continues to teach it at Miami Dade Community College. Please see note below from the Director of Certification, Raquel Madson.

"I would also like to bring your attention to the 2009 version of our textbook, "Professional Wedding Planning". You will notice your name listed as a contributing industry expert on the acknowledgement page. We appreciate your feedback in 2008 and look forward to your continued contribution to the industry as you continue to instruct aspiring new wedding planners through your college classroom"
Racquel Madson
Director of Certification
Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute

Kelly Maragni and Damian Aguirrechu

Check out Kelly and Damian's Dream wedding

www.ligaphotography.com/slideshows/aguirrechuwedding/

Kelly and Damian united in marriage on Saturday, December 13, 2008. Their ceremony took place at the beautiful St. Patrick's Church in Miami Beach, Florida. The walk down the aisle was filled with excitement, wild nerves but most important love. The expression on each other's face when they saw each other for the first time was truly priceless.

Their reception was held at the historic Alfred I. DuPont building in downtown Miami. The guests arrived to the flashing lights of a paparazzi style photographer where their photo was taken on the red carpet. They were then directed upstairs to the cocktail hour where they were greeted by chilled champagne and friendly waiters. The cocktail area displayed pictures of both the families and a dazzling monogram of their initials.

As the cocktail hour was coming to an end and the group photos were complete, the guests were then escorted through the golden gates into the main reception room. The amber lighting was overflowing creating a romantic look and the floral centerpieces were done to perfection.

As the bridal party was being introduced, Kelly and Damian were anxiously awaiting to be announced. They had a surprise for their guests that only the DJ and I knew about... they had a special salsa dance they were going to perform!

Once the formalities were over, the guests were invited to enjoy the delicious buffet. The aroma in the room was incredible as the plates were being filled with gourmet dishes! The rest of the evening was dedicated to dancing and having a great time.

Kelly and Damian made sure that throughout the wedding planning process every detail was covered and that each guests were well taken care of. Working at the DuPont building was a challenge because of all the requirements and regulations it has, but I must say that it was a wonderful experience and having them as my clients was an ultimate delight!

I wish them both a lifetime full of love and happiness and patience :o)

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