Calling ALL Brides to be!!!!!!!

Add a little funk and uniqueness to your event by renting a photobooth! Color Me Photo Booth has just announced their first contest to win a FREE photobooth rental for your wedding! The rules are super simple...

1. You must register to become a fan on their FACEBOOK page

2. Your wedding must take place before 12/31/10 and in Miami Dade County

3. HOUND ALL of your friends to vote for you - but remember they can only vote 1 time, multiple votes may disqualify their entry!

Get ready...... set..... REGISTER!!!! Good Luck

New Beverage Trends

What's a party without drinks??? Still a PARTY!!!

The cost of having a premium full bar - meaning all types of name brand liquors- can be quite costly! Although having a signature or welcome drink is not a new trend, it continues to maintain its popularity! Signature drinks are a great way to diminish crowds at the cocktail bar and is a fun way of introducing your favorite spirits to your guests.

If your significant other happens to love beer and you cannot live without a daily glass of wine yourself, then this is a perfect excuse to serve just that... Beer and Wine! You may want to make it a bit more upscale by exclusively serving bottles from your favorite vineyard or your favorite brewery! If your budget allows, consider hiring a Sommelier. He or she can go around answering any questions your guests may have on a particular grape or region. This will allow interaction within your guests and they may learn a thing or two! On a more casual note, you can have a wine/beer tasting session where your guests can enjoy products from different countries.

Serving beer and wine doesn't always mean you are trying to cut cost, most of the time it comes down to preference. So the next time you are planning an event,consider some of the fun suggestions above and remember to have fun trying to come up with a name for your chosen drink!

New Catering Trends

So.. the first thing that is most commonly heard lately is I want an elegant, stylish dinner menu for 300 guests under 10k!! Although its almost impossible to guarantee you can certainly work your way around it!

One of the things to think about is going green. You can be so creative and unique by going green. Disposables are a great option and I am not just referring to foam plates and cups. There are trendy disposables which are biodegradable and can be found at Sweet Flavor. Looking online is a great option and sometimes more economical however, always consult with your caterer prior to purchasing in order to make sure it goes well with your selected menus.

Another up and coming trend is to have a chef bar*. This simply means you come up to a bar (that has 4 or 5 attending chefs) and order your small plate from a list of menu options. It's almost like ordering a la carte! This is a wonderful option for a rehearsal dinner or casual reception. Your guest will get a kick out of watching their meal being prepared before their own eyes!

*Note: if this serving style is an option for your event, please make sure you have enough bars around for all the guests to enjoy their meal in a timely manner. I would really be annoyed if I had to wait 30 minutes in line for a small plate that only takes 30 seconds to devour!!

Another idea to having attended chef bars is to create a unique theme with it! For example, if you travel around the world and wish to incorporate your destinations into your event you may want to label your event Stops around the world. This would mean having 3 or 4 stations with different traditional plates from each country. Another label can be Continents. Having meals from each continent (think about the adventure and time you would be putting into creating this event! How fun, exciting and memorable this will be for yours guests!!)

Sushi Bars - I have to admit I love sushi and get excited whenever a client decides to include this in their menu, however, it can be a bit overrated. Sushi bars have been a hit for a while in the event scene but as a guest it can get pretty annoying having to wait for the chef to make the rolls, cut the rolls and adorn the rolls! A clever alternative to having a live sushi bar is to having small plates with assorted sushi rolls and perhaps even some nigiri preset for the guests to pick up, eat and place down.

One of my favorite details to include at my events is a "to go" container. This can be anything from mini donuts, churros (a Hispanic tradition often accompanied by hot chocolate) to your favorite cookies, even an extra piece of cake. If you welcome your guests with a drink, why not send them off with a treat? Besides, they can always use it to soothe their stomach after having that last drink.

My final thought for this post is to try and put more emphasis on your venue and or caterer to support your local grower. Many times the condiments and vegetables they use to prepare the meal you are serving can be purchased locally. This in turn, may eliminate unnecessary shipping costs and any fees incurred at customs. You may come across some caterers that stern in their ways and may not be willing to alter their recipes this way but at least its worth giving it a try!

Biz Bash Expo 2010

Celebrating their 10th year in the business, Biz Bash is the leading trade media for the event industry. They cover events in the hippest and chic cities in the world. Among these are
Miami, New York and Los Angeles to name a few!

Last week they held their first Expo in South Florida. I was among the fortunate to be invited to participate in such a lavish trade show.

The day started off with 2 educational sessions. The first one was focused on top female executives and how they got to be where they are at now. Among the panelists was Kelly Murphy, president of Panache, A Classic Party Rental. A prestigious and recognizable rental company which carries "out of the box" rentals. Maria Elena Rubio, general manager of the Mondrian Hotel , a Morgan's Group hotel, located on the West side of South Beach. It is the first hotel on South Beach that has an all female executive team. These professional females shared their experiences and how difficult it was to run a successful business in the corporate rat race.

The second session was geared towards catering and covered the current trends. Among the panelists were Warren Dietel, president of Puff n' Stuff catering company from Central Florida and Bonnie Fimiano president of Cafe a la Cart .

Mr. Dietel was kind enough to share some of his recent creations such ad the Deli Station. This may sound a bit odd at first but once I saw the pictures I immediately captured the concept. This type of approach goes well during a cocktail hour, casual rehearsal dinner and a bar/bat mitzvah. Different deli meats along with imported cheeses were presented in a refrigerated display case. Behind it was a chef serving the food as if you were at a NYC deli! There were condiments and sweet bread rolls so that each guest can create their sandwich to their liking. This is a very clever idea and economical at the same time.

Ms. Fimiano stated that it is much more cost effective for both the venue and the client to outsource their coffee. In the recent months, the price of coffee has increased tremendously. This in turn, has reduced the amount of coffee served nationwide. I have personally noticed that many venues are not setting a cup and saucer as part of the tablescapes unless specifically requested. Coffee is now being served upon request. I also learned that the corporate planners are paying up to $110 for a gallon of coffee for their meetings! For an average of $600 you can rent a gourmet coffee station that will serve approximately 100 guests -not bad huh!

After our morning sessions, we moved to the Biz Bash hall of fame ceremony and to hear the renowned planner, Colin Cowie. The stage, designed by Everlast Productions . It was absolutely amazing! It looked like a runway show! It had LED screens everywhere whcih projected sceneries and they were playing fantastic music (yes- I was dancing in my seat).

The ceremony began with an opening act which included a dancing tree (Designs by Sean) and absolutely amazing flute player and a dazzling singer which delighted us with the tune of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. They then moved on to introducing the award recipients. Adrienne Arsht Philanthropist and Business leader, Mona Meretsky from Comcor Events and Lee Schrager from Southern Wine and Spirits and founder of South Beach Wine and Food Festival. After much anticipation, Mr. Richard Aaron, president of Biz Bash Media introduced Mr. Colin Cowie.

Mr. Cowie owned the stage! His words of wisdom included his take on how the economy has affected the industry. He also shared 3 of his outstanding events and went into detail as to how he constructs every event and never duplicates one!

Our lunch session covered the topic of branding and how important it is to identify your product. This was conducted by Dr. Joanne Leoni and Dr. Maureen Lloyd James both from Johnson and Wales University. It's amazing how far a jingle or a logo can take you!

I then moved on to the trade floor. I must admit, it felt great to reconnect with colleagues I had not seen in a while! The Donut Divas were rocking their donuts and candy apples while the ladies at Passion for Pastry had the most unique display EVER! They decorated an antique iron tricycle in which they had buckets of mouth watering mini cupcakes (red velvet, chocolate, vanilla and carrot cake), bowls of delicious frostings- buttercream, fudge and cream cheese and hanging pots of assorted toppings, needless to say I hung out with them for a while!

The decorations around the room were superb! Petal Productions did a fantastic job throughout the floor with the florals . From amazing bar decorations to outstanding decor at the VIP luncheon!

Nuage Designs displayed their unique and lavish furniture throughout the registration and education lounge, while Room Service /AFR adorned the main display on the trade floor. Amazing lights, custom gobos and even rain was recreated by Uplyte (I'm very excited about using this at one of my upcoming events!!). There were several recognizable linen companies that displayed their latest trends and new local and upcoming venues that are sure to be the "hot spots" in the months to come.

I had an amazing day reconnecting with well known and respected individuals from the industry. Sometimes when you have business for a long time, like myself, you find that you need a bit of motivation to re-stimulate your creativity and this is exactly what I needed. At the end of the day, I was truly exhausted and had a splitting headache but it was so well worth it, after all it gave me another story for my BLOG right!

Thanks for allowing me to share and I hope you have an opportunity to visit the fabulous businesses I have listed above!

A special thanks to my friend and colleague, Irene Coroalles, for the pictures.. as usual I forgot to pack my camera!

Pre-Summer sale going on at AR!

Spread the word on our pre-summer sale!!!

Book our services before August 1, 2010 and receive the following:

• 50% off our FULL service package


• 15% off our Intermediate package


• $200 off our Month of package


• 10% off ENVELOPMENT orders


• 50 complimentary "thank you" notes


• $100 0ff rental of Color Me Photobooth (http://www.colormephoto.com/)

Email us at alice@affairs-remembered.com or call us at 305.432.4455 to book your complimentary consultation!

My favorite cookies!!!!

French macaroons (not the chocolate dipped coconut ones....) are my ultimate favorite cookies in the world! I first discovered them while at a tasting at the Ritz Carlton South Beach. I immediately fell in love...... it was beyond love at first sight, it was magical, my palate was experiencing a parade of fireworks........(I know...I know a bit dramatic.. but totally true!)

Throughout my search for new and fun things... I found a website that delivers them!!!

Panna Dolce www.pannadolce.com

These colorful and tasty macaroons serve as delicious treats or favors as well as a magnificent compliment to your gourmet coffee!

Check them out and tell them you found them at Affairs Remembered!
Indulge your taste buds.. they will be thrilled!

Gigi Garces turns 15!

Gigi Garces turns 15



Allow me to share with you a story on a very special girl, Gigi Garces.

I first met Gigi in August 2008 while working on Annette and Isidro’s engagement party. Upon her arrival, she immediately came up to me and kissed me hello and gave me a very warm and friendly hug. At first I wondered who she was and then figured out she was Annette’s cousin.

During the party she came up to me a few times to hug and kiss me and even danced with me!! Throughout the planning process of Annette and Isidro’s wedding I had the opportunity to see Gigi a few times. It was at their wedding rehearsal and the wedding day (May 2009) that Gigi really stood out to me.

She was given the responsibility of junior bridesmaid in which she played the absolute best role! Gigi was excited to be walking down the aisle and show off her new beautiful dress! Throughout the wedding she participated in all the festivities and by midnight she was pooped (poor thing) and was taken to her room at the Mandarin.

After the wedding Gigi and her family attended another family wedding in which I planned. I was as delighted to see Gigi as she was me (I was so happy that she had remembered me)! I spoiled her the entire night with lots of chocolate dipped goodies from the chocolate station and hot glazed doughnuts – YES her mother wanted to shoot me!!!

Gigi has been a blessing to the Garces family. She brings a smile to everyone’s face and is filled with so much love and charm you automatically want to hug her and be a part of her world!

I am so happy that I had an opportunity to meet her and share this wonderful story with you!

Here are a few fun details on Gigi – provided by her mom, Maria Eugenia Garces

• Gigi was born in Miami, Florida. Baptist Hospital on January 17th, 1995 to Gaspar and Maria Eugenia Garces
• Gigi attends Atlantis Academy, she is in 9th grade.
• Gigi loves to read and her passion is the American Girl Doll Collection. She has the entire collection including the pets, books and accessories.

Gigi recently celebrated her 15^th birthday in New York’s Waldorf Astoria

Although I did not take part in planning her celebration, I wanted to share what this incredible mom planned for her little girl!

Gigi loves to travel, to meet new places, loves to shop online, loves New York, and loves to have parties and celebrations. The party took place at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Gigi’s closest family members flew in to participate in this intimate celebration.

The flowers were made by Floralia, the florist of the Waldorf and given to her as a gift from her godmother. The dinner was set on an ambassador table. The cake was a chocolate Opera cake of (picked by Gigi herself). We had an amazing harpist playing, which happened to be the musician chosen to play at Ivana Trump’s wedding! Prior to the seated dinner, they had a ceviche bar and passed Hordeouvres.

Her dress was made by the well known and lovely designer Victoria Lopez-Castro. Her hair and makeup was done at the Kenneth Salon (located at the Waldorf) and her makeup was touched up by her lovely sister Giselle Garces.

Prior to this fabulous dinner, they had a week filled with entertainment thanks to Gigi's Godmother and aunt, Beatriz, which traveled twice to NYC to ensure the plans were moving along as expected. Gigi saw Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia on Broadway and even had another party at the American Girl Café!

I would like to extend a personal thank you Martha Ramirez from UDS Photo for taking the amazing shots of Gigi and her family!

Barbados Page and Enchanted Brides

I am so thrilled to finally share this news with you!

My Weddings in Barbados page is finally up on the website!
It took me forever to put together, but it's finally up and running! Be on the lookout for my featured story on Barbados on the next Enchanted Brides magazine .. coming out soon!!!!!!!!

Let's plan a destination wedding on a beautiful island.. BARBADOS!

Click here to read my story on Barbados

Pauline Ferry and Luis Torres

An absolutely beautiful couple tied the knot on March 13, 2010 in the historic Coral Gables Congregational church followed by a stunning reception at the Alfred I. Dupont building located in downtown Miami.


Pauline is very detail orientated and was very specific on how she wanted her dream day to flow. She tends to run "fashionably late" often, so this day I made sure she she stayed on task! Luis is very handsome and polite and catered to his family and guests while awaiting on his nervous bride! He arrived to the church on time and was in awe when he saw his absolutely beautiful "Pauly" walking down the aisle.

The reception took place at the elite Alfred I. Dupont building in downtown Miami and was catered by Mena Catering. The fantastic moments of the evening were captured by Alex Rodriguez and Artistry Wedding Films. The crowd was entertained by DJ Hiram Bernal and Grupo Swing. The stunning table decor was provided by Petunia Flowers and the lounge rentals by Event Outfitters.

Thank you Pauline and Luis for allowing me to be a part of your special day. I wish you lots of love and luck on your wonderful journey!

Goenaga - Gutierrez Wedding

Ingrid and Franco were the most laid back and easy going couple I have had so far! Their only requirement were that everything looked nice, the music was pumping and the liquor was flowing! The wedding took place on Saturday February 6 (Superbowl weekend) and this couple sure made it a festive weekend!!!! The ceremony was held at Coral Gables Congregational and the reception at Dadeland Marriott.

The guests began dancing as soon as the ballroom doors opened! The room was glowing with ambient amber lighting and lit candles all around the table. The Victorian centerpieces were provided by Teresita Arias while the lighting and music were provided by Ubi's Music and Lighting production. Photography was done by Alvaro Salazar for Studio 40. Lourdes Ramos from Dadeland Marriot was wonderful to work with as well!

This couple was fabulous to work with and has wonderful family!

Congratulations and may you enjoy the ride!

Coasters as favors!

I have used this small but memorable detail in several weddings and thought it was such a cute idea I had to share....

These are paper coasters that have several uses. In my case I have used them as hanging decals to be placed on the rear view mirror of your guests vehicle, by the valet personnel at your venue. You can personalize it to say just about anything like "Sweet Dreams" "Safe travels" or just a simple "Thank you for sharing our day". They are very inexpensive and come in an array of colors. You can check them out at http://www.myownlabels.com/.

Figura - Stern Wedding

Emily Figura and Jeremy Stern have been dating for 10 years! After a decade of fun, traveling and dedicated love, they decided it was time to tie the big fat knot!

January 30, 2010 was their chosen date. It was a beautiful sunny day in Coconut Grove while Emily and her girls got ready at their suite. The ceremony and reception both took place at the Mayfair Hotel.

The chuppah and florals were adorned by Avant Gardens while the memorable moments were captured by Marlyne Alexander Photography and Artistry Wedding Films. The entertainment was provided by Chase Music and the delicious cake was mastered by Elegant Temptations.

Melissa Muniz and Cesar Nieto

January 9, 2010 was one the coldest day yet of 2010 with 39 degree weather.... This did not stop this beautiful couple from tying the knot!

Nancy (Melissa's mom) and Melissa had been planning this spectacular event for what seemed to be forever. All the details were so well thought of and selected with such care, that it truly made it a signature wedding.

The ceremony took place at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Miami Beach followed by a remarkable reception at the Alfred I. Dupont building in the dazzling downtown of Miami.

The bridal party was transported by the City of Coral Gables Trolley while the amazing photographer, Carlos Baez - http://www.carlosbaez.com%20and/ and the talented Julien from Merge Studios http://www.merge-studios.com/, joined in on the fun ride. The guests were greeted with a delicious glass of sangria and delectable hordeouvres from Barton G, while the amazing Fito Espinola played his Spanish guitar.

Upon entering the dining room, the overwhelmingly beautiful floral arrangements designed by EC Florals took everyones breath away. Each table had a tree of its own accompanied by an assortment of candles and personalized menus. VoxBlue welcomed the guests with their upbeat music and very rapidly had them all on the dance floor.

After a night full of love, dancing and laughter the guests were bid goodnight with hot chocolate and churros. Once the guests entered their cars they were surprised to see a hanging decal on their rear view mirrors with Melissa and Cesar's picture wishing them a safe drive home!

Reyes - Conde Wedding

The beginning of the year started great for us. On January 2, we had a beautiful wedding at Deering Estate. Maricelis and Luis had been planning this spectacular wedding for the past year. Maricelis knew exactly what she wanted and did not hesitate to make decisions. Luis is a music guru and chose the music for each section of the night, very carefully.

The day began with a hair and makeup and a very excited bride to be! The ceremony took place on the perfectly manicured lawn overlooking the beautiful and tranquil bay, followed by the cocktail hour. Maloman and their team did a fabulous job in whisking the bride and groom away to take the magnificent romantic portraits with the sun setting in the background! As the cocktail hour came to an end, the guests were escorted to the courtyard for dinner.

Before the newlywed couple entered the courtyard adorned by Roman Cusco and AB Cover Designers to begin their first dance, the guests were treated to a great video montage put together by Ever Clear productions. As the couple walked through the historic door leading to the courtyard, there was so much love felt in the air you can certainly feel it. As the night went on, the guests enjoyed the delectable meal from Joy Wallace Catering, the most delicious bite size cupcake favors by Bite Size Creations and then moved in doors to enjoy the tunes played by Ubi Marrero.

As the guests enjoyed the dancing, the bride and groom cut the delicious guava and cheese cake by Elegant Temptations. We must not forget that the cake was well accompanied by gourmet coffee from Aroma Espresso (it paired up perfectly with the cold weather and the home made "coquito" prepared by the bride herself!!)

Mari and Luis had the wedding of their dreams in which both families put so much time and effort in. Thank you for allowing Michelle and I to be a part of your special day and may the rest of your life be a pleasant dream as well!


Below please find a teaser provided by Ever Clear Productions.... Enjoy !!!!!!!!!

Mari and Luis Wedding Teaser Trailer from Ever Clear Productions on Vimeo.

New year.. New things..

Happy New Year! So many new and exciting things have been going on at Affairs Remembered I haven't had much time to update my blog.

The summer of 2009 was dedicated to building awareness on breast cancer and raising money for my Breast Cancer Empower to ride bike race which took place in Las Vegas. That was an amazing and unforgettable experience.

Once I returned from my trip, we had back to back events and before we knew it we were in the holiday season. I love the holidays and enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends but the time goes by soooo fast.....so this brings us to the 2nd week in January.

Stay tuned for the latest trends and happenings at AR.....