When you’re a wedding planner, people think that your job is so much “fun”(!!!), playing in pretty dresses and linens, picking lush  flowers for a centerpiece and choosing delectable seven tiered wedding cakes.  Many don’t view this line of “work” as work at all, let alone hard work.  While I and my colleagues know that nothing could be further from the truth, the following post will not help my case.

In June, I attended the Engage!09 Luxury Wedding Business Summit in Grand Cayman, which is the brainchild of Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce of Engaging Concepts. There,  wedding professionals from literally across the globe were gathered to hear from experts such as the Wizard of Ahh’s himself, event designer Preston Bailey, wedding cake coutourier  Sylvia Weinstock, the fabulous Marcy Blum as well as editors of some of your favorite magazines such as The Knot, Brides, Modern Bride & Elegant Bride, as well as Martha Stewart Weddings.  The second day, we were able to have small group sessions with industry builders and advancers like former president of Preston Bailey Designs,  Sean Low, Randy Fenoli of TLC’s “Say Yes To the Dress” and Kleinfeld Bridal, beauty and brains Harmony Walton  of  The Bridal Bar (be sure to visit their new Bridal Bar Location in Atlanta, too!), the incomparable Michelle Rago, Bee Kim, the mastermind behind Wedding Bee, “style obsessed”  Abby Larson  of Style Me Pretty and so many more.  It was also great to see and support good friends who served as panelists as well like Liene Stevens of Think Splendid and Lara Casey of Southern Weddings and the new Lara Casey Reps.

As planner, and being naturally fabulous, I had all of my outfits planned—with a few wardrobe changes in between (yes, I’m serious…I ran into Randy Fenoli  at one of the dinner parties and he exclaimed, ‘”Girl!  Did you change again!?”).  So imagine my horror when my luggage was delayed prior to the conference’s welcome party on the beach.  So there I was, stuck with what I had on since 4AM and what I like to call my “TSA approved 1 quart ziploc makeup bag”.  I shudder as I reminisce… Nevertheless, it turned out wonderfully!  I had a fabulous roommate—Monica  of The White Box of Wedding Design, and her husband was equally fabulous— I had a cosmo and creme brulee delivered to my room as a gift for,  and I quote “Taking care of his baby” while we were in Grand Cayman.  I know.  I should ask them to adopt me.  Monica was fabulous—we sat up most of the nights talking (sometimes via Skype with her husband) and laughing!

The parties were absolutely gorgeous—it was so nice to be on the receiving end of great linens, design concept, florals and live music for a change.  It was funny, because during the beach party (which was literally on the beach, with a tiffany blue carpet to strut on and shoe valet), something dropped and I remember laughing as I and about 10 other wedding planners and vendors all raced to fix it and replace it before it was noticed.  Part of the job!  It was also great to meet friends I talk to daily but don’t get a chance to see often (some I had never met in person until now!)  and those that I consider friends after falling in love with them over martinis and 1 AM fries.  Yes, this totally includes my new BFF, Michael Landry of Gucci. Michael and I met serendipitously over a  Tortuga rum cake tasting, and I was just as lucky to have gone on to dinner with him and other professional at the exclusive dine-arounds, which ours was hosted by Randy Fenoli (Be sure to check out  Randy’s recap that includes pictures our dinner and fun times).

Ok, so enough chatting…how about some pictures?

You know I’m a total foodie—had to get pictures of our lunch!

Gorgeous arrangements and linen from La Tavola Linen were staples of the conference

Marcy Blum, Michelle Rago and Preston Bailey and myself

The final night of the conference was a stunning party with lighting, draping, huge hanging decor…you know, the things that a wedding planner or designer’s dreams are made of!

I

love this picture, because it pretty much sums up the night—fabulous shoes (noticeably off due to all the dancing) and an empty champagne glass!

I am so excited to be on the panel of experts for OneWed’s WeddingPreParty.com Launch Party on August 5th!  Anyone that knows me knows that I love all things party and tech, so this is the perfect concoction of my favorites! It’s your wedding planning meets social networking—so yes, it even uses Facebook Connect! Now you can connect with your bridal party on so many levels- allow them to meet each other before the wedding, issue tasks and duties and so much more!

NBC Chicago showcased  the WeddingPreParty and even Mashable did a great writeup. To quote Ben:

…That’s why OneWed’s approach intrigues us. The wedding planning website has launched Wedding Pre-Party, a new website that essentially creates your own private (and organized) version of Facebook () where friends and guests can share tips, add photos, and keep informed about all the fun (and terror) leading up to the big day.

Check out some screenshots:

You’ll be able to win some fab prizes as well as gain advice and learn all about Wedding PreParty.

How to Win:
Choose any and all of the options below. And let us know in the comments what ya did!
1. RSVP here using Mr Linky
2. Crash our wedding, register with OneWed and leave us a Toast
3. Tweet about OneWed’s Wedding Pre-Party & Twitter party
4. Blog about OneWed’s Wedding Pre-Party & Twitter party
5. Become a Fan on Facebook
6. Follow us on Twitter
6. Answer or ask questions during the Twitter party
7. Visit the blogs of our expert panel & come back and comment
8. Let every engaged couple, single friend looking for love, wedding vendor, wedding party member know about Wedding Pre-Party!

I will be joining Dana of Broke Ass Bride, wedding blogger Jaime of It’s A Jaime Thing, Chris of The Man Registry, as we unveil the awesome new WeddingPreParty.com.  Join us on Twitter and use the hashtag #preparty and join the fun!

Be sure to follow me on Twitter–  can’t wait to clink glasses with you   See you on August 5th at 9PM!

As many of you know, I absolutely love where I live and work.  Surrounded by gorgeous islands and beaches, and so many other awesome parts of nature and history, it is a wonderful place to live.  I keep up with the happenings of all local wedding and event professionals with blogs and social networking.  The Jekyll Island Authority had a brilliant campaign on Twitter: a picture would be posted, and if you recognized where it was on the island, you would win a guest blogger spot on the official www.jekyllisland.com blog.  Having met so many beautiful couples and planned so many gorgeous destination weddings here, it was so nice to let everyone know why I love this area so much.  Check out our guest blog post on the Jekyll Island blog!

We’ve cracked open the vault to help you with your planning this wedding season!

This week’s download is a wedding accommodations planner.  If you are having a destination wedding or many out-of-town guests at your wedding, arranging blocks at nearby hotels is a very kind gesture.  When looking for different room blocks to reserve, make sure you consider the hotel’s price point to ensure that your guests have a place to stay that will be within their budget.  This wedding accommodations planner will help you keep track of hotel locations, the price and nearby attractions, dining, etc.

Enjoy and happy downloading!

Download the Wedding Accommodations Planner

Gorgeous photo of the Jekyll Club Hotel by Richad Nix

A fabulous wedding photographed by Brooke Images :: Flowers by Liz Stewart

We’ve cracked open the vault to help you with your planning this wedding season!

This week’s download is a Flower Planner—it will help you to keep track of the things you want for your wedding.  You can accompany the planner with pictures of sample bouquets, flowers, etc. to give your florist a better idea.  We’ve found it’s always easier to supply the florists with a neat list of ideas and pictures to get the entire vision. Notate the flowers you like by name–a florist will know what hydrangea is versus you saying “that big puffy blue flower”.

Put the quantity under the flower order type, and the details under the description column.  For example:  “lisianthus, white roses, pink roses and star fish, hand tied bouquet with khaki satin ribbon and pearl pins ” under the description.  Your florist will be happy to review your planner or keep it to make notes on or base their proposal around.

Happy Downloading!

Flower Planner

Photo :: JK Photography

I had the best time!  I was honored and humbled to speak at Eventology this year in Indianapolis, IN.  Planned by Katasha Butler of K. Sherrie + Co, I was able to speak alongside two women who I am so proud to call colleagues, but also lovingly call them friends:  Saundra Hadley of Planning…Forever Events and Liene Stevens of The Smart Planner.  It was really great to see Katasha’s vision come to fruition and to see so many planners and professionals reap the benefit of that vision in so many different ways.

It was really great to come face to face with so many people that I have interacted with for literally years.  To wrap your arms around some brilliant colleagues that you have laughed, cried and vented with was awesome.  Bill from Fabulous Events designed beautiful tables in some of my favorite colors—hot pink, tangerine and black, with the help of Deborah of A Bride’s Florist.  Eventology was special because of the mutual respect of all the attendees for each other and the speakers.  It was great to get instant feedback, stories, and experiences of others during our time together.  Having attendees that came from across the country, it was interesting to see different methods of action, experiences and ideas.  Even as a speaker, I had an opportunity to learn so much from and through everyone, and am grateful to all of those that attended.

We were treated to a cocktail hour at the Omni Severin and a party at Club Six’s Milk Bar.  I didn’t get to stay long at the Milk Bar, as I wanted to be bright eyed and bushy-tailed to speak the following day, but the atmosphere was gorgeous.  Big snaps to la trabajadora, Eliana of By Your Side Events, who was able to get us some Nuvo for the party at Club Six.

There are great pictures every where on the net—the event’s official photographer, Jennifer Badalamenti of JK photography shared hers here, a recap from my fellow speaker, wedding planner sales genius (and friend) Saundra Hadley, Latrice of Opulent Events shared her experience, as did Aletha of Pearls Events, i do Signature Events, April Foster (finally, so happy to meet another glamazon like myself!) recapped, Amanda from Bliss Events was gracious enough to do a recap as well.

And of course…here are my not so official pictures…you know, where the party really is…

Precious (I SO heart her) of Precious Nuptials and Destinations with Charles Penn of Le’ Penn Designs

Le’Trice and Charles Penn of Le’Penn Designs

Precious & Charles

,

Candice of Jubilee Events, Eliana (la trabajadora) of By Your Side Events, Kelly of Weddings By Socialites (rear) and Nicole Scott-Tate of Your Champagne Wishes (far right)

Candice & Eliana

Sukai of Dreamy Gelato (looking in her bag…her chocolates are so good,they should be illegal),Andria of Andria Lewis Events (in grey), Kay of Howerton-Wooten Events,

My two home skillets:  Jennifer of A Regal Affair and Saundra

LaKendra of Affairs of Elegance, Jeannine of Favor Events and Ami of Elizabeth Anne Designs

Le’Trice and my Engage!09 roomate, Monica of The White Box

Liene of The Smart Planner playing dress up. This was fun.

Everyone’s fabulous shoes—and me with my new couture line for the Spring a la “Huck Finn”.  In other words, I’m the one with the bare foot.

Liene and Ali Phillips (I SO heart her) of Engaging Events by Ali

We found a greasy spoon to eat at….Somebody bring me something deep friend and smothered in chocolate!

On the escalator after dinner

A big fat bowl of icing from Cinnabon. I believe that is all that needs to be said. Let us bask in its glory.

We were all taking bets on whether the flowers on the balcony were real.

Liene and Monica

Jen, me, Andria, Kelly, Saundra, and Katasha of K. Sherrie + Co., and also the innovator of Eventology.

Saundra being an OG.  Katasha, visibly impressed.

Kelly tells the BEST stories. Period.

As you can see, we had an AWESOME time!  I can’t thank all of the attendees for listening to us and teaching us as well!  I truly look forward to see what opportunities and experiences open up for Eventology next year!

Next Up—Engage 09 in Grand Cayman in June!!

We’ve got some extra special planners for Thursday’s Virtual Soiree.  These planners have made their marks, not only in their respective areas, but also in the industry. In addition to learning so much from these ladies, I am also privileged to call them friends.  I know that our invitees will benefit greatly from their advice, humor and candor!

Saundra Hadley of Planning…Forever

The industry’s first event engineer, Saundra has created a following with her blog that encompasses her quick wit, attention to detail and boundless creativity.  Planning and designing out of Evansville, Indiana, she and her staff cater to their clientele by providing practical, yet fun and personal solutions for their events.  As she strives to make all of her couples feel “like a guest at their own weddings”, she also enjoys the purpose of her work. Her beautiful smile, creative ideas, infectious laughter and drive to execute her clients’ weddings to the best of her ability makes her a wonderful addition to our Virtual Soiree.  In addition to seeing Saundra as FOX 7’s wedding planner, she will also be speaking at Eventology in Indianapolis, Indiana in April.

 Emilie Duncan of Emilie Duncan Event Planning

Our Virtual Soiree attendees will benefit from Emilie’s personal attention and passion for color and creativity.  Emilie feels that it is an honor to participate in each of her clients’ weddings, thusly blowing their minds about any preconceived notions about what it is to have a wedding planner.  Having received training in floral and cake design and decoration, photography and more, Her clients are able to benefit from the many experiences of this talented planner.  Emilie has been a featured expert in such publications as Bridal Guide, Columbus Monthly, Weddings in Cleveland and Weddings InStyle.

Katasha Butler of K.Sherrie & Co.

As the brains and beauty behind K.Sherrie & Co. and Eventology, Katasha seeks to infuse her brand of couture luxury service into each event her company takes on.  Possessing the artistic flair, creativity and drive it takes to pull off a fantastic wedding, Katasha began her own boutique wedding company in 2006.  With impeccable taste and an acute attention to detail, she truly adds a different touch to each client’s event.  In 2009, Katasha will launch her first conference for wedding professionals, Eventology , in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Laura Auer of Wish Special Events

One of the freshest faces of event planning on the East Coast, Laura Auer and her fantastic team execute flawless events with plenty of personality.  Understanding and providing the high level of customer service that she feels her client are entitled to, Laura draws not only from her education at James Madison University’s Special Events program, but also from her experience as a former bride.   Her access to vast resources and some of the best vendors has made her an invaluable asset to her clients.

Invitations have been sent out to a select number of brides!  If you would like to get in on our next virtual soiree, be sure to send us an email at blog {at} fabuluxeinc.com. 

We are doing it again!

With the gracious help of Jenny from Turner Classic Weddings, we have added two new videos to our website.  Please take a moment and check them out, as well as the wonderful, creative work from Turner Classic Weddings.  Jenny and Ryan are always a joy to shoot with and create spectacular results.

:: photos by scarlett lillian ::

Is your wedding in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island or Jacksonville?  We would LOVE to work with you, and have you appear in our new promo video!

To celebrate our fabulous start to 2009, we are offering a free month of coordination package to a lucky couple getting married in our service area.  This isn’t your mother’s day of coordination! We will work with you four to six weeks prior to your wedding:  obtaining information that is vital to the successful execution of your day.  We will begin to confirm your vendors, create your event blueprints and go over any (and every!) detail that is pertinent to your event.  Our team of lifestyle event designers will work to keep your bridal party, family and vendors updated and prepared with the latest information on your wedding day itineraries and plans.  Your team will also be there for you at your rehearsal, setup on the day of the wedding and complete coordination.  You can focus on being beautiful, in love and fabulous, while we handle the logistics and coordination of the day.

Are you excited?  Ready to enter?  Fabulous!

Send an email to blog@fabuluxeinc.com  with the subject “My Fabuluxe Wedding”, and tell us all about you and why your wedding is fabuluxe in 400 words or less (remember, we love details!)!  Be sure to include your wedding date and location.  You are more than welcome to send us pictures of the two of you or of some of your ideas—we want to get to know you!  Not in our area, but know someone who is?  Be sure to spread the word! 

Entries are due Februrary 7th, so don’t wait!  We will announce our winner on Valentine’s Day, so stay tuned!

The rules:

*One entry per fabulous couple, who do not have a coordinator

*Entries are limited to 400 words or less and may be accompanied by pictures to help us get to know you

*Weddings must be in April or May 2009, per our availability.

Good luck!